Dorothy Hamill’s ‘Short & Sassy’ Wedge Haircut 1976

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Dorothy Hamill for Clairol’s Short & Sassy, 1976

Dorothy Hamill became America’s Sweetheart after her gold medal ice-skating win at the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria. Dorothy had developed a new skating move – a camel spin that turns into a sit spin – which became known as the “Hamill Camel”. Not only was this new spin dramatic, but it perfected showed off her precision-cut wedge hairstyle when it flew out around her head. This hairstyle was created by her hair stylist, Yusuke Suga, and became a huge fad.

I can distinctly remember watching Dorothy in the 1976 Olympics, and being enthralled with not only her skating performance but with her hair. THAT HAIR. I was propelled to cut off my long, side-parted hair into the Wedge. I have thick hair with a lot of body, so it worked well for me. I wore this cute style for about two years, but the frequent haircut maintenance required to keep it looking sharp started wearing on me.

Of course, Clairol capitalized on her ‘short and sassy’ look by developing “Short & Sassy” shampoo and conditioner for short hair. They touted that short hair has special needs, like body and bounce. The conditioner had more than twice the protein of leading conditioners.

It remains a classic, flattering hairstyle to this day. I, however, have reverted back to my original early ’70s long, side-parted style. It’s also a classic, but requires A LOT less maintenance.

~Marilyn

Yardley ‘Sexpot’ Pot O’ Gloss Vintage 1976

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Pot O’ Gloss. The sexpots from Yardley. 1976

I thought I’d exhausted every last Yardley Pot O’ Gloss ad from the 1970s, but I FOUND ONE MORE! This ad is from 1976, when the whole Yardley of London thing was ramping down and it was just plain old Yardley. Yardley was going through major changes to their makeup line at this time, but it seems that they were holding onto Pot O’ Gloss for a bit longer.

This ad features a tomboyish model with freckles, braids and preppy shirt and sweater. “Look ma, I’m a sexpot” she declares, “I can’t believe it’s me. (Don’t worry ma, I’ll be home by midnight.)”

Pot O’ Gloss was touted as a sensual way to make up. Because it was lip color you could see, smell, taste and touch. With the flick of the finger, you had ripe, luscious, shiny lips. All this apparently earned Pot O’ Gloss sexpot status in 1976.

If you haven’t been following my blog, please know that I am a diehard vintage 60s/70s Yardley of London fanatic. Pot O’ Gloss remains my absolute favorite lip gloss of all time. I can still smell, taste and feel it! As I always do with every Yardley of London post that I write, I implore Yardley to BRING BACK POT O’ GLOSS. Thank you for your cooperation. 🙂

~Marilyn

Catherine Deneuve for Chanel No. 5 Perfume~Vintage 1974

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Catherine Deneuve for Chanel

The classically beautiful French actress, Catherine Deneuve, did a fabulous ad campaign for Chanel in the 1970s. What could be more perfect than an iconic French actress modeling for an iconic French fashion house? This 1974 ad for Chanel No. 5 perfume shows Catherine in a somewhat relaxed mood, with hand to forehead. Of course she looks as elegant and gorgeous as always.

The Chanel No. 5 perfume shown is in its classic glass bottle. Perfume prices (in 1974) were from $10 to $400. Eau de Toilette from $7 to $20. Eau de Cologne from $5 to $20, Spray Perfume $7.50, and Spray Cologne $7.00.

~Marilyn

The Fabulous Marimekko Liidokki Dress Vintage 1974

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Marimekko Liidokki Dress, 1974

I was delighted to come across this fashion spread in the January 1974 issue of Glamour magazine because, MARIMEKKO! The utterly fabulous and iconic Liidokki smock dress in the Kirjo print is modeled by the gorgeous Barbara Summers.

The dress was designed by Pentti Rinta in 1974, for the Marimekko Design Research label. The design has stood the test of time as Marimekko brought back some of their 1960s and 1970s iconic archival pieces for the spring/summer 2017 collection. The Liidokki dress was one of five styles that was reintroduced. It pretty much sold out immediately, which proves Marimekko’s style is timeless. I only wish that I would have gotten one!

~Marilyn

Maybelline Waterborne Eye Shadows Vintage 1971

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Maybelline Waterborne Eye Shadows, 1971.

Pale pastel eye shadow was the look in the early ’70s. It was all about “a new wave of colors”, but they had to be muted. This 1971 ad for Maybelline Waterborne eye shadows shows the model wearing blue, pink, yellow and green shadows, with corresponding pearl necklaces.

Waterborne eye shadows came in collections of colors borne of the sea – Sea Wave, Sea Shell or Sea Deep. They each came with three pearl-tone shadows, brush and mixing well. You dipped the sable-soft brush in water and stroked cool, sea-fresh colors onto your lids. You could mix one shade with another to create your own sheer color.

~Marilyn

The American Biba Dolly Look of 1972

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Style: Five Easy Pieces

In the early 1970s, there was a brief period of time when the so-called Dolly look was the trend in the USA. Based on the Biba look that was all the rage in England, it never quite took the hold that it held across the pond. It was a really stunning vintage ’30s/’40s look, but probably more suited to the Brits than it was to us Yanks.

This is a great fashion editorial from the October 1971 issue of Ingenue magazine. What’s interesting is that they are forecasting the look for Fall of ’72. No specific brands or labels are listed, just merely style suggestions. They even suggest shopping at thrift stores to find the look (so 2018)!

The five pieces are: 1.) A long and lean blazer with wide lapels, worn with the tiniest pleated skirt and ankle-strap platforms. 2.) A soft fluid easy dress with a little print and big puffed sleeves. Worn with platform heels and colorful stockings. 3.) The upturned hat is the head shape. Pure ’40s nostalgia. Add delightful ditties like cherries or velvet ribbon the the brim. 4.) The warm, snug, tailored wrap coat. In camel with wide shoulders, huge collar and hip pockets – it’s Garbo! Absolutely dashing with long scarf trailing! 5.) The Chubby. Flamboyant as its name! Elegant over a long dress, super stylish even with your jeans. (Thrift stores were where you were supposed to find chubbies in 1971.)

What’s interesting is if you find any of these vintage ’70s styles at the thrifts now, they could be mistaken for ’30s or ’40s fashions. A quick look at the label or fabric tag will give you a clue as to what era it actually is from.

~Marilyn