How to get the Eighties' Look

It looks like designers have finally remembered the famous 'decade that fashion forgot', and they're insisting on dragging it back into the light. All those leggings, shoulder pads and neon palettes can only mean one thing: the 80s are back. If you've still got an attic full of treasured Dynasty-style suits and a seriously shiny ruffled prom dress, you're in luck; if not, follow these top tips for channelling this retro vibe into 2013 fashion.  

 
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Get the statement pieces

From acid-wash jeans to colourful printed leggings, there are a range of recognisable items in the shops right now that owe a lot to the '80s. For full commitment to the look, add some contrasting or clashing leg warmers, or work the gym wear as day wear trend with neonlycra crop tops. A quick look at SS13's catwalks is enough to establish that the bomber jacket is making a committed comeback, with variations available in everything from denim to oriental prints to solve all your outerwear needs. Finish the look with some fingerless lace gloves for true '80s pop star style. 

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Master the make up

Smudgy eyeliner, blue or purple eye shadow, bright blush and pink lipstick are a trademark look of the decade that's resurfacing on plenty of catwalks as well as on high street trend-setters. Alternatively, copy Annie Lennox's Eurythmics look circa 1983 with androgynous cropped hair, pale foundation, defined cheekbones and some dramatic heavy eye makeup. Taking inspiration from your favourite contemporary musician is the easiest way to get a suitably authentic look, adding your own twists to keep things individual. 

 
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Accessorise in style

Eighties fashion embraces bright colours and bold statements, so avoid anything tame - strictly no pastels allowed. If a wardrobe packed with neon and denim seems a little too much, you can use '80s accessories to reference the trend in a subtler way. Bright high-top trainers are a particular favourite of the decade, but chunky gold jewellery and accessories also hark back to the golden age of Tina Turner. Even bum bags have been seen back on the runway, albeit in a sleeker, leather design, giving you an easy way to nod to the decade without a complete outfit overhaul. 

If you're heading out to restock your wardrobe with '80s themed gems, don't forget to apply for an Amex card. An American Express credit card offers a variety of exclusive benefits to customers, including membership rewards points with virtually every purchase, 24/7 customer service and purchase and online fraud protection.

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An Early Heads Up On One of This Year's Top Christmas Toys- Get It Early!

Sometimes I think I've seen all the toys that could possibly be invented; then something so simple, but so unique as Pony Cycles come along & I wish I was seven again. I could have asked Santa for an ACTUAL pony, and if I was very well behaved, I might have just have been lucky enough to get one. 

I first came across Pony Cycles in a local shopping centre. It was Easter break and a small business had rounded up a herd of ponies, unicorns & zebras for children to ride for £2 for fifteen minutes. My son instantly fell in love with the brown Pony Cycle. It looked just like his granny's horse Sox. 

Pony Cycles gifted us one of their medium sized horses, much to my son's absolute delight. This is the sort of reaction you could expect on Christmas morning. 

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The medium size is for ages 4-9 and the small size suits age 2-4. As long as the child can reach the pedals to bounce to make the pony move, then it will work for them. It's tricky to explain how the pony is propelled along, so it's far easier to show you. Here's a video of my son riding his. 

Building the cycle is very simple. It arrived assembled, apart from the head piece, which is easily screwed on. It only took me three minutes and it was ready to go. 

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Prices start at £150, which is reasonable as an alternative to a bike as the main Christmas present. Unlike a bike, the Pony Cycle makes a stunning feature for a child's bedroom all year round, replacing the traditional rocking horse of yesteryear. 

My son has taken his out around our block a few times, and we even took it in the boot of the car to go visit Granny & Grandad's real horses. 

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Pony Cycles are great for exercise, and are also used widely in special needs schools for children with autism or Down's Syndrome.

The Pony Cycle company is owned locally, shipping from Derry, Northern Ireland, to locations all over the world. You can browse the collection online, and make purchases simply through their site. They also have an active Facebook account. 

 

Gertrude Anna's Autumn/Winter Collection Includes an Ewok Print Satchel & Therefore It Wins Fashion

Gertrude Anna is the handmade work of mister Timmy White, a co-worker of mine from my Liberty Blue days, and a lover of 80s & 90s pop culture.

I had the pleasure of having a Gertrude Anna clutch bag made in He-Man fabric for my brother's wedding in June, and it got lots of compliments. Great for showing your weirdo side, if you're being 'well behaved' with the rest of your outfit. 

Check out Timmy's latest pieces by staying up to date on the Gerty Facebook page. The Ewok satchel is a treat. 

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The Gerty site lists many different items you can order from Timmy in whichever fabrics you desire. 

We're Going on the Johnny Cash Cruise

Earlier in the year you saw our super duper day cruise with Stena Line, the Pirates and Princesses' trip, which we loved. This autumn Stena are treating  Northern Irish Sea lovers to a selection of evening cruises, departing and returning to Belfast. With entertainment and a meal on board, you can literally get away from your little darlings for the evening. 

We are trying out the Johnny Cash cruise, with tribute band Keep It Cash. There are also cruise nights with country music, an ABBA tribute and Elvis impersonators. Each night is only £25, with food, so it's a surprisingly cheap night out. I'll maybe see you on board.

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Eco-friendly Light Up Kettle from Stellar

The Stellar SEA31 glass electric kettle can boil up to 1.7 litres, or just one cup, without effecting the heating element. Clever, if you're trying to save the world one tea bag at a time. 

The best part for me however is the novelty that it lights up blue when in action, so I can have a little disco in the kitchen in the morning. 

A Crafty Secret Coming Soon to Belfast

A guest post from Emma from Crafty. 

 

"Hello from Crafty's shack (chalet) out country! We are delighted to be embarking on new boutique premises on the Dublin Road.

Crafty Hair & Custom Clothing Boutique will open its doors late Oct and we are so excited.

You will be able to book your new hair style whilst getting thrifty fashion hints and tips from myself, chief crafter Emma Gilles.

Crafty art design homewares antiques and the usual pruck will all be available to purchase everything for sale ethos!

Crafty custom clothing and wooden jewellery will be available to purchase along side our new section for makers and fashionistas.

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“Crafty Paraphernalia Findhoke, purchase all sorts of things to create with.

A haberdashery of the extraordinary kind - vintage beads, cloth, bottle caps, screws, thread, jam jars, hooks, eyeballs, bulbs, cogs, broken jewellery, things, lego, more things..things we don’t know what they are but they are cool for embellishing all for sale in our new boutique.

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Crafty's customising service will be available to add an embellishment or twist to your clothes to make them unique to you. Just

Our country chalet is available for hen parties and birthdays and our Dublin Road boutique too !

Check out our haircrafting and fashion workshop menu to book us for your next hair style or party get in touch and get ethical and crafty!

Free eyelash tint for all bookings and £5 off voucher for Kitsch readers! Just quote this blog!

Help save the world whilst looking damn good book a crafty workshop and learn how ;)!

Photograph of Kitsch box  Erin Elizabeth Kelly.

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Avenue 32- Shop The World's Fashion Weeks From The Comfort of Your Own Home

Wintour would wince; you can shop high fashion whilst relaxing in your pyjamas. Avenue 32 is a high fashion, online department store, with dozens of celebrated designers showing their latest collections. 

Roberta Benteler founded the site in 2011, and already it's made a name for itself as the place to click to for luxury fashion.   Avenue 32 was voted the second best online fashion store by Vogue UK, high praise indeed.

The website isn't simply a shop either, each designer curates their own department. There are videos, behind-the-scenes features and an insight into the thought behind the various collections.  They also make available their Little Black Book. 

If you've been following New York Fashion Week, you can compliment your wardrobe with pieces chosen from Avenue 32 in the same vein as the collections seen on the run way, thanks to a current feature put together especially for the site. 

If you already know your stuff, then you'll want to jump straight into the shopping, and visit a globe s worth of talented designers, without leaving home. Up and coming folks like Thakoon Addition, Pinky Laing, Carolina Bucci and Oliver Peoples have stores nestling side by side on the virtual shopping avenue.

I adore high fashion, as it often is more quirky than high street, and I dress as weirdly as my personality. Unfortunately, I do not have the budget for high fashion, but now and then I do invest in one pricier item. Having one or two good quality, designer pieces means you can look smart by pairing them with high street items. For example having a leather handbag, can set off any outfit. I enjoyed having a browse round Avenue 32 and choosing my favourite items to share with you. 

Tim Ryan £1.405

Tim Ryan £1.405

Alexander Lewis £955

Alexander Lewis £955

Thakoon Addition £245

Thakoon Addition £245

Ettienne Deroeux £395

Ettienne Deroeux £395

Antorio Marras £690

Antorio Marras £690

Antonio Marras £830 jumper

Antonio Marras £830 jumper

Carvan £240

Carvan £240

Carven £320

Carven £320

Fawn print skirt, my favourite piece. Carven £310

Fawn print skirt, my favourite piece. Carven £310