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Thursday, May 24, 2012

CULTURE

Inspired by: Desperately Seeking Susan

I found myself at home on a rainy Sunday a few weeks ago engaging in a remote control click-a-thon. Flipping past NFL football and the Sunday talk shows, I landed on—and promptly became engrossed in—the 1985 classic, “Desperately Seeking Susan.”

The opening credits had barely finished, and I was already online comparing runway looks from the fall 2009 collections by designers like Marc Jacobs and Balmain to the fashion from the film. It was all there: the punky glam/trash of Madonna's troubled vagabond and the powder-pale, shoulder padded suiting of Roseanne Arquette's bored New Jersey housewife.

The eighties are here—again. Yet in terms of fashion, they can be a tricky decade to embrace: Cropped leather jackets, bandage skirts, even high waisted jeans are hot again, but the last thing you want to do is go so far over the line that you look like you just stepped out of the “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” video.

Still, there's no denying the power of a great party, and that's the attitude to have if you're thinking about dipping your studded heels into the pond of 80's gloss, glitz and hair spray. Let the schizophrenic mash-up of bad girl (leather and lace) and good girl (sequins and taffeta) be your guide, and the iconic films (Desperately Seeking Susan, of course, plus pretty much anything starring Molly Ringwald) be your inspiration—just not your step-by-step handbook. Watch me now.

80’s Resolution #1: Denim is my wardrobe staple no matter the season. Embracing unexpected silhouettes like these will make my look feel totally 80’s—and totally of-the-moment.

Stella McCartney Denim Jacket with Zippers (buy it now price, $299)

Chanel Blue Denim Chain Strap Handbag (buy it now price, $658)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

80’s Resolution #2:  This holiday season, I will muster the guts to don a strapless party frock like these from BCBG—just like a proper hair band groupie would.

BCBG Max Azria Taffeta Dress (buy it now price, $89)

BCBG Gold Applique Taffeta Strapless Dress (buy it now price, $129.99)

BCBG Green Tea Metallic Taffeta Tube Mini Dress (buy it now price, $49)

 

 

 

 

 

80’s Resolution #3: I will splurge on these Azzedine Alaia booties. (And if my checking account won’t go along with me, I’ll get a more affordable version instead.) 

Azzedine Alaia Black Eyelet Studded Booties (buy it now price, $799)

Black Round Toe Studded Hidden Platform Bootie (starting bid, $20.99)

Punk Studded Spike Heel Ankle Boots (buy it now price, $49.99) 

 

 

 

80’s Resolution #4: I will score a souvenir from Louis Vuitton's nostalgic collection from earlier this year based on works by the late Stephen Sprouse.

Stephen Sprouse Louis Vuitton Graffiti Zip Wallet (Starting Bide, $199)

Stephen Sprouse Louis Vuitton Graffiti Keychain/Bag Charm (buy it now price, $395)

 

 

 

Finally, if shoulder pads and tulle skirts are just not happening for you, try a subtler nod to the era that was anything but.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Black and White Fingerless Gloves (buy it now price, $9.95)

Alexander Wang Dress with Attached Necklace (buy it now price, $190)

J. Crew Serengeti Leopard Ballet Flats (buy it now price, $69)

Alexis Bittar Set of 3 Neon Bangle Bracelets (starting bid, $49.99)

Alexander McQueen Silk Skull Scarf (buy it now price, $35.99)

Gucci Classic 1980’s Sunglasses (buy it now price, $79.99)

 

 

A freelance editor based in New York, Chris Frey previously served as the Fashion Market Director at Cookie and the Accessories Director at Lucky. 

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