“Looks even better on a girl.” These ads for 17 Cosmetics by Boots are from 1985.
“Real girls wear 17 Cosmetics.” These ads for 17 Cosmetics by Boots are from 1986.
“The Secret? It’s in the crotch.” Action Jeans (aka Kickin’ Jeans) were produced by Century Martial Arts from 1977 to 1991 and endorsed by Chuck Norris from 1981.
“Okay, Akai.” These three ads are from a triple page spread for Akai CD players, receivers and video players, dating from 1986.
“What woman does not long to be carried like a lamb in the arms of the man she loves.” Published in 1984, The Romance of Food by Barbara Cartland features over 170 pages full of cream-laden “aphrodisiacs for the young lovers”, all beautifully photographed in the kitsch-est 1980’s style imaginable.
“Add a little excitement to your interest.” These ads for the children’s Supersavers account from Barclays Bank are from 1982-85. The ads were aimed at teenagers.
“Step out in style in a snug comfortable badge!” These ad for Better Badges punk pin badges date from 1979-82.
Last Christmas I bought myself a large pile of vintage Blue Peter annuals. It was never one of my favourite programmes on telly, but I did enjoy the craft items they made out of toilet rolls and sticky back plastic! Here’s a few Christmas crafts from various annals dating from 1965-82.
“Unique clothing for women of distinction.” This fine selection of boutique dress shop ads are from Tampa Bay Magazine, dating between 1986-88.
“Great fashion just for you at Young C&A.”These C&A ads for childrenswear date from 1984-87.
“Images Change”These C&A “Avanti” and “Clock House” mixed menswear and womenswear ads date from 1987. They all have a white background with little photos of the models posing around the letters in “Images Change”.
“Where value is always in fashion.”These C&A menswear ads date from 1983-84.
“Images Change”These C&A “Avanti” menswear ads date from 1985-86. They all feature a ripped-page graphic.
“Advantage Avanti”These C&A “Avanti” menswear ads date from 1988. They all feature white backgrounds with big black lettering.
“Advantage Avanti”These C&A “Avanti” menswear ads date from 1989. They all have an Ivy College theme.
“Now, come on in!”These C&A “Clock House” womenswear ads date from 1983-84. The all feature red bubble font.
“Try it on!”These C&A “Clock House” womenswear ads date from 1985.
“The time is now.”These C&A “Clock House” womenswear ads date from 1988-89. They all have a white background with a faint clock print behind.
“Get in the feeling. Go Misting.” Canadian Mist’s “Misting” campaign ran from around 1977 to 1985. There was even matching his and hers caftans, jumpsuits, walking sticks and zodiac pendants!
“A tantalising touch. Proper behaviour when it’s just the two of you.” Canadian Mist’s “Mist Behaving” campaign ran from 1988 to 1993.
“The slimmest slim in town.” This ad campaign for Capari cigarettes dates from 1987.
“The slimmest slim!” These ads for Capari cigarettes date from 1988-90.
“Be daring. Be bold.” These ads for Care Free Curl hair products by Soft Sheen date from 1981-89.
Just enough time to squeeze one more Christmas related post, featuring creepy life-like Santa masks, fake fire places and festive piñatas found in a selection of US seasonal catalogues.
Here’s a selection of children’s character Christmas LP covers from the 1980’s, featuring Barbie, Pac-Man, Strawberry Shortcake and more!
With Halloween just a few days away, I thought it would be fun to look up some 1980’s & 1990’s TV, toy and movie based fancy dress sewing patterns. They range from fun to the down right bizarre!
Here is a collection of children’s character watches and clocks shown in various US Christmas catalogues from 1980-89 (found on Wishbook). I love the over-sized Strawberry Shortcake wall wrist watch clock!
“Costumes galore!” Wondering what to dress up for Halloween this year? Look no further!
Here’s some children’s nightwear from various 1980’s catalogues.
Following on from my post about 1980’s character nightwear, I decided to look into character bedding. These images are from various US Christmas catalogues dating from 1974-86.
Here is a collection of children’s character clothing shown in various US Christmas catalogues from 1980-89 (found on Wishbook). The clothing was mainly t-shirts and sweater/sweat pant sets. I love the poses the kids are pulling in some of these images!
I fancied collating the character nightwear from the 1980’s Sears, Montgomery Ward and JCPenney Christmas catalogues over at Wishbook, and this is the result!
Following on from my post about character bedding, I decided to look into character sleeping bags and tents. These images are from various US Christmas catalogues dating from 1974-92.
“Contain yourself!” These colourful adverts for Contain Wares date from 1986-89.
Like any normal human being, I have a healthy hatred of clowns. One stood on my foot once, and then there was Poltergeist. That said, here is a collection of clowns from various catalogues dating from 1962 to 1989. My favourite clowns are the ones being punched by small boys.
“Electric Youth – The electric fragrance!” These ads for Debbie Gibson’s “Electric Youth” perfume are from 1989-90. It was produced by Revlon and distributed by Natural Wonder Cosmetics, which Debbie Gibson advertised between 1988-90.
“Pretty was never so pure.” These ads for Natural Wonder Cosmetics by Revlon are from 1988-90, during which time Debbie Gibson was spokeswoman.
“Create your own masterpiece in just 3 seconds!” Here’s a selection of Easter egg decorating kits from the 1980’s, featuring the likes of Rainbow Brite, Hugga Bunch, Care Bears and more!
“When they named a game after me, it had to be built!” Elvira And The Party Monsters pinball machine was produced in 1989.
I was quite a fan of Stock, Aitken & Waterman (SAW) back in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, and am happy to admit I still am! An old school friend won some tickets on the radio to one of their live road shows in Bristol (1989 or 1990 I think). I know Sonia performed, but for the life of me can’t remember who else did!
“Go Go Go Gold Seal” These fantastic collage ads for Every Ready “Gold Seal” batteries date from 1985-86.
“It’s a girls best friend!” These four ads for Eunece perfume by Fashion Fair are from 1986-87. These two chaps were fighting over the same lady for a long time!
“For beauty so irresistible it’s flirtatious.”These colourful double page spread adverts for Fashion Fair Cosmetics date from 1980-89.
“Designer resort wear so new and snazzy they’ll make all heads turn.” This fashion shoot for Ebony magazine from Feb 1980 starts of fairly average then takes a swift turn into the bizarre and grotesque with monkey fur, the “gay ’90’s”, leopard print and chamois leather.
“Cards – Stickers – Bubblegum” Here’s a selection of horror movie themed trading card wrappers by Topps from the 1980’s.
“No one lets you experience the Power of Music like General Electric.” These General Electric portable cassette player and hi-fi ads date from 1985-86. Red-Hot-Power!
“A fitness programme for today’s young girl.” During the mid to late 1980’s, Hasbro produced a line of fitness sets aimed at young girls.
The back of Boys’ Live magazine advertised everything from an ALF fan club membership and Nintendo strategy play book, to garlic bubble gum and windshield wiper glasses. You could also buy your own official nickname, a fetching pair of leather fingerless gloves, and a ventriloquists dummy which looks a bit like Sloth from Goonies.
“Eva Joia fun fashions for girls only!” Here are some Gitano “Eva Joia” girls fashion adverts from 1985-87. I’d totally still wear the knitted cat jumper…
“Gentlemen Prefer Hanes” These unashamedly awful Hanes pantyhose adverts date from between 1973-84. Each one features a man leering at another woman’s legs whilst out with his wife or girlfriend. I don’t know about them being gentlemen, more like creepymen!
“No one knows I’m wearing support pantyhose.” These Hanes Alive support pantyhose adverts date from between 1979-83.
“Cheap thrills at HMV!” This style of black and white ad for HMV chart music ran from 1981-83.
In 1985-86, a rather bizarre collection of celebrities put their names to Honda Scooters for both magazine and TV commercials.
During the 1980’s-1990’s, Intarsia (a UK based company) produced over one hundred super cool knitted jumper patterns of cartoon TV characters (plus a few non-cartoon characters too). They are out of print these days, but still circulate on the second-hand market.
“Xmas greetings from the stars!” Here is a selection of cheesy Jet magazine Christmas covers from 1973 to 1985.
“For people who appreciate music…and money.” This style of black and white ad for John Menzies chart music ran from 1983-86.
“You’re on the road with Journey, one of the world’s hottest rock groups. A spectacular performance has just ended. Now it’s up to you to guide each Journey Band Member past hordes of Love-Crazed Groupies, Sneaky Photographers, and Shifty-Eyed Promoters to the safety of the Journey Escape Vehicle in time to make the next concert. Your mighty manager and loyal roadies are there to help, but the escape is up to you!”
Television, toys, games and movie cereals from the 1980’s-90’s. Mmm, artificially flavoured goodness! Oooh, and apparently peanut better and chocolate-flavoured crispy sweetened 2-grain cereal is E.T.’s favourite flavours…
“Kmart. Yes. Kmart.”These ads for Kmart kids clothing are all from 1987.
Giant Glow-Up Costume KitsThese crazy Halloween costumes were produced in 1979/1980 by Spearhead Industries.
“Feel the mild side of Kool.” These ads for Kool menthol cigarettes date from late 1979 to mid 1980. The ads featured well dressed couples hanging around water features, with the gents smoking whilst the ladies look on.
“There’s only one way to play it.” These ads for Kool menthol cigarettes date from 1982-84. The ads all featured photographs of jazz musicians against black backgrounds.
“A sensation beyond the ordinary.” These ads for Kool menthol cigarettes date from 1984-86. They all feature leather clad, smoking bikers.
“Kool & Mild Today” These ads for Kool menthol cigarettes date from 1987-91. All the ads featured casual models wearing sports or leisure wear, in front of an oversized Kool logo.
As random toy finds go, this tickled all the right spots (a-hem)! Bum Bum Gang was a Russian Roulette balloon game by Giochi Preziosi, made in the late 1980s in Italy.
On looking into Labyrinth movie posters, I found there were several designs produced world-wide for its cinematic release in 1986. The Japanese versions are very sci-fi, and I love the Polish version featuring Ludo.
Bananas wearing zebra print bikinis, koala cheerleaders, kittens with rainbow coloured angel wings and ice cream sundae’s in space? It can only be Lisa Frank!
“LoveLines”LoveLines were a range of girls accessories produced by Delavennat in 1988. The line included sunglasses, umbrellas, bags, purses and a few other accessories.
“Tired of huffing and puffing, jiggling and jogging?” This article on low-impact aerobics is from Working Mother magazine, Nov 1986. It goes without saying, my favourite move has to be the funky chicken, although anything performed in these glaring lycra outfits would be pretty funky.
“She’ll flip with your cool magic.” These ads for Magic Shaving Powder and Magic After Shave Cream by Carson date between 1964-81.
“New Griffin Savers Account has a lot to offer young savers.” This Midland Bank advert is from 1984-85. I had the Griffin Savers Account myself and still have the dictionary and pencil case somewhere!
“Dance movements so simple you can actually perform some of them in your sleep!” This weeks Sunday Lounge Listening is something a little different, with Miss Piggy’s Aerobique, from 1982. With routines such as “Snackcercise” and “Sit Down”, this is a form of exercise I could get into. Tre excellent!
“Get in on the swinging sound!” Here’s a selection of images featuring children playing musical instruments from various catalogues dating from 1970-90’s.
“Free record token when you open an account.” These ads for National Girobank are from 1982-84. The account was for 15 to 19 year olds and offered record tokens as an incentive to open an account.
“Not everyone Ade Edmonson met was a complete and utter b…” Young Ones character Vivian, played by comedian Ade Edmonson, advertised for Natwest bank in 1987 (print & TV).
“Isn’t it time you replaced your piggy bank?” These graphic design style ads for NatWest banks On Line account are from 1986-87. The account was aimed at teenagers.
“Kids! This Halloween you can be the creatures you really are!” PAAS Halloween make-up kits were produced from 1984, and there were six different sets made at first.
“More woofers than Battersea dogs home.” This illustrated ad campaign for various Philips CD/cassette players is from 1986-87.
These fun Italian adverts for Texas Instruments are both from 1990. I don’t remember maths being so cool!
Today I have been mostly looking at 1980’s – 1990’s retro geometric patterns in fashion. Now my eyes hurt…
Here is a fine selection of images from the front of festive knitting patterns.I just can’t decide which one I love most! Not that I’d ever wear one…
Fresh On The SceneThese Salem cigarette adverts are from 1989-92. The chaps appear to be “getting fresh” with the ladies in these ads to mixed responses!
“This Halloween don’t be just another face in the crowd.” These makeup kits were aimed at adults and came with glitter and metallic colours. They were produced by Plough in 1985 and 1987.
Twinkle was one of my favourite girls comics when I was little, I even named one my two childhood cats after her (the other cat was named “Tammy” after my other favourite comic). Here are all the annual covers from 1970 to 2003. I love the early cover designs best with the plain coloured backgrounds, white circle behind Twinkle and black text.
“An exciting offer for earthlings!” Here are some spectacular b&w adverts for the Star Wars Fan Club I found in Boys’ Life magazine (1977, 78 & 80). I also found two belt buckle ads, a patch ad and a flying model rocket ad.
Ahh. Memories of scratch n’ sniff stickers! Here are a selection of sticker adverts from 1984-87. I now feel like covering everything in sight in technicolour, scented stickers!
Swatch (from Swiss Watch) began production in 1983. Below are my favourite geometric/graphic designs designs from 1983-1993. They started off quite plain, but by 1988 they had got really bold!
At the bottom of the page are my favourite Pop Swatch designs from 1988-1993. They first made an appearance in 1987 with a plain strap and face, and became more fancy the following year.
“Switch To Swatch!”These Swatch Watch ads are from 1983 to 1989. Swatch are still going strong to this day, with many designs which look straight out of the eighties!
“A Great, Big Watch!”These Swatch watch “POP” adverts date from 1988 to 1991.
Chewits, Black Jacks, Curly Wurly… I can feel my teeth disintegrating just thinking about all those lovely after school sweet treats! Here’s a selection of 1970’s & 1980’s original wrappers, from a time when penny sweets were still a penny.
“Something to believe in… tcb” In 1984, Star Wars actor Billy Dee Williams appeared in a series of adverts for TCB hair products.
“We make you look good!” These three illustrated TCB ads are from April, May and June of 1987.
“A slight improvement on perfection.” These Technics CD and cassette player ads date from 1980-86. They are all very sci-fi with dark backgrounds, moonscapes, lasers and grids.
“A galactic collection to knit and sew!” The Doctor Who Pattern Book by Joy Gammon was published in 1984 and featured all kinds of weird and wonderful things to knit and sew.
“Recycle old pantyhose into dolls, wall hangings, musical boxes, holiday decorations, and much more!” The Great Pantyhose Crafts Book by Ed & Stevie Baldwin was published in 1982, followed by it’s eagerly awaited sequel, More Great Pantyhose Crafts, in 1985.
“How to design and create beautiful garments on your knitting machine.” The Machine Knitting Book by John Allen was published in 1985 and featured a wealth of highly dubious jumpers.
“No more poodle-tight perms, monstrous commitments or not-so-funny between-perm droops.” I love this set of adverts for Toni’s “Epic-Waves” try-on perms from 1989, featuring porcelain clown, poodle and Bride of Frankenstein faces, and big 80’s hair!
“This deck is loaded.” These little b/w Toshiba cassette player ads date from 1983-87. Auto-reverse. Twin deck. Graphic equalizers. Anti-roll. What more could you want?
Ahh, Halloween. That time of year when you dig out the old flame retardant vinyl costumes and creepy, creepy face masks of your favourite childhood toys…
“She’ll wash clothes, run water, turn knobs! Busy, busy in her Frigidaire kitchen! It’s all pink… and just her size!”From mothers little helpers to mini gourmet chefs, here’s a collection of toy kitchen sets from 1962 to 1989.
“This is the story of Tron. You can read along with me in your book. You will know it is time to turn the page when you hear the computer sound like this…”
“What your hair does for you, depends on what you do for your hair.” These ads for Vidal Sassoon hair care products date from c.1985.
“We make Virginia Slims especially for women because they are biologically superior to me.” These ads for Virginia Slims cigarettes date from 1968-84 and were slightly tongue in cheek.
“You’ve come a long way baby.” These ads for Virginia Slims Lights cigarettes with a plain white background date from 1980-83.
“In the crush-proof purse pack.” These ads for Virginia Slims Lights cigarettes date from 1980-85 and continued in the same two styles as the original cigarettes.
“You’ve come a long way baby.” These ads for Virginia Slims cigarettes date from 1980-89 and continue in the same style as the previous decade.
“You’ve come a long way baby.” These ads for Virginia Slims cigarettes date from 1980-91.
“The longest Slims of all.” These ads for Virginia Slims 120’s cigarettes date from 1985.
“The lightest style of Slims.” These ads for Virginia Slims Ultra Lights cigarettes date from 1987-88.
“Send out Shockwaves.” These hair product ads for Shockwaves by Wella are from 1986.
“Professionally styled for cool efficiency.”These ads for White Swan Uniforms are from 1971-88.
“A pencil case can only take so much!” This ad for various WHSmith stationary dates from 1988.
“You, too, can join the Hat Parade!” What was is store for us in the hat world of April 1989? Let’s find out!
“Woolworth Record Blitz” These adverts for Woolworths are all from 1982.
“Unlimited stylage!” These ads for World Of Curls hair care products date from 1982-86.
