issue #65: sesame street, but make it fashion

Last week I found myself at home with a sick toddler. If you’ve been here before, you know the sheer, and instant, anxiety a little fever can induce. Appointments needed to be cancelled. Meetings needed to be moved. And of course, I just want her safe and healthy.

I spent the better part of two days trying to force water and food down her throat (gently, of course), attempting to get her to sleep anywhere but on top of me (contact naps are great, right? 😵‍💫), and pacifying her with Sesame Street so I could actually get some work done.

And boy, did we watch so. much. Sesame Street.

Now, I generally don’t allow her to watch much TV. If I do, it’s weekends for a few minutes or when I’m desperate. This isn’t necessarily because I’m against it. TV, like most things, is a tool in the toolbox! But, she’s away from the house between 8 am and 5 pm every week day, so I feel strongly that our mornings and evenings are spent engaged in talk and play together, rather than in front of a screen. (Ask me again how I feel about this in a couple years, I’m sure it’ll change with time).

But I was desperate last week! Caring for a sick toddler while trying to work and not lose your damn mind is a lot! And she loves Elmo, so what’s a mom to do?!

Anyways. As Sesame Street blared on in the background, I kept finding my attention drifting from order writing to the quirky, bright sights and sounds of the show. If you haven’t watched it in a while, it’s honestly great. The main players are still there - Elmo, Cookie, Big Bird, and Oscar - and they’ve added in a few newbies, including a Cuban/Jewish gay couple that love Shabbat dinner, an autistic muppet named Julia who is incredibly charming, and an animated smart phone called Smarty that helps Elmo learn things. It’s educational, fun, inclusive, and upbeat, and I do think she’s maybe learning something from it? I am, at least. Did you guys know flamingos turn pink from eating shrimp?!

But in between all that learning, what really caught my eye were Bert & Ernie’s great sweaters!! They’re fun! They’re bold! They’re chic! Is that a dickey?! So naturally I set out trying to find something similar for myself, because although no one should be attempting that unibrow, one should definitely be taking knitwear style cues from that adorable pair of Muppets.

Ernie is mischievous, energetic, and carefree. That light hearted, caring half of everyone’s favorite gay couple has an obsession with rubber duckies, still, to this day, and has yet to take off that red and blue striped sweater, even while in the bath. Bring out your inner Ernie with this fun, bold striped turtleneck from Marni, or, more literally, with this modern take from J. Press. Pair with a great pair of dad jeans and Sambas.

Bert, on the other hand, is our resident Virgo. He’s sensible! Intellectual! Responsible! My man likes things tidy, and is always rolling his eyes at his partner (ok not literally because they don’t move but one gets the gist through his general demeanor and droll tone). However, he’s also earnest, kind, and deeply loves Ernie. Channel your inner Muppet nerd with this textured stripe sweater from 6397, and maybe toss this underneath for good measure? Add a classic-adjacent pant and loafers.

But of course I couldn’t stop at Bert & Ernie, you guys….

Want to dress like Elmo, that cheerful, optimistic, curious forever child? Try this red number from Apiece Apart and let your playful side shine through!

How about Grover? Sure, he’s the town troublemaker, but he’s also charming, goofy, relatable, and definitely quirky. How about this from Alex Mill? It’s comfortable and easy to wear, giving you space for cooking up your next prank.

Big Bird more your jam? Gentle, kind, nurturing, and naive, everyone loves Big Bird. Tap into your Big Bird-like soft side with this silky dress from Silk Laundry.

Or maybe you’re a Cookie! Passionate, impulsive, chaotic, and dramatic. A goofy, lovable monster that can be channeled through this oversized boilersuit found on Garmentory!

Personally though, I have a deep love for Oscar. He’s grumpy, sarcastic, irritable. He’s a little rough around the edges, sure, but he can also be fiercely loyal. Really, he’s all of us, and he gives us permission to be our full selves, even if part of that self can be a little…gruff. Wear that grouchy side proud with this overcoat from Aligne, and don’t forget to top it off with a cap like this to keep the neighborhood riff-raff from bothering you.

Now….SCRAM!

xx

jen