Nostalgia has a way of transporting me back to cherished memories. Old photos and classic tunes can evoke vivid recollections, while certain scents can instantly trigger a flood of memories.
When I think back to my vibrant ’80s childhood, I picture my mom with her voluminous frizzy perm, clad in a paisley dress featuring oversized shoulder pads. My dad, with his bold black-rimmed glasses and eye-catching sweater vests, adds to the rich tapestry of my memories. The aroma of my mother’s Jean Nate perfume and my father’s Old Spice shaving cream fills the air.
As for myself, I recall my pixie haircut and shiny gold hoop earrings, along with my signature gap-toothed grin and scraped knees. While the specifics of my childhood outfits are a blur, the accessories I used to enhance my looks are crystal clear.
Ah, those fabulous ’80s accessories! From jelly shoes to charm necklaces, these items were essential elements of my youthful wardrobe. Just reminiscing about them brings back a rush of joy.
1. Jelly Shoes
I can’t say jelly shoes were the most comfortable choice for little girls. I remember how they made my feet feel hot and sweaty during the summer months. Yet, the fun factor was undeniable. I owned a pair embedded with glitter that felt almost magical.
2. Charm Necklaces
There were countless afternoons spent in my room, meticulously counting and arranging my charm collection. I would trade charms with friends, and my favorites included a refrigerator charm and a calculator charm—always practical, even back then.
3. Lace Gloves
As a huge fan of Madonna, I idolized her style. My best friend and I would lock ourselves away, jamming to “Like a Virgin,” while we adorned ourselves with lace gloves and drew on faux moles with eyeliner. Our white lace gloves, worn and frayed from use, were perfect for our dance sessions.
4. Jelly Bracelets
The mall had a vending machine for these colorful accessories. I had a small collection, and I can still recall their distinctive rubber scent. I spent plenty of time chewing on them (gross, I know) and twisting them into knots. The older girls on the bus, with their arms covered in black jelly bracelets, seemed so stylish and intimidating.
5. Streamer Barrettes
These hair accessories were a sign of creativity and luck. It was tough to find them unless you made your own, but I eventually scored some blue and white ones. They sometimes got tangled in my hair, much to my mom’s chagrin!
6. Scrunchies
Scrunchies weren’t just tools for tying back hair; they were also worn as colorful wrist accessories. Many girls flaunted multiple scrunchies in neon colors or quirky patterns. They were undoubtedly a fashion statement of the era.
7. Roll-On Lip Gloss
The scent of bubble gum from my roll-on lip gloss, purchased at Woolworths when I was 10, still lingers in my memory. I remember having to shake the bottle to get the gloss to the top before applying it with the sponge tip. It truly was a sublime experience.
While my childhood wasn’t devoid of challenges, these fun accessories remind me of the lighthearted moments. Looking back, it’s amusing to realize how some of these items were cheaply made and not as precious as they seemed. Yet, those ’80s accessories embody a sense of perfection, flooding me with the happiest memories of my girlhood.
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In summary, the vibrant accessories of my ’80s childhood not only defined my style but also encapsulated the carefree spirit of that time. Each item held a story and a memory, creating a tapestry of experiences that still brings a smile to my face today.