Chic at 60ish!

The holiday season is in full swing—traditionally, ‘tis the season to wear red! That said, for many fashionistas red feels a bit cliched & predictable; when in doubt, go for black & white. Then add gold, silver or of course shades of red, for some pop.

THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS/”LBD,” TIMELESS & TOTALLY NEW: Black sheer wool cocktail dress with rhinestone bow belt, from reemacra.com; actress Diane Lane in a beautiful lbd from Dolce & Gabbana.com

Speaking of black & white, scrolling through Netflix recently, I discovered that the totally timeless movie, “My Fair Lady,” is 60ish! What could be more of-the-moment than Cecil Beaton’s exquisite black & white costumes, as well as Eliza’s attitude. Inspired by the film’s 60^th anniversary, (one of my all-time favorite movies!) I started to think about how completely relevant both Eliza Doolittle’s rags-to-riches story, as well as Cecil Beaton’s iconic creations remain.

SO BOHO, SO BOLD: Audrey Heburn as Eliza Doolittle in “My Fair Lady,” celebrating its 60th anniversary!

At first, of course Eliza has no style & it appears that Professor Henry Higgins totally molds her—very patriarchal. Yet, on second glance, her attitude totally embodies not only women of 2023, but fashion’s whole attitude. Following your own path. Free thinking. Free spirited. Feminine with edge. As Henry Higgins transforms Eliza into a “lady,” her fashion sense surely changes, but she stays true to herself. To being “Eliza.” A modern woman in every sense of the word!

FREE SPIRITED & FREE THINKING: Audrey Hepburn’s “Eliza” totally embodies the attitude of both today’s woman and today’s fashion—take off the hat, sleeves & collar, you could wear this gown this weekend!

Though “of the era,” Cecil Beaton’s magnificent designs translate perfectly. Beyond the spectacular black & white gown at the Royal Ascot horse races—one of the most famous movie costumes of all time—Eliza begins very “boho,” then moves into flowy, languid, soft silhouettes. Her skirts move, her blouses float. Her exquisite evening gown is beaded, with a train. One outfit is more beautiful than the next.

CLASSIC & MODERN AT ONCE: WHO WORE IT BEST? Audrey Hepburn in Cecil Beaton & Amal Clooney in Versace

Are you “Eliza” before or after her transformation? My guess is a little of both! Start humming, head to the stores, and treat yourself to something “loverly” in black & white this season. Here are some of my favorites:

LOVE LEATHER: Also timeless & brand new, black vegan blazer & wide leg pants from veronicabeard.com; black leather coat, white shirt & pants & b/w handbag, all from bottegaveneta.com

LBD WITH AN EDGE: Sarah Jessica Parker in NYC last week–understated, elegant & cool at once

WHITE CHRISTMAS: Bruno Cucinelli top & Milly white silk pants, both at neimanmarcus.com

HAPPIEST HOLIDAYS FROM MY HOME TO YOURS: Lighting Hanukkah candles in my L’Agence white silk flowy top & black wide-leg pants, both from Boyds, Philadelphia & Wayne

Like “My Fair Lady,” the season is all about optimism, hope, and new beginnings. Amazing how just one new fabulous purchase makes you feel that way. “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” to treat yourself to that special piece you’ve been eyeing since September? Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate–start singing, indulge and enjoy the holiday season~ Ellyn Golder Saft

ps. Though they’re not traditional “holiday cookies,” following today’s theme, one of “my favorite things” are black & white cookies–like black & white fashion, always right, always delish! Here’s Ina Garten’s recipe from “The Barefoot Contessa” cookbook:

• 10 tablespoons (1¼ sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 extra-large egg, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¹⁄₃ cup sour cream

• for the glazes:
• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
• 5 ounces good semisweet chocolate, such as Lindt, roughly chopped
• ½ teaspoon instant coffee granules, such as Nescafé
• 2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Arrange two racks evenly spaced in the oven.

Put the butter and granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes, until light and fluffy. With the mixer on low, add the egg and vanilla and mix well, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula. Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a bowl. With the mixer on low, alternately add the flour mixture and sour cream in thirds and mix just until combined. Stir with a rubber spatula.

With a standard (2¼-inch) ice cream scoop, place 5 level scoops of batter 2 inches apart on each of two sheet pans lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10 minutes, then rotate and switch the pans from the top to bottom rack to bake the cookies evenly. Bake for another 6 to 8 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned and a cake tester comes out clean. Don’t overbake them! Cool on the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack set over a sheet pan to cool completely.

For the chocolate glaze, place the butter, chocolate, and coffee in a heatproof bowl and microwave on high for 30 seconds. Stir the mixture and continue to microwave in 30-second increments until the chocolate is almost melted, allowing the residual heat to finish melting the chocolate completely. Stir the mixture vigorously, until smooth. Turn the cookies so the flat side is up. Hold the cookie in your hand and, with a spoon, carefully pour the chocolate glaze on half of the cookie, forming a straight line down the middle. Allow the glaze to set for 30 minutes.

For the vanilla glaze, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons of the cream, adding drops of cream until the glaze is smooth, thick, and barely pourable. Holding the cookie in your hand, with a spoon, pour the white glaze over the unglazed half of each cookie right up to the chocolate glaze. You can smooth it out with an offset spatula, if you need to. Allow to set for 30 minutes. Serve at room temperature. Enjoy!