Then & Now: Jungle Fever

When I was young, I loved the movie Annie.  I would sing The Sun'll Come Out at the top of my lungs like it was my job, secretly wishing I was a ginger in a red dress (but really, who was the genius that decided to dress a fire ginger in red?) with a dog named Sandy and that I lived in a lavish mansion with a butler in a turban named Punjab (politically incorrect much?) who also happened to be a wizard and could make things happen with a wave of his hands.  (Heck yes, run-on sentence!)  Okay, clearly I still wish I was her considering I just got my hair dyed red and would probably belt out a few Tomorrows! if I wasn't at work for the biggest international organization du monde.

Given my aforementioned love, you can imagine my elation when my parents brought home this gem of a book:

That's right, fellow fashion outsiders, Annie is on safari. Not only has our little orphan Annie been given a wardrobe makeover, but she's expanding her horizons to the field and making new friends.  I suspect she's hoping to become the next Jane Goodall in this shot.  But I digress.  I surmise that my love for all things Annie is most likely what prompted me to hound my parents into dressing me in this little number (p.s. I recommend putting on some shades so my skin doesn't burn your retinas):

What. Is. Up.  Why do I look so miserable?  You would think that dressing like my kindred spirit would make me a little happier.  I bet I sang "The Sun'll Come Out Tomorrow" the day before this picture was taken and I'm upset because it didn't and I'm still as pasty as ever.  Kidding.  If you look closely, my friends, you will see that my safari dress has cats on it (I think).  For those of you who know me well, you will know that I have taken an extreme disliking to all things feline (the leopard print heels I currently own and love are one of the few exceptions).  I'm guessing this is where the hatred started. I didn't ask for a safari outfit with cats on it, Mom, I wanted one like Annie's!

Setting aside my miserable face and contempt for cats, I think we should discuss how this outfit put me decades ahead of the fashion curve.  I have incorporated a number of current fashion trends into one simple look.  Don't believe me?  Check it out; high fashion never lies:

[all photos found on the interwebs]

1. Philip Treacy, milliner extraordinaire, safari hat for Ralph Lauren Collection;
2. Donna Karan belted safari-style dress;
3. Miu Miu S/S 2010. What up, CATS! I like to think I was Miuccia's inspiration behind this collection.  Take note: the model looks just as miserable as I do, meaning not only am I way beyond my fashion years, but I'm also tapping into (maybe creating?) the now ever-popular I'm a model and thus miserable, please feed me look (although clearly I don't need to be fed, check out those sausage legs I'm sporting!);
4. Oliver Sweeney tan belt;
5. Stock image of the socks and sandals avec skirts and dresses trend popping up everywhere.

I have basically hit every fashion nail on the head with my Annie Goes to the Jungle-inspired outfit.  The hat, the socks, the belted dress, the cats.  I was also probably scheming the creation of this blog way back in 1988.  What a trailblazer.  Safari Samantha for the win!

It's been a slice!  Keep visiting for more Then & Now entries.

xo,
SM

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