Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Swinging Sixties Icons

Personal style comes from all different places.  Some get their ideas from patterns and shapes, others from celebrities,  the media, and other peoples of interest,  but for me, my personal style inspiration comes from something a little different.  An era which we call "the swinging sixties".


The 60's were a time of simplistic shapes, risk taking colors, and individuality. There was so much influence in fashion from outside sources such as music like the Beatles and Janis Joplin, but also movies like my personal favorite, Valley of the Dolls, had a great style impact.
Valley of the Dolls

So, in honor of this "swinging sixties" mode, and where I get my personal style from, I decided it would be fun to countdown my top 10 style icons of the sixties.  Each of these ladies saw style as a creative obligation, and did a great job in setting future trends.  Enjoy!

10. Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin born in January 1943, started her career as the lead singer of Big Brother and the Holding Company and afterwards, began performing solo. Thats probably why Rolling Stone Magazine ranked her at number 46 on their list of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.  Joplin's style was hippie-chic.  She often wore multiple necklaces, bracelets, and large earrings paired with oversized glasses.  The majority of her tops were very free-styled, flowing or very loose fit, and she paired them often with crochet vests and fun be-dazzled belts.

Nextdoor Janis Re-creation
RRT Cuffs
RYU Lace Trim Vest 68.00
My Tribe Sleeveless Tank 100.00
J-Brand Gray Jeans 166.00
Brown Beaded Necklace 80.00
Si Si Amber Olive Necklace 136.00
Chain Necklace: 72.00
Michael Stars Tie Dye Green 46.00
9. Cher
Sonny and Cher
  With a career spanning over forty years, Cher's style has truly stood the test of time. From her long legs, her simplistic edge, and her endless talent, Cher truly made the sixties, a fashionable affair.   Featured here in a white mini dress, and her iconic straight hair, Cher's effortless look and courageous sense of style, put her at number 9 on my list.
Nextdoor Cher Re-Creation
213 Dress 132.00
8. Goldie Hawn
Who doesn't know Goldie Hawn? With an impeccable acting resume, stunning features, and corky sense of style, Hawn shows us how to have fun with fashion.   From winning her first Oscar in 1969 for her role in Cactus Flower, to my personal favorite, The First Wives Club, Hawn is truly the epitome of talent.  Featured here, is Goldie  wearing an effortless green minidress, with edgy ruffles and detail.  Its free and simple, but with a little push.
Nextdoor Goldie Re-creation
Shirimiri London Rose Lace Leggings 48.00
Green 213 Ruffle Dress 128.00
Black KGB Studios Bag 72.00

7. Anita Pallenberg
You may not know Anita Pallenberg by name, but you do know her notorious boyfriend, Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones whom she was with until 1980.  Although having only small roles in films and films, her effortless style, as seen above, puts her at my list at number 7.
Nextdoor Anita Re-creation
RRT Design Earrings
RRT Design Necklace
Jack Boho Top 46.00
BB Dakota Blue Racerback top 46.00
Paige Venice Crop 198.00
6. Edie Sedgwick
Known as the "it-girl", Edie was one of Andy Warhol's superstars, starring in many of his short films and even having an outstanding modeling career.  Sadly, Edie's life was cut short not long after the decade had ended, but her sassy pixie cut and daring patterns are still remembered in the fashion world today. 
Nextdoor Edie Re-creation
Michael Stars Riviera Stripe Top 54.00
Rock&Republic Skinny Black Jeggings 147.00

5. Brigette Bardow
Bardow, a French fashion model, actress, and singer, set the stage for glamour in the 60's.  With her unique style, and trend setting nature, Brigette popularized such pieces as the bikini and even got the fashion world to name a neckline after her called "the bardot" which is a wide open neck that exposes both shoulders.  The shot above was taken by paparazzi, but really showcases Brigette's elegant taste.  With her knee high boots and long retro coat, Bardow's style is still starting trends and influencing designers.
Nextdoor Brigette Re-creation
BB Dakota Cloud Violet Jacket 106.00
Hazel Bandeau Dress 84.00
Chocolate handbag w/ Zipper/ Gray 106.00
RRT Design Jewlery


4.  Twiggy
The girl who set the stage for model's everywhere makes my list and number 4.  Twiggy, or Leslie Hornby, made fashion history with her short pixie cut, thin frame, and large eyes.  The pieces she wore were bold, accentuating bold colors and patterns.  Twiggy's name is still legendary today along with her style, and unique look.  Here, she is shown wearing a hot pink dress, bold silver medallion earrings, and white tights, a funky yet fresh look.
Nextdoor Twiggy Re-creation
Hot Pink Ruffle 213 Dress 110.00
RRT Earrings 
3. Jackie O
The name Jackie O is synonymous with style.  As the first lady to President Kennedy, Jackie brought glamour and ease to the White House with her suit jackets, sunglasses, and gloves, and set the trends for women everywhere.  When you think sophisticated, you think Jackie O.  
Nextdoor Jackie O Re-creation
Shyla Yellow Trench 132.00
Chocolate Brand Banana Handbag 52.00
BB Dakota Ribbon Skirt 64.00
 Michael Stars Heather Gray Elbow Sleeve Top 54.00
2. Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn, the star of such beloved classics as Breakfast at Tiffany's, My Fair Lady, and Sabrina, is iconic for her elegant style.  She brought charm to fashion, with her cutesy ensembles and form fitting pieces, and made black big.  Above, is one of my favorite outfits because its simple and really shows that clothing is made to enhance the body and one's shape.  Hepburn, to this day, is seen as one of the biggest fashions icons in history, and one of the most influential people in terms of style.  
Nextdoor Audrey Re-creation
Rock& Republic Skinny Jeggins 147.00
Earrings 28.00
RRT Cuff Bracelet
Michael Stars Black Scoop Neck Top 42.00
1. Sharon Tate
Maybe its her engaging beauty, maybe its her unique outlook on fashion, or maybe its just because I love Valley of the Dolls, Sharon Tate is number one.  Tate, born in 1943 and wife of famed movie director Roman Polanski, had a style that was all her own.  Sharon's style was angelic, with short mini dresses and tight skinny jeans, her fashion sense was impeccable and timely.  Although Sharon's life was brutally cut short, her style, talent, and beauty live on for future generations of fashionistas.  Sharon is my inspiration for all of my fashion choices, and is my model when it comes to style.  
Nextdoor Sharon Re-creation
Chocolate Handbag Green 52.00
Hazel Crochet Cardi 86.00
J Brand Highwaisted Skinnies 198.00
Michael Stars Nude Cami 40.00
Gold Hoops 10.00


Well there you have it.  Ten amazing icons inspired by one very stylish era.  Take this opportunity to be eclectic and find you OWN sense of style. It can be from a person, an era, or from within, just find something that fits YOU.



























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