Last week, I posted a link to my contribution to Style Sample magazine. The lovely Ashe asked me to contribute some style picks that remind me of school. Of course I was nostalgic about the whole thing. I tend to live in the past.

Several of you asked to see the article in its full length, so here you go!

This round up was a real treat for me. My fondest memories of school were my most fashionable moments in Junior High. It was the 80s. I find it ironic and a bit unnerving that the 80s are back in full force. When you first realize you lived through an era that has made the full circle and is back in style, you can’t help but feel a bit old. However, I loved the 80s and am glad this fun decade is back.

Junior High

My very first pair of pumps were white pleather, 1″ kitten heels. I wore these with ankle socks in various neon colors. Yes, to Junior High. I was a fashion victim, er, plate in the making. My mom did not allow me to wear crucifixes by the handful, so this was my best homage to Madonna.

My leggings were not this cool. My floral leggings were pastel colored. I don’t recall exactly how I wore them, but I am positive some oversized sweater was involved. This was my attempt at a romantic Pretty in Pink/Molly Ringwald look. “Andi” started my infatuation with vintage clothing.

High School

90210 was the zip code du jour in high school. I begged my mom for blazers and Betsey Johnson floral dresses. My mom refused the blazers due to the fact that she didn’t want me to look old, she vetoed the Betsey Johnson florals due to the price tag, but she did let me have a few chokers! Thank goodness for a little clothing boutique called Judy’s, which was the equivalent of today’s Charolette Russe, because they carried the best Betsey Johnson knock-offs. I had owned a garden variety of babydoll and full-length floral poly-chiffon dresses.

My Senior year of high school, I discovered Rockabilly! I had always loved old movies and music. I was enamored with the beautiful women of the golden era of film. I never knew there was a whole world of people who lived this vintage lifestyle. I was hooked!

Now

And just like fashion, school days come full circle because today, I am a teacher. When I am not scouring the earth for vintage treasure, or blogging about fashion, I teach middle school. But growing older doesn’t mean leaving style behind. When my finicky teen students compliment my outfits, I know I’ve still got it because despite what your parents told you, school IS a fashion show!