Calling All Humans of Taste...

We have to fight this resurgence of all things 1980's. That's all there is to it. I don't care if you're a 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's, or 60's gall. Just please shun the 70's and 80's. If I could delete any two decades of history, those are the ones. Clashing colors, bad music, big shoulder pads. I don't know how the taste of an entire generation could be so horrific. So please battle bad retro with me. "Vintage" and "Retro" should refer to items either from the past or inspired by the past that are classy, beautiful, and tasteful. Everyday, as I ride the bus, I battle the bad 80's tunes on the radio with Jazz, Motown, or Opera. Everyday, as I dress, I battle bad 80's clothes with 50's and 60's inspired styles ranging from 60's minidresses to Grace Kelly scarves. Join me and together we will destroy the Sith.

5th Dimention

"One less bell to answer, one less egg to fry, one less man to pick up after, I should be happy, but all I do is cry..." "Up, up and away, my beautiful, my beautiful balloon, suspended under a twilight canopy, we'll search the clouds for a star to guide us..." These guys are so classy. Very space-age sixties in their dress and totally spot on with their music.

The Beehive

When I wear a beehive, I feel like a queen. They're convey a feeling of power to the wearer, an "on top of the world" feel. Is it any wonder that they were so popular? The only down side is the amount of work, hairspray, and hair extensions necessary to achieve one. Fortunately, I don't need the extensions.

Platform Shoes

Platform shoes have great potential, but I must say that even my beloved 60's could not be said to have gotten them completely right all the time. I enjoy the pairs of platform sandals pictured here, but would never wear them with stockings. I guess they didn't have a choice with those minis, though. I would also never put them on men's boots. But look at the other decades that wore platforms. Could the 70's or the 90's be said to do them better? Within the limitations of the decade (namely sheer stockings), these were good shoes.

Afros

For me, as a young African American woman, the Afro and other natural African American hairstyles symbolize acceptance not by society but by the person wearing it and of the self. Such hairstyles avoid the hassle and damage caused by straight styles. In the 60's these were new and radical, each one a political and social statement. I never would have thought that such a statement could look so good!

Nehru Jackets

I don't know how many Nehru jackets I have owned. Lots anyway. I love them with big brass military style buttons, in beige safari style canvas, with Asian style embroidery. They're just wonderful. Sometimes I wear them slightly open with a silk scarf filling the opening by the collar. They're worn by men, too, like James Bond, the Beatles, and Sammy Davis Junior. Really hot stuff.

Spock (oh yeah, and the rest of the show)

I thought I'd have a Star Trek post and then I realized that it was all going to be about Spock, so I decided to be honest and not try to include Kirk or anyone else on the ship. However, I must admit that Gene Roddenberry was a genius and that this show shaped all following sci fi. As for Spock, I cannot sing his virtues enough. Just go watch some Original Star Trek.

Bouffant Hair Curlers

My Gran says that they were impossible to sleep in. I say that they're worth it!

Barbra Streisand

I saw Funny Girl when I was ten years old and just fell in love with her. Other favorites of mine are On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, Yentl, and Hello Dolly. All her albums are really tops whether they're from concerts, shows, or movies. She's a fabulously talented woman and I will always look up to her.

Go-go Boots

Some credit Emma Peel for popularizing the go-go boot. I know that's how I was introduced to it! I never got over my love of them after I began watching the Avengers. No mini skirt or dress is complete without them. Unfortunately, I can't afford any. If I had even a little extra dough, I'd want something versatile...like the gold mesh ones above!

The Mini Dress

Is there any item of clothing that's more fun than a minidress? The 60's saw the birth of these wonderful dresses and with the increased amount of leg shown came some really great, colorful stockings as well. Mini dresses came in a variety of shapes and styles, some straight and others flaring, but all wonderful. Unlike many of today's shorter fashions, they were really classy and gorgeous.