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Monday, July 13, 2009

I'm Bringing Sexy Back

It’s true. I have decided to bring sexy back. However, my efforts might be a little different from what you imagine. I am bringing sexy back in a whole new 1980s kind of way.

For our last Chick Chat segment, my lovely bloggy friend, Peewee from ummmm, asked if I was wearing Madonna's black rubber band on my wrist. I am sorry to say that at the time I wasn’t, although based on the striking resemblance between the Material Girl and myself, I can see how the mistake is easily made.


(Note: If you are not sure, Madonna is in the first photo and I am in the second one.)

I was actually wearing one of the many black rubber bands that I usually have in my hair each and every day. Rest assured, though, that going forward these rubber bands will be replaced with Madonna’s infamous bracelets. (I don’t like to do anything half way.)

It seems that I might not be the only fashion forward female in the San Francisco Bay Area either. As I go about my daily routine, I have noticed that there are others like me, those who are making it a point to bring the sexiness of the 1980s back...

There was the woman who made me throw on the brakes last week when she decided to cross the street immediately in front of my car at the last possible moment. Normally, I would have laid on the horn and yelled out the window, but instead, I was stunned into silence as I gazed upon what she was wearing.

I couldn’t believe it. The woman that I almost mowed down with my car was walking across the street wearing a leotard, without a care in the world. Perhaps she was on her way to a yoga or ballet class? Input from our yoggie readers is definitely required...

Then there was the lovely teenage girl who bagged my groceries yesterday. I do my best to keep young and hip by listening to music popular with all of the cool kids in my neighborhood. I like to think that it helps me to relate to a younger generation and makes me better prepared for being cool in my kids’ eyes as they get older. Imagine my surprise when I looked down and saw this teenager wearing white high top tennis shoes…only partially laced...

What? I remember how desperately I wanted a pair of these shoes when I was in junior high. They would have matched perfectly with almost anything from the Wet Seal, where, in my humble opinion, all high fashion of the 1980s began and ended.

I don't want anyone who may be reading this post to think that my efforts to bring back the 80s extend to every aspect of this fabulous decade. I have made a decision to stay awake from both 1980s hairstyles


and most likely make-up,


But don't think for a minute that I would miss the chance to resurrect my purple, cut-off at the shoulder, Flashdance sweatshirt.

Because something as cool as that will never go out of style.

-Francesca
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70 comments:

Dumb Mom said...

I'm on my way to my mom's house to dig out my tight rolled jeans, Cross Colors shirts, and Hammer pants, because I too would like to be at the forefront of this much needed fashion revolution:)

Paging Doctor Mommy said...

I 100% really and truly laughed out loud when I envisioned the look on your face as you watched the leotard lady walking across the street!

Jen said...

You forgot about leg warmers to go with those high tops.
You do live in SF. Walking around in just a leotard does not seem out of the question. Still, that is a pretty bold statement.

Ronnica said...

Wow, a leotard? That takes some guts.

peewee said...

Franny Bananny, (u mind if I call u that? since we're practically related and all) YOU can NEVER go out of style!

And not to make other people feel left out or anything, but I ALWAYS wear a ponytail band on my wrist!! (and forevermore will continue to do so)

And as for 'tard lady? at LEAST it wasn't a THONG leotard, because THAT is what I have seen in my class before.

forever folding laundry said...

Oh how I wish I had kept those Bongo jeans.

And what I would give to see guys walk around again in Z. Cavaricci pants. Those were SO sexy.

~Keri

Carolynn said...

I'm super glad you gave captions on the first pictures - I'm such a ninny I had them mixed up.

I rock the black ouchless band on a daily basis too! And I thought I wasn't cool anymore - pppfffff.

I'm lousy at yoga, but made an amazing discovery here... if I wear a leotard out in public, I'll get SUPER motivated to fit into it. Real quick like.

Fashion aaaaand Fitness tips, friend? You're my hero.

Blessings,
Carolynn

Tulip Row said...

Thanks for the morning belly laugh! Good stuff.

Riddle Girl said...

I know your little girl is too young for this store, but if you have a Justice store in your area-You must stroll in.
It is a big smack in the face of the 80's. My girls did not believe me when I told them I wore some of the things in there. They have the jelly bracelets (and the phone cord looking ones too), they have all the neon you would ever need and of course...Leg warmers!

Heidi said...

Bwwaaahhhaaaa! You clever, clever girl!

Kimberly said...

Leg Warmers. Over my jeans. With high tops.

And big hair.

And loud make up.

I think I would scare my kids if I sported any of those things.

Maybe they need to be scared.

Jen said...

I will join you on your quest to bring the sexy 80's back. But I am not wearing a leotard EVER!

Esther said...

I saw neon colored jeans the other day at Deb when I was shopping with my neice. She declared them, "cute." Maybe I'll have to start folding my jeans again...

Rita Templeton said...

Actually, I TOTALLY hope the big hair comes back - because then my natural 'fro will be in style for once, without having to coax it flat and fry it all the time. :)

And the hair thingy around your wrist? Yeah, I do that too. Who needs bracelets, right?

Alicia W. said...

Ahhh snap! I'm going to go home now and bust out the crimper, NKOTB night gown that I now can only fit around my wrist as a bracelet and rock out to some Duran Duran.. You have so brought back the 80's fever in me.

Kimmy said...

LOL...You are too cute!! I totally love and miss the 80's too! I was just watching on VH1 yesterday "One Hit Wonders" and then my friends posted on Facebook some old pics of her and I back in the mid 80's! LOL!!! Good times, good times!!!

Deb said...

I am so glad to see you again. You did not disappoint me.

A leotard, high-top sneakers, leg warmers over shiny tights, and that off-the-shoulder sweatshirt was my dream "sexy girl" outfit when I was about 8. Add in the poofy hair restrained only by the across-the-forehead hair band, combined with pink eye shadow, blue eye liner, black mascara, and a lipstick/blush combo in majestic fuschia, and I would have been irresistible.

If anyone can bring back this look, it's you. We should declare an '80's day sometime, and everyone post pictures of themselves in their most 80's-tastic outfits.

Kristina P. said...

I really hope that peewee wears a leotard to teach yoga in. Also, if she demands that we attend her yoga class, I will be deathly ill. Or at least say I came down with "Mario Lopez."

Amy said...

Oh the hair was crazy. How about the roll up jeans? and leg warmers..

Glad to see you posting again. I my have missed one or two. But hello...

Grand Pooba said...

Please tell me your bringing back leg warmers too.

Please, please, just for me?

And I would love to help you out with bringing back the eighties, however there is no way in hell you will catch me wearing a leotard.

Well, unless there're leg warmers involved, then I'd think about it.

You are my idol.

Five Moms & A Blog said...

I'm often found with those rubberbands on my arm. Used to be for MY hair, but now that mine is shorter, they're from my daughter. She takes them out, I'm stuck holding them, so they become the stylish new bracelet of the 2000's! Forget Madonna! =0)

Now, you have me totally curious. What's this "SYTYCD" that you speak of???? Gotta know!

~Curious in Texas, Erica

Jennifer said...

I want my Generra Hypercolor shirt. I'm just sayin'.

dede said...

with you on the west coast and peewee out east, I will always know what to wear - thanks for keeping me informed (I still have my purple shoes if you need something to go with that sweatshirt!)

Lady of Perpetual Chaos said...

Francesca, you are the definition of sexy! As we were wondering around the mall over the weekend, I stumbled across a pair of rainbow leg warmers much like those of my sister's that I coveted as a child. Ah, the memories....

Barbaloot said...

Oh-I fully rock the hair elastics on my wrist. It started with one...cuz you never know when you're gonna wanna get your hair out of your face, right? Well, for some unexplainable reason-I now have 4 elastics at all times. Awesome.

When I saw the leotard picture I was REALLY hoping it was gonna be one of those body suits that you're bringing back. Do you remember those and how horrible they really were?!

Unknown said...

Wow. Leotard woman has some guts. I can't imagine wearing a leotard in public. Heck, I hardly even wear a bathing suit in public. Thank goodness for bathing skirts and shorts...

As for the 80s fashions. I am ready to re-perm my hair and feather my bangs. What do you think?

Laura Marchant said...

Did she have tights with her leotard? I think I would have been shocked too, lol

Courtney and the Boys said...

Oh, I'm so sorry I ran right out in front of you the other day...I didn't realize that was you!

theUngourmet said...

I will always remember that scene from Flashdance where she takes off her bra with her shirt on. I've prided myself in my ability to do this ever since I watched that movie! :0)

Sevi said...

I've got the high top sneakers, the neon colors, and the rubber band bracelets. As for the leotard, you should have slapped her.

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I'm all about a Kelly Kapowski inspired sweatshirt!

Vodka Mom said...

that brought back TOO many memories!

the hair. It was ALL ABOUT THE HAIR....

Kathy B! said...

Bring it, Francesca?! I think you just brought it! Now where are my Bongo's...?

The Blonde Duck said...

I've always got black hairbands on my wrist. Drives my mom nuts!

Erin said...

You have a striking resemblance to Madonna!

All of my "cool" bracelets/ponytail holders are brown. I guess I'm not as cool as I thought.

And yeah, that leotard - it sounds like someone has a very high self-esteem.

B said...

You are just too steamy girl. Hmmm hmmm.

Fiauna said...

This is definitely my favorite post of the day. I'm going to be in the bay area next week. I'll be sure to pack my leotard and high tops!

Anonymous said...

Even that young I never coveted Beals clothes or dancing ability, I just wanted that damn apartment.

So glad you pointed out which was Madonna and which was you. Had me going back and forth and back and forth...~Mary

Jennifer said...

I can't believe no one has mentioned the Jelly shoes yet!! I begged and begged for a pair of those shoes. My feet still cry out in pain from the blister I got wearing those things -- but hey - it was FASHION baby!

Anyone know the song "1985" by Bowling for Soup?? Seriously, that's my theme song! Run to iTunes and take a listen!!

~ Jennifer (Proud child of the 80s!)
http://thetoyboxyears.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

It's about time the 80's made real comeback! I'm all for it! Let me kick my ponytail to the side and find my legwarmers!

lov said...

i'm so thankful that you labled the pictures of you and madonna, i'm not sure i could have figured it out on my own!

and thank you, thank you, thank you, for making me spit my drink out, cause i was laughing so hard!

Wallflower Diaries said...

LOL see that's why I love SF. How can you not when you see crazy leotard ladies walking around. Being a child of the 80's I kinda miss this stuff.

Liz Mays said...

RE: You bringing sexy back

Can you not?

Counselormama said...

I sooo want that off the shoulder sweatshirt back in! This post was hilarious!

Nana said...

What is wrong w/ wearing a leotard around town?

All I had to wear in the 80's was maternity clothes and I'll be damned if I'm bringing that back!!

AiringMyLaundry said...

A LEOTARD? Goodness. If I wore that people would point and scream I think.

Helene said...

In SF, nothing would surprise me. I totally remember Wet Seal (when I was skinny and young enough to shop there before they closed down). I could easily go for the shoulder-exposed sweatshirt look again...oh, and don't forget the awesome leg warmers too.

Anonymous said...

I never wore any clothes like that. That must make me really uncool....

Eve said...

I am SO glad you clarified - I was totally baffled trying to figure out which photo was you and which was Madonna. I mean, you really look like you could be twins!

Well, yeah... come on... you gotta love the off the shoulder sweatshirt with the rolled cuffs! ;)
- But I'm glad you plan to pass on the hair styles of the 80s.

Cindy said...

Ha Ha I am SO bringin it back too with my black hair ties. LOL - you are so dang funny!
And the leotard lady? I am seriously curious about her story. You never know what the hell is going on with people!

ck said...

20 black jelly bracelets = sexy AND practical. You can "dangle" them on your arm while being coy, or distract your teething child with them when they get fussy in public.

Claremont First Ward said...

My only question is this........when they brought back the pegged legged jeans from the late 80's in the form of skinny jeans, why'd they ditch the tried and true zippers at the ankle?

He & Me + 3 said...

I know that have seen alot of neon colors too in my girls favorite store and i am steering them clear. Yikes. The 80's are definitely upon us again. My oldest wears her hair ties around her wrist too...probably trying to look like you Francesca. you trend setter:)
funny post...but sad that I never had a flash dance sweat shirt. :(
Mimi

Mr. and Mrs. Nurse Boy said...

Nurse Boy and I hit the mall last weekend and the eighties were ALL OVER THE PLACE!!! And, I only have one question: WHY??????

I refuse to sport the big bangs again. REFUSE!!!

Mrs. Nurse Boy

Joanna Jenkins said...

Ahhh, Flashdance, oh how I wanted to be her, welding gear and all :-)

♥ Braja said...

I think I woulda run the leotard woman down.

Not deliberately, you understand.

OK, well at least not *maliciously.*

Wait....

Randi Troxell said...

what they say is totally true... what goes around comes around!!

seriously though... she was ONLY wearing a leotard???

Claudya Martinez said...

I have to say that I love the sense of fun and humor that accompanied 80's fashions.

rachaelgking said...

Is it bad that I kind of think that make up is rockin'?

Probably...

Heather of the EO said...

Oh how you crack me up.

Remember those body suits that were like a leotard but they buttoned under the crotch...

seriously. what were the 80's thinking?

E @ Scottsville said...

I love "So You Think You Can Dance". TOTAL REALITY TV JUNKY HERE!!! How come I couldn't figure out what you were talking about. I'm a moron!

Thanks for clearing it up for me though. =0)

Erica

Stacy Uncorked said...

Thanks for clarifying which picture was Madonna and which one was you...'cuz, you know, I had them totally reversed. ;)

Alexis AKA MOM said...

Oh boy big hair how I miss you and the Aqua Net that I use to buy by the case!

Love it! :)

joanofalltrades said...

I love love love the 80's! Thanks for the throwback. I love it mostly for the music. The fashion frightens me. BTW: I'm still alive.

Salty Incisor said...

cute post. Yeah i bought some of those black jelly bracelets for my 4 now 5 year old but she didn't get it...so I wear them sometimes, ha ha

Julie said...

Ah the 80's...I never could get my hair as high as I wanted it.

The High Family said...

Oh Francesca! How I've missed thee! Sorry I've been MIA...

Ummmm yea. We don't sport 'the leotard' in my yoga class! Only YOU would almost hit someone dressed like that! ;)

I hope you are doing well and I promise to TRY to get on here more often...I MISS YOU GIRLS!

Ellia C. Naturals said...

Did she have some super cool leg warmers to go with that leotard? Just stopping by to say "hey", Francesca :)

Unknown said...

You mean you're not Madonna? I thought Francesca was just your off-stage name so you could live a normal life in peace. Wow.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Anonymous said...

How amazingly cool and selfassured to walk out in public in only a leotard. I only wish I could do the same but for a guy it is even more difficult!