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80s hair dos

August 30, 2006

I had a few 80s hair dos and even a 70s one. Looking back on the 80s and comparing it to some of the other decades, I must say the 80s is as flamboyant and crazy as 18th century “big wig” era styles. Just think of the big hair rock bands, chemicalized hair dos such as the jheri curl.

I shamelessly present to you, “My 80s hair do timeline:”

AFRO (a big one) - late 70s

I was in Kindergarden and 1st grade with an Afro. I looked like young black Jesus. I went to an all white school surrounded by a lot of neo-nazi types so I don’t know why mom had me stand out even more with a ‘fro.

Jheri Curl - ‘85

If you were born sometime in the 80s then you probably don’t realize that Micheal Jackson is a black man. Some people say that he is “weird” or he looks like a “white woman” or that he “molests young boys”. I can say one word to erase all these ridiculous allegations: THRILLER. BECAUSE THIS IS THRILLER, THRILLER NIGHT. GOT TO BE STARTIN’ SOMTHIN’ GOT. BILLY JEAN IS NOT MY LOVER, JOMONE!! Now bow down to MJ!

The jehri curl was incredibly popular because Micheal Jackson made it popular (this was before Pepsi lit his highly flamable jheri curl on on fire.) Ice cube used to also keep it real with the jehri curl back in when the jehri curl was the most “gangsta” 80s hair do you could get.

Shag - ‘87

The shag is something I don’t see a lot of information about online. It is as if people are trying to pretend that it didn’t exist. The shag was like a black man’s mullet. I was short hair all over except for longer hair or a “shag” in the back on the neck. Nearly, every young black male I knew went through a “shag” phase.

S-Curl - ‘89

The S-Curl is actually more of a 90’s style. It is the coolest hair style in my oppinion. It is just like the jehri curl as it uses chemicals to get the arabic wet curly look, but it was for shorter hair and used less chemicals.

Gumby - 8?

This is by far the dumbest 80s hair do that I attempted to have. The gumby hair style let a young male fro in the shape of Gumby’s head, hence the name. Some guys could pull it off. Big Daddy Cane made it look good.

 

Want more 80s hair dos? click here.

Popularity: 97% [?]

80s Punk Fashion

April 19, 2006

We've got a new little page up covering some of the finer point of 80s Punk Fashion.
You don't like it?!  Do you honestly think that Billy Idol gives a DAMN what you think?!
Well he doesn't.  In fact Billy is crying out with a rebel yell “MORE, MORE, MORE.”
So can it dweebs before you find yourself with eyes with out a face and check out the 80s Punk Fashion.

Popularity: 100% [?]

Back to the Future: Eighties Nightmare Returns

January 23, 2006

Written by: Johneen Manning

The styles strutting down fashion catwalks this season suggest the answer is “yes”. The ubiquitous eighties insanity has ravaged the fashion world, again. Gag me with a spoon!

Leg warmers paired with stiletto heels? What am I saying - leg warmers period?

Slouch boots? Teased hair? Oh, and let's not forget the iridescent blue eye shadow and frosted lipstick. Yes, they've all risen from their all-too-shallow graves and are packing a punch in 21st century trends. Don't as me why, because I don't know. All I can do is shake my head and protest that it's hip to be square.

Let's briefly review and you can decide whether or not you'd like to join the new retro crowd. I propose we get the absolute disasters out of the way first.

It seems that ruffled mini skirts have found their way back into fashion, except they've shrunk. I remember wearing those when I was ten. Call me nostalgic about some things, but certainly not that garish number. And then there's that issue of the leg-warmer. In my view, these knitting mishaps are acceptable only if you're figure-skating, and even then, they're questionable. If your legs are cold, put on a pair of bloody pants!

I can only pray that acid-washed jeans (and colored jeans in general) never see the light of day again. I'm still trying to forget that nasty episode of bubblgum jeans.

Black and white pairings are big again, but let's just hope we're spared the agony of neon, spandex and ultra-tacky brooches!

Now, even I must admit that certain localized 80s elements may be safely extracted from the otherwise tacky decade and inserted tastefully into contemporary fashion. For example, the wide belt is a smart addition to new millennium fashion. It's all about balance, though: a flashy, funky belt is clever only when accessorizing a relatively simple skirt, pant or dress. A snazzy belt is a great way to dress up a pair of sexy jeans and shows that you really know how to accessorize. Pull it together with a coordinating shoe or boot to complete the look.

I can't say enough about the bold new colors, patterns and heels that are emerging this season. Designers are really having a lot of fun with accessories, so take the plunge and invest in at least one quality bag, boot and belt trio that will carry you through countless outfits.

Another brief moment of 80s greatness can be found in the fishnet stocking, which is officially leading the way in the hosiery revival. This naughty accessory is actually a double retro, as fishnets were also all the rage in the 1960s, and have long been associated with cabaret dancers, ladies of the night, and punk rockers.

In their newest incarnation, fishnets have been pronounced chic by designers and have been making splashes all over runways this season. Designers are playing with scale and playing with a range of mesh sizes. The nets are widely available in classic black as well as many updated options including cocoa, white, nude, and even red!

Update work attire with more conservative neutral colors. Some fashionistas are even layering fishnets over brightly colored hosiery; not my thing, but give it a try if it interests you. A general rule: if you snag 'em, bag 'em. Holes and runs in hosiery (especially fishnets) are never cool. Never.

Off-the-shoulder shirts and sweaters will always be hot. A pair of comfy jeans paired with a knit sweater that reveals a peek of bare shoulder emits the message that you're sexy, especially when you're not trying.

Bohemian-style floral print shirts and skirts are another casually sexy look that are making a comeback - separately, of course. This look is also a double deja vu, hailing previously from the 1960s and 70s. The object here is not to look psychedelic, though, so don't' overdo it: Pair a flowing feminine peasant blouse with a solid pair of slacks or skirt. Likewise, a floral skirt should go with a solid top.

The denim jacket is a trendy casual fall item that looks great with a chunky scarf and an otherwise non-denim outfit, such as a tweed skirt with flat-heeled suede leather boots. Yes, it's from the 80s, but the jean jacket is a great way to dress something down.

I can only pray that acid-washed jeans (and colored jeans in general) never see the light of day again. I'm still trying to forget that nasty episode of bubblegum jeans.

The upside to this fashion exercise in regurgitation is that the eighties were recent enough that local thrift stores are stacked to the gills with eighties-wear. If you insist on returning to the crazy 80s, dig out your old Madonna tapes and have fun. I on the other hand will extract what I like and wait it out.

Johneen Manning is Editor-In-Chief of http://www.GKFA.com, a hip, savvy & fresh online magazine for the 'Sex and the City' generation of women.

Popularity: 91% [?]

Back to the Future: Eighties Nightmare Returns

January 23, 2006

Written by: Johneen Manning

The styles strutting down fashion catwalks this season suggest the answer is “yes”. The ubiquitous eighties insanity has ravaged the fashion world, again. Gag me with a spoon!

Leg warmers paired with stiletto heels? What am I saying - leg warmers period?

Slouch boots? Teased hair? Oh, and let's not forget the iridescent blue eye shadow and frosted lipstick. Yes, they've all risen from their all-too-shallow graves and are packing a punch in 21st century trends. Don't as me why, because I don't know. All I can do is shake my head and protest that it's hip to be square.

Let's briefly review and you can decide whether or not you'd like to join the new retro crowd. I propose we get the absolute disasters out of the way first.

It seems that ruffled mini skirts have found their way back into fashion, except they've shrunk. I remember wearing those when I was ten. Call me nostalgic about some things, but certainly not that garish number. And then there's that issue of the leg-warmer. In my view, these knitting mishaps are acceptable only if you're figure-skating, and even then, they're questionable. If your legs are cold, put on a pair of bloody pants!

I can only pray that acid-washed jeans (and colored jeans in general) never see the light of day again. I'm still trying to forget that nasty episode of bubblgum jeans.

Black and white pairings are big again, but let's just hope we're spared the agony of neon, spandex and ultra-tacky brooches!

Now, even I must admit that certain localized 80s elements may be safely extracted from the otherwise tacky decade and inserted tastefully into contemporary fashion. For example, the wide belt is a smart addition to new millennium fashion. It's all about balance, though: a flashy, funky belt is clever only when accessorizing a relatively simple skirt, pant or dress. A snazzy belt is a great way to dress up a pair of sexy jeans and shows that you really know how to accessorize. Pull it together with a coordinating shoe or boot to complete the look.

I can't say enough about the bold new colors, patterns and heels that are emerging this season. Designers are really having a lot of fun with accessories, so take the plunge and invest in at least one quality bag, boot and belt trio that will carry you through countless outfits.

Another brief moment of 80s greatness can be found in the fishnet stocking, which is officially leading the way in the hosiery revival. This naughty accessory is actually a double retro, as fishnets were also all the rage in the 1960s, and have long been associated with cabaret dancers, ladies of the night, and punk rockers.

In their newest incarnation, fishnets have been pronounced chic by designers and have been making splashes all over runways this season. Designers are playing with scale and playing with a range of mesh sizes. The nets are widely available in classic black as well as many updated options including cocoa, white, nude, and even red!

Update work attire with more conservative neutral colors. Some fashionistas are even layering fishnets over brightly colored hosiery; not my thing, but give it a try if it interests you. A general rule: if you snag 'em, bag 'em. Holes and runs in hosiery (especially fishnets) are never cool. Never.

Off-the-shoulder shirts and sweaters will always be hot. A pair of comfy jeans paired with a knit sweater that reveals a peek of bare shoulder emits the message that you're sexy, especially when you're not trying.

Bohemian-style floral print shirts and skirts are another casually sexy look that are making a comeback - separately, of course. This look is also a double deja vu, hailing previously from the 1960s and 70s. The object here is not to look psychedelic, though, so don't' overdo it: Pair a flowing feminine peasant blouse with a solid pair of slacks or skirt. Likewise, a floral skirt should go with a solid top.

The denim jacket is a trendy casual fall item that looks great with a chunky scarf and an otherwise non-denim outfit, such as a tweed skirt with flat-heeled suede leather boots. Yes, it's from the 80s, but the jean jacket is a great way to dress something down.

I can only pray that acid-washed jeans (and colored jeans in general) never see the light of day again. I'm still trying to forget that nasty episode of bubblegum jeans.

The upside to this fashion exercise in regurgitation is that the eighties were recent enough that local thrift stores are stacked to the gills with eighties-wear. If you insist on returning to the crazy 80s, dig out your old Madonna tapes and have fun. I on the other hand will extract what I like and wait it out.

Johneen Manning is Editor-In-Chief of http://www.GKFA.com, a hip, savvy & fresh online magazine for the 'Sex and the City' generation of women.

Popularity: 91% [?]

China Flats (aka kung fu shoes)

January 20, 2006

I don't know if this was just a black thing on the west cost or what, but we used to wear these shoes ALL the time.  They were only about $3 a pair and they came in almost every color.

When ever I wore china flats, I felt light on my feet like a ninja.  They were fresh 80s gear.  It was as if putting them on gave me the stealth and agility of a kung fu trainee!  But the truth is that after a full day of running around in them my feet started to hurt and after about a few weeks they were sure to fall apart at any given moment.  They had NO traction, NO cushioning.  The only thing protecting you foot from the flesh peeling asphalt was less than a milimeter of cloth and plastic.

I still wish I had some that I could wear to the office.  If you want 80s clothes, get yourself some china flats.

Popularity: 97% [?]

China Flats (aka kung fu shoes)

January 20, 2006

I don't know if this was just a black thing on the west cost or what, but we used to wear these shoes ALL the time.  They were only about $3 a pair and they came in almost every color.

When ever I wore china flats, I felt light on my feet like a ninja.  They were fresh 80s gear.  It was as if putting them on gave me the stealth and agility of a kung fu trainee!  But the truth is that after a full day of running around in them my feet started to hurt and after about a few weeks they were sure to fall apart at any given moment.  They had NO traction, NO cushioning.  The only thing protecting you foot from the flesh peeling asphalt was less than a milimeter of cloth and plastic.

I still wish I had some that I could wear to the office.  If you want 80s clothes, get yourself some china flats.

Popularity: 91% [?]

80s Fashion

January 1, 2006

The 80s fashions are some of the most flamboyant of the of any decade in the 20th century, perhaps that is because some of the 70s DISCO fads contaminated it.  Fashion in the 80s can definitely claim the biggest hair (comparable only to the “big wigs” of the 18th century). 

Just check out Hair metal band poison and you'll have some idea of what “big hair” means.  80s also had the greasiest hair of any other era.  Just look at the Jheri curl:

I really can't say I liked ANY 80s hair styles.  At the time I did.

80s clothes were fashionable but often really tacky.  I did like the member only jacket though, I must admit.  I'm sure it will come back.

Popularity: 91% [?]

80s Fashion

January 1, 2006

The 80s fashions are some of the most flamboyant of the of any decade in the 20th century, perhaps that is because some of the 70s DISCO fads contaminated it.  Fashion in the 80s can definitely claim the biggest hair (comparable only to the “big wigs” of the 18th century). 

Just check out Hair metal band poison and you'll have some idea of what “big hair” means.  80s also had the greasiest hair of any other era.  Just look at the Jheri curl:

I really can't say I liked ANY 80s hair styles.  At the time I did.

80s clothes were fashionable but often really tacky.  I did like the member only jacket though, I must admit.  I'm sure it will come back.

Popularity: 92% [?]

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