Comme des Garçons slim fit shirt / Inhabit turtleneck sweater, $320 / American Apparel high rise shorts / Miu Miu platform pumps / Proenza Schouler leather bag, $1,550 / Karen Walker / French Connection beret hat, $40 / John Lewis red wool hat, $24 / By Terry terry / Napoleon Perdis pencil eyeliner / MAC Cosmetics
While I drafted this blog ages ago and it's no longer costume party season, who says it's ever too late to change things up a bit and throw yourself a little random (or birthday) themed soirée?!
If your thing is retro, French, or purely transcendental, this mash-up of ideas is for you.
To get ready, prep your skin with some moisturizer, primer, and foundation; then pat some rosy blush along the apples of your cheeks and wipe some of your favorite dark plum or brick hued lipsticks across your lips, such as MAC Hang Up or MAC Rebel. For the last bit of your '70s beatnik-chic look, use a bent liner brush or angled brush like a MAC 266 to give your self that famed retro (and personal favorite) winged liner look. For this step, you can use any black eyeliner pencil, gel liner (for example: MAC Black Track), or convenient liquid eyeliner tube, such as the trusty L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Precision Liquid Eyeliner.
When considering what to wear, aim for a thin black and white striped long sleeve t-shirt or fitted, plain turtleneck. Think monochrome: pair each top with a bottom of the same color. With a striped top, slip into your favorite pair of black leggings, skinny jeans, or high-waisted shorts (which can be worn over solid black tights if desired). If you opt for a turtleneck, try pairing with a basic, a-line mini skirt or leggings as well. Throw on some Chelsea boots or pretty '60s-inspired heels or platforms - whether in color or design - a matching shoulder bag and beret, and you're all set, save for the entirely necessary, yet just cheesily cliché enough accessories.
To polish of your look, you'll need some memorable add-ons. Consider purchasing - or whipping out if you already have one - an old wooden pipe for the night. Whether an indoor party or not, you'll want to have the full beatnik look in check with a great pair of black or tortoise shell oversized square/rectangular sunglasses. As a finishing touch, sling your favorite worn copy of L'Etranger by beatnik favorite Albert Camus under your arm, and bring a bottle of your best cheap French wine in hand!
If you're throwing the fête, be sure to have some Gainsbourg spinning on the record player and wear a super blasé expression on your face at all times. You're of the intellectual elite - ain't nobody got time for excitement and joy! You know the sad, existential truths of the world! Feature a funny welcome speech in true beat poet fashion and fill the room with giggles and snap-claps. Most importantly of all: channel your inner Jane Birkin, girl! And enjoy your party of all parties.
In case you still need some outfit inspiration, here are some of my favorite '60s-inspired looks from recent years past:
Mini Party Playlist:
While I drafted this blog ages ago and it's no longer costume party season, who says it's ever too late to change things up a bit and throw yourself a little random (or birthday) themed soirée?!
If your thing is retro, French, or purely transcendental, this mash-up of ideas is for you.
To get ready, prep your skin with some moisturizer, primer, and foundation; then pat some rosy blush along the apples of your cheeks and wipe some of your favorite dark plum or brick hued lipsticks across your lips, such as MAC Hang Up or MAC Rebel. For the last bit of your '70s beatnik-chic look, use a bent liner brush or angled brush like a MAC 266 to give your self that famed retro (and personal favorite) winged liner look. For this step, you can use any black eyeliner pencil, gel liner (for example: MAC Black Track), or convenient liquid eyeliner tube, such as the trusty L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Precision Liquid Eyeliner.
When considering what to wear, aim for a thin black and white striped long sleeve t-shirt or fitted, plain turtleneck. Think monochrome: pair each top with a bottom of the same color. With a striped top, slip into your favorite pair of black leggings, skinny jeans, or high-waisted shorts (which can be worn over solid black tights if desired). If you opt for a turtleneck, try pairing with a basic, a-line mini skirt or leggings as well. Throw on some Chelsea boots or pretty '60s-inspired heels or platforms - whether in color or design - a matching shoulder bag and beret, and you're all set, save for the entirely necessary, yet just cheesily cliché enough accessories.
To polish of your look, you'll need some memorable add-ons. Consider purchasing - or whipping out if you already have one - an old wooden pipe for the night. Whether an indoor party or not, you'll want to have the full beatnik look in check with a great pair of black or tortoise shell oversized square/rectangular sunglasses. As a finishing touch, sling your favorite worn copy of L'Etranger by beatnik favorite Albert Camus under your arm, and bring a bottle of your best cheap French wine in hand!
If you're throwing the fête, be sure to have some Gainsbourg spinning on the record player and wear a super blasé expression on your face at all times. You're of the intellectual elite - ain't nobody got time for excitement and joy! You know the sad, existential truths of the world! Feature a funny welcome speech in true beat poet fashion and fill the room with giggles and snap-claps. Most importantly of all: channel your inner Jane Birkin, girl! And enjoy your party of all parties.
In case you still need some outfit inspiration, here are some of my favorite '60s-inspired looks from recent years past:
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| Alexa Chung |
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| Alexa Chung | Tali Lennox |
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| Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony |
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| Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony |
Mini Party Playlist:
- Paroles, Paroles by Dalida & Alain Delon
- Ne Me Quitte Pas by Jacques Brel
- Time of The Season by The Zombies
- Couleur Café by Serge Gainsbourg
- I Don't Want To Get Over You by The Magnetic Fields
- Le Temps de L'Amour by Françoise Hardy
- You Don't Have To Say You Love Me by Dusty Springfield
- Chick Habit by April March
- Just Like A Woman by Bob Dylan
- Let's Pretend We're Bunny Rabbits by The Magnetic Fields
- Yet Again by Grizzly Bear
- Just Like Honey by Jesus & Mary Chain
- Is This It by The Strokes
- Quelqu'un M'a Dit by Carla Bruni
- After Hours by The Velvet Underground
