by Shawna Blake

Created on: February 17, 2008

Best remembered for the sketchy music, outlandish attire, plastic jewelry and accessories, and all things neon, the eighties give you a feeling that is similar to waking up with a bad hangover. You know that you had a blast while it lasted, though you aren't quite sure why, and some of it is a bit hazy. Being a child of the eighties, I remember everything. The biggest certainty that I have about the years between 1980-89, is that it should not be repeated. At all. Though most of the music was pretty good (it's okay to admit that you had the actual Album of Madonna's 'True Blue', or if you really do know all the words to Rick Springfield's 'Jessie's Girl'), some of it was a wee bit strange. If you have ever actually tried to call 867-5309, and asked for Jenny, you might need a little 'hair of the dog that bit ya', so to speak.

If you are preparing to stock up on a few cases of hairspray, don't start pricing pump-spray bottles of Garnier Fructis, because this would be your first mistake. It was all about the aerosol cans back then, and they weren't the pricey kind either. They mostly consisted of 'Aqua-net', or as I refer to it; "the scent of the roller-skating rink", because it was all the rage when getting ready for a roller-skating night on the town, or every morning before junior high. The cheaper the better. If you are lookin' to dress up (or in this case down) like you just stepped out of Dynasty, look no further.

~Bright colors and neons. Even if you are donning those skin tight leggings with a fabulous shiny pleather belt three inches wide 'cinched' around your waist, it will not be complete without the correct top. Think one bare shoulder, sweatshirt, bright green, and down to your knees. Top this outfit off with a classic pair of LA Gear, and you are stylin'! Any and all cool clothes of the eighties had neon colors, orange, pink, green, yellow-you name it. The brighter the better. If you decide, however, to sport your black 'Duran Duran' tee-shirt, be sure that you wear the stonewashed jeans. And don't forget to french roll them.

~Miami Vice shades. You know the ones, they cover half of your face and are all black and plastic. Pair these hot little numbers with a white sport jacket with rolled up sleeves and you will be the hit of the party. Anybody messes with you, just tell them to feel free to call you Crockett.

~Jelly, and snap bracelets. The jellies came in every color (neons too) imaginable, and could be interwoven together for a cool pattern. Sometimes

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