One of my favorite things about the current ’80s revival is the way today’s designers have reinvented the best of the past. From ’80s-style clothing that actually fits to over-the-top patterns that are cheekier and more intentional in their craziness, there’s something refreshing about giving good style a second chance. Which is why the current rhinestone resurgence could not be edgier or more fabulous! In fact, today’s slew of rhinestone finds are bolder, more angular and more daring than the originals. They revel in their own shine, combining color and form in ways that vintage pieces didn’t ever attempt. We think you’ll love today’s featured finds. The best news: they are absolutely affordable!!!
Happy Valentine’s Day from Mirror80!
Happy Valentine’s Day all you ’80s-lovers!!! For today’s featured images, I went back in time to the Valentine’s Days past of Mirror80. Whether you’re putting together a bouquet for your sweetie, purchasing a special gift for yourself, or starting a vintage silver jewelry collection, these pics are a rosy reminder of all things pretty in pink.
Escape to an ’80s-style Florida Condo…
Winter may still be in the air, but that doesn’t mean we can’t dream about a beachy getaway. Especially if that getaway involves ’80s-style condos that are due for a renovation. We think they’re perfect the way they are! We begin with a condo in crescent beach, shown above. How can you go wrong with a sectional sofa, rattan furniture, and plenty of pastels?!
Friday Video Pick: “The Night You Murdered Love” by ABC
February may be the month of love, but it’s not champagne and roses for everyone. Today we take a few minutes to celebrate drama, heartache and a bit of obsession with this gorgeous music video from ABC. “The Night You Murdered Love” comes from the group’s 1987 album Alphabet City. To describe the plot of today’s piece, I defer to this concise Wikipedia one-liner: “The music video shows a homicidal fashion model carrying a slingshot and a skateboard stalking the band across the city of Paris.” Interested?
Yuppie Cocktail Hour
This week at Mirror80, we’re shining a spotlight on the finer things in life. Swanky lobbies with black marble tile, gourmet food with fancy flourishes, and designer cocktails with a kick! Yes, we’re peeking into the world of the 1980s yuppie. If you’ve seen films like The Secret of My Success or Baby Boom, you know what we’re talking about. Yuppies worked hard, but they played even harder. And some of that play time involved cocktail parties and trips to restaurants like Gotham in New York…
Lobby Luxe Style
We at Mirror80 have made no secret of our love for lobby style. Call is Lobby Sleek, Lobby Chic, or Lobby Luxe, this look in some ways never left. Office buildings and hotels today still feature metallic planters and dramatic sculptures. Marble tile graces many a bank entry. And who doesn’t love a piece of geometric abstract art? We’re already planning our next foodie event, and this lobby grandeur is a style that we could get excited about. Now we just need some yuppie-fabulous recipes to complete the evening…
Retro Foodie: An ’80s Valentine’s Day Dessert Buffet!
It’s hard to imagine a holiday that’s more ’80s-worthy than Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re single or coupled, this is a time to revel in the myriad of dessert-themed visuals that can’t help but conjure the decadence of the 1980s. If you’ve been reading Mirror80 this month, you know that we created two mood boards in preparation for this Retro Foodie photo shoot. The first celebrates the glam side of ’80s Valentine’s Day style. The second emphasizes everything cute and candy-colored in the realm of ’80s sweets. After much thought and consideration, we decided to go cute. After all, we can veer into glam territory for a range of foodie adventures. But how often can you have a full-on ’80s-style sweet fest?! Read on for more details…
’80s-Style Men’s Shirts from Topman
While shopping this weekend, I came across an assortment of ’80s-style shirts for men. As it turns out, Topman has been heavily influenced by 1980s colors, patterns and cuts in the creation of their new collection. Today we celebrate the fun of flamboyant design, as well as the joy of the slightly over-sized fit. As Topman claims, “Our new 80’s inspired fit with wider, dropped shoulders and fuller sleeves is designed to create an oversized streetwear silhouette.” And with sizes ranging from XXS-XXL, there’s definitely a perfect fit for everyone!
Friday Video Pick: “Shy Boy” by Bananarama
Today we travel back to 1982, when Bananarama belted out the lyrics to “Shy Boy” while making over a nerdy office worker. That’s right–the video features a man makeover, as well as some pretty interesting tropical backdrops. The “shy boy” in today’s Friday Video Pick is vocalist Terry Sharpe, who went on to form the group The Adventures. At the time, he was dating Bananarama vocalist Sara Dallin. Watch as this fashionable girl band cleans up his look, forces him to work out, then loses him to an office secretary. But not before throwing buckets of water on the happy couple…
An Ice Sculpture Extravaganza!
Why do ice sculptures always look so ’80s? Perhaps it’s the Art Deco style of the carving, intended to catch the light and play up the crystalline effect. With Art Deco experiencing a resurgence in the decade of decadence, it’s no wonder these fancy creations take on a 1980s vibe. On this winter day, we revel in the magic of the ornate ice sculpture. Hearts, roses, swans, dolphins, vases… It doesn’t get any better!
