Fit of Inspiration: Mad Love
June 10, 2011
I was a teenager in the 90’s and my style often finds comfort in referencing that time in my youth. Although, not always seeking inspiration from the era’s best cinematic arts, I tend to lean on my personal favorite films of the time for nostalgic flashes of genius, like MAD LOVE (1995) starring Drew Barrymore (Casey Roberts) and Chris O’Donnell (Matt Leland).

It takes no time before every-man, Matt becomes completely infatuated with the rebellious new girl in town, Casey.  When Casey’s parents decide to have her locked up in an institution because of her mental instability, our misguided hero, Matt, breaks her out so they can run away to live their lives together. But before long, Casey’s anxiety, depression and paranoia set in and Matt comes to realize that love alone isn’t always enough – sometimes it’s just more complicated than that.

It is no surprise that Drew plays a perfect Casey, a free-spirited wild child with some heavy problems and an inconic period wardrobe. Throughout the film, Casey’s style is on-point with the era – white singlet tank tops, oversized men’s plaid and checkered shirts, loose fitting jeans and comfortable chunky footwear, but the most impactful costume comes with the story’s climax, where Casey’s ivory slip dress demonstrates her raw vulnerability while her combat boots tells us she is armed and ready to protect herself. It states, I don’t trust you, but I want to.  Check it out.

Clockwise: American Apparel Stripe Sport Socks | SWAN Diamond Clothing's Original Sock Garters | Calvin Klein Sheer Pink Knee-Highs | Free People Maxi & Mini Slip Dresses | Doc Marten Boots | Jeffrey Campbell Boots | Thakoon Boots
The duality of her look is enviable because it allows one to embrace opposites within one powerful look. It can be hard, but also soft. It can be open, yet defensive. Casey’s look is a fun yin-yang kind of ensemble that is perfect for aesthetic experimentation and the discovery of new levels of self-expression. Try playing with two ends of a spectrum and see what you come up with to melt them into one cohesive look with a complex, yet direct message that tells a story about who you are.

Does your look regularly tap into the complexities of your personality? What conflicting traits do you possess that you might use as inspiration to elevate your idiosyncratic style?

One Response to “Fit of Inspiration: Mad Love”
aww Drew in the 90′s! My best friend in sixth grade totally went for this look, lightening her hair and over-plucking the brows, ah memories!
<3
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