Retromodgirl

The Beekman 1802, to the tune of Buddy Greco

2011-12-10T10:00:00.008-05:00

The American Hotel. Picture courtesy of The American Hotel site.

Old Sharon Springs, NY tourist sign. Picture courtesy of The American Hotel site.

Roseboro Hotel, Sharon Springs, NY. Picture courtesy of The Roseboro.com site.

I have always loved my adopted area, The Central NY Mohawk Valley, from the rolling hills and farms to the friendly people. Not only is it Amish Country, but it is a superb blend of bucolic scenery, New York State history, antiques, and retro living. But I recently discovered The Fabulous Beekman Boys , otherwise known as Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge, transplanted Manhattanites, and their 1802 farmhouse about 12 miles from me in Sharon Springs, NY. They have a show on Planet Green, and are very active in the Sharon Springs town life. Which is a good thing, because Sharon Springs is a fading tourist town experiencing a cultural resurgence thanks to folks like the Beekman Boys and the proprietors of the American Hotel , among others. In fact, the little mineral springs resort town is now populated by Manhattanites of all sorts, and is more creative and lively because of it. If you want a real old-fashioned rural day trip experience, take Route 20 from Albany, NY all the way to Sharon Springs, and spend time at quaint shops like Cobbler and Company, a refurbished cobbler shop turned antique and novelty store, and The Black Cat Cafe, a wonderful from-scratch bakery and restaurant. For more info on my area, visit the The Mohawk Valley Living blog, and The Sharon Springs Chamber of Commerce site.

Here, for your viewing pleasure, is a look at the Beekman 1802 mansion's fabulously decorated rooms, to the tune of some swank Ultralounge Buddy Greco. What could be better than rural history, retro decor, and vintage tunes? Happy Holidays!

(Click on the Youtube title link at the top of the video screen to see the video in large scale.)

For more Fabulous Beekman Boys Youtube videos, go here.

My Recent Thrift Finds

2011-08-31T16:56:00.005-04:00

While we recover from Hurricane Irene's craziness, I will give you a peek at my recent thrift finds (excuse the crummy Blackberry camera pics):

Fondue pot w/utensils found at Johnstown, NY thrift store: $4. Folding theater seats from old Canajoharie, NY High School, found at Settler's Block Antiques, Canajoharie, NY: $200. The seats are stamped "CHS" and are engraved with old student names.

I scored the only two Designs Pyrex mixing bowls (sorry, only one shown) that were made: the 343 1 1/2 quarts and the 344 3 quarts, $18, found at the Village View Variety Shoppe, Lake Luzerne, NY.

My first Friendship Pyrex Cinderella casserole find, $20, found at the Village View Variety Shoppe,Lake Luzerne, NY.

Southern Belle embroidered dresser scarf, $3, Village View Variety Shoppe, Lake Luzerne, NY.

And the piece de resistance for the week so far: 1950s-70s chrome based barrel chair, $3, found at the same Johnstown, NY thrift store as the fondue pot.

I have lots more pics to share when I get around to capturing them. Happy Thrifting, everyone!

Shared at Apron Thrift Girl's Thrift Share Monday link party.

"I Wish I Looked Like Cindy Crawford."--Cindy Crawford

2011-08-14T11:47:00.002-04:00

This is for all the beautiful women who think they are not. My favorite quote in this video is by Cindy Crawford, who says, "I Wish I Looked Like Cindy Crawford." This is a must-view for all women.

Flea Market Sunday

2011-07-24T19:59:00.003-04:00

(photo credit from Ioffer.com)

We went to the Middleburgh, NY outdoor flea market today, where I scored a set similar to the one above for--wait for it--$11! I have never seen a set like it in any of my Fireking books, or in any antique store for that matter. I also bought a yellow rose tin match holder for $3, a walnut and marble-topped Victorian table for $60, and some vintage advertising crates with great graphics for $5 each. It was a good day.

Are They Still Cool? Bueller?

2011-07-14T22:59:00.001-04:00

This one speaks for itself.

Gene Kelly Pole-Dances!

2011-06-10T22:08:00.005-04:00

I just watched the beginning of The Pirate today with Gene Kelly and Judy Garland, and was surprised to see Gene Kelly pole-dance in a movie from 1948! I mean, where were the censors? Anyway, really hot stuff:

The 325 Square Foot Home

2011-06-04T10:27:00.003-04:00

There is something beautiful, unique and simple about this 320 square foot home, as seen on here on the Consumerist:

Could you live in such a small, efficient little home?

Stylish Home Decor Round Up

2011-04-10T20:33:00.012-04:00

Here are a few home decor treasures I am liking today (click on the links in blue to go to each item):

London Candles, Blisslivinghome.com.

Mermaid Tea Can, Chalinns on Etsy

Eiffel Tower Grater, Pylones-USA.com

Fifty Dresses that Changed the World, Modcloth.com

Marimekko-Samovaari Bed Linens, Crate and Barrel

Happy Birds cushion by RoddyandGinger on Etsy

NYC Globe, Pylones-USA.com

Some Like It Hot Print by Handz on Etsy

Vintage Service for Six, SadieOlive on Etsy

Talk About Cheesy! 1970s Ads

2011-01-14T19:55:00.007-05:00

Close your eyes. Step into the Wayback Machine. Imagine there are no computers, no cell phones, no DVDs or Ipods. Imagine a world with books and skate keys and penny candy, vinyl records and 8 track tapes and hokey tv. A world where running around outside with your friends until dark, or playing with Barbies or Hot Wheels or GI Joes, was the most fun a kid could have. Now, imagine that you have taken a break to watch afternoon television. This is what you would see:

I was 15 when this catchy jingle came out. Pizza hut was a Saturday afternoon staple after rollerskating or shopping for us teens. Tip of the hat to RetroJunk and seanmc31076 on You Tube.

This epitomizes my childhood tv viewing experience. We were so innocent then! Includes the famous Mean Joe Green Superbowl Coke ad. Nod to Genius7277 on You Tube.

More retro tv goodness from Genius7277 on You Tube. This was a time of shlock, cigarette ads and sexism. As you can see, the 50s and 60s hairstyles and clothes still lingered in 1970-71. And dig those mini skirts and the shag carpeting!

I hope you have enjoyed your time in the Wayback Machine. Happy Viewing!

The Funniest Man on Earth

2010-09-25T19:13:00.002-04:00

This is the ultimate in 1980s nostalgia. Jack Rebney, RV salesman and self-titled "angriest man alive," is Winnebago Man in a new documentary about one of the first--albeit unwitting-- viral video stars of Youtube. Directed by Ben Steinbauer, the film features Jack Rebney as they discovered him today, still sharply funny and full of ire. The video itself, which can be found here (beware, not safe for work but outrageously hilarious), is a series of 1988 outtakes from an ad for the 1989 Itasca Sunflyer Winnebago motorhome, narrated by Jack Rebney. It was first circulated on VHS by cast and crew of the ad, which then fell into the hands of VHS tape collectors, who copied and traded it until it ended up on Youtube in 2005. Truly one of the funniest outtakes cllp I have ever watched, and a great statement on the unconscious effect even our most insignificant actions can have on the world. Can't wait for the DVD, which comes out on November 2nd! Read all about Winnebago Man here.

Why do I Love Rotary Phones?

2010-09-05T12:11:00.002-04:00

(Hubby in a rotary payphone booth at the antiques mall)

Why do I love rotary phones so much (ranking right up there with my irrational love for canister sets, atomic lampshades, and chrome)? It's bad enough I remember calling my friends on them as a child! I miss the swirl of the dial as you dialed each digit, and you could not wait for the number to connect! Sometimes even now, I have to look around to find the rotary phone when I am out and hear someone's "retro" cell ring tone...Recently we put a red rotary table phone in our bedroom, and I can now say we are both half-deaf and highly nervous...that was taken out ASAP! We put it there because it is one of the only rooms in this "quaint" (translation, hard-to-live-in) 1920 money pit with a phone jack, other than the kitchen, where the microwave sits. I wonder, how did we stand them growing up?

Orange Rotary Phone
Originally uploaded by redgiantsfan

Will Wonders Never Cease

2010-08-16T11:07:00.005-04:00

Austin, Texas is known as the burgeoning art and crafts mecca of the U.S. After all, it's the place that gave us The Naughty Secretary's Club's Jennifer Perkins, Action Jackson, and Artists for Austin,, to name a few. According to the Austin City Connection, "the creative sector in Austin is a $2.2 billion industry that contributes over $48 million annually to the City tax base and over 44,000 jobs." Part of that vibrant scene revolves around a little diamond in the rough called The Wondercraft,a vintage airstream named Stella turned diy craftsmobile and boutique. According to their website, "the WonderCraft exists to help everyone achieve a more creative lifestyle. The WonderCraft's mission is to propagate daily creativity and passion for its staff, students, local artists and patrons, by way of mobile classes, creative parties and events, and one-of-a-kind, artistic products. These services and products will be offered through a combination of shared space belonging to local businesses and an eye-catching, vintage trailer that travels wherever the need for artistic expression exists. We hope that our iconic Airstream trailer will inspire wonder and leave a trail of creativity in its wake."

Here are some pics of The Wondercraft's innovative owners and boutique:

The WonderCraft gals! top to bottom: Jenifer Bryan, Beth Hempton, Kimberly Sae-Eua & Beth Albrecht.
The Wondercraft's February 2010 Grand Opening.

Renovating Stella.
Stella When She Was First Found in Victoria, Texas

You can buy these here

The Wondercraft is here. If you find yourself in Austin, go explore!

Retro Office Safety Training Video

2010-07-21T22:51:00.001-04:00

I remember the days of pencil skirts, rotary phones, dangerous file cabinets and spilled coffee! Do you?

Pug Calls Batman from His Lair

2010-07-21T21:19:00.005-04:00

If you are like me (ahem, old), you remember a certain Batman cartoon on Saturday mornings in the early 70s. Watch as a cute and talented pug summons Batman from his Batcave, complete with retro cartoon images from the show! Via Urlesque

Vintage Sale Drive for Atticus

2010-06-25T14:33:00.005-04:00

One of my all-time favorite bloggers, photographers, and retrolovers, Lara Rossignol, from the blog Piewacket, is having a fund drive to benefit her ailing kitty, Atticus. You can read about his medical issues here:The Atticus Project.

You can visit her etsy store here:

Please patronize her etsy shop and give aid and love to Atticus!

Etsy Favorites Roundup

2010-06-18T19:45:00.011-04:00

Vintage Mid-Century Covered Casserole, retroactivetreasures, $$38

Orange Orchard on a Pedestal Mugs, youareyou, $19

Aluminum Art Bracelet, lostelizabeth, $$32

Vintage Pickup Truck Pillowcase Set, branchhandmade, $18

1950s Glitter Glamour Dress, fabgabs, $68

Mr. Darcy Proposal t-shirt, brookish, $22

I Love You Blogs and Coffee print, jenniferramos, $25

Heart Shaped Flour Scoop, beehivekitchenware, $$40

Gingko Dipping Dish, by hopejohnson, $20

My Garden Saga

2010-04-17T18:51:00.016-04:00

Now that planting season is here again (praise the gods!), I am full of ideas on what to grow this year (flower bulbs and seedlings are quaking in fear right now). As a born-and-bred urban apartment dweller until 2005, gardening in the fresh air on my own land had always just been a sweet dream. So, for the five often fun, often frustrating, often clueless years of being a rural homeowner, my front and back yards have been the victims of ongoing gardening "experiments."

Here are some pics of my gardening "attempts" over the last five years:

This is what we started with:

Not bad, right? But it was a little bland. Silly me started to dig up that beautiful front lawn to see if I could grow a small flower garden in the middle of it. Here are some of my "tries":

Impatiens, nasturtiums, some rocks dug from the soil, a $2 shrub from Wal-mart,some gladiolas, a thrifted miniature wheelbarrow with a nest that fell from our lilac tree. That was fun for awhile, but I was a little...unimpressed. So I dug it up and started a wildflower patch:

That was fun too, but all it got me was some scraggly cosmos and poppies and a lot of weeds. So what did I do? I decided to dig up more front lawn and go bigger:

We had nice mix of black-eyed susans, purple coneflowers, sweet william, forget-me-nots, rose mallow, candytuft and more, but it was still a little...unkempt. Though it yielded some beautiful bouquets and attracted hummingbirds and butterflies, I like an organized garden, or so I thought. I can't show you the rose garden I started in the wildflower garden's place because...well...it got eaten by Junebugs the size of Volkswagons. Sigh.

So at present, our front lawn is in shambles and our front shrubs are torn out to make way for a more appealing, low-maintenance, and spider-free garden (the shrubs were shrouded in thick white cobwebs, so lovely). Meanwhile, the shrub trunks are still in the ground, claw-like and eerie-looking, because we couldn't get them dug out before winter last year. What to plant in their place?

Here are some perennials I am thinking of adding this spring:

Purple Ice Plants

Galaxy English Daisy Mix

Blue Cascade Rockcress

Manhattan Poppy

Dwarf Sorbet Lilies

Double Lilac Geraniums

All can be found here at Dutch Gardens.

Spring has sprung, my garden muse is working overtime, and the ground trembles as I pass. Here's to another great botanical "experiment." Wish me luck. 'Cause I'm gonna need it.

Alyssa Starelli - Atomic Houses for Atomic People - Portland, Oregon

2010-03-23T21:50:00.011-04:00

(Click on the banner to visit the site)

Meet Alyssa Starelli, founder of The MCM League , a non-profit dedicated to saving Portland, Oregon Googie and Mod architecture. She is also a realtor for time-capsule mid-century mod homes in Portland. As she states on her site: "From 'mid-century modern' to 'arts & crafts', my background and passion for historic architecture and my comprehensive knowledge of Portland will make your home buying experience less of a chore and more of an adventure! I specialize in mid-century architecture, and I do really get it!! If you have a hankering for originial marmoleum, or knotty pine, post and beam construction, atriums and carports, I've got your number!!"

Here are a few of her satisfied clients and their swanky homes:

Amanda Killoran, Graphic Designer/DJ/Drummer
Lents, SE Portland

Brittany Powell, Artist
South Tabor, SE Portland

Jim and Michelle Gringeri-Brown, Editors Atomic Ranch
Eastmoreland, SE Portland

Here are her unusual and innovative fliers (click on any for a larger view):

Her site even has a ! Here are a tantalizing few:

Come visit Alyssa's realty site if you love browsing 50s-60s real estate listings, or just enjoy daydreaming about living in the ultimate MCM home in one of the most stylish cities in America.

Great Depression Cooking with Clara

2010-03-12T15:59:00.013-05:00

I just discovered this fascinating, real-life Upstate New York Great Depression-era cook and blogger, Clara, whose blog is Great Depression Cooking With Clara.

From her Blogger profile:

"Clara is a 94 year old cook and Great Grandmother. She is 100% Sicilian-American and grew up in a Chicago suburb, Melrose Park. She survived the Great Depression and claims to have actually gained weight during America's worst state of financial despair. How did she accomplish this? Check out her cooking show and discover her secret!"

From Amazon's description of her cookbook, Clara's Kitchen:

"Clara Cannucciari is a 94 year-old internet sensation. Her YouTube® Great Depression Cooking videos have an army of devoted followers. In Clara’s Kitchen, she gives readers words of wisdom to buck up America’s spirits, recipes to keep the wolf from the door, and tells her story of growing up during the Great Depression with a tight-knit family and a “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” philosophy of living. In between recipes for pasta with peas, eggplant parmesan, chocolate covered biscotti, and other treats Clara gives readers practical advice on cooking nourishing meals for less. Using lessons she learned during the Great Depression, she writes, for instance, about how to conserve electricity when cooking and how you can stretch a pot of pasta with a handful of lentils. She reminisces about her youth and writes with love about her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Clara’s Kitchen takes readers back to a simpler, if not more difficult time, and gives everyone what they need right now: hope for the future and a nice dish of warm pasta from everyone’s favorite grandmother, Clara Cannuciari, a woman who knows what’s really important in life."

Here is a commercial for her cookbook:

Enjoy this wonderful sample of Clara's cooking genius:

And here is a charming sneak peek into her retro-furnished kitchen, her stories, and her amazing arm-wrestling with one of her great grandsons:

You can purchase the Season One DVD of Great Depression Cooking with Clara here. This swanky lady also twitters! And you can buy her cookbook here.

Mad for Madmen Barbies!

2010-03-12T15:12:00.006-05:00

From this:
To this:

As seen on the blog Whorange, and on the Madmen blog, among other places.

From the Barbie Collector site:

"Mattel, Inc., Lionsgate® (NYSE: LGF), and AMC announced today the launch of four Barbie® Collector “Mad Men” dolls available to consumers July 2010. Designed by Barbie designer Robert Best, the “Mad Men” Barbie doll line features key players from the Sterling Cooper Advertising Agency: creative director and leading man Don Draper; his wife Betty Draper; Sterling Cooper partner Roger Sterling; and bombshell office manager Joan Holloway. Today’s announcement marks the first licensed doll line in the Barbie Fashion Model Collection, a signature silkstone collection within the Barbie brand known for featuring couture quality fashions and accessories.

The “Mad Men” Barbie Collector doll collection embodies the “Mad Men” series’ couture fashions and accessories, and its iconic 1960s style and aesthetic. The series, which is produced by Lionsgate and airs on AMC, has made history with its multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Awards by chronicling the lives of the men and women of Madison Avenue advertising in the 1960s. Season four of “Mad Men” premieres this summer.

Gracefully molded of Silkstone®, a material that resembles the look and weight of porcelain, each doll is stylized in iconic costumes from the series, and comes with accessories true to their show counterparts. Don Draper wears his classic, polished red-lined suit and comes accessorized with a hat, overcoat and brief case; Betty Draper’s classic look is captured with unparalleled detail, from her faux pearl necklace to her pumps; Joan Holloway looks chic in a purple skirt suit and perfectly styled coif with her staple accessory — a pen necklace; and Roger Sterling is looking dapper in his monogrammed shirt.

Fans can get exclusive collectible sketch drawings of the “Mad Men” Barbie Collector dolls when the Season Three DVD hits stores on March 23, 2010 as each DVD set will include one of the four character sketches. The Mad Men: Season Three DVD contains all 13 episodes of the season and is also loaded with hours of special features including extensive commentaries and innovative featurettes that examine the historical events that shaped 1963.

The Barbie® Fashion Model Collection “Mad Men” Barbie® dolls will be available for a suggested retail price of $74.95. Available at BarbieCollector.com, amctv.com and select retailers."

Get yours at Barbie Collector or at AMCTV.com.

1930s Tested, Mitt Romney Approved

2010-03-11T06:56:00.005-05:00

From an ad in the June 1936 edition of Popular Mechanics. As seen here and here and as part of today's AOL "Couldn't Make These Up" news items.

Back to the Future with Charlie's Angels

2010-02-15T08:40:00.005-05:00

I am old enough (cough cough) to remember the original Charlie's Angels series. Dig the clothes, the hair, the old school phones and other gadgets, and the general hokey atmosphere of this fun retro show!

Charlie's Angels Pilot Episode

Here's Looking At You, Kid

2010-02-12T18:30:00.007-05:00

(Pics courtesy of Everyone Goes to Mick's)
Everyone Goes to Mick's is the wonderful blog of Mick Jordan, who, as his Blogger profile states, is a "Jr in College and I love everything about the 1940's, 1950's. I own a tiny cabin that was built in 1943 and this blog is about everything that goes on there, tips on how to get fantastic vintage and retro finds and just a place to share that cool stuff!" This video, from Mick's Youtube site, showcases the little cabin he bought at 14 and renovated over the next 4 years to retro perfection. He even has a tiny drive-in theater in his backyard! Mick's charming retelling of how he bought and fixed up the Casablanca Resort and Hotel is an enchanting, inspiring read.

And here is his Christmas video:

Find Mick's blog here.

Vacation Palm Springs | Midcentury Life

2010-02-12T11:15:00.004-05:00

Looking for a unique, relatively inexpensive "tropical" vacation? Look no further than this vacation home from Palm Springs Midcentury Modern Homes & Condos.It is listed at $275/night, $1400/week in Winter, and $250/night, $1295/week in Summer. It is also for sale for $489,000. Quite a deal for for California!

As seen here.

One day as a perfect 1950s wife - Times Online

2010-02-12T09:42:00.002-05:00

(a big thank you to Anne Taintor for the pic)

From The Times Online, March 9, 2008:

One day as a perfect 1950s wife
With apron, cocktail dress and coq au vin, our writer takes her husband back to a time when men had everything their own way
Rosie Millard - Housewife

After 14 years of matrimony it is beginning to dawn on me that I’m a bad wife. I’ve done the childbirth thing – very enthusiastically, four times – and I think I’m okay at mothering. I don’t shrink at getting up in the night to sort out a wet bed, I can knock out a Little Woolly Lamb fancy-dress outfit with five minutes’ notice and I can do a mean school project on whatever subject necessary.

I’m a passable adult, too: a lovely dinner party guest, a loyal friend, daughter, sister. But as far as doting wife goes, I think I lack form.

Indeed, only this morning I shouted a bit at Mr Millard before selfishly going for a run, only to return an hour later and shout at him again for not taking the dog out. I think I even called him an idiot.

Of course, I love Mr Millard but do I dote on him? Do I look after him? Do I nurture him when he is ill? I’m not at all sure that I do. Our set-up is based on equality, you see. We were married in the 1990s, not the 1890s. He’s a better cook than I am and has a much better bedside manner.

But does all this equality make him happy? When I murmur to him at 6am that he can probably find the paracetamol himself and could he, by the way, make me some tea, I am doubtless enhancing the female cause of parity in matrimony. But am I enhancing his life?

Do I have supper prepared and a drink ready for him when he arrives back from work? No. Do I ensure that the house is immaculate and the children freshly spruced when he turns up? Not really. Do I even change for supper? Unless you count getting into pyjamas, no. But today I’m going to do my best.

What has brought this on is a survey, published last week, which compared the perfect 1950s housewife with her 2008 counterpart and asked 2,309 men what kind of woman they preferred. The majority seemed to prefer living with feisty modern babes rather than glorified butlers who change for dinner. But can that be right?

Chez Millard, in any case, it is 1955. For one day. And we are about to put the survey to the test. At 3.25pm it dawns on me that if I’m supposed to be living in the 1950s, in the next three hours I must a) have dinner ready, b) tidy up the house, c) light a fire, d) organise the children for inspection and e) tart myself up. I already feel exhausted.

While the children eat baked beans, I start preparing “a favourite dish” for their father. Usually, of course, it’s the other way round. I decide this shall be those 1950s favourites coq au vin and plum pie with cream. Halfway through the exercise I realise I have no plums, so a lightning dash to the Coop must be factored in. With my apron still on.

At the Coop I grab a bottle of tonic for Mr Millard’s G&T. It takes me about 10 minutes to find it. I realise this is because it is about 15 years since I last made one. Well, we usually share a bottle of wine over supper. Drinks before a midweek evening meal seems a totally antiquated custom, rather like dressing for dinner. Yet when I was young I remember my mother changed most nights before we sat down to eat.

Back home I knock out the pastry and do a bit of hasty tidying-up. Of course, the notion of Mr Millard arriving home off the 6.20 from Water-loo, like a 1950s dad, is a myth. Thanks to wi-fi he has been working from home all day and is stationed in the living room reading the paper.

By the time the coq au vin is bubbling nicely, Mr Millard has gone out somewhere. Where? I don’t know. But presumably it’s not for wifey to question his actions.

In the bathroom I light a Natural Magic “tranquillity” candle and freshen up with some “intense mineral destress body polish”. I bet the housewives of Anthony Eden’s Britain never had holistic treatment candles and detoxifying exfoliators. It was Pond’s Cold Cream or nothing.

I open my cupboard and select a G&T-style dress to wear. “Where are you going?” ask the children. “Oh, I’m just changing for supper,” I trill brightly, rootling through my underwear drawer. “What are those straps on your legs for?” says the five-year-old. “Oh, these are just suspenders, darling,” I say vaguely, hoping my unusual lingerie will contribute to the retro mood. Well, you’ve got to do the 1950s thing with aplomb.

Of course, wives have been bombarded with advice on how to conduct themselves for centuries. Amazon lists more than 3,000 titles, including the Daily Guide to a Better Marriage, the Muslim Marriage Guide and A Couple’s Guide to Boosting their Marriage Libido. Last year’s Christmas bestseller, Don’ts for Wives, first came out in 1913 and is full of peerless advice such as: “Don’t expect your husband to be an angel.”

Mostly husbands in these guides tend to be presented as amiable types suffering appallingly boring days, who are in desperate need of a wife not only for an immaculate house and children but also to give love, comfort and solace in sackloads. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

It’s about time for Mr Millard to come home. “Children, line up!” I say to the junior Millards, some of whom are now bored with this game and must be physically manoeuvred away from Cartoon Network. So, when we hear the key in the lock, everyone is lined up, faces shining, hair brushed, arguments abated. “Shut up, everyone,” I cry. “The house has to be a place of peace and tranquillity.”

In he comes. We cluster about him in a spirit of rather unfamiliar welcome. The younger two look wildly around, almost as if they’re expecting the Easter Bunny to come hopping in alongside him. Well, Daddy doesn’t normally turn up with such a hullabaloo. I remove his coat and deftly present him with a G&T. His face brightens. Even though he knows this is a game, it’s still a good moment. “Haven’t had one of these for years,” he murmurs, sitting down on especially plumped-up cushions while I remove his shoes.

From then on it’s rather a breeze. There’s no cooking to do since supper is already prepared. The children are ready for bed. I smell of ylang-ylang and detoxifying grapefruit, plus I’m in a cocktail dress. With stockings. We have a delicious meal at the disconcertingly early hour of 7.30pm.

He talks to me about his work. I shut up about mine. Normally, I’m afraid, it’s the other way round. I allow him to fall asleep in front of Fiona Bruce. And when we venture upstairs, I remember that my duties as a perfect wife are not quite over.

As seen here.

Dating Techniques from the 1930s

2010-02-07T20:00:00.006-05:00

As seen on Jenny Bowen's Facebook album page:

It would not hurt for today's young people to learn these social etiquette techniques.

Thank you to Jenny Bowen on Facebook for the pictures!

Beverly Hill Real Estate Tour, 1950s

2010-02-04T23:09:00.001-05:00

As seen here.

Mid-Century Modest with Pam Kueber

2010-02-04T11:18:00.004-05:00

Pam Kueber, from the lovely MCM blog, RetroRenovation, was recently featured in a video on one of my favorite shopping sites, Etsy. Here is her fun take on "Mid-Century Modest," or furnishings and decor of the average American homeowner in the 1950s-1960s. Think Madmen meets Leave it to Beaver.

As seen here.

Scenes from my antiques booth

2010-01-31T10:17:00.011-05:00

I finally have time to post a few pics of my antiques/collectibles booth at Weiser's Dorf Antiques Center in Schoharie, NY (taken with my new camera phone, which is only 2 pixels so the quality is not the greatest). The booth is still relatively new (since September 2009), so there is not a lot of inventory yet. I am very new to selling in "brick and mortar" stores, but used to sell on eBay quite a bit. Both my great-grandfathers and my maternal grandfather, as well as a great aunt and uncle, were salespeople and shopkeepers, so I guess it is in my blood! My items are not actually "antique" or rare, but they are definitely vintage and collectible! I find I am breaking about even each month. But I am having a blast thrifting, garage-saleing, flea-marketing, and "curb-shopping" (otherwise known as garbage-picking) to find some amazing stuff! Recently, at a store called Richie Rich's Place in Richmondville, NY, the owner was kind enough to give away two huge boxes of vintage items to me after I had bought some unique Pyrex pieces, culled from the owner's collection, at half-off! A few weeks before that, another antiques dealer who was closing shop to move down south gave me some fantastic deals on linens, old radios, pictures, and kitchenware. I never know where I'll find my next bargain, or where I will meet such generous, wonderful fellow collectors next!

Here is my most recent receipt of items sold (I am AJW on the receipt):

Plus, I am making way in my house for more room (and more antique shopping--it's a sickness!) I welcome any suggestions, advice, and words of encouragement from retro lovers and antiques dealers (such as display and arrangement ideas, inventory recommendations, etc.). If you see an item you like, just email me at retromodgirl@aol.com.

Click on any picture to see the life-size version:

Happy Thrifting!

Etsy Favorites Round-Up!

2010-01-23T11:20:00.009-05:00

Mrsinman Vintage Enamel Brooch Magnet Trio - 3 Red, White and Blue Enamel Flower Magnets, $23

LeahGiberson
Avion (one) - limited edition giclee print 19/100, $35

AboveJewels S&H Greenstamps Metal Sign, $69 (I remember these!)

Sassboxclassics Pyrex New Dot Mixing Bowl Set, $150

Vintage50sEyewear Tortoise Rhinestone Specs, $85

TParty 1950's Cake Carrier with a Bird Perched on a Cherry Tree, $27.90

Go here for more of my Etsy faves!

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T15:27:00.003-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!

MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL!

2009-12-25T00:07:00.004-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL!

Retro Christmas Goodies from Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters

2009-12-19T10:39:00.008-05:00

Just in time for Christmas, browse through this collection of adorable retro goodies from two of my favorite online stores,Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters.

Crosley Radio

Cupcake Topper Apron

Welcome Home Dish Towel

Vintage Cocktails Book

Syllabub Apron

Storybook Romance Dish Towels

Lego MP3 Player

Ipod Boombox

VW Bus Speaker

Roberts Revival Radio

Crosley Stack-o-Matic Woodgrain Turntable

Lego Stop Action Video Camera

Rubic Cube Radio

Kings Road Coat

Marquee Lighted Arrow

Vintage Rotary Phone

Loop De Loop Lace Shelf

Happy Holidays!

Shop Mad Men

2009-12-11T22:56:00.007-05:00

Shopmadmen.com is a new online store that finds fashions comparable to what the men and women of the retro hit show Mad Men are wearing.

For example, the Missoni turquoise wool coat pictured above is a dead ringer for one worn by Joan Harris (Christina Hendricks) in Season 3, Episode 11, The Gypsy and the Hobo.

This Pink Crepe Dress pictured above resembles one worn by Betty Draper (January Jones) in Season 3, Episode 2, Love Among the Ruins.

You can shop by character, episode, or product. Visit Shop Madmen to emulate your favorite Mad Men characters. Happy Shopping!

Pinups for Pups 2010 Calendar is on Sale Now!

2009-12-11T21:51:00.003-05:00

The Pinups for Pups 2010 calendar is now on sale here. This would make a great Christmas or Chanukah present for your uncle, your neighbor, your guy friends, your mailman, or your brother-in-law! And 100% of the sales goes to the rescue pups! You can also buy tshirts and license plate covers at the Pinups for Pups Pledge Drive page. Happy Holidays!

We could all use a little validation

2009-12-11T21:43:00.003-05:00

This sweet short film, starring TJ Thyne from the hit TV series, Bones , will surely make you grin from ear to ear. It is a truly beautiful piece, a "Best Narrative Short" winner of the Cleveland Int'l Film Festival and many others. Enjoy, and don't forget to "validate!"

The Googie Art of J.L. Ordaz

2009-11-21T10:13:00.005-05:00

I just discovered J.L.Ordaz on his Flickr photo site. He is a young artist from Modesto who chronicles his fascination with retro style through art and photography.

From the artist's website:
"I am a young college student studying art in California. I have quite a fascination with the past, specifically between 1880 to 1979. I love all styles of past decades and I try my best to somewhat recreate lifelike situations of these eras. I prefer to use that old fashioned stuff called film. I love black and white 35mm and medium format film. I also, find 110 film and expired color film to be quite the tool to be able to create authentic vintage looking color photographs.

The fine art that I do also revolves around vintage themes. I use oil paints and thick MDF boards to produce my paintings. I also enjoy using vintage paper along with my paintings. Most of my paintings usually deal with architecture. Sometimes the buildings depicted are of my own designs, (just with a vintage flair) or actual buildings that existed in the past, (usually demolished by now).

And of course along with my fascination of all things vintage, I am in fact a collector of antiques and such. Someday I will be that crazy old man, living in that spooky old Victorian house filled with all of his crazy antiques to the ceilings!

I use these vintage themes because they are things that most people do not see everyday or appreciate when they do see it. I hope that my art creates a type of nostalgia for the viewer and a new appreciation for the past."

Visit his marvelous work here.

Also, be sure to catch his best friend Erin's equally mesmerizing work at her site, Dirty Canvas. Erin is featured in a few of J.L.'s photos as well.

Happy Weekend!

Tender Comrade

2009-11-11T14:39:00.006-05:00

Happy Veteran's Day! Turner Classic Movies is celebrating with the classic Ginger Rogers film, Tender Comrade.

You can see the rest of the movie in various parts here.

And check out TCM's day-long WWII movie marathon here.

From the TCM.com site description:

Overview for Tender Comrade (1944)
Brief Synopsis

Lady welders pool their resources to share a house during World War II.

Granted a one-night leave before being shipped out for overseas duty, soldier Chris Jones visits his wife Jo. After an affectionate reunion, Jo and Chris bid farewell at the train station and dream of the day that Chris will return home. Jo collapses, sobbing, as Chris's train departs, but composes herself enough to go to her job at the Douglas Aircraft Factory. While eating lunch with three of her fellow workers, Jo proposes that they pool their resources and rent a house together. The three women: Barbara Thomas, an embittered, unfaithful wife whose husband Pete is in the Navy; Doris Dumbrowski, whose sudden wedding to her soldier boyfriend on the eve of his overseas departure prevented them from consummating their marriage; and Helen Stacey, whose husband and son are both in the service, accept Jo's idea, and they move in together, vowing to run their household as a democracy. Alone in her bedroom that night, Jo looks longingly at Chris's photograph and fondly remembers the day he proposed: Jo is drying her hair in her parents' backyard when Chris comes to ask her to marry him. Although sweethearts since childhood, Jo accuses Chris of flirting with other girls and picks a fight with him. As Jo furiously brushes her hair, Chris finally convinces her to say yes. Jo's thoughts then return to the present and she drifts off to sleep. The next day, as the women struggle to clean house, they decide to advertise for a housekeeper. Manya, a German woman who left her homeland because her people "murdered democracy," applies for the job. When Manya tells them that her husband is fighting in the U.S. Army and that she views keeping house for the four defense workers as part of her contribution to the war effort, the women decide to hire Manya and pool their earnings, splitting in five parts whatever is left after paying expenses. When the butcher sends the women an extra pound of bacon, Manya becomes indignant and denounces the idea of hoarding. After Barbara questions the necessity of rationing and preaches isolationism, Jo accuses her of not considering the consequences of her ideas. Their argument is interrupted when Barbara's date arrives. Although the others disapprove of Barbara's infidelity, she ignores their objections. Barbara is about to leave on her date when a radio broadcast announces the sinking of the aircraft carrier Yorktown during the Battle of Midway and names Pete as one of the sailors who is missing in action. The news upsets Barbara, who cancels her date, and makes Jo feel guilty about her harsh words. Later that night, while she talks to Chris's photograph, Jo confesses her regrets about snapping at Barbara and remembers the time her quick temper was aimed at her husband: One night after dinner, Jo feels ignored because Chris is reading a newspaper article. In a bid for attention, she tries to dig a splinter out of his hand with a needle, and when he suggests that she sew the missing buttons on his shirt instead, Jo has a tantrum and complains about his working long hours. After Chris explains that he is trying to save some money to insure her financial security when he goes to war, Jo issues him an ultimatum: either he works less or she will get a job. When Chris agrees to Jo's terms, they make up and Jo's thoughts return to the present. One afternoon, Jo skips work and when she returns home, she announces that she is pregnant. After giving birth to her son, whom she names Chris Jr., Jo gazes at Chris's photo and remembers the time that she was practicing diaper folding: After Jo explains to her surprised husband that she is not pregnant but bought the diapers for a friend's baby shower, Chris confides that he wants to postpone having a child because he fears that he will soon be drafted and wants to be present when the baby is born. Jo is brought back to the present by the sound of her baby's cries. When Jo returns home from the hospital, Barbara tells her that Pete has been located in a Honolulu hospital and vows to renew their marriage. Soon after, Helen receives a letter from her husband with the proud news that their son has been promoted to major. Next, Mike surprises Doris by coming home for an unexpected leave. Mike's presence reminds the other women of their missing husbands, and they scramble to cook him a meal consisting of their husbands' favorite dishes. As Mike and Doris share their first married evening together, the doorbell rings. Jo answers it and immediately knows that something is wrong when she is handed a telegram. Upstairs in her bedroom, Jo opens the telegram and reads the news that Chris has been killed in battle. Cradling her infant son, Jo remembers Chris's farewell words and shows the baby the photograph of his father. After comforting little Chris with the thought that his father died so that he could live in a better world, Jo leaves the room and tells herself that "she'll take it on the chin like a good guy, like a soldier's wife should."

Cast & Crew
Edward Dmytryk
Director
Ginger Rogers
as Jo Jones
Robert Ryan
as Chris Jones
Ruth Hussey
as Barbara Thomas
Patricia Collinge
as Helen Stacey
Mady Christians
as Manya
Kim Hunter
as Doris White Dumbrowski
Jane Darwell
as Mrs. Henderson
Richard Martin
as Mike Dumbrowski
Mary Forbes
as Jo's mother
Richard Gaines
as Waldo Pierson
Patti Brill
as Western Union delivery person
See all cast & crew >>
Release Date
Jan 1944

Color/BW
Black and White

Sound
Mono (RCA Sound System)

Production Dates
13 Aug--27 Oct 1943 retakes 12 Dec 1943, 7 Jan--9 Jan 1944, 20 Jan 1944

Duration (in mins)
101-102

Duration (in feet)
9,204

Premiere Information
World premiere in Los Angeles: 29 Dec 1943
13 Aug--27 Oct 1943
retakes 12 Dec 1943, 7 Jan--9 Jan 1944, 20 Jan 1944

Distribution Company
RKO Radio Pictures, Inc.

Production Company
RKO Radio Pictures, Inc.

Country
United States

Go here to vote to make Tender Comrade available as a DVD in English for home viewing!

The 40 Best '50s TV Shows

2009-11-01T08:55:00.008-05:00

(pictures are from the AOL Television article)
AOL Television has an article on the top 40 '50s tv shows of all time. From the article:

"The 1950s were, quite simply, the Golden Age of Television. Everything from the biggest rock stars in the world to the top acting and writing talent in Hollywood were represented on the tube, alongside Shakespearean dramas, Broadway shows and operas.

TV schedules in the '50s were also packed with family comedies ('Leave It to Beaver' and 'The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet'), Westerns ('Gunsmoke' and 'The Lone Ranger'), some of the all-time greatest comedians (Groucho on 'You Bet Your Life,' Gleason on 'The Jackie Gleason Show') and, despite the more traditional times, some of the most independent ladies in TV land ('Our Miss Brooks' and, of course, 'I Love Lucy'). In short, though TV was still in its early days in the 1950s, there was plenty to watch, and love, in prime time. -- By Kimberly Potts"

To see all 40, go here.

And speaking of retro stoves...

2009-10-30T22:37:00.006-04:00

Here is an article from The Oregonian on our obsession with vintage stoves, as found on the site, OregonLive.com:

Photo by Marv Bondarowicz. "Although older stoves, such as this 1936 Magic Chef, tend to have small ovens, many fans say they get results that beat newer, larger ovens."

Photo by Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian. "For many cooks, the luster of a new stainless-steel stove can't compete with the virtues of vintage: namely durability, simplicity, superior cooking and a cool retro look. One of the places in Portland that refurbishes them is Appliance City , where Angel Bulido installs hardware into a well-loved model."

"A Burning Passion for Vintage Stoves
By Kate Leeper, The Oregonian
October 28, 2008, 12:05AM

'Cooks love classic ranges for their retro looks and surprisingly sophisticated performance

In our shiny, stainless-steel, industrial-chic world, Vikings and Wolfs reign supreme, with legions of followers drooling in their wake. But off in a quiet corner is a secret society of heretics who worship instead at the altar of chrome and porcelain.

These are the cooks who go giddy over names like Magic Chef and Chambers, Wedgewood, and O'Keefe and Merritt. They don't need -- or even want -- a stove with the BTUs of a flamethrower. They're looking for sturdiness, reliability, simplicity and, of course, a healthy dash of charm.

I'm one of them.

I didn't always feel this way. Glossy ads for commercial ranges used to stop me dead in my tracks. I believed these stoves, like $900 cookware sets, held the secret to becoming a better cook.

Then I was forced to roast my first Thanksgiving turkey in a tiny old 1940s Magic Chef perched on dainty legs in the kitchen of my second apartment. I lit the oven with a match, crammed in the bird, crossed my fingers and offered a silent prayer to the culinary gods that the meal would at least be edible. To this day it was the best turkey that I've ever made -- gorgeously burnished, incredibly tender and juicy. I had found religion.

Vintage stoves and vintage cars share a lot of the same appeal -- the swoopy lines, the bright chrome, emblematic labels that look like they belong on a Caddy. Plus the cool extras like clocks, lights, shelves, and custom salt and pepper shakers. You almost expect to see fuzzy dice. Their retro looks fit in perfectly with Portland's many Craftsmans, Victorians and mid-century Moderns.

But, as Mama said, it's what's on the inside that counts -- and these 500-plus-pound heavy metal workhorses are much more than cute antiques.

I think of them as the appliance version of "fixies." What's a fixie? Ask any Portland bike geek and he'll show you his old 10-speed, gears removed -- nothing but wheels, a frame and, maybe, brakes. They're not for everyone, but for those who enjoy the rush of relying on their own technical skill, muscle and brains, they're the only way to fly.

It's the same for vintage stoves. They offer heat, and that's about it. With none of the bells and whistles of modern ranges -- no convection, no digital touchpads, no preset temperature settings -- you're forced to become one with your oven. You have to get to know its quirks and learn how to use them to your advantage. You have to get back to basics, getting comfortable with pilot lights and igniting the gas with matches.

But once you start cooking on it, that vintage stove will soon become your best friend. There are fewer things to break, and repairs are cheap. You'll see that the tiny oven is genius for its ability to retain heat and keep it focused right where it should -- on the food. You'll love the burners because you can turn them down so low your bean soups won't burn and you can simmer stock all night long if you want. If yours has a griddle -- bonus! -- everyone can eat their pancakes at the same time.

It took a few years and a couple of moves before I was finally able to buy my own vintage stove. I didn't need it -- we inherited a snazzy new GE Profile with our house -- but owning one was a burning desire I hadn't been able to shake since that first turkey. I told my husband we could use a spare range in the basement kitchen for guests to use -- or for us when we're living down there during summer heat waves. Besides, a spare oven would come in handy for big holiday gatherings.

I hopped on Craigslist and found an early-'50s four-burner Wedgewood, complete with a griddle, a clock and a handy cooking chart -- in perfect condition, no less -- emblazoned on the inside of the oven door. It cost just $150, and we tucked it away in the basement until we could figure out where to take it for a thorough cleaning and once-over.

It wasn't easy. Even with the many period-sensitive remodels in this town, there doesn't seem to be a big business in fixing up old stoves. But while I poked around the Web looking for someone to rehab the old girl, I stumbled on more conversations about old stoves than I could have imagined. There were bloggers waxing poetic, Craigslist ads from all over the country, and repair shops showcasing fully refurbished models that looked like a million bucks -- and cost almost as much. But the big surprise were the enthusiasts groups geeking out on specific brands of vintage stoves. One brand in particular -- Chambers -- had a fervent following of infectiously passionate devotees.

We finally found someone to fix up our stove. But while they were working on it, I just couldn't get the Chambers fans out of my mind. They were just so nutty for the stove that "cooks with the gas turned off" -- stoves so well-built and well-insulated, they said, you only need the gas on for about half the usual time. The stoves also have a funny cavern in the cooktop, called a thermowell, that could be used like a crockpot or a deep fryer. Even the griddle is a two-fer -- it has a special lid that works like a broiler. I could feel an obsession taking hold.

So I Googled and clicked and ended up on eBay, where there was a shiny white Chambers stove, in lovely condition, on auction for $399. Did I need it? Absolutely not. Did I want it? You betcha. When the seller's description said he would be willing to dismantle the stove and sell the parts, I had to take action. No one's taking that baby apart.

I was the only bidder.

A day later I had an e-mail in my eBay account from the operator of the Chambers Stove Lovers Web site, congratulating me on my purchase (did I mention they were a passionate bunch?) and found myself the surprised owner of two vintage stoves -- one in a repair shop here, one in Los Angeles and probably in need of a repair shop. Luckily, vintage stove repair is big business in Southern California, and I easily found a place that would pick it up from the seller and give it a good once-over. Getting it 1,033 miles to my house was still a question mark.
Marv BondarowiczThe Chambers brand of vintage stoves has a particularly devoted following, which includes a Web site for Chambers Stove Lovers, chamberstoves.net.

As the repair bills piled up ($120 for a rebuilt safety valve on the Wedgewood; $350 for a new safety system on the Chambers because it wasn't made with one; a couple hundred in labor for cleaning them both), I felt a deep sense of guilt for spending so much on two stoves I don't even need.

Oddly, what I didn't feel was regret. That's in part because I had become certifiably obsessed with vintage stoves. But mainly it was because (as I've assured my slightly frightened husband many times) vintage stoves retain -- and even increase -- value. The cost of a refurbished stove begins around $3,000 and can reach up to $10,000. Even if we decide to sell one, we'll at least break even, but we're likely to do even better.

That is, if we sell one. I still plan to give both appliances a workout and see how it feels to cook with each. The Chambers is on its way north and the Wedgewood is hooked up and ready for a Thanksgiving trial run. So far, I've only tested how fast it boils water, but I was thrilled to see it brought 4 quarts to a boil faster than the much-newer GE - even using the GE's so-called "power burner."

After a few months, we'll swap out the Wedgewood and give the Chambers a try. My prediction? The GE upstairs will be the one hitting the road.

Danielle Centoni: 503-221-8591; daniellecentoni@news.oregonian.com

Hot after a stove? Hints to help you

Many vintage stoves are out there, looking for a good home -- and a way to stay out of the landfill. Look around through newspaper classified ads, online and through estate and garage sales. Another good source, though not local, is eBay.com.

Choose wisely. A really beat-up stove can seem like a bargain, but restoring it could cost several thousand dollars. Things like re-enameling and rechroming cost the most. And missing parts can be expensive to replace and hard to find.

You can spend as much or as little as you like on refurbishing. To make an old stove look like it just rolled off the showroom floor, you'll likely need at least $3,000.

Or, you can enjoy the stove's antique patina and just have the appliance thoroughly cleaned and examined for around $200 to $300. This usually includes checking for gas leaks, checking the insulation, calibrating the oven and more. Two local appliance stores that specialize in restoring vintage stoves are Appliance City in Northeast Portland, and Bee Jay's Appliance in Milwaukee. These shops also sell restored stoves.

Keep in mind that electric stoves cost more to refurbish than gas, because they often need to be rewired.

If you want to shop around for a restored stove, California is a gold mine. A few good sites to check out are Dreamstoves.com; Antiquegasstoves.com; and Buckeyappliance.com. But there are many more out there. Google is your friend. Just remember, these stoves can sell for up to $10,000.

If you decide to buy a vintage stove from out of state and the seller does not have a way to transport it to you, you can arrange to have it shipped through www.uship.com. This is a site, a little like eBay, where you post what you need shipped and where, and movers then bid.

A lot of these movers piggyback their shipments, moving several things at once. Since they're not making a special trip just for you, this keeps costs down. The trade-off is you might not get your appliance shipped right away. Be sure the seller is comfortable with holding the appliance while you arrange for shipping.'

-- Danielle Centoni"

From OregonLive.com.

The Magic Chef Mansion

2009-10-30T21:44:00.005-04:00

You know those wonderful enameled vintage stoves from Magic Chef, as seen in antiques stores and on eBay and Craigslist. But did you know that the creator of Magic Chef, Charles Stockstrom, built in 1908 a posh, 12,000 square foot mansion in the heart of St. Louis for $50,000? It is now open for catering, weddings, and other events. You can visit their website here: Magic Chef Mansion.

And yes, there is a Magic Chef in the kitchen!!

From the site's description: "The Magic Chef Mansion was built for Charles Stockstrom, the founder of the company that became Magic Chef. The residence, designed by Ernst Janssen and completed in 1908, remained in the Stockstrom family until 1990. The home has been restored to its turn-of-the-century elegance, including original lighting fixtures and period furniture. Seated on a two-acre site enclosed by an iron fence, this private residence is available to rent for cocktail receptions, seated dinners, bridal showers, engagement parties, weddings, birthdays and anniversaries."

Photos from The Magic Chef site and from the blog, St. Louis Style.

What, No Beer?

2009-10-25T22:49:00.006-04:00

Rivalling in brilliance only to Buster Keaton's silent, "What, No Beer?", this is the most clever, funny short film to come out in a long time...Enjoy.

The Perimenopausal Song

2009-10-16T19:19:00.006-04:00

I don't know if I've mentioned it before, but I am at that tender perimenopausal age that makes me compete with my 14-year-old stepdaughter for Hormonal Nightmare of the Year. So, the following song, as seen on the blog, MidlifeMisfit, suits me to a tee lately. It is sung to the tune of The "Happy Working Song" from Enchanted , by a talented lady with the Youtube user name of Frittengreen. This is "crazy funny," as a Youtube viewer commented. Just thought I'd share.

I won! I won!

2009-10-15T20:04:00.003-04:00

I won Alyssa's handmade Boo! Tags for Halloween at her stylish blog, Swiss Avenue. Thank you so much, Alyssa! Y'all go visit to see her cute home and Halloween displays, and her easy-to-follow tutorial for making these sweet little tags!

And You Can Quote Me

2009-10-12T10:00:00.002-04:00

I've been quoted here at Giovanni Gallucci's blog, The Agency Blog. I am so flattered! Here is what he had to say:

"'Cocktails have been a vital element of the show [Madmen] right from the opening scene,' says Robert Simonson in a piece about the show he penned in The New York Times. The first scene in season one shows Don Draper sitting in a bar. We learn his drink preference, 'Do this again — old-fashioned, please,' before we know his name or what he does for a living.

The fans loved the guide, and so did traditional press. In a piece about the show from the New York Times blurbs about the micro-site were written about on blogs with themes from Retro Pop Culture like RetroModGirl to foodie blogs like TheKitchn and SlashFood."

Thanks so much, Giovanni Gallucci, you are a doll!

A Look Back at 1950s Style

2009-10-10T16:32:00.004-04:00

From the Youtube CBS Channel: "Fashion Institute Of Technology's Valerie Steele and Warren-Tricomi Studio's Joel Warren showed Julie Chen which styles and fashion trends were hip for the whole family in the 1950s."

Don't you just love the "hip Dad" and the Audrey Hepburn model with the lucite purse?

1959 First Ever Barbie Commercial--You can Tell It's Mattel, It's Swell!

2009-10-10T16:17:00.005-04:00

Check out the not so subtle propaganda here, as an angelic female voice croons, "someday I'm gonna be exactly like you. 'Til then I know just what I'll do. Barbie, beautiful Barbie, I'll make believe that I am you!" Pan very obviously on Barbie in a wedding dress and veil...

As much as I dislike the propaganda, I did love playing dress up with Barbie as a child. If only I had those Barbies today...

The Best of Charles and Ray Eames

2009-10-10T15:52:00.001-04:00

Eames Lounge Chair Debut on NBC, 1956

2009-10-10T15:44:00.002-04:00

As seen here: Youtube.

My Favorite Movie is Now A Lamp...That Talks!

2009-10-10T14:33:00.004-04:00

One of my all-time favorite movies is now a lamp...that talks!!!!! From CreativePal on Etsy.

Go see the other fun and ingenious creations from CreativePal.

Save this Retro Kitchen!

2009-10-04T10:20:00.003-04:00

As seen on Rate My Space: Retro Must Go, here is a perfectly lovely retro kitchen that the owner wants demolished and overhauled. Here are her comments:"You might call this kitchen retro! Really, it is an outdated, striped kitchen with very old appliances. The looks of this kitchen isn't the only thing wrong with it! It might be original to the 1950's house! "

Here are visitor comments to the pictures:

"You're looking at a throw back to the 60's kitchen with the beautiful lime green, the groovy stripes and the hide away stove. The best thing for this kitchen is to be gutted and start over."

"I hope somebody helps you soon."

"Yikes, This is like the kitchen my grandmother thought was wonderful when she updated hers in the 40's......Give this poor family a new more functional, up to date kitchen."

"I had a kitchen like this.....40 years ago!!! There isn't anything I see that I wouldn't get rid of. She needs a complete gut and startover. This would be a good kitchen for hgtv to makeover."

"Oh My Gosh! The green has to go! This kitchen is stuck in a time warp! Help this family so they have a working modern kitchen!"

"Is this out of the 60's or 70's. It's worse than the kitchen I grew up in. Lots of potential though!!! They need an update like now!!!!"

Ouch.

While I agree it may be too green and striped right now, there is soooo much to love about the 1950s cabinets, scalloped cornices, drawer pulls, and built-in ovens. With paint and groovy curtains, a black and white tiled floor, original vintage or modern retro-look appliances, and the right retro furniture and accessories, this could be a diamond in the rough. After all, can't you see Betty Draper in such a kitchen? Along with the Save the Pink Bathrooms campaign, we should have a "Save the Retro Kitchens" campaign. What do you think?

BOAC--the Jetset Airline

2009-09-26T19:52:00.003-04:00

I had to share this. It is so retro mod! As seen here.

Mabel's House's Sassy Pink Bathroom

2009-09-22T12:41:00.005-04:00

I am drooling over Liz's pink vintage bathroom on her blog, Mabel's House. Go on over and check it out, along with her adorable thrifted home!

Mary Deluxe is having a give-away!

2009-09-13T11:06:00.007-04:00

Walk this way...

As first seen on the lovely Andi B. Goode's blog: one of my absolute FAVORITE bloggers and MCM design connoisseurs, Mary Deluxe at Welcome to Deluxeville, is having a fabulous giveaway! Go to her blog to check out the cutest pink 1950s GE clock radio she recently found peeking out of an auction box. Also, check out her rockin' blog and her gorgeous mid-century home, and sign up as another of her devout followers. Thank you, Mary Deluxe!

Jack's Diner is Up for Sale!

2009-09-12T11:28:00.004-04:00

Remember this entry about Jack's Diner in Albany, NY, my home town? Well, brace yourselves, diner lovers...Jack's is going up for sale! See the real estate ad here: Albany Landmark Diner for Sale. Could someone please lend me, oh, say, $175,000?

British Pathe--Reliving History Through Film

2009-09-09T20:58:00.005-04:00

British Pathe, The World's First Digital News Archive, is an archive of 3,500 hours of historic news footage. These were the films shown before a feature at the cinema back when two films and a cartoon were only a nickel, and you could stay all day. Since the site closely guards its copyrights, I can't show you any embedded videos here. But visit the site to experience everything from the 20s revolution to the Hippie revolution. One notable video on 1920s women's careers and fashion is here: Time to Remember--Teenage Flapper, 1920.

Rockabilly Love from Old Woogies

2009-09-07T09:04:00.005-04:00

As originally seen on Mademoiselle Coco's blog, Knitter From The Past, here is an Italian shop called Old Woogies that specializes in Rockabilly wear.

For the Dolls:

And for the Guys:

You can find them here: Old Woogies.

Swing shoes for the Urban Girl

2009-09-06T22:47:00.004-04:00

Wouldn't this be perfect for your vintage starlet costume this Halloween? Or for your next swing dance?

Find it here: Frye Chelsea Studded Oxford at Urban Outfitters.

Calling all antiques dealers for advice!

2009-09-06T20:25:00.008-04:00

antique store
Originally uploaded by Robin100

This month, I will officially join the ranks of the nation's antiques dealers. I just rented a little 6' x 10' booth at an antiques mall near my home town. Since I specialize in vintage linens and kitchenware, hopefully my space will feature a lot of Pyrex, Lustroware, melamine dishes...you get the idea. Apparently, I will have free reign to decorate what is basically a little room all to itself. I was thinking of going with a red and white kitchen theme, or with a tropical barkcloth theme. I am so excited and a little nervous, I can't wait to get started!

Do any veteran antiques dealers, retro decorators, or any of my dear readers have sage words of advice for someone just starting out? You know, what to do, what not to do, what you typically like to see when you go antiques shopping? Any fun booth decorating ideas? Thanks, guys and gals!

Just in Time for Your Halloween Bash!

2009-09-05T21:30:00.006-04:00

(Above image courtesy of Shag.com.)

(Click on the recipe cards for a larger view)

Just in time for your retro Halloween ball! (I know it's early, but great parties need lots of prep time, right?) You can find these and more drink recipes from our grandmothers'and great-grandmothers' day here: Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails.

Vintage Travel Trailer Art

2009-09-05T12:32:00.006-04:00

From the Roundtop Flea Market to the retro scene in Austin (home of Roomservice Vintage and The Naughty Secretary Club), it seems many Texans are keen on retro creativity and revival! Joining the ranks is Paige Bridges, an artist from Van Zandt County, Texas, who paints vintage trailers she has known and loved, including those found on sites like Retro Restoration. She is best known in her area for paintings of local historic landmarks.

You can see and buy Paige's art here: Vintage Travel Trailer Art.
You can also order her images on checkbook covers,checks,address labels, and more here: Colorful Images.

Retro Cocktail Hour Roundup

2009-09-03T20:25:00.007-04:00

Here is the line up from last week's Retro Cocktail Hour show, as sent to me by email today:

The Retro Cocktail Hour
Pgm. #495 - August 29, 2009
(* denotes LP / OST = Original Soundtrack)

Title: Pagan Ritual
Artist: Si Zentner and his Orchestra / Martin Denny
Album: Exotica Suite
Label: Liberty LSS-14020 *

Title: Coronation
Artist: Martin Denny
Album: Quiet Village
Label: Scamp SCP-9715

Title: Jasmine and Jade
Artist: Axel Stordahl and his Orchestra
Album: Jasmine and Jade
Label: Dot DLP-25282 *

Title: The Shining Sea
Artist: The Kokee Band
Album: Hawaii and Other Exotic Movie Themes
Label: Solid State SS-18010 *

Title: The Hukilau Song
Artist: Chick Floyd and his Orchestra
Album: Little Grass Shack
Label: Liberty LST-7129 *

Title: Rendezvous in Okonkuluku
Artist: Waitiki
Album: Rendezvous in Okonkuluku
Label: www.waitiki.com

Title: Friendly Island
Artist: Ethel Azama
Album: Exotic Dreams
Label: Liberty LST-7104 *

Title: Soft Green Seas
Artist: Warren Barker
Album: Hawaiian Eye OST
Label: Warner Bros. WS-1355 *

Title: Carnivalito
Artist: Warren Barker and his Orchestra
Album: A Musical Touch of Faraway Places
Label: Warner Bros. WS-1308 *

Title: Cuban Mambo
Artist: Xavier Cugat and his Orchestra
Album: The King Plays Some Aces
Label: RCA LSP-1882 *

Title: Zambia
Artist: Machito and his Afro Cubans
Album: The Best of the Mambo, Vol. 1
Label: RCA 3310-2-RL

Title: Watch Your Step
Artist: The George Shearing Quintet
Album: Latin Escapade
Label: Capitol SM-11454 *

Title: Jungle Drums
Artist: Esquivel and his Orchestra
Album: Exploring New Sounds in Sonorama
Label: RCA Spain 580532

Title: Jungle Drums (Stereo Action version)
Artist: Esquivel and his Orchestra
Album: Latin-esque
Label: RCA LSA-2418 *

Title: Quiet Village
Artist: Eddie Baxter
Album: The Fantastic Sounds of Eddie Baxter
Label: Dot DLP-25551 *

Title: Tabu
Artist: The Kronos Quartet
Album: Nuevo
Label: Nonesuch 79649-2

Title: African Echoes
Artist: Ferrante and Teicher
Album: Soundproof
Label: Westminster WP-6014 *

Title: Avanti
Artist: Ben Vaughn
Album: Designs in Music
Label: Soundstage 15-001

Title: Spanish Flea
Artist: Jet Set Sweden
Album: Goodbye Pluto
Label: Ajabu 007

Title: Light My Fire
Artist: Enoch Light and the Glittering Guitars
Album: Enoch Light and the Glittering Guitars
Label: Project 3 PR 5038SD *

Title: Mirror of Love
Artist: Walter Wanderley
Album: Moondreams
Label: Universal Classics 9363

Title: Naomi
Artist: Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra
Album: Changing Colors
Label: MPS MB-20924 *

Title: Un homme et une femme
Artist: Yoko Kishi / Singers Three
Album: Living Harmony: Charm and Gentle
Label: Solid/Ultra-Vybe 1092

Title: Bossa Nova (in the Restaurant)
Artist: Ken Thorne
Album: Film Bossa, Vol. 6
Label: Rare Groove RG-2011

Title: A toute allure
Artist: Andy Loore and his Orchestra
Album: Water Show
Label: Montparnasse 2000 MP-55 *

Title: The Young Set
Artist: Ray Martin and his Orchestra
Album: Thunderball and Other Thriller Music
Label: RCA Camden CAS-927 *

Title: Slow Lady
Artist: Piero Piccioni
Album: Il Medico della Mutua OST
Label: Digitmovies GDM-2042

Title: Les Problemes
Artist: Les Soeurs Winchester
Album: Les Soeurs Winchester
Label: Barclay/Polygram 537865

Title: Charade
Artist: Akira Tana
Album: Secret Agent Men
Label: Sons of Sound SSPCD012

Title: 87th Precinct Theme
Artist: Pete Rugolo and his Orchestra
Album: TV Top Themes
Label: Mercury SR-60706 *

Title: The Time Traveler
Artist: Shaynee Rainbolt
Album: Charmed Life
Label: Rainbolt SFR0803

Title: Journey to Infinity
Artist: Frank Comstock Orchestra / Paul Tanner
Album: Music from Outer Space
Label: Warner Bros. WS-1463 *

Title: Sounds of the Deep
Artist: Sven Libaek
Album: Inner Space OST
Label: Votary 001CD

Hear The Retro Cocktail Hour every Saturday at 7:00pm Central on the stations of Kansas Public Radio (KANU, Lawrence FM 91.5; KANH, Emporia FM 89.7; and KANV, Olsburg-Junction City FM 91.3) or anytime at the website.

Or listen here.

You can sign up to receive their weekly emails here.

If you want a lively explanation of the different lounge and surf music styles, go to Cherry Capri's "Know Your Exotica" page.

The Most Creative Ad in Forever Award

2009-09-03T20:13:00.002-04:00

While it's not retro, this ad is simply brilliant. As seen here.

SoCal Mod Art

2009-09-03T19:08:00.002-04:00

Sarah Stephens paints googie Southern California landmarks on matchbooks, cigarette boxes, and other "found" materials. From her website bio:

"Sarah is a recent graduate of ArtCenter College of Design. She enjoys being driven around the suburbs of Southern California and taking pictures of buildings and signs. These pictures become paintings, which is her way to document places that she fears will be replaced by condos or parking lots. Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going to Disneyland, and taking care of her elderly English Cocker Spaniel."

You can find her art here: Sarah Stephens Illustration.
As originally read about on the Argot and Ochre blog.
To inquire about buying her work, go here: Black Maria Gallery.

My name is Retromodgirl, and I'm an eBayaholic...

2009-08-30T15:17:00.003-04:00

Whoo hoo! I just won this magazine purse on eBay for $1.04!! As seen here: eBay seller thedawghaus.

Daydream Wallpaper

2009-08-30T14:33:00.002-04:00

Time once again to play hot...or not?

Whaddya think, for my yellow and red retro kitchen? As seen here: Hyggeandwest.

How Do Naughty Secretaries Live?

2009-08-30T11:07:00.002-04:00

Is that an alligator head on your coffee table, or are you just glad to see us?

Come on a fun and funky tour of Jennifer Perkins's home, as spied on ApartmentTherapy. Jennifer is the owner of one of our favorite online stores, The Naughty Secretary Club.

As seen here:Jennifer's South Austin Home : Apartment Therapy. And as referenced from Jennifer's online store link site here: Naughty Secretary Club Press and Testimonials. You can see the entire slide show of the house tour here: Jennifer's South Austin Home Slideshow on ApartmentTherapy.

Our Special Today--Cliff May Rancho on Rye

2009-08-25T20:16:00.005-04:00

Today I bring you a Cliff May atomic rancho deluxe, as seen on the Socal Modern Homes site. This site is ambrosia for vintage home design lovers!

I've been featured!

2009-08-25T20:07:00.004-04:00

I've been featured on the wonderful 1950s Atomic Ranch House! Thank you so much!

Some Like it Hot and Vintage

2009-08-23T14:02:00.003-04:00

I just had to show you a hilarious video I saw on the Bust Magazine blog. It is an ad for the retro vintage clothing store, Retrowardrobe. What an ingenious way to capture new customers!

Another trip to Aunt Katie's Attic, in pictures

2009-08-22T23:40:00.007-04:00

The hubby and I ambled into Aunt Katie's again recently, and there was Aunt Katie herself, flying about, arranging displays and happily chatting with customers. This lady never stops, she is a kitchen thrift dynamo! I have never seen anyone work so hard in my life! Well, the store was completely changed and refreshed since we last visited. There is always something exciting and different when we go. Immediately, my eyes were drawn to the Wall O' Pyrex inside the front door. Lord, it was beautiful. It made me realize how disorganized my own Pyrex displays were at home(more on that in another post), and how I could spruce up my collection with some homemade shelving built by hubby (and so he announced to Ms. Katie's talented assistant, who shook her head and laughed in recognition).

Here are a few of the pictures I took that day of that happy trip. Interestingly, I walked out with nothing concrete to show for it but a handful of quirky images:

These were on the second floor, which I call the "dress-up room," since it has so many mannequins and vintage clothes and little dressing room nooks furnished with funky bureaus whose drawers spill over with scarves and gloves and purses and shoes. It is just glorious!

I could buy this entire set of jadeite. Somehow, I resist it every time.

Aunt Katie's is primarily kitchenware, and this is a prime example of the treasures you will find here.

This lady looks quite pleased with herself in her Hollywood shades, pink lipstick and pearls.

I gasped when I saw this! A little beyond my thrifting price range, but lovely anyway.

This set would look great in an all-pink 50s kitchen. Too bad mine is red, yellow and and white.

I don't know about you, but this gave me pretty visions of a sea of Pyrex on display shelves in my home for as far as the eye could see...and I could fill those shelves, too.

I wish I had taken a video of this, so you could see how all the little tails and eyes moved at once! It was mesmerizing (I am easily amused).

This is the type of dinette set that makes my heart beat faster. It has all the classic elements--cracked ice formica and glossy vinyl and lots of cuves and chrome. Sigh.

What would this be used for? Does anyone know? It is cute, though.

This cheerful kitchen goddess greets you in Aunt Katie's model retro kitchen, which is complete with a 1950s stove and fridge, all the vintage pots, pans, and coffeemakers you would ever need, and a load of kitschy style. Aunt Katie has truly outdone herself again!

You can see the whole set of pictures on my Aunt Katie's Attic 2009 Flickr set.

Retro House Porn

2009-08-22T16:21:00.009-04:00

As seen on ApartmentTherapy today, the Huntington Library is hosting nearly 58,000 vintage home images (swoon!), lit in grand Hollywood style, on its Maynard Parker Collection website. Maynard Parker was a photographer for 1920s-1960s home design publications like Sunset and House Beautiful. His work documented post-war suburban architecture, including Richard Neutra and Cliff May homes as well as those of the average American. And unless you lived in those heady times, you might never have seen these pictures before.

The Huntington Library also created a fun audio slideshow of Parker's work, lovingly narrated by the curator of photographs, Jennifer Watts.

Mix yourself a Mai Tai or Tom Collins, settle down in the Heywake chair in your Florida room or on your swank patio (a girl can dream), and drool over this marvelous collection!

As seen here:

L.A. Times Home and Garden Blog

ApartmentTherapy's L.A. Times Home and Garden Roundup 8.22.09

The Huntington Library Maynard Parker Collection

Toto, Kansas is the New Oz!

2009-08-15T19:35:00.003-04:00

(This is not retro-themed, but I just had to share:)

Who says there is no free lunch? Or free land, for that matter? Kansas is literally giving away the farm in order to increase rural economic growth. So if you work from home and want a free acre or two on which to build and finance a home, go here: Kansas Free Land.

As referenced in this Pro-Blogger post by Seth Waite.

Spoiler Alert! Video Recap of Madmen Season 2

2009-08-15T18:54:00.003-04:00

In case you missed Madmen Season 2, here is a very brief recap in video form:

As seen here: Madmen Season 2 Recap on AMC.

Playing Dress-Up on the Madmen Set

2009-08-15T17:18:00.004-04:00

To get you even more revved up for tomorrow night's Madmen premiere, take a video tour of their costume shop.

As seen here:Video Tour of the Madmen Costume Shop.

Madmen 60s Cocktail Guide

2009-08-15T17:10:00.004-04:00

And speaking of Tom Collins, AMC's Madmen blog has a step-by-step 1960s Cocktail Guide if you decide to celebrate the Madmen Season 3 premiere at home. Happy mixing!

Season 3 Madmen Screening in Times Square

2009-08-15T16:47:00.007-04:00

Celebrate the Season 3 premiere of Madmen as it is broadcast live at 10pm tomorrow night, August 16, in Times Square. Come dressed as your favorite 60s character for the 8 pm pre-screening costume contest. After the big night, you can recreate the Madmen vibe at the Millenium Hotel or the Hilton New York, where you can sip a Tom Collins or Brandy Alexander in true retro style.

As seen here:Madmen Takes New York.

Shared via AddThis

True Love, by Audrey and Grace

2009-08-12T20:01:00.005-04:00

Is it wrong to love a dress so much? Fully Reversible Custom Made Polka Dot Rockabilly Swing Dress by Audrey and Grace, at GetGoRetro. Designed expressly for you from a dazzling variety of beautiful patterns and colors, this exquisite gown is fully lined and is custom-made by a long-time couturier from your measurements to fit you "like a glove." So get your rockabilly on in this gorgeous dress from Get Go Retro.

A tale of a four-legged angel

2009-08-12T11:12:00.003-04:00

Lost and Found Dog Saves Life of Boy With Down Syndrome.

If this does not make your day, I don't know what will.

eHow.com's 1960s Fashion Video Series

2009-08-11T11:48:00.007-04:00

1960s Retro Mod Dressing -- powered by eHow.com

While Googling "retro mod," my favorite search (surprise, surprise), I found this fun video series about 60s fashion on eHow.com. In this series, instructor Maia Kushick explains 60s fashions, makeup, and even sociology. In the above video, she shows you how to dress early 60s chic, and how to interpret the method behind the fashion madness.

You can view the whole series here.

Retro Double Timer from Anthropologie

2009-08-09T00:52:00.001-04:00

Hot, or not? From Anthropologie.

Who wants a clean retro house?

2009-08-09T00:05:00.007-04:00

Come see what the New Retro Dining company did for one lucky Clean House client. Clean House is the Style Network show that turns messy houses into lovely, well-organized homes. Here are the before/after pictures of the client's Retro Rec Room:

Before:
After:

Click on the logo to go to the Clean House episode video:

Free Interior Design Advice!

2009-08-08T22:33:00.005-04:00

(Above image is from the Daily Decorator.com site-Click on image to go to her decorating service)

This is so wonderful! Free expert decorating consultations from Daily Decorator. Check it out, Tracy's design boards are truly inspirational!

Your picture here...

2009-08-01T23:08:00.003-04:00

As seen on Piewacket, the wonderfully retro show Madmen has an app on their site on which you can design a vintage cartoon version of yourself in any Madmen setting--the Sterling Cooper boardroom, the bedroom, or a swank cocktail lounge. Above is my early 60s self swigging a martini with one of the seductive Madmen...don't you just love it?

This is for the Birds!

2009-07-17T22:24:00.004-04:00

It's not retro, but it I love it (anyone got $15,000 lying around?):

Find it here:Shawn Lovell Metalworks

Beautycraft Kitchens and Other Fantasies

2009-07-17T22:06:00.003-04:00

The other day, I had the chance to visit my fiance's friend's 1955 kit home that her father built. In the kitchen was an entire set of--cue the revelatory angelic chorus here--Beautycraft cabinets. Have you ever heard of anything lovelier?

(image courtesy of Retrorenovation)

It's Pyrex Week!

2009-07-17T21:29:00.002-04:00

It's Pyrex Week at The Social Network for Collectors — CollectorsQuest.com!

Spotlight on 1950s Aladdin Kit Homes

2009-07-11T11:19:00.006-04:00

(all images are courtesy of Clarke Historical Library)

Travel back to a simpler time of cute kit homes and manicured yards:

As seen On Antiquehome.org, here is a snazzy slide show about 1950s Aladdin Homes:
Aladdin Homes - 1953 - Post WWII Cottages - Minimal Traditional - Ranch

And also seen as stills here: Daily Bungalow's Flickr pics

Record Album Purse - B52s 1979 by brindakaydesign on Etsy

2009-07-08T23:09:00.003-04:00

Record Album Purse - B52s 1979 by brindakaydesign on Etsy

I got a "You are a Great Read" Award!

2009-07-06T01:13:00.008-04:00

I just received this wonderful award from the incredibly sweet and lovely Glamour Girl, thank you so much, my dear! Now it is time for me to give this same award to these favorite bloggers (please post this award to your blog when your name is called):

Piewacket--Lara Rossignol's exquisite photo blog

Retro Renovation--Pam's ingenious archives of retro goodness

Welcome to Deluxeville--A blog about Mary's divine 50s-style home, vintage car, and retro life

and these fab favorites too:

Atomic Addiction
Atomic Tea Party
Home Deconomics
Atomic Radar
Adventures in the Atomic Playhouse
Our Mid-Century Bungalow Ranch
Atomic Indy
Atomic Splendor
Midmodredo
and, right back at ya, Glamour Girl!!

Please note: this is by no means a comprehensive list. I will be giving the award to many others very soon!

Fireworks Gallery Retro Cocktail Flask

2009-07-06T00:33:00.005-04:00

Tie one one while visiting the dreaded "Monster-in-Law" with this item that no mod gal's purse should be without:

Fireworks Gallery Retro Cocktail Flask

View the whole wacky line of flasks here: Fireworks Gallery Retro flasks

A R Store - Star Mirrors

2009-07-06T00:18:00.003-04:00

Think the Sands in 1962, Ocean's Eleven, The Rat Pack, the whole retro shabang...now add them to your mod pad with these fabulous creations:

A R Store - Star Mirrors

Sexist Retro Ads We'd Like to Forget

2009-07-02T20:58:00.005-04:00

Courtesy of the wacky blog The Oddee, here are some vintage ads we should be glad are obsolete:

Uggh, that's quite enough for today...if you want more, go here: The Oddee

Retro-Style Shoes at a Retro Price

2009-06-20T21:19:00.003-04:00

As seen on the fun blog Uberchic For Cheap, here are some retro-style shoes for a very retro price: Miss Me Open Toe Mary Janes. At the 15 Dollar Store.com.

Retro LP Room Divider on Etsy

2009-06-05T20:46:00.005-04:00

Anyone got $1,100 lying around? As seen here: AbleandBaker on Etsy.

The Crowd

2009-06-03T22:50:00.003-04:00

Just watched the startlingly compelling The Crowd, King Vidor's 1928 masterpiece about man's struggle to take his place in the "crowd" of life. This film is still as fresh and poignant today as it was in the 20s. A remarkable slice of life film from Turner Classic Movies. It is now on video!

Nicholas Cage's Old School NOLA Mansion

2009-06-03T22:23:00.005-04:00

As seen on Hooked on Houses, here is a glimpse at Nicholas Cage's classic old-world New Orleans mansion, which is for sale!

Greased Lightning

2009-05-07T20:45:00.001-04:00

This is so adorable, I just had to share it! These high school kids are seriously creative!!

Thriftaholic--my new favorite blog!

2009-05-04T19:35:00.002-04:00

I just found a lovely new blog, Thriftaholic, A Tale of Two Addicts. It is maintained by two young ladies after my own heart, Leilani and Jade, two 23-year-old "urban archaeologists" who remind me of my own youthful beginnings as a retrophile sifting through piles of Pyrex and Fiestaware in quaint and dusty junk shops. Visit their cozy little home on the web to see their inspiring collections!

Leilani

Jade

Some of their fun collections:

***Retromodgirl***

The Beekman 1802, to the tune of Buddy Greco

My Recent Thrift Finds

"I Wish I Looked Like Cindy Crawford."--Cindy Crawford

Flea Market Sunday

Are They Still Cool? Bueller?

Gene Kelly Pole-Dances!

The 325 Square Foot Home

Stylish Home Decor Round Up

Talk About Cheesy! 1970s Ads

The Funniest Man on Earth

Why do I Love Rotary Phones?

Will Wonders Never Cease

Retro Office Safety Training Video

Pug Calls Batman from His Lair

Vintage Sale Drive for Atticus

Etsy Favorites Roundup

My Garden Saga

Alyssa Starelli - Atomic Houses for Atomic People - Portland, Oregon

Great Depression Cooking with Clara

Mad for Madmen Barbies!

1930s Tested, Mitt Romney Approved

Back to the Future with Charlie's Angels

Here's Looking At You, Kid

Vacation Palm Springs | Midcentury Life

One day as a perfect 1950s wife - Times Online

Dating Techniques from the 1930s

Beverly Hill Real Estate Tour, 1950s

Mid-Century Modest with Pam Kueber

Scenes from my antiques booth

Etsy Favorites Round-Up!

Happy New Year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL!

Retro Christmas Goodies from Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters

Shop Mad Men

Pinups for Pups 2010 Calendar is on Sale Now!

We could all use a little validation

The Googie Art of J.L. Ordaz

Tender Comrade

The 40 Best '50s TV Shows

And speaking of retro stoves...

The Magic Chef Mansion

What, No Beer?

The Perimenopausal Song

I won! I won!

And You Can Quote Me

A Look Back at 1950s Style

1959 First Ever Barbie Commercial--You can Tell It's Mattel, It's Swell!

The Best of Charles and Ray Eames

Eames Lounge Chair Debut on NBC, 1956

My Favorite Movie is Now A Lamp...That Talks!

Save this Retro Kitchen!

BOAC--the Jetset Airline

Mabel's House's Sassy Pink Bathroom

Mary Deluxe is having a give-away!

Jack's Diner is Up for Sale!

British Pathe--Reliving History Through Film

Rockabilly Love from Old Woogies

Swing shoes for the Urban Girl

Calling all antiques dealers for advice!

Just in Time for Your Halloween Bash!

Vintage Travel Trailer Art

Retro Cocktail Hour Roundup

The Most Creative Ad in Forever Award

SoCal Mod Art

My name is Retromodgirl, and I'm an eBayaholic...

Daydream Wallpaper

How Do Naughty Secretaries Live?

Our Special Today--Cliff May Rancho on Rye

I've been featured!

Some Like it Hot and Vintage

Another trip to Aunt Katie's Attic, in pictures

Retro House Porn

Toto, Kansas is the New Oz!

Spoiler Alert! Video Recap of Madmen Season 2

Playing Dress-Up on the Madmen Set

Madmen 60s Cocktail Guide

Season 3 Madmen Screening in Times Square

True Love, by Audrey and Grace

A tale of a four-legged angel

Retromodgirl