A Family that Ascots together

Make sure that you scroll ALLLLL the way down in this post because the end is absolutely NOT to be missed.

Today's first young woman asks the following question "I don't know whether or not I should be mad at my mom for this outfit." (via)

Yes, dear one, you should. Oh yes, you should.

"Clara"--titled this photo "Who are we and why are we wearing these awful clothes?"

She also says of her brother "He's laughing at my outfit!" (via) I'm kind of liking his stripy shirt, but I suspect big sister's dress was actually a nightgown. If not, oh my.

This is the kind of outfit I would have worn, if it were a nightgown, when my parents took me to the drive-in on a hot summer night. Since they knew I was destined to fall asleep in the back of the car, we'd stay for a double feature. The drive-in was where I saw Slapshot, which also meant it was the first time I saw a naked man's butt. (Remember when that guy takes his clothes off on the ice?) My parents thought I was asleep, but I remember peering through the front window, confused and bleary-eyed, but curious. The drive-in was also where I saw The Boob Tube and Kentucky Fried Movie, both classic feature films.

Today's finale leaves me speechless.

"This is a scanned photo of my father, my brother and I circa 1972 in our old apartment. My dad used to work in the Men's department of this large department store in Newark, NJ called Bamberger's, where he always brought home the latest 'hip' fashions of the day.

As you can see, both my father and brother are resplendent in their Herman and the Hermits finery, and I am doing what only be described as my best contemporary Austin Powers impersonation. I even took a school portrait in that get-up.

You have GOT to respect a kid in a silk, paisley-print ascot." (via)

I am completely in awe of this photo. I am loving this family and how serious these three look here. I am especially digging dad and I feel like he belongs in a film I wish someone had made. I also love how baby boy--and again, with the BELT--looks like he is sucking in his cheeks, looking mature to fit in with the older men in his life. I could try to be witty here, say more, but I feel like these guys really stand on their own, speak for themselves, make their own way in the world. Really, what could I say to top anything?

Everyone looks better in an ascot!

Today's first photo makes me feel nostalgic. I, too, had a nightgown with a matching bonnet, although mine was rockin' a Holly Hobbie theme on the front. (When I met Holly Hobbie, a few years ago, I felt like I was in the presence of celebrity.)

"Me and my sis when I was three or four. Not only did I hate bedtime (afraid of the dark and unable to let go of the day) but look at that outfit. No wonder I'm so unhappy." (via)

Here's my own true confession. After my dad took me to see the Star Trek movie where Chekov had some kind of animal inserted into his ear, I would sneak out of bed each night to put on a bonnet or hat that covered my ears. I also had an irrational fear of earwigs.

This next special lady shares my distain for her glasses.

"12 years old, maybe 13. I made sure back then that as few pictures of me with glasses were taken as possible." (via)

Strangely, she does not mention her sailor suit or shoulder pads. I like the combination of red shoes and hairbow to add a little pizazz to the overall look.

Sometimes, our siblings recognize the horror of the items our parents have made us wear.

"Holy Cow! Would you get a load of my brother's outfit? I am at a loss for words. Also, does it or does it not look like I am wearing dentures?" (via)

My husband digs this kid's belted shorts, and feels a kinship with him after his own childhood outfits. Also, is this little boy crying or laughing?

Today's final photo is perhaps one of my favorites ever. There is almost nothing to say beyond what this boy's sister says.

"Is that an ASCOT?" (via)

Where did one even FIND an ascot for a child? It doesn't look like it came with the pants, since the colors are slightly different. Was it a matching set with the shirt and ascot? Available from the boy's section at JC Penney or Sears?

Also, are these two sitting in front of a piece of ripped wallpaper, torn from the wall in anger at this outfit?

I'm almost exhausted from the quality of this photo, and the idea that I will have to follow it up with more hated outfits. How can I ever top this? (Help me out--send your photos to myparentsmademewearthis at gmail dot com.)