Toughskin Cutie

"First Day of School-September 1973. Me in that Vintage 70s' attire.

All spiffed out in hip burgundy vest, short sleeve dress shirt and cranberry red toughskins.

Christ, was what my mom thinking." (via)

Let me share something crazy with you--Sears STILL makes Toughskins!

They do not, however, make anything like the hideous crocheted vest this poor boy was saddled with. Did that belong to his older sister? It really undermines the idea that anything else he is wearing could ever be considered "Tough."

Need a Toughskin education? Check this out:

Can I get a macrame plant holder to go with that?

"I think that this photo dates from 1971. Notice that my sister and I are sporting the Jane Fonda hairstyle from the movie 'Klute.' The vests we are wearing were handmade by our neighbors who were 3 sisters who were all old maids and sharing a house...think golden girls. Their names were Lily, Ruth, and Loretta. During the summer, while we were all outside playing, Lily would call us over and do some quick measurements. At Christmas we would receive a handmade gift from them." (via)

The story is so sweet, I am having a hard time being snarky, darn it.

Spinster sisters, crocheting away. I see rocking chairs and cats.

I consider this a my-parents moment because if the spinster lady makes it, you kinda gotta wear it! (I am fond of the constrasting colors of these vests so as not to match too precisely. Nice.)

That brother is a lucky boy--simple red sweater vest. Phew. No wonder he's grinning instead of grimacing! (But why is Santa gripping his arms so tightly?)

Fancy Schmancy

"I was so pissed at my mom for making me get this short haircut." (via)

Oh little girl, now don't you fret.
There's better times ahead for you yet.

Without a sweater vest to hate,
nor short shag haircut to frustrate.

The boyish cut--did you have lice?
Or was your mother just not nice?

Ruffled collar and great big glasses,
Designed to entertain the masses

My Grandma had a pair just like them,
but Grandma's had a glittery gem,
on each earpiece--oh so fancy.
Don't you wish yours had been schmancy?

Evolution of a Nerd

"...what the heck is up with that outfit? Really--was my mom color blind?" (via)

I think about this mother's choice
and hope dear readers will rejoice.

This chiquita is so stylin'
Her sweater vest--just so beguiling.

She sees herself a Nerd-in-Training
a phrase I find so entertaining.

Her vest will ward against the chill.
Lace collar gives me quite a thrill.

The haircut from 8 Is Enough,
Layer after layer-jagged and rough.

Perhaps her mom loved Willie Ames,
despite his rampant drug use shame.

Maybe she loved sweet Adam Rich,
As Nicholas Bradford he did bewitch

But I think mom just had bad taste
for choosing dress with collared lace,

vest in orange, burnt and itchy
sure to make a young one twitchy.

At least this Nerd will grow to know,
that I sure love her outfit so.