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Punk, glam, rock and roll — the 80s are on the verge of being back, big-time. The trend is new enough that there’s still lots of great vintage stuff, but some of the best 80s retro looks are the brand new knock-offs.
(1) Over-the-top distress? Very 80s. Oversized pink belt ($12, Rayne@Ego, outside at 9 Kensington, 416-598-1299) sets off acid wash jeans (the model’s own, but for a selection of acid wash styles, check out Mendocino, 365 Queen West, 416-593-1011, and others), with a Mr. Brief mesh top (Rayne@Ego) and lavender lace gloves ($10, Ego, 9 Kensington, 416-596-8282).
(2) The disco-tainted punk flavours of new wave fly back into style with a vintage red-and-black striped dress ($5.99, Value Village, 1319 Bloor West, 416-539-0585, and others), vintage gloves ($3, Courage My Love, 14 Kensington, 416-979-1992), red leather wristband ($12, Get Out Side, 437 Queen West, 416-593-5598), classic Greek fisherman’s cap ($39.95, Big It Up, 58 Spadina, 416-591-0864, and others) and dangerously big belt (Rayne@Ego).
(3) Heavy metal meets punk in a deadly rocker T-shirt, a real find for $8 at Acme (26 Kensington, 416-599-4220). Twenty years ago, if you wanted a heavily studded wristband, the only game in town was Northbound Leather (586 Yonge, 416-972-1037). Now — thanks to the Internet — the world shops at Northbound. And they’ve got some of their original punk wristbands in stock ($42). For a matching choker, check out Get Out Side ($15).
(4) Nothing heats up 80s-style black than high-gloss hits of red. A Mr. Brief mesh top ($8, Rayne@Ego) with a wool crepe skirt ($6, Goodwill, 234 Adelaide East, 416-366-2083, and others) gives a little-black-dress feel that’s anything but demure. A skinny red leather tie ($10, Rayne@Ego), skinny studded red belt ($10, Acme) and red fishnets ($9, Legs Beautiful, 2 Bloor East, 416-927-8333, and others) kick up the heat. The boots, $50 at Winners (57 Spadina, 416-585-2052, and others), are embellished with custom stud work by Sue Seto.
