VH1 used to be the second-rate music video channel, targeting an audience about a decade older than MTV’s. But now VH1’s programming generally comprises time-wasting, guilty-pleasure filler shows, like I Love Toys. The show’s pointless exercise in conjuring nostalgia inspired me to dredge up my own memories of the not-too-distant past.
Girls’ fashion, circa 1980:
- Anything by Sanrio, especially Hello Kitty accessories and school supplies
- Bonne Bell Lipsmackers
- printed shoelaces (By the way — something I found while Googling this — Ian Fieggen illustrates everything you’ve ever wanted to know about shoelaces.)
- braided ribbon barrettes
- Snoopy tote bags
- lunchboxes
- designer jeans, especially Jordache, Sasson and Gloria Vanderbilt (Boys — and some girls — wore good ol’ Levis.)
Toys:
- Atari
- Quiz Whiz electronic trivia game
- Rubik’s cube
- Lite-Brite (Hasbro Lite-Brite simulator)
- Matchbox cars
- Mad Magazine board game
- clip-on koala bears
Posted April 3, 2006 by Mariva in fashion, fun, gadgets, games, innovations