​Here’s the Fast Way Out
A collection of throw-on-and-go costume kits for when you want to look totally 80s without totally losing your mind. No DIY, no drama — just zip, fluff, and dance.

1. Strawberry Shortcake Costume
https://amzn.to/3RrL7qq

​2.  80s Party Girl Costume
https://amzn.to/4jHqTVS

3. Elvira Costume
https://amzn.to/3RKKqJ7

4. She-ra Princess of Power Costume
https://amzn.to/3RKKN6t

5. Peggy Bundy Costume (Married With Children)
https://amzn.to/4jKwgUh

6. 80s Costume Accessories
https://amzn.to/3Y30I3t

​Pee-wee Herman – Big Suit, Bigger Energy
Gray suit, red bowtie, white loafers, and the confidence of a man who talks to furniture. Slick your hair, glue on a little smirk, and be ready to shout “I know you are but what am I?” at least once an hour. It’s weird. It’s wonderful. It's easy...It’s Pee-wee!

1. Suit
https://amzn.to/4jhiGYz

2. Red Bowtie & accessories
https://amzn.to/44vSzIE

3. Shoes (w/ white socks)
https://amzn.to/42t0P9G

Flashdance – She’s a Maniac
Oversized off-the-shoulder sweatshirt, leggings, leg warmers, and a messy ponytail. That’s it. That’s the look. Bonus points if you bring a chair and a bucket of confetti (or just dramatically point at the ceiling and spin). It’s comfy, iconic, and 100% ready to sweat… or just pose at the bar.

1. Loose Sweatshirt
https://amzn.to/3GaQ3h8

2.  Shorts
https://amzn.to/4irIoIL

3.  Leg Warmers
https://amzn.to/4cIgmr2

4. Bandana
https://amzn.to/42mCOm9

5.  Red Heels
https://amzn.to/42LVcUy

EVERYTHING LACE! Layers, and a dramatic hat or veil if you’re feeling extra morbid. Grab a vintage camera, smudge your eyeliner, and perfect your thousand-yard stare. You’re not dead — you just dress like it. Ideal for anyone who reads The Handbook for the Recently Deceased for fun.

1. Red Lace Dress
https://amzn.to/42DkaVO

2. Red Veil 
https://amzn.to/4irHlIP

3. Red Lace Gloves
https://amzn.to/3RUI2PN

4.  Lydia Deetz Wig
https://amzn.to/44DNY7g

5. Handbook for the Recently Deceased Book
https://amzn.to/4jI3uDG

​The Easy Way Out – Neon Queen Edition
A slouchy off-the-shoulder top, electric leggings, fishnet gloves, and just the right amount of plastic jewelry to blind your ex from across the dance floor. This ready-made 80s look takes zero effort, but screams, “I came to dance and I brought my own soundtrack.” It’s bold, it’s bright, it’s the easy way out — and honestly? You'll nail it! 
Purchase here ​https://amzn.to/42BLeVl

​Black work jacket, dark jeans or Dickies, shades, and a Compton cap pulled low. Add fingerless gloves and a fake mic if you're feeling bold. Bonus points for attitude, but don’t forget: it's not just a look — it's the godfather of gangsta rap, chilling in style.

​Links to individual items below

1. Compton Hat
https://amzn.to/4jJpuOC

2. Black Sunglasses
https://amzn.to/4lDgRqk

3.  Fingerless Gloves
https://amzn.to/44uVUaW

4. Dickies Style Jacket
https://amzn.to/4cHpdcr

5. Wig
https://amzn.to/3EpV5pq

6. Gold Chain
https://amzn.to/4jjuucQ

7. Gold Bracelets
https://amzn.to/43UIuVz

Classic 80s Rocker Costume Idea – Hair Spray Not Included
Tight black jeans, ripped band tee, leather jacket (bonus points for fringe), and more studs than your belt can handle. Top it off with teased hair, smudged eyeliner or sunglasses, and a “don’t care” sneer. Whether you're channeling Bon Jovi, Poison, or just that guy who hung around the record store too long — you're here to shred. Links for individual items below!

1. Rocker wig
https://amzn.to/42vdI4F

2. Sunglasses 
https://amzn.to/4jsk1vu

3. Bracelets
https://amzn.to/42ypwSb

4. Necklace
https://amzn.to/3Gbzq4X

5. Bandana
https://amzn.to/3RlubBY

6. Badass Rocker Leggings
https://amzn.to/42NAGUx

7. Inflatable Guitar
https://amzn.to/4cXNE5P

​Madonna Like a Virgin Costume Idea
Lace gloves, layered necklaces, a white bustier or dress, and a giant bow or veil in your hair. Add a "Boy Toy" belt, fishnets, and that signature messy confidence. You're not just dressing up — you're starting a pop revolution in heels.

1. Bridal Dress
https://amzn.to/3RVGzZz

2. Lace Gloves
https://amzn.to/4ilV5EQ

​3.  White Lace Headband with bow
https://amzn.to/4cKiaA0​

4. Layered Beaded Necklace
https://amzn.to/3Y5wwVk

​5. Big Earrings 
https://amzn.to/3Rp9gOj

6. Silicone Bracelets for flair
https://amzn.to/4jgfCf8

7. White Fishnets
https://amzn.to/3Y7Yj7E

Go back to the future with this Marty Mcfly costume idea. Denim jacket layered over a plaid shirt, red puffy vest, stonewashed jeans, and Nikes (or anything sneaker-ish). Optional accessories: skateboard, camcorder, calculator watch, and the knowledge that you’ve probably disrupted the space-time continuum. Always a hit at 80s Prom!

1. Puffy Vest Coat
https://amzn.to/4cB7pQc

2. Button up Shirt
https://amzn.to/4lKciuD

3. Wig
https://amzn.to/42in4jZ

4. T Shirt
https://amzn.to/3RrADaG

5. Denim Jacket
https://amzn.to/42HrSOU

6. Blue Jeans
Surely you own a pair

7. Suspenders
https://amzn.to/3Eul0MA

8. Calculator Watch
https://amzn.to/4j9wKDk

9. White Sneakers
https://amzn.to/4jxPEDE

10. Hover Board
https://amzn.to/3YFoUsO

Here’s a collection of items to help you build your own Weird Al look — inspired by his classic style. Think loud Hawaiian shirts, oversized glasses, curly hair, and that signature mustache. These pieces capture the quirky, satirical vibe that made Weird Al an icon. These suggestions will help you pull it off without overthinking it.
​

1. Hawaiian Shirt
https://amzn.to/3Gs4VYi

2. Glasses
https://amzn.to/4lDXYUb

3. Wig
https://amzn.to/4jJj6H8

4. Toy Accordian
https://amzn.to/3RpS2AA

5. Blue Jeans
Surely you own a pair

6. Feet - Converse, bowling shoes, sandals with
bright socks - https://amzn.to/4irvxWO

7. Don't forget the moustache!
​https://amzn.to/42A8D9N

On January 24, 1984, a technological revolution began. Apple Computer, led by the visionary Steve Jobs, unveiled the Macintosh, a personal computer unlike any other.
A New Era of Computing
The Macintosh, with its groundbreaking graphical user interface (GUI), ushered in a new era of computing. Gone were the days of cryptic commands and complex programming. The Mac, with its intuitive mouse and user-friendly icons, made computing accessible to the masses.
"1984": A Cultural Phenomenon
The launch of the Macintosh was preceded by a legendary Super Bowl commercial, "1984," directed by Ridley Scott. This iconic ad, depicting a dystopian future, portrayed the Macintosh as a revolutionary force, breaking free from the constraints of traditional computing.
A Lasting Legacy
The Macintosh, despite its initial high price, quickly gained popularity. Its innovative design and user-friendly interface paved the way for modern personal computers and inspired countless imitators.
Do you remember your first encounter with a Macintosh? Share your memories in the comments below!

"The A-Team" premiered on NBC way back on January 23, 1983. It was a different time, a simpler time. Reagan was in office, big hair was everywhere, and action movies were all the rage. And then came "The A-Team."

Remember those Friday nights? Settling in to watch Hannibal, Faceman, B.A., and Murdock pull off another impossible mission. The over-the-top action sequences, the witty banter, the sheer audacity of it all. It was pure escapism. You knew exactly what to expect: a daring rescue, a high-speed chase, maybe even a plane hijacking thrown in for good measure. And of course, Hannibal's inevitable "I love it when a plan comes together" – a line that became as iconic as the show itself.

"The A-Team" wasn't just entertainment; it was a shared experience. Friends would gather to watch, mimicking B.A.'s "I pity the fool" or trying to recreate Faceman's smooth talk. It was a time before streaming, before social media, when television brought people together. It's hard to deny the show's impact. It influenced countless action movies and TV shows that followed. But more than that, "The A-Team" represents a certain era, a time of simpler pleasures and larger-than-life heroes. It's a reminder of a time when we could all just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
​

"On This Day in the 80s" posts can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. Trying to find something interesting to write about when there weren't any major song releases or groundbreaking events. Birthdays usually aren't my go-to, but today's an exception. 

On this day in the 1965 Diane Lane was born, and what better way to celebrate than by remembering her iconic role in 'The Outsiders'? This classic film, based on S.E. Hinton's novel, wasn't just entertainment for Tulsans; it became a piece of our city's history. Filmed primarily in and around Tulsa, 'The Outsiders' put Tulsa on the movie map, showcasing our unique character and capturing the spirit of youth and rebellion. Diane Lane, a young and talented actress, portrayed Cherry Valance, the Soc girl who forms a surprising connection with Ponyboy. Her performance brought depth and nuance to the character of Cherry, showcasing her empathy and understanding despite her social standing.  

Remember cruising past the Curtis brothers' house? Maybe you even tried to recreate the iconic porch scene? Today, that very house, located at 731 N. St. Louis Ave., stands as the "Outsiders House Museum". It's a must-see for any fan, filled with memorabilia, photos, and even the chance to step inside the iconic living room.  This incredible museum, a collaborative effort with a dedicated team, is owned and lovingly maintained by Danny Boy O'Connor, of the 80s band "House of Pain", ensuring that the legacy of 'The Outsiders' continues to thrive in Tulsa."
Happy Birthday, Diane! We're proud to call you one of our own ;) 

Want to know more aboutThe Outsiders House & Museum? Watch this video from Discovery Oklahoma
​

It was today, February 13th, 1987, that the film Mannequin debuted in theatres. The film received mixed reviews from critics but found success at the box office. It grossed over $42 million worldwide, making it a commercial success considering its modest budget.

Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" captured the spirit of the '80s with its infectious melody and powerful lyrics. As the standout track in "Mannequin," the song perfectly encapsulates the film's romantic storyline, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the on-screen love between Jonathan Switcher and his living mannequin, Emmy. "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" quickly became a chart-topping hit, solidifying its place as an iconic love ballad of the '80s. The song's popularity extended far beyond the film, making it a timeless anthem.

While "Mannequin" might be remembered for its quirky premise and charming characters, the enduring legacy of the film is undoubtedly tied to the unforgettable soundtrack featuring Starship's hit, Belinda Carlisle, Alisha, The Temptations and more...but we'll save those for another post... The synergy between the film's narrative and the emotional resonance of "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" has made the song synonymous with the magic of '80s cinema.

Transport yourself to a world where mullets & La Gear never went out of style. Our 80s Prom Party Playlist is a handpicked selection of our favorite tunes. From underground classics to chart-topping hits and everything in between, with no filler. 

Here we go again. The 21st Annual 80s Prom date and venue have been announced and tickets are on sale.  Last year the event completely sold out with over 1700 guests in attendance. VIP / Mezzanine tickets were the first to disappear so be sure to snag those while you can. Otherwise general admission is usually available until the week of the event. Get your tickets here on this site, at www.cainsballroom.com or at the Cain's Ballroom Box Office. Tickets purchased elsewhere are likely not legit! 

The 1980s was a decade known for its vibrant and eclectic fashion trends, and perhaps one of the most iconic aspects was the obsession with big hair and excessive use of hairspray. This peculiar attraction to unapologetically large hairstyles became a defining characteristic of the era, reflecting the bold and flamboyant spirit of the times. 

During the 1980s, both men and women embraced hairstyles that defied gravity. The bigger, the better, seemed to be the mantra, with voluminous curls, teased tresses, and towering coiffures dominating the fashion scene. Hairspray became an essential tool in achieving these gravity-defying looks, as individuals sought to maintain the height and structure of their elaborate hairstyles throughout the day.

The fascination with big hair can be attributed to the era's larger-than-life attitude. The 1980s was a time of excess, with bold colors, flashy fashion, and extravagant lifestyles taking center stage. This cultural phenomenon extended to hair trends, where individuals sought to make a statement and express their individuality through their distinctive and often outrageous hairstyles.

Music and entertainment played a significant role in influencing these hair trends. Pop icons and rock stars of the 1980s, such as Madonna, Bon Jovi, and Cyndi Lauper, became style icons whose bold and flamboyant looks inspired fans to emulate their hair choices. Music videos, a burgeoning form of visual expression during this era, showcased elaborate hairstyles that further fueled the fascination with big hair.

The 1980s also witnessed the rise of subcultures like the New Romantics and glam metal, each contributing to the diversity of hairstyles. From asymmetrical cuts to mullets and from crimped hair to gravity-defying quiffs, the range of big hair styles was as diverse as the musical genres that defined the decade.

While the trend may seem eccentric in hindsight, it served as a form of self-expression and rebellion against the more subdued styles of the previous decades. The 1980s embraced individuality, and big hair became a symbol of the era's unapologetic and audacious approach to fashion.
​
In retrospect, the strange attraction to unapologetically big hair and excessive hairspray in the 1980s remains a nostalgic and humorous reminder of a time when fashion knew no bounds, and self-expression took center stage—one hairspray-laden strand at a time.