I was having a drink in bar with my father over the weekend, who is quite advanced in age, and on one of the TV screens in the place, the channel was set to Fashion TV. Having casual conversations about this, that and the other, my good old Dad started talking about how different women are. Now he wasn't talking about the position of women - he's a self proclaimed male feminist (3 daughters will do that to you) but more how the idea of female beauty has changed. That the classic look which seemed so effortless, that many women easily emulated now takes too much work, and that still, in comparison, modern women are less refined and less classic looking than their previous counterparts.
Now I kind of disagreed with him - I think there are tons of modern women who are classic beauty - that no matter what they wear - they have a classic refined and lasting beauty to them - no matter the age. And then I see women in sweat pants and sloppy 'outfits' that look like they picked it up off the floor, and it makes me sad - as I remember when I was very young how much pride women took in their appearences and that my mother would never have left the house without her lipstick, perfume and heels on.
Men nowadays aren't any better - though they can hide behind a suit and think they are dressed well. It just seems the pace of modern life, no one has time to think about how important it is to present themselves well, and maintain that. How you look impacts how you feel and if you're dressed well, you feel well.
So when I got home and got to looking at some of the classic beauties my father mentioned, I realized they all had that in common - it wasn't that these women were some extraordinary physical specimens - that's not the case for most - but what they had was a STYLE - they used the attributes they had but always put forward their best face and kept up their look and style in a way that became classic because they were so consistent. That's what makes them beautiful - they just didn't take care of themselves, but had an identity that was recognizable and knowable - and so it became classic. I think we need more of these types of normal icons, that take everyday beauty and elevate it.
Elizabeth Taylor
Her violet, almond-shaped eyes, creamy skin, pout and raven hair, all made Liz, stand out.
Billie Holiday
Always refined and smiling, the jazz singer often wore an eye-catching flower in her hair which exaggerated her exotic beauty.
Audrey Hepburn
Hepburn's elfin features made the actress irresistable to stare at. Her's is a look and style that is copied to this day.
Marilyn Monroe
There is no blond that was more legendarily beautiful than Monroe. They don't come more beautiful or iconic than the ultimate platinum bombshell.
Dorothy Dandridge
Nominated for an Academy Award, she broke the barrier for women of color. This beautiful and radiant queen was known for her acting, she, and adored for her beauty and sensuality.
Sophia Loren
One of the greatest beauties of all time, Loren says that 'Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical.' 
Grace Kelly
The Princess of Monaco is a timeless beauty icon and a real princess. Her look was subtle and fresh with barely-there make-up. Faultless.
Brigitte Bardot
A captivating beauty, Brigitte Bardot, is one of the most stunning women of all time. Her signature cat eye make-up, trademark tousled blonde hair and sultry pout, is irresistable.
Diahann Carroll
Her stunning eyes, and smooth skin, and riveting looks got her a role of Dynasty and left many wanting for more.
Claudia Cardinale
This Italian actress was extraordinarily beautiful, radiant and effortlessly glamorous who accentuated her perfect features and big dark eyes.
Veronica Lake
Her sultry looks and peek-a-boo 'do has become a classic look - a style she complemented with rosy cheeks, defined eyebrows and a bold red lip.
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