The concept of babysitting, like say, the notion of Seventeen magazine, can make you feel your age. You’re on one side of it or the other, but the thing itself remains fixed, timeless.
In my own coming of age, the occupation of babysitting completely eluded me (perhaps I would be better equipped in all kid-related interactions now, were it not for this!). Nor must I, in my current stage, give any consideration to babysitters, or nannies as the case may be. (That said, I will still tell my husband that Brandy Melville is where I go to spend my babysitting money, because this makes perfect sense).
Although my childhood room once contained tidy stacks of the pastel-covered books, none stand out so much in my mind as the special edition Chain Letter, an interactive hardover, with its handwritten postcards, muted pink while you were out memos, even an enclosed friendship bracelet. Pre-internet, this was an incredibly thrilling object. Out friend in the grade above would further our cause by reading aloud the notes that were written in cursive, which, at the time, the rest of us were still learning.
The first book in the series, Kristy’s Great Idea by Anne M. Martin, details what we would now call the ORIGIN STORY for the four enterprising young female friends. Discontent to simply offer free child-care to their younger siblings, they establish their club né income-generating business, whilst also cementing their friendship. I credit this series today to my own idealization of KITS and PROJECTS. I love the idea of preparedness in any situation, and their craft and first aid kits, and ready-to-go construction paper projects still fill me with a sense of organizational optimism that I can’t entirely explain.
Neither can I explain how the aesthetic of the BSC universe, and its illustrated fashion-y book covers has re-entered my imagination. Screenplays, much like the constant —but imperceptible—minor earthquakes across LA, don’t always register unless you go seeking proof of existence. These are underfoot things. Until, a where are they now search yields a verification. Netflix, this spring, purchased a BSC reboot. With Rachel Shukert of Glow as showrunner, Lucia Aniello of Broad City to direct, and Alicia Silverstone in a key role (!). Although considerable time from release, perhaps this activity underground spurred BSC’s hold on my imagination.
In any case, a few style cues that I can not stop thinking about include….
Combining brown loafers with saggy white athletic socks. These ones by Marie Giudicelli perfectly fulfill the vision; however this pair by Mansur Gavriel also just came online. I’d even try these. These white socks have just the right amount of slouchy prowess and sporty ribbing, as do these and these. It’s a certain mix of athletic and prim that I can only imagine would prepare me to organize a softball game / bake sale / dog show in order to raise funds for even more, arts and crafts kits.
The very strategic use of clogs. Is it too on the nose to wear these No. 6 clogs with a long plaid or floral skirt or is it just right? This would also go swimmingly with a black fringe-y vest.
Calibrating just the right mix of Paisley and Flannel, and Floral.
A profusion of primary colors.
Pairing a black western belt and black boots with oversized, light, summer, double denim, a la Claudia Kishi. Add graphic tee and gold chain for garnish.
And that my (freind) friend is how you do it.