Girls on Film
I'm amazed at how many films have influenced my style in one way or another, whether it be the kids from Fame dancing away in their leg warmers and neon coloured tops, Pretty Woman with Vivians thigh high boots. More recently there was Andy Sachs going from geek to chic in The Devil Wears Prada. And who doesn't look back in awe at Kim Cattrall in 1987's Mannequin when she's dancing around the department store with Andrew McCarthy?
Here are my top five films that I own that have influenced my style and how I dress today:
1. Teen Witch
When Louise Miller turns up at her high school prom in an indigo blue shoulder padded number I was in awe. This film is one of my all time faves (I purchased it off Ebay for a shocking amount of money for a VHS Video). Louise is an unfashionable geek who discovers she's a witch, and decides to cast a spell to make her the most popular girl in school. The movie’s fashion reads like an ode to late 80’s styling, with items like strong-shoulder padded boleros and wispy bolo ties making a strong appearance in the film. I wanted it all; the denim embellished waistcoats, the lacy ra-ra skirts, the jewelled stilettos. But most of all I wanted that dress at the end.
2. Pretty in Pink
Ah who doesn't love Pretty in Pink? Andie wasn't the most popular girl in school, but she loved fashion and had her own creative personal style. With a nod to Annie Hall, Andie wore menswear-inspired pieces, that were at times so horrendous they were great. She always added a feminine edge with floral scarves and pearl and beaded accessories. I love Ray Ban Wayfarers because of this film and I also wanted that dress at the end.
3. Grease
I think you'll all agree this is a hugely influential fashion film. From the Pink Ladies to Sandra Dee's 'tell me about it stud' outfit you'll have tried to recreate the magic at some point, even if it was for fancy dress. Even today I channel Sandra Dee when I wear my leather leggings, she even made smoking look cool.
4. Flashdance
When the sweatshirt Jennifer Beals wanted to wear as welder-by-day/dancer-by-night Alex Owens shrunk in the wash, a fashion craze was born. Sportswear was in, but not the kind worn at the gym. Combining torn sweatshirts with leg warmers, spandex pants, headbands and hi-tops - it was 80's personified and I loved it. I remember having lots of torn T-shirts and over sized jumpers and I really really wanted a pair of red stilettos. I can't dance though, just for the record.
5. Breakfast at Tiffany's
When Audrey Hepburn stood gazing at a Tiffany’s window, the little black dress she wore became the crown jewel in any woman’s wardrobe. I love this film; she's positively crazy, with major issues but you can't help but love her because of her style and her elegance. I have countless LBD's, so many triple-strand pearl necklaces, sleeveless dresses and oversized sunglasses. Victoria Beckham has this film to thank for her new style status if you ask me.