Oh the 80s. A simpler time. A time when walkie talkies were the closest thing to cell phones, and social media meant riding your bike to a friend's house to tell them about your day.
I feel lucky to have grown up in a time before technology took over. When your imagination was your greatest toy. When you only had 6 channels of television to choose from, and every station shut down at midnight.
In many ways, I think the 80s were the last great decade. Certainly the last real original one. Everything after that is just a copy or a reinvention of something that came before it.
So in honor of that iconic era, here is a list of 8 of my favorite 80s memories, and things that I miss. Enjoy...
1. Colorful fashions.
The 80s were chocked full of color. From clothing, to accessories, to hair and make-up. We weren't afraid to stand out in a crowd. It was a happier time, and it showed.
2. Fun toys.
This was a time before helicopter parenting and mass childhood obesity. Before every toy was banned for being too dangerous. When your toys got you off the couch and moving, instead of encouraging inactivity.
3. Terribly awesome movies.
Most of my all time favorite films are from the 1980s. They were bizarre, original, and full of wild adventures and colorful characters.
4. Cartoons.
When I was a kid, Saturday mornings meant cartoons. And not just an hour, but several hours worth. And they were quality. They taught us valuable lessons, took us to worlds beyond our imaginations, and the theme songs were clever and catchy.
5. Scented everything.
Toys, markers, stickers, and more! Everything smelled wonderful. Seriously, was scent technology invented in the 80s or something? Kids nowadays will just never know the joy of sniffing the purple marker, or the pain of being forced to smell the black or brown ones.
6. Lip gloss.
Call me crazy, but lip gloss just hasn't been nearly as good since the 80s. Sure, it has glitter now, which is great, but I haven't felt compelled to eat an entire tub of balm since at least 1991. I'd give my left arm for a classic bottle of strawberry Kissing Potion. To feel the roller ball glide across my lips. Mmm... those really were the days.
7. Snacks.
I'm having a hard time even looking at this photo. I literally want to sit down and eat an entire bag of Pizzarias chips and wash them down with 6 Hi-C Ecto Coolers. Can we please bring these delicious treats back? Who do I have to email about this?
8. Cereal.
I don't even know where to begin on this one. There were just SO many good ones. Sure, they were 98% sugar, but dammit, they were awesome. Not to mention the boxes were always a pleasure to read, and there were toys and prizes in literally every box. Nothing could top the excitement of pouring yourself a bowl, and seeing that plastic bag fall into it. And seeing the looks of pure envy on your siblings' faces was a close second. If we can't have the tasty cereals back, can we at least put some cool shit back in the boxes? I mean damn... give me something here, people.
For those of you who know me, you are aware of my love of all things vintage, pin-up, and fabulous. I am also a huge fan of one of a kind, unique accessories.
Well, did you know that there was a company out there that combined the best of both? It's called ROCKABETTY BAGS, and they are AHH-MAY-ZING.
ROCKABETTY BAGS is the dream child of the lovely and talented, Katrina Midkiff, from California.
Around age 6, Miss Katrina was on a trip to JC Penny with her mom, when she fell in love with the doll purses like this one.
A fun purse with a cute doll inside? Who WOULDN'T love that?
It's a girl's dream come true right there. As she grew up, she still cherished the memory of that adorable purse, and yearned for something similar, but stylish and functional enough for a classy lady like herself.
So she developed and started ROCKABETTY BAGS. A brand of handbags that combined Katrina's pin-up style, flair for fashion, and whimsy.
I stumbled upon her designs online, and was instantly in love. They just screamed "BUY ME!" and my adoring & wonderful hubs did just that. After chatting with Katrina about what I was looking for, she designed me a doll and bag that bring me endless joy.
Until recently, you had to purchase your ROCKABETTY BAG directly, through Miss Katrina, but as of August this year, they will be available through Hot Topic (in stores and online) and this is a HUGE accomplishment for Katrina. A long and hard road, and something she is incredibly proud of. As she should be.
ROCKABETTY BAGS are easily some of the most beautifully made, unique, and fun purses I have ever seen. As a matter of fact, I'm lucky enough to own TWO of them.
And no matter where I am, I am constantly getting compliments on them. They are a wonderful conversation starter, and I just cannot rave enough about how happy they make me. Each doll was custom designed and handcrafted by Katrina herself, and the love she puts into each one is evident in every single detail. They are more than a purse, they are a statement, and one I am happy to make. I love knowing that I will never see another person with the same bag as me. Nothing compliments a retro inspired outfit quite like this bag, and when you carry one, you are telling the world that you have style, sass, and a sense of humor. Much like the creator herself.
This gorgeous woman is one of my fashion icons, and easily one of the most beautiful, talented, and genuine ladies I've ever met.
She truly puts her heart and soul into whatever she does, and it shows. She is an inspiration, and she is proof that if you have a dream and work hard, anything is possible.
ROCKABETTY BAGS come in a variety of styles and colors, and the dolls are removable, so you can change them up as often as you like. Katrina has created some of the most lovely dolls I've ever seen, from classic pin-up to zombie girls, and everything in between.
Her artistic skills are astounding.
If you haven't already, you MUST follow ROCKABETTY BAGS on Facebook (click here) and Twitter as well (click here) to see all the latest news and designs, and to check out all the fabulous creations Katrina has designed so far. I promise you, you won't be disappointed.
And come August, you need to get your booties into Hot Topic and check out her amazing line, and pick one up for yourself, or for a fabulous lady in your life.
Just look at how much I love mine. If I loved it anymore, I would marry it and have gorgeous, glittery little purse babies with it.
