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You are here: Home / Fashion / Edition 61: Fashion Friday (kind of, but not really)

Edition 61: Fashion Friday (kind of, but not really)

May 8, 2009 ·

Okay, so here’s the bad news. (Or maybe it’s good news to some of y’all, but just pretend it’s bad news so you won’t hurt my delicate feelings) I’ve decided to take a semi-break from Fashion Friday for the summer because it’s just so dang hot and it’s hard for me to think about fashion unless it involves what to wear when you’re soaking in a tub full of ice cubes because the heat is about to send you to the land where fun goes to die.

The good news is that I may still do a few Fashion Fridays throughout the summer because you never know when some sort of haberdashery emergency may occur and I’d hate to not weigh in with my two cents that may or may not be helpful, but I just can’t commit to weekly posts because I may be too busy eating ice cream at the pool or trying to get the smell of spoiled milk out of my purse.

What? Spoiled milk?

Oh yes. I managed to spill an entire glass of milk in my purse last night, which led me to the discovery that milk is surprisingly sticky when it gets all over your credit cards and everything else in your purse. I am telling myself that I got it all cleaned out, but deep down inside I have a feeling that at some point in the next few days I’ll pull out my Visa card and the smell will be so horrendous that it may cause a cashier to pass out.

I don’t know why I’m telling you this except that if you ever happen to run into me somewhere and you smell something that would make your dog throw up, please keep in mind that it’s just my handbag.

But who am I kidding? We all know I now have an excuse to buy a new bag.

I’m going to wrap this up because it’s late and I still have to watch “Grey’s Anatomy” because Meredith and Derek are supposedly getting married and if they don’t because of some asinine plot twist then I am going to be so worked up that it will take me hours to settle back down. Don’t disappoint me, ABC. It’s bad enough that Lil Kim got voted off “Dancing with the Stars” this week. My heart can’t take much more.

However, before I go get caught up in the Mer/Der wedding bliss (Please do not deny me this, ABC) I have a question that is actually fashion related. Gulley and I got into a discussion yesterday about our favorite outfit of all time. Ultimately, we decided that choosing one outfit or piece of clothing is like trying to choose who you like better, your grandmother or Justin Timberlake. It’s like “Sophie’s Choice”.

Here are three items that made my list and the year they changed my life.

1. Guess Overalls (1986)

The day I finally talked my dad into buying me an $80 pair of overalls was one of the happiest days of my life. I wore them constantly, but my favorite combination was wearing them with a hot pink t-shirt, a scarf belt, matching hot pink socks, and white Keds.

(EIGHTY DOLLARS IN 1986! That is absurd, but as Ramona on “RHofNYC” would say ‘Kudoos’ to the Guess corporation because people bought them in spite of the fact that they were EIGHT DOLLAR OVERALLS)

2. Aqua-colored Gloria Vanderbilt jeans and matching shirt (1980)

My MeMa bought me this outfit and, sadly, I ruined it when I got battery acid on the jeans when changing the batteries in my 8-track player. True story.

3. Luv-it Jeans with roller skates on the back pockets (1981)

If I ever questioned the fabulousity of these jeans and how they made me the envy of all the other ten-year-olds at the Magic Skate, my fears were put to rest when a girl I haven’t seen since sixth grade became my Facebook friend about a month ago and told me she’ll always remember how much she loved my Luv-it Jeans with the roller skates.

That is a powerful testimony to the importance of a good pair of jeans.

So what are some of your favorite fashion pieces of all time? Units? Anyone?

ANYONE? (Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about unless you were born after 1985)

Oversized sweaters from United Colors of Benetton?

Three layered Polo shirts with the collars flipped up?

Go ahead and confess. You’re safe here.

Y’all have a good Friday.

***I just had to come back and add that I just finished watching “Grey’s” and, while I don’t want to give anything away for those of you who have it waiting on your DVR’s, I will say that it has left me a sobbing mess. Well played, ABC. Well played.

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  1. Amanda @ Serenity Now

    May 8, 2009 at 5:43 am

    Even though I was crying too at the end of Grey’s last night, I was okay with the way they did the wedding…I thought Meredith and Cristina’s hair looked cute!!!

  2. Becky

    May 8, 2009 at 5:53 am

    Favorite outfit of all-time….

    Baby pink Guess shorts and a navy blue t-shirt with the Guess logo in Pink. I was styling. Sad to say this was 1990. Things were always a bit behind in WV. My little sister let her best friend wear it to the first football game of the season while I was stuck in an awkward band uniform. I still haven’t forgave her and I still despise her friend.

  3. Mel Black

    May 8, 2009 at 6:09 am

    Between “Marley and Me” Wednesday night (WHO has been videoing my life the past 17 years??) and “Grey’s” last night, I am just dehydrated.

  4. Kate

    May 8, 2009 at 6:14 am

    A crying mess here too! Loved loved loved it last night.

    Favorite outfit (1990) would be anything I could match slouch socks with. The more pairs, the better. My favorite were neon pink & neon green socks that matched a neon paint splattered shirt!

  5. Nikki

    May 8, 2009 at 6:18 am

    Oh, so glad that you were not disappointed in The Show last night. Don’t know why, but I never saw it coming.

    Favorite outfit would have to be the black pique pants and top (with small fruit embroidered on it – stop laughing, it was 12 years ago!) that I wore the night my husband asked me to marry him. I saved it for years even though I would never ever wear it again.
    Have a great weekend!

  6. Shelby

    May 8, 2009 at 6:20 am

    I love RHofNYC! It’s fun to watch crazy people who have way to much money and time on their hands. Love the post.. funny as usual!

  7. Jill (CDJ)

    May 8, 2009 at 6:41 am

    I am so jealous of your Guess overalls. I always wanted a pair, but my mom was all “$80 for a pair of overalls?” Like putting food on the table was more important than fashion or something. Gah!!

  8. Joyce

    May 8, 2009 at 6:45 am

    Oh, the Gloria Vanderbilt jeans…I loved them with all my heart. Mine were denim and fit like a glove and the only thing that made them better was wearing them with my purple Candies which I think were some sort of suede-like material.

    I can’t believe that was even me.

  9. Michelle

    May 8, 2009 at 6:50 am

    I sported those Guess overalls….but I’ll do you one better. I had those hideous “high heeled” sneakers to go along with the Farrah Fawcett/Charlie’s Angels look I was going for. And I *think* I just might have pulled it off.

    And P.U. on the milk spill….my idiot Rottweiler bit (yes, chomped and ripped open) a gallon of milk on the trip home from the store…..so you can only imagine what my minivan smelled like all summer. neat.

    hey, Happy Mother’s Day to you!
    xox

    *~Michelle~*

  10. Heather

    May 8, 2009 at 6:57 am

    I have to admit that I still get excited when I see a United Colors of Benetton sweater somewhere. Takes me right back to the 80’s. I had a black highnecked sweater with rainbow colored polka-dots (small ones) all over it. I can still remember putting it into Goodwill after years of storing it. It was hard for me to accept that it was time to let it go.

  11. Darla

    May 8, 2009 at 6:58 am

    I saved my babysitting money for months to buy those Guess overalls. I used to make $1/hour. Took forever but I loved ’em.

  12. Phillips Phamily Mama

    May 8, 2009 at 7:01 am

    I recently spilled a quart of orange juice in my diaper bag. I feel your pain. On a positive note, the gallon of bubbles that spilled in the back of the SUV smells delightful, although sticky!

  13. Carrie

    May 8, 2009 at 7:07 am

    Favorite outfit:

    Kelly Green stirrup stretch pants, hot pink sweater almost down to my knees, and purple Candies shoes (the ones with a bow on top). This was all tied together with a pair of clip-on earings in the same shades of green, pink, and purple. At the age of 11 I wasn’t sure there would ever be a more beautiful outfit. Thankfully there was…but I about had a fit the other day while walking through some store and I passed a woman wearing stirrup pants with no stretch left in them. Wow.

  14. jenngetts

    May 8, 2009 at 7:08 am

    UNITS!!!
    i remember begging my mom for them…finally, after they were out of style and on sale and NOT cool anymore she said i could get some!!!

    i feel your pain w/the spoiled milk; however, last summer i bought a watermelon and forgot about it until two laters i get in the SUV and smell the most disgusting scent EVER. it got so hot in vehicle that the watermelon busted open and it was dried to the interior. GROSS GROSS GROSS!!!
    i think i spent 3 hours cleaning it up…to only realize that the smell wasn’t completely gone!!! ugh!!!

  15. Steph

    May 8, 2009 at 7:18 am

    OMG! I totally forgot about the layered polo shirts with the collars flipped!
    I don’t have an exact outfit, but my favorite pair of pants were ESPRIT pinkish-mauve corduroy that had little flowers all over them! I felt like I was taking such a fashion risk wearing them. I could have worn them everyday, but they were so unique that people would remember!

  16. Sarah

    May 8, 2009 at 7:19 am

    I am slightly older than you so the overalls were in style when I was a junior/senior in high school. I never got to buy designer clothes, but I had a pair of lavender overalls that I wore with a navy top and navy high heels and a thin silver belt. I loved that outfit! I wonder if there is a picture of it anywhere…

  17. Bailey's Leaf

    May 8, 2009 at 7:20 am

    I sort of feel fashion wrong. You know parachute pants? Yes, well on one of the extremely rare trips to the mall (my parents weren’t fans and we weren’t allowed to go), I purchased said pants. My dad put a big veto stamp on the whole thing and I was sent packing them back up and taking them back.

    Oh, don’t you worry, though. I was all about the leggings with the scrunchy socks, big ole boofy hair (my hair is curly, but I did get perms anyhow), the swatchesque watches (because you could buy the kit that came with the individual parts to make it match whatever and swatch was a bit too expensive), and the oversized sweatshirts (not from Benetton) with the –eeek!– puffy paint.

    Wrong, I tell you. Wrong.

    No wonder why I’m boycotting Facebook. I don’t want those fashion wrongs to bite me in the butt, again!

  18. Laurie Two Shoes

    May 8, 2009 at 7:20 am

    A hot pink sweater with lime green trim…AND a lime green monogram smack dab on the front. I can’t remember what I wore it with, but does it matter when it is a pink and green, monogrammed sweater? Probably not.

  19. The Stain Fam

    May 8, 2009 at 7:23 am

    la-la-la-la…can’t read what you’re saying in that last paragraph!! Haven’t watched Grey’s yet, and for the record I don’t think they’ll make it down the altar…why would we tune in next season if they did?! Hope I’m wrong.

    Okay, have I told you lately that you are huh-stinkin-larious, because you are. And number two, please dig your evening primrose oil out of the trash…it’s not too late to say you’re sorry and make nice. As for Jillian, I say kick her to the curb. I bought a sign at crack for crafters yesterday {a.k.a. HobbyLobby} that says, “there’s a skinny girl inside me that’s trying to get out, but I can usually shut her up with cookies” Have you tried that?

    And lastly, I will never forget my father coming home with a brown paper sack for me and my sister {he really had a way of making surprises special}. Inside? Our very own tie-dye tee with matching socks! Rocked ’em ’til I wore ’em out. I had jeans every color of the rainbow {thankya mama!} and wasn’t afraid to give ’em a tight roll at the ankle…in my opinion, it was a skill not everyone possessed. Oh precious memories.

  20. Nicole

    May 8, 2009 at 7:24 am

    I too sobbed watching Grey’s – I saw it coming – I still wasn’t prepared.

    Favorite outfit – pink guess sweatshirt which I wore with a polo shirt under it with the collar flipped up. I think I wore guess jeans with it. Had my 8th grade school picture taken in it. Still think it was my best school picture EVER.

    I also had a pair of blue jelly shoes in the 6th grade that I thought were divine. Perfectly painful if I remember correctly, but divine.

  21. Susan

    May 8, 2009 at 7:31 am

    I went to a christian high school in the 80’s – had to wear dresses. EVERY DAY.

    So I had a favorite Gunne Sax dress. Or sported the jean skirt/polo shirt – with big belt.

    For ‘casual’ loved my white Vans – could doodle on them.

    And the red, suede slouchy boots.

  22. Jenn

    May 8, 2009 at 7:31 am

    chip and pepper shirts that changed color with your body temperature. now there’s something you want people to know. Getting a little hot in here? yes, yes it is. I can tell by your color change t-shirt.

    classic.

    Also, anything Varnet (sp?) or Ocean Pacific used to make me happy in the 8th grade. I was so sad when my white OP shorts went missing from my gym locker at school. They actually turned up in the lost and found TWO YEARS later…by then, I was over them.

  23. Teressa

    May 8, 2009 at 7:34 am

    What about the wallabee shoes, I think I was about 13 or 14 when they were popular. Well they’re back……….My daughter has some now, she is 24. Big poofy hair…..my glamour shots! HA

  24. Vicki

    May 8, 2009 at 7:38 am

    Your Guess Overalls story reminded me when I finally wore my frugal dad down, and he let me buy a pair of Calvin Klein jeans. Oh, they were my pride and joy! I can still see the loopy stitching and that logo on the back pocket vividly! Of course, I almost always paired it with my canary yellow Ralph Lauren polo shirt.

  25. Leslie

    May 8, 2009 at 7:39 am

    top 3

    1985 – pale pink Coke rugby shirt with matching pale pink corduroy mini-skirt. Worn with PATTERNED THERMAL UNDERWEAR LEGGINGS underneath. Oh, the shame.

    1984 – neon green overalls with neon green heart earrings. Come on, you know you loved the neon too.

    1992 – apple green corduroy miniskirt (anyone see a trend)with a very bright multi-striped sweater. Paired with ORANGE TIGHTS and HOT PINK BALLET SHOES. I was like Rainbow Bright on a bender.

  26. Kaycee

    May 8, 2009 at 7:42 am

    Because of my Dad I will never ever forget my navy GUESS sweatshirt (all the letters were different colors, pink, green, etc). I loved that sweatshirt and every time I wore it my dad would ‘guess’ my name. “Ummm, Susan? Brittany! No? How about Katie? Florence?” I used to roll my eyes at him but now the memory makes me smile. 🙂

  27. PK

    May 8, 2009 at 7:48 am

    Speaking of shoes…don’t forget Earth shoes!! Oh my.

  28. Angela

    May 8, 2009 at 7:53 am

    I loved my Kangaroo tennis shoes that had a little zippered “pouch” that held like a penny.

  29. Angela

    May 8, 2009 at 7:53 am

    Oh, yeah, and Jellies and K-Swiss, too.
    Sigh….

  30. Fran

    May 8, 2009 at 7:56 am

    I remember every ounce of clothing you mentioned but I have to also add my jeans with the pink silk ballet shoes on the back pockets. LOVED THEM!

    Thats all I got this early in the morning.

  31. Megan @ Hold it Up to the Light

    May 8, 2009 at 8:02 am

    I feel your pain with the hot humid Alabama summer that is coming my way faster than a freight train. Yesterday was so humid that I couldn’t even take a picture outside because of the condensation on my lens….

    God Bless!

    I’m off to find some wardrobe essentials for the hot weather. Only requirements? As little fabric as possible without looking trashy!

  32. Vanderbilt Wife

    May 8, 2009 at 8:04 am

    Stirrup pants and a long shirt with a ruffle around the bottom. I was about 10. But I had several reincarnations of the outfit throughout middle school.

    Did you wear your Guess overalls with one strap down, or was only the early 90s?

  33. Ann

    May 8, 2009 at 8:04 am

    Had not thought of the Luv it jeans in forever, but I had a pair and loved them. It was my fashion staple of 1979-1981. I wore those and dreamed of my professional roller skating career like that in “Roller Boogie.”

  34. Heather

    May 8, 2009 at 8:09 am

    My favorite outfit was a black Esprit shirt that had pastel colored stars all over it and said, “Esprit” (Really big) and under it “The stars are big and bright”. Don’t ask me, but I of course had to have the matching black pants with stars on them too. I paired this outfit with a very large pink bow on my head and light pink Keds. That was in 1987.

    I cracked up at the Luv It jeans. I haven’t thought of those in a hundred years! I had 2 or 3 pairs.

  35. Tammie

    May 8, 2009 at 8:15 am

    A gray sweatshirt with BLOOMINGDALES in huge navy blue letters across it, an extremely worn pair of gray shorts and a pair of “boat” shoes with the laces “tied” into little barrels, those of you of the 90s know what i mean. Oh how I had to BEG for those shoes because they were so expensive. I had my senior pictures taken in that outfit. I still wonder where the sweatshirt is……

  36. heather enright

    May 8, 2009 at 8:21 am

    1984–turquoise Esprit pants, with a red Esprit polo (logo in turquoise) AND a turquoise Esprit polo (logo in red)–collars flipped up on the double shirt

    1988–Lampasas High School (Go Badgers)–drove all the way to San Saba to purchase baby pink Ropers so I’d have boots in a color no one else had

    1989–UNITS! I even worked at a Units store one summer–every day, had to wear Units.

    Ah, the good old days…..

  37. Holly

    May 8, 2009 at 8:23 am

    That cracked me up! Not Gray’s because I don’t watch it, but the part about your jeans. The first thing that came to mind was my Guess! jeans with the zippers at the ankles. Those were so HOT! But then I remembered an outfit that I coveted, but didn’t actually own. It was the ESPRIT splatter pained pants with a matching top and a bandana worn as a headband in the hair. Classy!

  38. Heather Kay

    May 8, 2009 at 8:23 am

    My senior year (87′) I had every possible color pump they had at the time, I wore them with very bright tights, sometimes, they even matched the pumps!

  39. rrmama

    May 8, 2009 at 8:27 am

    Favorite 80’s clothes that made an impression…Jordache jeans with the cute little horse on the behind. Penny loafers, Reebok high tops with the pin rolled jeans, OP t-shirts, ribbon belts, and white Keds with ribbon shoe strings in a color that matched your shirt! But please don’t tell anyone

  40. Leigh

    May 8, 2009 at 8:36 am

    1984 Blue and green striped Esprit pants that stopped just above the ankle and had side zippers (on the ankles of course) with a matching blue sweatshirt/sweater(?) that had E S P R I T diagonally down the front. With this exquisite combo I wore my royal blue reebok high tops and white puffy aerobics socks . . . and I was in love with Kevin Bacon.

    Every year since 1984(including this one) a good pair of jeans and a slightly oversized hoodie with flip flops . . and I still love Kevin Bacon.

  41. Casey

    May 8, 2009 at 8:39 am

    My all-time favorite outfit was from ~1987. It was a little black skirt that had a little clip with rose buds on it that clipped up one side of the skirt. It had black and white striped leggings underneath it (horizontal stripes.) And a top to match. I spent hours wearing this out fit in my room dancing and singing along to Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi and Guns ‘n Roses.

  42. Amy G.

    May 8, 2009 at 8:39 am

    I’m so sorry about the milk in your purse! Next time, though, make sure it’s CHOCOLATE milk. And make sure your brand new Blackberry (without insurance) is in the bottom of your purse. And just to make it a little more fun, make sure you are in Stride Rite with your kids running around screaming while it happens. Just a suggestion, of course.

    Favorite clothes? Definitely the Guess overalls (which I only got to BORROW from our preacher’s [spoiled] daughter) and my yellow Converse high tops. They made me happy. 🙂

  43. lindalou

    May 8, 2009 at 8:40 am

    I can empathize with your purse situation as I once spilled a small bottle of hand lotion in mine. Although, hand lotion doesn’t age as profoundly as milk. Yuck

    I do remember Units, but as I’m a little older then you, I remember them for my daughters. We have to go all the way back to the 60’s & 70’s for my favs.
    1. 1967 – Hot pink bathing suit with side cut outs. Very cool.
    2. 1970 – Crushed red velvet hip hugger bell bottoms.
    3. 1973 – Middie length white coat with lambs wool lining (that showed around the edges). It weighed a ton but I loved it.

  44. Jackie Sue

    May 8, 2009 at 8:45 am

    I had a pair of jeans with a rainbow across my butt as a senior in high school that brought me great happiness and quite a few compliments….let’s remember that I wore those when a rainbow still meant a promise from God 🙂 It was quite a long time ago let’s just say….not only has a rainbow on a person’s clothes deliver a totally message these days, but I would NEVER put anything across my bum these days to draw attention to it…it would take a huge rainbow…bummer.

  45. Emily

    May 8, 2009 at 8:52 am

    Units? Really? I forgot all about that. I think mine was green with a purple belt. Cute. Real cute.
    I was in a big Laura Ashley phase for a few years…until I was told I looked just like Chelsea Clinton. That was intended to be a compliment, but WHO WANTS TO LOOK LIKE CHELSEA CLINTON?

  46. Rachelle

    May 8, 2009 at 8:56 am

    Love -It Jeans were a staple of my childhood.

    I remember when Coca – Cola came out with some cool threads! I thought I was the BOMB!

  47. Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect

    May 8, 2009 at 9:01 am

    I had some purple overalls that I loved. I don’t know why, but I did.

    And I’m so jealous that you were able to watch Grey’s. Because I live in the stinking Tornado Alley of Missouri, our local weather guy interrupted. To tell us about a tornado 50 miles away. I tried some deep breathing, but I still got pretty worked up. Safety, schmafety! I wanted my Grey’s!!

  48. Lydia

    May 8, 2009 at 9:04 am

    My favorite outfit was a pair of denim shorts overalls (no name brand sadly) that had neon green stripes and pink flowers. I wore them with one strap down per late 80’s/early 90’s fashion in small town Illinois coupled with a neon green tee and my favorite Eastland penny loafers. With a penny in each slot as nature intended. I wore said outfit (minus the Eastlands and plus white Keds) to 6 Flags one summer. I don’t know how I didn’t put someone’s eye out with that one strap flapping with every step. I also remember a horrible rash after spending most of the day walking around in wet denim. Never ride the water rides first when going to an amusement park wearing the denim.

  49. Courtney

    May 8, 2009 at 9:17 am

    1992- 5th grade. I bought a t-shirt with a cow on it and then for a 4-H project, embellished it with a pink/white polka dot ribbon on the cow’s neck and a REAL BELL that jingled when I walked! How’s that for announcing “Make way, here comes Bessy!” Used extra ribbon on the socks and to make a clip-in hair bow. Short black leggings underneath and white canvas shoes painted with Holstein black cow spots and I was sure to be a walking embarrasment. I modeled this outfit in a fashion show at the county fair! Oh the horror.

  50. Melody

    May 8, 2009 at 9:18 am

    I LOVED those denim shorts with holes cut all over, with spandex shorts under them. I wore them all the time, and I think I had a few pairs of them in Junior High. I felt so cool. Which is a good thing (and a miracle all at the same time) because my gigantic prescription glasses that my mom made me get so they would darken every time I’d walk in the sun were just horrendous. As big as saucers. It’s a wonder I didn’t need therapy after junior high.

  51. Lisa

    May 8, 2009 at 9:18 am

    I missed Grey’s last night. I know. It’s almost sinful.

    Fave outfit (in H.S.) was a black pleather jacket and extremely fitted black polyester pants (that zipped up the back!). My best friend and I would wear these outfits regularly. We thought it was hilarious that the boys in our class called us “Matrix girls”. (Shudder)

  52. Meredith

    May 8, 2009 at 9:21 am

    I sobbed over Grey’s too! (Of course, I’m pregnant and cry a lot, but still – it was totally cry worthy.)

    Favorite article of clothing: Banana Republic leather pants from a few winters ago.

  53. Cristy

    May 8, 2009 at 9:21 am

    First, most importantly, big mama, I love ya. You are just so hilarious and your fashion advice is fantastic. So, thanks. Even w/o getting to come see new fashion advice and cute links every Friday all summer long.

    Second, the Grey’s Anatomy episode was great. It was like they didn’t give you what you wanted, but gave you something that you didn’t know would be better.

  54. Melanie

    May 8, 2009 at 9:25 am

    Polo shirt under an oversized shirt, under a big sweater, cinched with a huge belt. With leggings tucked into boots.

    And you know the socks matched the sweater.

  55. Becky B

    May 8, 2009 at 9:32 am

    Well, I’m a bit older than you are – judging by your fav fashion pieces of all time – but mine would have to be the plaid PANTSUIT my mother made me in 8th grade when the dresscode changed and allowed us to wear pants to school for the first time. Oh my, I get chills just thinking about it again. I thought I was so far out. Cool. Groovy.
    There. Now I’ve dated myself.

  56. Rachel

    May 8, 2009 at 9:35 am

    I read your blog earlier this morning and then got caught up on my Gray’s……oh my goodness. I was a slobbering sobbing mess. I must concur with your sentiment “Well done ABC well done.” But still she has been my favorite from the beginning.
    Thanks for your funny posts.

  57. Keyona

    May 8, 2009 at 9:40 am

    Wheew! I almost thought you were going to give it away. I was 2 weeks behind so I only watched the other one to catch me up. But now I’m really excited.

  58. Smockity Frocks

    May 8, 2009 at 9:42 am

    Oh my word! I HAD THOSE SAME ROLLERSKATE BRITCHES!!! And I had me a li’l bidness wherein I sewed Units and sold them. Oh, yes ma’am. I contributed to the Units craze.

  59. melissa

    May 8, 2009 at 9:49 am

    Oh, I loved my Guess jeans and overalls. I also still remember the statisfaction I got from convincing my parents to buy them even though they seemed so expensive.

  60. Lori

    May 8, 2009 at 9:49 am

    I graduated high school in 1981 and wore Izod polo shirts with the alligator applique at least once a week, if not more. I was known as the Izod girl that whole year, and people even noted that in my Senior memory book. Ahhhh – the memories! When I walk by an Izod store now, I just want to walk back in there and purchase one in every color… good thing they are way over my budget now!

  61. Amy R

    May 8, 2009 at 9:57 am

    I graduated in 1987 and I loved…the coca cola brand stuff…I had a really cute jean skirt with a red and white coca cola rugby a coca cola jean jacket and white bobby socks and cute red flats…I could have worn that outfit everyday… Loved that stuff…

    Amy
    http://www.allthingsaro.blogspot.com

  62. Holly @ Crownlaiddown

    May 8, 2009 at 10:04 am

    My Mom and I used to shop The Depot in Shreveport and I bought all manner of eSPIRIT (which I just found online–I had no idea they were still around!) in every shade of neon. Makes me QUITE HAPPY thinking about it!

    Also, my Coca Cola sweatshirt bought in 1986 in NYC. AH! Memories!

    And then there’s my very favorite blue jean and white leather jacket I bought at the Hard Rock Cafe–also in NYC. I think it was $150. My mom hated it, because she said it looked like a boy’s jacket. Exactly, mom. Exactly! Who wants a letter jacket, when they can have Hard Rock Cafe bought and paid for with my own money?? My jean jacket disappeared in my freshman year of college…I think my mom disposed of it. Pretty sure.

  63. Lindsay Webb

    May 8, 2009 at 10:05 am

    Whatever matched my yellow high top Converse and multi layered slouch socks. They looked great with my asymmetrical haircut and hoop earrings that would have fit around my neck!

  64. Kelley

    May 8, 2009 at 10:06 am

    Okay, this is more 90’s-esque, but I went through a Limited Too phase…oversized sweatshirt in jewel tones with a, wait for it, MATCHING SCRUNCHIE. Oh yes. My favorite (because of course I had more than one sweatshirt/scrunchie match up)was a deep blue with plaid lining and the scrunchie was matching blue plaid. I also had a SUEDE mini backpack that I sported with the ensemble. It was HAWT.

  65. Emmie

    May 8, 2009 at 10:13 am

    Well – my age is showing because I cannot remember the name of the pair of boots that changed my life – I became fashionable because of them. Must have been around 1976 (middle school) they were somewhat westerny looking with decorative stitching and it was
    de rigueur to wear your jeans tucked inside. Someone must know what I’m talking about – they were all the rage!
    By the end of highschool I lived and breathed for all things Polo in my quest for the ultimate preppy look and to resemble that Polo model with the long dark brown hair.

    Thanks for the induced trip down memory lane!

  66. Karen

    May 8, 2009 at 10:14 am

    OK – so you were the girl that I envied with all the cool clothes! I sported K-mart (5 kids and dad was a farmer), but I too just got a facebook friend from high school and she remembers (drumroll please) my very perfect winged hair held firmly in place with Aquanet. The bathroom counter was coated in the poison and my sisters (3 of them) and I were always given the chore of scrubbing if off mirros and counters. Note: don’t let your best friend cut your past-shoulder-length perfect Farrah Fawcett hair the night before your senior pictures. I did. And the pictures prove it.

  67. Carol

    May 8, 2009 at 10:15 am

    First time commenter! Had just thought today that I’d pop on to your site and send a question for Fashion Friday and you’re on sabbatical! haha! Enjoy the time off and I must say that I’m VERY jealous that you’re so hot with summer weather already! We’re just coming into spring weather (19 degrees C which is 66 farenheit and let me tell you… we’re THRILLED with that!!) My son is already wearing shorts in that weather. Anything over 10 degrees!

    If you’re still responding to questions:

    My friend (wonderfully fashionable!) thought to help me by purchasing me a handbag for my birthday. She knows that I buy plain everything. I feel like a blob and therefore buy plain colours and barely accessorize so that I don’t stand out!!! The bag she bought me is a tan/black alligator skin bag. It’s lovely but so far out of the realm for me. I am carrying it today.. but didn’t dare to wear anything but tan and black today. I don’t think I can pull this bag look off!!! I have no class – or fashion style. My friend says I’m classic. To me.. this also means boring. and over 60. I’m 42 years old.
    Anyway… what can I wear while I’m carrying this awesome outrageous bag?

    Love your blog!

  68. Michelle

    May 8, 2009 at 10:18 am

    Oh, no kidding. Hyper Color t-shirts with a pair of Guess jeans. What a great memory. Hope it stays as that.

  69. 50s Housewife

    May 8, 2009 at 10:20 am

    I had two pair of Luv-it jeans in ’78-’79 that I loved and alternated. I wore them nearly every day. One pair had ice cream cones on the pockets and the other had hearts on the pockets. I was so sad when I outgrew them.

  70. Molly Pearce

    May 8, 2009 at 10:20 am

    My all time favorite outfit would have to be my flowery leggings from The Limited, my oversized sweater and my aqua nike high tops. Oh and yes my perm to top it off. Being a hairdressers daughter, I thought I was the cat’s meow since I knew all the fashion trends before my friends did. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Have a great weekend!! And yes I cried last night at Grey’s too!!
    ~Molly P

  71. Kristina

    May 8, 2009 at 10:26 am

    It was so predictable, but I was sobbing, too!!!!!!!!!!! (and I HATE to cry!)

  72. Rachel

    May 8, 2009 at 10:27 am

    Girbaud’s in late elementary/early middle school. Everyone had to have that little white tag on their crotch.

  73. Kathryn

    May 8, 2009 at 10:31 am

    Wow, Units…what a throwback. Remember the stretchy Units pieces that could be a belt or a headband or probably a tube top or a super-thick bracelet? How fun to have different lovely solid colors to interchange – navy pants, white top, red stretchy fabric belt. STYLIN’.

  74. Vicki

    May 8, 2009 at 10:42 am

    I can’t comment on Grey’s never having watched an entire episode. Something in me revolted and refused to get hooked on another doctor show. I got hooked on NCIS instead. Is there any man on the planet cooler than Gibbs?

    Okay, you won’t believe how time can turn a dreaded outfit into the most beloved ensemble of one’s life-my/our all girls Catholic highschool uniform. Yes, it’s true! Getting measured for that hideous thing was the worst day of my young life and now, at reunions, thirty five years later, inevitably someone brings one to hang on display, sort of like a shrine. The nuns chose the color combination and we never forgave them. Royal blue blazer, gold-yes gold!- pleated skirt, white blouse and oxford shoes. To look truly chic, it had to be worn with knee socks. And heaven help you if caught rolling the skirt band to make it shorter. Guaranteed week’s worth in Sister Bridget Mary’s Garden Club-an hour pulling weeds after school. Freshman year not one of us would be caught dead in it off campus. By senior year, we wore them to the mall and only bothered to shave our knees. Oh, how I’d give anything to fit in that uniform again.

  75. Amy

    May 8, 2009 at 10:53 am

    Monogrammed sweatshirts, denim A-line skirts with white eyelet petticoats underneath (thank you 1986 and also Laura Ingalls Wilder, I guess) my favorite striped shirts from The Limited, Guess Jeans with penny loafers, and yes, I had Units clothing too, good grief.
    Thanks for the memories, BigMama!
    Amy
    Oh, and I had a prized bottle of Benetton perfume.

  76. Kimberly

    May 8, 2009 at 10:53 am

    No no NO! I missed the show! WHAT HAPPENED????? OMG WHAT HAPPENED????????? I knew I should have raced home to watch it!!!!! TELL ME TELL ME!

  77. WendyB

    May 8, 2009 at 11:17 am

    Have to give you some “old school” here, since I’m prob the oldest person to post so far. 1973 – 8th grade. Turquoise corduroy hiphugger extreme bell bottoms with four silver snaps at the waist. A salt and pepper shades-of-blue lettuce edge short sleeve snap-bottom bodysuit to match. Ripped a huge tear in the pants trying to ice skate at the mall. The embarrassment was driven to excruciating but the spontaneous unsnapping of the bodysuit, which not only hurt but then flung its snappy edge up out of those pants and flapped along behind me. You’ll be happy to know I’ve remained every bit as put together and cool as I was then in the ensuing years.

  78. Kaye

    May 8, 2009 at 11:23 am

    Oh Grey’s…so sad, but thrilled about the wedding:)
    And there will be no need for fashion advice around here. I’m on day 2 of “The Dreaded Shred” and it is going to kill this old gal! I am supposed to shoot in a skeet shoot for Relay for Life tonight and I don’t think I’ll be able to raise my gun:(
    Hope you have a wonderfully blessed Mother’s Day.
    Blessings always,
    Kaye
    Matthew 21:22

  79. Designer Studio

    May 8, 2009 at 11:24 am

    Interesting!

    The latest fashion trend in apparels today is the skinny jeans that give you a lean look. However, if you are unable to get into those, you would also be happy to put on those wide legged pants or trousers that are also hot with the fashionistas. When worn with a short narrow top and a slim fit jacket along with high heel shoes, this combination would look cool and give you that much longed for lean look.

    Try it out this season!

  80. Megan (mommyesquire)

    May 8, 2009 at 11:33 am

    Oh I laughed when Ramona said that. Kelly said something equally funny a few weeks ago but I can’t remember exactly what she said.

    My favorite outfit? I bought a pair of leather pants when I was in college and would wear them with a pale blue cashmere sweater – loved that. Now I could not fit one calf in those pants… The joys of birthing a baby!

  81. My Twenty Cents Keeps Moving

    May 8, 2009 at 11:37 am

    I ruined my favorite (and only) pair of Calvin Klein jeans with battery acid. I was helping my mom change the battery in our car. I didn’t care if the acid burned my leg off; I was horrified that my jeans were ruined!!! This was probably 1983 or somewhere in there.

    Leslie

  82. Desha

    May 8, 2009 at 11:40 am

    -Lawmen jeans circa (1988)
    -Duck head shorts in EVERY color (1992)
    -Solid tanks and short 4 button shirts layered over from The Limited (1989)
    -ANYTHING Outback Red circa 1986-1990
    -Misty Lane dresses with HUGE shoulder pads (1991)
    -Laura Ashley jumpsuits (1990)

    I think that about covers it!

  83. Julie

    May 8, 2009 at 11:59 am

    Those Laura Ashley bubbles – ‘cuz lets face it – even though Desha above calls it a “jumpsuit” it was really a big ole bubble for an adolescent/adult female. Sans button crotch although that would have made going to the bathroom easier. I had a pink (multiple shades of pink) stripe one that I wore for rush in 1990. I was rocking in it, some keds and a grosgrain ribbon tied around my ponytail. Oh yeah, I pledged Phi Mu at U of AL that year ‘cuz i rocked me some grown-up girl bubble!!

    I now teach at a local college and my students get a huge kick out of the above!

    I also lived in anything Gap since I was an original “Gap girl” and lets face it – a 50% discount is v. nice!

    And I vaguely remember velvet dresses with lace collars so large and starched you could hurt the one next to you!

  84. Julie

    May 8, 2009 at 12:01 pm

    i forgot – My Mimi still rocks the “dickie”

  85. Laura

    May 8, 2009 at 12:19 pm

    I think that my Jordache jeans with the cuffed ankles were a classic ’80’s statement.

    And I also agree that Grey’s was totally worth missing Mer and Der’s wedding! I’m glad I’m not the only one who bawled like a baby. My husband thinks I’m just a little bit off my rocker…

    Love from Michigan,
    Laura

  86. The Beaver Bunch

    May 8, 2009 at 12:31 pm

    Yes, I agree, I didn’t see that coming with the Grey – McDreamy wedding. But, it was perfect and I only fought back tears so that my husband wouldn’t think that I really consider those people my IRL friends.

    Anyway, I’d have to say my favorite fashion trend of ALL TIME (and it’s not exactly a clothing piece, more of a way to wear) is:

    Tight Rolled Jeans with scrunch socks. I totally made it into the cool crowd (or at least a level up from “C” class) b/c of my insane ability to, not only, perfect the tight roll, but to make the scrunch sock appear flawless just beneath/over my boney ankle.

    Bliss.

  87. Kellye

    May 8, 2009 at 12:40 pm

    My favorite fashion item was my Etienne Aigner pumps that I wore everyday during my big corporate career in the late 80’s and early 90’s. I had them in Black, Black Patent, Red, Navy & White Spectator. They made me walk with sass! Oh how I loved those shoes.

  88. Worshipfan

    May 8, 2009 at 12:41 pm

    I literally sobbed for 20 min. after Grey’s last night. My husband actually came into the bedroom to see what was wrong with me because I was crying so much.

    Sigh….it’s tough to be the emotional basket case of the family.

  89. Kellye

    May 8, 2009 at 12:44 pm

    Emmie,
    Is the name of the boots you are talking about Dingos?

  90. gitz

    May 8, 2009 at 12:47 pm

    Oh, when my mom shelled out the big bucks for Z Cavaricci jeans in high school, I may have squealed like a little girl.

    But I think the all-time big moment was when we got a pair of stirrup jeans before the dance in junior high. I rocked it.

    And I so loved Alex last night. Reciting the girl’s speech… melted me.

  91. A.J.

    May 8, 2009 at 1:00 pm

    Read your blog often…first response
    1. ESPRIT pink sweatshirt – side shoulder with purple writing paid $75 at Dillard’s- my mother nearly had a stroke, literally.
    2. Mother always bought me an “after” Easter outfit, and I remember these light blue shorts and matching shirt. Shorts were that shiny Charlie’s Angels material. Paired with knee high white socks and white sandals- I felt like Farrah in the Flesh. Side pony tail, coordinating light blue Easter Basket!!!

  92. melissa valentine

    May 8, 2009 at 1:01 pm

    too many things to cover…
    favorite outfit was in the 80’s stirrup stretch pants, with high top reeboks, a long t-shirt that was pulled to the side in t-shirt clip and HUGE bangs. while i look at photos and cring, it was so comfy. stretch pants and baggy shirts. i wouldn’t have to diet if that trend was back. 🙂

    i don’t watch grey’s… but do you watch BONES? i was bawling this week and they ended it at a HORRIBLE spot and if it was the season finale i might boycott all things FOX. ugh i couldn’t sleep thinking about it last night.

  93. Denise

    May 8, 2009 at 1:05 pm

    So many fashion atrocities from the 80s, it’s hard to pick just one!

    Fiorenza v-neck cable knit sweaters with a “dego-tee” underneath (sorry to all of you Italians that I just offended)

    all of the denim sins I created: flowered jeans, pinstriped jeans, acid washed jeans, tight rolled jeans, bottoms of my jeans stuffed into oversized and brightly colored socks

    Coca-Cola shirts, rugbies, tee-shirts with a rainbow that went from one sleeve all of the way across and down the other sleeve

    Members only jackets, and if that weren’t bad enough, paired with a matching painters cap and Chuck Taylors

    It’s enough to make me cry. Not as hard as I cried at Grey’s last night, but then again, few things in life should make me sob like that!

  94. purejoy

    May 8, 2009 at 1:08 pm

    i’m more of a fashion faux pas kinda girl so things i’d rather forget are
    gaucho pants of the mid seventies
    stirrup pants of the late 80s/early 90s

    about the most money i ever spent for designer things was when i was in high school (and since i’ve never had much money, this is about as “designer as i ever got).
    susan bristol wool sweaters, colored dickey pants from the gap and platform shoes from thom mcan. omygracious we thought we were hot stuff!!

  95. Amy C

    May 8, 2009 at 1:11 pm

    Oh, the Hypercolor shirts. Especially the one where the guys jeans turned to shorts when it got hot. Scandalous.

    My favorite part of this blog? Was when you referred to Ramona’s “kadoos.” I laughed out loud when she said that, because I think she thought she said it right. Idiot.

  96. Cheryl

    May 8, 2009 at 1:12 pm

    1981~ 1. Green Gloria Vanderbilt jeans with a black and green striped (I think it may have been VELOUR!) shirt
    2. 5 different pairs of Cherokee stacked heel shoes (the heels were made of a creamy colored plastic, one pair even had a hole in the middle)

    1984~ a pair of neon pink 501’s with a pink and white shirt
    When my cousin saw this outfit, he said, “Man, that’s a loud pair of jeans!”

  97. Adrienne

    May 8, 2009 at 1:24 pm

    Sorry about your handbag Melanie. Ditch it now, you’ll never get the stink out.
    My son spilled a half pint of milk on the carpet in the car once, and the car stank for months afterwards, no matter how many times I scrubbed and sprayed the floor mat. Eeeeewwwww!

    My favorite – Sassoon jeans, circa 1980. They made me feel so sassy! And I was never into neon, but in high school, my best friend, Michelle, wore shiny, neon orange shorts to marching band practice, and the band director told her not to sit on the grass because she might set it on fire. Lord, if a teacher said that to a student today, there’s no telling what would happen….

    Adrienne

  98. Page

    May 8, 2009 at 1:26 pm

    Well even before you mentioned I was thinking that my favorite came from units. It was a red, one-piece, long sleeve, long pants romper. Which I wore with various colored belts, depending on my mood – and sometimes even made a flower on the belt with another belt. Classic.

  99. Tater Mama

    May 8, 2009 at 1:41 pm

    Ah, yes. Units. I am sad to say that I fell prey to that fashion trend my senior year of high school. The memory makes me shudder.

    After graduation I went on one of those trips to Europe with a bunch of people from school — you know, where you see 32 countries in 9 hours — and there are pictures of me in those stupid Units all over England and France. I never thought I’d look back and say, “I sure wish I’d worn my acid wash jeans more often,” but guess what? Given the choice between the two, I wish I’d chosen the acid wash jeans.

  100. Cyndi

    May 8, 2009 at 1:41 pm

    Oh, the memories these comments have brought to the surface. Where should I forward my therapy bills to? 🙂 When I was 15, I made it clear to my parents that I would DIE if I didn’t get some Guess jeans. Their response was, “Well, you better get a job.” Much to their surprise, I did, and I spent every penny I earned on regrettable 80s fashions. You are going to be so jealous, but I bought the Guess overalls in blue AND in white denim (with the striped flappy pockets). I so wish I had some photographic evidence of those fabulous outfits.

  101. Abby

    May 8, 2009 at 1:44 pm

    I feel as though I must be in the early stages of alzheimers. Your memory and that of most of the commenters is so crystal clear and I’m struggling to remember what I wore in college, forget about elementary school!!!

    That said I do remember a gray pencil skirt with a baby blue twin set with grey flowers on it to match from The Limited. I completed the look with gray tights and some shoes that looked like a cross between something a pilgram and victorian school marm would wear…hey it was the late 90’s and sexy shoes were out. I was a sophmore in college.

    I also loved my BONGO jeans that I had in middle school. I had a pair in white, burgandy, and hunter green. Apparently, the chic colors for a well decorated house were also the best choice for fashion. This was the early 90’s.

    Okay, and last thing, this:

    Ultimately, we decided that choosing one outfit or piece of clothing is like trying to choose who you like better, your grandmother or Justin Timberlake. It’s like “Sophie’s Choice”.

    made me nearly fall out of my chair at work. The snort sound I made still has some of my co-workers giving me the “oh grow up” glare…but I don’t care, it was so worth it!

  102. Cydney

    May 8, 2009 at 1:52 pm

    I have had a lot of favorites but since we are staying in the 80’s….it was back to school time in the early 80’s and my mom had bought me some purple “DeeCee” (does anybody remember that brand) painter pants and a striped polo of some name to go with them. I could not wait for the first day of school.

  103. Nelson's Mama

    May 8, 2009 at 1:58 pm

    After I moved to the “big city” and bought one of my first grown-up outfits in 1985.

    A blue jewel tone Liz Claiborne sweater set, skirt & top with matching scarf, it fit like a glove.

    I still have it in the closet…

  104. SophienSamsMomma

    May 8, 2009 at 2:03 pm

    1986 – guess jeans that had the exposed button fly…loved them! Bought them with my mom’s Macy’s credit card…she just wrote a note for me and I could charge what I wanted! Ahhhh..those were the days. I wore those jeans until 1998…when they finally wore so thin in the backside that they split. It was a sad, sad day!

  105. Kate

    May 8, 2009 at 2:21 pm

    I would so love it if you could conspire with your friend to have a maternity Fashion Friday. You gave us a hint a few weeks back, but I must say it left me wanting more. I’m wondering if the fitted shrits are fashion ok or not. I’m thin and have only a hump/bump so I do wear them, just not to work.

  106. Jamie

    May 8, 2009 at 2:28 pm

    My favorite clothing I just can’t pin point but my favorite shoes would be pointy toe hiking boots. Not sure if that is the proper name but that is what we called them. They laced up and I had them in black and off white. I thought I was hot when I wore them. Ha Ha!

    Jamie

  107. holly

    May 8, 2009 at 2:44 pm

    Did you have a big comb in the back pocket of your Luv its? And maybe some ultra glossy Bonne Belle lip gloss in the other?

  108. Angie

    May 8, 2009 at 2:54 pm

    AAHH the 80’s. Did you have the coveted “Units”? They were a big rave here in Wacky Waco! I also fondly remember my Max Headroom Shirt that I saved coke tabs for all summer, as well as the infamous Coca-Cola Rugby and matching hot pink acid washed chic jeans-AWESOME. Those were the days honey…

    I’m totally with you on ABC hitting it out of the park with that one. Way to bring me back on board for another season just when I had the faintest thought of giving it up, they are so sneaky like that:-)

  109. Donna

    May 8, 2009 at 2:56 pm

    These replies are so funny! I had to wear uniforms to school for most of my life (or at least skirts) and was never allowed to buy anything particularly fashionable. Or anything that cost money actually. However, I do remember owning one pair of white and light blue striped jeans that had attached white suspenders and a button fly that I loved. I wore them with a pink polo shirt with the collar turned up. I loved that outfit. I must have bought it myself.

  110. Tracey

    May 8, 2009 at 3:07 pm

    I confess I was a huge fan of Units. Although, I used to wear “Multiples.” Same concept, different name.
    I am so going to pull out pictures of me in my red jeans (tight rolled, mind you) with my rainbow sweater that I sported to my middle school dance. I thought I was HOTT! Awww yeah….

  111. Leslie

    May 8, 2009 at 3:34 pm

    Maybe you should save that poor handbag as a future science fair project for Caroline – “The Effects of Spilled Milk Three Years Later, Proving That There is a Reason to Cry.” I wonder if taking a whiff of that mess would make me forget the shiny green stirrup parachute pants that I wore circa 1986.

  112. joyce

    May 8, 2009 at 3:41 pm

    My goodness, you know this post really should have pictures with the descriptions!

    yes, tears here at grey’s last night.

  113. Sarah

    May 8, 2009 at 3:46 pm

    I am pregnant so I cry at the drop of a hat anyway, but I am totally with you on the end of last night’s Grey’s Anatomy! I was a wreck while watching that. You know that they were going to let Meredith and Derek get married – will they ever?

  114. Sarah

    May 8, 2009 at 3:47 pm

    WEREN’T going to let them get married, not were. Oops!

  115. Beth

    May 8, 2009 at 4:06 pm

    Yellow-trimmmed Gloria Vanderbilt jeans and matching shirt. And mine was confirmed at how great I looked in the 6th grade when a girl “friended” me on FB and stated that I had great fashion sense back in middle school!! And she proceeded to name that very outfit!

  116. Bronwen

    May 8, 2009 at 4:08 pm

    In grade school it was Luv Its, blue Nikes with the yellow swish, Jordache jeans and Guess jeans with the ankle zipper. In high school it was Swatch watches, anything Esprit, Bennetton, Limited or Gap and Units outfits. I still shop at Gap.

  117. Barb @ A Chelsea Morning

    May 8, 2009 at 6:03 pm

    Gauze guru blouses with jeans that I’d embroidered flowers (daisies) all over – bellbottoms of course. Seriously. I wish I’d saved them. Sigh.

  118. Lisa

    May 8, 2009 at 6:05 pm

    I had a pair of Gasoline jeans that zipped up the back. They were so fashion forward, I think they ended up getting stolen. Anyone remember the preppy pink and green theme that went along with alligators? Middle school we would wear oxford button down shirts and (huh?) thread shoelaces through the collar that had repeating graphics on them. Anyone?

    Also was a big fan of the big shoulder pad jackets as Michael Jackson made popular. Paisley was popular. And silk shirts buttoned to the top with a large pin (broach) at the top and the collar up but the corners turned down.

  119. Kristy

    May 8, 2009 at 7:09 pm

    Oh, the trip down fashion memory lane! I had a brown t-shirt with Mork on the front saying “Shazbot”. I wore it with my jeans with 5 inch cuffs. I was hot!!! Also have to give a shout out to the Swatch (you had to wear at least 2 at at time or you were lame), Coke shirts, stretch pants and Sam & Libby shoes. And how could we leave out the jams and Duck Head shorts? I had a pair in every color when I was a senior in high school! Ah, the memories!!!

  120. Kristy

    May 8, 2009 at 7:14 pm

    Oh gosh, how could I forget the twist-a-beads? I had a drawer full of them, along with all of the little decorative clasps! In all honesty, I work with a woman who still proudly sports hers daily!

  121. Jill

    May 8, 2009 at 7:42 pm

    The only thing cooler than my boyfriend’s red/black/white Jordan high tops were my CALVIN KLEINS!!

  122. Allison

    May 8, 2009 at 7:46 pm

    I wanted Guess jeans SO bad. We couldn’t afford them but my aunt could, so she would pass her old ones down to me. We weren’t the same size, so my mom would take the triangle logo off the back and sew them to my off-brand jeans! And what’s funny is that I didn’t even care…I just wanted them to say Guess!

  123. Melissa

    May 8, 2009 at 7:47 pm

    OK…I had to give this some thought and let it percolate a bit. And, of course, I never waivered from my first thoughts after I read your post this morning. You’d think that by now I would have learned to just trust my gut.

    It’s a 3 way tie for me:

    1. 1985-ish–I got what I believed to be the MOST. Fabulous. Outfit. EVER. A pair of Wedgewood blue stirrup pants and matching tunic for Christmas–just in time to rock the 8th grade NYE party. And looking back, I’m sure that my 95 pound self looked hippy because, HELLO, there’s nothing flattering about a stirrup pant.

    2. 1989-ish–Fushia “Coca-Cola” rugby shirt (preferably matched with a denim mini skirt…toppped off with a silver PUFF BOW necklace). Because nothing says classy like a silver puff bow necklace.

    3. Similar to your rollerskate jeans–but mine had gold lamee puffy gold bars on the pocket. Umm..yeah…who puts gold bars on little girl’s jeans? I thought they were the bomb.

    OH…and I have to tell you that I found the PERFECT maxi dress yesterday on a fluke pass through American Eagle–it’s cut just right so I don’t look like I gained 30lbs and turned into Mrs. Roper. And it was only $29.99. Yay!

    Have a great weekend!

  124. Mitzi

    May 8, 2009 at 8:25 pm

    I have Grey’s DVRed for this weekend to watch with my hubby, so I can’t read the rest of the comments or it might ruin it for me, but I will comment on your purse story.

    Last fall, on the way home from a soccer game, my 5 year old said he was going to be sick and then leaned over and puked in to my beautiful mustard yellow new purse sitting at his feet….. oh yes, purse oh puke. I saved the cell phone and coach wallet (bleached the heck out of those) and threw the rest of the purse and contents away…. EVERYTHING— it was dead to me!!!

  125. Gena

    May 8, 2009 at 9:31 pm

    Kudoos. Oh my goodness, we have got to let that woman know how southerners pronounce that word. And the real function of eyelids. Not sure she’s sure of either…..

    That show is a drug I can’t shake.

  126. Michelle

    May 8, 2009 at 9:41 pm

    Let’see…Jordache jeans, and they had to be so tight you could barely breath. Leather boots, with high heels (yep, they were Dingo). Add to that the matching jacket and heaven help me I must have looked like a hooker!

    Big earings, big hair. Black eyeliner. After that phase came the leggings and long sweaters.

    Nowadays it’s mostly jeans and my favorite Ariat boots.

  127. Audrey

    May 8, 2009 at 10:03 pm

    I was born after 1987. And you’re right, I have no idea what you’re talking about.

    But I do firmly believe that the 90s were one big fashion mistake. Nothing good came from the 90s, and I firmly believe that. In fact, if anyone wants to challenge me on that, contact me.

  128. Audrey

    May 8, 2009 at 10:03 pm

    I meant in 1987, not after 1987. 🙂

  129. Cynthia

    May 8, 2009 at 10:06 pm

    One year right before Sadie Hawkins’ Day, my best friend and I went shopping. We bought the same sweater, but in different colors. The pink sweater went with maroon pants and the light blue sweater went with navy pants. We double-dated and wore those outfits. I wish I’d kept the sweater, just for the memories. (Keeping the pants would just make me feel bad.)

  130. Julie From Inmates

    May 8, 2009 at 10:10 pm

    Sweet mercy, this post brought back a lot of memories. I had loads of fun reading the comments too. But, for the life of me I remember nothing of UNITS. Maybe those/that never made it to WV. Perhaps I should google it later.

    Several of my fashion sins were brought to my remembrance.

    I just ran across a picture last night of a tie-dyed parachute pants/shirt set that I wore in high school. And of course, my pants were tucked into my bright pink socks that matched the outfit to a tee. I topped it all off with a pair of white keds. Oh my word, what was I thinking?

    I couldn’t help but smile when I remembered my beloved tretorn tennis shoes.

    I too, wore Guess bibs but always with one of the straps unhooked because it was cool! I remember wearing them to the skating rink one time and finding it difficult to shoot the duck in that particular get-u. And lets not forget the Liz Claiborne purse and swatch watch that finished it off.

    Oh, and how bout those Outback Red shirts with the nine little brown buttons down the front. I had a red one and a pink one. I [thought] I was the bomb.

    Enjoyed the memories, Big Mama. You always make me smile!

  131. Chelsea

    May 8, 2009 at 10:29 pm

    Parachute pants, baby. I just loved the way they swished as I walked down the halls of my junior high. Oh, I thought I was soooo cool.

  132. Chelsea

    May 8, 2009 at 10:31 pm

    Oh, and the absolute best day of my teenage life was when my mother took me to the Esprit outlet in San Francisco and bought me an entire back-to-school wardrobe in 1986. I wore Esprit every single day that year.

  133. txmomx6

    May 8, 2009 at 11:10 pm

    OK, I didn’t see Grey’s …. haven’t watched it all season (got a bit sick of the “everything-is-about-me-Meredith”, so I have to ask …….. what happened???? And are they going to kill Izzie? I know the actress is not coming back …. so are they knocking off the character?
    Just wondering ….. and hoping you got over the sobbing.
    Janine

  134. Julie

    May 8, 2009 at 11:19 pm

    What a fun post!

    Walking down the halls in my painter pants, pink button-down shirt and penny loafers. Oh yeah!

    I so wanted a pair of leather Nike racquet tennis shoes. My mom wouldn’t spring for the leather, but agreed to buy the canvas version. So lame…but, of course I got them, because they were sort of, kind of hip.

  135. Ayse Nil

    May 9, 2009 at 2:23 am

    Creeepy.. Did we actually GO to the same school :)) LOL.. I had the aqua colored Gloria Vanderbilts (really loved them then but can’t remember why), could not get my mom to buy me the Guess overalls but talked her into paying for half of the tapered Guess jeans w/ the ankle zippers (paid the other half buy baby-sitting for the neighbors and taking out the trash for two weeks). Never liked the three-layered Izod thing but I am wondering whether y’all had the flat MIA shoes w/the pointy toes or the Clicker curling Iron w/Butane so you could take it to school IN your purse and flip between classes?? :))
    Take care!

  136. k&c's mom

    May 9, 2009 at 7:08 am

    Favorite outfit? Not the $80 Guess overalls, but the $10 Academy Super Surplus (as the now trendy sports store used to be called in the 70s when it sold discount army items). Anyhow: every college freshman girl at my college owned these. We’d pull them over our pajama shirt (that was before pj pants in public were accepted) and scoot down to breakfast in the dorm 30 seconds before the doors closed. There was solidarity in the fact that we all wore these and did not care how we looked. Even though we shared the dining hall with the football team.

  137. Anastasia

    May 9, 2009 at 8:38 am

    I certainly understand why you’d like to take a break from Fashion Friday postings. But would you consider anwering select readers questions about fashion? If so, my question is: “If you have a great (big) statement necklace, what earrings work best? No earrings, subdued and smaller earrings … and what about earrings that “match” the necklace as in a set? Is that too cheesy?” Thanks for your input. LOVE your blog – I am an addicted reader who looks forward to it like sugar. Laughter being the best medicine and all. Thank you for sharing your gift of humor with us all.

  138. Liz

    May 9, 2009 at 8:51 am

    VERY WELL PLAYED, ABC!!! Let’s hope Brothers and Sisters is as good, although that show cannot measure up to Grey’s.

    I was born in 1985, but I certainly remember the overalls. I think my favorite was the matching scrunchies to every outfit!

  139. Hilary

    May 9, 2009 at 2:25 pm

    I had the Guess overalls too as well as PINK guess jeans but I grew so fast that they were high waters by October. Short lived Guess jeans.

    I feel really privileged to read a blog with people who were born after 1985! It makes me feel less old.

    I cried for 15 minutes straight watching Grey’s. I had to remember it was TV and snap back to reality. 🙂

    As usual, great post!

  140. Rachelle

    May 9, 2009 at 9:18 pm

    my favorite late 80’s article of clothing was, for sure, my Jordache jean overall shorts with lace hearts on the top. I also loved Gitano jean purses!!!

  141. Laura Beth

    May 9, 2009 at 10:38 pm

    This one outfit was pretty memorable . . . I was a sophomore in 1992. Picture this – brightly colored flowered oversized silk shirt, purple suede skirt, purple hose, and black suede flats with black suede bows on top. Of course, my hair was huge and held back in a gold “bow” metal barette. I was the BOMB! 😉

  142. becky

    May 10, 2009 at 1:29 am

    Oh my…the memories flooding my brain!!

    Elementary school:
    The Luv-it jeans – 1 with pink satin ballet slippers and 1 with rainbow colored hearts! Fond memories! Also a purple velour v-neck sweater. By 6th grade, I though I became a fashion icon in my jordache jeans and OP top and Xanadu-inspired ribbons in my hair! (Also loved, loved, loved my baby blue fine corduroy Chemin de Fur pants!)

    Junior High:
    Awful victorian ruffle blouses! I had a pink satin one with black pinstripes and a black ribbon tie around the neck! Big puffy sleeves, too!

    High School (and also into college):
    Desparately wish that I kept my white sweatshirt with “Class of ’87” in neon pink puffy paint!
    Loved anything from The Limited- Firenze and Outback Red lines. I bought my first real wool trench coat from them on layaway! Ah, layaway!
    I did still keep my baby pink Guess crop denim jacket – I wear now as halloween costumes! Love it!

    I agree with Audrey…nothing good came out of the ’90’s!

  143. Elaine at Lipstickdaily

    May 10, 2009 at 11:39 am

    Milk you say? A while ago we were riding in the car with my mother-in-law, Nonna (in her 90’s) when she felt a bout of car sickness coming on. Ever delicate, she didn’t tell anyone . . . just opened her purse and . . . yeah. Milk is nothin’ honey.

  144. Tina

    May 10, 2009 at 4:33 pm

    I had the same Luv-its!!! And I had Hot Pink Gloria Vanderbilts…that I had to beg and beg my mom to buy me!!! hahaha…we got them at Joskes…i was never so excited…I wore them all the time!! LOL

  145. Kathy

    May 10, 2009 at 10:14 pm

    ‘Oversized sweaters from United Colors of Benetton’

    Spot on.

    Also my Z Cavaricci jeans…with the label on THE CROTCH comes to mind. Nice.

    AND my favorite shirt with the big smiley on it. Quality.

    Those who mentioned Esprit..agreed. Well played.

  146. Sally

    May 11, 2009 at 10:46 am

    When I was in high school, (I graduated in 1980) I special-ordered a pair of jeans from a catalog that were called “My Jeans” or something like that, because you could have your name sewn onto one of the back pockets. I absolutely LOVED those jeans, because no one else had any like it, and everyone wanted some and wondered where I got them!!! I felt so important walking around with my name on my butt!!!

  147. Andrea

    May 12, 2009 at 9:18 am

    Oh, I so loved my hot pink Hypercolor tshirt!

  148. hillary

    May 12, 2009 at 3:42 pm

    okay, i was DYING when ramona said kudoos! i’m so glad someone else caught it and made fun of her!

  149. Kate

    May 12, 2009 at 6:32 pm

    I cannot tell you how cool I was when on Christmas morning, circa 1982, I opened up a purple and white striped sweater WITH MATCHING LEG WARMERS!!!! Sadly, that was the first and last time I was ever cool.

    Question….do you HAVE to wear boots with boot cut jeans?? Can you wear flats? Can you wear CUTE Crocs (not the originals, but the Olivia or the Malindi type) It’s just important to have that wider leg and hem opening, correct? Tapered is bad bad bad old bad, right?

  150. Susan

    May 29, 2009 at 9:47 am

    1981–pink satin running shorts with white satin piping and a unicorn patch on one hip. She had a rhinestone in her horn. I wore those shorts with a frilly, ruffled white eyelet halter top every chance I got. Eventually I grew boobs and the halter top had to go, and the pink satin was prone to snag, so my mother eventually vetoed it for use in public places.
    1988–White Ocean Pacific tank top with a multi-neon hued logo on the front and electric blue OP shorts.

    Throw in a case of Aquanet and some big plastic earrings and you pretty much have the entire picture of the late eighties at my house. 🙂

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Melanie ShankleMy name is Melanie and, in some strange twist of fate, I’m also known as Big Mama because I started this blog in July of 2006 when my daughter, Caroline, was not quite three years old and I was in the process of convincing her that BIG girls use the potty and BIG girls don’t have pacifiers, thus she thought BIG was the highest compliment in the land and began referring to me as BIG MAMA.Read More

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The fish we caught today were all bigger than my h The fish we caught today were all bigger than my hat and, frankly, that’s hard to do.
A few nights ago, Perry told me to come look at th A few nights ago, Perry told me to come look at the sky just as the sun had set. This picture doesn’t do it justice, but we couldn’t believe how bright Venus and Jupiter were next to the moon in the dusky pink-blue sky. In full disclosure, we didn’t know which planets they were until I went inside and googled it because we are amateur astronomers at best. ⁣
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Anyway, I took a quick photo because I wanted to capture it. And over the last several days, I keep thinking about those planets and how God spoke them into existence. We live in a culture that often wants to make God smaller in an effort to make him more palatable or relatable, but I find lately that I am most comforted by his magnitude and his holiness. When I look at this photo it’s a tangible reminder that he holds all things together even when there are days it feels like things are falling apart. ⁣
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When we pray for peace, we’re praying to the one who placed the stars in the sky and knows them by name. When we search for wisdom, we’re looking to the one who sees all things. When we need joy, we’re asking the one who created laughter. When we face circumstances that seem impossible, we’re calling on the one whose robe fills the throne room of heaven. When we have a battle ahead of us, we have a rider called Faithful and True who fights for us. ⁣
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Mabel believes patrolling the fence line is her fu Mabel believes patrolling the fence line is her full time job. And she takes it seriously. 🐾💕
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Y’all. Rodeo Season is indeed a thing and if you want to do it right, you are going to need some fabulous boots. I’m so excited to partner with the girls @frauleinboots to giveaway the following to one lucky winner:⁣
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Well, that was anti-climatic.

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Wow, Georgia! What a comeback!!

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