Lessons Learned from ‘Pretty in Pink’
Pretty in Pink is celebrating it’s 30th anniversary this month. Aside from feeling really, really old, I also felt really, really excited when my friend Stephanie suggested we go see the flick during a special anniversary showing at our local movie theater. Watching Ducky Dale on the big screen was everything I hoped it would be — and more.
The fashion was awesomely abysmal. The music was interestingly quirky. Molly Ringwald’s pout was on point and James Spader is one of my all-time favorite ‘80s villains next to Cobra Kai’s Johnny in his skeleton costume. Plus, we all know how I feel about John Hughes.
Pretty in Pink is one of the good ones. Here’s why:
Lessons Learned
- Be yourself.
- It’s hard to believe in people who don’t believe in you.
- Wearing large cotton blazers in various colors is cool.
- It doesn’t matter which side of the tracks you live on. High school peer pressure is real.
- Your earrings don’t have to match.
- Having an after school job at the record store is about as cool as it gets.
- Always tell the truth.
- Spice up your gym clothes by adding tights, a funky broach and kicky beret.
- If in doubt, wear taffeta to the prom.
- A boy who is sweet can easily have crappy friends. Some may look like they are 30-years-old. Ignore them all.
- Everyone needs a Ducky Dale in his or her life.
- Everyone needs an Iona in his or her life.
- Buy more wigs.
- Sometimes, you have to be the parent in the household.
- Learn how to sew. You never know when you’ll need to combine two dresses into one.
- There are no candy machines in the girl’s bathroom.
- Always flirt back with the boy who flirts with you on a Commodore 64.
- “If You Leave” by OMD is G-R-E-A-T-N-E-S-S. Download now if you do not own it.
- Andie was right. They can’t break you.
Pretty In Pink Quotes I Still Recite
- May I admire you?
- Blane? His name is Blane? That’s a major appliance! That’s not a name!
- Do I offend?
- This is an incredibly romantic moment and you’re ruining it for me.
- Don’t waste good lip gloss.
- Applause, applause, applause…
Finally, when “Try a Little Tenderness” comes on, I think of this moment. Every time.
Great quotes! My favorite one that I still say is “I’m off like a dirty shirt!”
YES!
Yes Katytxgal!
Oh my! I love this. These throwback movie posts make my heart beat a little faster! This is a good one. Love John Hughes.
Thank you amy a. I love John Hughes too!
Ducky. Winning
Amen.
I know this is random, but how funny that I saw your post right after watching NCIS with my husband – he teased me for cracking up over watching Jon Cryer (guest staring as a doctor) say to another character (an ME nicknamed ‘Ducky’): “well, isn’t that Ducky, Ducky?” (Pause, chuckle) “I’ve always wanted to say that”. It was hilarious! Poor hubby didn’t get it!
I’m right there with you Jen!
Thank you! Ducky at 3 am! Over 60 and still loving Pretty in Pink. I want to be Iona for the younger gals in my life.
What a wonderful goal, Ann! Be Iona!
I thought the ending was so romantic in my teens, but now it just makes me mad! Blane always “believed in” Andie, but then still jilted her and went to the prom alone? And then she chases after him at the end?!! Ugh…
I know. According to the movie extras, she was supposed to end up with Ducky!
Gotta say, one of my favorites…and I got to meet Andrew McCarthy at his book signing 2 years ago. Man has aged WELL! He looks better now than he did then.
LOVE IT!