I was a Teenage Heavy Metal Groupie

Yesterday morning it was snowing so I visited Forever 21 on 34th Street. Practically alone I cruised the store and wrestled tightly packed clothing off racks. Ahh, fast-fashion luxury.

And I couldn't get beyond the front racks as they were packed full of retro 80's gear that stimulated a myriad of emotions. I flew through the initial shock, sped past denial, and jumped right into sentimental reminiscing. And suddenly I was back in the throes of one of the music world's most guilty, undeniable, and shameful pleasures: the metal era.

Day metal-wear. The black wash tight red jeans ($19.80) are a classic. And all my metal boys wore were hoodies ($22.80). Sigh.















Baseball T's too, they all wore baseball T's ($17.80).



















You ain't metal if you got no leather. Or something that closely resembles leather ($27.80). Ruffle print top, $19.80. It's too ruffly for metal, but that's why God made harness vests w/leather straps, $22.80.

















Hair metal girls wore the super tight, short dresses, spike heels and as much cleavage as possible. Suck, cough, I mean such metal trappings are also to be had at F21. But I was more into the bass thumping, head-banging metal, where your drink falls off the bar it's so deafeningly loud. Sigh, memories.

Forever 21, 50 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th