began 50 years ago today, with the inauguration of JFK.
January 20, 1961
And, our country gained not only a handsome, young President, but the incomprable Jacqueline Kennedy.
Her style. Her beauty. Her grace and poise. Her time as our First Lady ushered in an era of elegance in the White House that elevated how our country saw itself.
When she arrived at her new home, at the age of 31, Jackie worked tirelessly to restore, not simply redecorate. I think if she were alive today, she would have been an ardent supporter of 1st Dibs.
Jackie also entertained with ease, yet it was her tireless attention to detail that made it seem effortless.
She gave great thought to what she wore and how it set the tone for her events. As someone who prized her privacy, I think she would have been a fan of Net-A-Porter and Bergdorf online.
To learn more about how Jackie orchestrated memorable occasions as First Lady, read In The Kennedy Style ~Magical Evenings in the Kennedy White House by Letitia Baldridge.
It is worthwhile to have in your library for both its historical references and lessons on hospitality.
After her husband’s death, Jackie dedicated herself to the establishment of the JFK Presidential Library. I think she would have been proud that the entire John F. Kennedy Presidentail Archives have now been digitzed and made available to all.
Though she may not have had a Facebook page of her own, I think she would have enjoyed that we can all sign up for Tweets, Facebook updates and Podcasts from this body of historical significance.
Including this video on how she entertained in the White House.
So, on this anniversary of Camelot, think of the woman who helped shape our history, our fashions and how we aim to entertain. Jackie, you were one of a kind!
She sure was and still is in so many ways!
xxoo
She is an icon of elegance.
She was most definitely one of a kind and I think her style eclipsed her noted intelligence, which of course contributed to her success in all arenas. Love that shot of her which I don't think I've seen – quite the do!
Love that bit about how she elevated how we saw ourselves as a country….sigh.
She had an amazing life…and what wonderful style and grace she had! Take care, Caroline
Great post! It is my husband's birthday…his parent's lived in DC and worked in Government. They went to Kennedy's Inauguration. Matt's brother has the invitation! I was so jealous but we got the beautiful invitation to the Eisenhower/Nixon inauguration they went to in 1957. I had it framed and mounted for his birthday the first year we were married.
xo,
Alexis
Did you hear about the Kennedy mini series (starring Katie Holmes as Jackie O) that was recently cancelled. I believe due to Caroline Kennedy's opposition. I was so bummed. Jackie O is fascinating and inspiring in many ways.
the Camelot era!
xo Cathy
Such a style icon…
Having spent 10 years working in development at Miss Porter's (aka Farmington aka Jackie's alma mater) she was the alum everyone wanted to know about…her room in the dorm (yes she did scratch her initials in the glass pane with her diamond earrings). Love her style – truly an icon.
Elizabeth,
I just watched the video…absolutely fascinating. This might be the best post I've seen on a blog in a long time…relevant, timeless, chic and simply captivating was Jackie! I adore her style…she was the epitome of class and sophistication. Thanks for making my blog hopping so educational!
I don't know a woman in America who wasn't influenced by her in some way!
Thank you for honouring this great couple – I am a bit of a Kennedy stalker I must say. Enjoyed your post!
As so are you for mentioning her 🙂 They were the closest thing this country had to royalty! XO