Sultry Siren by Maybelline & Grace Kelly at TIFF

It is an extremely gloomy Sunday here in the GTA, so what better way to brighten things up than with a classic red polish.  Sultry Siren, from Maybelline's Fall 2011 collection, is just the kind of red tone that I always fall for: creme formula, deep, more on the blue side and with a good amount of shine to it.  I really like Maybelline's Express Finish line.  While they aren't  usually the longer wearing of quick dry polishes, I've found that they do dry a bit quicker than others and have a glossier finish.  The brushes are usually thin but spread across the nail well.

Despite the fact that I'm obsessed with nail polish, I have long admired a woman who, when she made public appearances, kept her hands hidden under gloves:  Grace Kelly!

The Apex of Class & Elegance!

Grace Kelly: From Movie Star to Princess is exhibiting at the TIFF Lightbox in Toronto until January 22, 2012 and I checked it out yesterday, which also happened to be her birthday.  The collection on display features her personal clothing and film memorabilia including:

• A letter from Yul Brenner asking her for a stamp to add to his collection
• A letter from a friend warning her that Jack Nicholson was looking to have an affair with her (what an d***!)
• Pre-production artwork from Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window

The show also includes things I'd never thought I'd ever see...

...This Dress & That Oscar!

I've met two Oscar winners in my life, the first being Patty Duke (Best Supporting Actress, 1962) and the second being Martin Landau (Best Supporting Actor, 1994) but I hadn't actually seen an Oscar statue, so that was fun.  But I have to admit that I had been captivated by Kelly's Oscar Gown since childhood and it was a thrill to see it right before my eyes.  That dress is why I actually like the colour Seafoam!  

You Wish This Was Your Bridesmaid Dress!

Although there are interesting items from Kelly's film career, the exhibit is more of a treasure trove for fashion lovers and vintage enthusiasts.  If fashion is your thing, then get your butt down to the Lightbox because you will not want to miss all this:

This Dress By Her Paramore, Oleg Cassini

The Dress Kelly Wore to Her First Meeting With Her Prince

Her Royal Engagement Suit (In Which The Polka Dots Are Printed With Gold)

Royal Portrait Dress

And Not Just a Kelly Bag...THE KELLY BAG!

There's also stunning dresses by Yves Saint Laurent and Givenchy.  I don't include her wedding dress on that list because:

• I admire her work as an actress, not that she married a prince
• I'm one of the few women on this earth who really doesn't give a crap about weddings
• The dress on display as part of the exhibit is a replica, not the original gown

So if weddings and being a "princess" is your thing, then not seeing the actual dress will be a disappointment for you.  I have to admit that I don't understand the current North American "Princess" culture and I don't want to attempt to delve into it right now except to say this:  Not every girl is going to become a princess but it's in every girl's realm of possibility to become a lady, which is what Kelly always was and always will be in my eyes.

Audrey Hepburn & Grace Kelly: A Master Class in Class.

A shout out & welcome to my new follower, Roy de Vos! I look forward to the music, no matter what your mood is!