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B for Beauty Aug 3, 2009 @ 3:44pm

Would You Wear A Side Ponytail?

by Abby Gardner

I’ve been thinking about this picture of Alexis Bledel from WWD since I saw it earlier today.

While I appreciate the Gilmore memories that any picture of Rory brings to mind, I’m less enthusiastic about the 80s era flashbacks to hair I’d rather forget.

And I loved the genius that went into creating all those individual hairstyles at Marc’s show in February, but I’ve been slightly afraid of how exactly 80s hair would be translated into the mainstream.

Now, the high side pony seems to be creeping its way into my daily life. I’ve seen it out and about in Manhattan—for both day and evening.

I wore this look well back in seventh grade. Along with a boatload of banana clips. And I can even now oft be found with a low side pony, especially while donning my favorite fedora.

But I just can’t get onboard with this one? To me it feels too costume-y. Am I wrong? Do I need to embrace the more playful girl I once was in 1987?

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posted by deathofadame

Aug 03, 2009 4:10PM

I find it to be very Gwen Stefani'ish... She could probably pull it off...I don't think it's quite appropriate when you're pushing 30

posted by sillygrrl

Aug 03, 2009 4:15PM

If I was under 14 I might try it, but at 25, I don't think anyone would take me seriously.

posted by nycshoegal

Aug 03, 2009 4:16PM

ummm hell to the no!
i agree - a low side ponytail or a side braid with a fedora - that's fine. but this look makes me cringe. alongside the cameltoe inducing mom jean-shorts (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R1afHn9WyV8/SZti0uUyUZI/AAAAAAAAAmA/uU69brF_jHc/s400/129188_lb27.jpg)

i have been seeing the two "trends" explode all over, including my beloved Bowery hotel last week, and i couldn't decide which to do first - run or barf.

posted by guest

Aug 03, 2009 4:23PM

Are you wrong to think that hair style is too costume-y? Depends. Do you have the attitude to pull it off? What would you be wearing it with?

I'm in my 50s, and wore my gray hair just like that several weeks ago, never realizing I was only reprising an old look. Someone took my picture that day, and I looked great, old codgerette though I am.

You might disagree on principle alone, thinking anyone my age should just give it up. Ha! Wait till you get here. If you think so then, life has probably chewed you up and spit you out. Every day is a reason for me to celebrate with hair, clothes and accessories. To quote from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, "I'm not dead yet!"

posted by AmandaMichele

Aug 03, 2009 4:38PM

I think #4 can pull it off because she says things like codgerette and has the most fantastic attitude ever! As for the rest of us, a low side pony or side braid (which I do basically every day because it is much too humid in Florida to bother with doing my hair) looks fresh and young and more modern.

posted by guest

Aug 03, 2009 4:42PM

I do all the time and darling it looks fabulous!
Karena x
www.mynewbestfriends.co.uk

posted by guest

Aug 03, 2009 4:44PM

HECK YA!

posted by guest

Aug 03, 2009 5:00PM

love her miss Gilmore Girls!

posted by guest

Aug 03, 2009 5:10PM

I agree with nycshoegal that a low one looks better, but I am all for women like #4 with the moxy to pull it off! :)

p.s. I love the banana clip tag.

xoxo,
http://KateDarling.Blogspot.com

posted by number_four

Aug 03, 2009 7:14PM

Thank you Amanda Michele (#5) and Guest #9 for your fabulous support of 50-somethings with side ponytails. I am trying, with this post, to attach a photo of what I was calling my cockeyed ponytail, taken at Anthropodino in May. BTW, hair is shaved at the sides, too.

posted by FledglingAesthete

Aug 03, 2009 8:24PM

Oh, absolutely, but not without a few necessary details: hair must be crimped, hair must be gathered with one of those hair ties that have big plastic beads on each end, and if possible, hair should be accompanied with really fabulous bangs, the kind that resemble a big white wave in a Hokusai print.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Wave_off_Kanagawa

posted by guest

Aug 03, 2009 9:27PM

I like the side ponytails,being 15, I have worn them every once in a while. The only thing i find strange is in the article on WWD, Alexis states that she wants to be grown up although i think this look contradicts her statement. Side pony tails are only good for the teen years.

posted by guest

Aug 04, 2009 12:58AM

i like to channel a little 'chav' a la lady sovereign now and then...age 42.do wotcha feel!

posted by guest

Aug 04, 2009 2:01AM

I actually think the side pony can actually be worn fairly preppy- it's not just the territory of hipsters faithfully recreating the 80's. Plenty of girls in my town will do a high-ish side pony with their popped button ups, but it's usually a little looser and messier, like something they rolled out of bed with

posted by guest

Aug 04, 2009 1:51PM

I'm 46, and I rock a high side pony. It's so sad when people think they're too old to do something. We're only here for a short time, so why not have fun?
I'll wear pigtails and a mini if I want to. I'm soo bad-ass.

posted by bellaa w

Aug 10, 2009 3:11PM

I think the side pony tail actually looks a bit ridiculous on average, ordinary people. Maybe Alexis Bledel or any other celebrity could pull it off (in photoshoots only), but any other person would just look stupid.

It's a great look if you want to embrace the 80's again (for a party or event, etc.), but not so great for the everyday look.

posted by missavogue

Aug 16, 2009 10:26AM

I wear my hair in a low one. ... I always have the intention of putting one a little higher on my head, but then I always end up taking it down and wearing it low. ... I just haven't had a day where I think it's appropriate.