Boomer Babes and Real Cougars

From the Desk of Talia Murphy

Dear Friends,

This morning, I ran across the most fabulous, fun website.  It is a melange of funky relics for home and fashion. Peace symbols from the '60's, Boho beads, tibetan bells, old pearls and religious medallions.There's bold and colorful turquoise and coral, glass and resin beads, chunky brass charms and gunmetal chain. All of which, make up this Bohemian mix.

I remember all of these things. Many are symbols of my own youth. I remember the layered crinoline pettycoats my sister and I wore.  At Gypsyville, there are colorful nylon petticoats in psychodelic colors to wear with cowgirl boots and printed T-shirts with wise sayings in gothic font, paired with wide leather belts and big silver or brass buckles. So cool. I love the entire look.

What I find so appealing is that it is so familiar, yet so new and fresh. They have pulled together a cross-section of worldly relics. Included in the mix are fabrics from India, leather goods from the great American West, silk brocades from China, colorfully painted flowers from Mexico and boldly embroidered fabrics from Guatamala. The colors are clear and rich, such as "Moulin Rouge Red", "Rockstar Black", "Jimmy Hendrix Tattoo Blue", "Calamity Cowgirl Turquoise".

I remember flying to San Diego, in the sixties, as a flight attendant. On a side trip to Tiajuana, I bought a very large, very heavy, painted clay candelabra. I had to lug that thing over the border, on and off the plane, through two layovers and two days, before getting it home. For years, I kept it, because I loved it so, although it went with nothing I had at the time. 

What's funny is that some things have stood the test of time. I think it's because they're authentic, hand crafted, original pieces of art, just as Bob Dylan's music. Now, I would place that gaily painted candelabra in my livingroom and have candles burning at every opportunity. Too bad it went by the wayside years ago. A lesson learned: never discard something you truly love, especially if it is handcrafted and/or an original.

Visit this terrifically fun site at:  www.gypsyville.com

Happy Trails!

Talia Murphy