Who wears short shorts?

Is this a family photo, or a childhood mug shot?

"Me, 2 y.o...I hated those clothes, they itched!" (via)

He looks stunned. Perhaps the stripes are hypnotizing him? And of course, complete with the zipper neck, knee socks, off-center plastic chair. And the shorts that look wedged up his bum.

My question is, was this a formal portrait, or was he at a photo shop, having a passport picture taken and not knowing what to make of it all?

Or, was he in the hot-seat on a child's television show? Struggling to come up with the answer for a tricky one on kids say the darndest things. The pressure to know what kind of animal says Moo! Or what it means to be married!

Oh, yes, kids are funny. Ain't they?

The dress so nice, I'll show it twice!

I know you've been waiting, with eager anticipation, for me to return from a winter sojourn in Costa Rica. Wait no longer and thrill to the loveliness of lace, puffy sleeves, and a whole lotta mess.

It's always good to have a dress that seems to grow with you, especially when it's one you hate!

"My mom loved this dress. She made me wear it for all sorts of occasions, including every single Spring Sunday and holiday. I remember the sleeves were itchy, and my arms were always cold when I wore this.I think I was 3 years old in this picture." (via)

"Mom loved the dress so much that we got multiple pictures of it, as you can see. I'm probably 4 or 5 here.Check out those Strawberry Shortcake kneesocks. I loved them! They had THE Strawberry Shortcake herself printed on them, peeking out a window. I called them my "magic" socks because Shortcake's face would magically stretch out every time I pulled the socks up over my calves." (via)

It's always better when a parent soothes the ills of a horrible outfit with SOMETHING ROCKING like STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE SOCKS! So jealous. Seriously.

Not mentioned here: first photo background, brown shag carpeting, curtains, lace and bows in combination, puffy sleeves with lace, multiple pattern and material application a la Project Runway, and frilly double barrettes.
But hey people, give me a break! I just got home from vacation and I'm friggin' tired!

My parents made me wear this-Germany

This young one forces us to remember that fashion tragedies transcend border divisions.

Here was one of twins, "Molly," in Germany, circa 1970s.

"I remember that blouse. My mom made them for us both. It was itchy." (via)

But that fabric is fly! And the collar! I feel like I am looking at David Cassidy, dressed for a Partridge Family concert. Can't you picture Susan Dey in this one?

Things weren't much better when Molly and her sister went to school.

"First day of school-Before Photo:

Note the fear and uncertainty written on our faces...the desperate hand-holding, the severe bangs. Note also: We are dressed identically by our mother in our little vests and skirts, so as to completely confuse and confound our new teacher."

But Mom wanted special photos to commemorate this day!

"First Day After Photo:

Mom has most certainly threatened us with bodily harm if we do not smile and look happy. Note the desperate hand-clutching remains." (via)

At the very least, they had each other to share their misery.

The next young one looks like she is in a stupor over the dress she has been forced to wear for her birthday party.

"My mom made ALL my clothes...until I was 12." (via)

That's right-12-years-old! And the shiny fabric looks so breathable, with itchy lace to accent every possible edge.

I am also LOVING the two girls in matching plaid and ruffles--again a possible Patridge Family outfit? Puke green and Yellow-two colors that look divine with almost any skin tone.