I have a soft spot for nostalgia. There’s something magical about flipping through old photos or listening to tunes from my youth. A familiar scent can instantly transport me back in time, reviving vivid memories.
When I reflect on my childhood in the ’80s, I picture my mom with her voluminous curls and bold paisley dress, complete with oversized shoulder pads. My dad, sporting thick black glasses and flashy sweater vests, adds to the vivid imagery. I can almost smell my mother’s Jean Nate perfume mixed with my father’s Old Spice shaving cream.
As for myself, I remember my pixie haircut and gold hoop earrings, my gap-toothed grin, and the inevitable scraped knees. While the specific outfits I wore often escape me, the accessories that adorned my wardrobe remain vivid in my mind.
Ah, those iconic ’80s accessories! From jelly shoes to charm necklaces, these were the essential elements of my girlhood. Just thinking about them takes me back.
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Jelly Shoes
I can’t say jelly shoes were the comfiest option for young girls. I recall how they made my feet feel sweaty in the summer—I’m pretty sure they trapped heat more than other footwear. Still, they were undeniably fun. I owned a pair with glitter embedded in the plastic, and they felt enchanting. -
Charm Necklaces
I often found myself hiding away, counting and rearranging my charms. I would trade them with friends endlessly. My most valued pieces were the refrigerator and calculator charms—practical even then! -
Lace Gloves
As a huge Madonna fan, I would lock myself in my friend’s room, blasting “Like a Virgin” and pretending to be the pop icon herself. We’d draw on our best impressions of Madonna’s beauty marks with eyeliner and dance with our white lace gloves, which were frayed from all the fun. -
Jelly Bracelets
The mall had a vending machine for these colorful treasures. I remember the fresh rubber scent as I stacked them on my wrists. I even chewed on a few (yikes!). There were older girls on the bus who wore so many black jelly bracelets that their arms were completely covered. They were the epitome of cool! -
Streamer Barrettes
This accessory was the envy of many. Girls who wore streamer barrettes were either lucky or incredibly crafty, as they were hard to find unless you made them yourself! I managed to snag a few, blue and white, which occasionally got tangled in my hair—sorry, Mom! -
Scrunchies
These hair ties weren’t just for securing ponytails; they were also worn as bracelets. Some girls flaunted multiple scrunchies on their wrists, with neon colors and even glow-in-the-dark options. The geometric patterns were quite a sight! -
Roll-On Lip Gloss
Scent has a powerful way of sparking memories. I still recall the bubblegum-scented roll-on lip gloss I bought at Woolworths when I was ten. I would shake the bottle before use, then glide it across my lips with its spongy tip—pure bliss!
While my childhood wasn’t perfect, the accessories I adorned myself with certainly brought joy. It’s fun to look back and remember the little things, even if they weren’t as glamorous as I recall. Most of these items were cheaply made, yet they evoke such happiness from my girlhood.
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Summary:
This article reflects on the unique accessories that characterized a girlhood in the ’80s, from jelly shoes and charm necklaces to lace gloves and scrunchies. Each item evokes fond memories and a sense of nostalgia, highlighting the joy found in those small, seemingly inconsequential details of childhood.