You know that moment when something important from your tweenage years smacks you in the back of the head? We’ve all got parts of our awkward young selves tucked away out of mind, happily forgotten so we can go on with our comparatively dignified lives.
I recently had a moment like this when hashing out specifics of everyone’s favorite book series about babysitters. After some shocking words spilled out of my mouth, I realized a thought that’s been hanging at the back of my brain forever: I had a crush on Claudia. I always thought I wanted to be her. No. I wanted to make out with her. I’ve never been interested in what “girls
like me” were “supposed to wear.” Claudia was the first fearless, quirky, trendsetting character I ever encountered.
If you’re not familiar (or don’t remember), Claudia Kishi is a fashion-forward character from The Babysitter’s Club, the 100-plusbook cornerstone of the ‘90s tween fiction canon. This series launched a generation of dreams, middle-school business ventures, and — apparently — crushes.
Exhilarated at unearthing this gem of a memory, I hit the internet to uncover more about why Claudia had affected me. Sure enough, there’s a blog — WhatClaudiaWore.com — all about my
favorite babysitter’s fashion. And it’s not the only one!
Just as I remembered, in book #28, Claudia “was wearing a long, oversized black-and-white sweater, skin-tight black leggings, pink-and-black socks, and black ballet slippers.”
Claudia’s style was loud and proud. Think layers, prints, leggings, and plastic accessories. Think Lady Gaga on a calm day in middle school, with long, gorgeous black hair. Homemade charms,
big earrings, and Claudia’s signature: long, baggy sweaters.
As a celebration of my long-forgotten muse, who sparked fearless fashion and bold self expression in the middleschoolers of the ‘90s, I’m declaring winter 2012 the season of the baggy
sweater.
The only problem with an oversized sweater (when you’re past the age of consent) is that they cover your best assets. This inspired me to do what any clothing-designing custom upcycler would do. I made booty-friendly oversized baggy sweaters! They’re as roomy as ever, but with some tweaks to showcase your curves.
You’ll stop girls (or guys) in their tracks when you roll up in these statementmaking smocks. They’re super warm, totally comfy, and shamelessly cuddle-inspiring.
