Mirror80

Reflecting on recent retro style

Love My Way

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A post on learning to run the race, even if you’re still figuring it all out…

Pic Fix: An ’80s Tumblr Roundup

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One of the biggest surprises of the ’80s style revival has been the birth of the ’80s Tumblr. When I started this blog two years ago, I never could have foreseen the extent to which Tumblr would fuel a love of ’80s design. Yet it has been one of my greatest joys, as ’80s art and design images are now abundant and accessible to the masses. In the spirit of celebrating the 1980s Tumblr phenomenon, we’ll be reveling in Tumblr pics from time to time, bringing you the best that enthusiasts of our favorite decade have to offer. Today is no exception…

An ’80s Fall Floral Arrangement

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Happy Fall, all you ’80s-lovers! Today’s autumn floral arrangement is super easy to create. The globular Haeger vase was a resale shop find (we’re talking a few bucks). Fill it with blooms from the same color family. We chose mums and roses in shades of peach and rust. That’s it! There’s something about the monochromatic look that beats you over the head with its ’80s color palette, transporting the arrangement from tacky-ville to cheeky-ville. Next, we show you how to jazz it up…

Glamming It Up with ’80s-Style Jewelry

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Maybe it’s the backlash against the handmade, crafty aesthetic of Etsy, or perhaps people are looking for glamour with an edge… Either way, this season’s ’80s-style jewelry has knocked our socks off! For years, we’ve been scouring vintage boutiques for solid collar necklaces and Deco-style earrings. You know, the stuff that many an ’80s lady wore to the office, then later to a night at the club. 1980s glam style has returned to the mainstream, thanks to retailers like Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters. This calls for a celebration, so you’ll have a place to wear these not-so-subtle finds!

Friday Video Pick: “Mr. Overtime” by Punks Jump Up Feat. Dave 1 of Chromeo

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Ready to go on a night drive? Maybe with someone who’s cool with your friends? You’re not alone… Today we feature the video for “Mr. Overtime” by Punks Jump Up, with vocals by none other than Dave 1 from Chromeo. Not only is the song a current DJ staple, the video showcases some pretty awesome visuals, many of which are ’80s-influenced. Bring on the neon, lipstick, sunglasses and fast cars…

A Very ’80s Halloween

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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…