Taking Hippie Back!!!

Bonaparte read Friday’s post and was struck by the caption I wrote under the photo of Country Joe and the Fish.  Friday’s Post about “This Ain’t No Mouse Music” and Roots Music

My caption read:

“WTF has happened to music with a social message? Where are the anti-war songs today? We need the hippie era back. We need bands like Country Joe!”

He mentioned that it’s too bad today’s young people don’t have a “Hippie Mentality”.   It got me to thinking…..

We need some Strawberry Fields back in our minds!

We need a new, modern day, Hippie Movement. Justin Timberlake brought “Sexy” back—so why not bring “Hippie” back?

Timberlake may have brought “sexy” back–but I’m gonna bring…..

Hippie back–and Irving Penn’s beautiful photo captures the essence!

Think about it. Why aren’t young people holding gentle protests, sit-ins, love-ins, and concerts for social issues?

They may not look it, but these youths of 1960 had the original Hippie mentality with one of the very first “sit-ins” for racial equality–only they called it a squat-in! NOTE: I wanted to leave the photo as I found it–verbiage included. We need to know that we did make strides–although it seems like we are regressing these days….

Why aren’t young people today holding peaceful marches and protests?

Woodstock. The greatest concert of all time!

What about protesting against the ridiculously large amount of interest that banks are charging for student loans? Most college graduates are paying a small fortune in interest rates to these legal thieves? Don’t these kids care? Are they THAT out of touch with reality? Do these kids realize that the end result of defaulting on their student loans is a bad credit rating? It’ll take YEARS to regain good credit—it’s a vicious cycle. They will pay higher interest rates on automobile loans, homes, credit cards—all because they defaulted on their college loans-and the banks will be collecting even MORE money. They are loan sharks in white collars!

Let me tell you, if I were a college student or college graduate today, I would be marching in front of the nearest bank with THIS sign!!!! It’s disgraceful and the kids do nothing about it!

Speaking of thieves—what about the insurance companies? Yeah—I’m talking Healthcare! NOTE TO HIPPIES OF YEARS GONE BY: Get your love beads back on and come out and protest! The only winners in the health care debacle are the insurance companies. We have to pay higher rates by the year. Corporations, who used to pay a large chunk of employee’s medical benefits, can no longer afford to do so. Insurance companies are running the well dry! Obama care just isn’t working the way it should have (politics—I’m not going there today…) and those who don’t have healthcare will be fined. WTF is this? Mention Healthcare in Europe and people go nuts. It WORKS over there! And don’t give me the excuse you will have to wait forever for a doctor’s appointment. I just made an appointment for my annual lady parts exam and have to wait over two months. Forget my skin check—that’s a six-month wait! I’m getting my Hippie on big time over this cause!

I’ve said it before and will KEEP saying it–the only winners in Healthcare are the insurance companies and they WILL be the next financial ruin of our country!  We need more posters like this!

What about inequality? Racism is running rampant these days-why, it’s a total throwback to the 1950’s and 1960’s!!! We’re regressing as a country—so why not regress and go back in time to the Hippie era?   Everyone accepted each other—remember the play and movie “Hair”? Here’s a little refresher course of what fun it can be when black and white get along and can sing about it!

Check out a young Nell Carter!

Let’s move forward on the racial issues.  And don’t forget, the media and press only feeds into the issues–they don’t help–they are sensationalists! Let’s get back to Hippie Mentality on this!

 We don’t need violent protests—violence only hurts…

A peaceful demonstration may have included police, but this gentle hippie just placed a flower into the gun!!

…and speaking of violence? What about gun laws? We need some HIPPIE logic on more stringent gun control!! Guns DO kill—in the wrong hands. Honestly, many folks believe we should have the right to “bear arms”. I say exercise more— then you’ll be able to “bare arms”—it’s far more important—and much more attractive. We need a sit-in to protest the lenient gun laws in this country.   The second amendment should be amended. After all, Daniel Boone, Davey Crockett and Annie Oakley lived in a time when our country was in the toddler state—our world is full of angry, resentful and emotionally disturbed (which, don’t even get me started on mental health issues….) folks who should NOT be playing with any gun stronger than a water pistol!

I really don’t care what the NRA or the gun totin’ population says. GUN CONTROL NEEDS TO BE STRICTER!!!!!!

Remember the protests over the Vietnam War? Why were there not protests about the recent turn of events with our troops fighting in Iraq, Iran, this “stan”, that “stan” everywhere a “stan, stan”? We don’t need to babysit every country—not when we have gun wars, racial wars, inequality wars, housing wars and the war on Donald Trump’s horrific comb over…all in our backyard.

Obama promised to bring ALL troops home–he’s just like the REST of the politicians. ALL troops are NOT home–where they belong!

Our young people need to get on the ball and go back a few generations…..

Why have our young adults gone soft? Do they protest by “Tweeting” rather than gathering in groups in parks and other public areas to voice their opinions? Do they silently protest whilst enjoying hookups? Are they too busy enjoying the scent of a luxe brand aftershave or perfume rather than the essence of a freshly lit joint? A true hippie would never wear a Chanel scent–they would go with patchouli or other natural oils.

Although I don’t partake in the weed–I’m glad it’s becoming close to being federally  legalized as other than for medicinal use.  Hard liquor is worse, IMHO. 

Get rid of the tablet, laptop and Smartphone for a month, week, day, couple of hours, hour, moment!

Other than a social conscience, you also  need to look the part and I’m going to help!

Guys–first of all, take a semi-note from your “hipster” peers. It’s ok to have a beard and moustache and grow your hair. Actually, longer hair on guys looks better—and when it gets in the way, you can tie it up in a “mun”.

Men–grow that hair, and if it gets in the way pull an Orlando Bloom and put it up in a “mun”–man bun! Be a cross between a Hipster and Hippie!

The added benefit is that Hippies love all kinds of texture-throw away the condish. Let your hair frizz, go in every direction, wear in in waves, straight—get an afro pick and go natural.

Janis Joplin has THE best head of wavy Hippie Chick hair…….

…and Angela Davis rocked the natural Afro!!!

Girls—I know the original Hippie movement’s beauty routine included NOT shaving your underarms or legs—but this is the now. Please—keep shaving the pits and the legs—it just looks prettier. However, in the desire to be a modern Hippie chick, forego the waxing of your “love shack”—you no longer will need that “landing strip” or “Brazilian”—you can go natural “there”!

Not to be nasty, but Grandpa Woodstock’s wife, Queen Esther, COULD have benefitted from Sally Hansen’s facial hair remover on her chin. I’m sure she didn’t shave ANY part of her body.  Presently–it’s ok to shave!!!!!!

Clothing

Jeans and other bottoms: Jeans, especially faded jeans were a big part of the Hippie Movement.  Although Bell Bottom jeans are just starting to make a comeback, any jean is pretty much ok for the “New Hippie”. Scratch that. NO acid washed jeans!

This is a perfect example of a beautifully faded pair of jeans!

Instructions for fading jeans:  Get Clorox or any generic bleach. Fill the bathtub up with water. Maybe 1/3 the way. Pour the bleach into the water. Add the jeans and let them sit till desired fade sets in. Dry the jeans. Now—and this is a fun way to manage your anger, take the faded jeans into the back yard. Throw dirt and rocks on the jeans. Be aggressive! When the jeans are really messed up, take a scissor and cut the hems of the jeans—not too short, you want the jeans to be longer than shorter! Now go wash and dry the jeans. The bottoms will be nicely frayed.

An extra little fun jeans project is to sew fun patches on them and, if you are crafty, embroider cute flowers, or rainbows, or kittens onto your jeans!

A couple of patches with authenticate the look!

Khaki’s: You want them wrinkled and baggy—not the kind of baggy that hangs down “hip-hop” style and exhibits skid-marked underwear either. Just a hint of baggy—enough that it says “I don’t care about neatness”—in a kind of pretentious, yet fashionable/unfashionable way. It’s all about being refined in an unrefined way! The only two colors of Khaki pants permissible are natural and olive drab. NO NAVY Khakis!!!

Carpenter/Painter’s Pants and Overalls: It’s a little “Hee Haw” but trust me, back in the days of Woodstock, painters/carpenter pants were popular—and inexpensive as all get out! If you painted a house while wearing them it was even more important because of the stains on the pants! Overalls were popular due to the fact that the guys could use the bib as an excuse for a shirt and girls—well, they still had to wear a shirt underneath, but could always go braless and be more comfy!

Stiff at first, after about 20 washings, these got so soft and comfy. Note to self: Buy a pair!

Shirts: The epitome of the Hippie shirt is the tie-dyed Tee.

Caveat–as a modern day Hippie, I will wear a FITTED tie dyed shirt–I DO have my fashion priorities, you know!

Don’t forget, flannel shirts are just as classic to Hippie as lime green and bright pink are classic preppy! The tattered, cotton button down collared shirt is also acceptable, but needs to be completely wrinkled (I shudder at the thought of an unironed shirt—but hey, it’s for the cause, man).

OK–so the blue plaid shirt ISN’T flannel–I’m still at the hot-flash stage, but the red and black shirt IS flannel.  This is a timeless and classic form of Hippie chic!  AND–it’s unisex!

Denim shirts are also fine, but—don’t do the denim on denim. Wear the denim—or as it is known in the post-hippie era,”chambray”. Just wear shirts like this with khaki’s or carpenter pants.

This would be me and I’m rockin’ the chambray shirt. Mentally, I’m a Hippie….

……… Facebook told me so!

Halter shirts—I’m talking the DIY kind. Does anyone remember the halter shirts that were made with one of those cheapo gold neck rings and a bandana? I’m so pissed—I couldn’t find an online image, so I drew one. These are best worn for those women who are more on the Double A bra size for obvious reasons!

The only ones who CAN get away with wearing this kind of halter are those young twenty-somethings–and do it soon before your bodies change!

Peasant Shirts—Hold on! I’m having a moment here. I’m getting teary-eyed. OK!   There is nothing that says “I’m a fashionable and ultra-girly Hippie chick” than a crisp, white, cotton peasant shirt adorned with colorful embroidery! I know. I had a bunch. And due to my penchant for white shirts, most likely from Catholic school, I’m still longing to wear these shirts. My mother also insisted on ironing them before I wore them. I could wear some Hippie clothing during my teen years, but the clothes had to be ironed!

The one and only iconic peasant shirt! OMG. I LOVED these shirts!!!!! I can still smell the fresh cotton scent!

The beautiful Mexican peasant shirts are still available in many colors—but the white ones just did it for me. So—to you young women who may strive to be a modern Hippie, get the peasant shirts!

Look at these beautiful shirts. I’m drooling! We seriously need to go back to Hippie fashions! And I’m NOT talkin’ “Boho”–boo hoo hoo. I’m talkin’ HIPPIE!

Indian Tunics—The great thing about these tunics is that they are another unisex clothing item! But guys be warned—they look better with jeans than with any other pants. Girls be warned—these tunics are multitaskers. Long enough and you can wear them as a dress. They make great beach coverups as well! The fabric is light and airy—perfect for summer! My love for these tunics when I was younger put India on my bucket list. India is still number one on that list—I hope someday to visit—it would be the dream trip of a lifetime!

Indian tunics are beautiful and comfy and are sex and gender friendly! Perfect for a new Hippie!

Footwear

Where do I begin? Birkenstocks perhaps? These awful-looking things have made a comeback. Today’s modern Hippie has such a selection to chose from!   Berks are also available in rubber at a far lower cost of about $30. I know. I have a pair—but they are sitting unworn.

I have a pair of these in blue rubber. I just don’t feel the love–that isn’t very Hippie of me, but I’m honest!

Rondini Sandals—I’m sure if Jesus, the original Hippie AND Hipster dude, was not so hell-bent on being humble and living life like a poor person, he would have hightailed it to St. Tropez and purchased a few pair of these custom-made sandals. The Tropezienne model is THE perfect sandal for our more modern Hippie footwear. And—they’ll last forever!!

This pair of Rondini sandals just shout “New Hippie Movement”. They are also telling me I need a pedicure. NOW! 

Flip-flops—this is footwear that’s been in style forever and will never go out of style. The simplicity and cheap price make this a popular choice for everyone—Hippie or not! And—they go with everything!

Other Leather Sandals—For those who cannot make it to St. Trop for the Rondini sandals, any leather sandal with straps will do. Remember, Veganism wasn’t as popular back in the original Hippie days as it is now. The original Hippies also wore suede vests and carried suede bags..something todays new Hippie movement would not be caught with. I’ll take leather—the price of those faux leather, vegan purses and shoes are atrocious. You need to be wealthy to purchase Vegan clothing and accessories!

Construction Boots—before the popularity of Doc Marten’s, Hippies in the know wore construction boots during the winter months. They looked rugged on the male Hippies and looked absolutely adorbs worn with dresses and skirts on the Hippies of the female persuasion!

Old school, inexpensive construction boots rock the Hippie look. Don’t you DARE try to slip by with anything else!

Bare feet—This is my favorite form of footwear and will always continue to be. Nothing like walking barefoot through grass (unless someone forgot to pick up after their dog.) or feeling the ocean at your tootsies. DRIVING barefoot is the only way to go. It is very organic!

Barefootin’–the most organic of footwear are the feet!

 OK—all the funny stuff aside—my point is that we need to find our passion about social issues. What’s happened to us? We’ve become so damn compliant and just lazy.

We need love….

…and peace….

..we need to dance–just as Clyde Keller captured in this photo…

Most of the protests regarding social issues these days are carried out in the actions of Facebook posts. I’ll be the first to admit—I’m guilty!

I’m promising to get my Hippie back on!

All of us, young, old, and in between—black, white, yellow—all races, gay, straight, trans, pan—we need to start fighting for what we believe what’s right! We need to get together….

Take a clue from The Youngbloods “Get Together”! It can be done.

Peace.  Love…and Hugs to you all! XOXOXOXO