Navajo Inspired Chic
Published on January 10, 2009 by chloejo · 7 CommentsYes, gorgeous and ornate Navajo inspired prints were all over the runways and will soon find their way to your best knock off spot. But our re-found love for all things Southwest slouch comes from a little lady named Marilyn Whirlwind (anyone remember “Northern Exposure“?). Marilyn was a woman of few words, who said everything with one mellifluous twirl of her knitting needle, and had Dr. Fleischman (that early 90′s fox) wrapped around her not-so-little finger. Marilyn was a plus sized diva with a certain magic about her; she crafted, knitted, baked, won dance contests, and made the flying man from the circus fall devastatingly in love with her. Plus, her style was so hot! Remember those thigh length, chunky, bright knits paired with leggings and fringed boots? The long, shoulder-dusting earrings, and natural make up! She so overshadowed the shows starlet Janine Turner (a visit to her site is SO in order – she models fur, practices “Jesus Yoga,” and breeds cows) with her Daria-esque disinterest and comfort in her own skin.
- Courtesy of NATIVE AMERICAN ACTORS.
Back to fashion: think beading, fringe, bright colored patterns, dream-catcher earrings, skinny headbands, and long sweaters. And remember, DO NOT wear more than two of these trends at once unless you are Native American. You will look ridiculous, and be photographed as a “Fashion Don’t” where you will be scandalized by embarrassment for the next 20 years of your life in blogs Nationwide. Of course, Marilyn wouldn’t care. She’d toss her braid and keep on truckin’.
Make like Marilyn with these laissez-faire sexy looks;
Stella McCartney Beaded strappy sandals, $1,095 @ netaporter.com
Tall Fringe Boot, $29.99 @ Mandee.
- Vintage Navajo Sweater, $30 @ Etsy Online.
La Rok Navajo Chain Dress, $260 @ singer22.com
Bags, $15, whitefeatherdesign.com
An updated "dreamcatcher" earring from Olia Designs, $154. Mention GirlieGirlArmy.com for a discount.
Ecote Warei Dress, $58.
Mischa Barton models a most likely leather number. DIY your own skinny headband with a foot of faux-suede or leather. It'll cost nothing, and look dope.
Here's me in a headband I made from string.
Teal Fringe Scarf, $6. @ Target.
OBEY Hoodie, $48 @ TheGiantPeach.com
Pico & Salsa Beaded Stretch Belt, $32.
Watercolor Feathers V Neck Tee, $28 @ Urban Outfitters.
Navajo Turquoise Traditional Cluster Ring, $108 @ GoNavajo.com
Disclaimer: neither Elaine Miles (the actor who played Marilyn), nor her character on show were Navajo Indian, it’s just the way everyone seems to be referring to the trend. Elaine Miles is a member of the Umatilla tribe, one of three tribes on her reservation.
Tags: Marilyn Whirlwind, Navajo, Net-a-porter, Northern Exposure, Southwest Style
Readers Comments (7)
I laughed out loud when you wrote to never wear more than one article of these fashion fair items at once – that is SO true. I never took myself for a native american fashionista but am now craving the perfect pair of dream catcher earrings…
Okay… I just researched dreamcatcher earrings online and the pair you’re featuring are truly the most beautiful pair out there. However, I don’t have $154.00 to spend on earrings. I couldn’t resist, logged on, and entered GirlieGirlArmy.com where it asks for discount code, but it didn’t take anything off the price. Not sure if I can actually afford these, but what is the discount, just in case? (also what is the working discount code?)
Very nice stuff in and of itself. The headband reminds me of Hippic Chic which is great,too.
Shell: Save 10% on Olia jewelry online. Its hand made and reikied with love in Olia’s studio in Williamsburg Brooklyn. Enjoy 10% off site wide with discount code GIRLIEGIRLARMY. If you are having any problems with this code – contact Olia directly at “Olia Toporovsky” , http://www.oliadesigns.com/
Many of us live within an hour of a reservation, where you could buy these items locally.
I love YOU in the headband! The ring and earrings… gorge! Worth every dime!
great stuff….but there are many places to get dream catcher earrings on line.
our site usually has them, made by a Cherokee/Miq’ Mak.
We’ll have more up this week….check us out, oh and visit a rez or go to a powwow! The 2009 powwow schedule will up real soon!