Happy Friday, Everyone! You know when you find something cool online, and then you look a little closer and realize that you’ve stumbled upon a gold mine?! This is one such occasion, thanks to a website called Acrylic Home Design. I’ve made no secret of my love for all things acrylic, from dining sets to tables and desks. But when I came across the Acrylic Home Design site, it was crystal clear that the ’80s-style possibilities for this transparent material are absolutely mind blowing. And there are oodles of acrylic items big and small at our fingertips!
A Pastel Party–with Donuts!
For our spring Retro Foodie shoot, we present a Pastel Party featuring coffee, donuts, confetti, sprinkles and loads of geometry! While this ’80s-style party concept would be ideal for a weekend brunch, we enjoyed the goodies as an afternoon snack. Nothing like beating the mid-day slump with a little caffeine and sugar. Read on for all the sweet details…
The ’80s Connection: Alex Bouché
Today we shine the spotlight on Alex Bouché, CEO and Founder of DX Seven Collective, a vinyl-only record label that also offers merchandise and management services. We at Mirror80 have been wanting to write about New-Retro Wave for as long as we can remember, as many of our readers are fans of this ’80s-inspired music that often channels the synthesizer-driven soundtracks of our favorite decade. We couldn’t think of anyone better to elaborate on New-Retro Wave than Alex Bouché, a true pioneer of this genre who has cultivated one of the first labels in the New-Retro scene that emphasizes physical releases (rather than digital ones).
Retro Foodie: A Pastel Party Mood Board
Hi Everyone! It’s been a little while since our last Retro Foodie post. Yes, we’re planning the next installment of our ’80s-style culinary series, which is as much about creating amazing tablescapes as it is about the food. This month we present a pastel party! The photo shoot is this coming weekend, and we’ll be posting the pics next week. For now, we’d like to share our mood board, as well as the inspiration for the foodie fun. A Villeroy & Boch dishware pattern from the 1980s and an eye-catching recipe for ice cream squares started it all. Read on for more candy-colored details…
Spandau Ballet: Soul Boys of the Western World
Spandau Ballet’s pivotal gig filled with an audience of devoted Blitz Kids. The band members’ roots as working class youth in North London. Their residency in glamorous St. Tropez, where they sunbathed by day and played two sets each night. Their unforgettable trip to New York in 1981, after signing with Chrysalis and becoming legends in England. The band’s journey to The Bahamas in 1982, when they slowed down a bit and recorded their #1 hit, “True.” Then came the mainstream success…
The Beauty of an Abandoned Mall
For quite some time now, I’ve been completely obsessed with shopping malls built in the 1980s. Some are still going strong, like the mall a few miles from my home. I often walk around this two-story building, reveling in pockets of retro goodness, thanks to department stores that haven’t remodeled since the decade of decadence. Then there are the abandoned malls, like another one close to home that’s increasingly closed off, thanks to an upcoming project that will likely destroy any remaining traces of the ‘80s.
The ’80s at SXSW: Ping Pong Summer
It’s my favorite time of the year–South by Southwest is here! I love music, but I’m actually a bit partial to the film portion of this ever-growing festival. There’s something decadent about enjoying quiet moments from a comfy theater seat in the middle of the madness…
New Pastel Decor with an ’80s Design Twist
Have you noticed the recent pastel, geo and marble trends? Yes, they’re everywhere. But before you dismiss them as passing fads, we need to celebrate one key fact: all of these trends have brought ’80s interior design to the forefront. This is a BIG DEAL! When I first started Mirror80, 1980s fashion was huge. But 1980s interior design was nowhere to be found. Except if you could afford the really high-end stuff. Now that ’80s motifs and colors have hit the mainstream, we can all enjoy them in a new way!
Mirror80 February Highlights
Happy March, Mirror80 Readers! We’re definitely a few days into a new month, and we have some fun features in store. But first we wanted to take a minute and reflect on some of our favorite February posts. Over the past few weeks, we’ve spent quality time crafting new DIY creations, reflecting on sources of inspiration for ’80s design projects, exploring some exciting new fashion and decor offerings with retro style, and connecting with others who are celebrating a love for the decade of decadence through their own unique endeavors. Check out the images and links that follow, and be sure to visit any February posts you may have missed!
A Geometric Laundry Room Makeover
Happy Friday, Everyone! Remember earlier this month when I shared my geometric cabinet makeover? That was the first step in my laundry room redo. The laundry room at my place is TINY, but until now, I’ve never had an entire space devoted to laundering clothes. I was excited to make it stand out, especially since a variety of circumstances made it necessary to wait 8 months before buying a washer and dryer. The arrival of the appliances was my excuse to turn this drab beige room into a fun, colorful space. Plus, I could be brave with my choices–after all, it’s the laundry room!
