LivLuna

Magazines That HAVE Come a Long Way—Teen Magazines!

I know, I am just as shocked as you are by that headline. But it’s true. Since my take down of the Men & Sex issue of Glamour and Self from 1980, I’ve become obsessed with analyzing print magazines, especially the ones from my vintage collection. This week, I dove into the October 1960 issue of ‘Teen. I purchased it for the pure kitsch value (Just look at the cover—Connie “Hawaiian Eye” Stevens in a metal trash can surrounded by flowers? Really?) I had fun looking through it. The articles are so dated—one article talks about the dangers of asking HIM to the prom. Apparently, if you ask HIM, you’ll scare HIM off! The thing that really dates this magazine are the ads. There are tons for skin care, but there’s also some for engagement rings. Yes, engagement rings. Let’s consider historical context—in 1960, it still wasn’t uncommon to get married right out of high school. Today, it totally wouldn’t fly, right? [Read More] 

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