Dolly Rocker Girl

walkin' in a retro wonderland

2011-12-24T12:23:00.000-06:00

With Christmas just around the corner, I know what I will be asking for - just about everything from The Retrosphere, my favorite new online vintage store. With great extras like 'Trends' and 'Get-the-Look' highlighting great retro style icons, this site is is a full experience - featuring style tips, street-style looks on their blog, and fabulous unique vintage pieces.

On my style must-haves list are the Belted Chelsea Boots, the Red Flapper Dress with fab fringe, the Vintage Mink Fur Coat (also that top-knot bun the model is rocking!) - I know what I will be ordering with my Christmas money!

Here are some fantastic pictures from the Retrosphere's latest lookbook:

the 21 club

2011-12-15T22:25:00.000-06:00

Today is my twenty-first birthday. So here are twenty things I bet you didn't (or maybe you did, I am quite transparent about certain things) know about me. Why twenty things, and not twenty-one? Check #5.

1. I have been a vegetarian for over a decade. The thing that swayed me into vegetarianism was the cartoon show Brace Face. I saw an episode where Sharon Spitz works at a meatpacking factory, and I've never touched meat since.

2. I don't trust boys who giggle a lot. It's unnatural and I think that it means they are up to something.

3. I compulsively lie all of the time, usually about small things and when it makes my story sound better. I think this might be genetic because my mother does it as well.

4. Besides blogging, I also write for my university newspaper, write poetry, and make experimental short films.

5. I hate odd numbers.

6. My guilty pleasure is watching a marathon of old episodes of "Law and Order: SVU" while eating a scoop of Baskin Robbins' gold medal ribbon ice cream.

7. I don't believe in celebrating my birthday - not in a Jehovah's Witness sort of way, just birthdays always tend to disappoint me so I don't expect much from them.

8. I can quote every line from The Philadelphia Story, Notorious, Help!, A Hard Day's Night, several Andy Hardy movies, Rebel Without a Cause, Almost Famous, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and practically the entire catalogue of films made starring Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, and Marilyn Monroe.

9. My favorite authors are Colette, Truman Capote, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Lewis Carroll, Ernest Hemingway, David Sedaris, Chuck Klosterman, and Simon Doonan. But my favorite author of all-time is Virginia Woolf. My favorite poets are Frank O'Hara, Sylvia Plath, Dylan Thomas, Allen Ginsberg, and Jack Kerouac. And I think Bob Dylan is a damn fine poet as well.

10. I change how I feel and who I want to be about a dozen times a day.

11. My favorite words is 'brilliance,' with 'luminosity' (which I am stealing from Michael Cunningham after hearing him say it when he came to one of my classes a few weeks ago) being a close second.

12. Right now, I really want to look like Sienna Miller's character Nikki in the movie Alfie.

13. I have a personal bucket list - among the first things listed are to move to Paris, visit Morocco, follow a band on tour, and cut my hair into a pixie cut.

14. I live an incredibly superficial existence, mostly revolving around the shoes I am lusting after at the moment, the beauty products I've decided I cannot live without, and the movie I am incessantly quoting.

15. I have severe crushes on Donald Glover (aka Childish Gambino / Troy from Community) and Keith Richards.

16. I want to live inside of a French New Wave movie (preferably one by Godard, if I can make a choice on the matter).

17. In my dream world, I would just quit school and become a rock star.

18. My favorite book would be a tie between Faithfull by Marianne Faithfull and Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway. A close third would be Infinite Variety, the biography on the Marchesa Luisa Casati.

19. I am a hoarder - I keep all of the makeup I purchase, the magazines I subscribe to, papers I get, and clothes I buy (regardless of if they fit or if I particularly like them or not). Apparently Edie Sedgwick was like this as well, so at least I am in good company.

20. There are so many classes that I want to take (that unfortunately my university doesn't offer): sewing, knitting, French cooking, costume jewelry making, t-shirt printing, pastry making, language classes in Arabic, Hindi, Japanese, Italian and German, etc.

How to be like Bebe Buell

2011-12-14T17:38:00.001-06:00

Bebe Buell is one of my favorite girls. I guess it's because I feel like she and I are kind of kindred spirits - we are both vegetarians, both believe in reincarnation, both love Oscar Wilde and Mick Jagger, and both admire the great women who inspire rock music, like Pattie Boyd and Marianne Faithfull. The only difference is that Bebe actually became one of these women as well. To the public, she is known as the mother of Liv Tyler, and, to those more in-the-know, a great muse to some of the biggest names in rock history. But don't sell Bebe short - she's not just a muse to rock'n'rollers, but also a rock star in her own right. Her style is amazing, her demeanor alluring - after all, there's a reason why men from Mick Jagger to Jack Nicholson all flocked to her! I've written about the style similarities between Bebe and young fashionistas like Mischa Barton on the site before, but now is everyone's chance to get a little Bebe in their lives.

Bebe's Wardrobe:

Message tees of famous bands, authors, and magazines (a reproduction of the famed Oscar Wilde tee is available on Worn Free, as is a tee for BeBop Cafe)
A floral, ruffly kimono wrap top, as worn in Playboy Magazine
Cream-colored fur coat with a suede tie at the waist and huge fluffy collar - so luxe that it puts Penny Lane's Mongolian lamb fur trim to shame!
Strapless dresses, often with empire waists, in a variety of colors (black, red, burnt orange - to name a few) and patterns
Overalls with short legs in denim and khaki, at least one with a paisley trim
High-waisted flared jeans (worn with a fitted tank top)
White satin military jacket with gold embroidery and blue jewels - such a statement in itself that Bebe didn't need to wear anything underneath!
Lace bustier/corset tops (red with black lace overlay) - worn backstage at concerts and to clubs
Leopard leotards
Knee-length full circle skirts with loud patterns
Dresses with fluttery butterfly sleeves
A good leather motorcycle jacket - an essential for hanging out with all of those badass rock'n'rollers
A crazy-cool minidress with newspaper-style print all over it
Tons of white eyelet, ruffles, and crocheted items for that beautiful innocent look that Bebe rocked so well

Her Accessories:

Silk top hats
Stylish berets (black, a red crocheted one with yellow and black patterns)
Fishnets with thick seams at the back
Gloves - black lace ones and a white pair with black polka dots
Flowers in her hair, pushed behind her ears - sometimes behind both ears!
A bottle of Chanel No. 5, never any other perfume. Once, according to Rebel Heart, Mick Jagger gave her "a large bottle of Shalimar perfume (I still have the bottle, although, being a Chanel girl, I could never actually wear that floozy juice)"

Pastimes:

Hanging out with rock'n'roll elite
Inspiring music and movies - she was the basis for the character Penny Lane in Almost Famous, and has inspired songs by Elvis Costello, Prince, and Chester French (who wrote a song called "Bebe Buell")
Writing books and songs
Being any number of these things: a Playboy Playmate, a fashion model, a rock star, a mother, a grandmother
Being a "Creem Dream" - for which she still is, according to the lyrics to "Money Machine"

Friends and Lovers:

Bebe is an extremely popular girl, so here is just a sampling of who she has been associated with over the years...

David Bowie, and his former wifey Angela
Andy Warhol
Salvador Dali, about whom she has said, "his moustache was greasy"
Iggy Pop
Nico
Rod Stewart
Jimmy Page and Led Zeppelin
Eric Clapton
Patti Smith
Elvis Costello
Todd Rundgren
Debbie Harry
Steven Tyler and Aerosmith
The Rolling Stones, particularly Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood
Stiv Bators - the duo was named Creem Magazine's Couple of the Year in 1980
Coyote Shivers
Jim Wallerstein
Jack Nicholson and Warren Beatty
Kate Moss
Pamela Des Barres (a conversation between the two women is featured in Des Barres' book Let's Spend the Night Together)
Cyrinda Foxe
Lori Maddox and Sable Starr - "They were really sweet girls, they'd meet you at the airport and run up to you to tell you how fabulous you were"
Joey Ramone
Liz Derringer
Ritchie Blackmore
Cameron Crowe, who based his most legendary 'band-aide' on Bebe

Hangouts:

Max's Kansas City in New York City
CBGBs in New York City
The "Riot House" on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles
Tramps on Jermyn Street in London

Cool facts:

She fell in love with Oscar Wilde after seeing a photo of him at age eight
She became a vegetarian being in the meatpacking district as a teen while on acid. "Back in those days, there were cows going by on hooks. And if you're tripping on good acid and you see that, you'll never touch meat again."
She always knew she wanted to be a singer. In Rebel Heart she admits, "In my deepest heart, what I wanted most was to be a rock and roll singer. In my thoughts and journals, that's what I expressed. And I was conscious of that, but I never had the courage to tell people."
Her favorite designers are Anna Sui, Calvin Klein, and Marc Jacobs
She believes in reincarnation, calling it "the life of the soul."
She calls leopard her favorite color

Pearls of Wisdom:

"I knew that I had some destiny as a servant of the arts, but I also knew that I was an artist myself."
"Life is a precious gift, and, as Oscar Wilde said, 'Life is what you make it.' It's been a bumpy ride, with highs and lows, love and loss, pain and growth. The one thing I've learned is that it is never too late to change, evolve, or take charge. You're never too old to rock - or to do anything, for that matter."
"Groupies are girls who hang around and just want to have sex with rock stars. It's really kind of a gross tag. Band aides and people like that are there because they love the music. I think women have a right to an affinity and a love for music just as much as men do."
"Muse is such a beautiful word. It just sounds nicer. It's a lot more romantic." - on her preference for the term 'muse' over 'groupie'
"My secret desires were locked up inside of me. I didn't dare tell anybody what I really wanted to be. All I knew was that I wanted to be somebody. That somebody resembled Anita Pallenberg, Pattie Boyd, Jane Fonda, Brigitte Bardot, and Janis Joplin! Or at least resembled their essence. I don't know if the word star was embedded in my mind ... I always had fantasies of being some kind of artist. A performer, a "somebody." But I was afraid that people would laugh at me because I wanted to be famous."
"Fashion has always been a huge part of pop culture and music. The British Invasion really affected the way I look at clothes. I like the 'anything goes' attitude of some of the musical greats, the way they can take a street look and make it unique."
"Black will always be the universal color of rock'n'roll."
"Music represented freedom, inspiration, rebellion. The British bands brought a whole new generation of British girls into the limelight - Marianne Faithfull, Chrissie Shrimpton, Julie Christie, Pattie Boyd, Linda Keith, Anita Pallenberg, and Hayley Mills, among others. The majority of my friends hated these competitors for their heroes' attention, but I was as infatuated with them as I was with the boys in the bands."

it's been too long since we took the time

2011-12-09T00:47:00.000-06:00

Rest in peace John Lennon

(October 9, 1940 - December 8, 1980)

There are no words that I can say to make sense of such a loss.

Title from: "(Just Like) Starting Over" (John Lennon)

let's take the road before us and sing a chorus or two

2011-12-08T16:11:00.001-06:00

Hello all! I am passing on a link to a great new holiday single "Sleigh Ride" from fellow Texan and retro-lover Sarah Elizabeth Foster.

Sarah Elizabeth is great - she is a fellow Texan (originally from Houston) and has her own record label, Youthquake Records - how retro 60s fabulous is that name?! For the holiday season, she is releasing her own version of the Christmas classic "Sleigh Ride." The song has such a full sound with tons of strings and horns to accompany Sarah Elizabeth. She told me that the arrangement of the song was inspired by Françoise Hardy's tune "Comment te dire adieu" (one of my faves) with a great trumpet arrangement along with the vocals. In Sarah Elizabeth's other songs, it is clear that loving influence has been taken from such fabby artists as Dusty Springfield, Nancy Sinatra and the Supremes.

The vibe of the song is super sixties with a fantastically fresh modern edge. The trumpet was played by Miki Hirose, with strings arranged by Daniel Barnidge and Joe Beaty, who have previously worked with such artists as Sting.

once upon a time you dressed so fine

2011-12-05T00:02:00.000-06:00

"I'll have to put more earrings on. I bet that someone could analyze me and tell my condition by my earrings."

I am a student of the Edie Sedgwick school of accessories - or, more appropriately, excessories. Maybe it's the Texan in me, but when it comes to jewelry, the bigger the better and the more the better. One of my style trademarks is my penchant for wearing large chandelier earrings, but to be honest my my love for big ole earrings doesn't even come close to the shoulder-dusters that Edie rocked. It is because of Edie that big dangly earrings because trendy in the Sixties and have stayed a style mainstay for half a century. The loud, large earrings are the perfect juxtaposition against Edie's otherwise minimalist style - imagine back in the day when you could see the real live whiplash girl-child bobbing down the streets of New York City in a black leotard, opaque black tights and swinging silver pieces hanging off her ears, shown off to perfection due to her cropped peroxide hair.
Due to the grace of the retro fashion gods, owning earrings like Edie's infamous shoulder-dusters is possible. Glittery chandelier earrings are everywhere - from Neimans to Forever 21, you can find a pair to channel that Sedgwick style. I own several pairs of earrings designed by Steve Sasco, the jewelry designer for the Edie biopic Factory Girl. He recreated many of the styles that Edie wore for Sienna Miller to rock in the film, offering on his site an entire Factory Girl Collection. I own the 'Famous Butterfly Earring' in silver, as well as the 'Life Magazine Earring' with jet finish. I definitely recommend that you check out this collection - I have been a fan of it for years. It's been my little secret for dressing a little more like Edie.

Title: from "Like a Rolling Stone" (Bob Dylan)

a notice

2011-12-02T16:16:00.000-06:00

I am ashamed by the little amount of posting that I've done these last few weeks. I wish I could say that I had an awesome excuse - I am publishing my first book! I have been vacationing in Ibiza! I was chosen as Woody's newest muse and he's been studying me to craft his latest screenplay around my unparalleled wit! - but no, the sad truth is that I am lazy. Lazy and busy. It's a paradoxical truth for a university student to be both bogged down with work and to not do anything with their time.

But things are going to change! I am working on several new posts that should be up in the next few days for your reading pleasure.

So please excuse my current lameness - I am working to overcome it.

yellow diamonds in the sky, and we're standing side by side

2011-11-17T19:24:00.002-06:00

I'm really inspired by stars right now. I love stars on everything - tights, sweaters, earrings, and especially my Miu Miu star heels. I love wearing so much make glittery makeup on my eyes that every time I blink my lashes shoot out little stars. There's something so romantic and magical about stars.

Title: from "We Found Love" (Rihanna)

Linda McCartney Photography: All in the Family

2011-11-13T00:26:00.000-06:00

Linda McCartney is one of my favorite photographers - I love finding her photos in books and online. I recently got a hold of a copy of Linda McCartney: Life in Photographs, a recent collection of photographs of her documenting some of the biggest names in rock'n'roll history. My favorite subjects of Linda's photography were always members of her family - her husband Paul and their adorable children. There is such truth and beautiful to these photos that are rare to find in other photographs.

A lot of the photos I found here as well as on Tumblr - for my fellow Linda fans, I am eternally grateful.

everyday i watch you paint the town so pretty

2011-10-31T10:33:00.002-05:00

Not just one of my favorite Marianne looks, but one of my favorite looks of all time. I love the combination of the patterned frock with simple knee-high boots. If I could dress like this everyday, I most definitely would.

Title: from "Streetwalker" (Michael Jackson)

must be the season of the witch

2011-10-30T23:49:00.000-05:00

Here is some last minute Halloween inspiration:

Some of my favorite costumes from celebs past and present - from Ian Somerhalder as his Vampire Diaries costar Paul Wesley's character Stephan to Sienna Miller's two awesome and unexplainable costumes

Also make sure to click here to read my top five last-minute costume ideas

rebel, rebel

2011-10-23T15:48:00.002-05:00

Well, my goal to take more personal style pictures back in August failed in a royal way. But it's never too late for a fresh start here so I am re-claiming that resolution and vow from now forward to do more outfit posts. Sorry to those who thought my brief stint in modeling was over, now it's back with a vengeance!

Here is my outfit for a casual Sunday consisting of the library and meetings. I love this black maxi skirt I got from Sosie - it's so comfortable and it's so incredibly long that I have to wear it on my ribcage so I don't trip over myself - it's amazing! Anything that threatens potential bodily harm to myself is a must-have piece in my book. The faux-suede cutout top is wonderful as well - perfect for a day of studying. I wear this jacket everywhere I go now - it's perfect for the crisp fall air, and I always feel a little badass while wearing black leather.

Top - Forever 21, black maxi skirt - Lush, leather motorcycle jacket - Romeo and Juliet Couture, shoes - Sam Edelman, rose gold watch - Michael Kors, earrings - Low Luv x Erin Wasson

you're number eight, your name is jane, with black hair, braids, and black lines around your eyes

2011-10-22T15:31:00.001-05:00

I love a good cat eye - it's one of my favorite makeup looks. I wear a subtle dark brown cat eye during the day-to-day and a more dramatic black at night. The look has been the signature style of French New Wave actresses and bombshell vixens alike.

Anna Karina in the popular makeup style of the early 60s

Catherine Deneuve sports artfully lined lids

Brigitte Bardot in Contempt is one of my all-time favorite looks

'Bird of Britain' Alexandra Bastedo perfects the Marilyn Monroe head tilt to best show off her winged liner

Judging from her smile, Audrey Hepburn digs the cat eye look as much as I do

Elizabeth Taylor rocks the cat eye from the silver screen and beyond

Eva Mendes truly looks the modern day Sophia Loren with her bombshell makeup

Nicole Richie at the Academy Awards in dramatic silver cat eyes

Angelina Jolie at the Oscars years earlier, opts for a smoky brown cat eye

Brittany Murphy in Love and Other Disasters

Only Kate Moss could pull off such a dramatic look as big cat eyes and massive curls

Vixen starlet Sophia Loren always sported the cat eye

Natalie Wood looks perfect with her cat eyes

Marilyn Monroe's eyes were so painted with liner that they drooped to glammy perfection

the Cherry Blossom Girl winks a winged eye

The lovely Lauren Conrad rocks her signature cat eye-beachy waves beauty duo

The runways of Giambattista Valli in Fall 2010, Louis Vuitton, and Valentino in Spring 2010

Title: from "You and Me and Rainbows" (Tear Garden)

god gave me style and gave me grace, god put a smile upon my face

2011-10-21T18:11:00.002-05:00

Alexa Chung stars in a photo shoot inspired by the mod fashions of the Swingin' Sixties for the October issue of Harper's Bazaar UK, wearing the throwback threads of Stella McCartney, Chloe, Prada, and Burberry that includes a rotation of minidresses that would make everyone from Twiggy to Jane Asher jealous. The accompanying interview is very sixties-centric, with Chung discussing everything from her favorite muses of the decade (Jane Birkin, Marianne Faithfull, Astrid Kircherr, and Jean Shrimpton are among the girls who make the list) and her decision to dress à la Birkin for the Met gala in a Christopher Kane creation.

Here are some choice quotes from the article:

On why the Sixties suit her body type: “My ex-boyfriend [photographer David Titlow] showed me Antonioni’s 1966 film Blow-Up in my late teens. I remember seeing Jane Birkin. And I couldn’t believe it. She even made just wearing a pair of tights look sexy. . . I think the Sixties vibe suits my body type, which is skinny legs and a boyish frame.”

On loving the Sixties vibe: “It’s the groupie vibe that I’m attracted to. They had these amazing love affairs, and both the men and the women were made amazing by them. The girls in the Sixties were never overshadowed by the men they dated. You can talk about Jane Shrimpton without having to mention Bailey or Terence Stamp first.”

On her own sixties-inspired A/W 11 collection with Madewell, J Crew: “I’ve invented this tartan mac, it’s like something the Shrimp would have worn. It’s got a round collar and a tie on it, so you can wear it like a cape without your hands in your sleeves.”

On falling out of love with the Sixties … briefly: “I fell out of love with the Sixties for a while. I think because I was so identified with it. It’s like Sienna Miller when she did boho, then suddenly stopped because she was like, ‘Fuck. What else can I do, because I’ve done it?’ Everyone copied my sodding coat for a while too. It was my Harrods kid’s vintage one. Every girl suddenly had one and I was like, ‘Arrgh!’ I got really bored of smock dresses and loafers for a while. But I feel like I’m ready to fall in lve all over again.”

Quotes from here

Title: from "God Put A Smile Upon Your Face" (Coldplay)

The ultimates of the week

2011-10-17T18:00:00.000-05:00

This entry is inspired by a recent comment by Laura of Applied Glamour on my post for the Tell Me About Yourself Award. In the post, I said that one of the things about me is that I am in constant search of the ultimate everything in life. I want to find the best book, the most amazing perfume, the most inspiring quote, etc.

But my mind often switches quickly and without warning, and before you know it I'm off on some completely other thing, so it's often a struggle to keep up with my own likes and dislikes. Laura asked me what my 'ultimates' of the moment are, and I thought that it would make for such an interesting blog series. I want to make a list of Ultimates each week to share what's reached the toppermost of the poppermost for me. Please check out what I have collected and tell me in the comments section what your ultimates of the moment are. Also feel free to ask me if there are any other ultimate things that you're curious about and would like to see on the list.

Here are my ultimates for the week of 10/15:

The ultimate makeup product / perfume: Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana

My roommate owns this perfume and I can't even count the number of times I've borrowed it from her. It's so addictive. It has a slightly citrus-y scent to it, layered over peppery florals that remind me of both Tartine et Chocolat and Blush by Marc Jacobs.

The ultimate album: "The Ghost Who Walks" by Karen Elson

By no means a brand new album, but I've been listening to her tracks nonstop this week. I love the gothic beauty of her lyrics and the southern influence in her sound. Obviously the title track is one of my favorites, but I also love "The Truth Is In the Dirt," "Pretty Babies," "Lunasa," and "Stolen Roses."

The ultimate book: Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead

Whitehead recently came to speak at one of the lectures for the course that I am taking called Living Writers (it is what it sounds - we read the works of writers who are living) and he was one of the funniest men I have ever had the pleasure of encountering. The book tells the story of Benji, a fifteen-year-old boy spending his summer in the Hamptons who emerges at the end of the summer Ben, the young man. The text is Mrs. Dalloway-esque in its plotlessness, if Mrs. Dalloway was a Smiths-loving, Converse-wearing, introspective New York City teen. A coming-of-age tale by a man who professed to hating coming-of-age tales, Sag Harbor is peppered with wonderful references to 80s music and pop culture, and has a delightfully funny narrative voice.

The ultimate clothing item: American Gold Sympathy for the Devil burnout velvet bell bottoms

Lucia of Who the Fuck is Mick Jagger wears these pants a lot on her site, and that does little to curb my obsession with them. I want them, nay, I need them in my wardrobe for London.

The ultimate movie: Un Chien Andalou, by Luis Buñuel and Salvador Dalí

Having seen the film twice this week for two different film courses, I am reminded of the reason why I thought this film was so fascinating when I first watched it. A delightful foray of Surrealism, the film's most lasting images are the most disturbing ones. Anyone who has seen the first scene of the film knows what I am talking about, let's just leave it at that.

The ultimate quote: Apple Inc.'s Think Different campaign

"Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. While some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do."

Inspired By ... Jodie Foster's "Taxi Driver" Wedges

2011-10-15T07:49:00.001-05:00

These Karen Elson for Nine West wedges remind me so much of the killer platforms Jodie wears as Iris, the hooker with style in spades, in Taxi Driver. The perfect mix of trendiness and retro-mindedness in design, I am so drawn to these shoes (also available in midnight blue and black here) for their vintage appeal that I have already ordered them! Actually I recommend you check out Karen's entire collection for Nine West while you still can - pieces are going fast and items are already on sale!

tell me, tell me, tell me, c'mon tell me the answer

2011-10-14T13:43:00.005-05:00

Both the fabby Nicole of Twist and shout! and lovely Luna of Child of the Moon (whose blog was the one that inspired me to create DRG many moons ago) gave me the Tell Me About Yourself Award, where you tell seven things about yourself and share your favorite blogs. Well, I'm very excited because I looove talking about myself, as well as my fave bloggers.

So, here are the facts ...

1. I have an obsession with boys in white v-necks.

Seriously - who can resist the power of the v-neck?

2. I am on a constant search for the ultimate everything - the ultimate perfume, book, lip gloss, person ...

3. I want to be Karen Elson.

She's British, she's a gorgeous glamazon model, friends with Anna Sui, is an incredible singer, and has the most enviable wardrobe. I would be mentally unhinged to not be jealous of her

4. "Nothing of me is original. I am the combined effort of everybody I've ever known." Actually said by Chuck Palahniuk in Invisible Monsters, which shows exactly how unoriginal I can be.

5. I have a dream to travel just to get lost.

6. I fully relish in the fact that a lot of people think I'm a bit kooky and out-there, especially in the way I dress and what I think. I like that I tread the line between here and insanity.

My inner voice is narrated by Michelle Tanner. You got it, dude!

7. I have no clue what I'm doing with my life. I have so many dreams, ambitions, things I want to learn and places I want to go that, as a result, I have no clear direction.

Blogs:
All Babes are Wolves
Ashen Lady
Being Blinge
Born Late
Charlotte's Attic
ChicGeek
Eloise
Glamoretta
London Calling
Lost Muse
Lovely Bohemia
musings & inspiration
Restless Summers
You've got the silver

everything was beautiful at the ballet, graceful men lift lovely girls in white

2011-10-14T13:36:00.001-05:00

Maybe it's residual Black Swan influence or maybe it's the fact that I am in the middle of rehearsals for our university production of The Nutcracker, but I am so inspired by ballet right now.

Pretty much any shot from Black Swan is gorgeous, but I love this sequence of Nina's final performance

Lauren Hutton poses as she does her pre-ballet stretches

Brigitte Bardot was originally a dancer before she became a world class sexpot

The legendary Red Shoes of the cinema

France Gall has a blast in her ballerina costumery

Natalie Portman's Nina looks flawless

A scene from Singin' in the Rain featuring Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse

Brigitte Bardot on point

I love the formation of all of the dances in this image

Title: from "At the Ballet" (Chorus Line)

don't break my heart, and i won't break your heart-shaped glasses

2011-10-02T21:04:00.000-05:00

I love heart-shaped glasses - they are equal parts little girl cute and grown-up gal fun. As a 1936 magazine said, these "odd-shaped eyeglasses express personality" - and indeed they do. Heart-shaped frames are not for the faint of heart, or the shy of attention. They are attention-grabbers, head-turners, traffic-stoppers and need to be rocked by people who can handle the accompanying sassiness. Made famous by a little film called Lolita, heart-shaped glasses have stayed a great fashion accessory for the last forty years.

The fad of heart shaped glasses goes back to 1936

The film that started it all - Stanley Kubrick's Lolita is synonymous with little Lolita's heart-shaped frames

Celebs like Drew Barrymore, Lady Gaga, Kelly Osbourne, Avril Lavigne, Lily Cole, and Nicole Richie all rock the look

Evan Rachel Wood - and her penchant for wearing Lolita-esque frames - served as the inspiration for the Marilyn Manson song "Heart Shaped Glasses"

Katy Perry rocks out on stage in her bright red shades

I love Marianne Faithfull's wire rimmed sunnies - definitely more hippie than Lolita

Mischa Barton strikes a pose in her heart glasses

Sunnies from Moschino's runway a few years back

From the pages of Barry Miles' Hippie is this stunning girl

Zooey Deschanel looks coy and cute in her rose-tinted glasses

Lolita herself, Sue Lyon, in the sunglasses she made legendary

Vanessa Hudgens does a bohemian take on the fashion staple

Title: from "Heart Shaped Glasses (When the Heart Guides the Hand)" (Marilyn Manson)

The Marianne Chronicles: The Demeanor

2011-09-25T19:30:00.000-05:00

Marianne Faithfull is intensely intelligent, fiercely witty, and the kind of alluring free spirit that attracts countless hoards of people. Alain Delon, her Motorcycle costar, once said, "She is a happening all to herself. She is the type of girl men fought dragons for in mythology, the type that duels have been fought over." Not only is that the best thing that anyone has said about anyone ever, it's also really damn true. Nowadays she is a world-weary chanteuse, one who has lived through everything and is still here to sing about her adventures, but back in the sixties, she was a dreamer. She saw no end to what she hoped to accomplish and who she hoped to be. In Faithfull, she detailed how "between the ages of 17 and 19 I shed any number of old lives and grew new ones overnight without any of them seeming quite real to me; I discarded them as cavalierly as a child who moves from one game to another. Pursued in interest, any one of these might have led to a reasonably happy life. But then again, I wasn't interested in happiness. I was looking for the Holy Grail." I feel like that speaks to a lot of us young dollies out there who are looking for our own 'Holy Grail' (preferably one that includes Mick Jagger!)
Marianne was fiercely independent and never apologized for her behavior - she followed her heart no matter what. Whether that meant leaving John Dunbar for Mick, or doing some pretty drastic things to shake off her convent girl persona, Marianne was never satisfied following convention.

tucker by gaby basora, fall 2011

2011-09-19T15:15:00.000-05:00

I am kinda really obsessed with the Fall 2011 collection for Tucker by Gaby Basora. I've long been a fan of Tucker (my measly high school allowance allowed me to finally get my hands on a few pieces years back with the Tucker/Target collaboration). There is such an amazing mix of inspiration throughout this collection - from the 1920s antique Oriental fan print to the Biba-esque wrap dresses and hot pants. The collection is a fantastic mix of great structured pieces matched with floaty items, all with the bold statement-making prints that Tucker is known so well for - perfect for the vintage-minded, bohemian gal with places to go!

There is a long history regarding my love affair with black lace - it all started with my brief-but-overwhelming Madonna stage while I was in the seventh grade, and after that I never looked back. Miss Basora's take on the black lace is a little more 'like a sophisticate' than "Like a Virgin"

The prints in this collection are dynamite. I love the sweet innocence of the Pleated Skirt, shown in the first picture, as well as the Gather Panel Dress in the far right photo for its utter seventies sophistication - I could imagine a gal like Ali MacGraw slipping on this number while going out on the town with Steve McQueen

These hot pants are technically called 'Short Briefs' but they're still hot! In these wild patterns and paired with those thigh-highs, the looks remind me of Jodie Foster in Taxi Driver - which is always a good thing!

I love this mix of rich browns - isn't that silk jacket with the moon fan print (second from the left) absolutely to die for? And I love the sashes tied around the neck in the first and third pictures

Another great example of Tucker's diverse mix of prints - the purple dress in the middle is called The Disco Dress, which I love. It's so appropriately titled - I could see any number of Studio 54 gals rocking this number.

This is one of my favorite looks from the collection - it features the Yoke Blouse with knee-length Pleated Skirt and Slingback Peep Toe heels all in fun prints and earthy colors. It's such a dreamy combination of 1970s chic with 1930s cuts and proportions

A genius mix of pleated silk pants, ruched printed blouses and jumpsuits

All the great shoes from the collection

If you're interested in buying pieces from the Tucker by Gaby Basora collection, visit Barneys New York, Net-A-Porter, Shopbop,

she was a working girl north of england way, now she's hit the big time in the usa

2011-09-13T19:11:00.001-05:00

I am currently so inspired by the swinging sixties fashions of the 1968 film Petulia, starring Julie Christie - fresh from her megastar-turning roles in Doctor Zhivago and Fahrenheit 451 - in the title role. Directed by Dick Lester (the kook genius behind both the Beatles' A Hard Day's Night and Help!), the film tells the story of a young San Franciscan socialite named Petulia who is unhappily married to an abusive man. At the start of the film, Christie's character announces, "My name's Petulia Danner. I've been married for six months and I haven't had an affair yet." Well, this fact quickly changes when Petulia becomes smitten with a doctor by the name of Archie Bollen, falling for him after she watched him treat an injured young boy. On their first formal evening together, Petulia tells him that they ought to get a hotel room and details for him her plans for their marriage. As luck would have it, Bollen has recently begun divorcing his wife and is able to begin a relationship with the beautiful Petulia as he seeks to sort out his now complicated relationships with his ex-wife (and her new boyfriend), his children, and friends.

The film is a treat not just for it's fashions, but also for it's appearances by a Janis Joplin-led Big Brother & The Holding Co. and the Grateful Dead. Fourth down on the far left side of the collage is a photo of Petulia taken out of an apartment on a stretcher, and you can see members of the Dead as well as Janis among the hippie onlookers.

I think this film is one of the most important films of the Swinging Sixties period in London - not just for its fashions (which are to die for - there were too many outfits for me to even include!) but for its daring plot, quirky take on romance and marriage, and it's cutting edge non-linear structure.

Title: from "Honey Pie" (The Beatles)

Then and Now: Romy Schneider and Elisabeth Moss

2011-09-12T22:56:00.001-05:00

I think that there is a striking similarity features-wise between cinema queen Romy Schneider and Mad Men starlet Elisabeth Moss - both have beautiful, slightly cherubic faces that light up the screen. Last year, Elisabeth even lightened her signature brunette locks to a warm honey shade similar to the color that Romy often sported. The only thing missing is for Miss Moss to find an Alain Delon all her own!

a very fabb recap

2011-09-10T18:03:00.000-05:00

It may have been raining cats and dogs on Wednesday, but that didn’t stop me and probably 200 other fantastically fashionable bloggers from coming out the Apella for Lucky Magazine’s second FABB Conference. As promised, here is my rundown of one of the best days of my life!

Diane Von Furstenberg was the first up at the conference and she was more lovely and funny than I could have ever hoped! During her chat with Editor-in-chief Brandon Holley, DVF explained her love for Angry Birds and Solitaire, showed off her fabulous turquoise jewels and her new Harper-Connect bag (which I want, despite not having an iPad), as well as offering up some valuable life lessons: value the relationship you have with yourself above all others, have an identity outside of your career, all women should have children. I can still hear DVF saying, "The job and children are easy - husbands are the hard part." Other choice quotes from Diane are: "You learn most from your criticism. People who say 'I love you,' that's great - but you don't learn from that" and - one of my newest mantras - "when it's bullshit, it remains bullshit; when it's real, it remains real."

Next up was a discussion on "Building Your Brand" with Scott Lipps (president of One Management), Coco Rocha, Rachel Roy, Essie Weingarten (of Essie Cosmetics) and Rebecca Minkoff. Rachel and Essie got into a bit of a tiff over the rights of high street companies to make copies of designer items. Each woman had a valid point - Essie, from the anti-knockoff standpoint, said that it is difficult with a new line of polishes expected every 90 days to compensate for cheaper brands who copy her colors. Rachel, speaking from her background as a child and teen who wasn't able to afford designer items, praised these companies, saying "Thank god for H&M, Macy's and Zara!" She told an endearing story about how she once aspired to shop at Macy's, and that was why she chose them as the place to do her Rachel Rachel Roy line.

The next panel discussed brands and bloggers working together, something that piqued the interest of many in the room. People from Club Monaco and White House Black Market offered the perspective of big brands, sitting alongside The Glamourai's Kelly Framel and NYU's Professor of Marketing Scott Galloway.

Around lunchtime rolled in “Hurricane Kardashian” – Kourtney, Khloé and Kim, with momager Kris and an entire reality tv camera crew in tow – to discuss their latest projects, including their Kardashian Kollection at Sears and to drop hints about their new novel. The girls even answered one of my questions - "who is your fashion hero?" I expected maybe names like Sophia Loren and Kate Moss to be tossed around, but the girls explained their great fashion icon was their mama, telling stories how when they were younger they would sit in their mom's closet and divvy up her clothes for 'after she died' - which was equal parts horrible and hysterical to hear.

To discuss "Setting the Trends," Lucky brought in execs from Bare Escentuals, High Line Venture Partners and Morpheus Media, as well as Phil Oh, the photographer behind Street Peeper, and Leandra Medine, the Man Repeller herself.

Next was a discussion on "Building a Business," which included Lisa Gavales, the CMO of Express, the founders of The Coveteur (Erin Kleinberg and Stephanie Mark) and Thrillist (Adam Rich), as well as Rachel Zoe's other half Rodger Berman. To hear how people built their websites into lifestyle brands was fascinating, as was hearing how Rachel and Rodger started out.

The final panel explored "What Platforms Are Right For You?" and included the cofounder of Birchbox, the marketing manager of Klout, and two of my favorite speakers - John Jannuzzi (editor of Lucky's Style Collective) and Ben Silbermann (cofounder of Pinterest), both of whom were really funny.

During the cocktail party that followed, Ellie Goulding performed, which was amazing because I've been wanting to see her live for months! At this point I was practically chugging champagne because I was so nervous about the awards. I met my "competition" Marian Kihogo in the bathroom and we discussed my imminent move to London in a few months. She generously and graciously offered me advice about my move - I was distracted though by her electric bubblegum pink lipstick, which was gorgeous!

Basically after that is a blur of nerves, excitement, happiness, and champagne bubbles. You can watch the conference (and my nerdy little 'speech') here - but if you do, you have to promise not to tease me! I was in such a state. That night, I returned to my lovely room at the Chatwal Hotel on cloud nine. I've basically been in a dream ever since.

Please enjoy some of my low-quality iPhone pics from the event!

The fab Diane Von Furstenberg shows off her jewelry

Rebecca Minkoff, Rachel Roy and Coco Rocha pose for a picture, while Scott Lipps, Essie Weingarten, and Fashion News & Features Director (and all around awesome gal!) Jen Ford chat as Lucky's Caroline Waxler introduces their panel

Rachel Roy exits the stage

The Glamourai's Kelly Framel sits alongside Ann Watson, VP of Marketing & Communications for Club Monaco

Khloé, Kim and Kourtney discuss

fashion, turn to the left, fashion, turn to the right

2011-09-08T18:19:00.000-05:00

Hello dollies! I am still recovering from my whirlwind trip to NYC for Lucky Magazine's FABB Conference, so I will keep this post short and do a more in-depth follow up post tomorrow. Honestly, I am still a bit starstruck from all the faces I saw yesterday - the Kardashians (so tiny!), Emily Weiss (so tall!), Diane Von Furstenberg (so funny!), Ellie Goulding (so amazing!), and the gals from The Coveteur, The Glamourai, and The Man Repeller (so stylish!).
I want to thank Lucky Magazine for such an amazing time, as well as awarding Dolly Rocker Girl the 'Best Voice - Fashion' title. I am still floating on air!

My award!

Title: from "Fashion" (David Bowie)

when she goes to work you can hear the strings, grace finds beauty in everything

2011-09-04T19:18:00.001-05:00

I love photos of the ever-so-stunning and talented Grace Coddington. Known as the Creative Director of Vogue, as well as Anna Wintour's right-hand flame-haired woman, many of us didn't know that Grace was a highly successful model during the sixties. I was struck by her beauty when she shared photos of her modeling days with the documentary The September Issue, which I saw a few months back and have continued to watch and re-watch. She had an angular yet petite face that could off anything - from a mid sixties pixie cut to those Biba-inspired finger waves. And those signature fiery locks! Oh, how I love her hair - it's so beautiful and it's so distinctly Grace.

Title: from "Grace" (U2)

i'm so excited, and i just can't hide it

2011-08-31T11:26:00.001-05:00

Hi dolls! I am so excited to tell all of you that I was nominated, along with four other fabby bloggers, for Lucky Magazine's Best Fashion Voice Award at this September's FABB (Fashion & Beauty Blogging) Conference. I am so beyond honored to have been chosen - Lucky Magazine has supported DRG and helped it to blossom in so many ways that I cannot thank them enough.
I am so excited to go to the conference because so many women (and a few boys too!) who I admire will be there: Diane von Furstenberg, Coco Rocha, Kelly Framel of the Glamourai, designer extraordinaire Rebecca Minkoff, Rodger Berman, and Kim, Kourtney and Khloé Kardashian, just to name a few. I fully intend to stalk down the Kardashian sisters - I think they must know the well-established fact that I am a 'Kim' and that my mother contends she is the 'Khloé' of our family.
With the conference less than a week away, I am left with a bunch of butterflies in my stomach that I can hardly concentrate on anything - homework, emails, even this post!
Because I am a jumble of nervous energy, I call on all you dolls to help me with this all important question: what do I wear? I have narrowed down my choices to either Annie Hall menswear chic or a Brigitte Bardot-inspired wiggle dress. I simply cannot decide between the two (maybe I'll do like those obnoxious teens on My Super Sweet Sixteen did and have multiple outfit changes throughout the day).
More importantly, are there any other bloggers out there who will be attending the conference - and perhaps want to hang out with little ole me?

get a dose of her in jackboots and kilt, she's killer-diller when she's dressed to the hilt

2011-08-28T12:00:00.002-05:00

I consider Yoko Ono to be an unwitting fashion icon. Known professionally as an avant-garde artist - nay artiste - and personally as a key figure in the Lennon legend, the idea of becoming a fashion vixen probably never crossed Miss Ono's mind. But with her penchant for short shorts to show off those long lean gams of hers, as well as her rotation of sharp blazers, mini dresses, printed blouses, and sunnies so big she could give Jackie O a run for her money, it's hard to deny that Yoko is a fashionable presence. Being a fan of the monochrome myself, I love that Yoko turns so faithfully to black and white in her wardrobe - whether in her all-white wedding outfit (including white miniskirt, go-go boots, and full floppy hat) or black tailored tux with white satin top hat at the Grammy's (love her standing next to Beyonce!). Forty years and more in the public, and she's rarely missed on a look.

Title: from "Polythene Pam" (The Beatles)

why am i always messin' with the big guns?

2011-08-18T15:18:00.000-05:00

Being from Texas, I have a natural attraction to guns. You see, I am a real badass (as evidenced by the photo in the top right). Real guns scare me though, so I explore my arms interest through fashion. Pistol necklaces, bullet earrings, and this Betsey Johnson sweater fill my gun need (a blue version of the sweater is available on eBay). I paired my BJ sweater with a pair of my favorite black Hue jeggings and Steve Madden 'Pasport' boots. I love all black outfits - it's my color of choice because, after all, once you go black you never go back.

Title: from "The Big Guns" (Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins)

you know my motivation given my reputation

2011-08-17T17:54:00.000-05:00

I've long adored Bianca Jagger - her style is beyond impeccable and her humanitarian efforts are commendable. Not too long ago I had a Facebook discussion with a friend of mine consisting of how excellent Bianca is, with photographic evidence to back up our claims. This conversation showed me something - two people as different in style as my friend and I are both saw something aspirational in Bianca. There is a reason she is a fashion icon - her worldly look is idolized the world over. Her style, though unpredictable and constantly cutting edge, has some key components we can all learn and adapt into our lives. Here are my tips on how to dress like Bianca Jagger.

Keys to Bianca's look:
1. Adopt a quirky accessory and make it your signature - whether it was a turban, dove feathers in her hair, strange headpieces, or a walking stick, Bianca always hit the clubs and concerts with an item of interest. These items kept her look constantly edgy and kept her adoring public waiting for what wacky accessory she would adopt next.
2. Go to the max - most of think of short little numbers as our go-to going out outfits, but Bianca opted for loose-fitting maxidresses with either spaghetti straps or an off-the-shoulder look. Her long and loose dresses were sexier than most all of the other skimpy 70s looks that have appeared in the photos of Studio 54.
3. Channel your inner dude - Bianca wasn't afraid to trying menswear trends, and she usually rocked them more than Mick! When you think of androgynous chic done right, often your mind goes right to Bianca in one of her many pantsuits. The pieces don't have to be YSL, but right-fitting classic pieces - like a fitted blazer, slouchy trousers, and a tuxedo blouse - are style signatures that can look like a million dollars, no matter the real cost.
4. Understand there's no such thing as too much of a good thing - too many necklaces, beads, bracelets, or boys? There was no such thing in Bianca's world! Remember that more is more!

Title: from "Tonight" (Enrique Iglesias) ... I know, I'm kinda ashamed

if you wanted the moon i would try to make a start, but i would rather you let me give my heart, to sir with love

2011-08-16T17:26:00.000-05:00

I love the swinging style of the 1967 film To Sir, With Love. Of course I adore Sidney Poitier, but surprisingly my attention wasn't stuck on him - it was on the fab fashions of Lulu, Judy Geeson, and co.

The film is basically about a group of rowdy, unruly high school students who are inspired to change their lives by their hep cat of a teacher, Mark Thackeray (played by Sidney, the king of all cool in my book). Could you imagine going in to school everyday in coordinated minis and teased hair? Only in my wildest dreams would I have the effort to do that everyday!

The film is known for its uplifting storyline, which has inspired many other do-gooder teacher films in the passing decades, as well as the chart topping hit by Lulu inspired by the film.

Title: from "To Sir, With Love" (Lulu)

somebody help me, my neck hurt, my chain heavy

2011-08-04T23:35:00.000-05:00

Partially inspired by Melanie Griffith in Something Wild, featured in my recent Louise Brooks post, but mostly inspired by my insane love affair with accessories, I celebrate the 'statement necklace' - the loud, large, heavy pieces that dominate any look. The louder, larger and heavier, the better.

I love anything turquoise, but I adore Raquel Welch's Native American-inspired stone necklace

Even while on the run, Faye Dunaway's Bonnie never abandons style with this gold coin necklace

Anita Pallenberg has a fabulous array of baubles

Not to be outdone by anyone, Kanye West rocks a few awesome chains

Carmen Miranda never says no to strands of beads

Twiggy incorporates her dress into a necklace into watches into magical-ness

Edie Sedgwick is never less than the ultimate It-Girl with her signature style of gamine clothes and a heavy beaded necklace

Elizabeth Taylor, the queen of jewels, has some amazing pieces on display

Judy Collins shows how strands of small beads can be made into a statement-making look

My style hero Iris Apfel

Keith Richards rocks the pirate-rocker-hot god thing really well

La pièce de résistance - Maria Felix's crocodile necklace

Title: from "Heavy" (Gucci Mane)

piano keys

2011-08-03T13:33:00.000-05:00

The green strapless dress is actually a chiffon maxiskirt from American Apparel, belted with a linen Catherine Malandrino belt for more structure. The blazer is a really lightweight boyfriend style by the Gap, worn previously in this post. Shoes are Sam Edelman Kasi wedges in Mineral (available here). My necklace is a piece that I purchased in South Africa a few years ago. It's such a statement piece that I can only wear it with certain outfits, but I love it so much - it reminds me of piano keys. My nail polish color is 'Hot Pepper' by Face Stockholm, available at J.Crew. My lip color is 'Coral' Mango Butter Lipstick by Korres.

The Lovin' Linkful

2011-08-03T12:37:00.001-05:00

Great advice on how to find your style trademark and why we all need one - yes, you too! (College Fashion)

If you're like me and can't get enough Adele, check out this makeup tutorial inspired by Miss Rolling in the Deep. (BreBeauty)

This article promises (and delivers!) clothes that will make you look like a 70s-era Ali MacGraw. (The Gloss)

How to wear skinny jeans if you have big thighs. Yes I have already bookmarked this. Twice. (The Budget Fashionista)

Explore yoga-lover and goddess of mindfulness Kimberly Wilson's podcasts, site, and blog to find your inner tranquilista. (Tranquility du jour)

If you're in a funky funk like I am and are looking for a fresh start, check out The Happiness Project and start your own today! (The Happiness Project)

The best recipe how to make adorable little pies. (Not Martha)

Finally! The secrets of good - nay, great - skin. (Doe Deere)

And if the above tips aren't enough, here are tips and tricks from Hollywood's top dermatologists and facialists. (Allure)

Is Emily Post still the be-all, end-all of etiquette? This article delves into this issue in a funny, charming way. (LemonDrop)

A fabby flapper dictionary. (How About We)

"16 and Well-Adjusted." Genius, genius, genius. (Crushable)

The Marianne Chronicles

2011-08-02T22:16:00.004-05:00

What can be said about Marianne Faithfull? A lot, actually. She’s been known as Miss X, the girl on a motorcycle, the goddess of proto-goth punk, a convent girl, the angel with big tits (to charmingly quote Andrew Loog Oldham), the girl in the fur rug, homeless junkie in Ossie Clark, a vamp with a whiskey-soaked voice to match, the daughter of an Austro-Hungarian baroness, descendent of Leopold Baron von Sacher Masoch. She's been known by many names and many labels. She's been written about and then written off more times than half of Hollywood.

I've been working for a while on a follow-up to the Pattie Chronicles centered around Marianne, and I feel confident enough to begin sharing some of what I've gathered about the enigmatic Miss Faithfull. Hopefully it won't disappoint.

"I’ve always known who I was. Whether I could achieve to express that to everyone else was another matter. I am who I am. I’m confident enough now to show myself. Perhaps it took this long – I’ve thought of it before – it’s as if I’ve been staying undercover. You know, how animals keep to the trees and bushes, if they might get killed. I often think that’s what I was doing until very recently." - MF

i'm double, i'm single, i'm black, blue and grey

2011-07-31T13:29:00.001-05:00

In an effort to vary my outfits from day to day, I want to do more outfit posts so that I'm pressured to create different looks. I know it can't be a daily venture, nor should it considering that it would kind of divert from the focus of this blog, which is first and foremost a celebration of retro women, style, and films. But still, that won't stop me from sharing my outfit on this very lazy Sunday.

Fringe lace kimono jacket is by ark & co. I bought from Nasty Gal (the one I bought is currently unavailable, but a similar style is available for only $68). Cut-off denim shorts are Levi's 501 Roll-Up style. I'm also wearing a grey Elizabeth and James Mondrian t-shirt - and seriously, it's the softest tee I've ever worn. My grey wedges are by Coclico and are available here, or in blueberry over at Anthropologie's site. And my large beaded necklace is from Urban Outfitters.

I love the fringe on this super-lightweight jacket. As you can see, I've worn it so many times the rose-patterned lace is beginning to wear out!

Title: from a riddle I still don't understand...

on the beach you'll find them there in the sun and salty air, the girls on the beach

2011-07-30T17:22:00.001-05:00

I am gearing up for a trip to the beach next week and I've gotten to thinking about how to survive the ocean. As I've said before I hate the ocean, but this time I'll be there with some friends from university so I'm going to buck up and give the beach a second try. While in the process of doing that, I've started contemplating my beach essentials.

1. Retro-inspired swimsuits like this one from ModCloth, the 'Bathing Beauty' two-piece in black. I own this swimsuit, as well as the 'Beach Blanket Bingo' one-piece in black with white polka-dots and its two-piece version in red.

2. A wide-brimmed floppy straw hat to keep your eyes and skin shaded from those damaging sun rays.

3. A speaker to play music - I am partial to the Yuen'to Balloon USB portable speaker because it reminds me of a clown's nose. Also the sound is incredible.
4. A good book, like Françoise Sagan's Bonjour Tristesse, which I currently have stashed away in my bag.
5. Cute straw beach bags like this one from Tory Burch.
6. A good sunscreen - I love this Kiehl's Super Fluid formula because it doesn't pill like a lot of other sunblocks out there. And with an SPF of +50 I feel confident that I'm getting good protection.
7. A couple of pairs of oversized sunglasses - the bigger, the better I say! So these sunnies by House of Harlow 1960 more than fit the bill.

Do you have any summertime beach essentials?

Title: "Girls on the Beach" (Beach Boys)

childhood living is easy to do

2011-07-26T16:36:00.000-05:00

Though he once sang about "what a drag it is getting old" Mick Jagger doesn't seem to mind getting on in years without one of 'mother's little helpers.' Today is Mick's 68th birthday, but that doesn't matter - he's still hotter than rock stars half his age. Seriously - I'm not the only one saying that, which means it's a scientific fact.

Honestly, I'd hit that.

Title: from "Wild Horses" (The Rolling Stones)

pretty in pink, isn't she?

2011-07-26T16:22:00.002-05:00

The other day I went on a shopping excursion to one of Dallas' premier vintage boutiques, Ahab Bowen. AB is unfortunately going out of business, which is quite bittersweet for me - I love the store to pieces and I am sad to see it go, but I can't resist the insane sales that they've been having the last few days as they clear out their merch.

I don't know why, but I went totally Molly Ringwald and wore majority pink - which isn't a bad thing. Andie Walsh was a fashion icon! White tank top and pink dolman top are from Forever 21 - they are surprisingly super soft and have held up in the wash without pilling (I let the dolman top airdry, as I do not want a crop top). Brown leather wooden heels from Madewell. Pink blazer is by Audrey 3+1 (also, light blue available at LuLu*s) and has really great scrunched-up sleeves, which is good for a gal like me whose elbows are not cooperative with such sleeve-scrunching matters. Dark wash jeggings are by Sold Design Lab, and have a very convincing denim feeling to them - I think they are my favorite jeggings to date (and I am a jegging aficionado, as my friends know). They are called the "Spring Street Skinny" which is a pretty fab name, and are apparently 'pull on jeans' - not jeggings. My mistake.

I purchased the necklace years ago in a market in Paris - it's relatively simple and light, which I like about it. It's not too often that I like subtlety in my jewelry. Same with the earrings - I bought them when I was in the seventh grade and they are probably the smallest earrings that I own.

As usual, I wore my rose gold Cartier Love bracelet, and paired it with a 'Karma' bracelet by Skova Soul and an intricately designed knuckle 'Skylight' ring by Free People.

These are some of my goodies from Ahab Bowen - a big Kenneth Jay Lane-inspired snake bangle and a glittery over-the-top snake ring. I've been on a snake kick lately - well, I've been on one for years, but it's really flared up this summer. I have to do a post on my absurd collection of serpent jewelry.

Anyone in the Dallas area ought to stop by Ahab Bowen while they still can - the store closes its doors and takes down its feather boas on Sunday. AB is restocking everyday so there are always more gems to find. If you miss out this week but still want to see some Ahab Bowen goods after Sunday, Dolly Python will be carrying the remainder of the store's merchandise in their store with the label marked 'AB.'

Title: from "Pretty in Pink" (The Psychedelic Furs)

* I did not choose this song to reference because I think I look pretty and want you to agree ... it's literally the only song I could think of that talks about the color pink *

lay lady lay, lay across my big brass bed

2011-07-24T12:42:00.002-05:00

I love the idea of spending lazy weekend afternoons laying all day in my bed, swallowed by my mass of pillows and blankets. I am a summertime bum, and I lounge in my sleepwear all day like it's my job. Apparently I have a few tricks to learn from these glam vixens, who make laying in a swath of pillows an art

A model for Biba looks her vamp finest

Genius use of the tiger rug as a blanket over the coach - and I want that marabou-and-silk robe, and that long cigarette holder (and I don't even smoke!)

I love Brittany Murphy's penthouse in Uptown Girls

Penelope Tree looks divine in her equally as divine surrounding

The 'fabulous destiny' of Amélie apparently also included the coolest digs in all of the 18th arrondissement

From Urban Outfitters' latest catalog - minus the orgy-like setting, I want everything that's in this photo

Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart lay outside in style - and quite literally In Style

A scene from Emmanuelle

Lauren Hutton is in model form in these gorgeous dresses and chairs

There is nothing I do not covet in this photo of Louise Ebel

Mia Farrow matches - or clashes, depending on who you ask - with this flowery red couch in an equally as much floral frock

Sylvia Kristel - star of Emmanuelle - rivals her own onscreen photo in this mass of pillows and lace

Nicky Samuel matches dress to rug to tapestry to perfection while modeling Ossie Clark

Stripped down, chrome and glowing, Olivia Wilde is va-va-voom in Tron: Legacy

Peggy Lipton reviews scripts and snuggles up in a knit blanket for Life Mag

Tina Aumont, captured in all her bohemian glory in a home movie

I want all of Peggy Moffitt's pillows here - she wouldn't mind, would she?

Jane Birkin - a goddess in furs

Truman Capote in his glam apartment

Title: from "Lay Lady Lay" (Bob Dylan)

Inspired By ... Anita Pallenberg's Plume Hat

2011-07-23T17:15:00.001-05:00

It's no surprise that in the time between when I wrote my previous post on Littledoe and now that I have more crazily obsessed with the line. After posting, I couldn't resist cruising on over to all areas of the site - all the headpieces, hats, crystals, and vintage. Everything is to die for. I couldn't help but notice a particular hat among Chase Cohl's creations, thinking to myself, "hey that looks a lot like a hat Anita Pallenberg wore." Lo and behold when I clicked on the link, the $450 ostrich feather-and-black velvet head-turner was called 'the Anita Hat.'
Tell me that this hat doesn't capture the essence of the style that Anita wore to the Yellow Submarine premiere in the late sixties ... go one, I dare you! The middle pic is of Chase herself in the creation, and the one to the far left is from the lookbook - both look smashing, and aren't too similar to Anita's to change their looks from inspiration to imitation. Though, if you're going to follow someone's look to a T, it might as well be one of the most notoriously fashionable women of the last half century.

be sure to wear some flowers in your hair

2011-07-23T14:25:00.004-05:00

I recently rediscovered these collages I made almost two years ago (!) of the precious headwear line, Littledoe is Love. The designer is Chase Cohl, who I've been girl-crushing on ever since I saw her precious flat on The Selby; she creates these gorgeously luxe one-of-a-kind headdresses that have been seen on the likes of style goddesses Erin Wasson and Theodora Richards.

Concentrating on hippie staples like feathers, flowers, beads and precious stones, Chase creates romantic bohemian styles fit for a flower children and fashion models alike. Of course, since each headpiece is custom-made it comes with a pricetag of $250-$400 - but its worth it for such incredible craftsmanship. I'm thinking about getting one for a beachy wedding ceremony I'm attending at the end of the summer because, well, honestly I'm dying for an excuse to get one!

If actually rocking this hippie look is not in your cards (or wallet), I advise you take a few moments to just check out the Littledoe site for inspiration from Chase's lookbooks. The lookbooks are full of polaroid-style photos of gorgeous rich-hippie girls running around the woods and open fields in great floaty dresses paired with heavy furs, topping off their impossibly long luscious locks with exquisite headgear, in true boho-babe fashion. The Littledoe line is full of great D.I.Y.-ideas, and I am feeling inspired to create a little 'love' of my own!

Title: from "San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)" (Scott McKenzie)

Inspired By ... Jane Birkin's Casual Parisian Chic

2011-07-21T15:01:00.002-05:00

Can't afford a Birkin bag but still a dying to look like the style icon and renowned Hermès muse?
Check out this to-die-for ankle-length coat by BB Dakota. With its wide lapels and double row of buttons, this delicious coat is strikingly similar to the one Jane sported on a casual walk with Serge many years ago.
I love the length of the coat - only a peep of the ankle and a pair of killer shoes will be visible when this is all buttoned up. So much outerwear out there is mid-calf or above, as if designers are afraid to make coats too long. If you wear this jacket, you dare to not bare much skin ... which is a statement all its own these days. To all my Birkin babes out there, this is the piece for you this fall! Button up the coat, pop the collar, slip on your black boots, and grab your wicker basket (and your hot Frenchman!) and stroll the streets in this understated statement-maker!

The Dedrick Coat by BB Dakota is available at Lulus.com for a stylish $121 (it's also available in camel, if you want to go more of a Ali MacGraw-circa-Love Story route).

kiss me 'til you're drunk and i'll show you all the moves like jagger, i've got the moves like jagger

2011-07-20T13:11:00.004-05:00

Why? Because Mick dances like no other.

Also because I've got the whistle hook of this song stuck in my head.

Images from (Diet) Coke and Sympathy, iorr, Tumblr,

Title: from "Moves Like Jagger" (Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera)

yeah i like you, and i'm feeling so bohemian like you

2011-07-19T16:52:00.001-05:00

My good friend and fellow blogstress Melissa of Glamoretta and I attended the opening of Club Monaco's first concept boutique (this is for ladies only) in the West Village neighborhood of Dallas last week. The event was hosted by Jane and Judy Aldridge of Sea of Shoes and Atlantis Home, respectively. We looked around at CM's new collection - a gorgeous compilation of sandy-hued dresses, skirts, and blazers - as well as the store's display of vintage sunglasses, jewelry (chosen by designer Vanessa Mooney), Moroccan tote bags, and vintage Chanel purses. The vintage pieces were hand-selected by CM's vintage curator Selima Salaun, who has the most enviable job in the world (imagine being paid to scour French flea markets for fashionable finds).

It was fun to roam around the store with some of Dallas's most fashionable - I even spotted girls who I went to school with years ago who are now on the social scene!

I wore a dolman-sleeved buttondown by Brandy Melville, tying it at the bottom to show-off the cool layover detailing of my navy blue high-wisted trousers by 3.1 Phillip Lim. My heels and long-strap chain handbag are both by Madewell. My turquoise and feather-charm necklace is from The Gypsy Wagon, which I matched with a silver feather cuff from Free People that I wore as a bangle. I wore a bunch of other bracelets as well, including my rose gold Cartier Love bracelet, snake-faced brass 'Karma' bracelets by Skova Soul, and Ferragamo black leather wraparound bracelet. I also wore my favorite Deco ring and a gold vermeil hammered ring by Soixante Neuf, and Fool's Gold earrings from Urban Outfitters.

Also (because I know that you all care!) I darkened my hair a bit by adding a bit of red so that it's more strawberry blonde, or what my good friend Liz calls 'blinge'. I like it a lot - it's different from what I expected, but I'm almost glad that it's not too much of a change because I am freaking out over this super-subtle difference.

According to her blog, Melissa is sporting a Madewell jumpsuit with a vintage pendant necklace, coral lace bra from Urban Outfitters, and grey PVC sandals by Givenchy.

* Pictures courtesy of Glamoretta

Title: from "Bohemian Like You" (The Dandy Warhols)

do ya wanna touch, do ya wanna touch, do ya wanna touch me there?

2011-07-18T15:50:00.000-05:00

One of the reasons I wish I was alive during the sixties was so that I could so many wonderful decade-centric films that are practically impossible to find nowadays. (Apparently modern movie studios think that we don’t want to see the cult classics of Swinging London. Bitter? Yes.)

Thanks to my university library and our impressive Film & Media Studies department, I’ve been able to watch hard-to-find classics like Qui êtes-vous, Polly Maggoo?, Candy, and Wonderwall (even letting me writing a term research paper on Performance).

Still, there is a laundry list of films I still haven’t seen: Tonite Let’s All Make Love in London and Reflections on Love (starring Jenny Boyd), and currently at the top of my list, The Touchables. I was so excited when I came across this post on the film on the fabby blog theredtelephone. She recommended watching the film on Youtube, which some saint out there had uploaded a while back. But of course, as luck would have it, the Youtube links are no longer working. I went on a mission through various not-so-legal routes to try to find the film, even contemplating/reasoning the risk of a virus on my computer in order to download a sketchy copy of it. I know, I am a shame to all other film students!

I am currently trying to patch together the film through various, disconnected clips online. From what I have gathered, the film explores sex and sexuality in the similarly taboo-meets-camp way of many other Swinging London movies. As for the plot: four ridiculously beautiful and stylish British dollies kidnap a rock star and 'torture' him with lovemaking. Suffice to say, the Touchables thrives more on visuals than content.

The film, written by Donald Cammell, the genius behind Performance, and directed by Beatles' photographer Robert Freeman, stars a cast of lovelies including Monika Ringwald, Esther Anderson, Kathy Simmonds (who briefly dated George Harrison - you can read about it here), and Judy Huxtable. It has the gorgeously random film style of Wonderwall and Blowup, and the gorgeously mod darlings to act out in the scenery.

The only readily-available part of the film is its soundtrack, downloadable on Amazon. It's great - full of swinging tunes and a great cover of Good Day Sunshine.

Visuals gathered from: Martin Klasch, Listal, Mubi, Blue Sunshine, A Man Out of Time, Title: from "Do You Wanna Touch Me" (Joan Jett ... technically Gary Glitter, but I like Joan more)

Check it out: Marianne Faithfull in Spinner

2011-07-18T15:15:00.001-05:00

Our favorite Miss X did an interview with Spinner, in which she discusses her new album, working with Lou Reed and Metallica, her appearance in Keith Richards' Life, and her take on her role as a sex symbol. She even puts to rest the public's fascination with her famous relationships, saying, "I don't like being associated with drugs and Mick Jagger - it's the association I don't like ... People change. I know the media can't accept that, but, between you and me, they do change."

It's a great interview - Marianne is always one for exciting and insightful conversations, and she doesn't disappoint.

Check it out here

Images from: (Diet) Coke and Sympathy, Tumblr,

oh my, my, oh hell yes, honey put on that party dress

2011-07-16T15:31:00.000-05:00

During a routine stalking/wishlisting of Topshop's clothing collection, I came across this trend of dressing like a 60's Dollybird in fantastically bright swingy shift dresses. I love the great flower detailing at the end of the sleeves and dress hem, as well as the fun beachiness of the crocheted dresses. Personally, I am partial to the orange and blue shift dresses, but I am tempted to get all of them! Who could resist a dress that looks like it came out of the closets of Jane Asher and Jean Shrimpton?!

Snag one here

Title: from "Mary Jane's Last Dance" (Tom Petty)

tenderoni you've got to be, spark my nature, sugar fly with me

2011-07-13T16:55:00.000-05:00

"This is the new British girl. Observe her. She is a novel phenomenon."

So begins the introduction by Anthony Haden-Guest - a glorious outpouring of praise and adoration for these girls that epitomized a particular time, place, and moment in history. Haden-Guest explains that who this girl is: "She is Loyal, also Fickle, Obstinate, Gentle, Suspicious and Trusting. Also Sharp and Feckless, Realistic and Fantastic beyond belief. Just as in the horoscopes, which she never fails to read, make your character diagnosis, and it will seem to fit. Until you diagnose the opposite, and that fits too."

"There are no rules, only exceptions. Except that the British girl is suddenly the most attractive, the most desirable, the most startling girl in the world. This is a rule, and an exceptional one.

She is a new animal, a shock genetic mutation, and she has appeared everywhere, like a new model of car, or an epidemic, or the flowers in the Spring."

"But there is, of course, a reason for everything. A new animal must be observed in its environment, and especially in this case when the British girl has exploded into a radically altered environment, which she has created, or which created her, or whatever, and which has become known as the London Scene. The Scene ... an exhausted phrase now, an adman's phrase like Image. The Image of London, the London Scene, both phrases over-used, almost to death, but always resurrected, because they are irreplaceable. There is a new way of life, and these girls are part of it.

The new girl belongs to this moment in time, and only this one."

Pattie Boyd

"Pattie Boyd always looks on the brink of being startled by something utterly fantastic. The eyes and mouth are assuming delicate saucer shapes. The blood is about to rush from a milky and tremulous face. She has already been startled, by a precipitous success as a model, and she startled everybody else by marrying a Beatle, George Harrison, the lean one who is trying to master the Indian sitar. What more utterly fantastic things can life hold?"

Charlotte Rampling

"Apparently without trying much, she is maintaining an impressive rising graph, from toting a guitar around Spain, through modelling, to acting. There was a flash of a scene in The Knack and quite a slice of Georgy Girl - two crucial movies of the new London - and now onwards. In Georgy Girl she portrayed a Swinger, 'a really vile and hard sort of woman' in her own words. But everybody calls her Charly."

Sue Murray

"Sue Murray is a model, and one of the bright lights of the post-Shrimpton wave. She is one of the moxt successful in Britain, or, for that matter, the United States, where she works constantly. Why? John d Green says that she doesn't have to work at it - she just stands there. She is the perfectly natural girl."

Title: from "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" (Michael Jackson)

the british (birds) are coming!

2011-07-13T01:55:00.001-05:00

This photo is a testament to my supreme nerdiness; and to assure that this moment - as captured on my computer - will not be used against me as blackmail in future I am sharing it with the entirety of the interwebs. Also, because I am a bragging lil bitch.

Today I experienced my version of Christmas morning - I received a copy of the much sought-after, hard-to-find coffee table book / dolly girl bible Birds of Britain in the mail today. As you could guess, I am beyond excited about it. The copy I purchased in excellent condition that it doesn't look like it's been around for almost forty-five years - the pages are unwrinkled and the binding is in great condition (this is the nerdy vintage archiver in me coming out now). The photographs are so excellent that they surpass all of my expectations and anticipations. I have seen many of the photos on various websites and blogs discussing the book by John D. Green (or as credited in the book 'John d Green' ... yeah, the sixties were too cool for proper grammar), but the images are such high quality works of art that my retinas are exhausted just looking over the book from cover to cover.

What I love a lot is the text here - it's amazing on so on-the-nose about all of these girls and the scene they were a part of. The inner flap of the book starts, "Miniskirts and the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and now the Birds. That means girls - feathery and soft, swinging and defiantly independent. London has cracked out of its sober chrysalis into an ultravisual supersonic capital-of-all-the-arts, whose theatre annually swamps Broadway, whose fashions ripple down the Main Streets of the world, and whose girls are its most visible assets." And those are just the first three sentences! I wish I could write that gorgeously all the time - seriously, the mind reels. How can so much excellence and beauty be in one book?! Yeah, I'm not exaggerating in the slightest.

Tomorrow and the next few days, I will start covering various aspects of the book - including photographs and text regarding this "incandescent maelstrom" of British birds.

oh how i've waited so long for summer nights, when there's magic in the air and i don't have a care

2011-07-10T00:39:00.002-05:00

Please excuse the messy hair and gross skin - I fell victim to a post-dinner drive in a convertible with my younger brother at the wheel. Speeding around during a hot summer night may sound fun to some, but it wreaked havoc on my 'artfully messy' waves (which are now just 'messy messy' waves) and melted all of my makeup.

I've been on a very specific binge lately - wanting only turquoise, bronze, golden browns and light creams. I suppose that this binge has come to a head, as this is a 'lost weekend' of sorts for me - wearing my massive turquoise stone necklace to breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and looking at no color but these two non-colors. I love the images that these hues and materials conjure up - Ralph Lauren advertisements, Native American jewelry, Ali MacGraw in her seventies hippie garb while hanging on the arm of Steve McQueen. Who can resist these connotations?

Appropriately, my cuff is bronze with a turquoise center. The butterfly cuff has had a long history in my life - I rediscovered it a few years back while I was digging through my childhood costume jewelry box. It was a piece that my mother had given to me when I was just a little whip of a thing, a little girl who did not realize how cool the piece was. I know that Mariah Carey has sort of ruined the butterfly in recent years, but there is something so lovely, so innocent, and so seventies about this bracelet that I can overlook the Carey factor. A butterfly isn't the only creature on my bod tonight. I am wearing a necklace with a turquoise stone and swallow charm that I purchased at one of my favorite stores, The Gypsy Wagon. The white lace dress by Mystree was also a recent purchase from the Wagon. The hole-y shoes were purchased from Urban Outfitters, but the name of the actual designer of the shoes has long since rubbed off. They're perfect for the summer though - they are breezy and easy like sandals, which is great because I can't abandon my love for the menswear just because it's 102 degrees!

I've owned this caramel-colored blazer since the 9th grade (good choice, fourteen-year-old self!) and I still wear it pretty regularly. It's by Sitwell, one of the labels that Anthropologie carries - I love the delicate ruffle details and the comfy corduroy-style material (but without those corduroy lines ... yet is corduroy still corduroy without the cord lines? I know, DRG is getting existential...)

Title: from "Summer Nights" (Marianne Faithfull)

Then and Now: the Louise Brooks Hairstyle

2011-07-08T00:18:00.001-05:00

The original 'do done by '20s starlet Louise Brooks has remained a popular style for almost a century

Agyness Deyn makes the short bob her own with her signature platinum locks

Audrey Tautou in Amelie

Anna Wintour has made this cropped pageboy-inspired style her signature for decades, even sporting deep chocolate locks like Louise in the 1990s

Anne Hathaway takes the look for a spin

A picture from an Anthropologie catalogue

Brigitte Bardot tries the style in the Godard masterpiece Le Mépris

Cate Blanchett manages to make an Indiana Jones villain likeable with a chic crop

Christina Ricci claimed she felt like she "looked like an anime character" with her dramatic bob while portraying Trixie in the film Speed Racer

Dancer-actress extraordinaire Cyd Charisse in the film Singin' in the Rain - there's a reason she was Gene Kelly's dream girl

Halle Berry has "a new focus" - and a new look! - in the pages of Vogue

Isabella Rossellini made the Brooks hairstyle her own and looks sensational

German actress Isabella Soric makes the look fun and sassy

Jane Birkin wigs out

Kate Bosworth hams it up in a photobooth-style session complete with cropped hair and black feathers - very va-va-voom

Katie Holmes made a name for herself in the fashion world when she debuted this daring 'do

Gaga ooh la la! Is it any coincidence Lady Gaga rocks the same hairstyle that Vogue editor Anna Wintour has worn for years, as well as featured in her magazine on the likes of Halle Berry and Natalie Portman (both seen in this post)?

Melanie Griffith is Something Wild in a film of the same name with a dramatic 'do and pounds of costume jewelry

Barton does Brooks

Celebs like Jena Malone, Michelle Williams (of Destiny's Child), Kristen Stewart, and Selma Blair all rock the look

From the tender age of twelve in Leon: The Professional to an all-grown-up look in Closer and on the pages of Vogue, Natalie Portman makes the 'do a do at any age

Rose McGowan in The Doom Generation

Winona Ryder by Steven Meisel

Julia Roberts is style by Serge Normant for his book Femme Fatale: Famous Beauties Then and Now

lady in a blue dress

2011-07-05T21:04:00.001-05:00

Here I am in my room, yet again, snapping selfies of my outfits. Why? I'm not particularly fashionable - at least not above and beyond normal means enough to constitute the desire to share my looks with the world. But my own profound self-involvement knows no bounds. Ergo, I will continue this little fashionista foray with another post about what I'm wearing while standing in front of my collection of books.

I'm in a Liberty of London maxidress, which I quite love because I nurse an addiction to their intricate floral patterns. With it, I am wearing a cropped denim jacket by American Eagle Outfitters which I scored in the most awesome swag bag known to man from the Lucky Magazine FABB Conference back in February. I've never really shopped at American Eagle before, but this jacket is so scrumptiously soft and broken-in that it has become a regularly rotated piece in my (as well as several of my friends') summer wardrobes. Not that they are visible, but the shoes I am wearing are woven wedge sandals by Elizabeth and James. Jewelry-wise, I am wearing my Deco ring and rose-gold Cartier 'Love' bracelet, as well as white stone earrings I purchased at a market in London a few years back.

Hair-wise, it is easy to see it's doing it's own thing, as per usual. I think I am going to go redder in the next few weeks - I think I am ready for a change in my life, and a change of hair color is one of the easiest and most drastic changes a gal can do!

fill me with song, allah, kiss me once more, that i may, that i may wear my love like heaven

2011-07-04T15:28:00.000-05:00

I always knew that the readers of DRG were special little dollies - everyone I've spoken to, emailed with, and blog-stalked has a passion for the retro, the beautiful, the impractical, the magical, the bohemian, and the glamorous. Imagine my excitement when I opened my message inbox this morning to see emails of links on museum exhibits (ooh la la McQueen à la MoMA), concerts, and interviews with glamazons like Debbie Harry and Florence Welch. A special merci to a certain fabulous San Franciscan who thought of moi when she saw a piece in the Los Angeles Times.

The piece is on Pattie Boyd and her upcoming photography exhibit on Catalina Island. As it turns out, Catalina holds a spot close to Pattie's heart. A recent rediscovery of photographs from early 1971 contained images of Pattie's first-hubby George Harrison deep-sea fishing off of Catalina just weeks prior to his landmark Concert for Bangladesh event.

I am definitely diggin' this article because it captures the dreamy sweetness and loveliness that Pattie was so known for. The article says, as follows, "Boyd gazed at those photos with her cornflower blue eyes. She broke into the slightly gap-toothed smile that made her stand out among the other models of her era and reflected on the image ... She sighed and added: 'We were all so young and beautiful.'"

Her last comment is such a definitive statement of the sixties - it was a decade when everyone was young and beautiful, a collection of multi-colored dream children walking so high they didn't touch the ground. Despite what she thinks - and despite the passing of years and youth - Pattie is still incredibly beautiful.

Check out the article here, as well as a sneak peek at Pattie exhibit

Title: from "Wear Your Love Like Heaven" (Donovan)

The Lovin' Linkful

2011-07-02T14:52:00.003-05:00

Get hooked on this site's daily dose of strange facts and goofy illustrations. (Learn Something Every Day)

This link was sent to me by one of my good friends Emilie - if you love the designs of Jonathan Adler and the Eccentric Glamour of Simon Doonan, then channel your inner Peeping Tom here. (The Coveteur)

For every book that doesn't allow you to insert your personality into the Mary Sue-esque 'leading lady' (hey what up Twilight), here's a guide to seducing your favorite literary characters. (The Frisky)

If the summer sunshine ain't doin' the trick, here's a list of 45 ways to feel happier. Forget apples - doing one of these tips a day is sure to keep the doctor (and any case of the blues or the mean reds) away. (Million Looks)

I've been entering every variation of my name in order to get something to rival Donald Glover's Childish Gambino. (WuName Generator)

I find Lauren 'LC' Conrad's new beauty site to be full of helpful tips and tutorials - especially videos on how to get Conrad's signature beachy waves and messy updos. (The Beauty Department)

Nicole Richie's summer style tips. Cute babies and floaty tunics not included. (People StyleWatch)

I have a strange fascination with retro Playboy Bunnies, as in: I kinda want to be one. (Vanity Fair)

Just to make you feel bad: 50 kids to make you feel inferior and uncool. (Buzzfeed)

The favorite products of Hollywood's leading makeup artists. (The Fashion Spot)

I don't know who this gal is, but I bow down to her spot-on impression of Pattie Boyd in A Hard Day's Night. (Coolest Homemade Costumes)

If you wanna stalk my girl-crush, the most gorgeous girl in the world, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, it's a lot easier here. (The Daily Mail)

Then and Now: Pattie Boyd and Britney Spears

2011-06-30T16:13:00.000-05:00

Who knew that red vinyl bodysuits were such a fashion statement? Here, both Pattie and Brit-Brit rock red catsuits with matching black boots and teased blonde hair. I feel a new trend coming on...

now baby i believe this is real, so take a chance and don't ever look back

2011-06-25T17:29:00.003-05:00

Seemingly improbable things have happened to me throughout my life - I've had interactions with people that I know I am not cool enough to be even six-degrees-of-Kevin-Bacon from. For starters, when I was a just a little whip of a thing, I fell down in front of Sidney Poitier and then proceeded to have a hissy fit in front of him at the Brown Derby restaurant in California (did I mention this was the Hollywood episode of I Love Lucy?). I only calmed down when he told the waitress to give me straws with Disney characters on them. Honestly, I still redden with embarrassment when I watch Lilies of the Field. A few years after that, I flew on Jack Abramoff's jet. Granted it wasn't until watching a certain Kevin Spacey movie with my parents that I was informed whose jet it even was. When I was a teenager, Sophia Bush told me she liked my sweater (well duh, it was a really cute sweater - so that's more props to her I suppose). Most recently in February at the Lucky FABB event, I accidentally insinuated to Brandon Holley and Rebecca Minkoff that my father was gay (he's not - he just really does love Fashion Police).

I'm not saying any of this to sound braggy or bitchy because, honestly, a lot of these moments are kinda embarrassing to me and I have no reason to boast about my inability to socially interact with people. Telling y'all this is a build-up to what I found today - an event that constitutes one of my most surreal experiences with someone who shouldn't even know I'm alive, that I'm writing blog. Mainly because I sometimes write about them on the site.

So, just for some more backstory, I'll tell you this: Folks, I don't understand Twitter. I'm intrigued by it, and open to using one, but it's reaaaaally hard for me. I don't know how to use it, how to interpret it, how to understand the '@' signs and hasthtags. And don't even get me started on 'trending' - seriously, don't. So much confusion has stemmed from this phenomenon that apparently everyone else in the universe understands. But being a Twitter twit doesn't stop me from reading other peoples' Twitters. I love to read through the 160-character musings of Kanye West, the humor of Aziz Ansari and Donald Glover, and the sometimes too-true revelations of White Girl Problems. I also occasionally like to search around to see if some of my icons from retrodom have entered the Twitterverse. So imagine my excitement when I come across the twitter site for Bebe Buell. Here I can read goofy comments and muse-ful musings (excuse the corniness of that) of a true rock goddess. I know that there were comments exchanged on this site many, many months ago regarding Buell's book, with my stating that what I liked least about the book was that I didn't feel that it captured her voice as authentically as it could have. But with Twitter - minus rewrites, editors, co-authors, publishers and such - we can take a look at the full-on fabulosity of Miss Buell all by herself.

So, of course, I stalked the hell of her Twitter. I read as many postings as I could - just one right after the other - until I stopped dead in my Tweet-tracks. What, may you ask, captured my attention so? This glorious little link staring back at me:

A million and a half thoughts came rushing in my head: How did she find my post? What did she think of it? Did she like it? Did she hate it? Was she offended that I thought there could be a style "now" to her "then"? Was this a fake Twitter account and maybe just a fan / loon was acting as her?

I know I'll never have answers to my questions, and I know it's not nearly the big deal I am making it out to be. It's just a link. But I know I am going to continue to nerd-out and be obsessed with this. Why? Because I really am a huge fan of Bebe Buell, and this is such an awesome thing to me, because I think that this will be as close as I'll get to ever meeting one of my heroes. That ... and because it's summer and I don't have much else going on.

Title: from "Teenage Dream" (Katy Perry)

the top ten award

2011-06-24T01:41:00.003-05:00

I want to thank the fabulously fashionable Jessica of ChicGeek for giving me the Top 10 Award. This is one of my favorite kinds of awards because it consists of you listing your favorite cosmetics. I am a total beauty product junkie, so I had quite a bit of fun going through all my goodies and deciding which ones I would choose. I had to make some very difficult decisions - choosing Buxom Lips gloss over my trusty Sexy Motherpucker, and opting for my fragrance obsession of the moment (D&G The One) instead of one of my favorite summer scents - a toss-up between Marc Jacobs Blush and Stella by Stella McCartney, and the dirty rose fragrance of my recent go-to for spring, Kate Moss's original scent, which is a bit of a rock'n'roll floral. But these are the crucial choices that every one has to make in their lives.
I kid ... but beauty products do offer considerable importance to me, no matter how vain that sounds. The word 'cosmetic' comes from the Greek word 'kosmos', which means "the order of the universe"*, and makeup products actually do have a mystical hold over my life. I love reading blogs (Into the Gloss is my girl-porn - I'm addicted), magazines, various articles, books and such regarding the world of cosmetics and beauty. I adore women like Eva Chen, the Beauty Editor at Teen Vogue, for making such an interest into a full-fledged job. During my too-regular-for-own-good visits to department store beauty counters and my mecca Sephora, I make out like a pirate with all my goodies; and sometimes look like a pirate too - that much kohl eyeliner is good for Jack Sparrow, but not so good for me. So right now I'll play Beauty Editor pretend and offer my bits of 'wisdom' regarding the best of my beauty booty:

1. Temptu Airbrush Foundation in 002 Ivory: I love how evenly and flawlessly this foundation applies. It's super easy to use - just a few swooshes around the face, and my skin looks better than I've seen it in years. The only downside - I'm unable to apply normal foundation and be satisfied with it anymore. Guess Temptu and I are for life.
2. Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion in Black Brown: I prefer drugstore brands for mascara because why spend twenty-plus dollars on something you have to toss in a few months anyways? I'll admit I still have Benefit BadGal mascara, Urban Decay's Big Fatty and a Lancôme mascara with a scary brush (I'm a bit of an eye makeup whore) but ever since I first had my 'lashes blasted', I've been hooked. I don't think I've found a mascara that is so consistently non-clumpy than this one. It's great to apply on both sides of lashes to make your eyes pop and look like you just stepped out of a Latisse ad.
3. Smashbox Artificial Light Flash Luminizing Lotion: technically a lotion to be mixed with or applied underneath foundation, I actually use this light formula as an illuminator after I've applied foundation and blush. I dab a bit across my cheekbones, my nose, eyelids, forehead and right above my cupid's bow. It's shimmery enough to make my skin look glowy and a bit shimmery without looking like I raided the body glitter collection I hoarded in the third grade.
4. Anastasia Beverly Hills Perfect Brow Pencil in Blonde: since I have naturally light blonde hair, I also was given matching blonde eyebrows. It never bothered me until recent years, when I noticed in photographs my brows looked like Whoopi Goldberg (have you ever noticed that she doesn't have eyebrows?). Now, since I've darkened my hair, I hardly ever leave the house without using this light pencil and grooming my brows with its dual-ended comb.
5. Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder: I'm obsessed with the idea of perfect-looking skin. This translucent powder is perfect for all skin tones and literally makes every pore imperfection go away. The powder is loose white (but immediately goes away) and reminds me of the story Kenneth Anger told about the filming of Lucifer Rising that he warned Marianne Faithfull not to bring drugs into Egypt at risk of execution. Faithfull hid the drugs in her makeup box under her face powder, and Anger alleged Faithfull "powdered her face with heroin." ... but that has nothing to do with this.
6. Maybelline The Falsies Volum'Express in Brownish Black: when I want mega-lashes without the added effort of applying actual falsies, I again turn to a trusty drugstore brand. I think it was Cindy Crawford who said that unless you have ultra-dark hair it's better to use brown mascara as it's not so severe. I like brown-black mascaras because I like being just a little bit severe.
7. Clinique Colour Surge Eye Shadow Velvet in Bewitched: a rich chocolate shadow; I apply this to the upper lash line (and to my bottom lash line when I want an uber-dolly look) with a MAC 263 brush.
8. BareMinerals Buxom Lips in Dolly: ahh the name of this gloss's shade says it all for me. Though it doesn't produce the same über-beestung look (or cheekiness in the packaging) as Soap & Glory's Sexy Motherpucker (my fave shade is What a Melon, btw), this gloss is the perfect there-but-not-there shade with just a hint of color, tingle (a bit minty), and shimmer. It's perfect for any occasion. I always have it in my bag.
9. Dolce & Gabanna The One: simply just one of the best smelling fragrances I've had the pleasure of sniffing in my life. One of my friends wears it regularly, and I was obsessed with it and begged her to tell me what she was wearing. She said, "The One." It was as though that's all that needed to be said. Everywhere I went after that when I would smell a hint of it, I would freak out until I sought out the wearer of the perfume ... seriously in order to chat with her about the scent. I love it ... and unless I find a different perfume that I fall in love with more than this, I think I may have found "The One" I want to be my signature scent.
10. Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 30: it would be a vast understatement to say that I'm not a sun worshipper. I wear sunscreen and sunnies everyday in order to protect my visage from the the damaging rays of le soleil. This brush-on sun protection powder is such a lifesaver for someone like I, who doesn't reapply sunscreen every few hours and tends to get a bit shiny during the day. I discovered it at Bliss Spa in NYC senior year of high school and I have been a loyal user ever since.

My Awardees:

Gloria of musings & inspiration

JessM of You've Got the Silver

Kaitlyn of Born Late

Kirby of Lost Muse

Louloublue of All Babes are Wolves

Lucia of Who The Fuck Is Mick Jagger

Melissa of Glamoretta

Raquel of Eloise

Smashingbird of Smashingbird

Summer.B of ..Summer Baby

Here's what you do:
- Thank the person who tagged you and link to their blog
- Put the Top 10 Award logo on your blog (the logo is under my 'Kind Words' section if you want to snag it)
- List your top ten favorite cosmetics
- Choose ten bloggers to tag, link to their blogs, and let them know about their award!

* thanks to the book Life is a Movie Starring You by Jennifur Brandt for this fun fact

baby's in black

2011-06-19T23:11:00.002-05:00

I differ from many other Texan gals, in that I wear a lot of black always (in a nongothic way, of course) and I have quite fair skin. In a sea of incredibly tanned, toned, and brightly dressed Southern belles, I stick out like a pasty sea urchin. You won't see a lot of gals in my neck of the woods wearing a primarily black outfit in the middle of June, when it's a lucky day when the temperature doesn't hit the three-digit mark. But, ah yes, I am quite the rebel.

This was the outfit while going out last night. The black boyfriend-style blazer is by The Gap - I adore it's brass buttons and the slightly masculine pattern of the coat's interior, making rolling up the sleeves a fashion statement in itself. I'm not sure how I would describe the pattern of this top (sort of snakeskin-y) or really the color of it (sort of goldish-yellow-green) but it's by Sparkle & Fade - a great brand full of colorful, trendy, and perhaps most importantly comfy clothes - and I got it from Urban Outfitters. My bag - a big fringe creation by Rachel Zoe - is a great olive shade and worked well enough with the color of my top without being too matchy-matchy. Plus, I'm on a fringe binge so I wasn't going to not use the bag, regardless of whether it worked with my outfit or not. (See again: I am a fashion rebel, people!)

The leggings are high-waisted black American Apparel leggings in that fantastic shiny material. I'm beyond obsessed with them; I have several pairs. The material makes the leggings look a little dressier and more fun than regular cotton leggings, and they are mayjahh-ly opaque (which is a major plus for me) and makes your legs look thinner.

These black Joie knee-high boots (currently only available in chocolate brown) first captured my attention because they are styled so similarly after the equestrian boots I wore when I rode horses competitively ... except these boots have never given me blisters, nor have they been subject to horse manure.

I kept my jewelry completely gold - with big (but thin) hoop earrings, my beloved rose gold Cartier love bracelet, and bangle designed by b-side by Ken & Dana as part of their Rights Collection. The particular bracelet I am wearing features the numbers of the court case of Romer v. Evans - 517 US 620 1996 - a case that protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation. See, style can have a conscience.

wrapped in songs and gypsy shawls, color up the sunshine hours

2011-06-17T21:57:00.002-05:00

The gal that I will be channelling this summer is one of the most fabulous, incredible women that I've ever seen: Marisa Berenson. She is equal parts Talitha Getty's jetset gypsyness and Jean Shrimpton's mod model beauty. Granddaughter of the legendary designer Elsa Schiaparelli, fashion runs through Marisa's veins, as evident through her penchant for large ethnic baubles, long patterned maxidresses, crazy headgear, and those wild flowing brunette locks. One of the few successful models-turned-actors, the one constant in Marissa's life was her incredible style appeal. I can't wait to get my Berenson on!

Title: from "Ladies of the Canyon" (Joni Mitchell)

summer romance

2011-06-14T01:18:00.004-05:00

This is my first attempt at personal style photos, and I am going to offer up a disclaimer: I am not trés chic. I enjoy fashion, but I do not fancy myself to be a bohemian Glamourai, nor a gal who can dive into a Sea of Shoes (though, in all honesty, I could dive into my shoe collection... it's just not as enviable as that of my fellow Texan). I love photography, but I'm never done selfies so please don't judge the (low) quality of my pictures. Hopefully I'll improve in time.

I found this fantastic white macramé fringe piece, dubbed the 'Gypsy Rose' vest, by Winter Kate during a recent visit to Neiman Marcus (the vest can be purchased here). Nicole Richie (the designer of the line) has an excellent 70s style and her penchant for vintage-inspired looks is perfectly channeled into her clothing line.

I paired the vest (which I took the liberty of spinning around like a six-year-old in) with a red paisley tunic from Winter Kate's debut collection. It's not visible in the photos, but the tunic has a super deep v-neck so a camisole and clever styling is necessary in order to maintain my modesty. I love the tunic's light billowy feel made from vintage silk, the long drape-y sleeves, and the rough unfinished edges at the cuffs and hem.

With the two Winter Kate pieces, I completed the look with a pair of my beloved Hue jeggings, some trusty chandelier earrings in colors of pink and red, and a pair of Deco-inspired shoes by Minna Parikka. I love the combination of red, purple, dusty rose, muted gold, and chocolate brown - it is so romantic and summery to me. The overall look was inspired by the 70s-meets-30s soft photography of David Hamilton, whose models are always the embodiment of vintage and modern. With the 70s-inspired bohemian Winter Kate pieces, with the Deco-style shoes and modern-day jeggings, the look was aimed to reference both past and present. I wanted the colors to reflect the romance of seventies summers.

I am still in the process of figuring out what I want to do with my hair. A couple of months ago I took the plunge and darkened my blonde locks so that I could try the ombré look. After almost six months, I think I am ready to try something new - I'm not sure if I want to go back to full-on blonde (so boring to me after twenty towheaded years) or try a redder strawberry blonde, or something completely wild altogether - like peroxide Debbie Harry blonde or something.

My hair is naturally wavy, and I lucked out that the waves were somewhat presentable that day. I've become less and less of a fan of brushing my hair over the years, which usually isn't the best on days my hair looks full-on Carrie Bradshaw during the early years (... and I've learned from personal experience what works on SJP doesn't necessarily work on little old me). One of my favorite looks for my hair is to twist the front pieces back and clip on the sides of my head - it's incredibly easy to do and it looks so cute, and it has helped me out on many occasions when I simply don't know what to do with my still-growing-out fringe. Plus, I think it looks better as the day goes on and pieces begin the fall out of the clips - it looks so effortless and hippie fab.

So, what do you think? Should I continue with personal style posts, or should I abandon this fashion foray? Is there any missing - or have I rambled on too much? I would love any and all feedback, except comments that one eye is smaller than the other. I am already paranoid about that.

the water’s warm and children swim, and we frolicked about in our summer skin

2011-06-11T00:00:00.005-05:00

Confession: I hate the ocean. Well, that's to say I don't like to actually go in the ocean, but I love the ocean itself. It's gorgeous. It's just that the idea of running around half-naked, splashing around in water that has god knows what kind of trash and waste in it, all the while getting an inevitable and unwanted sunburn, leaves a lot to be desired for me. I suppose you - or Bobby Darin - could say that I am 'beyond the sea' in that sense. I no longer have that desire bred during childhood to spend my days building sand castles, or scouting for jellyfish, or digging my heels in the sand in hopes of some au natural pedicure (which would wreak havoc on my bright pink pedicure). I've moved past it. I'm now content to simply look at pictures of the beach - and my skin (and toes!) have thanked me for it.

Vintage beauties enjoy their time on the shore - props to the gals wearing heels in the sand (it must be quite a workout for your calves!)

Whether on vacation with Mel Ferer or filming scenes for her relationship drama Two For the Road (what a hard day's work to build sand castles with Albert Finney!), Audrey Hepburn somehow always manages to look chic

Jane Fonda looks gorgeously tanned while posing in the sand

The Beatles took the Bahamas by storm (no pun intended) in Help!

French actress Françoise Dorléac splashes on the shore

Brigitte Bardot made a splash (yes, pun intended) at Cannes in 1953, and enjoys some fun in the sun years later with Alain Delon and other friends

Elizabeth Taylor, in her famous white swimsuit in 1958's Suddenly, Last Summer, set the hearts of millions of men on fire - she sported a similar look in an MGM publicity shot earlier in the decade

Montgomery Clift, Alain Delon (driving alongside a guiding Bella Darwin), Hugh Hefner, Gregory Peck, Cary Grant (arm-in-arm with wife Betsy Drake), and John F. Kennedy enjoy some R&R under the sun

Edie Sedgwick has some fun in the water, sporting all the hippest fashions in plaid maxidresses and miniskirts with matching hats

Faye Dunaway in The Thomas Crown Affair looks elegant in her tan and white outfit that almost blends into the sand

This lovely photo collection of Grace Kelly on a beach was done by the princess's personal favorite photographer Howell Conant

Grace Kelly, captured by Conant as well as her frequent collaborator Alfred Hitchcock in scenes from the French Riviera caper To Catch a Thief

The beautiful Isabel Lucas

Jane Birkin was often seen spending time with Serge (photographing her himself on the docks in Cannes, walking along the shoreline, and playing in the sand) as well as her children on the beach

I have this odd collection of photographs of Alfred Hitchcock acting goofy (it's actually quite an extensively collection!), but I think these photos of Hitch on the beach -taken by François Gragnon - take the cake

Only a brave woman - like Françoise Hardy - would dare to bare her legs in a white miniskirt on the beach (seriously, I hate the sand)

Amanda Seyfried in Teen Vogue

It's no surprise Jean Shrimpton would get a round of cheers from those guys in the middle photo - whether in a swimsuit or ballgown, she's pretty fantastic

Joan Crawford uses Douglas Fairbanks as her own personal beach chair

In both of the Vanity Fair cover stories that Lindsay Lohan has appeared, the photo shoots have centered around beach themes. In this 2006 issue, the spirit was in keeping with the va-va-voom bombshell beauty of Marilyn Monroe and Brigitte Bardot

The 2010 V.F. issue had Lohan channeling more of a Grace Kelly feel, with sleekly curled hair, softer makeup, and classic all-American clothes in whites, pinks, and navy blues

Marisa Berenson goes to any length to avoid dreaded tan lines in 1971

The Darling Julie Christie poses on a boat in the film of the same name, as well as in a 60s photo shoot (in the middle picture)

Mick and Marianne on vacation in San Remo in 1966, their first high-profile public outing as a couple

Only the fabulous Veruschka could be this beach-ready (seriously - gold bikini bottoms and see-through bodysuit-caftan hybrid? Only V could get away with it)

Models like Ingrid Boulting (in the red bikini) and a pre-film actress Anjelica Huston (sharing champagne while canoodling with a man on the cover of Vogue) make the beach look chic - if I was guaranteed I would look an inch this glam, then this would be an oceanic experience I could support

Jean Seberg takes a break on the French Riviera set of Bonjour Tristesse

Modern-day celebrities - including Katy Perry, Emma Roberts, Blake Lively, Kristen Stewart, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Zooey Deschanel, Kim Kardashian and Justin Bieber - have fun in the swim and sand

Despite her lifelong fear of water, Natalie Wood was brave enough to don a bikini on more than a couple occasions

George and Pattie on the beaches of Barbados on their honeymoon in 1966, looking adorably in love but also highlighting how times have a-changed (it's funny how George's shorts are skimpier than Pattie's ... a total reversal nowadays)

Title: from "Summer Skin" (Death Cab for Cutie)

sometimes it gets so confusing that i don't know where i am, but i always know who i'm with, i'm with the band

2011-06-07T20:35:00.003-05:00

Last night, I went to go see Beirut perform. In addition to reigniting my unexplainably overwhelming desire to learn to play the accordion (I have no clue where this burning passion comes from, but oh how I wish I could have that level of finger dexterity) because seriously Perrin Cloutier is like the Hendrix of accordionists, seeing a band perform that incredibly reminded me of what it must have been like to be Bebe, Sable, Uschi and co. in the Seventies.
Everyone at the show was so into the music, just swaying to the beat, and incredibly absorbed by the guys on stage. And let me tell you, the boys in Beirut are total dreamboats. And while I do not pursue the same intimate relations as the groupie girls of yesteryear, I can completely understand the desire to. This is my ode to the girls who loved music as much as I do, but with plenty more self-confidence and seductive skills!
Here are some of my favorite girls, as well as some of my favorite looks from past and present that help me get in the groupie mindset:

I hope it's not sacrilege to feature Sapphire as opposed to Penny - but Sapph's edgy black lace, tangles of necklaces, and red velvet pieces are so inspiring to me right now

"We are not groupies. Groupies sleep with rock stars because they wanna be near someone famous. We're here because of the music. We inspire the music. We are band aides." - Penny Lane, Almost Famous

Chris O'Dell has the perfect rocker girl hair - equal parts frizzy, curly and supremely cool

I wish I knew who this girl is - she's incredibly beautiful

The inspiration for Miss Penny Lane: Bebe Buell

"As far as the groupie tag, I don't believe the word means now what it did in the '60s and '70s ... The innocence that once surrounded the word has been replaced by an almost 'anything goes' mentality. I'm sure it is an insult to girls like Pamela Des Barres, Cynthia Plaster Caster, and the GTO's - who coined it - to be lumped in the same category as women who sleep with anyone associated with a band or crew. That is not what a groupie is, in the old-fashioned sense ... The music was, and is, the most important thing to a true groupie of days." - Bebe Buell

I love the New York Dolls (as pictured here in Creem Magazine) but I would never lay down on a sidewalk for them or any band ... sidewalks are dirty and I am vain

"Being a real groupie is a talent on its own, and not one that can be performed by just anyone. Sex, while an important part of the groupie experience, is only one facet of the whole picture. A true groupie has a deep connection both to the music and the dimension in which musicians exist when they are performing. Rock and roll is a ritual and groupies are the high priestesses." - Pamela Des Barres

The GTOs are legends in the groupie world; individual photos on the bottom row are of Miss Pamela, Miss Sparky, and Miss Christine - only a small sampling of the colorful characters who made up this 60s/70s supergroup

"When I was a young girl, I used to look at Marianne Faithfull and Anita Pallenberg and think those girls were gorgeous. I used to think, Jesus, they are so free. They are so wild-looking. These must be the girls that the guys write the songs about. These must be the girls that make the whole fucking thing tick. That was before they called girls 'groupies'." - Bebe Buell

Lou Doillon and Lizzy Jagger channel the styles from their parents' scene in pure seventies chic - minidresses in wild prints, sky-high heels, long unkempt locks and tons of eyeliner and bangles

A mix of some of the most legendary girls who ran the Sunset Strip: Sable Starr, Lori Maddox, Queenie Glam, and Karen Umphrey - all sporting very enviable platform heels

The bewitchingly beautiful Tina Aumont

"I'm a bit of a groupie." - Jerry Hall

A major figure in the German student movement of 1968, as well as romancer of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Jimi Hendrix, Uschi Obermaier is such a fascinating figure in both rock music and social activism

The incredible Charlotte Martin in a kaleidoscope of colors - light pink flowers on her hat, purple-y blue cape, and red tights

"Groupies are incredibly passionate spirits." - Pamela Des Barres

Some of my favorite looks I want to channel at the next show I attend: Raquel Zimmermann (who reminds me a lot of Debbie Harry in that picture), two pairs of fab models, Anita Pallenberg in a feather boa, Marianne Faithfull in her famous Motorcycle leather bodysuit, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in garters and fur, a true groupie in a great headscarf, Debbie Harry in black belts and neckerchief

Title: from "I'm With the Band" (Little Big Town)