Blonde Panache

Showing posts with label RIP. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Annette Funicello

Rest in Peace, Annette Funicello!

Another incredible icon has passed away this week at the age of 70. On April 8, 2013, Annette Funicello's battle with Multiple Sclerosis ended with her family and friends by her side in Bakersfield, CA. She became a major pop culture icon in the 50s as a founding member of the Mickey Mouse Club and continued on into the 60s with her roles in "beach-party" films.

She will always remain a real sensation with people in her generation; however, people of every generation will know her for her noticeably happy and glowing personal style. As we all know, being a star allows for many opportunities to wear the best trends and styles, but also create them. Many girls in her shining period admired Funicello and used her as an inspiration. I'm not even in that generation and I can see all of her style pieces being worn and sold today. Having a timeless style that can be admired generations later should be everyones goal when they open their closet each morning. Then, you'll have less embarrassment when you grow up and look through old photo albums.

In recent times, the bold brow has been coming back into style, especially with people with thick, dark hair, and Funicello is a prime example of what to aim for.

Another trend that seems to be back is monochromatic dressing, matching your pants and tops. I love this look to it's most drastic extreme, which is the same material, color, cut, and everything but in separates as if you just cut the finished product in half. This is a favorite look of mine, especially with bright hues which Funicello is the master.

Simply put, her Mad Men-esque personal style and closet is to drool over.

Monday, April 8, 2013

Margaret Thatcher

Rest in Peace, Margaret Thatcher!

Today in London, the former "Iron Lady" has passed away due to a stroke at the age of 87. The former British Prime Minister was born in October 1925 in the small town of Grantham and served as the Leader of Britain's Conservative Party from 1975 until 1990. Not only was she the first woman to lead England in politics, she struck the world as a leading style icon; showing the world how a woman in power should dress. Her famous strings of pearls that wrapped around her neck (twice), her pussybow blouses, and power suits were never left unnoticed.

'Never flashy, just appropriate,' as she described her style choice. Her belief was that comfort was the overriding aspect for an outfit and style was not as important. At times though, she did not agree with her outfit execution. In the sixties, she wore a hat for every occasion; later, regretting some of her choices, stating that they weren't always appropriate for her position.

One thing she did get right was that she sure knew how to pick colors that really suit her, and her party. Thatcher was often seen wearing the Conservative parties' blue shade when she made appearances, even after her time in office. You know what they always say, you have to dress the part.

More importantly, Margaret Thatcher really knew her jewelry. It seems as though she had enough pearls in every shape and size and length to pass around for all of us. You can count me in. And those earrings. Those are precious beauties that must weight more than she does. Poor girl? And finally. She makes me want to bust out a new brooch for every new cardigan this spring. Are you all in?

I will leave you with some advice from the leading lady: 'It is not unfeminine to be well-tailored. Indeed, it often perhaps concentrates on what you are going to say if you have got well-tailored things on because people no longer look at your clothes.' Although people will always notice your clothes, I think her lesson is very appropriate coming from a brilliant politician. Now time for everyone to go find a tailor.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Lilly Pulitzer

Rest in Peace, Lilly Pulitzer!

This iconic socialite saw her place in the fashion industry during her juice stand days. Little did anyone know, spilling orange juice on her pretty little dresses became the spark that changed the way women in Palm Beach, and eventually nationwide, dressed. In efforts to camouflage these juice stains, she had her seamstress make shift dresses in bright, colorful patterns. These dresses hung on a line behind her stand, eventually out-selling the juice. The fruit stand, then turned into a boutique!

The Lilly, as the dress came to be known, was based off the simple Home Ec dresses that every girl first learned to sew; a sleeveless and semi-fitted sheath. When Jackie Kennedy, who attended boarding school with Lilly, was seen in a Lilly Pulitzer dress in a Life magazine photo spread, every girl nationwide wanted one of their own. The prints became iconic and seen all over. Academic institutions, events, and social phenomenons including the Ive League, Bicentennial, Greek Life, and many more all have prints in their honor.

Eventually expanding her empire, men and women alike would show up to country clubs and cocktail events in full Lilly attire. From Bermuda to Southampton, men's Party Pants became a phenomenon. Later expanding further to include swimsuits, children's clothing, and a home collection.

Her Southampton Lilly shop proudly wrapped their sold dresses in clear plastic bags tied with a ribbon for the world to see your Lilly selection. Because each print is so unique and personal, they stated that "it's like carrying your own racing colors or flying a yacht flag for identification."

This morning, Sunday, April 7, 2013, she has passed away at 81 years young "surrounded by her family and loved ones," says The Lilly Pulitzer Facebook Page. Although the reason is unknown at this time, her health has been failing over the past few weeks.

Personally, she is an idol of mine. I haven't always known her name, but I have always known her style; as it's impacted many of the brands that I love most today. Her view on life is such an incredible outlook to have as she truly captures the American Dream (or my American Dream) with every step she took. She never veered away from what worked for her most, her barefoot summery style, as she famously reported, "it's always summer somewhere." Lilly Pulitzer is not just a brand, but a lifestyle. The more people who see the world like Lilly did, the better the world will be! She makes me want to live in Palm Beach and host Lilly Pulitzer inspired parties barefoot on the beach, with our toes in the sand and mocktails in our hands. You're all invited!

“Style isn’t just about what you wear, it’s about how you live,” -Ms. Pulitzer, 2004

For more inspiration, you can watch a celebration of 50 years of Lilly here.