Stuck A Flower In Her Hair and Called It Rockabilly

For some time now, I have noticed girls wearing their hair in a particular style (me being one of them) that I couldn't figure a name for. Generally, the front few pieces of hair are clipped back and pushed forward (sometimes teasing the roots for extra volume) to form a "poof." The remaining hair is either left loose, or pulled straight back into a ponytail.

Finally, I came across Rockabilly style.

I've been unknowingly drawn to this style that I never knew the name for, and now I'm obsessed.

A quick and dirty history (beginning with the music, of course):

• It originated in the 1950s, had a revival in the '70s, and still has a strong following today.
  
• It has country roots with rhythm and blues influences.
  
• The term rockabilly is a cross between the words rock 'n' roll and hillbilly.
• The sound all about emotion, rebellion, and having a good time. It's usually loud, fast, and up-tempo.
• The style reflects the sound, being rebellious but fun. Girls are meant to be "sexy but tough," much like Rosie the Riveter.
• Some of the better known, earlier artists of the genre are, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash. One later reviver of the style is Brian Setzer.

One great web site has compiled an extensive history of ROCKABILLLY, where I retrieved most of these facts. Check it out HERE.

The rockabilly style is close to greaser styles of the 1950s. In modern day rockabilly fashion tight jeans, and fitted t-shirts, sometimes bowling team or gas attendant inspired, are worn. Women wear pencil skirts, fitted dresses, horn-rimmed glasses, red lips, and tight sweaters. The female style is reflects a tough but feminine attitude, and is greatly inspired by pin-up fashion. One icon often referred to is classic pin-up, Bettie Page (pictured above). The favorite patterns used are polka-dots and leopard print. Both sexes generally tend to sport a tattoo or two as well.

The guys wear hair slicked back and curled in the front a la John Travolta in Grease. The girls wear their hair poofed, curled, and/or short bangs that are also curled, sometimes putting a flower behind their ear. Click here for better hairstyle details.


After reading about it, the movie Crybaby starring Johnny Depp came to mind. It's so fitting because the characters in it wear a sort of rockabilly style, and it's a musical! Here's a clip:

Where Can You Find It?
Many vintage stores in the area carry rockabilly fashions, but I found a great site online! It's called babygirlboutique.com, and has an amazing variety of clothes, bags, and accessories. (I'm planning on ordering one of their bags!) There is also free shipping on orders over $100, sweet. If you want to get connected with other Rockabillies in South Florida, check out this myspace group. Also, if you really want to get hardcore, check out the Rock-a-Billy tattoo and piercing studio in Lauderhill, they're pretty amazing, and very respectable.