Podcast Summary: November 1990 Fashion Etc.: Hair School, A Witch & Brown Squats

Listen To Sassy: Life In The 90s takes listeners back to the vibrant era of Sassy magazine, celebrating its influence on Gen-X teens between 1988 and 1994. In the November 1990 episode titled "Fashion Etc.: Hair School, A Witch & Brown Squats," hosts Tara Ariano, Pamela Ribon, and David T. Cole delve deep into the magazine's 80th issue, dissecting its fashion trends, beauty features, advertisements, and reader interactions. This episode offers a nostalgic yet critical examination of the magazine's content, providing insights into the cultural and social nuances of the early '90s.

1. Fashion Highlights

The episode kicks off with a discussion on the cover of the November 1990 issue, featuring Frederic van der Waal's "COVID of Cosmo." The hosts comment on the emerging fashion trends of the time, such as downward hemlines, oversized jewelry, and embellished jackets over tights. Tara humorously remarks, "Hemlines are moving downward... without looking like the Kool Aid Man" (00:09).

Cover Model Critique: Pam shares her mixed feelings about the cover model, Kim (preferably called Kimmy), a 16-year-old aspiring graphic artist. "She's just a 16-year-old living in Los Angeles... no last names on these models," Pam notes (06:53). The group laments the lack of diversity and the high-fashion aesthetics that made the models appear unattainable for the average reader.

Feature Stories:

• "Coatings" (Page 63): Tara expresses her disdain for the feature titled "Coatings," which focuses on coats. "It's about coats, but what's awful... brown squatting, brown kicking, brown tequila ing," she criticizes (08:13). The hosts mock the monotonous brown theme, highlighting its lack of creativity.

• "Wicked" (Page 72-73): The hosts delve into the "Wicked" feature, spotlighting witchy fashion looks. "It's way gothier than Madonna," Tara observes (12:17). They discuss the exaggerated goth elements, such as bat wings and spider webs, comparing them unfavorably to more mainstream styles.

Nail Trends: Pam discusses the popular short, squared-off nails in deep dark shades, drawing parallels to iconic styles from Madonna's "Dick Tracy" era and Audrey in "Twin Peaks." "It's the best nail," she praises, despite the frequent miscommunications with nail salons (23:54).

2. Beauty Features

"I Was a Beauty School Dropout": Mary Clark, Sassy's beauty editor, is the focal point of this feature. Tara describes Clark's journey to LA's Vidal Sassoon School of Cosmetology with a playful critique: "She writes it like she's keeping diary entries... just bitchy enough that she probably fit right in" (15:00). The hosts appreciate Clark's honest portrayal of the challenges in becoming a licensed stylist, including the grueling hours and the physical toll, exemplified by Tara's anecdote about her mother developing a nose injury from perms (17:05).

Hair Care Discussions: The conversation shifts to personal hair care routines. Tara shares her struggles with tangles, especially with her active child, emphasizing the importance of conditioner and proper combing techniques (18:55). Pam humorously boasts about her tangle-free hair, attributing it to her natural hair texture: "My hair is like fishing wire. It's really thick and strong" (20:11).

3. Advertisements Analysis

The hosts provide a critical analysis of various advertisements featured in the November 1990 issue:

• Jordache Basics (Page 2-3): Tara and Pam mock the ad's portrayal of a perimenopausal woman at 32 years old, wearing what Pam describes as “the most hideous thing I’ve seen this week” (28:18). They critique the questionable fashion choices and the unrealistic depiction of age-related styles.

• Noxzema (Page 6): The group lambasts the mean-spirited tone of the Noxzema ad, which suggests that if your skin is "too blotchy, too sensitive, too oily," it's not worth fixing. "That's so mean," Tara exclaims (29:13). They highlight the ad's negative messaging and lack of genuine skincare solutions.

• Loving the ABC Daytime Soap Opera (Page 35): Discussing an ad featuring actors Rio and Rocky under a hot pink umbrella, Tara humorously speculates whether it represents "love at first sight" or "enemies to lovers." "I've heard people who are married to people who were on it," she adds, referencing Rena Sofer’s later fame (30:49).

• Flame Glow Nail Polish (Page 72-73): Tara and Dave ridicule the depiction of nail polish where goldfish appear to drink the polish, commenting on the bizarre and unappealing imagery (33:07).

4. Reader Letters and Feedback

The episode features a segment on letters from Sassy magazine readers, where the hosts read and react to various submissions:

• Puppy Mill vs. Pet Stores: Pam reads a letter defending pet stores and dismissing concerns about puppy mills. The hosts critique the letter's misguided logic and lack of empathy, with Dave sarcastically summarizing, "You tell them, Tara. No, no one is writing in to say they approve of senseless killing." (39:35).

• Beauty Stereotypes: Tara shares Rachel from Philadelphia’s letter challenging the stereotype that models are unintelligent. Rachel’s assertive stance, “Don't print your prejudice,” is lauded by the hosts, though Dave pokes fun at the underlying implications (40:37).

• Sorority vs. Gangs Parallel: Pam discusses letters critiquing Christina's comparison of gangs and sororities. The hosts highlight the flawed analogy and applaud the expressions against senseless violence (40:45).

5. Sassy Club and Promotions

The hosts explore the "Sassy Club" section, which focuses on community events and sustainability initiatives:

• Event Promotion: Pam describes a Sassy-hosted weekend party at the A and S Plaza, featuring sing-alongs, fashion shows, beauty makeovers, and dance demonstrations. Tara nostalgically wishes she had attended the karaoke contests, reminiscing about their personal attempts with recording devices and theme parks (34:54).

• Recycling Initiatives: The episode critiques the "Sassy to Recycle" initiative, mocking the cheap and impractical merchandise such as tote bags, mugs, and frisbees with the unappealing *"It's Sassy to Recycle"_ logo (38:44). The hosts express disappointment over the decline in the quality and innovation of Sassy Club offerings, lamenting its shift from a once-engaging platform to repetitive and uninspired content (39:03).

6. Product Innovations and Trends

Perfume Applicator (La Son Laughs): Tara introduces a new perfume gadget resembling a stylus, which absorbs and dispenses fragrances. The hosts humorously critique the design, likening it to sexual gadgets and expressing skepticism about its functionality (21:54).

Teen Spirit Antiperspirant Deodorant: A humorous take on the "Teen Spirit" deodorant, Tara and Pam discuss their aversion to the product despite its marketing efforts. Pam quips about never using it, while Tara reflects on her transition from antiperspirants to all-deodorant routines to avoid health concerns like Alzheimer's (25:00).

7. Personal Anecdotes and Humor

Throughout the episode, the hosts interweave personal stories and lighthearted banter:

• Lost Tampons: Pam shares a relatable mishap about forgetting to remove a tampon after inserting a new one, leading to humorous nicknames like "The Relentless" (36:55).

• Slide Whistle Antics: Dave's acquisition and Tara's disapproval of a slide whistle add a playful dynamic to the conversation, highlighting their close-knit camaraderie and penchant for teasing (30:52).

• Nostalgic References: The hosts fondly recall past experiences with fashion, beauty routines, and magazine culture, creating a rich tapestry of '90s nostalgia for listeners (35:06).

Conclusion

The November 1990 episode of Listen To Sassy: Life In The 90s offers a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of Sassy magazine's influence on '90s teen culture. Through sharp critiques, humorous anecdotes, and insightful discussions, Tara, Pam, and Dave provide listeners with a captivating journey back to a pivotal moment in youth media history. Whether reminiscing about fashion faux pas, dissecting beauty standards, or mocking outdated advertisements, the hosts ensure that both longtime fans and new audiences gain a deep appreciation for Sassy's legacy.

Notable Quotes:

• Tara on Hemlines: "Hemlines are moving downward... without looking like the Kool Aid Man." (00:09)
• Pam on Cover Models: "She's just a 16-year-old living in Los Angeles... no last names on these models." (06:53)
• Tara on "Coatings": "I hate that it's called coatings. It's about coats." (08:36)
• Pam on Hair Tangles: "My hair is like fishing wire. It's really thick and strong." (20:11)
• Tara on Noxzema Ad: "That's so mean." (29:13)
• Rachel’s Letter: "Don't print your prejudice." (42:08)

This detailed summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and the hosts' unique perspectives on Sassy magazine's November 1990 issue. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the series, this episode offers a nostalgic and critical lens into the fashion and culture of the early '90s.