What is Songful Style?
Welcome to the very first edition of Songful Style! This is a brand new collaboration with Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge, Suzy of The Grey Brunette, Anne of Spy Girl, Michelle of My Bijou Life Online, and me! We will be creating outfits based on a song selected by one of us and sharing them on the last day of the month. Our ensembles (pun intended) may be inspired by the lyrics of a song, the artwork of the album cover, maybe the MTV video, or even a memory the song evokes. Plus, we’re throwing a link party! The next month’s song will also be revealed during our posts so you’ll have an entire month to prepare for the next link up! Make sure you visit each of the blogs to see how we interpreted the challenge! I’m guessing each will be completely different!
“These Boots Are Made For Walkin”
Shelbee and Suzy came up with the idea of Songful Style after the Fab 40s group ended. I’m not sure which suggested this Nancy Sinatra classic, but I think it’s a fabulous song to kick this collaboration off! I have a feeling I am the only one of us who remembers this song when it first debuted!
A little history
My mom loved this song and quickly bought the album. This is the version she bought. We had one of those big console stereos. Ours was similar to this, and man, do I wish I’d taken it when Mom offered it to me! I loved that stereo! I would load up the spindle with LPs, crank up the volume as well as the bass, and the windows would rattle! My taste in music then (I was young…what can I say) was a bit eclectic! I played Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdinck, Nancy Sinatra, Tennessee Ernie Ford. My mom was buying the vinyl…not me! But, it was music, and with the volume up, you could hear all of the tones. This was in the days of AM radio, and you didn’t hear the deep melodic parts on those radios. Nigel grew up with 8 track players. When we got married, one of our first pieces of furniture was a used stereo console! I wish I still had that, too!
More history
Nancy Sinatra was in her 20s when she released this song. Surprisingly, the song was written by Lee Hazlewood. Prior to working with Hazlewood, Sinatra had released a number of songs she called “Nancy Nice Lady” records. Let’s just say that producer also produced songs for Annette Funicello! Sinatra was about to be dropped by the Reprise record label but someone suggested she work with Hazlewood.
“He changed everything for me. He pretended to be this country shitkicker, know-nothing kind of guy, but he was highly educated. An Army veteran. A very worldly person who knew what he was doing. He used to do what he called the “dumb sound” for my records. Dumb meaning uncomplicated. It consisted mainly of rhythm section, the drummer, the bass, three guitars all kind of chugging along. And it created a whole different thing for me (source).” Hazlewood had originally intended to sing “Boots” himself, but Sinatra convinced him a woman singing it would have a more powerful meaning.
What about the clothes?
Nancy Sinatra became synonymous with big hair, short dresses, and go-go boots. With the exception of the big hair, I wore the short dresses, and one Christmas, Santa brought me white go-go boots. I have yet to find a picture of me in them, but there are still a couple of places left to look! Here is a great site full of images of Sinatra rocking the short skirts and mod clothing of the late 60s. I chuckled when I read her interview in Rolling Stone Magazine. The “dress” she is wearing in the video above was actually a long sweater…hmmm! She decided on the look after visiting a Mary Quant store on Carnaby Street in London. I loved watching the video but got sidetracked when her backup dancers fell out of step!
Interesting covers
I found some interesting covers of “These Boots Are Made for Walkin”. Here are a few: a band from Tel Aviv (the visuals aren’t much, but the growly singer is worth a listen); Craig Campbell with Scarlett Johansson (who wins with the eyebrows); Mona Lisa Twins delivers in the Cavern Club; and finally, BOX21 with some good guitar work! I know Jessica Simpson put out a video, but I found it problematic. The songs and the video seem to clash, and the fight scene seemed just a little too Hollywood. But, what do I know?
My Interpretation
You may think I’m wearing leggings! Nope, nuh uh, no sirree Bob! I am wearing tights with a long sweatshirt! And, you can bet I kept that sweatshirt from swinging free! I even pulled out my tall boots for a more authentic look. Here’s another trend I just can’t get behind…white boots! Actually, I just don’t like white shoes of any kind. The last pair I can recall wearing was on my wedding day almost 46 years ago!! The sweatshirt is a recent buy from Old Navy (I had rewards to spend). When I tried it on, I knew immediately what I was going to do with it! I did pop a zebra print blouse underneath for some extra zhuzh, but that was it. If I had legs like Nancy Sinatra, I would probably have never given up short skirts!
Not quite there yet, but…
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Wrap it up, Marsha!
I really wanted to pay homage to Nancy Sinatra with my look. I wish I’d had a red mini skirt and striped tights. I also wish I had legs up to my earlobes and a million bucks! Oh, and I wish I had Mom’s stereo! But, on the whole, I think I did a decent job. I loved watching other versions of the song, but Nancy need not worry! Her version is definitely the best! What do you think? Do you like this new collaboration? Will you participate next month? The theme is “Leather and Lace” by Stevie Nicks and Don Henley, selected by Shelbee! Leave me a comment or two, and let’s talk music and fashion! Thanks to my subscribers! I’ll bet you weren’t expecting this!!!
Where I frequently link up:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, My Bijou LIfe, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag and Doused in Pink and Being a Wordsmith. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs!
And, now the party starts!
Please share your links featuring your version of “These Boots Are Made For Walkin” or any other post! We would love you to join us! While you’re here, please visit a few of the other blogs in the link up!
What a great idea and I remember Nancy Sinatra and those boots very well!
I really like your photos done outside on your verandah there’s a nice feel to all of them. It’s about time I did some outside pix! Good luck with the link and thanks for hosting 🙂
I remember playing that album so many times…loved almost all of the songs on it, too!
Thank you. I love my front porch as well as the back deck. When I want to take photos, it’s usually too bright out back. It’s a little barren right now anyway! Your views are fabulous, Penny!
Great idea for a challenge! Why didn’t someone think of it before? This one would have been ideal for me with my collection of boots, although most of them are ankle boots which is not what Nancy wore! I think you’vce captured her essence very well. Leather and lace sounds interesting, I may definitely have a go, although I’m already in a monthly challenge that posts on the last Monday on the month, so I’d have to post on another day.
Oh, Gail! When I was watching the YouTube video and saw Nancy’s boots, I immediately thought of you and your boots! I thought hers were much higher, too, but I think yours would be perfect! Definitely join us next month even if it’s a day late!
That Nancy Sinatra song is a favorite!
Love the pop of print you added to this outfit Marsha. So spunky!
I call myself the neighborhood narcissist because of my photo taking endeavors. Even though I have been doing it for years, I still hate when people are outside watching me get pictures taken and it is TOTALLY why my pose game is so lame!
xo,
Kellyann
Luckily, not too many people are home when we take the photos! But, there have been the mowing guys and the garbage men and the mail lady! Oh, well! Oh, I love being spunky! Anything but boring, right?
Thanks so much, Kellyann!
Very fun theme! I’m already looking forward to read more. Nancy Sinatras style always reminded me of Mary Quant. The first fashion I was interested in when I was a girl.
Why do I think of eyeliner when I think of Mary Quant? Hmmm…maybe I need to do some googling! It really was a fun theme and a great way to “walk” into a new collaboration!
Well done, Marsha! You were far braver than me in your mini sweatshirt dress. I love it! I don’t have the legs for short skirts any longer either, but I used to rock them. And find that photo of you in go-go boots!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Hahaha! Michelle, I don’t think I had the legs for mini skirts when I wore them! But, I loved wearing them and still wear shorter skirts in the winter with tights! I’ll see if I can find the picture…maybe I’ll surprise you!!!
I love this idea. We did this a long time ago with the Ageless style group, and it was a fun inspiration (Lesley did “Lady in Red”).
I have to tell you that if you try white boots you might be a convert. I didn’t understand the lure at first, but they really add such a modern vibe. Now I have a couple different versions, haha!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
It was really fun especially reliving that stereo in Mom’s living room! I don’t know…I’ve bought white shoes over the years and just never wear them. I like the look on others, but I don’t like it on me. Maybe it’s because my feet are big!!
Thanks, Jodie!
The only white shoes I can sometimes make myself wear are a pair of white canvas sneakers in the summer other than that I not a fan of white shoes. I like your take on the inspiration– very risqué to use a long sweatshirt as a dress. LOL. You look fabulous.
Oh, Joanne, I forgot about my Adidas sneakers! They were new last summer and are just too white…I need to grunge them up a bit! I wasn’t sure if I could pull the long sweatshirt off or not!
I love your take on this song! The sweatshirt is so cool with the boot and tights. Lovee this color on you too. Thanks for all the background on this fun song.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! It’s funny how I’ve embraced different colors as my hair changed colors. I love this song as it reminds me of my mom!
I totally love your post, Marsha!!! You do crack me up sometimes….it’s wonderful! I also giggled at your dislike of white boots when my Songful Style outfit is all about the white boots LOL!! I’m super excited to see how we all style the next one. Leather and Lace is gonna be FUUUUNNNNN!!!
Big hugs
Suzy xx
Oh, Suzy! I thought what is she going to say when she reads my post about disliking white shoes!!! I’m thinking I’ll feature my wrist corsets for the leather and lace…hahaha!!!
I am loving the zebra print under the sweatshirt!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
I thought it added a bit of zing to the outfit!
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Marsha, you did a fabulous job paying tribute to Nancy’s 1960s style! I love that you wore a long sweatshirt as a dress with just tights, you sassy thing! I really love that style but I am too tall for most sweatshirts and even long sweaters to pull it off. My butt is never quite covered! Your whole outfit is super cute and extra sassy…just my style! I really enjoyed reading all the bits of song facts that you shared, too! Fun, fun, fun!
Shelbee
Hahaha! It’s rare that being vertically challenged pays off! I even have to use a step stool to get things off the top racks of my closet! But, as soon as I tried on this sweatshirt (which I was going to buy anyway), I knew exactly what I was going to do with it!
Such a fun challenge. I love love love the idea of basing outfits on music.
Your outfit is so cute. I’ve been seeing sweatsuit dresses a lot lately and am even considering purchasing one for myself. Especially since I have a cute pair of Adidas that need to be seen.
By the way, you have great legs, Ma’am. Show them off!!
Daenel, you have made my day…seriously, I walked around on a cloud all day because you said I have great legs! I have to admit, right after doing the photos, I raced inside and put on some pants! You need a sweatshirt dress! You would look amazing in one (but, you look amazing in everything)!
This is a fun challenge and you wear those boots well – so great for the theme! I like how you layered the tunic to a dd a little print to your outfit too, it’s really cute! 🙂
Thanks so much for joining the #WeekdayWearLinkup! Hope that you are having a good weekend 🙂
I made sure Nigel snapped those photos fast!!! I may have worn something this short in my teen years, but not now!!!
Thanks for coming by, Mica!