There is only one PJ Harvey. There aren't even any good imitators. She's entirely original and unapologetic about her music, her behavior, and her style. I'm not a music critic, but her most recent album, Let England Shake, quakes the walls of my home frequently these days. But this blog is about style, so let's have a look at hers.
A wisp of a woman, PJ wears her clothes with a ferocity similar to how she sings. Even though she looks fragile (as in thin skin and bone), I wouldn't want to be opposite her in a ring; make no mistake, PJ could probably kick ass if she needed to. This is a woman who knows her assets - great legs and a famously large mouth - and she isn't afraid to make the most of them.
The last shot is my favorite - it's probably PJ at her youngest in this series - she looks punky and quirky, like she rolled out of bed and threw on this ensemble. Her funny haircut is just the cherry on the sundae for me.
If I could sing (I can't), I'd like to be in a world famous band, and wear cool stuff like Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. She's a beautiful dork, and that comes across loud and clear like her voice.
Her quirky, punky, doesn't give a funky what_other_people_think look works for her. I'd like to hug her based solely on her clothing choices.
Without trying, I realize I just cut my hair like hers.
So for the next few months as my hair grows and morphs into its next shape, I'm going to channel Karen O! O! O! But I'll spare you all the inglorious range of my vocal stylings. My hair is as close as I'll come to Karen O.
This is Hope Sandoval.
She is the lead singer for Mazzy Star, a dreamy band that had a big impact on this gal in the 90s. Not only did I (do I) love the peaceful trance that takes over while listening to Hope's vocals, I also love her look. Part boho; part "don't give a shit, cuz I'm just pretty"; part grunge era goddess girly; how many parts can I describe? And maybe that's what I've always liked about her - she seems complicated, moody, feminine, but not a pushover.
Here's a video from one of her collaborations with The Warm Inventions. Her look reminds me that mystery is wonderful.
Enjoy the video, enjoy your weekend!
With the hems of the drapey pants falling into and around these Irregular Choice shoes (Yes, I see they have heels. I consider these a much healthier choice than the 3" version from last year.):
And this final piece may shock and offend many of you fair readers, but alas, sometimes practicality DOES reign supreme. And with that, I present the piece du jour of my ensemble: the Louis Vuitton Speedy Belt Bag (also known rather UN-fetchingly as the "fanny pack"). But come on, where else is a gal going to keep her keys?
