While walking past a full-length mirror the other day, I caught a glimpse of myself: wearing a favorite pair of vintage bell-bottom jeans (dusty blue, front patch pockets, 24" flares) and a pair of old-school canvas sneakers on my feet, the first thing that popped into my mind was, "Damn, I sure am the image of Bobby Brady this afternoon". The second thing I thought was, "Wow. How cool am I?!" Okay, so I am a little freakishly weird that way. To know me is to know that I am a living, breathing, shag-haircutted "That 70's Girl". And it's a moniker I wear proudly as I have been this way for years (even when the whole post punk/New Wave revival started happening, I wouldn't touch it with a 10 ft. long leg-warmer). I am quite fond of most aspects of 70's style, from blaxploitation to disco, glam rock to boogie rock, from Chrissie Hynde to Chrissy Snow. I love it all and have worn most of it (except for anything polyester, I just can't do fabrics that melt in direct sunlight).
However, it's that short period at the beginning of the "Decade that Taste Forgot" that for some reason, I most identify with. The hip-huggers (they weren't called "low-riders" back then and they weren't nearly as vulgar), white belts, tight-tees, Hot Pants...these are all staples in my wardrobe. And what TV icons most embody this ideal early 70's style better than those wacky Brady kids?

Now don't get me wrong, the Brady's were just as guilty of bad fashion as well. Carol's ducktail mullet was certainly not a shining moment. And Peter's drag turn as a Sunflower Girl should never be repeated. And then there are all of those polyester suits and bad plaid elephant trousers that took up so much screen time. But for the most part, the fashion faux pas were committed by the parental units and not the kids (which is the way it's supposed to be, right?). The girls were usually outfitted in cool turtlenecks, mini skirts (really REALLY short ones), and mod jumpers while the boys decked themselves out in trim striped tees, western-inspired shirts, and hipster bells (and who doesn't like a slim boy in hipster bells? Or is that just me?). Let's face it, all of the plastic 80's jewelry and shoulder-baring Flashdance blouses flooding the malls right now seem so played out. This cozy post-Woodstock-era gear looks really fresh and wearable (just look at Michael Kors' Fall 2004 collection; now there is a guy who always has a 70's vibe to his clothes and is someone I am also quite enthusiastic about). Anyway, as a tribute to my current fascination with Brady Bunch fashion (and my perennial obsession with all things 70's), I've hunted down the very top Brady Style Moments to bring to you. Next week, we'll tackle "Welcome Back, Kotter". I'll think I'll take a walk outside now...

Your illustrious writer in some of her favorite 70's gear: glitter iron-on tees and rainbow-butt bell-bottoms