Today I’m THRILLED to be collaborating with BambleVintage! In 2014, this Etsy shop’s creative owner, Sophie, got in touch, and she’s been a big supporter of Mirror80 over the years. It’s been awhile since I’ve featured her carefully curated finds, so I wanted to check back in and see what BambleVintage has in store…and enjoy Sophie’s unique perspective on ’80s fashion!
Below we see an ’80s peach top sourced from BambleVintage. Don’t you love the preppy vibe?! Read on for more photos, fabulous fashion quotes from Sophie, and a discount code for Mirror80 readers!…
Sophie on misconceptions about ’80s fashion…
…for most people just mentioning the world “eighties” conjures up upsetting imagery of garish and highly flammable shell suits and a mullet cut by someone’s mum… If you are one of those people then everything eighties is too big, too brash, too gaudy. It’s all awkward to wear, and even more awkward to look at, right? The basis of this misunderstanding, I think, probably stems from the idea of associating one or two styles, or even fashion items, with one particular decade. When we do this, all the wonderful nuances and innovation of an entire era just sort of get clumped together. The intricacies of everything from the style of a particular garment, to a whole fashion movement, get blurred. We forget that fashion is, and always has been, a journey.
Below: a vintage sleeveless summer dress and an ’80s polka dot summer dress from BambleVintage
On shoulder pads…
Now, the dreaded shoulder pads, I love them. I am sorry, but I just love them. Honestly, as soon as you remove all the negative connotations and imagery of shoulder pads from your psyche (It’s hard, I know, I’m here for you), a new world will open up. Believe me, they are flattering, they create the illusion of beautiful posture, and they are very versatile. I think they look especially good on a slight frame to create a sense of shape. Wear thin ones to add the finishing touch to your silhouette, wear big ones for sheer opulence and statement. Wear them correctly and no, you will not look like an American football player. If you still think shoulder pads are hideous artifacts of the past, last seen withering and dying out in the Eighties, ask Gaga and Ri Ri, they’ve got my back on the whole shoulder pads deal.
Sophie on her love of ’80s fashion…
I love the fashion of the eighties. It’s as simple as that. Seeing an eighties garment, the more flamboyant the better, fills me with joy. The beading, the colour, abstract prints and bold patterns, the just plain fun. I don’t want something straight off the shelf of a big brand, or something that is on trend for this second. I love eighties fashion because I want character. In the summer, I throw on a bright eighties printed blouse and (of course!) the essential neon plastic wayfarers, and I feel (shock alert) cool. I even used to have (as in a few years ago) Duran Duran and Stray Cats earrings, until, to my eternal regret, they literally fell from my ears with wear.
Below: ’80s leather peep toe shoes from Bamble Vintage
On why ’80s fashion will always be in style…
If you still disagree with my love of eighties style, trust me, I get it. But looking through popular clothing brand websites today, I can honestly say that I see a huge amount of eighties influence. In fact, I see straight-up reproductions made to cater to the current retro trend. It seems strange to me that people would buy something that maybe has a “modern take” on something or has a “cool retro feel” rather than just diving in to eighties vintage itself, which will always have character. It is easy to buy (for some unknown and undoubtedly absurd reason people also give eighties clothes to charity), and fun to wear. Create a look, mix it up, it’s what eighties style was meant for. Or even better, you can see what BambleVintage has in stock…
A BIG thank you to Sophie for sharing her ’80s fashion expertise with us. For more fabulous finds, like the vintage beaded cardigan, ’80s velvet evening bag and vintage white leather pumps below, head on over to BambleVintage! In fact, Sophie has generously set up a discount code for Mirror80 readers. Type in MIRROR80 at checkout and receive 10% off all purchases from BambleVintage over £10 ($12.51), Expires FEB 26.
Happy Shopping!!!
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