Sexy vs Cool
Flipping the script on formulaic beauty and success
Inside This Issue
Sexy vs. Cool (video)
New Releases
Music Fashion: Barbie-Inspired Varsity Jackets
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Sexy vs Cool
Some of you may know or remember my e-publication SheSpark, a magazine featuring style, beauty, and wellness topics for women over 40. SheSpark connected me with a lot of writers, influencers, product reviewers, and community leaders worldwide. One of them is Holly Osterman, based in Chicago, who created a hell of a community around menopause and associated topics that many of SheSpark readers depended on.
Empart is Holly’s newest and broader extension of that forum, tapping into the power of story telling to help women navigate this complex time of life. She asked me to share my story of getting back into the music industry at age 50 and some of the challenges I see for all women in the industry. What really stood out for Holly is my philosophy on “Sexy vs Cool.”
Before we get to the video, it may help to know that I’m a certified image consultant who was a member of AICI for 8 years and was their international trade publication AICI Global editor for a year. I followed that up with my e-book The Intentional Makeover, introducing the concept of style profiling that landed me a TEDx Talk.
While plastic surgeons and casting directors continue to push the “sexy” beauty agenda for success, some badass women are standing up and saying, “I rock just the way I am.” Sex symbol, actress, model, and real rockstar housewife Pamela Anderson flipped the script and is now going “makeup free” at age 56. Brands like Proenza Schouler, Pandora, and RE/DONE are embracing her natural look as the future of fashion. Alicia Keys and Ciera are two music icons who have graced the red carpet sans makeup. Here’s a list of make-up free celebs on the red carpet from SheKnows.
One undeniably successful chanteuse is Billie Eilish, who typically shuns form-fitting, transparent, or leg-bombing outfits in favor of oversized, full-coverage garments that reflect personal messages. She’s experienced pressure to dress more seductively, and has done so. But IMHO, she looks so much more comfortable and alluring in her go-to look. Why mess with a GRAMMY-winning signature look?
It leads back to Sexy vs Cool, which is relevant to women and men of all ages, colors, sizes, and musical genres. I suggest listening to the whole video. For those itching to get to the critical difference between the two in designing your own look, the style conversation starts at the video’s 11:25 minute mark and leads into the sexy vs cool revelation.
I hope this video/conversation helps ease the pressure that our visual society puts on you to appear a certain way in order to enjoy a successful career in any industry. There is nothing wrong with being sexy — if flaunting some skin and bedroom eyes brings you cool confidence, don’t let me or anyone else stand in your way.
Sexy and Cool are not mutually exclusive. The goal is to achieve merit-based success through authenticity, not some formulaic ideal.
When the Herizon Music Makers program launches this spring, subscribers will have access to this topic with in-depth details, how-to’s, resources and more to lift you up personally and professionally in the music biz.
Interested in signing up? Fill out this form and we will send you an announcement when the program launches. If you work on stage, on air or behind the scenes in music, I am working with patrons who would like to sponsor you for a 12-month subscription (a $72 value). Yes, there are folks out there who want to support your career growth. Embrace it! But you have to take the first step and sign up.
Share your sexy vs cool story - what happened and how you handled it so we can all learn and grow together. Please remember to lead with kindness in all comments. Leave out names or use pseudonyms for those who may be reflected upon negatively. Our goal is to uplift, not shame.
New Releases
Plants and Pills (R/B/ Soul Album) Tameca Jones, Austin TX
“Hold out Hope” (Single) by Alex Alexion, Seattle, WA
Like a Moth (Pop Album) by Maggie Cocco’s Science for Sociopaths Northland, NZ
“Hallelujah” (Single) by Pi Jacobs, San Francisco, CA
“The Best Is Yet to Come (432)” by Lisa Marshall, Austin, TX
We Are Scorpio (Debut + Self Titled Album) to be released in April, by We Are Scorpio (Jessica Care Moore + Steffanie Christi’an), Detroit, MI
“JEALOUS” (Single) by Julia Robichaud, Prince Edward Island, Canada
“Sirens of the River” (Single) by Wendy Colonna, Lake Charles, LA
Music Fashion: Barbie-Inspired Varsity Jackets
Varsity, bomber, racer jackets are back, and the Barbie-inspired looks (like Billie Eilish’s red carpet Barbie Jacket) are HOT! They come in all fabrics, cuts, and sizes so you’re bound to find one that you like for your next show or music fest.
You made it to the end! Now what? Please share this post with your music loving sisters and brothers. Let’s grow our community and continue to promote gender equity in the music industry and beyond!
Thank you for joining our band of dreamers, rule breakers, and rockstars!
Thea 🎶
Hi Thea - from another Thea.
I love your vibe and your vision and the way you’re living it out loud!
Thea@beyondten.com
Thx for the restack @Gloria Horton-Young !