Podcast Summary: Listen To Sassy: Life In The 90s Episode: December 1990 Fashion Etc.: Denim, Body Image & The World's First Bath Puffs
Release Date: November 26, 2024
Hosts: Tara Ariano, Pamela Ribon, and David T. Cole

Introduction

In this episode of Listen To Sassy: Life In The 90s, hosts Tara Ariano, Pamela Ribon, and David T. Cole delve into the December 1990 issue of Sassy magazine. They explore the vibrant fashion trends of the early '90s, discuss body image concerns among Gen-X teens, and reminisce about the era's unique beauty innovations, including the introduction of bath puffs. The hosts provide insightful commentary, humorous anecdotes, and critical analyses, making the episode both nostalgic and engaging for listeners.

Fashion Feature: Denim Dominance

The episode kicks off with an in-depth look at the December 1990 fashion feature, which centers entirely on denim.

David T. Cole (03:32): "It is 10 pages long. It is called denim. Denim, denim, denim... That's all of the denims."

The hosts dissect the dual photography styles used in the feature—color and black-and-white—highlighting the distinct aesthetics each brought to the showcasing of denim.

Amy (03:32): "The color photos seem like they were put together by someone with a sense of style. Even if I wouldn't wear every single piece in them, the black and white ones are just plain and boring."

Eli (07:07): "These black and white photos look sad, like the girls are on their way to class on an average Wednesday."

The conversation extends to specific outfits and styling choices, with the hosts expressing both admiration and critique.

Dave (05:28): "They also all have great hair. They have cool girl hair, one and all."

Amy (10:25): "I don't know why anyone wears boxers. Shorts. There, I said it."

Body Image and Beauty Features

The discussion transitions to body image, referencing an article titled "I Hate My Body" by Grace Kyung Wonhong.

Amy (12:34): "It's basically just try not to stress too much about your body because beauty standards change for completely arbitrary reasons."

The hosts commend Grace's efforts while critiquing certain aspects of the article, such as the inclusion of her weight and her emphasis on crash dieting.

Dave (13:59): "She crash dieted to try to lose eight pounds. Eight. Just eight."

Additionally, they explore another beauty feature, "Real Professional," focusing on a young makeup enthusiast named Charlie Bol.

Amy (14:23): "She describes the makeup artist she's shadowing as having her hair pulled back nonchalantly, which is not the right adverb for that."

The hosts critique the makeup descriptions and the authenticity of the styling showcased in the magazine.

Advertisement Highlights

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to dissecting the advertisements featured in the December 1990 issue.

1. Esprit Ad

   • Amy (23:17): "It's just two cute white people with their heads really close together... and it's just vibes."
   • The hosts admire the minimalistic and stylish approach of Esprit but note the possibly awkward casting choices.

2. Tampax Ad

   • Amy (24:03): "It's just a girl with some bangles and her hand clamped to the side of her thigh hiding, which you see two pages later, a teensy tiny tampon."
   • They humorously recount the practical challenges of carrying tampons as depicted in the ad.

3. Clairol Highlights

   • Dave (27:22): "If you think a model is born with it all, think again. You can get your highlights the same way she did. Just shitty."
   • The hosts critique the unrealistic beauty standards promoted by hair product ads.

4. Loris and Looney Tunes Watches

   • Eli (31:21): "I thought that was Wile E. Coyote."
   • They discuss the quirky and often mismatched advertising choices, expressing amusement and disdain.

5. Playtex Baby Powder

   • Amy (34:18): "If you're reading this ad from our day, that's a real bummer because you know how bad baby powder is for your body."
   • The hosts highlight the lack of awareness regarding product safety that was prevalent at the time.

Reader Interaction and Letters

The episode also covers the reader section, featuring letters that reflect the double standards in teenage fashion and social expectations.

Amy (40:14): "Why is it that to win the title of Sassiest girl in America, you have to spend your summer rebuilding churches in Fiji or writing letters to the Pope protesting his policies regarding women's rights?"

The hosts discuss the gender bias evident in the magazine’s awards, contrasting the expectations placed on girls versus boys.

Behind the Scenes: Magazine Diary

In the diary section, Summer Lopez, the editor-in-chief for the month, shares her experiences managing the reader-produced issue.

Amy (36:48): "Summer takes us through her time running the magazine. She seems very cute and enthusiastic, also kind of a dork."

The hosts speculate humorously about Summer’s interactions and the internal dynamics of the magazine staff.

Dave (39:26): "That's why they call them batter bodies. Everything is good. Batter bodies."

They also touch upon interpersonal conflicts within the magazine team, adding a personal touch to the discussion.

Upcoming Episodes

Concluding the episode, the hosts tease the content of the January 1991 issue, promising topics such as:

• "Why are boys scared of you?"
• "What's Nick Cave's type?"
• "Who is the third to win the title of sassiest girl in America?"

They encourage listeners to stay tuned for more nostalgic dives into Sassy magazine.

Notable Quotes

• Dave (00:55): "It is December 1990. Gillette threatens to close the world's biggest razor blade plant if Boston goes ahead with plans to ban ozone-depleting chemicals."
• Amy (24:08): "I don't think so because there's a whole storyline in Mystic Pizza."
• Eli (31:21): "I thought that was Wile E. Coyote."

Conclusion

This episode of Listen To Sassy: Life In The 90s offers a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of the December 1990 issue of Sassy magazine. Through lively discussions and candid critiques, Tara, Pamela, and David transport listeners back to a pivotal moment in Gen-X teen culture, highlighting the fashion, beauty standards, and societal norms of the early '90s. Whether you're a nostalgic listener or new to the Sassy phenomenon, this episode provides valuable insights and plenty of laughs.

Support the Podcast:
Listeners are encouraged to support the podcast through Patreon subscriptions, offering perks like full PDFs of the discussed issues, access to a Discord community, and more. Visit patreon.com/listentosassy or follow the podcast on listen to sassy.com for additional content and updates.