Then and Now

"So there I am, and there i was in 1975. A styling young filipino kid with freakin blonde hair. At some point, my hair went from black to blonde! But more disturbing than being a half asian kid with blonde hair is the corduroy outfit my parents dressed me in for this portrait. I mean, really...Plaid collars, cuffs, and pants? Plaid? Really?" (via)

But oh yeah--he has more to share.

"Horrified. That is my reaction to seeing this picture again, after all these years. Horrified.

There I was in 1981, still a good lookin' kid, ...And on picture day, this is how they dressed me. Blue V-neck sweater vest and that shirt. Oh GOD that shirt!" (via)

In my sphincter, I can feel the sound of that old timey photo album paper, lifting noisily from the stick 'em pages of cherished family memories. Crinkle. Crinkle. Crinkle.

Ode to a Brooklyn Hipster

"I want to say that it was the 70s and this was the best my parents could do...but honestly, I think they would have dressed me like this even if it was 2008." (via)

And they would have been awesome! Let's pretend, for a moment, that you are a young hipster, dressed in plaid in 008.

Oh Brooklyn Boy, Your plaid's so smart

It's like you dress to win my heart.

Your shaggy hair,

Your fashion flair. (No-not Fred Flare!)

Your trim white pants and big lapel,

A Pabst Blue Ribbon, or Muscatel.

Your Fort Greene Pad,

Perhaps Bed Stuy,

I think I want you to be my guy.

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.

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?

More Plaid, Plaid, Plaid

This poor boy says the following:

"How on earth did I ever turn out to be anything other than a used car salesman? I want an apology from my parents for ever letting that jacket even exist." (via)

My question then is, what is this guy smiling about?