#TBT: Scrunchies

Two thoughts come into my mind when I hear the word scrunchie: First, matching leotards and scrunchies (I was a competitive gymnast growing up and the matchy-matchy thing was very chic). Second, Sex and the City; the episode where Carrie has just finished reading Berger’s book. She gushes about how much she “loved, loved, loved it,” and then… “Except for one huge problem. You have your leading lady running all over town wearing a scrunchie! A scrunchie.” Eeks. This was the beginning of the end of the Carrie-Berger love fest.

But back in the day, you couldn’t find a celebrity – or a TV show – that didn’t boldly represent the scrunchie. From Madonna and Paula Abdul to Full House and Saved by the Bell, scrunchies were everywhere. When it came to hair accessories, scrunchies were the epitome of cool. But like most trendy items, when the hipness wears off, #RIP.

For many years after the Berger-schrunchie SATC saga, I despised scrunchies. Literally, I hated the word. I associated scrunchies with breakups, I pitied anyone I saw wearing one, and I even hid all photos of myself in said fabric-wrapped hair ties.

But a few months ago, my relationship with scrunchies changed. Perhaps it was American Apparel’s resurgence of candy-colored cotton scrunchies at every checkout counter. Or maybe it was the photos of Rita Ora, Jennifer Lopez, and Cara Delevingne rocking their multi-hued scrunchies loud and proud. Either way, me – and my ponytail – (re)fell in scrunchie love.

But for those who still feel to retro wearing a scrunchie, here are some modern alternatives:

1. Sephora Collection Ribbon Hair Ties ($9 for set of 8) – A less subtle version of the scrunchie, but still just as colorful and functional.
2. Punta Cana Pony Holders ($12) -Tastefull, multi-colored, fabric hair ties, minus the scrunchie poof.
3. L. Erickson Cuff Ponytail Holder ($22) – Add some metal to your pony with this stylish silver hair cuff.