That's Right, Pumpkin

Married with Children was, by far, one of the definitive television shows to be shown during the 90’s. The show took an unconventional, much needed jab at the traditional family sitcom by flushing the stereotypes projected by the average show completely down the toilet in the most hilarious way. Oddly enough this revolt was, in some ways, much closer to the realities for a lot fo the family’s in America than Leave It to Beaver, The Cosby Show and Full House would ever be. Wholesome dialogue over supper was replaced with a completely empty fridge while the homemaker mother who diligently kept a perfect house for her husband took form of a lazy, over dressed, smart mouthed red head. The cute little family dog was replaced by a large, hairy mutt who’s in mind narration pointed out his own family’s idiocies and the make believe television hero of the show was not some Superman-esque hero but instead Psycho Dad. 

And in the middle of it all, was the oldest sibling of the family, Kelly Bundy.

Christina Applegate, who played Kelly, really is one of the most underrated comedic actresses of her generation. We don’t care what anyone says, it takes a lot of smarts, and skills as an actress to successfully and convincingly pull off a role as incredibly dim witted and self-absorbed as Kelly was.  Of course there were writers behind the scenes but Christina Applegate made Kelly come to life. She was crass, slept around, had the intelligence of a six year, yet still came off extremely adorable and loveable – Even our mom liked her.

Kelly, however, would not have been anywhere without her amazing wardrobe, a wardrobe that even as a young child watching the show (though we knew it was completely in appropriate) we wanted every piece of. The scooped neck, long sleeve dresses, accessorized good enough to give the outfit flare but not over done, were complimented by the bleach blonde hair and black stilettos she so often was seen wearing. Either that, or a deep, deep v-neck cut down low like no tomorrow. Her wardrobe took a cue from the Music Video groupies of the time most definitely and had an edge that was as much white trash as it was glamour. Though we have never been fans of ripped clothing for outselves, the ripped denim, torn up aesthetic added a rough and rugged look to her exterior.

Whether she was attending Larry Storch’s School of Acting, starring in the Verminator commercials, or just going to make out in a car of a guy she met 5 minutes ago, Kelly always did it wither her personal style and very few have done it like her since.

 BONUS! THE BEST OF KELLY BUNDY!