Style Inspiration: Diane Kruger

To me, she will always be that girl from the movie National Treasure 1 and 2... I admired her character's  style *so* much in that movie, but didn't think to research Diane's personal style. Now that was a big mistake. However, I have now, and let me just say, "I am in love!" She is so ladylike and her impeccable taste is so obvious. Gorgeous gowns, golden hues, and vintage inspired curls sprinkle her look, yet she makes room for the unconventional looks as well. Prepare to be inspired. :)

Such a demure length, but it is kept "modern" by the sparkles
on her dress. Personally, I like that length best as knees peeping
out of the bottom of a dress look weird. In all honesty! ;)

Now how is that for a Bohemian inspired look? Love the dress,
but the hair.... not so much. :P Also the sleeves look like they
are about to fall off. Hows that for uncomfortable?

Gorgeous, gorgeous, GORGEOUS! And modest as well :)
I love how she wears red velvet but keeps it "young",
something I find very difficult when wearing a darker velvet
dress. Thats probably because I am not Diane Kruger ;)

I. am. in. love. It is just spectacular. Yes, it isn't extremely
modest, but it is classy, and that is more than most can boast of :)

So... whos going to try and buy one exactly like it? ME!

Just beautiful. I don't needs words to describe this.... it is pure elegance.

This would look better with some waist definition. But the
details are exquisite. Definitely lovely.

So, what do you think of one shoulder dresses? I think they are
beautiful... but modest? Still figuring that one out ;)

Now that is splendid. Ooh, those roses are just lovely :)
I just wish the back was different, although it *does* add
character. 

The front of the dress above. {because you needed to see the
beautiful front ;) }

That dress is so vintage-y cute. And her hair? Ooh la la!

What striking color! 

More boho? Still, the color is lovely.

Pink....!

So I didn't really post this for the dress, but because
Orlando Bloom was with her. He makes a picture worthwhile. ;)

Although we can be inspired by these looks, they are difficult to incorporate into daily life, non? Really, how many of us wear a ball gown on a daily basis? So what can we glean from her style? {as shown. I am *sure* she doesn't just wear fancy frocks} While each person may be inspired differently, I think we can learn three things:
~Diane is obviously a classy, classy woman. Class comes from the way you carry yourself and the confidence and poise that you radiate in any situation, from the red carpet to the supermarket. There are many women who throw on a prom dress and easily look amazing, but far fewer are the ladies who display elegance, grace, and aplomb. We may never attend a society gala or the academy awards, but we must not allow that to excuse us from developing those qualities which Diane so beautifully displays. :)

~Diane knows what colors look best on her. This may sound silly, but wearing the proper colors for your skin, hair, and eyes is absolutely important. Has anyone ever told you that the certain color you were wearing brings out the color of your eyes or the highlights in your hair or your sun-kissed glow? Well, why not wear colors that do that for you everyday? Sounds nice you say, but how do I know which colors look best on me? No, don't worry. It isn't trial and error. ;) I use "The Chic Fashionista", a website full of amazing fashion advice. I did the seasonal color analysis, and came out as a spring, although I vary as to which type of spring I am:

I couldn't say off the top of my head what coloring Diane is, but she obviously knows, and that is the important thing. :) Go check it out and tell me what you are!

~Lastly, Diane is not afraid to experiment. In this post alone, she has done the regal, boho, girly, glamourous, and glittery look. Off duty, you will often see her in blacks and whites with a rocker edge. In other words, she doesn't have many style boundaries. I often find myself stuck in a rut of the same style over and over again: pink, girly, and romantic. But recently, I have been trying new looks such as vintage, classic, rocker {I know! :scary:}, boho, etc. It is really refreshing, even if I only do it ever so often. Diane's style has obviously encouraged me to do that more though.

Well, I like those insights from her style. Maybe I should do that more often in these "Style Inspiration" posts. What do you think? Did it make her style more realistic for you? Also, I need help deciding what to post about next! Style inspiration on Nicole Kidman, Kate Winslet, Scarlett Johanssen, Princess Diana, or something on maternity fashion? Tell me your preferences, please!

Have a lovely day, and God bless! :)
Also, there is an amazing giveaway going on at Dandelion Wishes... go over and enter!
Images courtesy of Vogue.com and style.com. 

A True Lady {No, not Scarlett!}

We've all seen her; maybe even envied her. Laughing brashly and surrounded by scores of suitors, she drew eyes like a magnet. The gaudy make-up, simpering smiles, flirtatious flounces, and flesh-baring clothes set her apart like a peacock amongst doves. Except, in that crowd, there weren't any doves. Oh, yes, you're hearing right. This vain, conceited peacock was only one of the flock. 
Our culture is full of women who flaunt their bodies, displaying themselves for all the world to see. They pursue and preserve their outward beauty, yet they allow their inner beauty to rot like an ancient, moth-eaten book. Yes, these are the people I am talking about when I refer to "women." But *who* do I denote when I speak of a lady?
Definition of a Lady: A courteous, decorous, or genteel female.

Before I move on, I would like to announce that I am not condemning the term "woman" or a person who is a woman. In this article, the word "woman" does not refer to females but rather the opposite of this gentlewoman defined above. If the term "woman" did refer to a female, I would proudly call myself a woman. But, that isn't what I am talking about here. :)

The concept of a lady didn't start with the dictionary. As you may have already guessed, it originated in the Bible:
Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 1 Peter 3:3-4 Do not let your adorning be external -- the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear -- but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. Proverbs 11:12 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. 
Ladylike qualities:
~Courteous
~Genteel
~Decorous
~Polite
~Honest
~Pure
~Discreet
~Gracious
~Poised
~Classy
~Graceful
~Charming {though not as the world knows it}
~Full of Christ-like love
~Respectful
~Honorable
~Conducting yourself with dignity {but please, let us not be pompous!}
~Cheerful
~Having a sunny disposition
~Determined
~Diligent
~Tactful
~Stylish
~Submissive
~Gentle
~Feminine
~Modest
~Demure
~Elegant

The point of this post? Well, I have started a series on "Ladylike Elegance", and it talks about practical ways to become more ladylike in your daily life. {You know, sitting down, standing, etc.} But before I continue that, I feel a need to define what I meant by the words a "Lady" and a "Woman". We're not talking about carrying a handkerchief all the time or never being with matching gloves, hat, and a handbag. Being a lady is about cultivating your inner beauty, while in the process, growing in your outer beauty. Now... which are you aspiring towards? As for me, I have determined to become a true lady in every aspect of my life! Blessings!! =)

~Southern Belle

Ladylike Elegance: Sitting Down

Bonjour! :) Yet again, I am starting another series, this time on etiquette. (Yes, I am still continuing my other ones... ;) The topic for today will be about sitting down in a ladylike, graceful manner. You may wonder, 'Er, why is this important? I understand you're into ladylikeness, style, grace, elegance, fashion, poise, class, and glamour... but is it truly necessary to devote a whole post to the art of sitting?!' Constantly, I see women {and men} sitting in a completely vulgar way, and frankly, it looks awful and it is truly disgusting to watch. Etiquette isn't about personal comfort; it is about respect for yourself and those around you. You will feel like a lady when you sit in a classy way, and people will treat you like one. Don't wave aside this topic, no matter how idiotic and tedious this may seem, as it will truly benefit you in the long run! =)

~NEVER......

Slouch. Sit up straight, even when you have
to  sit for  two hours.... determination is a virtue!

~When crossing your legs....

Angle the supporting leg to the side
and keep your ankles as close as
possible! {see above example}

Right above, we have an incredible example of Vivien Leigh looking classy while crossing her legs in a skirt. However, unless you have posture and poise to match her, please refrain from crossing your legs in a skirt.... it ruins the feminine loveliness of your dignity. =) This is my opinion, and if you feel elegant while crossing you legs in a skirt, I will not say a word. ;)
~When sitting down......

You can fold your hands, palms facing up, like this
lovely example :)

~When wearing a skirt.....

Tuck one foot under the other :) It
looks ladylike, feminine and lovely!

~When wearing pants....

You have license to cross your legs. Even though I don't
like it ;) So if you must, *feel* free.... =)

~When wearing a skirt....

Don't cross your legs. =) Why? Crossing your
legs is a "male" position, and frankly, it looks
strange when you have a skirt on. And yes, I
am anti-feminist. Were you wondering? ;)

~Never.....

Sit with your feet apart. =)

~When wearing pants, preferably....

Tuck one foot under the other, as the
beautiful Grace Kelly demonstrates :)

~In public, pants or not, NEVER....

Sit like this.... or lounge about, sticking
your feet up in the air.... enough said.

~You may.....

Fold your hands and place them in your lap, and it will look gorgeous :)

~If you hate all this complexity, just think, "Knees together, and ankles together. :) No stress!" There is absolutely no hassle in that!
How is tucking one foot under the other going? If you find it difficult, you are NOT alone! Here is a funny video from Princess Diaries about her experiences with this pose.... ;)

It was so fun writing this post. ;) I must improve in my elegance and poise.... =)
God bless!
~Southern Belle