Weekly Obsession: Women I Adore

In honor of International Women's Day being March 8th I thought it would be fitting to share some of the actresses, and historical figures whose work and lives I admire most. These aren't really in any particular order, just a collection of beautiful women with stars in their eyes and hearts as big as the moon.

1 & 2 - Audrey Hepburn and Shirley Maclaine

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These two women are such iconic figures of the 50s and 60s and so much of my childhood revolved around the little worlds they created on screen. I grew up desperate to emulate their style and they will forever be symbols of grace, charm, and talent in American pop culture. I mentioned Shirley Maclaine in my first weekly obsession post and Audrey Hepburn is frequently mentioned across the web and in print as a timeless figure.

3. Drew Barrymore

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Drew Barrymore is such a girl crush for me. I think her laugh is addictive, her personal story is one of triumph, and her womanly curves give me hope for Hollywood. I love her fun loving style with it's many faces and think she's a real powerhouse. 

4. Leslie Caron

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I first learned of Leslie Caron when I was probably 7 years old in the movie Gigi. Her Parisian attitude and feisty nature immediately struck a cord with me and after watching movie after movie with her as the star I have to say I truly believe she's as feisty and stubborn in real life as on screen. I still identify with that strong woman persona today, ask my family.

5. Sara Murphy

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Oh Sara Murphy, a muse, an artist, a wife, mother, philanthropist and heiress. I am obsessed with Sara and her husband Gerald and like to consider Ryan and I the Sara & Gerald of Roanoke. Always striving to find pure creative expression, never shy of company, and willing to feed anyone whose willing to eat. We only need a large inheritance and house of the French Riviera to complete my vision. Any takers?

6. Marilyn Monroe

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There are a lot of opinions out there about Miss Monroe but I choose love her anyway. She lived life in and out of love, from New York to LA, and completely in front of a camera. It's her most relaxed images that captivate my attention: playing on a beach, laughing in chunky sweaters, reading books. For a woman who made her fortune playing the "dumb" blonde Marilyn read a lot and it cannot be said she didn't love to learn. 

7. Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams by Matt Jones for i-D March 2006

I was 10 or 11 when the world took notice of Michelle Williams and I remember reading an article about her in JUMP magazine (does anybody remember that magazine?) that I found so enthralling I must have read it a thousand times. She appeared on the scene in Dawson's Creek, but I loved her most in movies like Dick and Me Without You in the beginning. She's a full fledged star now and I still love her. I cannot wait to see My Week with Marilyn when it's out on video.

8. Amy Poehler

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I think this quote says it all, “I get worried for young girls sometimes; I want them to feel that they can be sassy and full and weird and geeky and smart and independent, and not so withered and shriveled.” -Amy Poehler

There you have i, 8t women I adore for one reason or another and whose personal style and flair have had an impact on me throughout my life. Are there any female pop icons you can't get enough of? big kiss, bekuh