Ah, those were the days.
Red Levels (they had to be actual Red Levels and not knock-offs from Simpsons because otherwise they wouldn't have the red tag, and that was just too square for words)
Using the word 'square'.
Stocking up in Boots - the 'cool minimalist' brand of Kyusu or the Global Collection?
Shopping in Tammy Girl and Snob. New Look was, well, new.
Arguing with your best mate as to whether Kevin Costner or Christian Slater were the more fanciable.
Athena poster of a topless bloke staring at a baby.
Love beads. In the days when that meant long strings of tiny beads.
Just 17, especially the problem page.
More magazine, for obvious reasons.
Using hair wax to shape the front strands of your hair so it framed your face.
Going clubbing in a babydoll nightie, dancing like a loon to Backstreet Boys "Everybody" and Faithless' "Insomnia"
Dodgy gigs in grotty cellars where perves sidled up behind you. One one notable occasion I kept my massive coat on for the entire gig in a desperate attempt to create a barrier.
Kickers, with the green and red soles.
The Sweater Shop.
Bath balls that disintegrated into a slimy disc at the bottom of the bath. See also, shaped 'novelty' soaps, and various sickly Body Shop perfumes.
Crushed velvet. So much crushed velvet.
Lots of gothic wafting around with voile curtains and candles. A fire risk if ever there was one.
Hooch. Ah, the 6th form leaver's boat trip. So. Much. Hooch.
And, if you lived in or around Reading, Saffron Moon and Strawberry Fields.