An Open Apology Letter to the 1980s

Flashback Summer: An Open Apology Letter to the 1980s- 1940s fox fur tilt hat, dress vintage outfit

24 January 2014


Dear 1980s,

       I would like to begin with an apology for all the judgment I have heaped upon you and your shoulder-padded, Malibu-glittery fashion trends.  I have acted rashly and globalized all of your fashions without getting to know them at a deeper and more personal level.  Not all of your styles are the same, and I'm sorry for assuming they are.

      While I am still not a huge fan of all of your styles (cough, stirrup pants, cough), I do admit that I better understand how you drew inspiration from previous decades and made it your own, much like what I do today with vintage clothing.  We are not so different as I thought.

      Pictured above and below I have included the 1980s "Ragtime" dress I received for Christmas that has changed my mind.  Reminiscent of and even named for earlier times, it's really a great dress.  And you, oh 1980s, produced it.

      While I still prefer earlier 20th century trends, you have a lot to offer a girl like me. Your clothing tends to be cheaper, more durable, and more plentiful while still creating an older vintage silhouette that I enjoy.  For this I am grateful and will seek out your items more often.

      Please accept my apology, 1980s, and realize that since I now know you better, I know your true character.  My previous hatred was from judging you too quickly, something I shall attempt to remedy as I hunt through racks of thrift stores in the days to come.  I know there are treasures to be found from your time, and I shall endeavor to no longer dismiss them in judgment but to embrace their beauty.

        Sincerely,
                  Emileigh

Flashback Summer: An Open Apology Letter to the 1980s- 1940s fox fur tilt hat, dress vintage outfit

My Outfit Details
1980s dress: gift from Jacob's mom
shoes: Payless kids
fox fur hat: flea market
tights: Kohl's?
black and silver necklace and earrings: Yemen, gift from my mother!
lipstick:  Estee Lauder Rebel Raspberry

Ten Fabulous 1980s Dresses Not to Judge:
(including a store coupon!)
Flashback Summer: An Open Apology Letter to the 1980s- 80s does 1940s
80s does 30s-40s from Jennie Rose Vintage
Flashback Summer: An Open Apology Letter to the 1980s/ 80s does 1930s-1940s
80s does 30s-40s from trashy vintage
Flashback Summer: An Open Apology Letter to the 1980s/ 80s does 1940s-1950s
80s does 40s-50s from Pinup Brooches
(use the code FLASHBACK to get 20% off anything in the store!)
Flashback Summer: An Open Apology Letter to the 1980s/ 80s does 1940s-1950s
80s does 40s-50s from Created and Collected
Flashback Summer: An Open Apology Letter to the 1980s/ 80s does 1930s-1960s
80s does 30s-60s from Moneypennys Vintage
Flashback Summer: An Open Apology Letter to the 1980s/ 80s does 1910s-1930s
80s does late 10s-30s from far from here
Flashback Summer: An Open Apology Letter to the 1980s/ 80s does 1930s
80s does 30s from Moon Walk Vintage
Flashback Summer: An Open Apology Letter to the 1980s/ 80s does 1950s
80s does 50s from Fancy That Vintage
Flashback Summer: An Open Apology Letter to the 1980s/ 80s does 1950s
80s does 50s from little stars vintage
Flashback Summer: An Open Apology Letter to the 1980s/ 80s does 1940s
 80s does 40s from 2 Sweet 4 Words Vintage

7 comments

  1. Yep, gotta love a good 1980s dress! I own several myself and although I feel I have to pick and choose a lot, they still fit well into my wardrobe.

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  2. I'm quite fond of 80s/90s does 30s 40s and 50s fashions. They are considerably less than originals and I don't feel as bad wearing them during my day because if it is ruined it hasn't had 60+ years of history.

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  3. This makes my 1980s does 40s/50s loving heart smile. It's wonderful that you've developed a deeper appreciation for the looks of this decade, especially those that are cinch to style in a mid-century direction. I've greatly enjoyed doing just that for many years now and can't wait to see the 1980s pieces your find and add to your own wardrobe now in the months and years to come.

    ♥ Jessica

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  4. Your dress looks so darling on you. I think the thing too about 80s is that you don't have to worry as much about "spoiling" a dress. I think I have too many dresses that I just treasure so much that it's difficult to put them in regular rotation. There are a lot of wonderful dresses in this mix. Wonderful tribute. The thing I miss most about the 80s is the music:) But, I can listen to this just about any time, right? I don't miss the jelly shoes, now those were uncomfortable even as a young kid.

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  5. I still own two dresses that I wore during the 80s! Most of the time back then I cut the shoulder pads out of my dresses, as they just seemed to be there because of the trend, and not because they added anything to the dress or how it looked on me. Glad you are finding some 80s fashions that you enjoy! Oh, and felicitations on your engagement!

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  6. Ah, yes! I had rows of Jessica McClintock dresses that I absolutely loved! I also love the 1928 jewelry line that came out during that time. I still own some of those pieces. I don't miss the giant mall bangs though…You found some great pieces. Thanks for giving the 80s some positive press!

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  7. Your dress is absolutely beautiful. I m not fan of 80's but this I like and really like your blog.

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