“The Sound of Music” turns 60! Hard to believe. When I was a little girl growing up in Cheltenham, a suburb of Philadelphia, you went “in town” to center city to see big movies. You got dressed up. It was an event. There was even an intermission! (They should bring that back.)
FREE SPIRITED & FREE THINKING: Julie Andrews’ “Maria” totally embodies the attitude of both today’s woman and today’s fashion
Re-watch the movie. The music is beautiful. The love story between Maria & the captain beyond romantic. More important, Maria’s story remains completely relevant today. Putting political comparisons aside, fashion-wise Maria von Trapp is no trendsetter, yet her attitude totally embodies not only women of 2025, but fashion’s whole attitude for spring. Following your own path. Free thinking. Free spirited. Feminine with edge.
FABULOUS & FLOWY: Maria’s flowy skirts & my “boho” purchase from gabbyapparel on instagram, 203.661.5044
Then there’s Maria’s rival, the baroness—a true fashionista. Every ensemble is super-stunning. Structured. Elegant. Her metallic gown at the ball, her red suit with “shrunken” jacket & her flowy silk blouse for the puppet show all look completely modern.
THE BEAUTIFUL BARONESS–SUCH A FASHIONISTA: The bias-cut soft gold gown, flowy silk shirt & red skirt suit with polka-dot blouse, worn by Eleanor Parker/”The Baroness” are as exquisite now as then—you could wear any of them tonight! An array of jackets Baroness Schraeder would love at lagence.com; Angela Bassett in a gold pantsuit at gabrielahearst.com; Carrie Coons on the cover of “Town & Country” in a “baroness-y” gold Ralph Lauren Collection gown
Maria’s look is from the second-hand bin at the convent—maybe you can call it “vintage” or “shabby chic.” But it’s a look. Are you a Maria or a baroness? Boho or sophisticated? Flowy or tailored? My guess is a little of both. Fun to think about! Start humming, start shopping & make a list of your favorite things. Here are some of mine:
BOHEMIAN LUXE FLOWER POWER: Of course Julie Andrews/Maria’s dress becomes much prettier in the arms of Christopher Plummer—the floral flowiness is totally of the moment!
THE BARONESS OR MARIA OR BOTH? Marni black & red floral dress from nordstrom.com; me, in a Chloe silk blouse from Boyds in Philadelphia & Wayne—very “baroness-y;” with my daughter Lauren on her 40th birthday in a boho maxi dress from ralphlauren.com—very “Maria!
Like “The Sound of Music,” spring is all about optimism, hope, and new beginnings. Amazing how just one new fabulous purchase makes you feel that way. “Brown paper packages tied up with strings”—that’s exactly what your UPS man brings!!! Going on spring break, I’ll see you in a few weeks—in the meantime, start singing & enjoy every beautiful moment~ Ellyn Golder Saft
ps. If you need a new TV binge, don’t miss “Younger” on Netflix. From “Sex and the City’s” Darren Star with clothes by Patricia Fields, this show—like SATC—is like eating candy. Half-hour episodes, fun, pretty & easy to watch. Like SATC, New York City is a character, as are Sutton Foster’s legs! A big Broadway star, my only complaint is that she & Hilary Duff don’t sing & dance more. You will fall in love with Peter Hermann, who is married to “Law & Order SVU’s” Mariska Hargitay in real life. This show is exactly what we need right now—don’t miss it!
Chic at 60ish! 
Leave a comment