At the height of The Brady Bunch, Maureen McCormick was not just playing one of television’s most popular teenagers. She was also offering advice on how other girls could become popular too.
This early 1970s advertisement promoted Every Girl Can Be Popular!, a mail-order booklet credited to McCormick. It promised 60 tips on meeting boys, dating, grooming, clothing and gaining confidence in relationships.
Of course, the advice reflects its time. Much of the booklet focused on dressing properly, attracting boys and avoiding mistakes that might “turn boys off.” The advertisement even promised that Maureen’s self-improvement plan could surprise everyone, including the reader herself.
Teen magazines frequently used young television stars to sell beauty tips, dating advice, posters and fan merchandise. With Marcia Brady considered the ideal American teenager, Maureen was the perfect celebrity to convince readers that popularity could be learned.
Would you have ordered this booklet, or did you already think Marcia Brady was a little too perfect?
