Promtacular!

Enchantment Under The Hoop

Posted on March 21, 2011 by promtacular! in 1970s prom, Aquanet!, Feathering As A Lifestyle Choice, Group Prom Pictures, Homemade Goodness, On The Plantation | 7 Comments

Year: 1974

Just the other day I was thinking, “I wish I had more prom photos from the 70s.” And then I discovered I had this picture, which is like 40 photos from the 70s all rolled into one, glorious group shot in a gym with no magical backdrop whatsoever. But WHO NEEDS IT? There is so much 70s farm-girl/checkered blazer action going on, a “backdrop” would only spoil the majesty.

Lan writes: “Here is my mom’s grad class. She is the flaming redhead in the bottom corner. Love her prairie brown dress.”

Which is awesome because she totally stands out. Her tablecloth is only rivaled by the one standing behind her, and there is no equal for her amazing hair. (Although props to the SUNHAT girl for trying.)

It’s hard, but if I had to pick three of the most amazing parts of this photo, they’d be as follows (barring the basketball hoop, of course):
5. Cinderella dress and hair, which seems totally unlike everyone else – first row, 4th from left
4. The girl who looks like a teacher – first row, 2nd from left
3. Dueling tablecloth dresses, as noted – bottom right
2. Sunhat, in the gym, as noted – middle
1. AMAZEBALLS SIDEBURNS DUDE OMFG! – 2nd from top row, 4th from left

What’s yours?

Well Before Photoshop

Posted on March 01, 2011 by promtacular! in 1980s Prom, Backdrop FAIL, Blame the Photographer, On The Plantation, Pairing With White | No Comments

Year: 1986

Joanne submitted this photo on our Facebook page, saying: “I loved that dress, bought it myself for $35 at Smith’s of Bermuda. There is a hoop slip under that dress, I wanted a crinoline but it was more than the dress. Don’t you just love those sleeves? This was taken on our front porch, see my brother’s socks under the bench!”

One of the things I always find amusing about prom pictures is how only the prom-goers are dressed up, and everyone else around them is wearing their street clothes. Reminding us that “prom” and “formal events” are only magical for those attending. So while Joanne looks ready for a beautiful night, her front porch did not get the memo.

I find myself wishing for a nonsensical backdrop. Clouds? Painted sunset? Balloon jungle? Anything?

No. We have a porch. In theory, the brick wall and porch swing wouldn’t be out of place with Joanne’s plantation-like dress and white gloves and acres of sleeves. But sadly, the magic ends there. The scrubby yard plants aren’t exactly white oleander in bloom. I’m pretty sure those are ashtrays against the far left pillar. And, as Joanne points out, her brother’s socks and — is it? could it be a SNORKEL? — thrown under the porch bench sort of dash the Old Country mystique.

Love it.

Scarlet O’Hair-a

Posted on January 25, 2011 by promtacular! in 1980s Prom, Aquanet!, Mullets, On The Plantation, perms, Prom or Costume?, Shared Hair, Where's Your Bra? | 2 Comments

Year: 1980s

Let’s go top-down, shall we?

First, we have my favorite category of all: “Shared Hair.” They both have their hair at least 3″ above their scalps. And I daresay her hair goes all the way to her shoulders (and beyond) in the back. She may very well be wearing a formal, reverse mullet (party up front, business in back). Which is all kinds of excellent. What’s even more excellent, though, is that neither of them have a discernible part. I’ll bet they didn’t even PLAN it that way.

Otherwise, this guy is perfectly attired. Plain black tux, red bow tie and cummerbund (to match her overwhelmingly teal dress?). And he looks happy, although completely oblivious to the fact that there’s a girl on his arm.

And let’s face it: she’s hard to miss. That is some amazing plantation/princess dress. Oh, I get the appeal. The tiered bell sleeves, the AT LEAST FIVE-tiered skirt. I will admit to being slightly disappointed that she’s wearing tear-drop earrings instead of some gaudy teal hoop things, but what can you do?

Do you think her tiered dress inspired her tiered hair, or the other way around?

Lastly, I’d like to point out that I thought this photo was taken outside, perhaps in front of a barn. Until I realized no, that’s wood paneling. Of course.