Spandex: One Woman's Personal Journey

My love of spandex is no secret to anyone who has met me or read this blog. One summer I gave up pants entirely in favor of leggings.

My history with spandex spans multiple (three) decade,s and countless fashion hits and misses. Born in the 80s, spandex was a reality since birth.  My childhood decisions to both figure skate and be in the circus led me to a variety pieces in differing patterns of floral spandex.

I wasn't a very good figure skater, but I looked good – that is obviously what matters.

Note the ruffles on the sleeves. Classy.

More floral spandex. Also the second instance of a unitard. 

Let me point out the lace ruffle detail on the pink socks.

An unfortunate haircut and use of purple sweatpants. Excellent green leo, though.

I refused to wear jeans until roughly 1995, so this provided even more fantastic opportunities to showcase my love of spandex.

The early 2000s were a dark period in my spandex history. I clearly thought I was "too cool" for school (spandex). However, working at a summer camp and being in a sorority brought me back to a skin-hugging reality. After bringing a bastardized version of Jazzercise to the camp, American Apparel should thank me for a spike in leotard sales.

2006. Jazz hands and spandex.

2007. Sorority composite photo.

More 2007. Leading a group of teens in Jazzercise.  This leotard sold for $80 in a 2010 auction to benefit the campership fund.

2008. I wore a fanny pack all summer, because what goes better with spandex?

2008. Summer of the thongatard.

2008. I went there.

2009. 80s night. Also known as an excuse not to wear pants.

2009. Like Kate Middleton, I recycle my outfits. Unlike Kate Middleton, they are made of spandex and I wear faux headset microphones.

In 2011 I even made my television spandex debut on Dance Party, a show on San Francisco's local TV station KOFY.


2011. Television spandex debut.

2011. They might be table linens, but I'm still excited.

Every two years, the Olympics not only give me something to do/obsess over for seventeen days, but they give the greater world community a glimpse into what is so special, and so magical about spandex.

2012.  Repping Team Canada in honor of my favorite Canadians (including, but not limited to, Justin Bieber and Carly Rae Jepson).

Thanks for taking the time to stop by my blog!  Come back soon!

-Nora
Spandex lover 4 life

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Aliya Mustafina (RUS): Queen of Russian Glitter

Image
Omg.  Readers.  I thought that I was going to have to create my own Aliya Mustafina makeup tutorial for you, but upon Googling "Aliya Mustafina makeup" I was presented with an onslaught of tutorials, pictures, and general awesomeness. Let me tell you about Ms. Mustafina.  I've loved her from day one because NBC labeled her a diva.  A Russian, gymnastics DIVA.  Girl also wears 75 pounds (31.0194 kg, if you're in Russia) of glitter in her hair and on her eyes.  She is my Olympic beauty idol.  Honestly, I'm thinking of forgoing my Princess Sophia Grace Halloween/Purim costume in favor of going as Aliya Mustafina.  I'm obsessed. I've included a makeup tutorial below, however it fails to include two important tips. 1.  You must wear your best bitch face with this look.  I'm not saying that Aliya Mustafina is a bitch- I'm telling you that girl knows what she wants and will go Hunger Games on your ass to get it. 2.  After applying your
Read more

Olympics Day 0 Brings 1000 Things to Discuss

Image
I have to admit that I'm confused by Day 0 of the Olympics. When people ask me why competition starts prior to the Opening Ceremonies I respond confidently that there is just too much to fit in. People tend to believe me because I have positioned myself as an expert on most things Olympic, but I'm pretty sure I made that up. Regardless, we got an extra day of spandex and I am here to break it all down for you. Figure Skating Team Event: Men's and Pairs Unapologetic chest exposure, and fancy couples costumes Figure skating is truly the golden sport when it comes to wintertime Olympic spandex. With the introduction of the team event, there are even MORE outfits to be worn, and this fills our cold, judgmental heart with pure joy. We've much to discuss, so let's not waste any more time. A trend among the men's skaters last night was a blatant open chest. Is it a sweat issue? I imagine that this would come into play to some extent, and I guess the women
Read more

Women's Volleyball: A sport I actually know about

Image
Here's a fun fact- I played volleyball for 7 years while in school.  Admittedly, it was middle and high school.  And we weren't very good.  And I spent most of my time on the bench.  But when I sat on that bench, I did it in spandex. Anyway, because I actually know how this sport works, I generally enjoy watching it.  I am currently taking in the USA vs South Korea game and have a few things to note. 1.  I NEED to get my hands on the South Korean shorts.  I am a general supporter of all spandex apparel, but I am especially fond of the spandex short (this likely stems from the time I spent playing volleyball).  The detail on the butt is GLORIOUS! 2.  Most unfortunate name of the match (and probably the whole Olympics, but it's too early to call): Destinee Hooker .  I hope that her athletic prowess overshadowed her name growing up.  If not, LOOK WHERE SHE IS NOW, BITCHES!!! Whilst writing this post, Team USA defeated South Korea.  CONGRATS!  Below, my thoughts o
Read more