Writing Prompt Wednesday: Flashback Fashion: Neon Dreams & Bugle Boy Bliss

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Okay, confession time. I was never the "teacher's pet" in elementary, middle, high school or even the creative writing classes I’ve taken in the past. You know those kids? The ones who spun tales of far-off lands and fantastical creatures? Yeah, that wasn't me. I always wrote about what I knew, what felt real. Apparently, my teachers thought that lacked imagination, even when I tried to sprinkle in a bit of fantasy. But hey, rules are rules, right? My abilities have expanded since and my first fantasy novel will be available within the next few months, including some very real details from my life blended within the story.

So, completely unrelated to my book, I'm diving back into the deep end with something I remember from those classes – writing prompts! And I'm calling it "Writing Prompt Wednesday." Let's see where this takes us.

Writing prompt: Name a fashion trend currently out of style that you wish would make a comeback.

My knee-jerk, totally joking response? Bellbottoms. I mean, I was born in the '70s, but did I ever actually rock a pair? Nah. I'd just be picturing myself tripping over those giant flares, or worse, them getting soaked in a puddle as I attempted to run through my backyard. Not exactly a stylish image, is it?

But let's get real. My heart belongs to the '80s and '90s. Ah, those were the days! As a kid of the '80s and a teen of the '90s, I'm torn. I have this vivid memory of seeing Madonna and Cyndi Lauper with their wild, thrift-store-chic looks. It was like, "Wow, you can wear that?" Then came the explosion of neon. Everything was bright, electric and utterly fabulous. Electric blues, acid green, bright pinks and neon purple, what’s not to love? I also remember drooling over the pages of the International Male Catalog, dreaming of all those amazing outfits, or at least the beautiful men wearing them. And oh, Bugle Boy! Once my mom finally let me have a say in what I wore (goodbye, K-Mart!), Bugle Boy became my go-to. Deejayz was in the mix too, but for anyone that remembers their preppy fashions, sometimes those fabrics were a bit…scratchy.

So, if I had to pick just one era, one look, it would be a mash-up. Picture this: vibrant neon beachwear, those crazy Jams shorts, mixed with the baggy, slightly oversized, ultra-cool Bugle Boy styles. You know, the look that made you feel like you were hanging out with the New Kids on the Block in their "Hanging Tough" days. Yeah, that's the vibe I’m talking about. It was carefree, bold and totally, unapologetically the real me.

And you know what? I missed that for many years. Not caring what people thought, just throwing on whatever made me feel good. Fashion was an expression, a loud, colorful statement of who I was. It wasn't about trends or labels; it was about fun. I’ve actually lived this way for years, choosing to buy my clothes from Rue 21 (I wish they never closed and the "NEW" Rue 21 in various Tanger shopping centers are not the same), the young men’s section of Macy’s and even quirky things I’d find in Marshalls.

What about you? What fashion trends from your past do you want to see back in style? I'd absolutely love to hear your stories and see if you have any photos of you sporting those looks. Let's have a good laugh and reminisce together! And if you happen to have any extra vintage fashion items, just lying around, feel free to spread the joy! And don’t be shy about sharing or contributing your own personal favorites to the ongoing dialogue about great fashion.

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