He-He-Hello: An Ode To Mary

The '90s gave me many female idols in music, television, fashion, & film & one of those idols was (& still is) the perfectly quirky, indie darling...

Miss Parker Posey.

Parker starred in TONS of films during the fantastic decade that was the '90s (Dazed & Confused, The House Of Yes, The Daytrippers, Clockwatchers, etc.) but it was her role as Mary (no last name) in Party Girl that made me fall in love with her.

 

 

Mary is a free-spirited young woman with a run-down New York apartment and a high fashion wardrobe. She calls her godmother, a librarian, for bail money after being arrested for throwing an illegal party. To repay the loan, she begins working as a library clerk. At first she hates it, but when challenged decides to master the Dewey Decimal System and become a great library clerk, while romancing a falafel vendor and helping her roommate in his goal to become a professional DJ.

 (The above synopsis was taken from the Party Girl IMDB page.)

 

 

I always liked Mary because it seemed she never had any idea where her life was going. Even at a young age, I identified with that. Still do, actually.

Mary had her heart in the right place, but needed to find direction in her life. Working as a clerk saved her. At least, it helped her figure out what she was capable of. Mary was always whip smart, she just never realized it. I guess, in a small way, it was because she didn't have much of a support system. As the movie progresses, she finds friendship (& love) among several people, & cuts ties with those who may be toxic in her life.

But let us not dwell on all of that heavy stuff.

Let's talk about Mary's awesome fashion sense!

 

The first outfit of the film. Not too wild about that little flappy thingy on her top, but I love the way it fits on her. However, the top has nothing on her glitter rainbow shorts & patterned pantyhose.

Red lips & gold heart necklace --even behind bars, Mary is a vision.

Mary makes her one phone call.

Every single thing about this outfit is perfect. My favorite pieces are her the coat, blouse, & pantyhose. 

I adore her glasses, too.

 

I love the way her hair looks in this scene. Totally adore how it's pulled back & in a net.

Parker's expressions are my favorite.

Getting her ID picture taken.

Just in a bra & tights, Mary works it.

Trying out some Princess Leia buns. Mary's studio apartment is very sparse, but this little closet corner is adorable.

More red lips & that curl! I feel like Mary's signature color is red.

You stay classy, Mary!

Natasha & Mary do their thang & you should watch it here.

Mary starts her job at the library.

I miss the card catalog.

 

Mary spends some time with Mustafa & learns about his life.

Kermit-y green & oh so keen!

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS OUTFIT!

No one can do "bitch face" quite like Parker can.

See what I mean?

Another outfit I love. Shame I couldn't get a screen cap of the whole dress.

Mary fantasizes about Mustafa & does a little dance.

 

Feelin' it.

 

Strikin' a pose.

Here's a video of said dance.

 

 

This is Rene. Rene is one of Mary's friends & an owner of a hip club. 

I wanted to take a minute to point out her rad leather bracelets & necklace, & that awesome Motorhead tee.

Posting this cap simply for the flyer.

Mary's godmother interrupts a chatting session between Mary & her roommate & bestie, Leo. I heart Mary's jean shorts, colored hose & boots combo. Her layered shirts are also fab. The costume designer on this film sure had a thing for hose & tights. I like that.

GOLD HOOPS!

FUCK YOU!

After a particularly stressful day, Mary unwinds with a joint. She then gets motivated to take her job seriously (& show her godmother that she's no loser) & organizes the library. 

 

Re-shelving books can be quite fun! 

 

Book cartwheeling! 

 

It's Leo's (he's a DJ, by the way) first night working at Rene's club & he's pretty nervous. While spinning records, he spots Venus (a dancer for the club) & is transfixed by her beauty. So I am, Leo. So am I.

GLITTER & SILVER EVERYWHERE!

 

Silver lips.

Silver smiles.

Mary's been working at the library all night & has learned the ropes.

Beige until you die.

Mustafa is irked with Mary, so to annoy him & possibly make things right, she harasses him every single day at his falafel cart.

& she does it in many wonderful (& not so wonderful) outfits!

Can I have a falafel with hot sauce, a side order of Baba Ghanoush and a seltzer, please? 

Outfit #1 -- love the coast & hose/knee socks combo.

Outift #2 -- hate everything about this outfit.

Outfit #3 -- purple & black is always a great color combo.

Outfit #4 -- love it, but burn those shoes.

Outfit #5 -- mad love for those shoes & that skirt.

Even Mary's pajamas are fashionable.

Mustafa has come to make amends with Mary & romance ensues.

Mary's godmother is gives her a verbal lashing for a blunder she caused, & Mary looks adorable while enduring it. 

I'd like to also point out the repeat use of this jacket. I love when TV shows & films repeat clothing.

I think Mustafa is telling Mary how much he hates her sweater. I'm kidding! Or am I?

I'm too tired to explain why Mary is dressed like this, but she looks very pretty.

Here is the moment when Mary takes control of her life & decides what she wants to do.

FAVORITE OUTFIT! EVERYTHING IS PERFECT! SWOON!

Mary has an important meeting with her aunt (who's coming over to Mary's apartment) but an impromptu surprise birthday party is thrown in Mary's honor.

Mary's godmother (whose name is Judy, by the way) arrives & Mary shows her that she can do anything she sets her mind to!

& of course, her godmother is super impressed.

So, everyone goes back to celebrating & getting down with their funky selves.

Mary will always be a party girl, but a new adventure is about to begin.

&hearts