Hello beeple people! As of yet, I haven't blogged about fashion or style and I don't personally consider myself a fashionista. However, I do love to create new outfits and mix up the styles. So I thought I'd share three oh my fashion loves with you in this post. I don't quite know what my style could even be classified as but I do know that my favorite fashion era is definitely the 1960s and 1970s and that I always liked the most weird and hard to find accessories like ponchos and head bands. That era had it all: revolutionary music movements and wicked hairdos. Pair that with winged eye liner and you can rule the world. Luckily some of these are back in style! Here's what I'll be yapping about: My obsession with the bell bottoms, The grunge ripped jeans (orthe Guns N' Roses jeans) and finally, the ponchos, capes and large vests that are back full force. So here are my two cents... Where I got the obsession...The retro fashion obsession with bell bottoms began because of my first musical obsession: The Beatles. In following their evolution in song writing and sound creations, I noticed that their clothing style changed with each year as well. From matching suits to vests, t-shirts and long hair. I relished every single look that they had. Ok, except when John went all "I'm sporting a long beard and wearing stuff that makes me look like a cult leader" near the end of the band's life. But then, the genius gene always seems to be combined with weird one. In reading their books and looking at their photos, and that of my parents when they were younger, my eyes always darted to the flared bottom of their pants. What was it about these that I liked so much? The way the cut emphasized the thighs and then widened to cover the shoes. To me, they resembled a sort of uniform. They were different. Their association with the hippy movementDuring my teenage years, I was always fascinated by the hippie movement and its fashion. Then I realized that army shirts, one-piece suits, the ponchos and of course, the bell bottom pants were like the uniforms of those seeking peace in their own way. Since I was going through Beatlemania, I read up on these trends and always searched high and low to find more about this style. I was thrilled when movies like Forrest Gump came out since much of it depicted those times and the style that came with it (AND it featured John Lennon - major bonus!). Jenny, one of the characters, portrayed a haunted soul who desperately searched for answers and ultimately, love. Forrest on the other hand took life literally and despite his different ways of seeing the world, he was an eternal optimist who believed in the best of people and who succeeded because he was loved and loved others relentlessly. Favorite scene: when Jenny and Forrest reunite during his short speech. As they run towards one another and embrace, two worlds collide as the crowd cheers. Back in the 1960s, the word hippie apparently came from hipster, describing beatnicks, an underground anti-conformist youth movement, that had moved to New York circa 1948. The Beat philosophy of anti-materialism and soul searching influenced 1960s musicians such as Bob Dylan, the early Pink Floyd, and non other than The Beatles (Wikipedia). I was drawn to the openness this hippie movement offered as well as its quest for peace. I admired its non-violent ways and how at ease these individuals seemed to be. I thought these folks were somehow artists in their hearts and were calming the world with their flowery hair; marching against war and re-questioning the political system, amazing! I didn't quite agree, however, with the heavy drug use that this movement is often linked with. You know, reaching that alternate state of mind in soul searching. I just believe that inner peace shouldn't stem from regular use of substances that significantly change your state of mind. It's one thing to want to "explore", it's another to be an escapist and have maladaptive coping mechanisms and this behavior can ultimately come from all kinds of traumas and abuse though I won't get into that. Unfortunately, many substances are chemically addictive to the human body (studied it in neurobio, fascinating). I also believe that there is a time to sit on large beanie pillows and listen to music to relax and get inspired to do things and then, more often than not, there is a time to get up and go do all those wonderful things. I DIGRESS... My drug was music and Beatlemania was my religion. Music alone instilled an alternate state of mind. My black Sony Walkman (after the yellow one died) was the best invention in creation. I got to have a soundtrack to my life any time I pressed play. I had rechargeable batteries that I obediently charged every night and the worst thing in the world was to have them die on me during my train ride home. Discovering new Beatles albums was the best! Sounds that hit your nervous system and lyrics that baffled your judgement and kept you wondering and wanting more.. The Beatles were the colour of my blood: I spoke of them, I read on them and I dreamed of them. I was hysterical when The Beatles' Anthology came out and actually cried when I heard free as a bird for the first time as it was sort of a come back for the Fab Fours, one I had awaited for what seemed like my entire 13 year old life. But back to the fashion question! I was determined to find these bell bottom denims but there was one small problem though. I was a teenager trapped in the "skater" style of the 1990s. A world ruled by immortals like Jon Bonjov and, Nirvana. Bands which I liked, but my brain was too preoccupied by The Beatles and revisiting the 60s. Back then, internet wasn't available like it is today and my only options were A) looking in our basement closet for hidden treasure or B) Going to second hand/vintage stores. I had once found a pair but they were oddly shaped and I never wore them. And don't get me started on the fake "boot leg" cut that made a come back in the late 1990s. They weren't flared at all and when they were, I had to hem them so I lost all of the flared part of the pant. Life was hard. So I made my peace but secretly always looked for them. Finally, one fine day last march, walking by an H&M store, I saw them. I saw an actual pair of high rise bell bottom pants on a mannequin. WHAT! I immediately checked them out, tried them on and to my delight, they looked like they were supposed to. They rise above my belly button and are so flared that no amount of hemming would disturb the style. I purchased them on the spot. So teenage Ivana can finally rest and I happily wear them out even though I'll still be the only one out there to love them so much.
Ponchos, Vests and HatsLove me a warm blanket when it gets chilly! Well, ponchos are like that, a portable blanket that has holes in them so you can walk around with free arms and of course, they are reminiscing the 1970s. They are quite comfortable and cozy, especially around a nice campfire or if you're having a late BBQ with friends or are at a cottage somewhere. To be honest, ponchos particularly aren't practical: the long fabric can get in the way if you are doing work around the house and for the love of god, do not COOK while wearing one unless you want to set the kitchen on fire or make a mess. They are best for hanging out in; going for a walk, going to the pictures, shopping, etc.
I personally cannot wear those beautiful capes that are everywhere this upcoming season because I just don't find they suit me very well. However, a nice alternative to that is a loosely fitted vest with large sleeves. I spotted many lovely ones at Dynamite Clothing. I got myself a black and white one, paired it with a black belt and burgundy hat (a colour that seems to be all the rage this fall) and voilà! Those were my two cents, and a quarter... Bee in style beeple people! ;) xx
Maria Masciotra
27/8/2015 01:14:40 am
Nice article and well documented! Comments are closed.
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AuthorMy name is Ivana. I love photography and meeting people. I hold a Master's in counselling psychology and work as a career consultant. Music is my fuel and an important source of energy in my life. I drive my vespa around the city and I love what I do! :) About this blog: me on my artistic soap box! My first novel!Sign up to get notified with my blog updates!
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