An Era of Power and Sophistication

Mode A La Nix Exclusive- an Official Partner of Fashionism

By Nicole Siobal

The 1970s were possibly one of the most difficult times for most industrialized countries globally. Some of the worst years for economic performance, due to the oil embargo of 1972 and energy crisis in 1979, which unexpectedly left many throughout the world, including the United States, in a period of stagflation (when inflation and unemployment steadily increases, and economic growth respectively decreases). But while many countries were suffering economically, the social progressive values that began in the 1960s, to recognize women politically and economically across the world, continued to grow. This made the 1970s one of the most influential and important eras for women in society; an era where the presence of non-monarch women began to rise in high level political positions such as heads of state and government, like Isabel Martinez de Peron (first woman President of Argentina), Golda Meir (Prime Minister of Israel), Margaret Thatcher (first woman Prime Minister of UK), and Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo (first woman Prime Minister of Portugal) to name a few.

Photos by Gucci

And likewise, as women began to earn respect and power in high level political and government positions, many other woman took this as an opportunity to practice freedom of choice and individualism through the world of fashion. Though the hippie/bell bottom pants and tie die shirt style did cross over from the 60s, by the mid 70s it was quickly replaced by disco mini skirts, trousers, glitter pieces, and platform shoes. Around the same time in 1975, Diane Von Furstenberg introduced the famous wrap dress, which was than followed by the classic Yves Saint Laurent peasant look shirt, and glamorous dresses. This was the era of women, the powerful, elegant, and sophisticated women. And now in 2011, Gucci is revisiting that era, making us take a step back and remember how far women have come by introducing a 70s inspired collection of beautiful, sophisticated yet very glamorous pieces in their 2011 Pre- Fall collection.

The representation of today's women in society in Gucci's Ads below could have not been more perfect:

Though women have come a long way since the 1970s era, the lack of recognition for the stylish, intelligent, driven, and independent  21st century women still exist globally. Therefore, we felt that it was important to rewind back in history to help us gain a deeper perspective of the beautiful Ads and collection. And remind us of the powerful impact women all around the world have made since then. Welcome to 2011- the era of the driven, self-starter, intellectual, powerful, business and tech savvy, professional stylish women!

Here is a selection of sunglasses pulled from the Fashionism directory for your upcoming summer.

Dsquared DQ38 Oversized Sunglasses



Electric Tonette Rectangular Sunglasses



Lucky Audio Aviator Sunglasses



Colors in Optics Unisex Matahari Sunglasses




Tom Ford Brown Plastic Tortoise Sunglasses



Carrera - Champion Aviator Sunglasses

Tommy Tom was snapping away at Australia's Fashion Week in Sidney, here are some of the trends happening down under:



Madewell Checked Shirt



Green is on the scene. If you find the color too difficult to wear in a piece of clothing, try it as an accessory as seen here with a clutch and scarf. Love it paired with navy and nutmeg.



Marc by Marc Jacobs Clutch



Who hasn't gone nautical with stripes this season? At this point it's become a staple.



Local navy striped crew neck sweater.



Work a chevron stripe into your wardrobe in a colorful palette.



Text Elizabeth and James Chevron Striped top



The Belstaff Bomber.



Metallic Belstaff Bomber Jacket

Most of us equate the YSL brand with luxury - luxurious clothing. However recently I'd been turned on to YSL Beauty and their amazing makeup products.

This highlighter by Yves St. Laurent, called the touche eclat, is a pen that brings light and radiance to your skin. For those of us that require a pick me up and want to erase fatigue from our faces, this wand is great to use to acquire the well rested and radiant look we all crave.  Something cool about it: if you brush it between your eyebrows and along the sides of your nose it helps to create wider looking eyes.



Gorgeous, extra long, waterproof lashes for the beach? Who could ask for more! Except for maybe bold length and luxurious curl. My lashes seem to grow in cycles. Long and thick then pouf its like they shed themselves and I'm stuck for a couple of weeks waiting for them to thicken out again  - with this mascara i didn't experience nasty clumps.. YSL Mascara Singulier



So heavenly! I know what I will be taking with me to the beach, on road trips and out at night this summer - The new volupté Sheer Candy Glossy Balm by YSL not only moisturizes my lips, it also has a way of filling in the finest lines and creating a plumper, fuller lip. So smooth and soft, I don't usually use any lip balm other then Blistex, but I admit I've been sporting this gloss instead of my usual balm and even my favorite colored gloss. With a light, smooth coverage and a yummy taste, this is my new fave.

It started with a simple stroll down Abott Kinney in Santa Monica. One woman standing on a street corner with an almost completely neutral palette albeit for one piece: a bright pink Lanvin straw wide brim fedora. From there I witnessed a super hip young girl wearing a pair of bright red pants that, for the first time ever in the history of red pants, I exclaimed "Brilliant!". And so it was.

So ladies here is the formula for spring: take a light colored neutral toned tshirt, pair it with a vibrant pair of orange-red or bright red pants, temper it with a camel toned coat and or accessory, and voila. Ultra chic, yes. Garish, no.

Done to perfection on the Street of New York, via the Sartorialist.



Jenny Kayne Pant



Red Valentino Wide Leg Pant



Milly Sofie Pleated Trousers



Alice and Olivia High Waist Pants



Tucker High Waist Pants

Like many women, for the longest time my wardrobe was made up of neutrals - Grey, Cream, White, some Camel, Charcoal, Heather Grey, and Light Grey (alright if grey has a color scale, my closet would contain it). What each neutral was always centered around, what was always considered my base, the color choice of my favorite accessory, my favorite shoe, even my favorite hair band - BLACK.

Growing up you knew the rules and the rules were: blue and black do not belong together in an outfit. So, with as much black as I've acquired over the years, I tended to veer away from buying anything blue that wasn't lighter then a robin's egg.

Then it changed. It began with a cashmere sweater in indigo blue. Then it moved forward with a james perse sweater dress in dusty grey-blue, and a long maxi knit dress by vince. Oh now I'm feeling the full on blues.

It certainly helps that Blue was all over the Fall runways, so finding things to match with your blues will be easy this coming season. Here, pulled from the Fall runways, are the many ways one can wear a deeper shade of blue.









photo source: style.com