The eighties featured a few distinctive looks. The first being the softer, peasant, romantic side of the era. These were the women who were still hanging on to the late 70's garb. Such as flowing puff sleeves, blouses with muted floral prints, and loose fitting attire. Just like in the eighties these trends too shall vanish and make way for another recycled era of fashion. What I tell my clients about purchasing "trend" fashions is, try not to spend too much money on these disposable trend pieces, concentrate your finances on building your classic wardrobe. However in order to keep your look updated and fun, spend a few dollars on pieces that are discardable yet fun. Such as, above we have a new rendition of those "free flowing" inspired frocks. Forever21's, rose hips floral button front top. It has a banded waist and petite cap sleeves with those muted neutral colors we all love and recognize. Is soft and feminine and totally reeks of the eighties. Only $18.90
In addition to the delicate sweet side of my beloved childhood memories, there were also the much noted fashion blunders Grunge was its name. This is what the late eighties to mid ninety's were most know for. (Thank you My So Called Life). Plaid flannel shirts with ripped jeans and studded wallet chains. Androgen was a huge look for women. We were wearing our boyfriends over sized flannel shirts and rolling up the sleeves, not very fem but hey we were rebelling.Here we have a more favorable and complimentary variation on that style. Forever21's Plaid top with waist tie and rolled 3/4 sleeves. This rather large print picnic table pattern, is known as Buffalo Plaid, and you will be seeing many variations of it for the next few seasons. So for only $17.80 you too can rock on my fellow grungers, Rock On!
I have a deep passion for two things when it comes to fashion. The first being foot wear, and the second, denim, denim, denim. Both are crucial to building a strong statement making wardrobe. However denim can tend to get rather pricey for "designer" brand names. Joe's Jeans and 7 Seven for all man kind can run anywhere from $90 and up. I enjoy spending money on great denim as much as the next fashionista but COME ON NOW. TIP: skinny jeans,(any wash,style or color), the "boyfriend jean" featured above which is looser and more relaxed, stone washed, high waited,destroyed, destroyed shorts and faded jeans are all in this season.
TIP: Women over 30 shouldn't wear juniors size jeans, even if you are a petite little woman and wear a size 00-6, don't do it!! Juniors sizes typically are designed for juniors, I know its a crazy concept. The patterns vary dramatically from juniors to women's sizes. Around the upper thigh to the knee the pattern is thinner and tighter, exactly where women need to have a straighter longer line. From the knee to the hem, juniors patterns tend to be more flared creating a juvenile girly silhouette. If you are looking to eliminate that trashy booty crack flash, which in my opinion has no place in fashion, juniors sizes have lower waists and shorter zippers, women's sizes have higher waists. Choose wisely, and purchase your age ladies not your pant size.
Booties are all the rage this season, Ankle Booties that is. Look for; crushed weathered leather, cork heals, rounded toes, fold over and scrunched styles. Basically if you you wore them 20 years ago but you never thought to save them for a second go round, they are fabulous. Above are a pair of Natanya Ankle Boots $26.80 from forever21. LOVE EM!!!!! Everyone can wear these weather your style is relaxed and casual to street chic and formal. Inexpensive and sharp, these will complete your super modern look when paired with any of the denim jeans featured above, as well as either blouse above. Ados also has a great selection of ankle booties, they tend to run about $65-$110 a pair.
Graphic printed tees are a marvelous and extremely inexpensive way to give your wardrobe a speedy face lift. Band tees are whats hot, hot, hot, right now. Especially bands from the 60, 70 and 80's such as; Led Zeplin, Hendrix, and The Clash, are among the plethora available basically any where t shirts are sold. So head out to your local mall or simply sit at your computer and order 5 to 6 cotton tees, and you are on your way to a currently 80's look.
Debbie Harry( The lead singer from Blondie) happens to be my idol. Not onlyis she a proud pop icon representing the 1980, but a brilliant musician that defined women's rock and roll for generations to come. This cotton kick butt Blondie graphic band tee shirt is a mere $15.80 at my favorite disposable fashion store forever21. Another few sites for tees are;
delias.com - 80tees.com- urbanoutfitters.com -pacificsunwear.com
The proper way to wear an 80's graphic cotton tee is to pair it with your favorite jeans what ever the style, length, color, design, or wash and throw on a pair of scrunchy leather ankle booties and a well tailored, structured blazer. This look is for women of all age. It's youthful and fun yet still maintains a sense of sophistication and put together-ness. Below is a great juniors cotton blend blazer from Kohls. This is not a case of age discrimination ladies, any woman of any age can wear a juniors blazer, just as long as the lines are sleek and well tailored. I recommend a belted blazer to ALL of my clients. Available at Kohls for $22. Other places for fab blazers; anntaylor.com - spiegal.com -chicos.com -jcrew.com
TIP: Every body shape is benefited by a belted blazer. Reason being, it creates a waist where one may not occur naturally, or simply defines those marvelous curves that have been secretly hiding throughout your day. The structured shoulders, smart collar and princess lines give a very well put together and polished visual, perfect for adding a bit of class to an other wise casual outfit.
TIP: The point of fashion is to have fun and express yourself what ever your mood. On Monday you may wake up late, stub your toe on the bed and spill your coffee all before 8am. So in order to express your angst and rebellion against your own stupidity, you can wear a pair of edgy, punk rock heals with your traditional jacket and pant suit set to the office. Show the world how you feel, it can really put a clever spin on your bad day.
Save this one in your favorites ladies. This is the perfect gift for any of your girlfriends. It's a modern and quite chic spin on the 80 & 90 fanny pack. This marvelous remake of an oldie but goodie, consists of a gold chain linked belt with a dainty coin purse. Its campy and sweet and when filled with any deliciously retro jewelry, it will make a truly unique and statement making fashionable gift. Wear this snazzy number out for the evening and go hands free, no clutch for me!!! a whopping $34 at urban outfitters.Accessories have the ability to make or break an otherwise bland outfit. I know we all can relate to this scenario; Its wash day and all you have is a pair of jeans and a tank top that's clean, or semi- clean. Throw on a sexy heal and a straw retro inspired Fedora and that simple ensemble is now a cutting edge head turner. $34 UrbanOutfitter.com
Take a look at a few more flashback 80's accessories you can use to spice up your existing wardrobe no matter what style you currently have.
Urban Outfitters- Urban Outfitters- Forever21
Bird and Eiffel Tower Scarf- Painted Aviators- Zebra evening clutch
Urban Outfitters Bangle
No comments:
Post a Comment