chrissie hynde | Moda Muse

androgyny (noun) an·drog·y·ny \ an-ˈdrä-jə-nē \ : the quality or state of being neither specifically feminine or masculine : the combination of feminine and masculine characteristics

Posted on July 26, 2019 by modamuseatx

“I experimented with fashion as it being more like art, allowing what I wore to express what I was feeling on the inside. Androgyny, rock culture, and grunge – they definitely had an effect on the things that made me feel cool and comfortable.”

Ruby Rose, model, actress and musician

Photo Credit: Swarovski

For me, rock and roll is all about bending the norm, challenging authority and pushing against societal customs. I think about artists waving their middle finger in the air and shredding guitar as loud as possible. I also think of gender bending as another example of rebellious self expression. It’s musicians like Bowie, The New York Dolls, and Grace Jones that used androgynous style as a figurative middle finger. This post celebrates two women who rock out in ambiguity, with jackets and ties, tight jeans and dark makeup, leather and bows: Joan Jett and Chrissie Hynde.

Joan Jett and Chrissie Hynde, at the Whiskey, 1981
Photo by Julian Wasser

For a Jett and Hynde inspired ensemble, it’s easy to find the below items by raiding a dude’s wardrobe. Or you can thrift, like me! Elements to use:

Blazers and jackets
Vests
Neck ties
Scarves
Punk rock t-shirts
Chain jewelry
Leather
Boots
Bows and hair product (for that messy look)
Eyeliner, and tons of it

Mix and match is the name of the game. Here’s how I applied these articles and accessories:

Joan Jett Photo by Brad Elterman
Getty Images

Chrissie Hynde
Getty Images
Getty Images

Getty Images
Getty Images

by Leigh Kessel
by Leigh Kessel

I had a blast getting dolled up like a boy. It feels good to throw on a little men’s wear to really stick it to the man. Pun intended. I hope you’ll try out different gender bending ways of dressing too, so you can feel like a true rock star! For more ideas, please visit my new Trends page and my Instagram.

Behynde the Eyeliner: Chrissie Hynde’s Smoky Eyes

Posted on July 25, 2019 by modamuseatx

“I never want to bore the public.”
Chrissie Hynde, The Pretenders

When I think smoky eyes, one name comes to mind: rock goddess, Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders. My next Moda Muse looks will focus on women who rock, the first being Chrissie. Her smoky eyeliner is so easy to execute and you won’t need expensive products or additional time to get ready. I used tools and eye shadow palettes I already owned. The look is messy, like “morning after” makeup. Imperfection is encouraged!

Here are the tools and palettes I used. As far as drug store beauty products go, I stay with tried and true Maybelline products. I’ve been using Great Lash since 1992, when I started wearing makeup. However, it’s fine to use any of your favorite brands and tools. Just make sure you have some darker shades in your palette and something for smudging.

Now for the “how to” portion, I referred to this simple tutorial from Glamour Magazine UK. I like that it’s broken down into five easy steps. Additionally, there’s a “cheat way” explained too. The link includes plenty of example photos and it’s focused on tips and hacks, rather than selling the reader expensive products.

After following Glamour’s guide, here’s how my “Chrissie eyes” turned out:

This accentuated look makes a statement, just like Chrissie’s rockin’ music. It can be exaggerated with more liner underneath for an evening out, but you could also lighten it up during the day for a power look at the office. Just add that Chrissie Hynde confidence, as the final component! Like the song Brass in Pocket states, “Gonna make you, make you, make you notice…” Thanks for stopping by and please visit Moda Muse again, as more content is posted weekly.

Best, L.