Style Icon - Vera Ellen

I had to work all weekend -- boo! But it also meant that I got to watch a bunch of movies/TV shows (yay! for Girls out on DVD now).  One of the movies I watched was White Christmas.  It's been my family's tradition, ever since I can remember, to watch that movie on Christmas Eve.  Since I won't be seeing my family until Boxing Day, I thought I'd cheat and watch it this weekend.

I remember watching this movie as far back as 6 years old, it's when I decided that I wanted to be Vera Ellen and begged my mom to let me take tap lessons (I was already in ballet).  For the next few tap, tap, tapping years I idolized Ms. Ellen and tap soon became my favourite thing.  

Personally I think Vera Ellen was one of the best, most underrated dancers, from that era in Hollywood.  Just wanted to share a few of my favourite clips:

"So in Love" from the movie "Wonder Man"

Vera and Gene Kelly in "Slaughter on 10th Avenue" from the film "Words and Music"

Not only was Vera Ellen a terrific dancer but she was always dressed impeccably. Aside from that blue feather thing she wore, there's not one outfit from White Christmas that I don't love.  Soon after White Christmas Vera Ellen retired and then a few years later after the death of her infant daughter, she completely dropped off the radar.  From what I understand, Vera was pressured by MGM studios to lose a few pounds when she first started her career and she ended up developing anorexia in her 30s.  If you've ever seen White Christmas, it's alarming how tiny she is. 

Here are a few images showcasing the beautiful Vera Ellen.

Alex & Arthur