Happy 80th Brthday Grace Kelly!

Rest In Peace, Marilyn.

In loving remembrance of Marilyn Monroe

June 1, 1926 - August 5, 1962

"Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring."- Marilyn Monroe

Recommended Viewing: The V.I.P.s (1963)

The V.I.P.s is a 1963 film gem starring off-screen couple Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Elizabeth Taylor plays Frances, a pampered society wife neglected by her businessman tycoon husband (Richard Burton). Frances's plan to run away with her suave French playboy lover (Louis Jourdan) is foiled by a flight delay. The situation is further complicated by spurned husband Paul's unexpected appearance on the scene in a last-ditch attempt to win back his estranged wife. Thus, Frances is faced with the predicament of choosing between the two men vying for her affections.

I enjoyed this film much more than I expected to. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton are one of my all-time favorite celebrity couples. The V.I.P.s is Liz Taylor is at her glamorous best. She is outfitted in a stunning wardrobe designed by Givenchy. (The pink gown pictured above is simply to die for!) And how could I forget all of the fabulous jewelry?! (Clearly a case of art imitating life.)

The V.I.P.s is available on DVD as a part of the wonderful Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton Film Collection.

Never-Seen Jayne Mansfield Outtake! (1956)

Here for your viewing pleasure is a never-seen outtake from Jayne's Life Magazine April 23, 1956 cover shoot! As far as I know, this particular shot has not been posted anywhere else. Scan is derived from my original 35mm slide. What a lucky find!

From my personal collection.

Timeless Beauty: Elizabeth Taylor

It seems only fitting that the first post of this blog should be dedicated to one of the most enduring legends of the silver screen, Dame Elizabeth Taylor.

I simply adore Elizabeth Taylor. Dame Elizabeth is both an extraordinarily talented actress and a major fashion icon. A genuine living legend if there ever was one. She is also a dedicated humanitarian who has committed her life to the promotion of social justice. I am deeply inspired by her tireless efforts in the fight against AIDS. Liz is a survivor and a truly courageous, classy woman whom I greatly admire.

"I don't want to be a sex symbol. I would rather be a symbol of a woman, a woman who makes mistakes, perhaps, but a woman who loves." - Elizabeth Taylor

Esquire, November 1964 - I need this magazine!

• Recommended Viewing: Butterfield 8 (1960), Cleopatra (1963), Who's Afraid Of Virgina Woolf? (1966)
  

• Recommended Reading: My Love Affair With Jewelry by Elizabeth Taylor

• Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation
• Dameelizabeth @ Twitter - Yes, she tweets! How cute!
  
• Elizabeth Taylor Archives