My Top 7 Unlikely Style Icons…

I lied to you.

I told you I was influenced by Catherine Deneuve, Giovanna Battaglia…even Carrie Gorman from Elle UK. Turns out my influences are much more prosaic.

I submitted the photo below for The Loudmouth’s blog event ‘Show Me Your Buns‘. I liked it. Mr B liked it. My Facebook buddies liked it. But there was one voice of dissent, making an alarmingly accurate point: my sister told me I looked like Wilma Flintstone.

Feeling a little unsettled by this observation, I scouted through my photographs – this did nothing to put my mind at ease. Scroll down for my unlikely style icons..and make sure you tell me yours in the comments!

Daphne from Scooby Doo

"Shaggy, sometimes I think you'd rather eat pizza pie than solve a mystery."

 

Daphne’s willowy limbs aside, I do seem to share her penchant for purple and pink – often managing to incorporate multiple shades of each into one outfit. Thank the Lord I left off the headband, though, or that would have been embarrassing.

Blossom from the Powerpuff Girls

Pink skirt – check, knee socks – check, stroppy stance – check… But it’s the description of her as ‘bossy’ that seals the deal…

"Let's get him, girls!"

 

(I’m glad to announce that there are no more animated characters – if I’d found any similarities among The Jetsons I’d’ve been checking myself into the Priory for a Hanna-Barbara Cartoon Fixation.)

Betty Suarez

Now to my knowledge, no-one has ever modelled themselves on the Ugly Betty wardrobe (though I personally think her mad colour- and pattern-clashing is really something). One of poor Betty’s bad days involved her wearing a red poncho…and being sniggered at by the fashionistas at Mode Magazine. Turns out I am in no position to criticise…

"I saw Betty...and it looks as if Queens threw up..."

 

I’m just glad I didn’t go for any appliqué…

Some of my inspiration is subtle – well, not exactly subtle, but more of a wink and a nod to something altogether more garish. For example, my favourite pair of fabulous-trashy shoes are very Carmen Miranda:

 

I also learnt everything I needed to know about false eyelashes from dressing up as Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas:

 

(In case you’re wondering: no, I don’t usually put them on upside down…)

Absolutely Fabulous

Quite possibly the least attractive comparison (and in this lineup, that is saying something) is Edina (or “Eddie”) from Ab Fab. I look more restrained, sure, but the level of debauchery on this day wasn’t much less ridiculous…

So come on, let’s have a laugh at ourselves –

who are your unlikely style icons?!

Tell me in the comments…if you dare!

 

Want to read about more unusual icons? Try these:

Beautifully Invisible: 5 Things Jack Sparrow Taught Me about Fashion & Makeup

The Styling Dutchman: Frida Kahlo