Happy Freddie's Birthday!

Today, Freddie Mercury would have turned 64 years old. I have no doubt that he would still be the most dapper rock star in the industry, or that he would still be writing and performing staggering hits. So here's to you, Great One:

We love you, Freddie. Happy Birthday!

To celebrate, I thought I would show off reader Kimberly's outfit for Freddie for a Day, which as you know took place on Friday the 3rd. Have a look at her blog for more in-depth news, and check out her look below:

Kimberly chose a rockin' awesome rendition of Freddie's "I Want to Break Free" costume, and raised 7000kr for the Mercury Phoenix Trust! Congrats Kimberly, and a job well done. You are truly inspiring!

A reminder to the rest of you FFAD-ers, send me a picture of yourself in costume and a short blurb or a link to  your url, and I will feature you here on WFW! Love you, readers. You are the best.

xx

Guaranteed to Blow Your Mind

I'm still dreaming of cold weather. Can you tell?

Of course I'm only doing this in faux fur, but here are some easy ways to pay homage to Queen's Top of the Pops debut (Freddie wore this outfit both at that event and in the video for "Killer Queen", which was their first huge single) and the unbearably sexy animalistic side of Freddie's fashion sense.

Ashland Fur Vest, $89
Crop Faux Fur Leopard Coat, $170
dulce faux fur coat, 125 GBP
Maison Michel Joana Top Hat, 280 GBP
Grey Black Rose Fedora by Paul Smith Accessories, 90 GBP
BKE Sequin Fedora Hat : Women's Accessories | Buckle.com, $17
Fabulous Furs | 22 Asymetrical Jacket, $149

Accessorize with chunky silver jewelery or some heavily ironic cocktail rings and a black cuff. Of course, wearing anything underneath the faux-fur is purely optional...


xx

Freddie for a Day

Let's all do this!

On September 3rd, dress like Freddie, and get your friends and family to sponsor you. Buy the merchandise. All the money goes to the Mercury Phoenix Trust to fight AIDS. For more info, click the graphic.

Do it! Then send me your pictures, and I'll feature you on the blog. This is a great cause and an opportunity for some good fun. Especially this close to Freddie's birthday, don't you think we should give him all the help we can?

________________

Image from http://www.freddieforaday.com

The Suspense is Killing Me!

The suspenders, rather...

Okay, that was a terrible pun. But I quite liked it.

I have been ruminating on the geek-chic of suspenders and it seems Freddie was inordinately fond of them as well, so here's our inspiration for today:

He definitely also had a cute propensity for pairing his cheeky suspenders with graphic tees. As a bonus I have included a tee by Mick Rock (I know, right!?! AAH) with a picture of Mick's cat, since I love Mick, Freddie loved Mick, and Freddie loved cats. Also: You will notice the mustache tee; who can resist a good mustache tee, given the muse?

Wellen Mustache Madness S/S Tee, $30
Agyness & Emily Deyn Graphic S/S T A, 13 GBP
Karmaloop.com - Breezy Excursion Bel Air Suspenders in Red, $4.95
PRINCE PETER PP1 WHITE COTTON / POLYESTER WHAT'S NEW PUSSYCAT T-SHIRT, 55 GBP
MAN TQ00437644 Blue Braces, 95 GBP
Amazon.com: Gold Sequin Suspenders: Clothing, $4.99

Enjoy your weekend, my dears.

PS After this weekend I'm heading off to my summer job for a few weeks, and I shan't have access to internet very often, so the posts here will be sporadic at best. I have got a queue of outfits ready, however, and whenever I get a chance I'll be doing more to keep them coming. xx 

Miracles

As in, I could seriously use a few, because you guys:

I CANNOT find suitable replicates of those trousers or the jacket for that matter, although there are decidedly more yellow jackets available than marching-band trousers. Nevertheless, Freddie's rocking a pretty sweet look in this still from "The Miracle" video. Here are some ways to pay tribute:

Monrow indigo cotton 'Marilyn' crewneck t-shirt, $64
Marilyn Monroe Tee, $27
Marilyn Kiss Tank, $24
Twill 3Q Jacket, $28
Lyle & Scott KL047-V22 Yellow Jacket, 70 GBP
Fisher Yellow Jacket, 200 GBP

I'll stick with these in the meantime, but if anyone knows a source for those pants or a similar jacket do let me know! The jacket is probably the most coveted item in Freddie's wardrobe for many Queen fans. I heard it went to auction about three years ago, but I never heard about it after that. One day when I've made my millions I'll track it down...

We Want to Be Dandy

Hello lovelies, I've got something special planned for today. You wanna know what it is? Ready:

Just kidding.

;) Here's from where we're really going to take our sartorial wisdom:

Okay, so yes, I did kind of go in the opposite direction there. BUT LISTEN. I don't know if you've noticed (I certainly had not!) but SUMMER is upon us. And what is a quintessential chic and versatile item which all well-dressed people ought to have for this plague of high temperatures and humidity?

The crisp white button-up, of course. LOOK how dapper Freddie looks in his! He's got a few variations going on, one of which is an embellished/studded version and I am digging it. Then he's got the traditional one from some photos taken in Sao Paulo. Here are some options:

Women's Anglomania by Vivienne Westwood press stud shirt blouse 123 GBP - julesb.co.uk
Fashion Blouse 20 GBP - oasis-stores.com
AE Women's Camp Shirt (White) $35 - ae.com
I heart Ronson Clothes White Button Up Shirt With Two Front Pockets -... stylecaster.com
Gold studded bangle set 15 GBP - dorothyperkins.com
Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick Dusty Rose Ulta.com - Cosmetics,... $5.99 - ulta.com
Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick Pink Champagne Ulta.com -... $5.19 - ulta.com
red sweatband 1freeaday.com

White looks good on everyone, so you're free to play with a sexy lip color. Freddie didn't need to, apparently, but that doesn't mean I don't. ;) Then have fun with accessories--the classic white summer buttonup can go from the beach to a formal party to a bonfire to a boardroom and guess what! I am out of 'B' words.

Also, I swear I'm working on a way to adapt the red outfit I first showed you at the top of this post. I WANT TO LOOK THAT AWESOME. Stay tuned.

Silver Lining

It's the weekend! And I'm sick! I am therefore distracting myself with some Freddie deliciousness and thought today would be a good day to have a look at one of Freddie's most "LOOK AT ME" stage ensembles and try and mix it into our collective rock 'n roll wardrobes. Let's have a look at our inspiration:

And here are some separates that would work smashingly as additions to pretty much any kind of outfit:

Items in this set:
Jessie Sequinned Dress by By Malene Birger, 380 GBP
Rise silver sequin blazer, 60 GBP
Siwy Hannah Crop Sequin Trouser Jean in Lightening, 48 GBP
Clea All over Sequin Animal Print Leggings
Coastal Projections Silver Sequin Ballet Flats, $41

Enjoy your weekend, darlings! xx

Alyssa 

Freddie Is Our Sunshine

Freddie was inordinately fond of yellow, it appears--and among his apparent favorite yellow items of clothing was this sweatshirt:

So because I also am inordinately fond of both yellow and being comfortable, here you are:

Items in this set:
Gypsy 05 LaLa Land Cutoff Sweatshirt in Yellow, $130
Juicy Couture Hoodie Yelly, 130 EUR
Old Navy Womens Mellow Yellow Perfect Crew-Neck Tees, $10
Oceanside Super Skinny Legging Jean Wrecked, $30
Light wash ankle skinny jeans, 28 GBP

Living On My Own

I have always wanted to throw a party like Freddie's 39th birthday Black&White Drag Ball. But that's mostly because I've seen the music video for 'Living On My Own' (it's embedded at the end of the post! Watch it). To that end, here's our outfit for today:

Items in this set:
Harlequin Dress, $130
Black bead embellished military jacket, 40 GBP
Confetti Large Open Rose Spray in Fuchsia
GOLDIE, 9 GBP
Elie Tahari - Kimberly Clutch (Gold) - Bags and Luggage, $200

I have a thing for harlequin and I'm really happy about finding that dress. Find a semi-dressy party to go to, lovelies, and make it your very own personal black & white (& gold, apparently!) ball.

It looks like a great party. I don't know if most of the footage for the music video is actually from the party or if they recreated it later. It does appear that his solo album Mr. Bad Guy would have had the budget for that, but that's besides the point, and a whole lot less fun. You know what IS fun? THIS VIDEO.

 

FRIDAY

Since it's Friday, darlings, and it's bloody HOT where I live, let's have a little fun, shall we?

Here is our inspiration for today:

Don't PANIC, my dears! I am not suggesting you go on your weekend date in wee hot pants and shiny cropped t-shirts, or without shoes.

I'm suggesting you go to the beach or to an awesome (but hot) summer rock 'n' roll festival in wee hot pants and cropped shirts, without shoes.

Items in this set:
Metropark / Metropark / White Slub Crop Tee, $32
Grey 'Vamp' shorts, 6 GBP
Pewter sequin shorts, 18 GBP
Miso Bead & Chain Layer Necklace, 13 GBP
Red High Waisted Shorts., 28 GBP

 And look, I did include some normal-ish shorts because even though I yearn for legs like Freddie's I am a chick and I am not in shape anymore. But summer is a time to be carefree! Embrace it! And for god's sake, TGIF!

"I'm a devil on the stage."

Here are a few mix-and-match looks inspired by Freddie's early 70s on-stage aesthetic, when he and the other Queen boys were all dressed in dramatic, embellished black:

Items in this set:
Floral Embroidered Tunic, $80
Pleated One Shoulder Tunic, $80
Beaded Halter Tunic - Women's Clothing and Apparel, $59
Tri-Coastal Design Liquid Leggings, $20
Black studded platform shoes, 30 GBP

For reference:

If I could walk around like this all the time, I totally would.  The fantastical, slick, dark, and dangerous look of Queen in its beginnings is probably my favorite. They were one of the first (and remain one of the only) bands to pull off cohesion without looking like they were wearing uniforms or Halloween gear. Later, when their image was established and everyone knew their music, the aesthetic took a back seat, but they were always one of the best and most uniquely dressed acts. 

Listen to Queen II and get dressed in something like this, and I guarantee you'll feel like you could slay ogres if any charged out of a two-way mirror mountain at you.  

Feeling Blue, and That's a Good Thing

How cute are they?

I would like to point out that Our Muse is totally wearing a Hawaiian print shirt under that snappy blue number. It's punchy but subtle and I looooove it. Miss Mary Austin, Freddie's lifelong best friend and former lover, looks incredible (and judging by her interviews for Freddie's 60th birthday films, she STILL looks incredible) and guess what? Her look is way easier to borrow. Big florals are back in major way this year--thanks, D&G.

I've done His & Hers below:

Items in this set:

Jada Floral Dress, $36
Distorted Floral Sheen Dress, $23
London - Slim fit Suit, The Byard, 660 GBP
American Eagle AE Men's Sunwashed Hawaiian Shirt Navy, $35

and I've done a feminized, much more casual version of Freddie's look here, which is more "inspired by" and a lot less literal:

Items in this set:
Daytrip Jeweled Tank Top, $28
Linen Blazer, $86
Sass & Bide New Nights Jean, $68
read my lipstick - wanted (strawberry red), 13 GBP
Fade To Black Nail Color, $16

Enjoy!

Live Aid 1985

Because let's be real--that was probably the best live rock performance ever. Ask the hundred thousand plus people present if you don't believe me.

Items in this set:
JAMES PERSE WOMEN RIBBED DAILY TANK In White, $45
Studded Faux Leather Jacket, $48
CROPPED LOW WAIST SKINNY JEANS, 220 GBP
DSQUARED2 - FOOTWEAR - Sneakers - Size:9 , 8 , 7 , 6 , 10 - Item..., $295
simple chain, 295 CAD

*EDIT : I'm aware the picture of him holding up the crown is not, in fact, from Live Aid. I just thought it was a cool addition to the set. It's from Queen's 1986 Wembley show on the Magic Tour.

Red Velvet

"Glamour is part of us and we want to be dandy."

This velvet shrug/blouse/thing is one of my favorite things in Freddie's documented wardrobe. I covet it immensely. I think one day I'm just going to break down and make one or have one made exactly like it, but for now I remade the outfit in a few different ways--you can go the literal, replicate route, and some interpretations:

May 4, 2010

Items in this set:
Velvet baby jersey twist front top, 45 GBP
Tanya Sarne for John Lewis Women Velvet Top, Red, M, 40 GBP
Polka Dot Knit Tank, $18
White Skinny Jean - American Eagle Outfitters, $16
Rose Single Velvet in Red - Simply Chic (Essex, Cambridge, Herts) -..., 2.85 GBP

It's important, the way you look, the way you play

The incredible Queen Archives is home to this interview with Circus magazine in early 1975, called "Queen's Freddie Mercury Shopping for an Image in London." He mostly talks about his clothes and a few of his musical heroes; click it and see what he has to say about possibly being the first man on the cover of Vogue; about what he would say to Liza Minelli if they got to go to dinner; and whether or not he liked manufactured clothes.

It's witty and cheeky and I think perhaps what Freddie says inthis interview alone is reason enough for this blog to exist. Check it out, lovelies!

Some Day One Day

Lovelies, let's talk about this blazer:

It's awesome and baroque and Look! It's versatile! Freddie and Roger Taylor used to sell vintage clothing out of a stall in a London market before Queen took off--I think actually even before Freddie was a member of the band, back when he was just rooming with Roger and Brian May, who were a part of a band called Smile with another vocalist. I digress. My point is, I'm sure this blazer is a one of a kind piece, since these pictures appear to be taken very early in the band's career (My expertly educated guess says no later than 1974, but Freddie probably had this for a while. He seemed to wear things to death, in many different ways. I love that).

Here's what I've put together for you:

May 4, 2010 Items in this set:

Old Navy Womens Long Perfect Tanks, $5

Lowry Trouser, 27 GBP

Miso Bead & Chain Layer Necklace, 13 GBP

Vintage Emmanuel Blazer

And it's ebay FTW! I searched "black floral blazer" under "Vintage" and got a lot of great stuff, and this one was the closest to the picture. I have helpfully put the rest of the outfit together for you. You're welcome. I'm pretty sure however you can't buy the knowing looks and deep brown eyes depicted above. More's the pity. Enjoy!