Jezebel: 80s

Where To Go For All Your Hall & Oates-Related Emergencies

Margaret Hartmann — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:05:00 EST

There's nothing worse that getting the uncontrollable urge to listen to "Maneater" and realizing you forgot to load your Very Best of Daryl Hall & John Oates album onto your phone. Thankfully, as demonstrated in this Buzzfeed video, there's now a service that ensures '80s cheesiness will always be just a phone call away. More »

You're A 'Tecnho-Dunce'

Whitney Jefferson — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:10:00 EST

This scene from a short '80s film (that once appeared on MTV!) highlights the frustrations of a young girl at the computer lab. She, apparently, is what some bully's Dad calls a "techno-dunce." Obviously this leads to the classroom teacher bringing the boy to the principals office; when she shuts the door behind her, and the kids launch into what's possibly the most ridiculous musical number ever portrayed in film. I'm not sure how the theatrics helped to teach the young lady how to get over her fear of computers — or even use them at all — but I suppose the collective bullying by a classroom of peers through songs is enough to get anything accomplished. More »

Scenes From The 1987 JCPenney Denim Fashion Show

Margaret Hartmann — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 09:30:00 EST

A station in Philadelphia has been re-running the '80s teen dance show Dancin' on Air, and this video captured by FourFour blogger (and Pot Psychologist) Rich Juzwiak shows what we're missing by living in a time when head to toe denim is neither encouraged nor acceptable. Sadly, one can no longer purchase suspender jeans, scrunchies in every color, or a "fast-moving denim outfit" at JCPenney, and many of us will never know the joy of having the "freedom to move in any direction" thanks to our baggy blue bib overalls. More »

A Tribute To 80s Movie Bullies

Whitney Jefferson — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:45:00 EDT

Back To The Future's Biff. Weird Science's Chet. William Zabka in every movie role he's ever taken. Major motion pictures of the 1980s always seemed to rely on one particular movie trope: bullies. Whether it was James Spader in Pretty in Pink muttering the words "You're a bitch" with intense disdain or Shannen Doherty being the ultimate bitch in Heathers, bullies were an integral plot of almost every successful film about teenagers in that era. The men we appreciate now in Hollywood like John Cusack, Patrick Dempsey, and Michael J. Fox were called freaks, nerds, and were given swirlies in the toilet just for wearing different clothes than the jock-types. Clearly, times have changed. Kind of. More »

Lisa Vanderpump's Past Life As An '80s Music Video Seductress

Whitney Jefferson — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 19:30:00 EDT

From the very first episode of The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills, Lisa Vanderpump was my favorite. It could have been her accent, her clothes, her attitude, or more likely, her dog Giggy. But a new and far greater reason for Lisa being my favorite Real Housewife has emerged: Lisa Vanderpump was an 80s music video hottie. More »

Carrie Bradshaw Headed To The CW

Dodai Stewart — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:50:00 EDT

The last thing we heard about The Carrie Diaries — the '80s-era Sex And The City prequel — was a denial of the rumor that Blake Lively would play Samantha Jones, Selena Gomez would be Charlotte York, Emma Roberts would play Miranda Hobbes, and Elizabeth Olsen would be the new Carrie Bradshaw. Now we've learned that the teen-oriented project will not be a film but a series, on (where else) The CW network. Gossip Girl executive producers Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage will be involved, as will Bushnell herself. And writer/producer Amy Harris, who's written for SATC, The Comeback, and Gossip Girl, will adapt the novel for the screen. More »

Slow Dancing For Teens

Whitney Jefferson — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 18:20:00 EDT

Dancin' On The Air was, apparently, a teen dance series that ran from 1981 - 1987. It predated Dance Party USA — but that doesn't mean it was progressive in the least. In this selection, we're introduced to a series of teenagers slow dancing to "I Am By Your Side" by Corey Hart as the announcers explain who "stands behind" each of the dancers in their personal life. (Get it? Yeah, it's a stretch.) Weirdly, some of the dancers named their partner, while others named their parents. Wouldn't you be pissed if you listed your steady boyfriend as your main supporter and he went ahead and named his mom? In terms of televised high school dating blunders, mortifying. More »

Kris Jenner's 1985 Music Video Really Is Something

Whitney Jefferson — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:20:00 EDT

Oh my god, where to begin: Kris Jenner wrote a lovesong dedicated to her friends when she turned thirty. I don't wan't to seem like I'm overselling this, but it's probably the best Kardashian-related thing I've seen on the internet ever. But why? More »

Michael Jackson's Version Of Happy Hour

Dodai Stewart — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 16:40:00 EST

[This image just begs to be forwarded to a friend. As my pal wrote, "He looks so happy!" Thanks to the folks at ONTD for posting it, and making this Monday magnificent.]

25 Years Later, Goonies Still Never Say Die

Dodai Stewart — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 11:49:00 EDT

One-Eyed Willie! Young Josh Brolin! Truffle shuffle! I smell ice cream! The 25th anniversary DVD edition of The Goonies comes with a board game and a 1985 "souvenir magazine reprint," whatever that is. More »

Nicholas Kirkwood's New Shoe Designs Honor The Late Keith Haring

Dodai Stewart — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:17:00 EDT

I am so in love with these funky, fun, '80s heels by Nicholas Kirkwood, who worked with the Keith Haring Foundation. Too bad they're only available in Hong Kong! More »

Wendy's Incredibly Awesome Employee Training Videos

Margaret Hartmann — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:53:00 EDT

Judging from these Wendy's training videos, in the '80s people could only understand instructions when presented in pop song format. In "Hot Drinks," we learn working in fast food is just as exciting as starring in a Michael Jackson knockoff. More »

Meet Jill, The Talking Doll

Hortense Smith — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 11:30:00 EDT

She can only speak English and French, but surely language barriers won't stop her from scaring the crap out of children all over the world when she accidentally powers on in the middle of the night. [VintageAds] More »

Video Flashback: 1982's Miss Valley Girl Competition Is Totally Tubular

Margaret Hartmann — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:50:00 EDT

In this clip from Real People, teens compete to be named Encino, California's best Valley Girl. Don't be fooled by the presence of Fred Willard; this isn't a Christopher Guest movie. These things really happened. More »

"Video Slut" On Working With Madonna

Katy Kelleher — Wed, 26 May 2010 15:30:48 EDT

"I hate the term 'empower,' because it's so wrongly appropriated by, for example, strippers, but she really did empower me, because she just took power so unapologetically... I've never before or since seen anyone like that." [Salon] More »

"Smart Girls" Have Rick James Hair

Sadie Stein — Fri, 21 May 2010 09:40:00 EDT

Also, 80s: none of these hair styles remotely resembles the "geometric shape" framing it. [Vintage_Ads] More »

Time Travel Gift Shop: What Would You Bring Back From A Trip To The 1980s?

Hortense Smith — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 17:55:00 EDT

Jen Chaney and Liz Kelly of the Washington Post, inspired by Hot Tub Time Machine, have listed a few things they'd change if they could go back to the 1980s. I'm more concerned with bringing back a few souvenirs: More »

Why Is Hollywood, Like, So '80s Right Now?

Dodai Stewart — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:30:00 EDT

In fashion, the '80s have been back for a while; in Hollywood, the '80s are here to stay. Forthcoming reimaginings (this year alone) include The Karate Kid, Clash Of The Titans, Tron and Wall Street. Innovative! More »

The Golden Age Of Girly Fitness: Get In Shape Girl And The Barbie Workout

Jessica Coen — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:30:00 EDT

If, like me, you were a wee child of the 80s, perhaps you remember the little-girl fitness videos that were all the rage. But was that Barbie workout the source of body anxiety to come? In hindsight, sure. More »

Corey Haim Scrapbook: The Teen Dream Collection

Jessica Coen — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:00:01 EST

With the news today of former teen star Corey Haim's death has come much discussion of his longtime struggles with addiction and downward spiral from fame. But we'd also like to celebrate Corey as we'll always remember him: totally mega. More »

Corey Haim Dead At 38 [Updated]

Jessica Coen — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:38:00 EST

Sad breaking news: Corey Haim, star of 80s classics such as License to Drive and Lost Boys, has died of an apparent overdose. Of the two Coreys (and The Two Coreys), he was definitely our favorite. Update: More »

Richie Rich: A Vivid '80s Fever-Dream, With Man-Candy

Dodai Stewart — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EDT

Former club kid and Heatherette designer Richie Rich showed his A Muse collection at New Zealand Fashion Week today, and if you're into bright colors, crazy patterns, men in teeny swim trunks and Pamela Anderson half-naked, you're in luck! More »

Diablo Cody's Sweet Valley High Flick To Be Set In The '80s

Dodai Stewart — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:30:00 EDT

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She Tweeted: "Frankie says relax: Sweet Valley High is set in the '80s. Don't feel like brokering some deal with T-Mobile to give Enid a Sidekick." Alright then, bring on the side ponytails and rubber bracelets! [Twitter] More »

Some '80s Trends Should Stay In The '80s

Dodai Stewart — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:40:00 EDT

For instance: The hip-inflating, unkind-to-thighs creations known as pleated pants [WSJ] More »

Hollywood Is Out Of Ideas Part DCCCXCV

Dodai Stewart — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:40:00 EDT

The Smurfs movie's in production. Like Alvin and the Chipmunks, it will be a mix of live action and 3D animation; rumors are floating that John Lithgow plays Gargamel. Because ruining treasured memories is what Hollywood does best. [SF Gate] More »

Yes, The '80s Were Totally Awesome, But It's Time To Let Go

Dodai Stewart — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:20:00 EDT

Fashion-wise, the '80s are back. Again. Having lived some solid pre-teen and teenage years in the decade, I can say: I loved the '80s. But their (constant) return makes me a little sad. More »

Your Childhood Isn't Going Anywhere, And Maybe That's The Problem

Hortense Smith — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 15:15:00 EDT

We are swimming in an August of nostalgia: Woodstock is being celebrated yet again during its 40th anniversary, and G.I. Joe is currently kicking the shit out of someone or blowing something up or some such at the movie theater. More »

Miley Cyrus's Max Azria Line Full Of Stuff You've Already Seen

Dodai Stewart — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:40:00 EDT

The Miley Cyrus & Max Azria clothing line has arrived at Wal-Mart, and the items are, in a word, derivative. Miley tells People: "My inspiration for the line is kind of an edgy UK style." Style you have seen before: More »

Do You Like, Still Miss The '80s?

Dodai Stewart — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 19:20:00 EDT

Two blasts from the past: First, remember the "Get In Shape, Girl" commercials which urged very young kids to think about their weight? Second: There's a Valley Girl musical remake in the works. Gag me! [Feministing , UPI] More »

'80s Sexual Harassment Video Asks: "Is It Or Isn't It?"

Margaret Hartmann — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:20:00 EDT

The video at left is an excerpt from an '80s sexual harassment training video titled "food fight." We hoped it would explain whether throwing a pie in a coworker's face is considered harassment or not, but the boss complementing his employee's cucumber handling is an amusingly cheesy alternative. [Vintage Ads] More »

Kim Kardashian: Reshape Your Body To Stay Trendy!

Dodai Stewart — Wed, 06 May 2009 12:00:00 EDT

As far as red carpet personalities go, there's something refreshing about Kim Kardashian — and her shapely figure. So why is she shilling a workout DVD which promotes changing your body for fashion trends? More »

Dating Advice: This Was Acceptable In The '80s?

Margaret Hartmann — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:20:00 EST

Everything is Terrible has unearthed a 1980s-era video on the art of meeting men that is chock full of shoulder padded wisdom. More »

Modern Marvels

Dodai Stewart — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:40:00 EDT

Behold: An image from Heidi Montag's video for her nauseating single, "Overdosin'." Olivia Newton-John-insipired? American Apparel-inspired? Designed to make you curse the very day this woman was born? Quoth a commenter on E! online called Shady, "Make her go away! I'll pay higher taxes!!" [E!] More »

The Best & Worst Of 'International Male,' Summer 1986

Dodai Stewart — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EDT

A few months ago, in an exhaustive feat of research, we found the worst outfit in the International Male catalog. And then, over the weekend: A flea market find! Issues of International Male from Summer 1986. Rayon! Army shorts! Faux eyeglasses! Underwear! The best — meaning worst — of the pages, after the jump. More »

Oldies But Goodies

Dodai Stewart — Wed, 21 May 2008 09:40:00 EDT

A reader sent us the link to this 1988 Mexican commercial starring one miss Salma Hayek. From the film direction to the wardrobe to the theme song to the gum-snapping Abuelita and the wolf that gets out of the car, It is a work of twisted genius. (Click picture to see embedded video). [YouTube] More »

"That Girl Was, Is, And Will Always Be Nada"

Dodai Stewart — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EDT

Feeling nostalgic? John Hughes has been in the news this week. First there was a profile of the writer/director in the Los Angeles Times (he helped write Drillbit Taylor, but under a pseudonym, shh!) and a NPR piece about Long Duk Dong. Now, Meg Cabot, author of The Princess Diaries, has posted a YouTube clip (to promote her new book) in which she reenacts a key scene from Pretty in Pink using dolls. More »

Oldies But Goodies

dodai — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:20:00 EST

"Dazzling. Different. Awesome." So begins the copy from this 1988 ad for L.A. Gear sneakers. Are they for sports, or do they just look good? Not even the company seems to know: "The hottest new look in high and low basketball shoes. Built to perform. With sizzling colors..." Well, these ladies sure are working up a sweat hanging at that diner. Surely guzzling those low-calorie beverages will help! (Click the picture for a full-size view.) [All-American Ads Of The '80s] More »

Oldies But Goodies

dodai — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:45:00 EST

Fitness freaks! Are you looking for "the best workout" your body has ever had? Want something that's great for "men and women of all ages"? Why not try Jazzercize? As this 1985 ad shows, it's the fitness class that makes you sweat rainbows! [All-American Ads Of The '80s] More »

Oldies But Goodies

dodai — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 18:45:00 EST

If you used to get super psyched about your underwear, it was probably because your underwear was super. As in superhero Underoos! As seen in this 1981 ad, even the lamest child could believe that he or she had amazing powers. Those were the days. (Click picture to see larger.) [All-American Ads Of The 80s] More »

Women On TV Weren't Always So Damn Thin

dodai — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 18:00:00 EST

Over on ClubPlanet.com, writer Misty Rios explores celebrities and size. "Back in Misty's day, there was no such thing as a size 0," she writes. "Size 2-4 was thin, size 6-8 was normal, size 10-12 was chunky (or maybe just athletic/tall) and anything bigger was 'plus size.'" She points out that the Lubbock girls from '80s sitcom Just The Ten Of Us were "babes." As an explanation, Rios notes that in the past, models were tall, stick-thin creatures who appeared only in magazines; actresses were pretty and, hopefully, talented, no matter their weight or height. But now that celebrities have replaced models in magazines and advertising campaigns, they must be model-skinny. And so we have women like Tara Reid, Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, Mary-Kate Olsen, Victoria Beckham and Courtney Love, who are all thin, but not in a good way. More »