How One Midwestern Couple found their way back to the 80's
What happens when a well-adjusted, comfortably normal couple walks into an Urban Outfitters?
Things get real. Anything can happen.
Things did happen for Brenden and Mia Miller, recently married and moved to NC from Ohio, and Florida. They were prepared for heat. They knew about the varieties of human nature contained within this fair state. They found their favorite sushi restaurant within a month of moving here.
But they were not prepared for the changes it would make on their fashion choices.
Lifestyle writer and photographer, L. Raine, happened upon the couple taking a selfie in the back of the shop, and asked to tell the story of their experience.
This is the story of that day.
THE 80'S ARE BACK BACK BACK
It was a normal day out with friends. The Millers had a joined a group headed to Asheville for the day; having just recently moved they were acclimating to the area and the culture. So far nothing more dangerous than a banjo-wielding street performer had crossed their way, and as most mountain folk know, banjo players, while sounding fierce, are some of the gentler and happier folk. The day passed destined to be a halcyon memory.
Little did they know when they entered Urban Outfitters on Haywood Street that life as they knew it was about to be changed forever. They knew all about and loved the 80's: the big hair, the psychedelic designs, acid-wash jeans, the color-blocked shirts, and the wide, wide stripes. Their parents had gotten married in this decade and had given rise to these children of the 90s. Stories of their childhood were directly influenced by this era. They idolized and prized the music of Queen, Madonna, Sting, Metallica, and Fleetwood Black.
Before this the Millers had found that the lure of the 80's irresistible, but with the influence of Instagram and the minimalistic trends had a hard time finding what they liked.
The sudden shock of discovering these cuts, silhouettes, and colors before them was euphoric; before Mr. B. quite knew what he was doing he was modeling a sort of mod animal print cross body. Why should men be barred from carrying purses? It was a reasonable question anyone would ask.
Ms. M was seen in the back of the shop, trying on colors and styles such as a mustard yellow beret, and fingering striped jumpsuits: unheard of in her mid-western heritage of style influence. However, it would seem that Ms. M had a surprising past: in an interview later it was discovered that Ms. M, known to her friends as Mia, had traveled widely - and a family tie was more recently discovered to Alice of Paris.
THE COCA COLA COAT
B, as he is known to his friends, found and donned the 'Coca Cola Coat,' and awoke to dreams of nights spent by the pounding sea, salty air, and visions of tacos. Even though his best dreams may yet be in the future, B avers that in lieu of an exciting location, one should have an exciting wardrobe. This coat, paired with a blue tee shirt and grey shorts to ground the outfit, was exactly the sort of thing he wanted for festival season: quirky, comfy, and colorful.
THE MOM V-NECK SWEATER
We've heard of mom jeans, but debuting this summer is the sweater Ms. M had hoped and dreamed to find - to pair with her collection of white-wash jeans and high-rise shorts. Having grown up on a farm made her adept at pairing functionality with fashion, and this was the sweater to transition from outdoor concerts to re-runs of the Cosby Show at home on rainy nights.
Her fashion icon had always been Denise Huxtable from the C. Show and she can hardly wait to find a pair of paper boy trousers to complete the look: funky, kitschy, and just like your mom wouldn't have worn it.
“I thought the world was an Instagram black and grey before I was enlightened. Now my wildest dreams are coming true. ”
Despite the finds that are to be worn on repeat in the Millers' closets, B was not a child of his parents for nothing. To his discerning taste, even these clothes could not hold a candle to the bright lights and disco balls:
"The reality of these poser 80s attire is that it lacks the true essence of the colorful culture known as the Disco decade. For authentic 80s style, a tip would be to check your parents' closets.
In a world (technically just the US, because of our well known good fashion) of flannel shirts, athletic wear, yoga pants, or whatever one or two clothing items seem to be in style at the time, it's refreshing to see that the fashion gurus of our time seem to understand that you can't improve on baggy tie dye, and fanny packs."
The Millers are grateful to that unexpected adventure into Urban Outfitters. Though it could not satisfy their full devotion to 80s fashion, they will continue to scour Goodwills and their parent's closets for those outfits that hold true to the words of the 80s song "Don't Stop Believin'."
“Don’t stop believin’
Hold on to the feelin’
Streetlights people...”
Welcome to NC Mr. & Mrs. B,
L. Raine
