Audrey Hepburn is iconic, a feminine legend, and the definition of class. From her childhood through war, to her time as a ballerina, to her first movie "Roman Holiday" and most famous movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's," she has captured the world. From a young age I became captivated with Audrey Hepburn, her chuckle, her flowing dresses and her soft grin. Why do so many people connect with Audrey? Why do we have our LBD (little black dress) hanging in our closet in honor of her? I believe it is her ability to capture the best of who she is, while maintaining a down-to-earth, realistic persona. Here are nine quotes that capture Audrey Hepburn’s thoughts that every girl has and a few movies sprinkled in for you to watch!
1. “Paris is always a good idea.”
I was 4-years-old the first time I decided I wanted to visit Paris. My room was soon turned into the poodle and Paris theme. Audrey Hepburn captures our desire to dance through Paris, to transform from librarian to model, and to fall desperately in love with ourselves, a glamorous city, and the charming man. In "Funny Face" Audrey dances her way to couture and a new outlook on life -- the outlook every girl gets after visiting Paris.
2. “I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.”
Everyone has that one indulgence that makes you feel more you whether it’s overdressing, lipstick, or something completely different. Audrey Hepburn captures the essence of girl, of our joy, our strength and our indulgences.
3. “Everything I learned I learned from the movies.”
Thank you Audrey Hepburn for making that true! "Sabrina" taught me to find myself and to learn a hobby that captures who I am whether it is cooking, photography, or fashion. "Roman Holiday" taught me to take chances, to try new things, and that being a princess is actually really hard! "My Fair Lady," captured the ability to pick oneself up from rock bottom to the highest of society, including the infamous Audrey Hepburn transformation. "Funny Face" made being “nerdy” cool and intriguing. Top takeaways: transformations are imperative, love yourself and find something to love!
4. “A woman can be beautiful as well as intellectual.”
Mom was right it is possible! Audrey Hepburn proved that in real life. Through her cunning ability to avoid Nazi soldiers during the war and her work with UNICEF, she was truly the perfect example of brains and beauty.
5. “I think sex is overrated. I don't have sex appeal and I know it. As a matter of fact, I think I'm rather funny looking. My teeth are funny, for one thing, and I have none of the attributes usually required for a movie queen, including the shapeliness.”
In a time where she was constantly juxtaposed to Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn simply embraced the fact that she was not built with natural sex appeal. Whether you are curvy, short, tall, thin, or in the middle we all have days when we think our teeth are funny, our hair is strange, and our overall appearance is unappealing. Just remember Audrey Hepburn, the Audrey Hepburn thought she was unattractive at times. You are bound to be attractive to others, even if you aren’t to yourself.
6. “There are certain shades of limelight that can wreck a girl’s complexion.”
Boy isn’t that true. Whether it is physical lighting, or actions the “limelight” one lives in can make or break their complexion, their reputation and their life.
7. “Elegance is the only beauty that never fades."
Elegance goes beyond looks and reaches into the personal depths of someone. Elegance embodies grace, a gentile spirit and the ability to act selflessly. I’ve heard it pairs nicely with a LBD and a strand of pearls!
8. “When you have nobody you can make a cup of tea for, when nobody needs you, that’s when I think life is over.”
This quote makes me think about my mother, my friends and even the person I am dating. My mom is a daily tea drinker, my friends and boyfriend come for tea when they are sick, and I drink it for a pick me up. The day I don’t have anyone to make tea for, with a drop of honey and a hint of lemon, is the day that I have let myself become more important than my relationships with others. Whether you are a tea drinker, donut eater, popcorn passer, or coffee consumer, keep your friends and family close so that the day where you are alone is far into the future.
9. “Let's face it, a nice creamy chocolate cake does a lot for a lot of people; it does for me.’”
Oh Audrey, you’ve captured the essence of us all in this one delicious sentence. Next time you are worn down, grab a slice of cake for yourself and a friend. Do it for Audrey!
