If you were a teenage girl in the 80s like I was, you either owned a pair of Reebok sneakers or noticed that everyone else did. Now, to celebrate its 25 anniversary, Reebok has reissued its Freestyle model which was one of the first athletic shoes created for women. Called the Rein-bow and retailing for $64.99 at http://www.rbk.com, it comes in several 80s-ish bright colors including lime green and bright yellow which can either make you look really cool or like Ronald McDonald. They'd look great with a matching piece of clothing, but I don't recommend bringing back the bad fashion fad of wearing them with parachute pants tucked into tube socks.
Reebok Redux
If you were a teenage girl in the 80s like I was, you either owned a pair of Reebok sneakers or noticed that everyone else did. Now, to celebrate its 25 anniversary, Reebok has reissued its Freestyle model which was one of the first athletic shoes created for women. Called the Rein-bow and retailing for $64.99 at http://www.rbk.com, it comes in several 80s-ish bright colors including lime green and bright yellow which can either make you look really cool or like Ronald McDonald. They'd look great with a matching piece of clothing, but I don't recommend bringing back the bad fashion fad of wearing them with parachute pants tucked into tube socks.
Mod Mats
I can always count on Crate&Barrel to have at least a few retro-inspired home items in every catalog of theirs that I've ever seen. The one that arrived in my mailbox a few weeks ago featured these irrisistable placemats and napkins. They look like they'd be right at home in a beatnik poetry cafe. The napkins retail for $4.95 and the mats for $6.95 each and are available in Crate&Barrel stores or through their website. The only thing boring about them is the name - while the other 89 styles of dining room linens are called Tribeca, Cimarron, and Akira, these are simply called...Retro Squares.
A Stone Family Reunion on the Sly
'Tis the season for nearly forgotten music groups from the 60s, 70s, and 80s to be performing free concerts at city parks and plazas all across the nation. But every summer, one band always seems to be mysteriously absent from the series line-up sponsored by the local oldies radio stations, and that's Sly and the Family Stone.
Surely it's not because they weren't famous enough. The funky bi-racial (they were the first major American group to combine white and black members) Family Stone had several hits in the late 60s and early 70s, including Everyday People, Hot Fun in the Summertime, Dance to the Music, and Higher. My good, late friend Joe Pope who attended Woodstock told me they brought the house down at the infamous music festival. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. So what happened to them?
It turns out a few members of the Stone are actually currently touring - at paying venues - across the U.S. and Europe this summer, sans frontman Sly Stone, who pretty much retired from the music business in 1987 after serving time for cocaine use. The group has had several different members through the years, but in 1969 consisted of Larry Graham, Freddie Stone, Gregg Errico, Sly Stone, Rose Stone, Cynthia Robinson, and Jerry Martini. Rose Stone, Cynthia Robinson (it wouldn't be a Stone show without Cynthia growling "All the squares go home!") and Jerry Martini are the current members participating in the tour. Sly Stone is said to come out on stage for special appearances, but does not perform.
The official site for this latest incarnation of the band (which is calling themselves the Family Stone Experience) including tour dates is www.familystonemusic.com. Don't you wanna get higher?
Sexy Indian Princess Leather Look Dress Costume with Cuffs and Headband
This will have all the Indian braves hanging around your tee pee! Sexy short brushed leather look dress with colorful accenting. Includes matching arm cuffs and headband.
Naughty School Girl, Women's Sexy Costume Includes Short Sleeve Snap Front Shirt With Pocket And A Matching Zip Front Mini Skirt With Plaid Bottom
Naughty School Girl, Women's Sexy Costume Includes Short Sleeve Snap Front Shirt With Pocket And A Matching Zip Front Mini Skirt With Plaid Bottom. Matching Plaid Tie. Sizes Small/Medium, Medium/Large, 1X/2X or 3X/4X in Black/Plaid.
Sexy Women's Batgirl Costume
Mysterious and mesmerizing, this body-hugger will take her through endless flights of fancy. The long-sleeve, keyhole-neck romper of smooth laces at the wrists, legs and back - as the matching stockings tie the look together. Delicate wings hint at her ethereal spirit. Includes mask, stockings and formed detachable wings.
Thank You, Rob Miller
The co-author of one of pop music's lovliest and most covered songs from the 20th century has passed away. Rob Miller, who has died from cancer at the age of 74, was responsible for penning "For Once in My Life", a title that was recorded over 250 times. Everyone from Frank Sinatra to Michael Buble put their own stamp on the composition, but the most famous version is the harmonica punctuated Stevie Wonder interpretation which went to number 2 on the U.S. music charts in 1968.
My favorite, though, is Bobby Darin's cover from his last television appearance in 1973. He puts his own ring-a-ding-ding on a song that works well as a ponderous ballad or swinging number. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bc6OOAaQpWk
Miller wrote other hits usually recorded by Motown artists including "A Place in the Sun", "Yester-me, Yester-you, Yesterday", and "Touch Me in the Morning". He leaves behind a wife, six children, and of course, a small but memorable song catalog.
My favorite, though, is Bobby Darin's cover from his last television appearance in 1973. He puts his own ring-a-ding-ding on a song that works well as a ponderous ballad or swinging number. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bc6OOAaQpWk
Miller wrote other hits usually recorded by Motown artists including "A Place in the Sun", "Yester-me, Yester-you, Yesterday", and "Touch Me in the Morning". He leaves behind a wife, six children, and of course, a small but memorable song catalog.
Leg Avenue 5Pc. Sheriff Sexy Incl Dress, Glasses, Gloves, Belt & Walkie Talkie 83370
5Pc. Sheriff Sexy Incl Dress, Glasses, Gloves, Belt & Walkie Talkie XS BLACK/TAN
Gangster Girl Garter Dress Adult Costume
This gangster costume includes a black and white zipper front garter dress with a gold dollar sign tie.
Women's Sexy Plus Size Copy Girl Costume Lingerie Outfit by 3WISHES.COM
4 Piece Kinky's Costume includes Dress, Apron, Removable "Open 2 Anything" Button and Special Order Pad.
Welcome to the Sixties...Getting the "Hairspray" Look!
The new musical movie version of "Hairspray" has hit the theaters and since Access Hollywood ran a story last week on how to find early 60s inspired fashions from the film that have to purchased at a physical store, I thought it would be fun and easy to list some great sites where you could purchase the same kind of dresses online: think cute and colorful, Sandra Dee like belted dresses with full skirts and twinsets. But think again. Apparently, fashion from 1962 (the year the movie takes place) is stuck in retro purgatory somewhere, at least on the Web. I either found sites that sold a lot of 1940s dresses (too soon) or psychedelic and mod clothing (too late.) One site featured a frightening Angelina Jolie lookalike - right down to the tattoo encased arms and injected lips in 1940s hookerwear that came across not so much sweet and innocent but downright trampy (why does everything today have to promoted from the slut angle?) So I only really have one passable site right now to mention where you might find early 60s-esque threads: DaddyOs. All of the dresses here are definetly vintage inspired; poke around through a few pages and you will find the variety that Tracy Turnblad herself would feel right at home in, and cocktail dresses similar to the one Michelle Pfieffer wears in the movie (thankfully, no John Travolta styles.) DaddyOs gets most of their ladies' offerings from a clothing manufacturer called StopStaring where you can find even more sweet selections.
Hands down, eBay still remains the best resource for any era of clothing. Simply do multiple searches for 1960s or 60s or sixties dress on any given day, and a plethora of choices will come up for you. The caveat is that you often have to weed through the frumpy to find the fab, and you're taking a chance when purchasing from a stranger in an online auction environment (I recently experienced my own eBay fiasco trying to obtain a Diane Von Fursternberg dress.) Good retro is always in style, as long as the movement deprived coifs from the movie don't make a comeback.
Costume: Honey Buns
Honey buns 3 piece costume includes satin dress with button front, removable apron and hat.
Aloha Baby
Aloha baby mysterious 6 piece costume including floral embellished grass skirt, stretch boy short, leaf embelllished tri-tie top, floral lei, floral wristlets and floral head piece.
Sexy Black Swan
4 Piece black swan costume includes feather trimmed stretch velvet dress, ribbon lace-up front and separate net skirt. comes with wings, eye mask and ribbon choker.
Stretch Lace And Fishnet 4 Piece Maid Set
Exciting stretch lace and fishnet 4 piece maid set includes babydoll, g-string and stockings.
4 Piece Schoolgirl Costume
Schoolgirl 4 piece costume includes spandex crop top, pleated poly/cotton plaid skirt with velcro closure, brazilian cut panty and comes with ruffled stocking.
Sexy Rag Doll Costume
Sexy bambola di pezza - 5 piece costume set includes stretch dress, removable apron, yarn wig included, eye cap and stripe pantyhose. co-ordinates with ruffle lace petticoat and stretch crochet lace gloves.
First Mate Costume
First mate 3 piece costume includes spandex tie front crop top, mini skirt and sequined anchor embellished sailor hat.
Sexy Mechanic Costume
Mechanic 2 piece costume includes stretch faded striped denim dress complete with a patch that cleverly reads 'full service' and embellished with mini tools. comes with star necklace. co-ordinates with bobby socks product number 5536 and movie star hollywood platinum blonde wig product
Camping Around The Fire Costume
This captivating camping around the fire 2 piece costume includes spandex dress with patch on shoulder that reads 'burning bush and smoldering logs'. comes with yellow cotton tie adorned with medal.
FREE SHIPPING - Gladiator Girl - Womens Sexy Female Super Hero Costumes Lingerie Outfit by 3WISHES.COM
Gladiator Girl Costume includes Wet Look Large Fishnet Bra, Skirt, Sword and Shield.
Prep School - Sexy Adult School Girl Costumes Uniform Outfits by 3WISHES.COM
3 Piece School Girl Costume includes Tie, Button Front Blazer and Pleated Skirt.
Sexy Christmas Mini Dress with Faux Fur Trim
Sexy Christmas Minidress with Faux Fur Trim - This sexy stretch velvet Santa minidress features faux fur plush trim at the hem and bodice.
Boxer Girl Plus - Women's Sexy Plus Size Sport / Boxing Girl Costume Lingerie Outfit
Knit Interlock Underwire Camisole and Matching Skirt with Shirring Details. Includes Matching Robe and Boxing Gloves.
FREE SHIPPING - Mob Lady - Womens Sexy Gangster Costumes / Outfits by 3WISHES.COM
Sexy Mobster Lady Costume includes Pinstripe Velcro Tear Away Skirt, Pinstripe Zip Off, Button Trimmed Vest and Hat complete this Mobster Lady Costume.
Leg Avenue 5Pc.Sexy Seargent Lycr Button Front Dress Include Hat, Belt, 8856
5Pc.Sexy Seargent Lycr Button Front Dress Include Hat, Belt,
Sexy Barista Babe Coffee Girl Costume (3 Sizes Available)
WARNING: Contents extrememly hot! Black microfiber mini dress with green cotton apron and matching hat. "Thanks a Latte" tip jar included.
Sexy Tool Girl Costume from Coquette, Top Lingerie Mftr.(Hat and tools not included)
Tool Time? This is truly a fun costume for those who are Handy!
Sexy mini dress w/ one shoulder strap; Color: Black
Sexy mini dress w/ one shoulder strap. Sequined string bra top included.
The hottest style mini dress in lycra lame
The hottest style mini dress in lycra lame. Features a criss cross back.
Sexy Adult School Girl
3 Piece School Girl Costume includes Button Front Lycra Shirt, Vinyl Tie and Skirt.
Kansas Girl - Womens Sexy Dorothy
2 Piece Sexy Dorothy Costume includes Dress and Headband with Bow. (Over the Knee Stockings (#L6672) not included, but you can buy them at 3WISHES.COM)
Overly Sexy Gold Digging Girl - Costume Lingerie from Dream Girl!
Need Money? Try mining for a millionaire! This cute costume includes the dress, miners plastic hat, dollar sign necklace and two plastic tools.
Country Girl Peasant Dress Adult Costume
This flirtatious farmgirl costume includes a pink bonnet with red trim, a red and white puff sleeved apron dress and green and white striped thigh high stockings.
* Available in adult sizes Small, Medium, Large and X-Large.
* Tear Drop White Lace Petticoat sold separately.
* Shoes and hair ribbons not included.
* Available in adult sizes Small, Medium, Large and X-Large.
* Tear Drop White Lace Petticoat sold separately.
* Shoes and hair ribbons not included.
2 PC Sexy School Girl Costumel
2 PC Sexy School Girl Costumel! Also available in Plus Sizes. (EM-9174) This Sexy School Girl needs hands on tutoring! 2 PC costume includes pleated mini skirt and short sleeve tie front up. Also available in Plus Sizes. Colors: Turquoise. Sizes: S/M, M/L, 1X/2X, 3X/4X.
Dress A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz Designer Cocktail RED Rhinestones SeXY
Elegant and SeXy Red A.B.S. Designer Halter Dress. Top in satin finish with Rhinestone accents. Tags attached. Perfect for the Cocktail party, a Cruise or Dancing!
Women's Sexy Trooper Girl Costume Uniform Outfit
3 Piece Trooper Girl Costume includes Gartered Dress with Embroidered Patches, Beret and Scarf.
Teen Sexy Veinia Vampiress Costume Dress with Wings
Veinia takes not prisoners! This sexy vamp costume features a two tone black and burgandy dress with scalloped overlay and peek-a-boo open front. Also included attached wings. Fits teens size 0-9. (Shoes not included.)
Sweet Sexy Rag Doll Costume with Stockings and Bonnet
Now this would make for one fantastic bed time story! Mini blue and red polka dot apron dress with attached peticoat, red and white striped stockings and matching bonnet.
Teen Sexy Bridezilla Costume Dress with Veil Headpiece
Here comes the bride-zilla! This dark bride costume features long draped look dress with attached gloves, choker and veil headpiece. Fits teens size 0-9. (Shoes and wig not included.)
If I Were a Carpenter
A few weeks ago, I got this crazy idea in my head that I was going to make my own retro/ modern furniture. Never mind that I’m a woman. If the chicks on Extreme Makeover – the Home Edition – can craft headboards from scratch, then why shouldn't I? And all of the authentic mid-century Danish stuff on eBay was just too darned expensive. So after poking around online and eventually Amazon.com I found this old (very old, as a matter of fact – copyright 1953) and used book called – what else? Build Your Own Modern Furniture by Klaus Grabe. And I’ve been waiting for Mr. Postman to deliver it ever since. Yesterday, it arrived. It’s small. It’s paperback. It’s in black and white. It’s old, alright. The price that was printed on it as part of the cover says that it retails for 75 cents. So is it was worth the inflated 40 odd dollars that I paid for it? I think so. There are 21 nifty (there’s some cute fifties speak for you) projects to work on, and all of them look like designs you’d find in IKEA, from nesting tables to a platform bed. Unlike IKEA, though, these are projects that do require that you have a basic knowledge of woodworking including knowing what a butt joint (I’ll give you a hint…it’s not a body part) and a tenon is. And to give you an idea of the kind of politically incorrect time warp the book was produced in, the model carpenter photographed throughout the book has a cigarette dangling out of his mouth in some of the shots.
Thanks to the magic of adult continuing education, I feel confident, though, that after a few class sessions I could tackle this cute end table (the book tells me it's prefect for housing a high fidelity radio turner and record player!) or even one of the swell looking low-slung chairs. If you're ever looking for out-of-print books or magazines, www.bookfinder.com and www.lostpaper.com are two good resources.
