First off, according to wikipedia, I need to thank Levi's for creating the first jean jacket! Denim jackets have been a staple in my wardrobe since I can remember...and you never forget your first.
My first jean jacket was a wonderful light, acid-wash ladies jacket - size L. Now keep in mind...I was in second grade. But, this was not just any 'ol jean jacket. This jean jacket had come from the "bedazzled" era. And it. was. glorious. (at the time, I thought so). For whatever reason, just because I "loved" something (i.e. - barbies, cabbage patch dolls, school supplies), then that also meant I had to wear it.
I've already created the canvas for you...light, acid-wash, size L. Now for the art. This jean jacket had an array of wooden school supplies and rhinestones casually hot-glued over the entirety of the jacket. There were crayons, chalkboards, alarm clocks - all made of wood and painted. There were cloth iron-ons of cheerleaders, football helmets, pennets. There was every size and shape of rhinestone in blues, reds, yellows, and greens. I'm sure you're thinking so far that it can't be that bad...oh, it was. For whatever reason, there was one of the wooden alarm clocks right between the sholder blades - forget trying to lean back in your chair! (Being a teacher now, I think I might have come up with a solution to my student's leaning/almost-sliding-out-of-the-desk problem...glue a wooden alarm clock on the backrest). Did this alarm clock deter me from wearing said jean jacket? Um, no. I wore it with flair! Sometimes I would wear my school supply jean jack with a sweater that looked like notebook paper with kid drawings (no lie). Sometimes I'd wear it with my Osh'kosh B'gosh overalls, train conducter stripes and all. Sometimes I'd wear it over my jammies...thinking I'd sleep on my stomach (but, no, there's a wooden alarm clock over the heart). Funny thing is, and I think this is how life works, the darn thing was several sizes too big...but nothing kept me from sporting two of my favorite things - jean jackets and school supplies.
I still have my school supply jean jacket. And when I use to talk about it, I think people thought I was kidding...that this "thing" actually existed. I keep it in my closet in my classroom. I've been chilly in class a few times, and it's made an appearance...BUT I was really, really cold. I've also used it as a consequence - "oh yeah, if you're late to class one more time I'm going to make you wear the jacket!".
Maybe I'll pass it down to my children someday. Nah, I'll spare them the embarrassment. :)
