Interestingly enough, Liz has a twin sister whose style was always a bit more conservative than mine. Their mother had read stories about twin girls wearing the same clothing and being so alike that they couldn’t go to different colleges, marry different men, and developed anxiety because they’d be so attached to each other. She wanted each daughter to have their own sense of individuality. Their mother urged them to dress differently, be different, and explore their own styles. For Liz this meant that her teenage years were spent wearing very pretty, very feminine stuff and using it to rebel a bit against her twin sister. This rebellion had a wider target as well living in a conservative hometown. This evolved into becoming interested in sex symbols and then into the pin-up girl style.

One look at Liz’s feminist rocker Ruby Blu and you instantly see those influences take hold in the music and fashion. She follows in a long path of personal expression and taking back the sexuality for women. The 60’s had the controversial minidress that shocked people. The 70’s saw power suits. The 80’s added shoulder pads, while the 90’s had Madonna’s pink cone bra. These clothing items were icons in the feminist movement. Now in the 2000’s, Ruby Blu is pushing another article of clothing into that category.

Ruby Blu also has another staple clothing item that she wears all the time. Her knee-high leather boots have become a go to piece on stage. They are dynamic, are comfortable, and don’t have heels, which allows her to move around more. That comfort on stage empowers her performance more in that she doesn’t have to worry about slipping or jumping around. If you look closely, the boots have stood the test of time and are beaten up from constant use.

Musically, Ruby’s influences are closely aligned to her sense of fashion as well. Amy Winehouse is that prime example with the cute little dresses and high heels. Amy’s pin-up style and big hair are definite things that she pulls into her own stage presence. Dolly Parton is another artist that inspires Ruby Blu with her authentic feminine and no-nonsense personality. Although not seen as a musical influence, Ruby attributes hip hop fashion as another inspiration. Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B have exceptional fashion that sways her own look.

There’s another dynamic to Ruby Blu that leans into astrology. Being in-tune with the energy, the stars, and your sign reveal itself with her being really witchy. Stevie Nicks is that musical and fashion influence that ties into her Libra sign. She loves her black shawl and angel wing earrings that radiate nice, pure energy.

“It’s hard to say what a Libra would wear, but you know, probably something that looks good because Libras love aesthetics.”

First impressions are important when stepping on stage in front of new listeners. Before the music starts, there are silent observations and presumptions being made on the music based on the fashion. For Ruby Blu, she wants those first few moments to communicate that she owns her sexuality and body. Sex appeal is a powerful thing and mixing that with rootsy, empowered music is like a corset for your songs.

“I think as women, often our bodies are in some ways controlled or taken from us. So first and foremost when I dress the way that I do, and when I try to be really provocative or eye-catching, it’s definitely a statement of my body is mine and I can do whatever I want with it. There’s a lot of power in women that are unafraid to authentically express themselves.”

As we’ve hopefully climbed out of the residual mistreatment of those public figures from the 90’s, there’s a renewed empowerment and resurgence of taking back your sensuality. And although it can oftentimes be met with criticism and small-minded opinions, there are still bombshells standing strong in that future.