Being a child of the 70s and 80s I grew up with the bad Bonds, (even as a little girl I understood that the title Octopussy was so, so wrong). However, the Connery years offer great tips for us all: classically-cut (i.e not fat, American-style) suits for the men, great cars, and the wonderful beginnings of sexy midcentury architecture. No wonder Mad Men is getting NYtimes reviews...
But what take-away messages are there for the women? Here's a three-point breakdown on how to act like a lady, Bond style:
1. Dress like a lady, no matter what the setting
Dress, hair, jewels, bag, shoes--nail it, ladies. As Clinton and Stacy's roadsigns remind us all, shoes and bags don't have to match. However, know your event, your setting, and work it. No slouches here. Girls up, tush out. There's an evolutionary reason why the Bond girls are pop icons decades past their prime. No, you don't have to look like a de la Renta print campaign, but take note of what he does. True ladies know how to balance the basics: vintage accents (especially bags and coats), they aren't afraid of dramatic jewelry; rock and hippie fashion has now morphed into staples for our day, so invest in a good jeans library.
2. Be able to move among a wide variety of scenes and crowds with ease
Hot on the heels of #1: know your crowd. Being able to talk effortlessly (i.e. not like a snob) with anybody you meet is the hallmark of a true lady. Granted, we can't all be stuck in near-death spy situations, but a chameleon-esque personality helps. This is the Midwest after all, folks; farmers, plumbers, architects, chefs, artists, and great musicians all hail from this region--make them all feel comfortable, like you're one of them.
3. Lastly, know how to handle a gun
Yes, they're dangerous, however, they are sexy. Now, I realize I'm deviating from a more traditional list of practical accessories--and the Midwest has to be all about the practical.
I'm rather fond of skeet shooting, like my dear Heather. Much has been written on this issue, so read Patton Oswalt's brilliant essay instead.
Love to all and powder that nose!
p.s. image courtesy of jamesbond-fr.com
