Breakfast at Tiffany’s, I’ll admit, is not my favorite Audrey Hepburn film. I actually prefer Roman Holiday or Sabrina but Audrey herself remains my #1 style icon and has since about high school when I first discovered her movies. But, that opening scene of Breakfast at Tiffany’s – there’s something so special and hopeful and comforting about it.

Why Breakfast at Tiffany’s?

In the film, Audrey’s character, Holly Golightly, describes the difference between having “the blues” and “the mean reds” and explains the opening scene. “The blues are because you’re getting fat and maybe it’s been raining too long; you’re just sad, that’s all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you’re afraid and you don’t know what you’re afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling? …Well, when I get it the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany’s. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it. Nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that’d make me feel like Tiffany’s, then — then I’d buy some furniture and give the cat a name!”

Her breakfast at Tiffany’s consists of a croissant and a coffee had on the grand Fifth Avenue outside of Tiffany & Co’s flagship store – all before the city awakes.

Whenever I think of what having breakfast at Tiffany’s meant to Holly Golightly, I think of how Paris feels to me. Calm, comforted, inspired.

Years ago when I was moving I found a little tiara of my grandmother’s that I had inherited and I thought to myself what fun it would be to re-enact that opening scene I love so much using this heirloom piece of hers. This past weekend I finally mustered up the courage to do so and what fun I had. I took a more modern approach to Holly’s look to dress down the costume aspect of it – what do you guys think?

I’ve often said there is such beauty and peace in New York City when you awake before everyone else is out and about. And if coffee and croissants are involved, all the much better in my opinion!

I think my “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” place would be Place Dauphine in Paris. Where would yours be?

If you follow me on Instagram I’ll be sharing some of my inspiration photos for this shoot, too. Hope you enjoyed it!

Kate Spade Dress & Heels // The Daily Edited Box Bag // Celine Sunglasses // BaubleBar Earrings

More Little Black Dresses:

p.s. inspired by old New York and how to be your own best date.

[Jacqueline Clair Photography]