How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World

This Week...

2010-03-10T15:18:00.002-06:00

Happy Hepburn Friday went shopping! Check out the latest video to help spice up your wardrobe for under $100.

How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World: How to Spice Up Your Wardrobe for Under $100 from Jordan Christy on Vimeo.

Want to get the exclusive Happy Hepburn Friday video each week? Sign up for the jordanchristy.com mailing list!

Red Umbrella Review

2010-03-10T15:13:00.002-06:00

One of my adorable readers, Libby, gave a great review of How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World on her sweet blog, The Red Umbrella. Check it out here!

Throw a HTBAH Party!

2010-03-04T13:07:00.002-06:00

One of my amazing readers (seriously, you guys are the best fans EVER), Brandie, came up with the great idea to throw a Little Black Dress party for her friends, and I just had to share the concept with you.

She made adorable, stylish invitations detailing the night's activities, and accompanied them with an amazing Audrey pic detailing the guests' designated pick-up spots. Brilliant!

Here's the whole gang enjoying their classy girl's night, wearing (of course) their little black dresses. I don't know about you, but I want to attend that party!

Feel free to take a cue from Brandie and make themed invitations and activities or scheme up your own plan - either way, I love the idea of having a Little Black Dress/How to Be a Hepburn girl's night. Plan your own and get ready to party like it's 1959.

How to: Beat the Winter Blahs

2010-02-28T12:15:00.003-06:00

Check out this week's edition of Happy Hepburn Friday to get hints on how to beat blah winter skin + hair. PLUS - get a 20% discount from all Korres online orders! Simply enter the code HEPBURN at checkout. It's only good for two more weeks, so stock up now while you can! Thanks again to my friends at Korres for offering Hepburn fans this great deal.

Not sure how to receive the exclusive edition of Happy Hepburn Friday? Sign up for the email list (located on the home page) and you'll be all set!

See you next Friday :)

Jordan

Are You Ready?

2010-02-25T09:24:00.002-06:00

This Friday is the launch of a weekly video blog series, Happy Hepburn Friday! If you're aren't already signed up, sign up NOW for the jordanchristy.com email list to get the first, exclusive video. It includes some great insider tips and secret discounts you can only get by being a How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World fan. You know you want it. See you Friday!

Valentine's Day, the end.

2010-02-20T00:58:00.003-06:00

This is the end of my obsessive Valentine's posts, I promise. I just had to give my review of the movie!

Overall, I enjoyed it. Did I think there were one too many celebs packed into every scene? Perhaps. Were some of the performances underwhelming? Possibly. But, all in all, it was a movie that was about exactly what the title said it would be about: Valentine's Day. Ashton Kutcher and that sweet Emma Roberts were the highlights in my opinion. I give it an A-/B+. My husband will probably not even admit that he saw it, but if he would, he'd probably give it a D.

This will now conclude my running commentary on the holiday of love...at least until next year.

Dare to Be Foolish

2010-02-20T00:52:00.005-06:00

A girl approached me several weeks ago after an event and told me that she and some friends were working on a new clothing called Dare to Be Foolish. Turns out their stuff is awesome! Be sure to check it out here.

FOX 17 Interview

2010-02-17T12:31:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone! Thanks so much for tuning in last night. If you missed it, here is a link to the video. A big thank you to Stacy Case and everyone else at Fox 17 for putting together such a great feature. Enjoy!

WZTV FOX 17/Nashville

Gift Givers Block?

2010-02-16T12:32:00.004-06:00

Have some upcoming events that require an outstanding gift that really says something? Look no further! I'm currently obsessed with these unique John Derian pieces that will (literally) let your present do the talking. This antique correspondence collection is perfect for the reader, writer or history buff in your life. The quirky placemats would make a great housewarming gift for new homeowners, but this tissue paper might be my favorite.

A final note on John Derian: these items are pricey little numbers, but they'll leave a lasting impression. Have a great day!

Fox Interview - Tonight!

2010-02-16T12:25:00.002-06:00

Tennesseans: Tune in tonight at 9pm to FOX 17 to see my interview with Stacy Case! We're going to be discussing the book, style, and many other items of interest. Don't live in Nashville? Hang tight and I'll post the video online asap! See you tonight :)

V-Day Cookies!

2010-02-10T14:54:00.005-06:00

I know, I know, this is like my 5th post about Valentine's Day. I don't mind! I'm in love and I don't care who knows it! Alright, onto the post...

Here is a fun, easy, and super-cute Valentine's Day Cookie recipe for you and your friends, kids, etc. to try this week. Bonus: it includes almond extract, which my sister and I practically gug straight out of the bottle.

Ingredients:

7 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 cups shortening
3 teaspoons almond extract
1 cup milk
3 eggs
1 heart-shaped cookie cutter
Frosting of your choice, multiple colors

Directions:

-Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C)
-In a large mixing bowl, mix together flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Mix in shortening. Once the shortening is well blended, stir almond flavoring and milk into the dough at the same time, followed by eggs.
-Roll out dough onto a floured surface, using a floured rolling pin. Roll the dough thick. Cut out heart-shaped cookies and arrange them on a cookie sheet.
-Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 8 to 10 minutes, or just until bottom is golden.
-Frost with your favorite sugar cookie frosting and pipe V-Day messages in icing onto dried, finished cookies.

Enjoy!

We are Living in a Digital World, and I am an Analog Girl

2010-02-10T13:58:00.003-06:00

Inspired by my sister and future brother-in-law's burgeoning relationship (and I gotta give Madge some credit too for the song hook), I'd like to tackle the issue of new media in today's dating world. There is certainly no lack of ways to communicate your feelings with the opposite sex - Twitter, Facebook, myspace, AIM, texting, picture messaging, need I go on?? Certainly, in many situations, the old 'puter has brought many couples together that might not otherwise have met, thanks to online dating and chat rooms. However, these means of communication are not necessarily the best drivers when a relationship is just leaving the proverbial garage.

Why? Well I don't have to tell you that the only way to truly get to know someone is by spending real, quality time with them. Time with them out in public, time with them in groups of friends, time with them around their family, etc. That's the only way to see someone's true colors. As much as they LOL at your jokes or promise to BRB when you're texting, it's not real. It's only real when you're actually together. So, how do we get together, Jordan?

I get lots of emails from girls asking how in the heck they're supposed to meet a guy if they can't get out there, shake their thang, and post pics and captions about it afterwards. I say, if a guy is interested, he will track down your contact info. Once he tracks down said info, he will most likely engage in a series of texts, emails, messages, phone calls, or pokes (really Facebook? no one likes that). If your guy's a little clueless, then it's YOUR job to get him off the computer and into your life. Feel free to drop hints about a coffee shop you love, or a new little Italian restaurant you've heard is great. He should take it from there and ask you out on a real life date. Any guy that's worth your time will WANT to take you out! Believe it or not, guys that like you want to have real conversations with you. Not text messages, not emails, real conversations. So even if your relationships started out online, it's never too late to bring it into the real world.

But is it possible to have a completely analog relationship in a digital world? Yes! Want proof? My sister (who is unbelievably gorgeous and could have any guy she wanted) chose to get rid of Facebook, AIM, and anything else that requires a username/password combination several years ago. She decided that she didn't want to meet her future husband through myspace and refused to accept any offers that weren't in person. A tall order, you may say! Well, she just so happened to meet a guy that felt the same way, and within 3 weeks they were discussing rings, babies, and wedding colors, and have now successfully cultivated a completely media-free relationship, void of any emails, Facebook posts, relationship status updates or tweets. Hear this: you certainly don't have to take this route - I didn't and many people with great relationships don't - but, I want you to know that the option is there. And should you choose to accept this mission, it doesn't mean that you'll end up an old spinster with mean cats.

Cheers!

I Just Ordered

2010-02-10T13:51:00.002-06:00

my first Flip Cam. Now the real test will be if I can figure out how to use it.

We will see, we will see...

Photo Shoot Sneak Peek

2010-02-09T13:09:00.003-06:00

What my Hepburn girls want, my Hepburn girls get! I promised a sneak peek + details from my recent photo shoot, so here you go.

I met up with the uhhh-mazing, uber-talented, off-the-charts-incredible photographer (did I mention that she's fantastic?) Sarah Barlow again for new photos for the new website (coming soon! yippee!). She has an incredible loft that overlooks allll of downtown and is right above the lounge-y pool area. It's very pimp. Did I just use that word? Oh well, it seemed appropriate. Needless to say, it made for some great lighting and fun scenery. She popped on some new music from Andrew Bell and away we went! Here are a couple shots from the shoot, but stay tuned for more when we unveil the new site.

Valentine's Day continued

2010-02-02T14:45:00.002-06:00

Still scratching your head for good Valentine's Day gift ideas? My husband personally doesn't get into the brushed-nickel cuff links or Cupid ties, so typical Valentine's gifts get me nowhere. Well, rest assured because I've got two words for you: travel mug.

A travel mug, you say? Jordan, how is this an appropriate Valentine's gift? Let me count the ways, my friends.

First, start with a blank photo tumbler - available at Target, etc. or take a cue from this Starbucks model.

Next, determine the theme. Does your friend have an affinity for the Steelers? Is your boyfriend obsessed with Will Ferrell? Who is your sister's favorite character from Saved By the Bell? Does your husband secretly love the Jonas Brothers? Pick a theme (the more ridiculous the better: my roommates once made a Robert Goulet mug) and run with it. Print off tons of pictures that show your love and get ready to glue.

Lastly, put it all together. Do some pre-measuring and make sure all your pics will fit nicely into the mug. Then, stick them together (try to get the bubbles out first) and fill your finished tumbler with some sweet Hershey's kisses. Wrap it up with a big red bow, and wa-lah! You have an afordable, adorable, personalized Valentine's gift for your sweetie.

Warning: your mug will not fare well in the dishwasher. In fact, things will get ugly, so I wouldn't even try it.

Mooooore Aussie Love

2010-02-02T14:20:00.002-06:00

This was one of the most fun (read: girly) interviews I've done yet. Check out the awesome feature on moi and the book on the homepage of FashionFoodFatale.com!

Sweet Home Alabama

2010-01-29T14:18:00.006-06:00

I just got home from a great week in northern Alabama. First, I had a great time with the girls at Austin High School - holla! You are some of the most vivacious and adorable girls I've ever talked with!

Next, I was whisked away by horse and carriage to a magical, enchanted, fairyland of oompa loompas. Actually, I was chauffered in a Chevy Tahoe to the 3M Film & Manufacturing plant, but who's counting? I got a close-up tour complete with safety goggles, clogs, and a smock (to which my husband tactfully replied, "Did you feel like an idiot?"). Then, that night, I had a great Q&A session with some 3M-ers and their daughters. One of the perks of speaking at 3M? Free band-aids and duct tape!!!

The next day, I not only had a great time meeting the lovely ladies of East Lawrence High School, but got an amazing brunch and beautiful bouquet of flowers out of the deal! Dear East Lawrence, you are the sweetest bunch of people I've ever met. And they even made a "How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World" bulletin board! That should win some type of award.

So to sum up, I heart Alabama. Can't wait to see y'all again real soon!

Recycled Love

2010-01-29T12:51:00.001-06:00

How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World is featured on Fashionable Earth's super-fun blog that hands out great advice under the mantra Reduce, Reuse, Restyle. Brilliant! Check it out...

Exciting Stuff That YOU Should Know About

2010-01-25T13:10:00.004-06:00

Just wanted to let you (the best fans in the world!) know the super-secretive-insider-low-down on what's to come in the How to Be a Hepburn world in 2010.

First of all, some big changes are coming to www.jordanchristy.com, thanks to the most amazing web guru ever , including a weekly video blog, exclusive HTBAH fan (that's you!) discounts, an awesome layout, and brand new pics from the amazing Sarah Barlow . Here's a sneak peek from the shoot (which I'll blog about in detail later).

Second, we have a really great contest going on right now: the True Hepburn contest. Are you or someone you know making a positive difference in the world around you? We want to hear about it! Check out more details here. You could win a personal appearance from moi at your book club! Or sorority. Or youth group. Or even your kitchen if you want. Which brings me to my last point...meeting you.

I'm gearing up for a HUGE spring/summer and will be out speaking at events all across the country - everywhere from Chicago to Little Rock and NYC to Las Vegas. Come on out if I'm in your area, I would love to meet you! Also, there's still some weekends open, so don't be shy now about asking me to speak at your shindig. That's what I love to do.

If you can believe it, there's actually even MORE exciting things in the works, but I can't tell you right now - hehehe. Ooooo the suspense is killing me! Talk soon...

Blog Review

2010-01-20T12:53:00.002-06:00

How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World received a great review on a new blog, check it out here!

Some Major Aussie Love

2010-01-19T13:12:00.003-06:00

How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World is featured alongside Julie & Julia in Australia Women's Weekly - Australia's largest women's mag! Check out the awesome review...

Countdown to...

2010-01-13T01:06:00.002-06:00

VALENTINES DAY! Oh Good Lord, how I love this holiday. It's just so happy! Besides the fact that it's a day completely devoted to chocolate, flowers, cards, and love, I have to assert that out of all the holiday color combos, Valentines is one of the best (Halloween, black and orange, are you kidding me?).

My husband can tell you that I'm a bit obsessive when it comes to the big V-Day. I bake elaborate desserts in the shape of hearts, buy kiddie valentines, and use excessive amounts of red and pink sprinkles. I can't help myself.

So, with only 32 days to go, here is a fun do-it-yourself gift idea from our friend Martha Stewart to give to a special someone.

Simply buy some seeds and seperate them into cute packets. Stamp their name on the front, and maybe a cute I-Love-You message on the back (or if you want to get truly corny, add a line like "We're two peas in a pod" or "Orange you going to be mine?"). Stuff one or several into mini plant pots and voila!

Stay tuned for more ridiculous Valentines-themed posts.

The People's Choice is...

2010-01-12T23:45:00.002-06:00

Shall we discuss the various People's Choice Awards red carpet looks? Yes? Alright, let's. It's going to be a very short blog.

Was it just me or was the couture world a little bleak for the Choice awards this year? Megan Park looked cute, as did Ginnifer Goodwin. But, in my opinion, Best Dressed Award goes to Ms. Taraji P. Henson. Classic, sleek, beautiful. TP, that dress gets the Hepburn seal of approval. Bravo, foxy lady!

The other look worth mentioning is Carrie Underwood, who put a daring and fun fashion foot forward with this little number. Is it...black netting? Cheesecloth? Chicken wire? Who knows and who cares! She looks amazing, as always. As my mother would say, she could wear a gunney sack and still look like a knockout. I say: Carrie, Play On!

Bring on the awards season!

Bringin'...Periwinkle Back?

2010-01-08T09:51:00.004-06:00

What happened to this color? It seemed to be absent for many moons, but is suddenly making a comeback. Could this be THE color for 2010? I don't know, but I like it. And I like Selena.

Resolution: Feet

2010-01-07T15:28:00.005-06:00

I hope I haven't missed the resolution window, because I just came up with a new one today. After a particularly ugly workout, I took off my tennis shoes, only to reveal some of the most neglected toes in all history. My feet officially need help. Therefore, I am resolving to get myself to the spa and squeeze in a pedicure once a month. I don't care how busy I am, no foot should have to look like this!