Vintage Secrets: Hollywood Beauty

I'm long overdue for a book review post! I used to do them fairly regularly, but between work and other obligations, the idea of reading for pleasure has definitely fallen by the wayside. That's why I couldn't be more thrilled to finally review this absolutely enchanting book – Vintage Secrets: Hollywood Beauty.

Vintage Secrets: Hollywood Beauty is a true delight. It's filled with photographs of sirens of the silver screen, as well as vintage makeup ads and even some contemporary references. It's the kind of text you can leaf through at your leisure or study with intent. The book's gorgeous layout alone would be enough for me to thoroughly enjoy it, but it's filled with tons of helpful tips from famous movie icons and beauty experts, too. Some of them might be a bit too dated even for the most dedicated of pinups to embrace, but surprisingly, many of mirror today's trends (i.e., contouring, using products you'd find in your cupboard for beauty treatments, etc.).

One of the passages I love most is actually in the introductory section:

Today, of course, 'vintage' has become the most wonderfully eclectic kind of umbrella term – to be embraced in whichever manner you chose. We can even mix styles and eras – why not? Vintage style is all about cherry-picking looks and techniques from the past and incorporating them into your own life. How you wear them is entirely up to you – it's your style, after all. 

This really speaks to me, as I've never liked the idea of feeling restricted when it comes to fashion or beauty. I love taking a little bit from all different kinds of styles to come up with something that's uniquely mine. Above all else, I think fashion and beauty should be fun, and while there are some "rules" that I like to follow because I think they make me feel my best, by no means do I think those are always going to be right for other people. And while I think vintage beauty regimens might have been a bit more strict than what we have today (maybe simply due to the sheer variety and the increased access we now have to find it), there are definitely parallels between those guidelines and the ones we tend to follow now.

Vintage Secrets: Hollywood Beauty also proves that everything is cyclical. The ultra-thin eyebrows that women sported in the 1920s came back into fashion at the beginning of the new millennium. Highlighting and contouring were practices favored by Marlene Dietrich and Sophia Loren, and we all know how popular those have once again become. And while I think there was too much emphasis on correcting one's features that might be outside the "accepted standards" of beauty at that time, Instagram and YouTube beauty vloggers are forever astounding us with the transformative nature of makeup.

Personally, I'm not good with retro hairdos, and although I'm decent at doing vintage-inspired makeup, I know there's always something to learn. Of all the retro beauty books I own, this was definitely one of the most enjoyable (and least daunting) to read. If you want to start including some of these tips into your beauty routine – or if you simply want to be dazzled by some lovely photos – you can find Vintage Secrets: Hollywood Beauty here!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. To read some of my previous book review posts, click here!

Do you have a favorite vintage beauty trick? Or are there any beauty or vintage style books you think I should check out? Let me know in the comments!

Hungry for books

It's been a little while since I posted a book review here, but I haven't had a chance to do much reading these days! Fall flew by, and the holiday season has been pretty crazy. But I finally got around to reading Food: A Love Story by comedian Jim Gaffigan – a very timely read for a season filled with favorite indulgences – and wanted to share my thoughts on it today (in a fittingly food-centric outfit, of course!).

Food: A Love Story is essentially comedian Jim Gaffigan's food diary that chronicles all the different types of typically American cuisines he's sampled (or rather, engulfed) during his cross-country travels. It serves as a foil to any and all health-conscious reads, and as someone who definitely loves an indulgence or two, I thought I would enjoy this one. Here's the thing, though. Comedy is really hard. It's probably one of the most difficult things you can do as a performer, especially if you aren't blessed with an innate gift for it. And even if you're a successful stand-up comedian (like Jim Gaffigan is), it's difficult to be able to translate that into a medium that people merely read, rather than watch. I actually like Jim, but overall, I felt like he was trying a little too hard to make this book funny – which is pretty much a death sentence in comedy – and like he was really trying to stretch out a very simple concept to fit a certain length. I'm an avid reader, but I really had to slog to get through this one; it became very repetitive very quickly, and honestly, it just wasn't that interesting to me after a while. I've had an on-again-off-again unhealthy relationship with food, and I related to a lot of his sentiments on some level... but even so, I had to force myself to keep reading it – which isn't exactly what you want with a book like this. The book has a lot of positive reviews on Amazon, so perhaps if you're less critical than I am – and you're looking for something lighthearted – you'll enjoy it. It made me think a lot about how acceptable it is within society for a man to be overweight and indulge in whatever he wants virtually without judgment, but women are rarely afforded the same courtesy. As someone who's struggled with weight for most of her life (and as someone for whom food is certainly a vice), perhaps I am just too sensitive to enjoy this book as it should. In addition, I'd rather read a funny memoir than a concept book, so take opinions with a grain of salt (food pun intended). I usually love anything to do with food, but this book let me unsatisfied. At least it gave me an excuse to wear this skirt! The Very Hungry Caterpillar will always be one of my favorite food-related reads. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for Food: A Love Story. However, it might just be a really great gift for the junk-food-lover (or basically any dad) in your life. If you're interested, you can find it here!

Outfit Details

Very Hungry Caterpillar Skirt: Interrobang Art & Fashion

Red top: Bernie Dexter (similar)

Belt: from another dress

B.A.I.T. shoes: Zulily

Have you read any good books lately? I'd love some recommendations!

I received this book from the Blogging For Books program in exchange for an honest review.

Have a great weekend!

GIVEAWAY || Win a copy of CHEAP CHIC! [CLOSED]

I consider myself to be a fairly literary girl; not only am I very wordy (and a stickler for grammar, spelling and punctuation), but I love the act of picking up a book and allowing myself to be transported to a different time and place. I think I've incorporated that philosophy into my personal style as well, since my favorite outfits harken back to a different era. So I was delighted to find out that CHEAP CHIC, the ultimate 1970s fashion bible, has been rereleased for its 40th anniversary! I had a chance to review this fun & informative style guide for myself – and one of my lucky readers will win a copy as well!

Although my personal style skews earlier than a lot of what's featured in this book, I love its message: namely, that your style should reflect what you love and how you want the world to see you. As the authors say, "Start dressing to please yourself, and in the process, you will please others." I always dress in a way that makes me happy and makes me feel great about myself, and it absolutely shows in how others see me. "Find the clothes that suit you best, that make you feel comfortable, confident, sexy, good-looking and happy... and then hang onto them like old friends." The book stresses the necessity for quality over quantity – which I find very relevant in today's influx of fast fashion – and the book made me want to have a more thoughtful approach towards the amount I spend on certain pieces and what I add to my wardrobe. These days, I try to buy high-quality, American-made pieces and vintage finds, but it can still be really tempting to purchase inexpensive, poorly-made pieces (or pieces made in terrible conditions) just because it's convenient and will do "for now." But it's so much better to have timeless pieces that will last a lifetime!

Outfit Details

Dress: ModCloth

Book necklace: Treasured Charms

Tights: similar  //  Boots: similar

CHEAP CHIC: c/o Crown Publishing Group

A couple of my favorite photos from CHEAP CHIC

CHEAP CHIC has a forward by Tim Gunn, which I personally think says so much about what a great resource the book is – after all, who doesn't love and trust Tim Gunn as a fashion authority?? The book has some fantastic vintage photographs, interviews from icons like Yves St. Laurent and Diana Vreeland, and a wonderful section on thrifting from the eras that I love most. Although I think some of the advice and "rules" could benefit from a bit of updating, I think it's a fascinating look into style from our past and shows how the current fashion landscape is so heavily influenced by everything that's come before. Great for a quick flip-through or careful perusal, CHEAP CHIC is a book that any fashion enthusiast should have on his/her bookshelf or coffee table. And you could win a copy of your very own! Scroll down to find out how!

GIVEAWAY RULES

One (1) winner will receive a copy of CHEAP CHIC, courtesy of The Crown Publishing Group and Penguin Random House. Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. You must be a follower of The Soubrette Brunette to enter, and you can earn additional entries (which means more chances to win!) in several optional ways. This giveaway is open internationally and will run until Sunday, October 4th at 11:59 PM (EST). The winner will be chosen at random through the widget and will be contacted via e-mail (so be sure to use a valid e-mail address!). The giveaway winner must respond within 48 hours, or a new winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for entering and best of luck!!

Bathing Suits + Book Reviews

I don't normally do non-Friday-Favorites posts on Fridays, but since I needed some extra rest once I got home from California, my blogging schedule got a little backed up. You might remember that I'm attempting to make book reviews a semi-regular feature here on The Soubrette Brunette. I'm also trying to find ways to tie the books in to an outfit post feature. Last month, I reviewed The Book of Joan by Melissa Rivers (a memoir with a few laughs and a few problems), and I happened to wear a vintage dress that perfectly matched the book's cover. This month, I've entered the world of fiction with my review of Summer House with Swimming Pool by Herman Koch – and I'm wearing a new-to-me swimsuit for the occasion; I figured I'd pair a somewhat-scary story with the somewhat-scary premise of posting a photo of myself in a bathing suit on the internet.

I was completely unfamiliar with Mr. Koch's work prior to this experience, which can actually be a good thing, as I had neither expectations nor biases diving in to my reading material. I initially wanted to read the book because it was marketed as a murder mystery (and I looove those): when a famous actor dies under mysterious circumstances, his high profile doctor has to come up with answers. The trouble all started the summer before, when the actor and his wife invited the doctor and his family to their summer home in the Mediterranean – they soon find out that no one can be trusted.

The reviews I've read have called the book a "psychological thriller," and have compared Herman Koch to a "modern-day Agatha Christie." When I finally finished the book, I could see the truth in the former, but not in the latter. Mr. Koch has an incredibly distinctive voice – one that is very different from my own – and his writing is powerful and compelling. His writing is definitely controversial and it's clear that he likes to push boundaries with his readers; he even admits that he likes to make them feel uncomfortable and enjoys playing devil's advocate through his characters. Koch's narrator isn't likable or reliable (he actually borders on sociopathic), but he's absolutely captivating. The book is told through a series of flashbacks, and there were times that I gasped out loud through the story's many twists and turns. In many ways, the book could be considered a mystery, but unlike Agatha Christie's work, Koch's main characters are in no way endearing. He also makes astute comments on socialized medicine, creative types and the human condition; the "thriller" aspects of the book come in much later, and the story is built in such a way that it's a bit difficult to box it into a specific genre. All in all, despite how despicable many of these characters are, I completely relished the book. I couldn't put it down (and I don't say that about many books these days). It was my go-to reading material for my recent travels, and if you aren't super-squeamish, I'd recommend this book for sure.

If you're interested in reading Summer House with Swimming Pool, you can find it here!

Have you read any good page-turners this summer? I'd love to hear your recommendations!

Outfit Details

Swimsuit: Pinup Girl Clothing (swap & sell group)

Mel by Melissa wedges: similar

Popsicle necklace: similar

Sunglasses: Unique Vintage

Donut pool float: Amazon

Have a great start to your weekend!

I received this book from the Blogging For Books program in exchange for an honest review.

Baby Blue + Book Reviews

I've always been an avid reader, though I've recently found it difficult to find the excess time or energy to dive in to a new book. I love the written word, and I'm convinced that my early love of books helped me to become a skilled writer and eloquent speaker. It's been a challenge to make reading part of my routine again (I'm usually so exhausted by the end of the day that I pass out pretty quickly!), so I realized that if I combined it with my blogging calendar, I'd be able to reach my reading goals and provide some different content for my readers – a win-win! I'm planning on making it a semi-regular feature, and first up for review is The Book of Joan by Melissa Rivers.

In general, I am very much a fan of biographies and memoirs, especially ones that chronicle those in the entertainment industry. I love being able to peer into the lives of fellow performers (even when their books aren't especially well-written), and these books usually provide a lot of sound advice. I always liked Joan Rivers, and since I also have an incredibly close bond with my mother, I was eager to learn more about Melissa's and Joan's relationship. Overall, I enjoyed the book, though I felt the humor was forced at times (Melissa has an immense appreciation for her mom's humor, to be sure, but her own execution of it often fell flat). Joan had such a big personality, and I'm impressed by how skillfully Melissa held her own and learned to thrive while working so closely with her mom.

The book felt a bit scattered, and I wish Melissa's editors had been more unwavering in their duties, as there were some cringeworthy oversights that they failed to catch (though admittedly, they were things that most likely bother me more than they would the average person, i.e., the use of "guesstimating" and incorrect usage of semi-colons). Joan wrote two memoirs of her own, and ultimately, I wish this book had relied a little less on Joan's voice and comedic bits; although I was amused by all of the Joan-isms peppered throughout, I would have been interested to read a more focused account of their unique relationship. It seemed to me that Melissa feels like she has big shoes to fill in terms of comedy and tried too hard to make her jokes land. The book would've been a more successful piece if Melissa had simply remained true to herself and let go of the desire to make everything laugh-out-loud funny. Comedy doesn't work if you're trying too hard or if you're not being honest, and I wish those facts had been among the many lessons that Joan taught her daughter. However, writing a book is no easy task, and I think Melissa is to be applauded for the heartfelt moments that she did manage to include in this book, especially when Joan's sudden passing is still so fresh. It's clear how much Joan doted on her daughter (despite any jokes made at her expense), and finding out more about their bond was certainly the highlight of the book for me.

If you're interested in reading The Book of Joan for yourself, you can find it here! 

Have you read any good books lately? Do you have any recommendations for my next review?

Outfit Details

Vintage dress: Geronimo Vintage

Book ring: ModCloth (similar)

Flats: Aerosoles (similar)

Have a great Monday!

I received this book from the Blogging For Books program in exchange for an honest review.