Why is it that Halloween decorations and accessories always seem to channel the ’80s? Seriously?! This week I went to check the mail, and there it was–an Oriental Trading catalog. I used to teach, and like many educators of young children who need to order supplies in bulk, I made great use of Oriental Trading catalogs throughout my teaching career. And when you’re constantly flipping through pages of glow necklaces, glitter curtains and jelly bracelets, it becomes clear that some design elements of the 1980s will forever be associated with parties. Halloween parties are no exception…
Go Back-to-School Shopping at Il Giardino Luxor
Hey, kids! Back-to-school season is officially here! What’s an attractive ’80s gal (or guy) to do? Stock up on school supplies! Mirror80 has been a fan of Etsy shop Il Giardino Luxor for quite some time now, and today we feature an assortment of their ’80s-fabulous school supplies in honor of the fall semester. The shop offers a range of vintage finds, from pencils and erasers to binders and postcards. The best part: the ’80s graphic design motifs!
Friday Video Pick: “Long Hot Summer” by The Style Council
Tomorrow is the first official day of fall! On this last day of summer, we revel in warmth one more time before saying goodbye to the season of swimming, cutoffs and lounging. In today’s Friday Video Pick, “Long Hot Summer” by The Style Council, we see singer Paul Weller drift down the river in a little boat while bandmate Mick Talbot steers. Sun shines through the treetops, and the two ham it up, much like when they cycled through the English countryside while belting out “My Ever Changing Moods.” Today it’s all about those lazy summer days on the water. As you’ll soon see, this video has a wonderful, dreamy quality to it…
’80s Flashback: Fall Fashion
Today we go back in time and spotlight Fall fashion trends from the ’80s that are back in full force. You may think the photos above and below were snapped this year, but think again. All came from publications featuring actual ’80s designs. First we showcase a tribal patterned fabric by Furphy Simpson (shown above), which boasts a variety of stripes and earth tones. Who says tribal wear is just for summer?
An ’80s-Style Ripped Paper DIY Project
Looking for an easy ’80s DIY project? Try a little art piece that can be completed in 30 minutes with the help of ripped paper and glue. This weekend I found myself in need of a modern minimalist piece to anchor a living room display of framed art. Desiring a picture that channeled ’80s modern design (think “office building chic”), I decided to begin a 3-color DIY project based on a large piece I’d briefly spotted in the 1991 film Regarding Henry starring Harrison Ford. Could my last-minute endeavor be more random? Read on for the details…
Friday Video Pick: “Under the Milky Way” by The Church
For those of you who know me, forget everything I’ve ever said about feathered hair being a mistake. Seriously. As you can see in the header image for today’s post, it has its time and place. And that time is 1988 and the place is on Steve Kilbey’s head. Perfection! In fact, this vocalist and bassist of Australian band The Church is one of the songwriters of their beloved hit “Under the Milky Way,” our featured track and video. If you know this song, you know it has something very special. If you aren’t yet familiar with this ditty, you’re in for a treat…
An ’80s Retrospective
From time to time, a 1980s-related event catches the eye of Mirror80, and we have to share it with our readers! Bishopsgate Institute’s Back to the 80s series is one of these very events! In fact, it’s a series of events that will be held in London beginning this month. If you live in London or are planning a trip to the city between now and early December, reserve your spot at one of these special evening engagements. Examining everything from ’80s fashion to the social dissent of the decade, Back to the 80s will include everything from special guests and panel discussions to a walking tour of key London sites!
’80s Fashion Highlights from Sammy Davis Vintage
I’ve recently had the pleasure of striking up a correspondence with Sammy Davis of Sammy Davis Vintage, a site dedicated to sharing the vintage love by highlighting quality fashion that stands the test of time. Not to mention, Sammy features a variety of vintage sellers, as well as specific fashion trends from an array of decades. Today we spotlight her article ’80s Clothing Trends You Love to Remember (or Wear!), as well as some amazing pics of 1980s dresses courtesy of Olive’s Very Vintage and modeled by none other than Sammy Davis herself!
Why ’80s Music Videos Are So Dreamy…
Music videos from the 1980s sure were all over the place! I was recently watching my old VHS tape of videos I’d recorded as a pre-teen, and it dawned on me that music videos from this time period represented a huge variety of approaches and technological levels. This new medium of entertainment ushered in an exciting era of artistic expression. People were still trying to figure it all out. Some bands simply sang in front of a blank white screen, while others pioneered the latest in special effects. Some rented a smoke machine and hit “record.” Others acted out elaborate stories, treating each piece as a three-minute short film. And that’s why ’80s music videos are so magical…
’80s Details in Glass
Sometimes the power is in the details… That’s certainly the case with the glass accents featured in today’s post. For example, nothing says ’80s like etched glass, especially when floral motifs are involved. Believe it or not, the picture above is not from the 1980s! In fact, this carved glass/divider screen is a custom project from La Mancha Glass Gardens, available through Custom Made. Separating the kitchen from the great room in this featured space, the 4-panel piece is even more awesome when you add a curved glass table and circular bowl to the mix, don’t you think?!
