Careers in Fashion

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Be-banged and bewildered

Dorky confession ahead. A few weeks ago, I found out pretty last-minute that She & Him were playing a gig in Boston. So after work I hopped on the T and raced to queue in a pretty long line. Guys and gals alike were emerging, tickets in hand, so I just hope-hope-hoped there'd be one left for me. But alas, when I reached the "finish line," if you will, the SOLD OUT sign had just gone up.

Uh-huh, mmm-hmm, Gonna get along without you now...


Turns out, missing a cool-girl indie band is a great excuse to go wandering about the Back Bay, window shopping and snapping photos. And also ogling some pretty spectacular looks on the street... 99% of the girls queueing up to see Zooey D. and co. were sporting her identical "indie ingenue" bangs.

I, too, once possessed a dark shock of hair topped with straight-across bangs. And I loved it. The only reason I went back to my natural hair color and texture is because it's, well, easier. Less maintenance. I hated watching my blonde roots seep back in and ruin my dark, shiny tresses; made me look like Rogue in X-Men. Anyway, I digress.

This month I came across a great feature in Elle about possessing "rock and roll bangs." It's true, there's something both tough and alluring about sporting full-on fringe. And when many of us take to the scissors, we're taking a page from one of our favorite singers. My bangs were inspired both by Zooey and Marit Larsen; Larsen claims hers were inspired by Feist. And every gal sporting boho-chic fringe is heavily indebted to the one, the only Jane Birkin. Just what is it with songstresses and bangs?
Marit Larsen, singer/songwriter. Doesn't she look so cool and seventies?

Jane Birkin's too-cool-for-school daughter, the lovely Charlotte Gainsbourg.

After major contemplation, I don't think there's any one real answer. Bangs are just cool. Plain and simple. And I miss mine!

Hmm... should I pick up the scissors once again? D'ya think bangs go well with blonde?

And what about you? Was your hairstyle ever inspired by a singer/actress/other cool chick?

10 comments:

Emily, Resplendent Tranquility said...

Remember my bangs? Oh my. Lately I've been missing them and not my wispy side-swept bangs - the real deal straight fringe. Practically my signature look from tot to teen, haha!

I think you look great with bangs as a blonde. I say go for it! They'll always grow back out :)

Raquel said...

dear, you looked gorgeous with bangs, and i think it would look pretty with your natural blonde hair! I say go for it too!!

I am letting my bangs grow for now, I love my hair with bangs, but it's too much maintenance as you say, and my hair it's already hard on it's own!

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

Their bangs look so perfect- whenever I get them, they NEVER look like that lol.

Erin Cathleen said...

I know, y'all!!! Bangs are so high-maintenance, unless you have perfectly glossy, straight hair. :P And I've always had problem waves. But when done right, bangs can be adorable! I miss yours, Emma! They were cuuute.

Ariella said...

I think bangs look amazing when they suit a person. I agree with Emily - go for it! It's just hair and you can always pin them up or to the side if you don't like them... I don't see any reason why bangs shouldn't go with blonde hair!

Jen Hsieh said...

i've been wanting to get a full on fringe for a while now but i'm too nervous about whether or not it'd work with my face shape. i'm just going to stick with my side swept bangs for now! :)

Lexie said...

i looove bangs! doooo itt!!!!

Anonymous said...

Didn't realize you were from Boston! so cool! added you on my blogger list =)

p.s love that belt

Lynzy said...

Hey there :)
Noticed you were blogging from Boston. I am from the area as well and wanted to let you know that we will be getting together a few bloggers on August 5th or 6th, if your interested, let me know<3

Come enter my giveaway!
xo Lynzy
http://fromskirtstoskillets.blogspot.com

Emily, Ruby Slipper Journeys said...

I think bangs look lovely on blondes. Marianne Faithful had them didn't she? Or am I making that up? Either way, Mary from Peter Paul and Mary was an ice-cool blonde with a gorgeous throaty voice and some properly heavy 60s bangs!

Mine were originally inspired by Amelie, but they're pretty long and indie-princess now I guess!