Spending a week with my not-so-mobile mother recently, I found myself watching a LOT of television that I would not ordinarily see. Fashions from the 1980s figured prominently in these re-runs, and one episode of "Matlock" (I know, I know) really made an impression on me. In it, Matlock's beautiful young assistant (she of the big frizzled blonde hair and football-shouldered jackets) removes her jacket to reveal a pair of slouchy pleated trousers, a loose forest green crepe de chine shirt (tucked in, of course,) and the most amazing glossy dark brown alligator suspenders. I can't get this combo out of my head. It might be a bit much for one who was not young the first time the look came around, but on my 20-something daughter--and many of you--I believe a similar outfit could look absolutely hip, so I'm offering it up as a potential bit of '80s inspiration. The high-waisted pants and Equipment-style silk shirt would be easy enough to find; where you might get those alligator leather suspenders, though, I have no idea!