Friday, January 30, 2009

Reader Question - 80's Dance Party

First, I love your blog. It rocks. I'm going to an 80's dance party in a couple weeks. Just found out about it today. And I'm totally clueless about what to wear. I don't want to be too far out there but I still want to participate in the 80's dress code. I'm a size 24. If you have any suggestions I would love to hear them. Thank so much for your help.
-Jenni

Jenni -
First let me say, love the idea of the 80's dance party. Then again, I love any theme. I think it stems from my sorority days when we had all sorts of theme party/functions. They combined my two favorite things - shopping and partying!

To get my inspiration going I googled 80s Fashion and let me tell you there are some "jems" out there. Here are some that caught my eye!


80s Collage



I know you said that you don't want to be too far out there, but why not? It is the 80s after all - however, to tone it down just pick 3 or 4 items to incorporate into your outfit.

When looking around is actually downright scary how many items are currently available that definitely have an 80s influence. Here are just a few (also, all of the items shown below are available in your size):

80sDancePartyIdeas



1/ Lance Flex Point Patent Pump in Fucshia - Payless, $22.99 (after the paty pair these heels with jeans and simple top for the perfect pop of color!)
2/ Sweatshirt - Walmart, $7 (cut off the neckline, bottom band and cuffs for a slouchy 80s feel and after the party toss on with you fav PJ pants for bummin' around the house)
3/ Tank - Avenue, $9.90 (tanks - the perfect layering piece!)
4/ Denim Skirt - Lane Bryant, $44.50 (super cute with boots or sandals come warm weather and you probably already have one in your closet!)
5/ Leesa Metallic Bangle - Forever 21, $4.80 (pile on the chunky bracelets! The brighter the colors the better!)
6/ Crinkle Patent Peep Toes - Old Navy, $34.50 (again after the party these will be super cute with a black dress or a navy/white nautical outfit!)
7/ Leg Warmers - Torrid, $10 (it is a dance party afterall - why not get a little "Fame-d" out!)
8/ Metal/Poly Bracelet Set - Forever 21, $4.80 (ahhh, jellie bracelets! I had so many of these back in the day it wasn't even funny!)
9/ Splash Color Tights - We Love Colors, $12 (with the wide variety of colored tights available at Target and the likes this should be an easy item to find!)
10/ Pyramid Facet Bracelet - Forever 21, $5.80

Other ideas - run to Goodwill and buy a blazer with the biggest shoulder pads you can find! Sport a polo that you already have in your closet and pop the collar! Borrow a pair of white slouch socks from a Hooters Waitress! The more purple and blue eyeshadow the better! The brighter the colors the better and the more of them the better! Stock up on a new can of Rave Hairspray! Get a pair of knock-off Wayfarer Sunglasses (extra points for finding a sweet pair of Rubber Sunglasses)! Lastly, have fun!

In closing, here is an "80s" pic of me! It was actually a White Trash Prom themed party, but this 80s bridemaid's dress did the trick. Quite possibly the best $10 I have ever spent at a Goodwill - just check out the pearl strans across the heart opening on the back.

Have fun, Jenni!

1 comments:

Audi said...

Some of the best 80's looks EVER can be seen in the 'Technoir' scene in the original Terminator movie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOb8NC708_c

I have an 80's party coming up too, and I'm definitely going to be studying that scene before I go out shopping!