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It took me most of the summer of 1985 to plan my senior portrait wardrobe changes. I decided to go with the following:
- a wool cape with a black, wide brimmed hat (I am not sure why I thought the matador theme was cool. I have never been into Hemmingway, but I have always been into drama.)
- a vintage pink dress with a beaded overlay I found at a rummage sale (I was REALLY entranced by fashion forward movies like Pretty in Pink.)
- my grandma's black dress from the forties. It had a peplum. I can't find the words to express my joy that peplums have made a comeback. Peplum=waist whittler without all that blasted core training.
My fashion sense hasn't changed that much. I am all up for a fashion risk (disaster?) and admired the protesters at the Capitol who wore capes with messages pinned to them. Messages like - "Thank you singers!" or "I am observing only. Don't arrest me!" I also have a fascinator and am NOT afraid to wear it. My love of fascinators came from the beautiful (inside and out) Lady Di. The photo shoot went well. Even though I had to share the changing room with the photographer's three Siberian huskies.
I was so disappointed when the proofs came back. Sad, because I looked like me. The photographer my parents chose didn't believe in soft focus, blurry edges, or dreamy gazes. I wanted my photos to look like someone else. Someone prettier. Someone famous. Someone with a focus. Instead I got me. Me wearing a cape. Me in pink. Me looking like me.
Thinking back, I am bummed that looking like me was such a disappointment back in 1985. Now. I truly believe, "The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are." (Thank you & hugs Ram Dass!)
So Prairie Friends. Be You! Put on that tight Bon Jovi tee. Rock those rhinestone sunglasses. Clutch that vintage purse. Lace up those Converse. I know you can do it.
Prairie Eydie
So, here's what's funny. I LOVED your pictures back in 1985 and still LOVE them today for exactly the same reason you are bemoaning: They look like YOU. Wonderful, unique, stylish, artistic, timeless, strking YOU. I look at those photos and there is nothing that makes me say, "WHoa, 1985 called"--no big hair, no neon colors, no shaker sweaters (yes, I rocked two of those three looks in my own senior portraits, and yes, regret it). You didn't need a photographer's tricks to look more beautiful, because you already were/are.
ReplyDeleteHey Eydie! I still have the originals (back in S.P.)! I thought they were awesome at the time and they still are. So stylish and cool.
ReplyDeleteJenny and Kate - you two sure know how to make a Prairie Grl'z day. Thank you so much. I was dragging my butt around the house until I read your comments.
ReplyDeleteI dunno. I still can't reconcile the CAPE in my mind no matter what you say. ;-) Eydie
If you still can't reconcile the CAPE in your mind, what hope is there for the PONCHO?
ReplyDelete