Gotta have it: Fashion rewind to the '80s
By Rebecca Homitz
For Weekly Surge
The '80s are making a comeback (again) - themed parties, games, and clothes. Every season, fashion houses tantalize and tease by creating new trends, updating classics, and throwing in a few pieces reminiscent of days gone by. This fall season is no exception. A throwback to the '80s is in full swing and popping up everywhere. Skinny leg jeans, lace, neon colors, leggings, jelly shoes and gold accessories all can be found in designers' collections and numerous stores around the Grand Strand.
So what is one to do when looking for an '80s inspired look or dressing for an invitation to a full-on '80s theme party? Simply find the best pieces for pulling off a look of excess. The following two stores in the Grand Strand offer prime opportunities for outfitting yourself with '80s-revived gear and building a seriously, like totally awesome look.
PacMan "I Scored in the '80s" T-Shirt ($22.99)
RETRO ACTIVE, THE '70s, '80s & '90s STORE: Located at Broadway at the Beach (next to Ben & Jerry's), this store is a great place for finding authentic '80s-inspired gear. Started by Amy C. and Amy L. and their love of the '80s, they have carried this zest into stocking a store full of T-shirts, memorabilia, jewelry, buttons, games, music and more.
WHAT TO BUY: For men of the '80s, acid wash jeans and T-shirts were high fashion. Rock the look today by wearing straight leg jeans and grabbing a T-shirt of your favorite '80s bands- KISS ($23.99), Def Leppard ($24.99), or Journey ($22.99). Or dress yourself with your favorite '80s movie T-shirt - "The Goonies" (four designs ranging from $22.99-$24.99), "Princess Bride" ($23.99), "Karate Kid" ($23.99) or gaming T-shirt such as PacMan "I Scored in the '80s" ($22.99) or Super Mario Brothers "Party Like It's 1985" ($23.99). Add a mullet and you're good to go.
Women of the '80s were about big hair, bags and jewelry. Grab a bunch of Jelly bracelets ($2.99 for six) and a Glitter Wristband ($3.99) in hot pink and wear it with your favorite '80s television show T-shirt such as Smurf's Smurf Group ($24.99) or "Miami Vice" ($23.99) and leggings. Or pair skinny jeans and heels with your favorite singer or group - Lionel Ritchie "All Night Long" ($23.99) or Air Supply ($22.99) and spray some height into your hair-do with Aquanet.
Preview more merchandise online at www.shopretroactive.com.
Multicolored Argyle T-shirt ($19.50)
OLD NAVY: Yes, you may wonder why such a conventional store would be included, but Old Navy (located at the Coastal Grand mall) is always on the forefront of mainstream fashion and has a lot of '80s-inspired pieces at great prices. And, as the '80s have taught us; it's in your attitude and the way you wear it.
WHAT TO BUY: Ladies, here is the place for skinny jeans. A fantastic fit - Lowest Rise Skinny "The Diva" ($29.50) is available in three shades: Rinse, Arvind Gray, and Authentic. These super sleek tight jeans scream '80s chic. For a funky vibe, pair these with the Women's Jelly Ballet Flats ($16.50- available in blue, red, black and purple), a Gold Glitter Clutch ($12.50), and a Goddess Graphic Tee ($14.50) in light heather gray. Go for over the top and layer on Silver Track Jacket ($24.50), big hair, and blue eye shadow.
Men can shop for the '80s preppy look at Old Navy. Pop the collar on the Spiced Pumpkin Multicolor Striped Polo ($19.50) or grab a Multicolored Argyle T-shirt in chocolate. Tuck the polo or T-shirt in and pair it with the Herringbone-Stripe Khaki's in American Twill ($24.50) and a pair of brown loafers - for the full effect, find a matching blazer and fold up the cuffs.
Preview these and other styles at www.oldnavy.com.
Still looking for inspiration? Throw on a movie, such as "Breakfast Club," which features every major fashion trend of the '80s, or "Pretty in Pink," both iconic representations of the fabulous '80s. Want to brush up on your rad '80s lingo or trivia, go online to www.liketotally80s.com for a tutorial on everything, like, '80s.