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Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Inspiration: Elizabeth Taylor

Star Power: Set like a 10 carat diamond in the firmament of heaven, Liz Taylor's star still burns brightly
In every sense of the word, Elizabeth Taylor is a true style icon. Beyond the celestial beauty of her youth,  the down-to-earth heat of her personality, this supernova of a woman still burned brightly even in her end of days. While her life contained tragedy, she didn't read as tragic, and in spite of her many tumultuous loves and losses, her bearing was always regal.  In her life-long role of celebrity, I was always struck by her flesh and blood qualities. She was, and will continue to be an inspiration for me in the expression of her passions, her elegance,  her savvy and her grand heart. How she simutaneously could be one of the biggest stars in the world, EVER, and yet seem so approachable and  so real is a tribute to her soul power, not just her star power. Her body is now at rest, but I can't help but feel that her star still burns brightly in the firmament, formerly in Hollywood, now in Heaven.

There is a lovely tribute written about Dame Elizabeth over at Entertainment Weekly, so I'm not going to regurgitate a quick bio for you here. You can read the facts on the life and death of this extraordinary ICON elsewhere. There are some wonderful blog posts commemorating the life of icon Elizabeth Taylor. Most touching for me were Marissa's photo essay over at The Well Appointed Catwalk, and the wonderfully written tribute at Beautifully Invisible. If you'd like to read their touching tributes, please click here and here. 

The moment I was first inspired by the legendary Liz Taylor was when I saw this: 

R.I.P. Elizabeth Taylor. February 27, 1932- March 23, 2011
(Photo courtesy of Agata of Listal)

28 comments:

  1. VanessaMarch 23, 2011 at 5:37 PM

    I was so sad when I read the news. I've been looking at photographs of her on various sights, and she was a true beauty. Poised, elegant and refined.

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  2. Pam @ over50feeling40March 23, 2011 at 5:58 PM

    One of my favorite movies as a girl was NATIONAL VELVET...she was so beautiful in that movie..I admired her so much..such a truly gorgeous woman!

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  3. WendyBMarch 23, 2011 at 6:23 PM

    She was a mega-star!

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  4. OfeliaMarch 23, 2011 at 6:28 PM

    Bella, an amazing human being!!!
    Rich in beauty, talent and kindness!!

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  5. ChocoDiscoMarch 23, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    I just heard!
    so sad =(

    btw I registered on blogspot with chocodisco long ago... later moved on to host my own site, that's why the different names you see, sorry to confuse you!

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  6. My Heart BloggedMarch 23, 2011 at 6:50 PM

    She was such a beautiful person. I'm glad she is resting peacefully now though.
    My Heart Blogged

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  7. Casee MarieMarch 23, 2011 at 6:52 PM

    "Set like a 10 carat diamond in the firmament of heaven", that may be the most fitting and beautiful sentiment about her that I've read all day. This was a wonderful tribute, Bella!

    Cat on a Hot Tin Roof was my introduction to Liz as well and it still serves as one of my favorite films. I first watched it whilst in the throws of a wicked crush on Paul Newman yet Liz's performance managed to cut through the stupor those electric blue eyes put me in and she just captivated me. Such a talented and passionate woman.

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  8. Beautifully InvisibleMarch 23, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    Bella, this was absolutely beautiful. An amazing tribute for a truly amazing woman.

    I adore this: "Beyond the celestial beauty of her youth, the down-to-earth heat of her personality, this supernova of a woman still burned brightly even in her end of days. While her life contained tragedy, she didn't read as tragic, and in spite of her many tumultuous loves and losses, her bearing was always regal."

    So, so true, and so eloquently phrased.

    Thank you for the link love. I am honored that you found my tribute worthy of mentioning. I am still in shock over her loss - she just seemed so timeless that I never considered that one day she would be gone. I pray that she is peace and that maybe - just maybe - she and her true love are together again.

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  9. the Citizen RosebudMarch 23, 2011 at 7:34 PM

    Funny how some strangers can wiggle the way into your own odd heart. Really, just watching her as Maggie with the late great Paul Newman, pulls at the heartstrings a little. Only I don't feel an ounce of sad. Grateful maybe, to see the grandeur of these star folk, and wish there were some modern day version of this kind of star power.
    She lived a wonderful life, and I get the feeling she knew it.

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  10. MarissaMarch 23, 2011 at 8:05 PM

    Oh, wow. Thank you so much, Bella! As I was reading your beautiful tribute, I was thinking how superficial mine must seem in comparison. Then I got to the end, and there's your kind little mention. I'm so glad to know you found it touching. Can you believe I've never seen Cat on a Hot Tin Roof? Putting it on my Netflix list now.

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  11. the Citizen RosebudMarch 23, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    Marissa it was your sweet tribute that triggered mine! And watch Cat on a Hot Tin Roof- it is so good!

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  12. UnknownMarch 23, 2011 at 8:58 PM

    It's hard for her fans to accept it. But that's life..

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  13. SkyelarkbirdyMarch 23, 2011 at 10:06 PM

    Beautiful post, beautiful woman.

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  14. Sara KristiinaMarch 24, 2011 at 12:29 AM

    Lovely post, Elizabeth is one of my goddesses. Even though I didn't feel like I have very much to say in my tibute to her. :) She is just so gorgeous.

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  15. mispapelicosMarch 24, 2011 at 1:17 AM

    She will always be the only woman in the world with violet eyes. I will say no more.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  16. Collette OsunaMarch 24, 2011 at 3:39 AM

    Liz was a legendary icon who will be so missed. It indeed was a very sad day:(

    Stop by and say Hello:)
    Statements in Fashion Blog♥

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  17. LnjMarch 24, 2011 at 6:53 AM

    I love your sincerity. E. Taylor was an amazing woman.

    So sad to see her go..

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  18. AnonymousMarch 24, 2011 at 6:54 AM

    so sad to see her go..

    E.taylor was an amazing woman...

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  19. Ife'March 24, 2011 at 6:55 AM

    She was such a firecracker. We all strive to be so gorgeous & unforgettable. A portrait of a lady. I think you're right. Her star will absolutely continue to burn bright...

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  20. Claire SunMarch 24, 2011 at 9:39 AM

    Never heard that!
    saddd :(
    This is my first time here and I love, love your blog. Very inspiring and neat!

    Love from Indonesia!
    clara from http://sunflaresplethora.blogspot.com/

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  21. Oh to Be a MuseMarch 24, 2011 at 11:30 AM

    she was definitely a true style icon!

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  22. UnknownMarch 24, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    I didn't realise how pretty she was when she was younger. RIP.

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  23. Stephanie LoudmouthMarch 24, 2011 at 2:47 PM

    Pure class.

    I wanna have a movie marathon.

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  24. HelgaMarch 24, 2011 at 8:37 PM

    Her memory will never fade!! She was one of my Mummy's faves,and she has always been on my list of incredible women.I love her best in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof!
    x

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  25. UnknownMarch 24, 2011 at 9:52 PM

    I love Elizabeth Taylor's restrained intensity. And Paul Newman is too much! Ooh la la, is it hot in here?

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  26. PlamiMarch 28, 2011 at 11:51 AM

    It's so sad! She'll always be an icon and a true inspiration!

    XoXo
    Plami


    http://fashion-thrill.blogspot.com/

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  27. Fashion LimboApril 1, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    I think that's what made her such an icon, that even though she was a HUGE screen star she was still an amazing human being and managed to reach so many people. Lovely tribute, very fitting post, and congrats in making it on the IFB links :)

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  28. Ulla-MarieFebruary 28, 2013 at 1:12 AM

    Great inspiration, but it's strange because I did'nt think Elizabeth Taylor was beautiful when I was younger. can't understand why ... ?

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You are rad. Thanks for your comment!