Sunday, January 6, 2019

The Sixties

This Summer marks the 50th anniversary of Woodstock, a famous music festival held in upstate New York (1969). Woodstock is widely regarded as the pivotal moment in popular culture when youthful counterculture took over America and re-shaped music, politics and fashion. It was so influential that for decades people called us "the Woodstock generation." Rolling Stone heralds the Woodstock festival as one of the Fifty Moments That Changed Rock and Roll History.

Woodstock was a gathering of "peace, love and music." Barely-planned, it attracted 400,000 attendees who pulled down fences and walked in without payment. It was a spontaneous assembly of young people eager to be with one another and listen to emerging musical talent like Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, the Grateful Dead, Joan Baez, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Melanie, Joe Cocker and Arlo Guthrie. Those musicians' careers soared after the concert which was recorded and turned into an album.

A film was also made ("Woodstock") which won the Oscar for Best Documentary. The movie shows how peaceful, fun and lively the large celebration was. Watching it encouraged many to join the hippie movement.

I was 12 years old in 1969 and when I asked my mother about going, she just laughed. I knew she'd never let me go but I longed to be part of the communal experience of my tribe so I had to try. For a moment I considered running away to attend but remembered my dad was a "law and order" cop who'd react badly to that move.

Since 1969 there have been a few attempts to stage Woodstock anniversaries but they've all failed miserably. Reunions in 1994 and 1999 were dumpster fires of violence and poor planning. Discussion has been floated about a 50th reunion this year but it similarly lacks expertise and money.

What do you do when commercial interests fail to offer what you want? You do it yourself! Which is my plan -- I'm going to host a Woodstock party of my own this year. In August, I'll throw a Sixties celebration at my place. Like the original event, doors will be open to everyone who wants to attend. Free food, beverages and music. Sixties outfits encouraged. Dancing applauded.

So, don't be square, man -- come party! I promise it'll be groovy.



What will you wear to my party?  Here are some Sixties fashions to consider...













21 comments:

  1. Wow, these are some beautiful outfits of sixties. the last picture is my favorite. I would love to wear the pink and yellow dresses. Old is always gold. Thanks for sharing.
    Have a happy Monday!
    http://www.rakhshanda-chamberofbeauty.com/

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  2. Didn't you choose some amazing 60's eye candy? That second photo is my favourite. I need to pin that for some inspiration.

    I'm also a big fan of the music from the 60's.

    I think that party is going to be loads of fun!

    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

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  3. What a great way to celebrate this event anew! I love your inspiration outfits!

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  4. I had a really good laugh thinking of your mom's reaction to you asking to go. But I do think it's awesome that you're going to make up for lost time and partying by hosting one of your own. I bet it would be wonderful. Can't wait to see what kind of outfits you choose for yourself!

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  5. I want all of those 60s outfits! Oh, and I'd love to come to your party. I'm sure I have the perfect outfit in my wardrobe! I'm wondering what you will wear? xxx

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  6. I'm a hippie at heart, I would've loved to have be able to go back in time and go to Woodstock. I love the idea of throwing a Woodstock themed party!

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    1. You can throw one in MI and I'll do one in NY.

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  7. Yes, I so remember this era. I was 11 and the impact was palpable, and certainly impacted music and fashion. Sounds like a great party ! Loved the outfits, I remember wearing some groovy clothing of my own, lol .
    ❤️❤️❤️
    Elle
    https://theellediaries.com/

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    1. I'd love to see pictures of outfits from your youth.

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    2. My sisters have all of these photos.. I would have to get them and restore them, bu that would be fun. As you can probably imagine I was the consummate good girl, with a straight A record, but loved to dress in hippie clothes!
      ❤️❤️❤️
      Elle
      https://theellediaries.com/

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    3. Everyone wanted to dress like a hippie, even if they weren't one, because the clothes were so colorful and fun. Please please please dig those pictures out! Your readers and friends would love to see them.

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  8. Your Woodstock party is going to be such a blast- I wish I lived closer so I could come!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  9. I love this idea! I wish we were neighbors because I would be there with flowers in my hair! Cant wait to see this happen!!!

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  10. I love everything about this post and if you throw a 60s party, I want to be a part of it! Everything about this time makes me feel as though I was born during the wrong era. The fashions themselves make me swoon! And the music <3 <3 <3

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    1. You'll be invited! (And, if you wish, you can stay overnight in my guest room.)

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  11. Sounds absolutely brilliant!!!! I'd love to come but probably a bit far!!!

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  12. This is such an amazing theme for a party Ally!
    I can only imagine...

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  13. I would love to attend … unfortunately I live too far away!!!

    Can't wait to see what you will wear!

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