Gather ’round, children, grannie Natalie is going to spin you a tale of a time long before Amazon, Zappos and Nasty Gal. A time when teenaged girls acquired cool clothing through a now-antiquated system called mail order. The Internet did exist then, but our moms would never let us put their credit card information into the computer! And so, we saved our pennies and once we had enough for tax and shipping saved, we’d beg our moms to write a check for us, then steal a stamp from our dad’s desk drawer and send away for the Paul Frank messenger bag of our dreams. Seven-to-ten business days later, it would arrive – sometimes with a free sample of shaving cream or maybe a three pack of tampons – but always with a crispy copy of the latest Alloy catalog, probably with whatever you just received now on sale for 45% off.
In 1999 I was one of five winners in a nation-wide search for the next Alloy models. At nineteen, I was the oldest of the bunch – we spent a few days together in a house in North Carolina clipping tiny plastic barrettes in our hair and modeling the latest in baggy pants fashions. I will spare you the intro spread where I name Earth Crisis and Madball my favorite bands (Serena picked Hole, whereas Jacob chose Mineral and Braid. Kiki picked it up, picked it up with Topcat and Save Ferris where as Jessica chose the confounding combination of Type O Negative and Creed.)
I opted not to share every shot of me in a bucket hat, short shorts and a shaggy, Winona Ryder pixie, I’m sure you understand. But here are some of the very 1999 hits from perhaps the only remaining copy of the 1999 Alloy spring catalog.
I still have that copy in storage container in my basement. I’m gonna sell it one day for thousands! Get me an in ground swimming pool!
I still have most of my 90s Delia*s and Alloy mags! Recently discovered in a box in my parents’ attic when they moved. Also found a treasure trove of early 90s ‘Teen and Seventeen magazines as well as a couple YM. I leave on the coffee table regularly now and people just love it.
Whoa! I am pretty sure that I bought some stuff (well, technically my mom did) from this very catalogue. That’s pretty funny (and cool) that you were actually in one!
I totally HAD that Wonder ringer shirt. And I love that they flat-out called them “rave shoes” back then. I don’t think anyone who lived through grunge and then this period in fashion understands how hard it is to shop now. I look for platform and clunky heels every time I shop for shoes!
Love the 32″ severe pants and football tee. Wish we could go back to when we started dressing all cute and flirty and sexy.
BAGGY WIDE OVERALLS! 😃😀😜
I had this catalog at one point, I was in love with the girl wearing the overalls! I wonder where she is today?
I just reread this, and I still say BAGGY WIDE LEG OVERALLS!! As a matter of fact, I decided to buy myself a pair off of eBay, Old Navy denim overalls made in 1998. OMG they are SOOOO comfy! I forgot how much I loved overalls, I wear these at least a couple days a week. I’m always getting comments on them, especially how “cute and baggy” they fit! Only thing is I have to roll up my pant legs or else the hems drag on the ground. But that’s the millennial look anyway!
My 12 year old self is soooooo jealous!!! I definitely had this issue
I used to pour over Alloy for hours, I remember you!! Found this post because I was wishing I still had one of my alloy tops for a festival I’m going to!
Remember Moxie?