(Mary-Ann originally posted in 2012)
I remember exactly when my fascination with Little Edie began. I read an article about the groundbreaking 1976 documentary Grey Gardens in Ten Magazine in 2006 and on the opposite page, for the first time, I saw that now famous image of Little Edie wearing a big fur coat and posing like a movie star in front of her dilapidated home. I saw the documentary shortly after that and found myself completely enthralled with Little Edie's style. She was able to create these incredible outfits using shirts as skirts, tights under skirts over pants, broaches as headscarf adornment and always a coat of bright red lipstick. She had no money, no hair and a home that kept her secluded from the popular culture of her time yet Edie's personal style flourished. I was truly inspired.
SIFF is putting on a Grey Gardens mimosa brunch on April 14th at the Uptown Theater. The morning will start with an 11am mimosa reception followed by a showing of Grey Gardens, a continental brunch at 1:15 and finally at 2:00 they will be playing The Beales of Grey Gardens which is the follow up film that included extra footage not used in the original documentary. Tickets are selling quickly for this event because, well... it sounds totally fantastic.
I have two tickets that SIFF has graciously provided for me to give away to one of you. To win the tickets email me at itsmydarlin@gmail.com and tell me the quirkiest thing in your wardrobe that you love to wear. I think that we all have some Little Edie in us. My most treasured oddball item is a big alligator brooch that I wear on everything from coat lapels and the waist of dresses to hats and bags. It's weird and I love it. Can't wait to read your submissions. The contest ends this Saturday April 6th at midnight. I'll announce the winner on Sunday here, Facebook page and on Twitter.