Rod Stewart's video "Infatuation", encompasses all that is eighties. The hair and the acid wash jeans, need I say more.
This video is about a dude, who is obsessed with the pretty lady who lives in the apartment complex across from his. It's a good thing that this lady makes things convenient for her stalker (Rod Stewart), as leaves her blinds open and prances around the pool in a tiny bikini. Rod Stewart also has the state of the art equipment to watch his target. How does he afford this? It seems like he spends most of his time stalking!
The other interesting story line is that the young women has an elderly, but rich, suitor. This old-guy is on to Rod Stewart's pervy ways, and confronts him on several occasions. This, However, does not dissuade Stewart from be infatuated.
My favorite scene in this video is when Stewart shakes his booty while perving on the young woman. This scene was emblazoned into my mind since the video's been released. How could you forget that? Rod Stewart, shaking his acid-wash-jeans-covered butt was cheesy even in the eighties!
I have one question to Rod Stewart fans. How is he hot? What is his appeal? how does he get away with the cheesiness? I just don't understand it. I didn't understand in his hay-day either. I will say if you you are in for a laugh, this video is one to watch.
Click link below.
Rod Stewart - Infatuation:
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Love is a Battlefield - Pat Benatar
The ultimate "Girl-Power" video of all time. Done in true eighties fashion, Pat Benetar's depiction of a young girl seeking to be understood and tying to gain independence is riveting!
The video begins with the main character (Pat Benetar) leaving home after a fight with her parents. Determined to make it on her own, she ends up in what appears to be a brothel. She seems established in this place indicating that she has worked there for a while. After a man/patron treats a co-worker disrespectfully, Benetar takes a stand! She and her co-workers revolt against the rude men, and declare their strength! The video ends with Benetar leaving the brothel and returning to a remorseful but loving home.
This video is great. Yes the dancing and characters are laughable, but the essence is fabulous. I really like the theatrical element of the video, and the song is catchy too.
Another interesting aspect is that I am noticing young women today dressing like Pat Benetar and her coworkers in the video! Ha! Perhaps the eighties were not as cheesy as we thought!
The video begins with the main character (Pat Benetar) leaving home after a fight with her parents. Determined to make it on her own, she ends up in what appears to be a brothel. She seems established in this place indicating that she has worked there for a while. After a man/patron treats a co-worker disrespectfully, Benetar takes a stand! She and her co-workers revolt against the rude men, and declare their strength! The video ends with Benetar leaving the brothel and returning to a remorseful but loving home.
This video is great. Yes the dancing and characters are laughable, but the essence is fabulous. I really like the theatrical element of the video, and the song is catchy too.
Another interesting aspect is that I am noticing young women today dressing like Pat Benetar and her coworkers in the video! Ha! Perhaps the eighties were not as cheesy as we thought!
Monday, March 14, 2011
A-Ha - Take On Me
Arguably the best video of all time. A-Ha's 1985 video for their song "Take on Me" is timeless and memorable. Though the styles are definitely from the 1980s, it is not over the top or obnoxious. The song itself is fabulous as well. Unfortunately A-Ha only had one hit in the United States.
A-Ha holds a special place in my heart. This was my very first cassette tape. Although, "Take on Me" was the only hit, I loved the other songs as well. It is so funny, I can't even imagine dealing with cassette tapes anymore.
This video, in my opinion, is pure art. I love it.
(You'll not that there are subtitles in this video. It is called the Literal Video Version. The subtitles are not in the original video, but I wasn't able to post the official video so I opted for this.)
A-Ha holds a special place in my heart. This was my very first cassette tape. Although, "Take on Me" was the only hit, I loved the other songs as well. It is so funny, I can't even imagine dealing with cassette tapes anymore.
This video, in my opinion, is pure art. I love it.
(You'll not that there are subtitles in this video. It is called the Literal Video Version. The subtitles are not in the original video, but I wasn't able to post the official video so I opted for this.)
Oran "Juice" Jones - The Rain
The year was 1986. Every weeknight, my favorite radio station would do the "top nine at nine", meaning the listener's top voted songs played at nine.
I would wait in anticipation hoping that Oran Juice Jones' "The Rain", would be number one.
OK, you really need to consider the times before judging my music taste. The year 1986 was just plain cheesy. But c'mon, you know you like it, at least little bit.
How could you not love it when he says, "Cold Busted!" or "You gotta get on outta here with that alley-cat-coat-wearing, punch-bucket-shoe-wearing Crumcake I saw you with. Cause you dismissed!"
The song/video combo is classic.
There are really no words for this. Just watch it.
I would wait in anticipation hoping that Oran Juice Jones' "The Rain", would be number one.
OK, you really need to consider the times before judging my music taste. The year 1986 was just plain cheesy. But c'mon, you know you like it, at least little bit.
How could you not love it when he says, "Cold Busted!" or "You gotta get on outta here with that alley-cat-coat-wearing, punch-bucket-shoe-wearing Crumcake I saw you with. Cause you dismissed!"
The song/video combo is classic.
There are really no words for this. Just watch it.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Blondie - Rapture
Exploring different subculture styles (America is Beautiful) is a dream of mine, but I feel like I cannot do a proper exploration without traveling. So I decided to switch my focus to 1980s videos.
I was in my preteens during the 80s, but had older sisters who introduced me to the amazing world of 1980s music. This was the time when MTV was not just a bunch of dumb reality shows, it actually showed music videos!
Consider this blog a welcoming into the world of excessive cheesiness. I describe the 80s as being “so bad, but so good at the same time.” Seriously these styles were attractive back then. It’s hard to grasp, I know.
The first video is Blondie’s Rapture. Obviously this song/video is about recreation drug use. Of course as a kid I didn't realize this, I just thought it was a groovy tune. After viewing this video for the first time in many years, I was surprised at how brazen it was about drugs and the party lifestyle. I was also a little put-off about the African-American roles in this video. In today’s world those depictions could be deemed stereotypical.
Blondie rapping is another interesting aspect of this video. I am not quite sure what to think about it. On one hand it is just plain terrible! But on the other hand, it actually helped rap push into the mainstream music scene.
"The new wave band Blondie releases the single 'Rapture'. It features a rapping vocal by lead singer Debbie Harry and mentions Fab 5 Freddy and Grandmaster Flash, furthering hip-hop's push into the mainstream."
Good or bad, it is interesting to view these videos because they are a snapshot of what was acceptable during that time period. Overall I am fascinated by Blondie's video, and experienced "Rapture" by viewing it.
I was in my preteens during the 80s, but had older sisters who introduced me to the amazing world of 1980s music. This was the time when MTV was not just a bunch of dumb reality shows, it actually showed music videos!
Consider this blog a welcoming into the world of excessive cheesiness. I describe the 80s as being “so bad, but so good at the same time.” Seriously these styles were attractive back then. It’s hard to grasp, I know.
The first video is Blondie’s Rapture. Obviously this song/video is about recreation drug use. Of course as a kid I didn't realize this, I just thought it was a groovy tune. After viewing this video for the first time in many years, I was surprised at how brazen it was about drugs and the party lifestyle. I was also a little put-off about the African-American roles in this video. In today’s world those depictions could be deemed stereotypical.
Blondie rapping is another interesting aspect of this video. I am not quite sure what to think about it. On one hand it is just plain terrible! But on the other hand, it actually helped rap push into the mainstream music scene.
"The new wave band Blondie releases the single 'Rapture'. It features a rapping vocal by lead singer Debbie Harry and mentions Fab 5 Freddy and Grandmaster Flash, furthering hip-hop's push into the mainstream."
Good or bad, it is interesting to view these videos because they are a snapshot of what was acceptable during that time period. Overall I am fascinated by Blondie's video, and experienced "Rapture" by viewing it.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
The Modest Clothes of Utah. Hooray!
I am not Mormon, however I have family members who are so I understand how the religion has modernized. I mention this because I have encountered many people, out of state, who have no knowledge of how the modern-day Mormon church functions. Seriously, these people still think that there are main-stream Mormons in Utah with multiple wives in prairie clothes.
I'm not joking people. It is sad.
But if they took a moment to see how the women of Utah dress today , they would note that modest clothing doesn't necessarily mean prairie clothes, turtle necks, floor length skirts. etc. They would see nothing but fabulous! Infact, They would see so much fabulous, that perhaps it would change their views.
Across the board, (moms at the grocery stores, the ladies selling real estate, the girls at college, etc.) Utah women seem to find a way to look great without showing it all!
Typical Gear:
Hair: Carefully colored and meticulously styled (not a strand out of place). Not Prom hair, usually the latest styles appropriate to age. There is no occasion small enough to do-up the full hair style.
Apparel:
- Shirts: Feminine. Layered and long. Form fitting but not tight. Emulates latest styles without showing gratuitous skin.
- Jeans: Designer or decorated. The jeans are amazing. The alterations/tailoring industry must boom here because it seems like every woman's jeans fit just right
-Skirts: just above or below the knee. A-line, pencil, or flare. Utah women know how to make a modest skirt look really nice
- Cardigan/cover up: Utah Women usually wear some sort of embellished cardigan or cover up. This piece is not for warming up, but to accentuate the outfit. These also to cover up really cute tank tops or shirts that may seem immodest.
Jewelry: Utah Women are masters at accessorizing. They love jewelry, but do not over do it.
Shoes: Tall knee high boots, flats, sandals, heels.
Accessories: Again, Utah Women are masters at accessorizing. The creative use of scarves and hats etc, is amazing.
Misc: I think the most unique thing about Utah women is that they take very good care of themselves. Because they are healthy and feel good, they exude looking good. Clothes are just a decoration when you are beaming with positivity and good feeling!
I highly recommend looking at some of the links. You will see what I am talking about. You don't need to let it all hang out to look sexy. Take it from the Mormon girls, "Modest is Hottest!"
I'm not joking people. It is sad.
But if they took a moment to see how the women of Utah dress today , they would note that modest clothing doesn't necessarily mean prairie clothes, turtle necks, floor length skirts. etc. They would see nothing but fabulous! Infact, They would see so much fabulous, that perhaps it would change their views.
Across the board, (moms at the grocery stores, the ladies selling real estate, the girls at college, etc.) Utah women seem to find a way to look great without showing it all!
Typical Gear:
Hair: Carefully colored and meticulously styled (not a strand out of place). Not Prom hair, usually the latest styles appropriate to age. There is no occasion small enough to do-up the full hair style.
Apparel:
- Shirts: Feminine. Layered and long. Form fitting but not tight. Emulates latest styles without showing gratuitous skin.
- Jeans: Designer or decorated. The jeans are amazing. The alterations/tailoring industry must boom here because it seems like every woman's jeans fit just right
-Skirts: just above or below the knee. A-line, pencil, or flare. Utah women know how to make a modest skirt look really nice
- Cardigan/cover up: Utah Women usually wear some sort of embellished cardigan or cover up. This piece is not for warming up, but to accentuate the outfit. These also to cover up really cute tank tops or shirts that may seem immodest.
Jewelry: Utah Women are masters at accessorizing. They love jewelry, but do not over do it.
Shoes: Tall knee high boots, flats, sandals, heels.
Accessories: Again, Utah Women are masters at accessorizing. The creative use of scarves and hats etc, is amazing.
Misc: I think the most unique thing about Utah women is that they take very good care of themselves. Because they are healthy and feel good, they exude looking good. Clothes are just a decoration when you are beaming with positivity and good feeling!
I highly recommend looking at some of the links. You will see what I am talking about. You don't need to let it all hang out to look sexy. Take it from the Mormon girls, "Modest is Hottest!"
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Epiphany_Moment
My A-ha Moment:
My epiphany happened at the baggage claim area. Busy was I, amidst the masses of people, when suddenly the sea of Capri's and pastel polo shirts parted and a tall, proud African American lady glided through the rosy cheeks of St. Louis. No music was playing, but if there was, it would be something along the lines of "Mustang Sally" by Mack Rice. This lady had style, soul, and rhythm, and her clothes exuded it. She did not look like the rest of the folks at the baggage claim, that's for sure. I quickly did a visual inventory of her clothes so I could copy it and look hot for my husband later that week (after I'd gone shopping, of course).
What She Wore:
Hair: Big hot-iron curls
Jewelry: A lot of gold, but not too much. She had gold earrings, necklace, rings and bracelets. But what struck me was the clunky gold anklet above her metallic high heeled sandals. My first question was, "who wears anklets anymore?" and second, "where can I get one?"
Apparel: She too was wearing Capri's, but hers were black and billowy. She had an eclectic print tank on with a short sleeve blazer.
Shoes: As mentioned above, her shoes were tall, shiny and brilliantly framed her pedicure.
So-there-I-was, feeling:
Drab: Because I was sporting the California casual; jeans, a cute T-shirt, sandals, natural sun-kissed hair, and light make up to punch up my face.
Mean: Because I just finished ripping the St. Louis ladies to shreds.
Defeated: Because this African American lady put me to shame, after I'd been so judgmental!
Conclusion:
I concluded that the Status Quo was adorable. The St. Louis ladies, did a nice job of looking cute and presentable. But the Lone-tiger, as she was nicknamed, her style was amazing and definitely a style to borrow from.
After this experience, I've pondered ways to highlight and document everyday, non-celebrity, fashion wonders. I think this blog is a perfect venue. Digging into different subcultures for that perfect accessory, seems like a favor to not only myself, but all the girls out there!
My epiphany happened at the baggage claim area. Busy was I, amidst the masses of people, when suddenly the sea of Capri's and pastel polo shirts parted and a tall, proud African American lady glided through the rosy cheeks of St. Louis. No music was playing, but if there was, it would be something along the lines of "Mustang Sally" by Mack Rice. This lady had style, soul, and rhythm, and her clothes exuded it. She did not look like the rest of the folks at the baggage claim, that's for sure. I quickly did a visual inventory of her clothes so I could copy it and look hot for my husband later that week (after I'd gone shopping, of course).
What She Wore:
Hair: Big hot-iron curls
Jewelry: A lot of gold, but not too much. She had gold earrings, necklace, rings and bracelets. But what struck me was the clunky gold anklet above her metallic high heeled sandals. My first question was, "who wears anklets anymore?" and second, "where can I get one?"
Apparel: She too was wearing Capri's, but hers were black and billowy. She had an eclectic print tank on with a short sleeve blazer.
Shoes: As mentioned above, her shoes were tall, shiny and brilliantly framed her pedicure.
So-there-I-was, feeling:
Drab: Because I was sporting the California casual; jeans, a cute T-shirt, sandals, natural sun-kissed hair, and light make up to punch up my face.
Mean: Because I just finished ripping the St. Louis ladies to shreds.
Defeated: Because this African American lady put me to shame, after I'd been so judgmental!
Conclusion:
I concluded that the Status Quo was adorable. The St. Louis ladies, did a nice job of looking cute and presentable. But the Lone-tiger, as she was nicknamed, her style was amazing and definitely a style to borrow from.
After this experience, I've pondered ways to highlight and document everyday, non-celebrity, fashion wonders. I think this blog is a perfect venue. Digging into different subcultures for that perfect accessory, seems like a favor to not only myself, but all the girls out there!
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