“Very Inspiring Blogger Award”-A Little Bit Of Fun Facts About Me

very-inspiring-blogger-award

(Note: This Saturday I have a fun book give-way happening and guest blog post by the author of “Birds Eye View” so make sure you pop by again on Nov 8th.)

It is with great “Fun honour” that I hereby accept this award given to me by the “Toronto Vintage Society“. Thank you dear TVS you are truly a wonderful and fun society that I LOVE being part of 🙂

Now upon receiving this “just for fun” blog award, I must now share seven random facts about myself and then share the love with other bloggers that inspire me.

Here we go!

Random Fact # 1:

My father was born in Germany and because of this I’m heavily involved in German Karneval.

Karneval in Germany

Traditional German Garde Girl-Funkemariechen

What is German Karneval you ask? Well basically it’s like Mardi Gras but instead of just one day or week it runs for several months, November 11th till Rose Monday in March. In Germany it is celebrated in the Rhineland (several areas of Western Germany along the Middle and Lower Rhine) and is a time of much merriment (and lots and lots of parties). They even have Prince and Princess of Karneval (I was once a Princess,years ago)!

I also German danced in a Karneval group since the age of 6 and stopped after 16 years when I moved away from home (fun fact: my mom danced in a Karneval troupe as well and that is how she met my dad). Here is an example of the kind of dancing I did called “Garde Dancing”. This video is from Germany and these women are outstanding!

Random Fact # 2:

I’m not actually a blonde…natural Brunette. sssshhhhhh 🙂 I have been a Blonde for gosh…14 years I believe and I don’t think that will change anytime soon.

The Vintage Inn Blog

My Grade 12 Prom-1995

Random Fact # 3: 

I can’t ride a bike without crashing into things. I’m like bambi on 2 wheels when I get on one. So I let my bike collect dust in our garage.

1930s woman on bike

I wish I looked this cute on a bike-Getty Image

Random Fact # 4:

I have being watching the same Soap Opera “General Hospital” for around 20 years. I have very rarely ever missed an episode (thanks goodness for PVR) and have even gotten my husband a tiny bit into “my stories”.

General Hospital 1963

Random Fact # 5:  

I have a degree in Fashion Marketing from Ryerson University but I work as Marketing Coordinator at an IT company. Super far away from the fashion world (thank goodness for my vintage blog).

1953 vintage girl working at a desk

Random Fact # 6: 

I own probably around 40 pairs of shoes and every week I wear the same ones. Why? I live in such a small apartment that my shoes are packed away nicely (to make room for other items) and it’s too much of a bother to search for what I want. One day they will have their time to shine…one day!

1950's vintage shoes

Random Fact # 7

I went thru a stage while in High School where I listened to nothing but the music of Metallica. Yes for about 5 mins of my life, this 1940s loving gal was obsessed with Heavy Metal.

Metallica

And there you have it. I hope you enjoyed learning a few fun facts about dear old Liz of the Vintage Inn.

Onto the Other Blogger Nominations….

Now should blog awards not exactly be your favourite cup of tea (or if you’ve already received this one before and have no desire to post a “round two” of your own), fear not, you’re under zero obligation to play along. These kinds of posts are intended to be nothing but lighthearted fun, and should they not feel that way to you, by all means bow out of taking part in this one. I think blog awards are fun and a great way to find out a bit more about the blogs you adore but I understand not everyone loves them.

If though, you would like to take part, then all you have to is whip up a post of your own about receiving The Very Inspiring Blogger Award in which you link back to this post, share seven random facts about yourself, and bestow the award on folks whose sites you find to be a continual source of inspiration.

Have a wonderful day friends!

Liz

It’s Thanksgiving! Putting The “Vintage” Into The Holiday

Here in Canada we are about to celebrate our Thanksgiving on Monday and then I know my lovely neighbours to the south will be celebrating their’s next month. So I thought it would be fun to put together a post on items you could purchase to add some “Vintage” to your Thanksgiving holiday.

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First up..Table Decor.

Table Decor is a MUST to bring your Thanksgiving table to next level, starting with a pretty themed tablecloth.

vintage tablecloth

Source-Etsy: NewtoUVintage

Vintage Tablecloth

Source-Etsy: LinensandThings

As for what goes ON the Tablecloth how about these delightful 1940s Vintage Anagram Letters?

1940s vintage table decor

Source-Etsy: JustSmashingDarling

If you love the Turkey in the image above, then you can take them home below- 2 Morton Pottery Turkey Planters circa 1940s.

Oh I love them!!!

vintage Turkey planters

Source-Etsy: CRCRUMSEY

Having lots of guests over? Here is a nifty idea on how to remember where everyone should sit-Place Cards!

Vintage Thanksgiving place settings

Source-Etsy: FeraliaVintage

Cooking Time!

Need some help with your turkey or thanksgiving recipes? Then Butterball has you covered with their 1950s advertisement and informational pamphlet for Swift’s Premium Butterball Turkey.

1950s Turkey Recipe book

Source-Etsy: ThirstyOwlVintage

1950s inside of Turkey Recipe book

Source-Etsy: ThirstyOwlVintage

Now how to take the turkey out of the oven? How about with this Thanksgiving Kitchen Towel? This is funny, cute and vintage all at the same time. I’m guessing this towel has to be late 1930s by looking at her hair and shoes but that is just a guess.

On another note, I would totally cook the turkey if my husband would pull me around on a trolly to bring it to the table lol!

Vintage Kitchen Towel

Source-Etsy: NeatoKeen

Your holding the turkey now what to put it on?? This 1950’s vintage Turkey Platter should do the trick.

1950s Turkey Platter

Source-Etsy: FrancesAttic

Mmmmm Dessert

A vintage cookbook is always the way to go for authentic recipes from a bygone era. This particular gem was made in 1958. It features 61 pages of recipes and illustrations.

1950s Vintage Dessert cookbook

Source-Esty: cocoskitchen

After your dessert decisions have been made I’m SURE one of those is pumpkin pie and you will need just the right plate to serve it on.

This plate is from the 1970’s but I don’t mind at all because I just think it is fantastic and so perfect for your thanksgiving table. It even has the recipe for pumpkin pie in case you forget. Just don’t put the pie on it till your done WITH the recipe 🙂

Vintage Plate for Pies

Source-Etsy: VLDDecorandHome

You could also use the Blue Ridge Southern Potteries ‘Thanksgiving Turkey’ plate for some of your goodies. The image on the plate is a bit quirky which I like.

Vintage thanksgiving dinner plate

Source-Etsy: PastPiecesVintage

Kids…

Like my household (I have 2 nephews and niece) there might be kids at Thanksgiving so what can you do to keep them entertained? How about reading a Thanksgiving story like this wonderful 1954 book Written by Esther M. Schenk?

I know I know! this idea will only keep them amused for 5 mins but it falls into the “vintage” theme and so therefore perfect for this blog post.

1950s childrens book thanksgiving

Source-Etsy: grandmothersattic

1950s Vintage Childrens Book,-thanksgiving

Source-Etsy: grandmothersattic

Lastly what to wear? Well that could be anything from a cute vintage dress, slacks, vintage apron or a vintage novelty skirt like the one below.

Can’t get any more “Thanksgiving” then Cornucopia baskets.

1950s vintage novelty skirt

Source-Etsy: SavvySpinsterVintage

BUT I think a must for whatever outfit you chose, there should be a themed vintage brooch on your lapel.

Now as Canadian’s we don’t have “Pilgrims” in our Thanksgiving story but this pin is too cute to pass up!

vintage thanksgiving pin

Source: Etsy-Desert Gemstones

Pilgrims not your thing? How about a Vintage Turkey Brooch?? Yup, this is awesome!

Vintage Turkey Brooch

Source-Etsy: roseluv

Here is the Cornucopia basket again-Kitschy and fun!

Vintage thanksgiving Brooch

Source-Etsy: AllureofJewels

 

And that my friends is some of my “Vintage Thanksgiving” ideas. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving whenever you are celebrating it 🙂

Question: I would love to know if you have vintage items that you already incorporate into your holiday decor? Please Share!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Liz 🙂

My Recent 1940s and 50s Vintage Finds

This past weekend I attended a new event in Toronto called “The Toronto Antique & Vintage Market” at the CNE grounds. I was attending on behalf of the Toronto Vintage Society and also for my own pleasure..hello Vintage Shopping! The event was a pretty good size with booths selling everything from vintage clothing to vintage postcards and antique furniture.

I had a very limited budget so I knew that I was not going to go all hog-wild on buying things, plus my closet is getting so jammed I really have no space to store any new clothing items until I do a purge (which is going to be almost impossible). So my plan..keep it small and easy to store. Well the show had lots of that so I scored a few awesome finds, and here is what I found….

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One of my favorite finds from the show-a 1940-41 Fall & Winter Eaton’s Catalogue (stay tuned for a post on all the goodies inside!).

Eaton’s was once Canada’s largest department store retailer. It was founded in 1869 in Toronto by Timothy Eaton, and it grew to become a retail and social institution in Canada. With stores across the country, buying offices around the globe, and a catalogue that was found in the homes of most Canadians (we always had one in my home). Sadly in 1999 the company went bankrupt, so now finding pieces of history like this is means just a little bit more for vintage history lovers like me (Source).

1940s Eatons Catalogue

The jacket is absolutely DIVINE!

Find # 2: 1950’s Rosanna Knit Sportswear Bolero

This sweater has the most wonderful details as you can see below and is in MINT condition. I got it for a steal AND it’s small so it will fit in whatever remaining space is left in my closet.

1950s Sweater

Next Purchase a Vintage Brooch-It needs a bit of TLC but I actually don’t mind the fact that there is only a bit of green left on the palm trees. Adds Character 🙂

vintage brooch

Now my small but mighty finds-Several Vintage Photos from the 1940s and 1950s:

The below image has a story to tell and I love it! I believe that the couple is going on their honeymoon or something very important because air travel in the 1940s was not something you just up and did like we do today. Plus they look really really nice, which is nothing out of the norm for air travel in the early days but they just look like it’s a special occasion.

I think it is also great that the plane in the background is actually a Canadian airline (no longer around) called “Canadian Pacific Air Lines“. I love finding images like that this have a bit of Canadian history tied to them.

Lastly, lets talk about her outfit. Her hat is just amazing and so very different from what I normally see. She also has great peep toe shoes purse and her classic suit goes a long long way in the “simple but stylish” department.

1940s Vintage image of couple in front of Canadian Pacific airplane

1940s couple in front of Canadian Pacific Airplane

Next up we have this 1940s cutie in a double-breasted winter jacket, that just looks soooo warm! Hopefully warm enough to keep her exposed head and toes warm too. Aren’t her shoes great?!

I was drawn to this picture for the simple beauty coming off the paper. She looks very happy smiling for the camera, and I wonder what her story is? Maybe off to see a loved one return from war?

1940s women in a coat image

1940s Beauty

When I saw this picture my girlfriend and I tossed back and forth whether she was wearing a playsuit or not and finally after both agreeing that is was VERY clear that she was,  I had to buy it!

Her playsuit is just great and looks totally comfortable. I love how she paired the simplicity of the outfit with nice big flowing 40s hair, some sort of brooch and big bow peep toe heels.  Future Pinup Model? I think so 🙂

I am curious on where she is though? Those heels don’t look to easy to walk in for a stroll in the woods.

1940s woman in a playsuit

1940’s Playsuit for the Win!

Next up is a early 1940s (maybe late 1930s) beach photo from my hometown of Sarnia, Ontario. The beach was at Canatara Park a frequent hangout for those who wanted to catch some rays and go swimming in Lake Huron. I was super excited to find this picture because I have never really seen any cool “life images” from my hometown. So to stumble upon a postcard with this image was a wonderful surprise for me.

I’m totally digging the swimsuits and hair in this photo.

1930's swimmers on the beach

Next up we have the most stylish 1950s Housewife on the block. Lets call her Marge 🙂 Isn’t she just lovely?

What colour do you think her dress is? I can’t seem to decide personally.

1950s Housewife Image

1950s Housewife

I also found this super funny postcard that from what I can see was mailed in the 1950s (according to the back) from one woman friend to another. Isn’t it hilarious??!!

1950s funny postcard

Lastly I did NOT buy this at the show but I had to share it. I stumbled upon a 1930s Hair Perming Machine and had to take a picture of it. It was crazy cool and crazy scary at the same time! Can you imagine sticking your head under this thing?

1930s vintage hair perming machine

1930s Perming Machine-Made in Hamilton

And that was my finds friends! Did you do any recent shopping this weekend or week? If so what was your favorite find?

Liz 🙂

 

 

 

 

“Morgans Department Store”-Little bit of Canadian Vintage History

Recently I went and visited an antique show here in Toronto at a local mall called “Cloverdale“, there was lots and lots of items for sale but nothing mid-century for this gal until I saw a really cool hat box at one of the tables. Seen here…

1950s Vintage Hat Box

The box was not in great condition but after quickly searching the name on the box “Morgans” I discovered that it was a little bit of Canadian history, so I ran back and scooped it up for a steal and a history lesson from its owners.

Apparently, Morgan’s (formally Henry Morgan & Company) was a Montreal-based Canadian department store chain. The first store was opened in Montreal in 1845 by Scottish immigrant Henry Morgan with a second store not appearing till the early 1950s in the Snowdon section of Montreal. Other stores subsequently opened on the island of Montreal, and several Ontario cities (Wikipedia).

After being open for over 100 years, in the 1960s the Hudson Bay Company purchased Morgans and quickly converted the Ontario stores to “Bay’s”. By the early 1970s the Quebec stores followed suit and that was the end of the brand Morgans….until I found my box! Now we can share in a moment of Canadian history together and bring to life the department store once more.

The Early Days:

Morgans 1890

Morgan's 1890

Morgan’s department store in Montreal decorated for the 1939 Royal Tour of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. So Elegant.

I wish we could see setups like this again when royalty comes to visit.

 Morgan's department store decorated for the 1939 Royal Tour. Montreal, Canada

Here are some images of other Morgans in the 1950’s

Hamilton’s Greater Shopping Centers-Morgans

Morgan's 1950s

Source: henleyshamilton1.wordpress.com

Interior shots of the Hamilton store being prepared for opening

A miniature milk bar for the kids. Oh my how cute!!

Morgans Department store 1950s

Source: henleyshamilton1.wordpress.com

Male Mannequins for the store. Kind of creepy I think. Actually Really Really Creepy!

Morgans Department Store

Source: henleyshamilton1.wordpress.com

Group of Sales women attending a class to be able to work at Morgan’s.

What marvelous hair all these ladies have.

Morgans Department Store

Source: henleyshamilton1.wordpress.com

Learning how to use the Cash Register.

Morgans Department Store

Source: henleyshamilton1.wordpress.com

Morgans 1950’s ad for Schiaparelli Hats. Love this! How do I get this hat?

Schiapareli 1958

 

Hungry anyone? I will have the Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding (my fav!).

Gosh could you imagine if a Buffet (then called a Smorgasbord) was $1.19 today? Yikes!

Vintage Department Store ads

Source: torontoist.com

“As new as tomorrow”….How exciting, I love things that are as new as tomorrow!

vintage department store ad

Source: torontoist.com

Logo Designs:

1950s Morgans

1950s Morgans Department store

Source: The Department Store Museum

1970s Morgans after the Hudson Bay took it over (this would be its last logo change)

Vintage Department Stores in Canada

Source: The Department Store Museum

 Interesting Fact: It looks like Morgans was the first department store to move into family neighborhoods, as opposed to making a trip downtown to go shopping (as seen below). I’m sure this made many a family lives easier.

This ad makes me giggle. What is with the triangle people??

Vintage Department Store Toronto

Source: torontoist.com

And that interesting fact ties in with the knowledge that where I bought the hat box was actually where a Morgans Department store once stood in the 1960s at Cloverdale Mall.  It was under my nose the whole time and I never knew! How exciting!

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There you have it friends, a little bit of Canadian History.

Do you have a department store where you live that has been around for years or maybe know of one like Morgans that has come and gone? I would love to hear about it.

Liz 🙂

 

 

My Recent Vintage Store Finds

It is so nice in Toronto right now, so it is pretty much impossible to stay home at night. So on one of those beautiful nights I took a walk down to my local antique store for some treasure hunting. I was pretty excited to do this because normally I'm with my husband and he is not much of antique shopper and so I usually get 5 seconds in before he starts giving me the “please can we go!” look! Not tonight though he was working so I was free to take my time.

My plan… To find some amazing 1930s-1950s real-life pictures of well dressed people as this has recently become my obsession. I just love seeing how everyday people dressed as opposed to movie stars who had lots of money and designers on demand (not that I don't enjoy those photos too, Oh I most certainly do!). Tonight though was about the regular folks and I scored huge with the following 4 images.

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Photo number 1: A wedding photo from the 1940s, clearly during war times. Don't you agree that the bride and groom are so gorgeous together that they could have been movie stars?? Sigh…so fantastic!

I am just swooning right now over the handsome groom in uniform and his equally handsome best man in his navy uniform. Love.

1940s wedding photo

Now the lovely bride. That dress is making me just drool all over my ipad right now with envy. The cut, the sequined design on the bust and that corsage..wow! Just beautiful. In my mind the dress is a gorgeous blue or maybe green! And how adorable are the peep toe shoes (on both ladies)?? This gal has style and her maid of honour is just as stylish too! I want a 1940s suit badly and honestly one like this would make my day. It is such a nice fit on her and I think she made a wonderful choice by wearing this.

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Photo number 2: 1940s woman. This photo was the first image I found and I nearly died from how amazing this image was. Like seriously, how could you look at this photo and not think “Wow that woman has style!”? I don't think it is possible and that was the exact words that came out of my mouth.

1940s woman in dress

First off her 1940s gown fits her like a glove, look how tiny her waist is? The detail at the hip adds to the slim look of her waist and I'm just loving it so much (great undergarments I'm sure are helping too). The fabric is just as wonderful with the random flower detail and I envision this dress to be black with the flowers and dots to be silver (do you agree?).

Now let's talk about her hat. Yes her hat is one amazing work of art with a giant pouffy flower (I think) as the embleshment. Even with the giant beautiful corsage on her dress I don't think the hat is too much. Ohh I have a thought! Maybe she is the mother of the bride to the couple above?? Most likely not but she is going some where wonderful enough to wear long black gloves (question: are they gloves if they have no hand part?) and I'm sure will be the hit of the party.

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Photo number 3: 1940s gentleman. This image when I saw it, reminded me so much of Cary Grant or Clark Gable and I just knew he had to come home with me. I was also really drawn to how well his suit fit and how he paired it with a bow tie and two toned oxfords, classy! The hand in the pocket says “yup I'm a man of style”. And yes mister handsome well dressed man, the Vintage Inn agrees.

1940s man in suit

Photo number 4: The final image I found of this 1950s woman playing with her cat, made me want to buy it for 1 reason and 1 reason alone….her saddle shoes. Yes I know saddle shoes are not rare in images from the 50s but what intrigued me even more was the fact that I believe this woman is not a young girl but much older then that.

You don't see very often older woman wearing saddle shoes, in fact I have never seen it and was always under the impression that that style was for the “younger” generation. Now that might be true but clearly this lovely fun loving lady does not care and she is rocking them anyways and for that, I love her style and she deserved to be in this post.

1950s housewife in saddle shoes

So there my wonderful readers is my most recent vintage shopping find. I hope you enjoyed looking at the images as much as I did when I bought them.

Have a fantastic day!

Liz 🙂

 

 

 

 

Viva La Espana! Vintage Travel Posters of Spain

Hello lovely readers, I hope you had a marvelous weekend 🙂 My weekend was busy because I was running around getting prepared for my next big adventure on Tuesday to…SPAIN!

Vintage travel poster of Spain

Source-Poster Corner

 

I cannot wait as Spain has always been a dream place that I would love to visit and now I get the chance tomorrow! Now I won’t get to see ALL of Spain, in fact I will only get to see 2 places while I’m there as I’m going for my Lindy Hop Teachers wedding (Yay Luis & Natalia!). However, 2 places is better than zero places in my mind, so Barcelona and seaside village of Platja d’Aro is our destinations (this trip).

I plan on taking tons of pictures while there to share with you, but in the mean time I thought it would be fun to share some Vintage Travel Posters of Spain to help you get excited along with me, AND we can all agree that vintage travel posters are just super cool to look at.

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First up the iconic image of the Spanish Flamenco Dancer. I just adore her dress in this 1955 poster.

Iiberia airline vintage travel poster 1955

Source-I desire vintage posters

Vintage Spain Travel Poster

Source-Enjoy Art

Vintage spain travel poster

Source-Travel on Paper

You cannot look at vintage Spanish travel posters and not post some of the infamous Bull Fighter

Vintage Spain travel poster bull fighter

This is a very dramatic poster

Spain TWA Poster

Source-sandiv999 on Flickr

Also the Spanish Senorita

Iberia vintage travel poster spain

Source-Free vintage posters

Spain vintage travel poster

Source-Free vintage posters

Now for some more lovely miscellaneous posters

san-sebastian 1930s travel poster

Source-All Posters

I’m a sucker for a wonderful 1940s advertising poster and this one does NOT disappoint. The wedges, her trousers and sweater are so Katharine Hepburn and I can’t get enough!

Spain travel poster 1948

Well dressed 1920s ladies in Madrid.

1920s spain travel poster

vintage TWA travel poster

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On a side note I purchased the most perfect skirt to wear to the wedding from Damzels in Toronto. It’s a Pinup Girl Clothing-Pinup Couture piece and it’s their Matador Panel Skirt. Isn’t it amazing??!!

pinup girl clothing matador skirt

So my friends, have you ever been to Spain? What was your favorite part, place? food? Do tell!

Liz 🙂

Happy Mothers Day-The Vintage Inn Edition

First up…it should be noted that this is officially my 100th post! WOW I’m impressed with myself that I have managed to find 100 things to write-up in my short time in the blogging world lol! High five to me AND Most importantly High Five to all you fabulous readers! Thank you Thank you Thank you for sticking around and making this not a chore but totally fun to write for.

Now without further adieu, here is my 100th post!

Happy Mother’s day to every mother far and wide AND to my amazing and outstanding mother-Sue.

Now here are some images of mothers from the 1940/50s for your viewing pleasure on this gorgeous day.

1940s mothers

I just love the two ladies here. They look adorable on the lawn with their wee little ones.

Source

1950s mother

I love the style this mother has. Look at those shoes!

Source

1950s mother

I adore the cute summer top/swim top this mother is wearing.

Source

1950s mother

Check out those Sunglasses! LOVE!

Source

1940s vintage ladies

This is an image I found on Flickr of a family. Love the style these women have. I want every piece show here. From left: owner of pictures mother, her cousins Muriel and Audrey, her aunt Dora, picture owners grandmother and aunt Chickie, circa early 1940s

Source

1950s mother

Her skirt is beautiful!

Source

1940s mothers

Beautiful generation of ladies from 1940s. The youngest mother has the best playsuit. It just looks wonderful on her.

Source

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Happy Mothers day, mothers everywhere!

Liz 🙂

Vintage Vacation Anyone?

If you read my blog then you know that I was just in Las Vegas for “Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend“. It was a fun weekend of amazing bands, dancing, vintage shopping, retro pool parties, vintage car show and 1000’s of well dressed 1940’s and 50’s ladies and men. For 4 days I really felt like I was on a “Vintage Vacation” and it is really really hard being at work today.

vintage_tired_housewife

Me at work today 🙂

I’m currently going thru all my pictures, friends pictures etc. of my trip but while I do that lets take a look at some vintage travel ads and maybe help plan your own vintage vacation in the near or distant future.

vintage TWA travel poster

Ahhh Spain, that would be a beautiful and wonderful vacation (of which I’m going to in June for a wedding).

vintage vacation michigan

I grew up in South Western Ontario right on the border with Michigan so I have spent a lot of time in that State. Wonderful state to visit with lots of water activities courtesy of the 4 Great Lakes.

Hotel Nacional Cuba

Photo Courtesy of Havana Journal

I have been to Cuba many many times as I just find it to be a beautiful and fun country to visit. You can’t get anymore “vintage” than Havana with all its vintage 1950’s cars and Art Deco buildings.

Greyhound vintage travel ad

This ad is not taking you anywhere in particular but it’s a great Spring ad and it allows you to dream of all the places you could go..in comfort of course.

Brazil vintage travel ad

Photo Courtesy of design-is-fine.org

Brazil..Sun, Sand, glorious music and yummy food. That would be one amazing Vintage Vacation!

Vintage travel ad

This ad sure does make Rhode Island look mighty appealing, I might have to visit it one day.

vintage miami travel ad

Miami….nuff said.

TWA vintage ad

Are you up for a Quickie vintage vacation? TWA can help you out!

fredricks of hollywood vintage

Now with all this travelling one does need the perfect outfit for each location. It looks like Frederick’s Hollywood has thought out all those details with some of the most amazing dresses and swimsuits. WOW!

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Are you planning a trip anytime soon? Does it have a vintage flair to it?

 

Liz 🙂

What to wear when it’s raining-1930s to 1950s Inspiration

It’s raining today which got me thinking that every time it rains I tend to throw on a pair of very un-stylish rain boots and trudge thru the mess to do what life needs me to do. Well I have decided…no more! I want to look “vintage rain gear chic” and not “I don’t want to get wet so lets just throw this on“. But what should I be looking for to help achieve this look? What did the women wear in the 1930’s-1950’s to keep dry?

Lets take a look shall we?

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1930s Rainwear ad. 

I’m a big fan of the transparent raincoat (top on the right) which you will see a few more times below. Your outfit will never be hidden! Honestly though all those coats are pretty fantastic in this ad.

rainwear 1930s

Source

This is a early 1930s Canadian ad for a slicker called “Whooppee Slicker”. Comes in fun patterns I must say.

Whooppe Slicker 1930s raincoat

Source

1940’s raincoat and rain hat

1940s raincoat

Source

Here are your transparent rain coats for both men and women made from Vinylite Plastics-1946 ad

plastics-vinylite 1940s

Another plastic transparent rain coat from Follow me Quietly, 1949

Follow me Quietly-plastic  raincoat 1949

Source

Rain coats for the whole family in the 1950s! The green coat is so beautiful and did you notice her boots?? Check out the ad just below!

vintage raincoats

Looking for some vintage rain boots that are also transparent?? Look no further than these darling “Rain Dears” with bow! Can I have 10???

1950s rainboots ad

1953 ad for Firestone Velon Plastic. Love that even the dog has a rain coat 🙂

1950s raincoat

Source

I cannot end this post without referencing some great rain-wear photos from “Singin in the Rain

SINGIN-IN-THE-RAIN-poster

I want Debbie Reynolds boots in this picture

singin-in-the-rain-poster

Well I think I have lots of ideas now on what to wear, I just need to find them, so off I go to Etsy.

Do you have a vintage rain coat or boots or look that you just adore?

Liz

Irish Movie Actresses of the 1940s and 1950s

St. Patrick’s Day is quickly approaching and while I’m not Irish (German background) I never say no to a Guinness and a cheers with friends on this day. Since we cannot do this on the blog I thought it might be fun to check out some images of some lovely Irish actresses from the 1940’s and 50’s together (feel free to have a beer while reading).

First up..

Maureen O’Hara

Born August 17th, 1920 in Dublin Ireland, she is noted for playing fiercely passionate heroines with a highly sensible attitude. Movie highlights include: The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Miracle on 34th Street, plus many more. An icon of Hollywood’s Golden Age, at the height of her career, O’Hara was considered one of the world’s most beautiful women. She is often remembered for her onscreen chemistry with John Wayne. They made five films together between 1948 and 1972: Rio Grande, The Quiet Man, The Wings of Eagles, McLintock! and Big Jake  (Source: Wikipedia).

Maureen O'Hara

Maureen OHara

Maureen O’Sullivan

Born May 17th, 1911 in Boyle, County Roscommon, Ireland. Maureen was an Irish actress best known for playing Jane in the Tarzan series of films.

Maureen OSullivan

Maureen OSullivan Tarzan

Angela Greene

Actress Angela Greene was born on February 24, 1921 in Dublin, Ireland. She is best known for playing leads in B pictures including the films Hollywood Canteen (1944) and Mildred Pierce (1945), and also appeared in dozens of TV shows. During World War II, she became a popular World War II pin-up girl and her bikini-clad image graced the nose of the US bomber Skipper 2, which flew 25 missions over North Africa and Europe. She dated naval lieutenant John F. Kennedy before marrying businessman Stuart Martin in 1946.

Angela Greene 1940s

US bomber skipper 2

Constance Smith

Born February 7th, 1929 in Limerick, Ireland, Constance was an Irish film actress, and contract player of 20th Century Fox in the 1950s. She starred in two dozen films during the 1940’s and 1950’s, including films like Treasure of the Golden Condor, Taxi and Man in the Attic.

Constance Smith

Man_in_the_attic

Do you have any Ireland born screen actresses to add to this list?

Happy St. Patricks day!

Liz