Audrey Hepburn's 85th Birthday

Today (4th May) would have been the iconic Audrey Hepburn's 85th Birthday. As she is one of mine and Jess' favourite actresses and all time icons, I thought I would do a post on everything we love about Audrey!

1. Breakfast at Tiffany's

What's not to love about this great classic film? It is both mine and Jess' all time favourite film. Firstly because Audrey is so chic and talented in the film and she brings the character of Holly Golightly to life! Although Truman Capote, the author of the novella that that the film was based on, originally wanted Marilyn Monroe to play the lead in the film, we're so glad they eventually chose Audrey. Who else could have pulled off the stylish little black dress better than her? Also we've never seen eating a danish (which Audrey hated) done so gracefully with such stylish pearls, gloves and huge sunglasses. Another added bonus is the beautiful Jewellery shown at Tiffany's and the fact that the film is set in our favourite city of New York. Also the final scene in the alleyway in the rain with Paul and Holly is one of the greatest film endings and love stories. And of course the film would be nothing without her sidekick Cat! 

2. Her Style 

Audrey Hepburn is known for her amazing style. Think little black dresses, sunglasses and beige trench coats in Breakfast at Tiffany's and cigarette pants and black jumpers in Funny Face, as well as cute sundresses and gorgeous ball gowns worn in many of her other films. Audrey is the epitome of classic and sophisticated style both in her films and everyday life. No wonder she is a fashion icon for so many. 

3. Her Beauty

I love Audrey's simple yet sophisticated beauty look. Her signature strong arched brows are definitely making a comeback recently and her cat-eye eyeliner to enhance her long eyelashes is a classic that we all still try and copy today. Add a pink nude lipstick and a neutral eye shadow and you have Audrey's gorgeous every day and easily wearable look. She also had some unforgettable hairstyles throughout her career from a short bob to her famous beehive in Breakfast at Tiffany's.

4. Her Wise Words

Audrey wasn't only beautiful and talented, she was also wise. She always came out with great phrases and inspirational quotes. Some of my favourites include "The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.", "I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink. I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and... I believe in miracles.", "I've been lucky. Opportunities don't often come along. So, when they do, you have to grab them.", "There are certain shades of limelight that can wreck a girl's complexion.", and of course "Paris is always a good idea". 


5. Her Charitable Nature

Audrey was also known for her kind spirit and charitable nature. She dedicated a lot of her time to helping those in need, especially working as a Goodwill Ambassador for the Charity Unicef. She spent some of the last years of her life working with disadvantaged children in African, Asian and South American communities. 

6. Her Acting

Audrey certainly had an incredible acting range and no matter what her role was she always seemed to pull it off with class and sophistication. Of course our favourite role was Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffanys in which she managed to play troubled yet chic so well. Another great role was Jo in Funny Face which she acted with such sweetness and innocence. And who could forget one of her first major roles as the fun loving Princess Ann in Roman Holiday (riding on a Vespa through Rome is definitely one for the bucket list). She's also played a nun in The Nun's Story, a screenwriter/spy in Paris When It Sizzles, an awkward dreamer in Sabrina transformed into an elegant woman, a working class Cockney Flower Girl turned into a High Society lady and many more. Her films are timeless classics that will still be watched in years to come. 

7. Her Singing

I think Audrey didn't get enough credit for her singing capabilities. Her voice was dubbed over in My Fair Lady, replaced by Julie Andrews, but she wasn't that bad of a singer. Who can forget her sincere and honest performance of Moon River in Breakfast at Tiffany's on the balcony of Holly's apartment. Also she managed to sing well in the film Funny Face. Although it wasn't the greatest singing in the world she was still talented and brought a quirkiness and character to her singing roles. Her version of Moon River will always be my favourite. 

Audrey will always be an icon for us due to her classic and timeless style, her fantastic acting and her great personality. 

Happy 85th Birthday Audrey!
What are your favourite things about Audrey Hepburn?