All of my role models were movie or TV stars. I’m sorry – no public servants, no servants of God, no philanthropists. What can I say? I’m shallow (but in a deep sort of way).
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| Somebody get this woman her coffee |
Growing up in the ‘60s, the perceived, went through radical changes. Opportunities that, for my mother and father were impossible to grasp, presented themselves. Getting married and having babies was no longer the only goals to which women should aspire. We were told to want more. But what should we want?
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| Typing for herself - I liked that! |
I never didn't think I was going to college and I never didn’t think I would have a career. As I sat on my bed in my teenage room (yellow and white with a daisy-patterned bedspread and yellow shag rug) I knew I could pull myself up by my go-go boot straps and be an independent woman. Being independent meant a) having a job, b) making money, c) living on my own, and, most important to me at that time, d) looking the part (I told you I was shallow).
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| Hat, gloves and an awesome clutch add to the appeal |
There were lots of fabulous 60s chicks to look up to, but, for some reason, my ideal of the independent woman was a combo of Gene Tierney, Barbara Stanwyck and Joan Crawford in a suit. Julie Christie (the woman whose looks I most coveted) was soft and rebellious. But not professional. Gene, Barbara and Joan were always in possession of themselves, they spoke with authority and they rocked in those suits. They were crisp, clean and perfectly made up. And they were tough. Nobody was going to tell these gals to get coffee!
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| Sometimes a sweater was okay if you were working hard |
Life was a little bit like Laurence Olivier’s approach to acting – if you look the part, you will become the part. I think I eventually came close. Close enough so that now the inside feels authentic and the outside can relax a little.
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| A great look for take your puppy to work day! |
So, thank you, Joan, Gene & Barbara, my secret confidence builders.
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| That's right - it's my corner office now! |
10 comments:
Marsha, you've started my Sunday right with your enjoyable and empowering post! These stars remind me of my own dear late mom, who was a talented designer, and later in life, Mom ran The Foundling Hospital in NYC. With all of her talents, Mom was also a lovely, witty lady with wit and and compassion -- but I digress! :-D Your pictures here made me smile, especially the stills from LAURA, a Team Bartilucci favorite. BRAVA to you for your wonderful post!
Those women looked great in suits. (My fave is the dog-walking suit.) And they really do give a person confidence, especially Joan Crawford, with her mile-wide shoulders. Great post!
I was going on a job interview for a job I really wanted, and I knew that I had to be "someone else" or my nerves would show too drastically. All the way in, I said to myself "think Barbara Stanwyck". It worked. I got the job.
Wonderful! I also have movie stars as my role models (like Barbara Stanwyck) or even movie characters (Tess Harding, played by Katharine Hepburn in Woman of the Year). I also look forward to being an independent, smart, professional woman.
Congratulations on the marvelous writing! Kisses!
Terrific post! Loved all the ladies in their suits. Gene Tierney in the timeless Bonnie Cashins is my favorite. Classic and crisp, but still feminine. Thanks again for yet another fun and informative piece.
Thank you, Dorian. Your mom sounds like a great lady.
Ruth - I'd do anything to have that dog as an accessory. Joan got all the breaks.
Patricia - funny how we look to movies for role models. And if you have to be strong, you can't do better than Stanwyck.
Le - I have no doubt you will be wonderful!
Thank you, Inge. I knew you'd love Gene the best.
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