When I was 10 years old, my world turned upside down with a jaw-dropping announcement from my dad: we were relocating. Not just any move, but one that took us far from our quiet suburban New Jersey neighborhood to the enchanting land of Texas. Having only encountered the Lone Star State in my trusty Encyclopædia Britannica, I was both excited and curious about what awaited me. Cowboy boots were a must, but were spurs a thing for kids my age?
After settling into our new Texas town a few weeks into my fifth-grade year, I faced a harsh reality. Standing in front of my new classmates, I quickly realized that owning a pair of cowboy boots wouldn’t grant me instant popularity. I felt the sweat trickle down beneath my Laura Ashley dress as I looked at girls flaunting the most flamboyant ’80s styles.
My transition was nothing short of painful. My New Jersey fashion sense, characterized by one-piece jumpers with shoulder ties and tube socks, paled in comparison to the vibrant, outrageous outfits I encountered. My Capezio shoes—considered cool back in Jersey—were met with ridicule. Most days, I returned home in tears, feeling like an outsider who didn’t belong.
At first, my mother, a practical New Englander, didn’t comprehend my struggles. To her, clothing was merely a necessity to avoid public nudity, devoid of labels or brands. However, after witnessing a particularly harsh encounter with a mean girl, my mom came to realize that the cultural shock was overwhelming for me. She decided that a little retail therapy might be more effective than actual therapy bills.
With renewed hope, I meticulously crafted a shopping list for our local mall:
- Acid Wash Guess Jeans
In the ’80s, that iconic triangle logo on your backside meant you were on the rise. My young self felt like a rock star the moment I slipped into my first pair. - A Liz Claiborne Handbag
Back in the day, Liz Claiborne was the queen of handbags. Her colorful purses, easily recognized by their triangle logo, were perfect for stashing my Love’s Baby Soft perfume and Lip Smackers gloss. - Authentic Keds with the Blue Label
The smell of rubber cement still lingers in my memory when I think of my first pair of Keds. They were pristine white, and I made sure to size up for my layered socks. I was devastated when the blue label fell off months later—how would anyone know I had the real deal? - Benetton Sweater in Any Color
Everyone was obsessed with Benetton and its vibrant, oversized apparel. Wearing their sweaters felt like joining a colorful community. - Anything from The Limited
Dragging my mom into The Limited, I was bewitched by the sleek, modern atmosphere and chic clothing. Crop tops and palazzo pants marked the epitome of cool, and I craved a piece of that stylish world. - Banana Republic Safari T-Shirt
Before it became a high-end retailer, Banana Republic had a safari theme that made it feel like an adventure. Their animal-printed T-shirts were must-haves that somehow made perfect sense at the time.
It’s worth mentioning that I didn’t embark on a lavish shopping spree, but my mom did manage to pick up a few items from my list. Although I never became the coolest kid in class, my Esprit jean jacket and multicolored Swatch watch under the Christmas tree that year certainly boosted my status.
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Summary
Transitioning to a new school can be challenging, especially when faced with the pressure of fitting in. In the ’80s, specific fashion items like Guess jeans, Liz Claiborne handbags, and Keds were essential for kids trying to navigate this difficult time. A little retail therapy can go a long way in boosting confidence and helping children feel more at home in their new environment.