What outfit is right for raising the Lord?

This rainy day, thoughts turn to Spring
And all the joy that Easter brings.

"Used Car Sales, Electronics Pitchman, or Cattle Auctioneer?

"I suspect my parents dressed me in this hideous suit for Easter. I hope it was not career planning.

Of course my sister, who was/is not a girly girl at all, is not much better off." (via)

Brother and sister, bonded forever,

With lace and plaid, their link won't sever.

Plaid to welcome back the Lord,

I bet in church they sure were bored.

Ruffles make the day so nice,

After lent, return to Vice.

Lapel button reads the Letter M,

This photo here sure is a gem.

Sometimes, it's all about the hair

"This is what happens when your mother decides to get the sepia shots and dresses you funny. What parent would do that to a little girl's hair. Puff ball and two pig tails." (via)

Even baby brother looks stunned at what is holding him. There he is, rockin' his natty bow tie and snappy vest--with a heck of a collar on that shirt--and there behind him, big sister, looking like a mess.

With the sepia, it also looks as if her hair is really a giant tangle, not so much a puffball. I really wish we could see it all head-on, really get the full effect of those side ponytails and how much width and height it all adds to the overall dimensions of her head.

I do have to say, however, that is some cute ribbon on her dress/shirt/smock. Okay, not a winner if you can't identify it, but potentially cute.

Had a bad hair photo? Send it to me: myparentsmademewearthis @ gmail.com

What's Cookin' Colonel Sanders?

Today's outfit is so finger lickin' good, it requires a post all its own. That's right--the Colonel Sanders Bow Tie.

"I still remember wearing that little bow tie...I hated it." (via)

While I empathize with his plight, he does look adorable. Perhaps it's the slightly Eastern European flavor of his coat, and his hair, carefully combed and set in place for a big day. But to appreciate that, it's really important to see the outfit in context.

"I could never put my feet next to one another. I liked standing like my dad." (via)

Clearly, the pale, monochromatic outfit was a family trend, although Mom, who looks rather nervous and uncomfortable here, was breaking out with her maroon skirt. Dad and son look serious, staring at that camera with intensity.

What was the day's big event? That's right. First Communion.

And as if to prove that venue was somewhere in Europe, note the boy in sandals with knee socks--always good for a formal occasion.

I must say--it seems rather unfair that Europeans have an ability to rock outfits that would make most Americans look and feel completely idiotic. I'm not saying these kids didn't hate their clothes, but merely that the hating cannot obscure the fact that they can make these things look cute. Is it something in the water?

I love Bamberger's!

From afar, this dapper young man's bow tie looks like it has ears on it. But really, it's just paisley--such an easy mistake, don't you think?

"Yep...It's a Dork...God, I look like a used car salesman.

Want to make sure your kid gets beaten up for 3 years straight? Give him a bowtie to wear for his class picture."

It's also good to see that my favorite menswear store was responsible for this outfit.

"Suit courtesy of Bamberger's Department Store in Newark, NJ. Thanks Dad!" (via)

In case you don't remember Bamberger's--think Ascots! Apparently, the store was famous for neckwear?

The Foundation for Children Dressed by their Parents

Where there is a need, there is always someone ready to help.

Traumatized in his own childhood, this young man grew into an adult who has obviously had the right amount of therapeutic intervention. Now, he seeks to help others.

"Foundation for Children Dressed by their Parents

You can make a difference in the lives of children like these. The trauma of ugly clothing can last a lifetime. Please help to end this needless, but all too common tragedy with your check or money order to..." (via)

Thank goodness the interweb allows such victims to come together, healing themselves by helping another.

Share your pain here. Email your photo and story to myparentsmademewearthis at gmail dot com

Election Day-Get out the vote Massachusetts!

It's election day here in Massachusetts, and how better to celebrate than with a bit of school picture patriotism!

"I don't know what year this is...but I'd guess 1976 by the very patriotic shirt my mom made me wear. I'm also not very fond of my semi-Dorothy Hamill haircut. Oy!" (via)

I had some similarly rockin' garb for the big Bicentennial. Stars and Stripes bell bottoms that I wore when we went to watch the Tall Ships come to New York. I think there may also have been face painting involved.

Here is my rationale for including the next photo:

These children have clearly been forced by their parents to be on this White Shadow team. There is no way any self-respecting child would wear these uniforms of their own accord. And since their parents obviously signed them up for this team...

"Only the coach's jacket is worse than our uniforms." (via)

Langley Park Rules! Go Cardinals!!

This Dapper Dan was all dressed up for his big sister's wedding, circa 1977.

"What! Whatever possessed my parents to dress me in this stupid little bow tie and brown shirt. The only time you catch me wearing bow ties are when I am doing my miming at childrens' parties wearing my mime clothes, my white hat, white face, and a gold bow tie." (via)

I wonder if he hires out for parties. It's tough to find a good mime these days.

His only mistake is in calling that bow tie "little". I do, however, like the varying shades of tan and brown--such a festive color.