I feel compelled to start by
stating this is not the first time I’ve referenced the band Firehouse while
writing a post. Considering just how
dated hair bands are perceived, I should probably feel a tiny embarrassed. However, to be totally honest, I’m not. I’ll admit it. I love hair metal! Most romantic ladies who grew up in the Midwest during the 80's and early 90's love this type of music. Hearing it today makes me fondly reminisce about middle school dances. At that time an awkwardly tall and gangling Rayna, inevitably wearing skorts, always had
to hunch over her much shorter dance partner. Happily the, "head on the shoulder routine," was
big back then or my neck would've really gotten sore. Yes, during those dances it was the hair ballads that would make one forget things like the crackle of the crappy PA system, or the school gym’s
stench of old tennis shoes. There were
only the dim lights, the idealistic juvenile chanting of each song, and all of
those teenage boys trying to grow their hair long just like dreamy Sebastian
Bach. It truly was a glorious time to be
alive!
Sadly, I can never return to that time…not
that I haven’t tried. Writing this now
finally makes me realize why every time a hair band is remotely in my vicinity…and
living where I do this happens a lot… I have the absolute need to go see
them. Let’s just say when you see C.C.
DeVille wear the exact same hat on more than one occasion you’ve probably
been to a Poison show one too many times. Actually, my only regret is not buying a t-shirt at each one of these concerts. If I had done this I would have an amazing collection
of hair band shirts that I could PRETEND was solely for ironic purposes. Sadly, I only have one badass Ratt shirt and I can’t even fake mock it because I love it so much.
Okay, I think I’m finally done confessing my love of hair metal. Originally, this post was supposed to be about the coat I’m wearing in the above
photographs. I suppose I could justify
my earlier 80's theme by arguing I suspect this particular garment was
most likely constructed during this decade.
However, I’m certain it was originally owned by an individual who was
way too cool to be listening to the likes of L.A. Guns…while wearing
skorts. Actually back then I remember ogling
after the older teenagers who would dye their hair jet black and wear these type of long
tweed trench coats with fingerless gloves…think Tia and Bug from the movie, “Uncle
Buck.” To this day I admire the style of
the true 80's Emo kid and I've have spent nearly a lifetime searching for that
perfect tweed coat that says, “Yeah, I could have hung out with Bug.”
At long last, about three months ago, I found my treasure. I was driving home from work, and despite my exhaustion,
I got that tingle at the base of my skull demanding, “swing into that Goodwill
parking lot! There’s something waiting
for you!” History has taught me to never argue with the tingle and suddenly I
found myself confronted with another tweed trench that probably would not fit. I held it with shaky
hands thinking, “It’s perfect! The
pattern, the color, the cut, the built in shoulder pads! This is a coat that was made for Tia! There’s no way it’s going to fit me.” I stood there highly considering just putting
it down and leaving in order to avoid the impending heartache. However, I eventually mustered the courage
and tried on the most perfect fitting coat I’ve ever owned. It was truly my Cinderella moment. I will lovingly remember it each time I
listen to that band.
-r.
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