The mamas at Alex’s Mother’s Day Out are an intimidatingly (is that a word? it is now, I guess) fashionable bunch. Even their workout clothes are cute, because apparently there are entire workout ensembles that one can purchase and lo, even wear when exercising. It probably goes without saying that said ensembles are a smidge more sophisticated than the t-shirts and shorts you’ll find in my closet.
It’s always fun for me to check out what they’re wearing – because while I like to be a little sassy and all, most of the other mamas are Sassy, and some are even SASSY, and a few are downright SASSY! because, I mean, they WORK IT OUT.
Which is why the news that I have to share with you is so disturbing.
Because I may or may not have seen one of the SASSY! mamas wearing the following:
Oh I’m not kidding.
If you were able to zoom in very closely on that label, you would see that it says two words that haunt us all, two words we never, ever thought we’d have to see on our clothes again (unless we found ourselves trapped inside a Merry-Go-Round museum):
MEMBERS ONLY.
Oh yes, interpeeps.
MEMBERS ONLY.
I know I mentioned here that the 80’s fashion comeback scares me, and several of you mentioned Members Only jackets in the comments. I really couldn’t fathom, though, that anyone would want to wear one of those again, what with all the unnecessary straps and snaps and the wide elasticized waistband and so on.
But apparently, at least according to one particular SASSY! mama, a Members Only jacket with LEGGINGS and some FLATS is a good look for fall.
I just didn’t think it would come to this, people. But since it has, I hereby abandon all hopes for Fall ’06 sassiness. The skinny jeans were bad enough. But the Members Only jackets have pushed me right over the edge.
So I beg you: please don’t cave! Don’t start looking at that parachute-esque fabric and thinking about how practical it would be, how you could just wipe the spit up or ketchup right off of it and be none the worse for the wear. Because that’s how the devil works, I’m telling you. That’s how he works!
You’ll start with the Members Only jacket because it’s “utilitarian,” and the next thing you know you’ll be tying a scarf around your head in a big bow, cutting the necklines out of your sweatshirts, and wearing lace leggings underneath your miniskirts.
And the designer evildoers will cackle with glee.
BE STRONG, INTERNETS!
FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT’S HOLY, BE STRONG!
AAAAGGGGGGG!!!!
(I go running!)
NOT THE JACKET! NOT THE JACKET!
:-D
So, I haven’t figured out “trackback” yet, but this blog is mentioned in mine today. Too funny!
Long time lurker, had to comment on this one. Right there with you on the 1980s fashion. Makes me wonder why I ever wanted a MO jacket or thought they were cool. From Wikipedia: Today, the jacket is widely used as a static reference for outdated apparel, as is shown in various television shows and other media. The jacket is often fodder for sitcom jokes.
Obviously, Wikipedia needs to be alerted that MO jackets are now in fashion. More funny stuff about MO on the Wikipedia site.
Thanks for being a day brightener! Sorry for the longgg comment.
I am so with you on this! I promise to be strong, to uphold our ban on all things 80’s. I graduated from high school in the early 80’s, I KNOW how painful those fashions can be. I’ll never go back!
I agree completely!!! If I came out in leggings and this jacket, my husband would smile and say “you’re not seriously wearing that? are you?” He knows nothing about fashion, but he does know that this is not a good or flattering look…..
I (say your name)do solemnly (swear, affirm, state) that under no circumstances will I ever be caught dead OR alive in any of the following apparel and/or fashions:
Members Only jackets,
leggings,
sweatshirts with the neck cut out, big scarf bows,
rolled up jeans with a bandana tied on the leg,
plaid flared skirts,
hair with big, ratted sprayed-within-an-inch-of-varnished bangs,
or anything else that reminds me of those hideous days of the 80’s.
Failure to adhere to this statement will cause the authorities that (are, is, am, were, be, being, been…sorry, the English major in me just took over) to strip me of my SASSY! title until I come to my senses.
AMEN.
What about blue eyeshadow? Do I have to give up my blue eyeshadow?
Kidding. :-)
Well I dont have to be strong, they dont make em big enough for me. Ahhhh shucks.
I’m so not going here… I’ll be tarred and feathered if I admit again that I LIKED the 80’s.
Don’t worry. I can’t AFFORD to look Sassy! so I’ll uphold it by mere lack of funds.
What is the world, coming to? I don’t understand the skinny jeans, I mean honestly if we are the fattest nation why on earth would we need skinny jeans, and the mo jacket, no, no, no! Enough is enough, some fashion was meant to die!
Well, I’d comment more, but I’m out of AquaNet and my bangs are only 4″ high, so I must hie me to the WallyWorld.
Wake me up before you go go…
I cringed when bell bottoms came back. Now skinny jeans AND leggings? Yuck!!! I’m way too old and way too big, and never wore them the first time around.
I vow with all that is good and holy to BE STRONG, boo mama! I cringe at the return of the skinny jeans, and the mere thought of having to spray my hair with gallons of hair spray again to make my hair stick up as high as heaven makes me physically ill. How about jelly shoes? Charm bracelets? Tight rolled jeans. I can’t believe it’s coming to this.
I guess I’d better go locate my old bright blue eye shadow….in case I do cave….(but I won’t!)
Please tell me who looks good in skinny jeans! Ladies, I agree with BooMama…Please! Please! Please! No! Just because it is in a magazine does not mean it is a good idea! I’m just saying I’ve been cringing at the “gypsy skirt” epidemic that just seems to go on. And when my 56 year old mother in law (bless her heart) insists on wearing them ALL THE TIME, I just shake my head. (Of course, I do this privately!) They don’t look good on anyone – even those ridiculously skinny models! Let’s just say, skinny jeans, members only jackets, big hair and leggings fall into the same category! Fight the urge! You’ll be happy years from now when you see yourself in pictures!
In some parts of the country, MO jackets never went out of style. Okay, maybe just one part of the country. My friend Bubba (the kids call him Uncle Bubba) always wears one. I mean, when the weather warrants it.
Out of my mouth came the words “NUH-UH!!!”, when I saw that jacket. It can not be! It’s over. I’m done for. Abandon all hope. :P
Baahhhahaha! No way. not going there again. Been there, done that! I’m on your side!
I, CJ, do hereby promise NEVER EVER (insert more “never, evers” if you wish) to go back to the 80’s fashions. My daughter (she’s 12), on the other hand, loves the look. *sighs* I tried to teach her differently, but alas my mission there has failed.
Why, oh why???? Tell me it isn’t so.
No way do I want the jacket especially if I have to wear leggings and flats! Would so not look good on me!
I read most of the front page postings and I love your blog. It is very warm and friendly! You have a great way to your writing!
I am just reading through the CWO blogroll meeting other bloggers! I hope you and yours have a great weekend!
Uggg… no way!!
As you know, Ms. Boomama, I am not a sassy momma when it comes to dressing. If there was a way to make the word “sassy” with less-than-lower case-letters, I still would not be that.
So, I am just wondering. Is there any way that this particular SASSY! momma that you saw was not really SASSY! at all? Could it be that she is completely out of touch with current trends, and has, in fact, been stuck in 1985 (fashionably speaking) for most of her adult life? Coud that be possible?
Regardless, I promise you I will not cave to 80’s fashion. (I probably won’t cave to the current ones either, but that’s another story…)
I so think I’m older than you guys ’cause what I remember out of the ’80’s is the Linda Evans/Die Nasty shoulder pads and the dress up clothes you had to wear everywhere! So if I missed that phase, I get to try it now, right?
NOT! scared ya though, didn’t I?
Oh, wow. I remember having a Member’s Only jacket, or one very, very similar in the early 90’s. I can’t believe those are back in again. That’s crazy.
i’m scared too and i live in no-fashion land. however, earlier this week i saw a woman (not a hip young woman, mind you) browsing in the purse section in walmart wearing…leggings and a mini-skirt. i did a double take and remembered all your warnings i had just been laughing off. every time you’d post on this i’d think, well l.a. maybe or some other hip cities but not in nowhere, arkansas. not to worry.
i stand corrected. and let me state, i’m worried.
I had to comment on this one. I am right there with you on these clothes. I went shopping the other day and all the clothes were stuff I wore 15 years ago. All the stuff we shook our heads at and swore we wouldn’t dig out of our closets. It’s bad, bad, bad. Please stay strong and stay away from this dangerous clothing!!
no kidding – what cracks me up are those ruffled polyester shirts that are supposed to “frill up” a suit jacket.
Makes me look like a poodle. A sweaty poodle.
I had a HUGE crush on a guy who wore a black Member’s Only jacket and black parachute pants AND he looked like Rick Springfield.
I never understood what they were a Member of? Did you?
Hi there. I love your site, and just had to comment, because I am worried. No, make that outright afraid for our young girls in the face of this fashion nightmare! Last week at a restaurant I saw a young girl (probably junior high age) in full 80s get-up. Side pony tail WITH a bow, short denim skirt, flats, and a sparkly off-the-shoulder shirt. How on earth could her mama buy those things for her? As if she didn’t remember how bad it was the first time around? For shame, for shame…
Long time reader, had to comment today because your comments on the 80’s fashion trends made me laugh so hard the kids wondered what was wrong with me! You are sooo on the money about the 80’s fashion trend. I remember wearing the bubble skits & leggings and the cute hats and everyone called me Debbie Gibson! Now, my middle school daughter is wearing this attending the same middle school I did. It’s like she’s reliving my life. I do have to admit despite the fact i will not wear the clothes of the 80’s, I do love to torment my kids with the local 80’s station on the radio!
Since my mantra is that I will buy NO NEW CLOTHING until I lose the last of the baby weight, I don’t see a MO jacket in my near future. Not that I’d buy one, anyway. :)
oh no! i was one to joke about the members only jacket in your previous post….and i really meant joke. i had NO IDEA that they were actually coming back!! well i vowed back in the 80s that i would never buy one….and i will still stand strong on that one!
SOunds familiar! :) I can relate.
Ditto, that dear Boomama, you will never get me in those leggings 80’s sassy looking stuff again…even if I am a bit sassy…oh yea. Thanks for the smiles! :)
You know what I think? I think we should all find the WORST 80’s picture of us and post it. That way we can REMEMBER how the Devil works. ;)
Cuz you know, don’t forget about the hair. It’s always about the hair.
Well, I hate to admit it but…I just bought a pair of skinny jeans and flats today. But ladies, the thing that will perhaps make all the difference is that they don’t come up above our navels as skinny jeans did the first time around. Nowadays they fall slightly below the waist which is a much more flattering look. Trust me on this one. But don’t worry – I’m NOT getting a Members Only jacket. Ever.
MERRITT YOU BOUGHT THE SKINNY JEANS?
Where did you get them?
And did you get some Connie flats like we had in high school?
I bought a pair of high heels this afternoon in an act of sheer rebellion.
:-)
When I saw that WHITE Members Only jacket shining like a beacon on the page I had a few thoughts.
1. Shut UP.
2. The least of it’s problems is that you can’t wear white after Labor Day.
3. Do you really want to wear the same jacket that Rosario wore on Will and Grace? :)
If that’s SASSY, I may have to stop at sassy.
I got them at Ann Taylor Loft. The shoes are not Connie brand – they’re a cute leopard print. I wore some high heels the other day and now have 2 terrible blisters…UGH!!
Be afraid, people, be v-e-r-y afraid…
AAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!
Members Only jackets?!?! In the words of my good friend, Shabbymama, “JESUS: TAKE ME NOW!”
I never had a Members Only jacket. I may have to get one this time around. That way, I’ll have one in twenty years when they come around again. I still have plenty of flats and leggings. I may even have one of the shirt clip thingamajigs somewhere. My mom still has some banana clips for my hair, so I should be good to go! This may be my big chance be trendy! Are those twisted necklaces coming back, too? They rock!
TAKE ME HOME LORD, TAKE ME HOME!!!!
I can not do I I do hearby solomly swear I will stick with bootcut jeans and v-neck tops.
Although, I have to admit – I am waiting to find a denim jacket like I wore in Jr high and high school.
You know the one, it landed a little below the waist and was so great! I think mine was Sasoon.
Just so everyone knows, today when I was watching E! news, or maybe that top 10 program that comes on afterward, anyway, Marc Jacobs introduced parachute pants into his new spring line at fashion week! Even the star commentators were discussing how ugly they were. Which means that they will take right off…
Okay – You make me laugh and smile everytime I talk to you or read your blog. This is hilarious!! Partly because I know the “type” – The workout queens in the cute outfits and always looking good – But for the rest of us…we are holding out on the Members Only jackets. I might cave in to the jellies, stonewash jeans, or some other hot 80 items…but not the MO jacket!!! Love you! Traci
Wipe up stains nothin’! I love that I wouldn’t have to worry about falling out of the airplane anymore.
Right?
BTW, tell me you’ve seen The Wedding Singer. Seriously, I could watch it on mute and never stop laughing because of the all the ’80’s fashion glory.
Oh NO!! I do not want to date myself, but anything I was caught wearing of my boyfriend’s at a Bryan High School football game when I was in 6th grade, I will not be revisiting.
In the 80’s I was young enough to attempt cool. I also lived in a town of 1700 where it got to 50 below zero and I was pregnant most of the time I lived there. I wasnt at all aware of jackets of any type except down filled. Now that my age starts with a “5” there’s tremendous freedom in, it being fall, I drag out my old comfy jeans, a few sweatshirts and my favorite sweaters from last year. They’re paid for, they fit, I’m emotionally attached to them and they’re not going anywhere. Getting a bit older is a good thing.
Funny, My husband was sitting next to me while I was reading your post- His first words:
“Oh my! Thats a Members Only jacket! How cool is that!”
I believe his is khaki- Its still in the closet.
:)
-H
That is just so wrong on SO. MANY. LEVELS! I am obsessed with clothes and all things fashion. OBSESSED! But I have vomited in my mouth several times at the sight of the 80’s atrocities making such a huge come-back.
Just the other day I was at the mall walking behind a group of 5 teen-age girls. 2 of them were sporting the mini-skirt with leggings and flats look (my stomach started to churn), 1 of them was sporting skinny jeans and a big, blousy, broad-striped top, topped off with brightly-colored, plastic hoopy earrings (I was feeling very queezy at this point), and finally (this one was the one that sent me head-first into the nearest trash can), 1 girl was wearing skinny jeans, flats, and….(I almost can’t type this)…LEG WARMERS!!!!!!!!
These kinds of fashion disasters must be STOPPED!!! Isn’t there some kind of petition we can start? Some kind of button we can put on our side bars in protest? :o)
I saw an OFFICIAL “mod” commercial the other night. . .it highlighted Audrey Hepburn in a pair of tight, black pants. . .and then it actually TOUTED the wonders of the “tight, black pants” and called them “tight, black pants” and said something along the lines of “come back.” I thought of you. Audrey Hepburn is hard to resist–although I couldn’t wear the skinny jeans the first time around.
Oh, I’ve been talking about this topic with friends all week. What is UP with all this? I was at the mall on Friday, noticing how much I am not liking all the circa-1985 items I am finding, and I think to myself, “Before I know it, I’m going to see some jeans with zippers at the bottom.” And what did I see at the Gap? Jeans – with zippers at the bottom.
Say it isn’t so. My dear lord, have mercy.
The only thing worse is if I start seeing poofy bangs, cabbage-style.
Oh, and my husband just reminded me of crimped hair. If I ever see, I truly will DIE.
I like the idea of having a sidebar button to protest…
I am so scared. Wait…why should I be scared? I mean, after all, what woman who has given birth to four kids wouldn’t want to wear a jacket with a wide waistband that drew all attention to her mid-section? Really, what is wrong with me?! Believe it or not, Boomama, earlier today in Belk’s department store while I was in search of traditional clothes for my daughter, I actually saw miniskirts and leggings with tacky lace (what other kind of lace would you expect to see on leggings, of course?) in the little girl’s department!! Who is buying for our Belk’s?? What are thinking? Please, everyone we must stop this insanity!
Okay, now I am calmer. But, obviously, your photo brought up very strong feelings that I guess have been suppressed since highschool and Cindy Lauper…
Kristi
Great! I can borrow my Dad’s M.O. jacket. He has been thinking it’s a hip and happenin’ look for the past 25 years and now he’s finally right.
Skipping the leggings (again). When you have short stocky gymnist legs, leggings are not your look.
I’m not sure that I will sleep tonight because of this post, nightmares I tell you, nightmares!
Did the SASSY! mama have the sleeves of the MO jacket pushed up to just below her elbows?
What is the world coming too? Thank goodness my daughter doesn’t like leggings or skinny jeans; maybe we’ll come out unscathed from the present fashion massacre that is upon us.
Love the style of your blog, keep up the goodness.
Just came across your site today and had to comment onthis!
I was a wee child inthe 80’s, and I always wished I could have worn those 80’s looks… guess I get my wish! Sorry to disappoint!
Mrs Meg Logan