Ali Magraw, '70s Style Inspo
Ali Macgraw in woven choker and floral.
“You fall in love with her; she’s always been more alive than most others, so artistic and enchanted, with that refined, intellectual, bohemian glamour and a little bit of the Bedouin.”
When I was an adolescent girl growing up in the early '90s, I would read 17 magazine from cover to cover. I idolized the characters on the pages. I dog-eared images when I found hairstyles I wanted to try. I did the same with television characters, though at the time, you could never find a young female role model who was smart and beautiful, unless she was "eccentric." (On Just the Ten of Us, my favorite show, everyone who was pretty was stupid, and all the girls who were interesting were portrayed as unattractive or insane. )
While I am glad I didn't grow up with the internet being so integrated into daily life and social media prodding me to compare myself to other young women, I do wonder how life would have differed if I had access to the internet in my 'tweens. Maybe I would have sought out strong interesting women to be inspired by, instead of hoping they landed on my television or my mailbox. (Although there were a few exciting style heroes of mine: Clarissa of Clarissa Explains It All, Samantha from Who's The Boss, Aaliyah, every cast member of My So-Called Life, and all the members of TLC.)
As an adult, I still find myself fascinated by certain powerful icons that are 'before-my-time.' I feel now, just as I did then, discovering these mysterious creative beauties for the first time. Currently, I'm endlessly looking at photographs of Ali MacGraw. Ali MacGraw, besides being a talented actress, crazy beautiful, the face of Johnson's Baby Oil and Chanel in the '70s, was also the perfect style icon. Why? Because she was as multidimensional in the way she expressed herself in clothing as she was in her personality. Sometimes draped in feminine floral patterns, ornate chokers, and gogo boots, other times on the perfect minimalist preppy uniform, a t-shirt, classic coating, and barely-there makeup. If you are intrigued by Ali as much as I am, you have to read this Vanity Fair article by Sheila Weller from 2010. From true-blue collar Boston beginnings, Ali was raised by poor artists, lived with roommates like Gloria Steinem, worked as Diana Vreeland's lackey, and fought like crazy to find someone to buy the script for Love Story, so she could act in it (as a mostly-untrained, barely-experienced actor. (You should really read this beautiful article!)
Here are some images to get you inspired for the upcoming Spring along with some our inspired new arrivals.
PRINT: Dare to Don the Print : A good print will go a long way if you delicately balance with the right accessories.
Who wouldn't want to wear a print dress with statement boots. I mean come on!
An easy way to wear a 70s trend: paisley print shift dress, $45.
Mix patterns why don't you! And rock a collar underneath everything. It really changes up your look! Ali was always carrying the right little bag.
Tassels, wicker and vegan leather make our Wicker Park bag the perfect accent, $75.
Kimono looks will still be around this season as will the white shoes that were everywhere last season!!! Get brave and don the white in the city!
Our gothic floral kimono, $45.
I go through phases with my head scarf wear, but boy oh boy does she make me want to wear one!
MINIMIZE: Your favorite tee. One accessory. Perfectly relaxed hair and makeup. A little can say a lot.
Simplicity can be the most beautiful thing! Stay comfy in your favorite tee and loose hair with natural makeup.
Fifth Label Shirt Dress. Perfect layer for all seasons!
The ultimate summer uniform: high-neck cropped tank and loose cropped slacks.
Simple ribbed tee, coming Feb $32
Tons of backless and low-back summer styles are due this summer. Accent a simple black dress with one oversized piece of jewelry!
Free bird cuff. Silver-plated. Made in the USA $66
Subtle details like a perfectly-tied fringe scarf and textured tights make for a sophisticated but still interesting look!
Scarf Hood available in other colors, $28.
Accessorize with no fear: Get your inherited vintage kravat, that embroidered Indian choker, or your most
One special vintage piece can turn your outfit into something amazing.
Highway Necklace $88, Silver-plated and turquoise. Made in the USA.
Denim Lapis Gold-plated "Indian Summer Necklace" $78, Made in the USA
Knit headband, available in more colors.
Matching sets seem like something from the 2010's in the UK but they have been a thing forever! Also check out this amazing way stripes somehow go with pleats and a head scarf!
Color: Wear Bold Primary Pops!
Classic pieces in bright primary colors are perfect to get you in a summer mood.
Match a pop-color piece with an accessory like a hair tie for a retro-flavored happy outfit!
Monochromatic pastels make for an amazing cheerful statement piece.
