MOD Monday - Julie Driscoll

In the 60's, music had a huge influence on the fashions that shaped the 'Mod movement' and British singer Julie Driscoll was definitely in the realms of those who inspired people to dress a certain way.  Hailing from London, England, she started out staking her claim to fame by covering a Bob Dylan original titled "This Wheel's On Fire" and soon thereafter became instrumental in defining the psychedelic era that was British music.  In her teens, Driscoll was the prez of the Yardbirds fan club.  

As she progressed on through to the 70's she focused her musical talents in the genre of Jazz and since then goes by the name of Julie Tippet's, having taken on her married name.  In the late 60's, Julie's bohemian style became truly representative of the vintage mod fashion scene.  

The bohemian 60's was different from the hippie 60's in that it wasn't about baring your feet and wearing flowers in your hair.  It was more of a flowy maxi skirts, floppy hats, boas, faded torn blues and cheese cloth blouses that you can see through (I know because my aunt had one!) were what boho was all about. The mod mix in of course was the pixie hair do that was being duped by everyone from Twiggy, to Mia Farrow!

This Fall 2011, we've been seeing a resurgence of the vintage mod styles in stores everywhere!  Mod boho is one of the simplest to emulate with just a few simple additions to your wardrobe.

My fave Julie Driscoll tune is "Season Of The Witch" which was originally put out by the artist Donovan.  In her time, she was totally a hipster chick!



pics: tumblr.com, psychedeliclion.blogspot.com, polyvore.com, broadcast090511.cocolog-nifty.com 

Vintage Mod Bohemian Faux Fur Making A Comeback

When the cooler weather approaches, it's our nature to want to get into a cozy comfort zone.  This Fall & Winter 2011, the vintage fuzzy fashions of soft faux fur that were once popular with the 'Mod Bohemian' crowd, are making a comeback for a season of cuddly chic. Sonny & Cher were instrumental in bringing faux fur into the limelight in the 60's.

Also called fun fur, fake fur and most recently faux fur, this material usually made from synthetic fibers to mimic the look and feel of fur has been available since the 1950's.  Since then, it's popularity has soared with animal rights activists because it's an animal friendly alternative. The downside to faux fur is that they are made from synthetic fibers which when produced are not very environmentally friendly.  Meaning they aren't biodegradable and come from non-renewable resources.  You know there's always going to be the 'pros & cons'.

Just because it's going to be cold outside doesn't mean that we have to dress like lumberjacks!  Faux fur is the ticket for being trendy and warm.  Ranging in an assortment of complimentary accessories as well, from hats to bags and boots. It's such an easy look to throw together but make sure to keep it simple with solids as pairing too many prints with fur can make your outfit appear too busy.

Always keep in mind you want to complement, not overpower... Faux fur is such a simple way to add an element of texture to an otherwise drab outfit.
Also take heed to making sure you bypass looking like a cave woman (meaning make sure your faux fur isn't bulky over over sized).  For instance this what appears to be honey fox faux worn by Kelly Rowland is a fashion 'no-no' because there's just too much going on!

This pairing worn by socialite Kim Kardashian is the right way to faux...simple yet classic.

*You can totally get into your comfort zone this season and stay stylish as well by splurging on some very affordable faux fur. 


pics: listal.com, blog.loehmanns.com, osochic.com, refinery29.com, fashiongrail.com, dailymail.co.uk 

Fashion In Film Friday - Slumdog Millionaire

The movie Slumdog Millionaire was nominated for '10' academy awards in 2009 and featured a cast of unknown newcomers, some of who's real lives actually followed suit to the characters they were portraying. The plot centers around a Mumbai teen growing up in the slums who later on becomes a contestant on the Indian version of 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?"  Upon winning, he's arrested for suspicion that he cheated, and during his interrogation the film goes on to play out events from his life that explains just exactly how he knew all of the answers.

Indian actress & model, Frieda Pinto's career has been on the rise since the release of this film.  She got the part of lead female as the character Latika who was the love interest of the lead male role played by Dev Patel.  Pinto's character Latika's costumes in the film truly give the true ambiance that is India, with the exotic, vivid, evocative & visually stunning Indian inspired clothing styles.  The saris, jewelry and tunics of this country by comparison is somewhat equivalent to the Bohemian styles popular here in the states.

Eastern fashions incorporate a vivid variety of mixing colors and fabric textures that allows for a lot of freedom in regards to choosing the right pairings when it comes to trying to incorporate this fashion style into your own wardrobe.  For instance to easily achieve the Slumdog Millionaire look, an Eastern inspired printed scarf, a hammered coin bracelet or earrings and an embellished chiffon dress will do the trick!  All these items shown here from various shops right here on Etsy.

Whether you're looking at a high end department store, or your local thrift shops, I'm sure you're bound to find something to fit your own Eastern influenced personal style taste.  In my opinion, this is a perfect example of a lack of, 'taste that is' as The Pussycat Dolls were seen shortly after the premiere in these atrocious sari epic fail get ups!

        
pics: movieposters.com, popscribblings.com, zeenastyle.wordpress.com, tonguechic.com, www.etsy.com/shop/pennyraevintage?ref=seller_info,
www.etsy.com/shop/Textilemonster?reref=seller_info,
www.etsy.com/shop/danglingdiva?ref=seller_info

Watercolor Floral

There's a new diversion to the common floral print taking over these days as 'water color floral' designs are making a big statement this summer.  Gone is the idea that 'floral prints' are a vintage design of the past or for your granny, as solids are out & vivacious brush stroke hues are in!  Watercolor prints look like something that came straight off of an artists canvas...  Floral is big in Hollywood at the moment, seen here being worn by Cameron Diaz, Heidi Montag and Leslie Mann.

Floral was seen at Prom this year in designs such as this watercolor floral low draped back prom dress...

This watercolor floral bohemian print peasant blouse is ultra feminine paired with a pair of stone washed denim jeans...

  
Floral is everywhere and in every design from bags to shoes and don't think it's going to go away come Winter as it's even being incorporated into colder weather clothing although considered non traditional.

 thisnext.com , stylebyne.net , static.fasion4us.com , divavillage.com , marctimes.com , jovani.com , refinery29.com , theinsidesource.com .

Fashion In Film Friday - "The Lost Boys"

Even before the movie 'Twilight', vampires have been romanticized in movies.  The 1987 flick Lost Boys, starring Kiefer Sutherland as the head vamp & Jason Patric as the lead role, was definitely one to remember. 

Besides having a killer soundtrack, the style of the undead was off the hook, retro bohemian gypsy.  They wore embellished military jackets, long trench coats, army boots, bangle jewelry and long flowing skirts.  And let's not forget to mention the big 80's hair!  Jamie Gertz who played Patric's love interest, was rogue'ishly feminine in her belly dancer inspired boho floor length skirt and colorful peasant inspired top.

Shortly after this film was released, the grunge movement in regards to fashions came about which leaves us to believe that the inspiration behind it may have very well have come from this.  Grunge by definition is based on the Seattle sound that emerged during the late 80's and trailed on well into the first half of the 90's and the fashion style changes that came along with it.  

There hasn't been much of an evolution in comparison to grunge circa 1987 til' now as we've seen a stand still in the design, however there's been a bit of a goth influence to the grunge status quo as vampire movies have evoked a cosplay feel to the fashion statement, by incorporating a lot of 'black & metal' into their daily wear.

I am personally a big fan of vampire movies, so I have one question for you...


Are you TEAM EDWARD or.....TEAM JACOB? 




impawards.com  bloogygoodhorror.com , shopstyle.com

Bohemian Queen Janis Joplin

When I think of Bohemian style in regards to fashion sense, I can't help but turn my thoughts to my personal 'fave', the ultimate hippie chic, Janis Joplin.  Janis was an American born singer & songwriter who was ranked #46 out of 100 in 2004 by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the 'Greatest Artists of All Time'... 

She was the true definition of a 'free spirit' and her flame flickered out way before it's time, but she left behind a her a legacy of music that defined an era of 'peace, love & harmony' in the midst of the Vietnam war.

By no means would Joplin be referred to as a 'beautiful woman' by todays standards. But she was something special for sure in her own right!  She had an amazing stage presence and aside from her obvious talent credentials, she became a fashion trend setter of the 60's.  She influenced her generation as well as ours with her careless gypsy style.  Once known as 'hippie' now called 'bohemian'.  People were drawn to her sense of individuality and rebellion in opposition to what the status quo norm was...

If anyone went against the grain, it was Janis as she definitely translated her personality through her sense of style.

Janice's over the top, vivacious, without borders styles was all about 'excess'.  Less was not more!  She was all about feather boas, big floppy hats, big beaded necklaces, oversized shades and F.Y.I....she made bangles famous before Madonna did in the 80's!  One Joplin staple that has made a big current comeback is the Mongolian fur vest.

Of every style era that's ever been attempted to be replicated, I think Janice's is the easiest because just like it was then, the 'anything goes', easy flowing vintage hippie style of the 60's revamped circa 2011...remains...

: stylecaster.com , frockandrollonline.com , cardboardposters.com , listal.com , fc07.deviantart.net , etsy.com/shop/shelcollector

Nitty Gritty Vintage Navajo Inspired Fashions & Accessories

Get your true grit on this Spring because vintage inspired, Western Navajo accessories such as sandals and wide brimmed fedoras are taking the reins!  Embroidered leather totes, basket weave sandals and turquoise jewelry...  It's all about the bohemian rustic vibe as we roll into the dog days of Summer... 

Ralph Lauren's Spring 2011 collection showcased the wild west with a modern American prairies feel to his pieces that included giant belt buckles, suede choker necklaces and Navajo rug tote bags.
  

Fendi, Chloe & Emilio Pucci are in on the action this Spring strumming up some colorful Native American style shoes and hand bag...

I am truly fond of the vintage old West style, however I don't think of this fashion trend in terms of Summer wear because it doesn't have that light and airy appeal to me, but I am definitely looking forward to seeing more of this trend for Fall 2011.




 styleist.com , thelookstore.com , petite.about.com

MOD Monday!

We've decided here at Retro Threadz that every Monday we're going to be doing a flashback of popular vintage fashions or fashion models from the era of the 60's because seriously...we 'love love love' the fab & funky mod styles of that era so with that being said, when it comes to mod, "what goes around comes back around" as this colorful, versatile style isn't going anywhere soon!

Mod fashions and the models who wore them were brash and daring and definitely ahead of the times!  The styles of the 60's were owned by England but it wasn't too long before Americans hopped on board!    


The term 'Mod' is derived from the word 'Modernist' and is defined as...
mod ¹  (md)

n.

An unconventionally modern style of fashionable dress originating in England in the late 1950's & early 1960s.

adj.

1. In or characteristic of this unconventionally modern style.

         2. Fashionably up-to-date, especially in style, design, or dress.

In and around the 60's, two youth subcultures became ground breaking for mod fashion; the bongo beating bohemian beatniks with their berets and turtlenecks...

And the Teddy Boys with their spiffy dandy narcissistic style that made a man having interest is fashion socially acceptable...

From the mid 60's and on, the term mod was used to describe anything that was thought to be 'popular' & the 60's will always be known as defining Mod as the 'cult of the super cool'.  Today's fashion trends still continue to incorporate that concept into designs.

There is a bevy of 60's styles, fashions, fads, icons and trends to cover and we look forward to bringing them all to light for you... So make sure you stop by next week for our MOD Monday 60's retro rewind!  

Browse our 60's style digs!

 4.bp.blogspot.com , corbisimages.com , finefettleguide.blogspot.com , newyorkcityfashion.wordpress.com , iams.pbworks.com , retrothreadz.etsy.com