The 1970s has always been a decade that fascinates me – it was such an interesting time of change. So many life-altering events took place in the late sixties, that the 70s seemed like a period when people were a little “dazed and confused”, turning to new types of music, film, or travel as a form of escapism. Many writers and musicians traveled to Morocco, where we shot this decade of our holiday catalog – seeking a change of scenery and inspiration. Others turned up in droves at Studio 54, to enjoy the disco music craze and dance the night away. Fashion was all about personal expression – from sequins and flowing dresses to floppy hats and bell-bottoms to the menswear look made famous by Annie Hall.
Pictured, clockwise from top left: Led Zeppelin, one of the biggest bands of the 1970s Diane Keaton as Annie Hall
Musician and 70s fashion icon Carly Simon Mick Jagger and his first wife Bianca Jagger, who was a fashion icon in the 70s and fixture at Studio 54 Fleetwood Mac, who released one of the biggest albums of the 70s, Rumours, in 1977
A shot from our holiday catalog, by David Bellemere Almost Famous captures the music scene in the 70s based on Cameron Crowe’s experience touring with some of the decade’s biggest bands, including the Allman Brothers, Lynard Skynard and Led Zeppelin.
Iconic photo of Talitha Getty in Morocco by Patrick Lichfield.
Stay tuned for some amazing behind the scenes photos, and check out the full holiday catalog.
Although I love to cook, when it comes to baking I’m something of an amateur. Growing up my parents always kept a kitchen stocked with healthy options, and if I whipped up a sheet of cookies for no reason they often went uneaten (except by me). As I got older and more health conscious, I realized that I probably shouldn’t be devouring these cookies either. So, in an effort to maintain a clean diet, I kind of fell off the baking band wagon and became more of a cook.
Nowadays, we have so many more options for healthy baking. Right here in Philly there is a café that serves up my favorite “nuffins” made with yogurt, olive oil, and splenda. It got me to thinking about baking in an all new way, and I decided to give it a stab again. Up until now, this has involved following other people’s recipes, but this past weekend I attempted making whole-wheat pumpkin cupcakes with yogurt as an experiment. I took photos, and was planning to post on them today, but sadly, they came out entirely too moist, and sort of fell in on themselves.
The week got hectic, and I couldn’t make it to the store to pick up ingredients for another recipe, so as a result, I thought I’d take you all along the learning curve with me. In attempts to get the recipe right, I’ve been doing some research on healthy baking substitutes that I’ve heard about. Here’s what I’ve learned so far and can’t wait to try out. Once I get the cupcakes just right, I’ll be sure to share them with you all & if any of you have tips – please share!
Applesauce
Substituting applesauce is one way to cut down on fat in baking. Using it keeps the finished product moist, but it really only works for oil-based baked goods (i.e. breads, muffins, and some cakes) not recipes calling for butter. When you substitute applesauce, it’s even more important to work the batter gently, and as little as possible. Most sources recommend a 1:1 swap (1 cup of applesauce in a recipe calling for 1 cup of oil). Measure it out in a liquid measuring cup, and use unsweetened applesauce.
Yogurt
Yogurt is another great way to cut fat and calories, but maintain a tender, moist consistency in baked goods. This one can be used in both butter and oil-based recipes. In those calling for butter, replace half of the butter with half as much yogurt (1/4cup yogurt & 1/2cup butter in a recipe calling for 1 cup butter). For oil or shortening, replaice half of the oil with ¾ the amount of yogurt (1/4 cup + 2tbsp of yogurt with ½ cup oil in a recipe calling for 1 cup of oil).
Whole Wheat Flour
This is where it can get a bit tricky. From what I’ve read, you want to find whole-wheat pastry flour which is generally lighter than the all-purpose kind. You usually still have to include white flour when making this switch. Sometimes you can use 100% whole wheat, but that’s where experimenting comes in. From what I’ve read, going entirely whole-wheat works great with banana bread. Breads in general can take more, as it tends to make the product heavier which is okay with bread. When baking pastries you’ll want to stick to a 50/50 rule (substituting half the amount of all-purpose white flour with whole-wheat flour).
“An artistic collaboration with stylist Kathi Kauder and photographer Sabrina Theissen. For these collages Ashkan Honarvar used Vanitas symbols in a search for the equilibrium between life and death. The woman depicted features different animal eyes – remnants of the instincts that guide people under extreme circumstances.”
We’re layering up to brace the elements here in Philly today. It’s one of the coolest days we’ve had yet this fall and boy is that wind slap-in-the-face cold. There’s no doubt we have tights on underneath our shorts, and those jackets are no longer an option, but a necessity. Of course, that doesn’t stop the lovely Free People ladies from throwing on an ace outfit. Check out how we’re doing it today…
For all of you in the Philadelphia area – you’ll want to head to our KOP store this Saturday from 11am-1pm! A professional photographer will be in the store snapping photos of your best holiday styling creations in his “Winter Wonderland Photo Booth.” The store will then pick their four favorites which will go up on Facebook to be voted on. The look with the most votes will get featured on the BLDG 25 blog, right here!
Our brand-new and very first Las Vegas boutique opens today! We threw an opening bash last night with live music by Avalon Landing and styling by Lauren, Free People’s Art Director and Head Stylist. There was an amazing turnout flooding the store with fashionable women from far and wide. Fashion addicts that we are, we couldn’t help but snap some shots of our favorite looks…
These ladies drove all the way from Utah! #dedication
Not only is she an awesome fan for having driven all the way from Utah, but she also tried out the fishtail diy from last month’s guest post – so awesome!
For the 1950s portion of our holiday catalog “Through the Decades,” our team shot in-studio in NYC with photographer Alexei Hay, and model Elsa Hosk was the picture-perfect pin-up :) Here’s a peek behind the scenes!
My day went from getting dressed & morning coffee to train rides and a Free People preview event…
As many of you should know by now, today is the launch of our much awaited bicoastal NYC & LA pop-up shops. Last night we held a little preview event for friends, bloggers, & media at both locations. I was lucky enough to help organize the whole thing and attend the NYC event. I was working of course, but this is the kind of thing I’ve always dreamt of getting the chance to do. We had RSVP’s from editors I’ve watched creep up masthead ranks, and bloggers who inspire me on the regular. Working for a brand, that my heart is truly invested in, I just couldn’t wait to share it with them. I was nervous though. Was I going to say all of the right things, and forge a connection between Free People and these important figures?
The cupcakes & wine were set. Goodie bags were in place. I smoothed a red coat of confidence across my lips and watched the door as attendees began to trickle in. As soon as I greeted the first to arrive, Claire Geist from Delune Blog, my nerves evaporated. A warm calm of “I got this” washed over me. I was there to represent the brand, but I was also there to just be myself, and had a blast. I cracked jokes with Natalie Suarez and Christina Caradona who apparently has something of a Kanye crush (Kanye – if you’re reading this, I highly suggest dropping the woman a line). I connected with Karen of Wheredidyougetthat over the beauty of individual interpretation in fashion, and specifically the creative freedom that Free People possess to inspire it. She had a calm insightful point of view that stirred up my thoughts – which is exactly the kind of conversation I live for. Lastly, I finally got to meet Erica & Lauren of Honestly…WTF who we’ve worked with before, but I’ve never gotten the chance to meet myself. They’re both intelligent women with such cool energies about them. You can’t help but notice that you’re in the presence of a rare kind of special person when you’re with them.
The gowns looked beautiful and at the end of the night I was content. I loved talking about the brand and getting Free People’s beauty out there. It was a night of meeting new people, partaking in interesting conversations, and celebrating fashion – exactly what I’ve always wanted for my future.
Now somebody pinch me. Nobody gets their dreams this young…
I have to admit, when it comes to accessorizing, my head usually gets the least attention. Quick to throw on some rings or a dangly necklace, it rarely occurs to me to throw something on my head as well. BUT Free People has some of the coolest head pieces of seen of late, and I’m second guessing my accessory habits. I’m particularly drawn to the pieces with an Egyptian or 70’s vibe, but tell me – how would you top it off?
