Reflecting on recent retro style
Well, it’s been a minute!
This year we’re keeping our “Thanksgiving table” simple with a fall picnic and fresh food.
A post on learning to run the race, even if you’re still figuring it all out…
Today’s post is about pasta. And unpredictability.
It’s been way too long since we’ve taken a trip to ’80s Music Video Land… Today we revel in the neon-, leather- and metal-clad world of Missing Persons’ “Give”, a track we’ve previously featured as a Friday Video Pick. But today we take things a step further and explore a few elements of this 1984 video’s aesthetic.
Welcome to our 5th installment of ’80s Music Video Land, a series that explores the look and feel of our favorite videos from The Decade of Decadence. Today’s featured video: “A Forest” by The Cure. There’s something about early Cure videos that takes us to another place. If you haven’t yet checked out selections like “Let’s Go to Bed” and “The Walk,” do yourself a favor and give them a look.
In honor of “Lobby Chic” Week here at Mirror80, today we shine the spotlight on the music video for “Penthouse and Pavement” by Heaven 17. From their 1981 album of the same name, this disco-influenced track is nothing short of amazing. And the video… from a glossy lobby to an office filled with ’80s-fabulous appliances and electronics, never has corporate espionage had such as retro-sleek setting.
Something happened last month–I found the Vevo channel through my Roku. Yes, I’m a little late in the game here, but the thought of being able to watch music videos on demand on my TV has led to many hours of dancing around my living room as a form of exercise and pure recreation. This channel has brought back the magic of watching MTV as a kid–you know, back when they played videos all day. Guess what video popped up during my first viewing binge? Today’s featured piece: “Promised You a Miracle” by Simple Minds. How had I never seen this video before?! Maybe because this 1982 track predated the band’s more commercial hits that emerged mid-decade. The video is filled with amazing style elements. In fact, it could inspire the design of a room.
For our second installment of ’80s Music Video Land, we shine the spotlight on ABC. The band’s music videos beautifully capture an upscale romantic vibe, a world in which characters enjoy the finer things in life while navigating the difficulties of love. Which is exactly what we love about “Poison Arrow,” a track from ABC’s 1982 debut album The Lexicon of Love. From lead singer Martin Fry’s beloved gold lamé suit to the sparkling rhinestones of the leading lady’s necklace (that’s restaurateur and Real Housewife of Beverly Hills Lisa Vanderpump!), the fashion in this video is dramatic. Much like the lyrics of the song. And don’t get us started on the interior design!
Today we begin a new series on Mirror80! It’s one I’ve been excited about for quite some time now. I’ve made no secret of my love for ’80s music videos, and I’ve spent time discussing why they’re so dreamy. During the Decade of Decadence, the music video was a new outlet for expressing creativity, so artists tried just about anything and everything to make an impact. And some AMAZING visual styles resulted. Which is why today we launch ’80s Music Video Land! A couple times a month, I’ll be featuring a super-stylish 1980s music video, then delving into the visual style headfirst. Fashion, interior design, art–we’ll cover it all!
There are times when I’ve wondered if writing about something so niche is a bit self-indulgent. When people ask about my blog, they either get it or they don’t. I can’t tell you the number of conversations that have been cut short because I mentioned blogging about ’80s design and pop culture. Yet in the midst of this rapidly changing, worldwide COVID-19 crisis, I’ve come to realize that the things we love most are the things we should cling to when faced with uncertainty.
Now that we’re officially into March, I wanted to revisit some of my favorite Mirror80 posts from early 2015. The photos above reflect my commitment to making this blog your top source for recent retro style, including mid-’70s through mid-’90s design trends, as well as new decor finds with roots in the past. Here’s a little more about Mirror80, complete with links to the best posts of early 2015…
Hi Everyone! On this first weekend of 2015, I’m setting goals for the year ahead. I thought I’d share my Mirror80 resolutions with you, not only because I’m super excited about them, but because getting the word out will encourage me to meet my goals. Accountability is a powerful thing!
Happy almost New Year! As January 1st approaches, I thought I’d take a look back at 2014 and share a few of my favorite blog posts. Kate here, and I want to thank each and every one of you for making this past year an amazing one. Below you’ll find 20 highlights from the last 12 months, complete with photos and links in case you’d like to check out anything you may have missed. I have some exciting features planned for the coming months, and I can’t wait for Mirror80 to evolve in 2015! Until then…
