Breakfast at Tiffany’s Inspired Decor

Judging by the fact that the Tiffany & Co. Inspired Boudoir post was the most viewed post on My Little Boudoir in all of 2010, I thought you ladies might enjoy a Breakfast at Tiffany’s Inspired post. This time though, I am including decor beyond the boudoir.

We all know that the main attraction of Holly Golightly’s apartment was the claw foot bathtub sofa in her living room. Here is Holly on her tub sofa, complete with brass telephone faucet and all.

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Through a company called Reestore, you too, can lean back and take a nice long bath rest in your living room. Don’t worry that the colors aren’t exact. According to their website, you can custom order.

(reestore.com)

(freshbump.com)

A gal making deals to visit mob bosses in prison, like Sally Tomato, will certainly need a way to communicate by phone (even if you must speak in code).

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This push-button replica from Target will do the trick.

(target.com)

If you wish to have something a little more authentic (without the push buttons, that is), this spectacular find is perfect. It gives you an authentic vintage look with modern convenience. You simply insert the sim card from your wireless phone and it runs using your cell phone number and minutes. This lovely gadget is available at Sparkfun Electronics.

(sparkfun.com)

You can’t have a true rotary telephone without a sterling silver Tiffany & Co. telephone dialer. I mean, just imagine the callus one could build up on their pointer finger without this handy tool. Holly had one, so why shouldn’t I? She and “Fred” purchased hers with a budget of $10 over over 50 years ago. That, coupled with the fact that Tiffany & Co. no longer produces this item means it’s going to cost quite a lot more. You can often find these on various websites selling antiques or on ebay. I found this one at Telephone Vintage.

(telephonevintage.com)

Now for a place to store the telephone. When you don’t want to be bothered, you place the phone inside the luggage, otherwise you set it on top of the table (or luggage, rather).

Though Holly’s suitcase wasn’t actually a table, this one is. Isn’t it just darling? I found it on Etsy at Love Nostalgic Whimsy.

(etsy.com – Seller: lovenostalgicwhimsy)

(etsy.com – Seller: lovenostalgicwhimsy)

Have you ever noticed the backdrop behind that lovely bathtub sofa that separates the kitchen from the hall? I have. I adore this lovely white mod-style lattice.

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I searched and searched for a nice replica of this, but kept coming up with the common garden lattice, but then I found the website JustGrilles.co.uk. They have many lovely options. The one that most closely matches the design in Holly Golightly’s apartment is the one on the top left (below), which is the filigree pattern. I also like many of the other patterns, too. Give these panels a coat of paint and you have an instant focal point in your room.

(justgrilles.co.uk)

Just to the left of that embellished wall is a quaint little kitchen.

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I love these vintage reproduction appliances by Big Chill that will help your kitchen look a little more like Holly’s.

(bigchillfridge.com)

(bigchillfridge.com)

Let us not forget the boudoir. A very memorable moment in the film is Holly waking up from a good sleep to answer the door to her new neighbor, Paul “Fred” Varjak, while dressed in an oversized tuxedo shirt and donning the iconic blue sleeping mask (with eyes) and tassel earplugs.

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If you’re going for this look while you get your beauty sleep, here are some options for you to consider…

I found this Lauren Intimates “Grandfather” Tuxedo Bib Sleep Shirt at Nordstrom.

(nordstrom.com)

Similar tassel earplugs can be found at ECrater.com.

(ecrater.com)

Though there are many sites selling replicas of Holly’s mask, I think this one from Amazon.com is one of the more authentic looking.

(amazon.com)

Now for a place to sleep. Holly counted her sheep upon a twin size black scrolled iron bed.

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Here are a few options for your boudoir (no room for a partner though if you’re going to have it exactly like Holly). You’ll notice that the latter option actually resembles her bed the best, but it would need a couple of coats of black spray paint or powder coat, because I can only find it in white.

(ikea.com)

(theplacefurnituregalleries)

Last but not least, a boudoir is not complete with out a dressing table. As you can see Miss Holly Golightly (or Lula Mae, if you prefer) has a beautiful one that is loaded with cosmetics and perfumes. Just my type of gal.

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Here are some feminine options that resemble it from The Bella Cottage.

(thebellacottage.com)

(thebellacottage.com)

(thebellacottage.com)

If any of you boudoir beauties have created your own Breakfast at Tiffany’s inspired decor, I would love to see pictures. You can email them to sarah@mylittleboudoir.com or post them on the My Little Boudoir Facebook page.

 

Mademoiselle Monday: Mlle Garland

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“It’s lonely and cold on the top… lonely and cold.” -Judy Garland

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“For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.” -Judy Garland

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“I try to bring the audience’s own drama –
tears and laughter they know about – to them.” -Judy Garland

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” We cast away priceless time in dreams, born of imagination, fed upon illusion, and put to death by reality.” -Judy Garland

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“For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.” -Judy Garland

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” If I’m such a legend, then why am I so lonely? Let me tell you, legends are all very well if you’ve got somebody around who loves you.” -Judy Garland

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“I’ve always taken ‘The Wizard of Oz’ very seriously, you know. I believe in the idea of the rainbow. And I’ve spent my entire life trying to get over it.” -Judy Garland

Mrs. Coretta Scott King

Since today is Martin Luther King Day, I thought it would be appropriate to step away from the usual Mademoiselle Monday post to feature, instead, a post on Mrs. Coretta Scott King. Certainly we could have devoted a “Mademoiselle Monday” to her, but since we all know that part of the greatness of her legacy was her union with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., perhaps “Madame Monday” would have been more appropriate. Yes, I know, today is technically his day, but as we all know, behind every good man is a good woman.

When I think about Mrs. King, I think about about how brave she was. I have to think that her heart must have been torn at times between improving the state of inequality in this country and the safety of her own family. Regardless of the situation though, she stood behind her husband with her head up high and supported him in every way. She was beautiful both inside and out, and I have to believe a great force behind her husband (as she proved to be on her own as well). To support him, tend to her children and always remain looking like she just stepped out of a fashion magazine couldn’t have been easy.

When Mrs. King sat in her boudoir in the evening all alone, I wonder what she thought about? Perhaps these quotes from her will give you some insight into who Mrs. King really was…

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“When it’s just us, I can be myself and know you’ll love and understand me no matter what. You don’t want anything from me except my happiness.”
– Coretta Scott King


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“There is a spirit and a need and a man at the beginning of every great human advance. Every one of these must be right for that particular moment of history, or nothing happens.”
– Coretta Scott King

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“Segregation was wrong when it was forced by white people, and I believe it is still wrong when it is requested by black people.”
– Coretta Scott King

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“If American women would increase their voting turnout by ten percent, I think we would see an end to all of the budget cuts in programs benefiting women and children.”
– Coretta Scott King

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“Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated.”
– Coretta Scott King

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“I believe all Americans who believe in freedom, tolerance and human rights have a responsibility to oppose bigotry and prejudice based on sexual orientation.”
– Coretta Scott King

Image by © Bettmann/CORBIS

“Struggle is a never ending process. Freedom is never really won, you earn it and win it in every generation.”
– Coretta Scott King

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“This valuable first-hand account of the historic Montgomery Bus Boycott, written by an important, behind-the-scenes organizer, evokes the emotional intensity of the civil rights struggle. It ought to be required reading for all Americans who value their freedom and the contribution of Black women to our history.”
– Coretta Scott King

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“Freedom and justice cannot be parceled out in pieces to suit political convenience. I don’t believe you can stand for freedom for one group of people and deny it to others.”
– Coretta Scott King

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“Today is not merely a holiday, but a true holy day which honors the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Junior in the best possible way.”
– Coretta Scott King

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Boudoir on a Budget: Seating

Yes, it is easy to dream about what your boudoir would look like if you could furnish it with the most luxurious of goods. That is, if price weren’t an object, which for the majority (including myself) is a dream in itself. But what about when money is a factor and you are on a budget? Clearly there is a vast gray area between luxury and budget, but today I thought I’d focus on decorating your boudoir on a budget.

This will actually be a three a series of posts, because I found so many fabulous boudoir items to share with you. All furniture items are under $500 a piece.

Let’s begin with the category of seating, shall we?

Madeline Chair $348 (urbanoutfitters.com)

Avenue Six Curves Bench $229 (walmart.com)

Crystall Ghost Chair $99 (stackchairdepot.com)

Storage Chaise $210 (target.com)

Swoop Armchair $160 (target.com)

Cameron Place Club Chair $224 (jcpenny.com)

Button-Tufted Chaise Settee $405 (target.com)

Avenue Six Chaise Lounge $399 (walmart.com)

Baxton Studio Club Chair $350 (sears.com)

Cameo Accent Chair $211 (target.com)

Giftmark Louis Arm Chair $182 (amazon.com)

Mademoiselle Monday: Mlle Caron

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“No matter what you do, your person comes through.
You can’t completely change yourself on the screen.
I had in mind someone colder and more in control, but I couldn’t do it.
This human note just crept in and maybe it’s better.” -Leslie Caron

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“I regret not doing a film that I was offered with Clark Gable
because the script was not good enough.” -Leslie Caron

©Guy Webster

“I longed to break out of the system and do different roles.” -Leslie Caron

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“The American is wholeheartedly for love and romance at any cost.” -Leslie Caron

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Reality Boudoir

I will admit it (not sure if I should), but I am a fan of the Real Housewives series on Bravo. However, I only (yes, only) watch New York, New Jersey and Atlanta seasons. I’ve seen bits and pieces of the Beverly Hills season, but I never really got into it. Now I’m wondering if I should…

I recently came across this photo of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Vanderpump on one of the blogs that I follow (Daisy Pink Cupcake).

(daisypinkcupcake.blogspot.com)

When I saw this image, you know I had to search for more of where that came from. I ultimately landed on the real estate listing by Mauricio Umansky, where the home is listed for $29,000,000.

I understand that most mansions and estate homes could be considered “dream” homes, but if you really thought about your dream home, it most likely wouldn’t be exactly like one that was designed for somebody else. For me, this home comes pretty darn close. Not only is Lisa’s boudoir one of the most stunning and complete that I’ve ever seen (i.e. sleeping area, dressing table, sitting area, desk, bathroom, and closet), but there are multiple rooms in this home suitable to be deemed a “boudoir”.

Let’s begin with photos of Lisa’s boudoir, which is 2,500 square feet in size.

(50beverlyparkestate.com)

(50beverlyparkestate.com)

(50beverlyparkestate.com)

(50beverlyparkestate.com)

(50beverlyparkestate.com)

(50beverlyparkestate.com)

A slightly smaller version in green, but just as lovely. Notice the vintage pin-up on the wall.

(50beverlyparkestate.com)

(50beverlyparkestate.com)A

And another, that I’d still be happy to call my own.

(50beverlyparkestate.com)

Quite frankly, the remainder of the house is too beautiful, with touches of boudoir design throughout, not to give you a peek of some of the rest. For a full display of photos visit 50BeverlyParkEstate.com. Here is the description of the home as listed on the website:

Ideally located in Beverly Park is one of Landry best. This secluded two acre site harbors a stunning French Chateau with superb finishes throughout. The house encompasses elegance and charm featuring an exquisite master bedroom with beautiful master bathrooms. A unparalleled wine cellar with room for dining, two offices, and a total of 7 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. The impeccably manicured grounds consist of an elegant pool, tennis court, topiaries and meandering paths.

(50beverlyparkestate.com)

(50beverlyparkestate.com)

(50beverlyparkestate.com)

(50beverlyparkestate.com)

(50beverlyparkestate.com)

(50beverlyparkestate.com)

(50beverlyparkestate.com)

(50beverlyparkestate.com)

(50beverlyparkestate.com)

(50beverlyparkestate.com)

(50beverlyparkestate.com)

Here is a video tour of Lisa’s home that I found on her website, LisaVanderpump.com (be sure to pause the My Little Boudoir Soundtrack first).

My Little Boudoir: Top 5 Posts of 2010

Here is a look back at the five most popular posts (according to the number of viewers) on MyLittleBoudoir.com over the course of 2010.

1. Tiffany & Co. Inspired Boudoir
(click here to view full original post)

(diamondheadut.com)

2. Chanel Inspired Boudoir
(click here to view full original post)

(avelle.com and horchow.com)

3. Thinking Outside the Boudoir: Sex and the City
(click here to view full original post)

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4. Sunday’s Best: Hello Lover…of All Things Beautiful
(click here to view full original post)

(helloloverofbeautifulthings.blogspot.com)

5. Sunday’s Best: Chinoiserie Chic
(click here to view the original post)

(chinoiseriechic.blogspot.com)

Box of Guerlain Fragrance for the Boudoir

While searching BergdorfGoodman.com tonight, looking for this (which we’ll talk about on another occasion):

(bergdorfgoodman.com)

I came across this:

(bergdorfgoodman.com)

This beauty is called The 180 year Collectors Case, by Guerlain. This ultra deluxe black leather box with a gold lock and key is filled with 180 years of Guerlain fragrance, from Eau de Cologne Imperiale (created in 1853 for Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III) to Cruel Gardenia (created in 2008). Each of the 18 iconic one ounce bottles feature an Art-Deco inspired label. With three graduated rows, it is designed perfectly for display when the box is open.

This “vision of elegance” (as Bergdorf’s refers to it), is a true piece of luxury for any boudoir. Can’t you see it displayed upon a pedestal in your boudoir like a fine sculpture in a museum? Just imagine…after applying make-up at your bedroom vanity, you make your way over to your luxurious Guerlain fragrance box and select the scent that suits you for the day, out of your 18 options. I like to match my perfume with my outfit…do any of you do that?

If you’re all dreamy eyed with this discovery, I hesitate to mention that this limited edition (of just 60 pieces in the U.S.) boudoir finery is going to set you back $3,750USD. Back to reality for me… 😥

Here is a list of the the 18 fragrances included:

  • 1853 Eau de Cologne Imperiale.
  • 1889 Jicky.
  • 1912 L’Heure Bleue.
  • 1919 Mitsouko.
  • 1925 Shalimar.
  • 1959 Vetiver.
  • 1965 Habit Rouge.
  • 1979 Nahema.
  • 1989 Samsara.
  • 2003 L’Instant de Guerlain.
  • 2004 L’Instant de Guerlain pour Homme.
  • 2005 Rose Barbare.
  • 2005 Angelique Noire.
  • 2005 Cuir Belluga.
  • 2006 Bois d’Arenie.
  • 2006 Insolence.
  • 2007 Iris Ganache.
  • 2008 Cruel Gardenia.

I encourage you to visit BerdorfGoodman.com and view the zoomed in version of the image (that I couldn’t manage to capture).

Happy Anniversary My Little Boudoir!!!

Though I created my very first post on January 2, 2010, I shared My Little Boudoir with others for the first time on January 6, 2010. So, we will celebrate today the one-year anniversary of MyLittleBoudoir.com!

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I want to thank each and every one of you, from the bottom of my heart, for your support. For reading my posts, commenting and sharing with friends. It has really developed into a rewarding hobby for me, and I am honored to share my boudoir daydreams with each of you.

I would also like to express my gratitude and thanks to each of the blogs that have supported MyLittleBoudoir.com. Whether one reader or 1,000 were sent my way, I certainly do appreciate it! I would like to give a special mention to the top five blogs that have sent, or provided means for, traffic to My Little Boudoir over the course of the year. You really do meet some amazing people having a blog.

1. House of Turquoise

This lovely blog, coming in at number one, is filled with loads of, you guessed it, Turquoise (and every other shade of blue) that a gal who wishes for a turquoise boudoir could dream of. I highly recommend a visit…it is sure not to disappoint.

2. Chinoiserie Chic

So elegant, this blog, in its perfect Chinoiserie design. There is nearly a new post every day, so this is a great blog to frequent. Beth’s dressing room post is not to be missed!

3. Just a Girl

I have to tell you…this blog is one of my very favorite to read. Chris is so charming and funny in her writing, it is an absolute delight. Plus, she is so crafty and organized it could turn a gal green with envy. I think Show and Share day proved a success for me here.

4. Lily Lemontree

Ms. Lemontree, who has a taste for vintage glamour (like me), has sent some very loyal and kind readers to my site. I guess she taught them some good manners, like a lady is supposed to have. Ms. Lily Lemontree is also “reviving the charming arts” with her etiquette training services.

5. Bonjour Madame

Sweet Stephanie from Bonjour Madame was the first blog to add My Little Boudoir to a blogroll. I was so very excited, as it really created a lot of stepping stones for My Little Boudoir, for which I am truly thankful. Several months ago, the Bonjour Madame blog sadly ended.

Thank You All!!!…XOXO

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Over the course of the next week I will be including links here and there of posts from the past year. If you missed out on them it’s a great time to go back through the archives, because (not to toot my own horn, but…) there are some goodies!

Here is a start…my introduction post titled, Boudoir [bou-dwahr].

Thanks again…

Sarah

Mademoiselle Monday: Mlle Bacall

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“A woman isn’t complete without a man. But where do you find a man
– a real man – these days?” -Lauren Bacall

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“I am essentially a loner.” -Lauren Bacall

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“It’s inappropriate and vulgar and absolutely unacceptable to use your private life
to sell anything commercially, but I think it’s kind of a sickness.”  -Lauren Bacall

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“I figure if I have my health, can pay the rent and I have my friends, I call it ‘content.’” -Lauren Bacall

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“I used to tremble from nerves so badly that the only way I could hold my head steady
was to lower my chin practically to my chest and look up at Bogie.
That was the beginning of The Look.” – Lauren Bacall

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“Stardom isn’t a profession; it’s an accident.” -Lauren Bacall