PRETTY WOMAN: A 1990s Fairytale for 9 Year Olds
In 1990, I was 9 years old and my best friend was Jenny B. It was a year when laws were more lax and parental guidance wasn’t enforced. Our rebelling consisted of riding our bikes to the video store and renting (R) Pretty Woman.
Pretty Woman was a modern day fairytale about a healthy, beautiful, happy-go-lucky prostitute working the streets of Hollywood who is rescued by a sexy, extremely rich, lonely, materialistic, ruthless businessman and his credit card. And she rescues him right back. Swoon.
While I didn’t grow up to live the fairytale, I did get to feel like Julie Roberts in the polo match scene where she is wearing a polka dot dress. I wore a similar outfit this last weekend at my friend Jeanne’s birthday. Her party was at the race tracks and the dress attire was derby sophisticated.
Pretty Woman polka dot dress costume designed by Marilyn Vance
This dress Roberts is wearing was costume designed by Marilyn Vance. All the designer clothes that Robert’s character buys on Rodeo Drive are actually costume designs by Vance.
Inspired by my 9 year old memory of the Marilyn Vance’s creation is my outfit below. All of my outfit came from thrift stores, a second hand shop, an antique shop, or was inherited from my grandmother.
1980s Cimmaron Dress polka dot romper – thrift store
Vintage large brimmed hat – no label, Antique World Mall, $9.58
Vintage short white gloves – grandmother’s
Brown woven belt – thrift store
Floral heels – second hand, The Lux Fashion Lounge
Vintage Ande brown clutch – grandmother’s
Vintage gold bead necklace – grandmother’s
Photography by Jeanne Giltzow front and center (except for this photo by Mr. Matt)
I’m waiting for Hollywood to do a remake of Pretty Woman but instead call it Cute Man. It would be about a charming, beefy, intelligent male prostitute who is rescued by a rich, cutthroat corporate woman. Swoon.
But they probably won’t because the storyline is too unbelievable. Oh wait, Richard Gere stared in this movie in 1980 and was called American Gigolo. His character was a stud for sleeping with rich beautiful women and getting paid for it. Except for being accused of a crime he didn’t commit, he didn’t need to be rescued.
