get PICNIC perfect

Issue IVMay 2014

Pedal PowerCelebrating the bicycle’s heyday

The BIGWedding

Issue

Rockabilly WeddingsDress, decor & more...plus how one bride did it for just

$11KThe Classic Hudson Commodore

contents Issue IVMay 2014

73The Big

American Bicycle Boom

FEATURES

5 For the Love of the Hudson Get to know a legend: the classic 1946 Hudson Commodore

15 A-Tisket A-Tasket Throw the perfect vintage picnic – terrific tips, retro recipes and more

42 Wedding Special: Rockabilly Inspired ideas – everything from dresses to décor to destinations! 43! Rockabilly Planning Guide 51 Destination: Honeymoon 57 A Rockabilly Wedding for $11K 61 A Groom’s Perspective

LIFESTYLE

35 Psychedelia of the 1960s73 The Great American Cycling Craze25 Fashion-torial: Yves Saint Laurent81 Retro Remix

42Rockabilly Wedding

Guide

ON THE COVER

5Meet the

Commodore

81The look of yesterday...

with today’s convenience

REGULARS

13 Take 2: Recreate the Looks in Easy Rider33 Ask The Glamorous Housewife 3 Editor’s Note34 Color Crush87 Time Capsule: Prom 198771 Covet: Gasp-Worthy Vintage Finds85 Cecilia & Bill Are Getting Married93 Runway Roundup

Get your vintage on at VintageVilleMag.com

Executive Editor Emily LuxManaging Editor Jon HechtmanContributing Writer Lee PowellColumnists The Glamorous Housewife Another Man’s Treasure Daphne DrakeDesign EHL CreativeContributing Photography JH Studios Megan Addie Photography

Naka Photography

staff

© 2014 VintageVille Magazine and EHL Creative LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Vintagevillemagazine

VintageVille Mag

61A Groom

with a View

15What’s in your basket?

35 Psychedelic Goes Pop

Editor’s Note

3 | VintageVille Magazine

It's that time of year. Prom season is in full swing. And many a blushing bride is getting set to walk down the aisle next month.

This issue of VintageVille celebrates these special occasions…with a vintage twist, of course. Check out Prom Night done in true 80s style on page 87.

You’re invited to our biggest wedding issue yet – with a special focus on rockabilly. It’s full inspirations, fashions and money-savings tips, plus an all-special groom’s perspective. Get reading on page 42.

Until next time,

Emily Lux, Editor

www.biffandbettys.etsy.com

Photo: Claire Powell

This 1946 gentleman’s classic returns to its glory days

By Lee Powell

There is something head-turningly spectacular about classic American cars. You know the sort I mean – bigger-than-a-boat, gas-guzzling beauties that were manufactured from the mid 1940s through to the mid 70s. Whether it be a classic 50s Cadillac or a 70s muscle car like the Mustang, each one oozes pure class and a “wow factor” that’s hard to ignore, even if you’re not a classic car enthusiast. For many, though, nothing beats the allure – and the curves! – of the cars of the 40s and 50s. Shape, size, appearance: they combine in uniquely exquisite balance. Just stand next to one of these splendid specimens, and you'll understand the way audiences of the day reacted to film stars like Marilyn Monroe. It's a seductive combination of star power…and pure sex appeal.

VintageVilleMag.com | 6

for the love of the

HUDSON

Photography: Claire Powell

Found on every rockabilly’s want list, these cars – now the epitome of coolness – were once ordinary family runabouts. They were manufactured in great abundance and driven by millions. And during the prosperous post-war years, as times and styles changed, they were replaced by newer, more fashionable designs, and left to rust in thousands of junkyards and auto graveyards.

Thankfully, things have changed. Over the last few years, the interest in the rockabilly and retro scenes has grown so dramatically – and so has the interest in these cars. Today they’re glamorous celebrities, taking the spotlight at vintage fairs, tattoo conventions and the like.

These classics of yesteryear owe their survival to automotive hobbyists and rockabilly enthusiasts who have spent many an hour painstakingly restoring these stunning vehicles to their former beauty (no easy task!). As you can imagine, these cars are very few and far between…so you can’t just pop to a car-parts store and pick up the piece you need. Each item has to be scrupulously sourced – often from overseas – or meticulously fabricated. The restoration of each car is a true labor of love; and seeing one completely restored, you can instantly see that all of the hard work is well worth it. There is no denying it: these cars truly are magnificent, and it’s easy to see why they have become so sought after…and why their fan base continues to grow at an unparalleled rate.

This Hudson Commodore 6 Sedan is owned by Sarah White and Bob Smith, who live in the picturesque Forest of Dean area of Gloucestershire, a county nestled in the South West corner of England. It’s a stunning example of a legendary classic that has been carefully restored to its former splendor. Built in Detroit in 1946, the Commodore was the top end of the Hudson models that rolled off the production line between 1941 and 1952 – a period when the company was still independent, relying on innovative engineering and styling to do battle with the “Big Three” carmakers.

Hudson produced the Commodore in relatively small numbers, making it rather a sought-after model in the classic car genre. The car was originally delivered to its first owner in January of 1946. It spent its early life in the Midwestern United States, before being purchased by a new Florida owner in 1963. That gentleman used

it as his ‘everyday’ car before moving to England in 2010...and finally retiring from the driving seat due to ill health. Bob and Sarah bought the car in 2013, and use it today for both pleasure and business.

Even in the States, classic U.S. cars are relatively rare. However, as one travels further afield these cars become even scarcer, as they weren’t (and still aren’t) the easiest items to transport around the world.

While there has been an increase in the number of classic 50s U.S. cars in the UK, they’re still far from plentiful. As far as we can gather, only 4 other Hudson Commodores similar to this one are currently residing in the UK.

Traveling to meet the couple – and of course their fabulous car – was a much-anticipated, long-deferred journey. The visit had been re-scheduled more than a few times, due to the ridiculously wet and stormy weather that had battered the UK (and in particular

South West) for the winter months. But on the appointed spring morning, the sun shone brightly…and we set off.

The first thing to strike you about the Commodore 6 Sedan is its size and stature, coupled with the voluptuously feminine curves accentuated by the sparkling deep metallic blue paintwork.

The restoration of both exterior and interior – from the huge front and rear blue-upholstered bucket seats to the matching carpets, from the pale turquoise roof lining to the deep red dashboard, from the white wall tires to the bright red wheels – amply demonstrated not only the dedication of the owners, but also their great sense of pride in ownership.

We could have stood and stared at the car for an age, becoming all but lost in its charms, but that would have been just rude to its owners. So instead we posed some questions to Bob.

VintageVilleMag.com | 8

Bob Smith with his restored 1946 Hudson Commodore 6 sedan.

Was the Commodore 6 a car you specifically wanted?

“I wanted any ridiculously big old Yank but we narrowed it down to finding a 40s or 50s car. It had to be a 4 door, and once we started looking we found we really liked the 40s era styling. Then she appeared in an advert.”

How hard was it to source the car?

“Week upon week and month on month of going through hundreds of adverts on the Internet, eBay and car magazines; looking at other cars and rejecting them for one reason or another – it was difficult and time-consuming.”

How easy is it to source parts for the car? Have you had to do much work on the car since you got her?

“Many parts, believe it or not, are easy enough to find on the Internet – almost always in the U.S., but they are relatively cheap. Wear components, such as brake shoes, hoses, brake-lines, steering bits and such can be found. The great thing about a car of that age is everything on her was designed to be rebuilt and mended rather than thrown away and a new part purchased. Certain things would be very difficult to find for her though, such as body panels – so you have to try very, very hard not to have a prang (crash) in her! We’ve done a staggering amount of work on her. When we first got her we thought ‘Oh this won’t take long!’ But basically she’d been neglected over the years, so there was a never-ending ‘to do’ list that seemed to grow every time I looked at her.”

Do you plan on purchasing any more vintage U.S. cars?

“Yes! The biggest problem we have is space to store them but I definitely have a ‘wish’ list. My daughter lives in California and I was over there visiting her last year. We went to a classic car show and that list got extended quite dramatically. Cars of the classic 40s/50s era, and a lot of the 60s ones too, are really so stylish it’s impossible to say ‘No I don’t want any more.’ Well it is for me! But I couldn’t say what I’ll get next, it really depends on what comes along at the right price at the right time.”

What sort of reaction do you get from people when they see you out driving the Hudson?

“They love her! Most folk have never heard of a Hudson, but lots of kids know it from the ‘Cars’ film. I don’t like to tell them ours is a Commodore, not a Hornet*! She is a real

head turner and until you have ridden in a car like this you can’t understand what it’s actually like; to know that all the folk on the sides of a road are turning to watch you go by, usually mouthing ‘Wow! What’s that?’ It’s an amazing feeling.”

Why do you think there is such a huge interest in vintage U.S. cars at the moment?

“I don’t know about the rest of the country, but for myself and Sarah it’s simply because cars of a certain vintage have such a beautiful style. Riding in our Hudson you can almost fool yourself you are in a gentler age. Plus financially, they are a good investment too! They look good, they’re great fun to drive around in, they’re relatively easy to work on and maintain and they don’t lose money like a modern car does! Buy a modern car today for 20 grand and if you’re lucky it might be worth 2 grand in 10 years’ time. Buy a big old Yank car today and if you look after her properly she’ll be worth at the very least the same as you paid for her in a few years’ time – if not a good few thousand more. There is no ‘modern car’ that you can say that of.”

Did you initially purchase the car for pleasure or just for business?

“Well, being honest, pleasure. But we also hoped she’d be able to earn a few quid (pounds) to keep herself. But even if she doesn’t earn a red cent she isn’t going anywhere now!”

Can you tell us about your business ‘Little Miss Vintage Cars’?

“We set the business up basically to try and get the Hudson to earn her own living, and it’s gone really busy so quickly we’re knocked out by it. We’ve always been into old Land Rovers. We’ve got a few really nice old ones, and we realised there was a niche in the wedding game for them as well. We’re getting interest all the time so fingers crossed things are looking good!”

With the growing popularity of the rockabilly and classic U.S. car scenes, and their increasing cross-pollination, the future looks bright for these amazing automobiles.

There’s no doubt that more and more of them will be restored back to their former glory…and have the chance to show off to a whole new, adoring audience.

Interview

Right: Hudson owners Sarah White and Bob Smith.

9 | VintageVille Magazine

With greater popularity comes a higher price tag, and the prices charged for these cars is unsurprisingly on the up. For those who are mechanically minded, however, an unrestored example will always be cheaper than a fully refurbished model. And every once in a while an unsuspecting seller will offer a run-down specimen at a bargain price.

If you’re especially lucky, you may even discover an original survivor rotting away in a garage or lock-up – like this Dodge Coronet discovered by William Lewis while working on power lines in Virginia (see photo above). So keep your eyes peeled! You never know

where you might unexpectedly find the rusting skeleton of one of these long-lost beauties.

I’d like to thank Sarah and Bob for taking time out of their schedule to let us visit, see the car and ask a few questions. I’d also like to wish them all of the very best for their ‘Little Miss Vintage Cars’ business –as well their forthcoming wedding later this year.

*Editor’s Note: “Doc Hudson,” one of the stars of the 2006 animated film Cars, was based on the 1951 Hornet – another of Hudson’s iconic postwar models.

11 | VintageVille Magazine

Above: The discovered Dodge Coronet. Photo – William Lewis. Used with permission.Right: Lee Powell and the Hudson Commodore.

From the big screen …to your closet.

Got a favorite vintage movie or TV show? Here's how you can get the look today.

Our  featured  Take  2:Easy Rider

Quite possibly the quintessential 1960s counterculture movie. It centers on two hippie bikers: Wyatt, AKA "Captain America" (played by Peter Fonda) and his buddy Billy (played by Dennis Hopper). They're on a long, crazy road trip, heading down to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and the journey is an eventful one. Along the way they endure insults from some local rednecks, meet a few fellow dreamers, spend a little time in jail…and, in the process, help to create an indelible, enduring portrait of a nation at a crossroads.

Wyatt

13 | VintageVille Magazine

Columbia Pictures

Brought to you by Another Man’s Treasure

A USA Today “Top 10 Great Places to Shop” for vintage clothing, Another Man’s Treasure is a true mecca of fantastic vintage finds for men and women. The boutique offers a kaleidoscopic of vintage fashions, accessories, shoes and jewelry from the 1940s-1980s with a special focus on classic, high-fashion vintage trends.

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Billy

The Inspiration

D

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a-tisketa-tasket

a look at picnics + baskets

Model: Kitty KadillacPhotography: Megan Addie Photography15 | VintageVille Magazine

"Picnic." It's one of those odd little words. It sneaks into the English language (from the French) right around 1800, but nobody seems to be sure how the French came up with it in the first place.

One thing is for sure, though: it has a lighthearted, playful spirit. It just sounds like fun.

And that's as it should be, because that's

17 | VintageVille Magazine

what picnics are all about: fun. It happens automatically, on that first warm, sunny day; we start thinking about taking our meals on the road, turning them into moveable feasts. It's magical: those sandwiches and sides taste different – better! – when we're sprawled on a blanket under the trees.

There's something else going on, too. Picnics are inherently, essentially nostalgic. Sure, we may bring along our smartphones and bluetooth speakers. But the picnic experience is so fundamentally timeless – enjoying good food with family and friends, in a beautiful outdoor setting – that the thought of having a "vintage" picnic seems completely natural.

And one of the nicest things about the vintage picnicking idea is how open-ended it is. You can go super-elaborate or super-simple. If your notion of a vintage picnic requires 1950s outfits, music and a restored "canned ham" camper…go for it. If you prefer a neo-Victorian outing on a broad expanse of manicured lawn, with a fitted wicker basket, crystal glasses and fine china plates…why not? And if your picnic doesn't take you any further than your own back yard, for a classic mid-century hot-dog-&-hamburger family cookout…well, that's cool too. (Candidly, we tend to favor the simpler, more laid-back style ourselves.)

Now that spring is in full swing (for most of us, anyway), we thought it might be fun to gather a few vintage picnic suggestions. You'll find easy tips to make your picnic more festive, fun…and period-perfect. An entertaining look at picnic menus from decades past. And recipes, too – every one an updated classic – to give your own menu a little extra pizazz.

As far back as 1912, old folks were already fondly looking back on the charms of the "old-fashioned" picnic. A good two dozen young men and ladies would ride to the chosen spot on a "picnic wagon"…not one of those new-fangled trolley cars, nossir. The clothes and the conveyances may have changed, but many of the picnic staples we enjoy today were already on the menu: cold fried chicken, potato chips (more likely to be known, back then, as "Saratoga Chips"), potato salad, peanut butter sandwiches, cake and ice cream.

Some of the other early 20th-century menu items, however, may strike us as slightly unusual. Fishballs, potted rabbit, pigs' feet, something called "bewitched veal" (which seems to have been a kind of meat loaf) and baked bean sandwiches? We'll take the baked beans, thanks – minus the bread – and pass on the rest.

If you were invited to a 1920s picnic, the menu wouldn't seem terribly unfamiliar. Who could object to cold broiled chicken, potato salad, Boston baked beans, sliced tomatoes, pickles, apple pie and peach ice cream? By the middle of the decade, the all-American hot dog – described as a "hot dog sandwich" – was showing up as well.

The 1930s may have been a Great Depression decade, but some of the surviving picnic menus feature alarmingly ritzy dishes. English mutton chops, broiled Porterhouse steak, lobster Newburg and hot beef bouillon for a seaside picnic…really? Then again, a few modern staples were also beginning to appear, including cole slaw (inexplicably spelled "cold slaw").

1940s menus for "bonfire dinners" sound mighty tasty today, spotlighting hot dogs and "Hamburg steaks" along with corn on the cob, pan-fried potatoes and macaroni and cheese. (We're not quite as enthusiastic about the olive and tongue sandwiches that were popular picnic picks during this decade, though.)

We think of the 1950s and 1960s as the pinnacle of picnicking. A simple "cold" menu might include a variety of sandwiches, deviled eggs and cold fried chicken (some things never change!). A "cookout" style menu, on the other hand, might feature main dishes that are still favorites today: hamburgers, hot dogs, spare ribs or kabobs, accompanied by roasted corn, potato salad, mixed green salad, chocolate cake, pie, cookies and watermelon. (Yum.)

What’s on the Menu

Ideas for Your Vintage Picnic8

It must have been a law back in the 1950s: you couldn't have a picnic without a plaid-patterned insulated "Skotch" cooler, from the Hamilton Metal Products Co. Vintage examples are easy to find (think eBay or a neighborhood yard sale). And while they're decidedly decorative, they're also perfectly practical, keeping food fresh and cold just as they did half a century ago. Bring one along on your next outing, and presto! Instant nostalgia.

We fully understand the appeal of paper plates. They're convenient, unbreakable and clean-up-free. But if you'd prefer picnic tableware with a little vintage flair, you don't have to abandon practicality altogether. Skip the beautiful-but-fragile china, and opt instead for melamine. This modern-miracle material was all the rage in the 50s and 60s, and for good reason: it's lightweight, durable and colorful, with a great mid-century vibe. Melamine dinnerware turns up regularly at yard sales, estate sales and thrift shops – if you can't find a full set, put together a mix-and-match assortment of colors and shapes.

Picnicking is a multi-sensory experience, so don't forget the soundtrack. Put together a vintage playlist on your iPod, bring along a wireless speaker…and you'll have a thoroughly modern update on the portable transistor radio of yesteryear. For extra fun, download a few vintage commercials (you can find them on YouTube, among other places) and mix them in with the tunes.

1950s Skotch Kooler$52 Stone Soupology

1960s American Tourister Train Case$35 Peace Traveler

1.

3.

4.

19 | VintageVille Magazine

Planning a picnic for two? Why not try a vintage train case as a stand-in for the traditional picnic basket? It's a secure, sturdy, stylish alternative. Older vintage cases can be pricey, but the more recent Samsonite-type models – better suited to picnic duty, anyway – can often be found at reasonable prices.

2.

Some things never change; we're pretty confident the very first picnic – lost in the mists of time – had a few mosquitos as uninvited guests. Nowadays there are plenty of high-tech ways to keep these pests away, but this is one place you can go "old school" without compromising effectiveness. The good old citronella candle still does the job marvelously, adding a little retro touch in the process.

No, dressing in vintage style won't make the food taste better. But putting on a vintage or vintage-inspired outfit – appropriate to the chosen time period, of course – can really enhance the experience.

We're great fans of the traditional picnic beverages: real brewed iced tea or lemonade. That said, if you're located in the USA, and if you'd like to offer something a little different, you might consider icing up a few bottles of Mexican Coca-Cola – not officially imported into the United States, but widely available nonetheless. Unlike the standard American Coke, the Mexican version omits the high-fructose corn syrup in favor of cane sugar. That makes for a snappier cola taste, much closer to the taste of old-time Coca-Cola – perfect for a vintage-loving crowd.

Vintage Game Collection$32 Recent History

5.6.

7.

A picnic is much more than food, drink and a blanket. If the setting is appropriate and the guests are agreeable, adding some classic outdoor games can really amp up the fun – and the vintage feel. If you're looking for something truly old-fashioned, how about an egg-and-spoon race? (Make the eggs hard-boiled – less mess, and competitors who drop them can pick them up and get back in the action.) Burlap feed sacks aren't as commonplace as they used to be, but if you want to put on a sack race, you can make do with an old pillowcase. On a hot summer day, a pitched water-pistol battle can be fun (and refreshing) for grown-ups and kids alike. Seeking something more sedentary? Bring along the checkerboard.

8.

Record Request Heel$64.99 ModCloth

VintageVilleMag.com | 20

Super-Simple Cucumber Salad

This is a year-round standby in our house – a snap to make, delicious and versatile, with a wonderful sweet-and-sour flavor. Freshly made, it's light and fresh; give it another day in the fridge, and it's zippier and more "pickle-ish." Quick tip: try a mandoline to slice the cucumbers and onions.

INGREDIENTS4  large  cucumbers,  peeled  and  cut  into  1/4"  slices1  medium  white  or  yellow  onion,  halved  and  cut  into  thin  slices1/2  cup  apple  cider  vinegar3-­‐4  tsp.  sugar,  to  tasteA  generous  pinch  of  salt

PREPARATION1.  Mix  cucumber  and  onion  slices  in  a  large  non-­‐reactive  bowl.2.  Pour  vinegar  into  a  microwave-­‐safe  measuring  cup.  Microwave  on  high  for  1  minute,  just  until  small  bubbles  form.3.  Stir  sugar  into  the  hot  vinegar  until  it  dissolves,  starting  with  the  smaller  quantity.  Taste  and  add  more,  depending  on  the  sweetness  level  you  prefer.  Be  careful  –  don't  breathe  in  the  hot  vinegar  fumes!4.  Stir  salt  into  vinegar  mixture,  then  pour  over  cucumber-­‐onion  mixture.  Stir  well.5.  Cover  and  chill  well  in  refrigerator,  stirring  occasionally  to  distribute  ingredients  evenly.  The  salad  can  be  served  immediately  upon  chilling,  or  held  for  a  day  or  two  to  allow  the  cucumbers  to  absorb  more  of  the  vinegar.Yield:  4  generous  (6  smaller)  servings.

Classic Potato Salad

Everybody seems to have a favorite potato salad recipe. This one, adapted from several 1940s recipes, happens to be ours. It's a lively mix of flavors and textures – almost good enough to upstage the hamburgers and hot dogs!

INGREDIENTS4  cups  cut-­‐up  red-­‐skin  or  new  potatoes,  unpeeled,  cooked1  small-­‐medium  yellow  onion,  diced1  cup  diced  celery1/2  cup  chopped  dill  or  sweet  pickles,  plus  1-­‐2  tbs.  pickle  liquid2  tbs.  mustard  (brown  or  yellow,  your  choice)5  hard-­‐cooked  eggs,  sliced  or  cut  upMayonnaise  sufficient  to  bind  (start  with  1  cup  and  go  from  there)Salt  and  pepper  to  tasteA  few  dashes  cayenne  hot  sauce,  to  taste

PREPARATION1.  Mix  potatoes,  onion  and  celery  in  a  large  bowl.2.  Add  mayonnaise,  mustard  and  hot  sauce;  mix.3.  Add  pickles  and  pickle  liquid;  mix.4.  Add  eggs  and  stir  together  gently;  the  eggs  will  break  up  a  bit.5.  Taste  and  adjust  seasoning,  adding  salt  and  pepper  as  needed.  (Remember  that  the  seasoning  level  will  "mute"  somewhat  after  chilling.)6.  Cover  and  chill  well  before  serving.Yield:  4  generous  (6  smaller)  servings.

Picnic-Perfect Recipes

Old-Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake

There are dozens of recipes for this classic. Fruit and whipped cream are constants, but when it comes to the baked component, you've got lots of choices…from pound cake to angel food cake, and everything in between. We're fans of the traditional biscuit-based shortcake, like this old-time version. This biscuit recipe replaces butter with cream, for extra tenderness – and adds a hint of vanilla. Perfect for dessert!

INGREDIENTSBiscuits:2  cups  all-­‐purpose  flour1  tbs.  baking  powder1  tbs.  sugar  (or  more),  for  sprinkling1  tsp.  salt1  tsp.  vanilla1  cup  whipping  cream  (approximately)2  tbs.  melted  butter

Fruit:1  quart  fresh  strawberries  (or  other  berries)2  tbs.  sugar

Topping:Whipped  cream,  if  desired

PREPARATIONFruit:1.  The  night  before  the  picnic,  hull  and  slice  the  strawberries.2.  Put  sliced  berries  in  a  bowl;  sprinkle  sugar  over  and  stir  well.3.  Cover  and  refrigerate.  Transfer  to  a  covered  container  to  transport  to  the  picnic.

Biscuits:1.  Preheat  over  to  425°.2.  In  a  large  bowl,  stir  together  flour,  baking  powder,  sugar  and  salt.3.  Stir  the  vanilla  into  the  cream.  Using  a  fork  (or  your  hands),  stir  the  cream  mixture  into  the  flour  mixture.4.  Mix  until  the  dough  is  completely  moistened,  and  holds  together  when  compressed.5.  Turn  the  dough  out  onto  a  floured  board.  Don't  knead  it  –  just  pat  it  out  to  a  depth  of  about  1".  Use  a  floured  biscuit  cutter  to  cut  out  biscuits.6.  Brush  the  top  of  each  biscuit  with  melted  butter,  then  sprinkle  generously  with  sugar.7.  Bake  on  a  parchment-­‐lined  baking  sheet  for  15-­‐17  minutes.  Allow  to  cool  briefly  on  the  pan,  then  remove  to  a  rack  to  cool  completely.  Transfer  to  a  container  to  transport  to  the  picnic.

ASSEMBLY1.  For  each  serving,  split  a  biscuit  in  half  lengthwise.2.  Spoon  berry  mixture  over  the  bottom  half  of  the  biscuit,  and  top  with  the  top  half.3.  Add  a  spoonful  of  whipped  cream,  if  desired.  (If  transporting  and  storing  the  cream  is  a  problem,  just  add  another  small  spoonful  of  berries  on  top  –  the  shortcakes  will  still  be  yummy.)Yield:  about  10  individual  shortcakes.

Picnic PicksBuying Guide!

23 | VintageVille Magazine

Transistor Radio$11.97 Improvements

1950s Metal Picnic Basket$22 Cedar Run Vintage

Vino Wine & Cheese Picnic Basket$69.95 Wayfair

1970s Aladdin Thermos Picnic Set$30 Janis Jem’s Vinatge

VintageVilleMag.com | 24

Picnic Table Condiment Set$11.99 Uncommon Goods

Retro Aluminum Tumblers$14.98 Taylor Gifts

Wooden Picnic Flatware Set$7.95 Crate & Barrel

S/3 Vintage Plastic Picnic Plates$15 Bubbly Creek

Ants Picnic Blanket$39.95 Crate & Barrel

Fashions fade,style is eternal

– Yves Saint Laurent

}{

Photography:  Kevin  Nakonechny  –  NAKA  Photography  Model:  Mycah  Ward  –  NUMA  Models  Hair:  Robin  Hubert  –  Avenue  Beauty  Makeup:  Heidi  Bogi-­‐Lang  –  Avenue  Beauty  Clothing:  A  Vintage  Affair,  avintageaffair.caLocation:  Sentimental  Journey  Antiques,  sentimentaljourneyantiques.ca

25 | VintageVille Magazine

Q

Q

Q

Dear  Glamorous  Housewife,I'm  going  to  my  nephew's  wedding  this  summer.  I  want  to  give  a  vintage-­‐y  gift.  Something  that  could  potentially  be  an  heirloom.  Any  ideas?Kindly,An  Affair  to  Remember  in  San  Diego

Dear  An  Affair  To  Remember,What  a  wonderful  and  heartfelt  idea!  There  are  lots  of  things  you  can  give  a  newlywed,  but  I  think  making  something  with  your  own  hands  elevates  a  gift  to  heirloom  quality.  How  about  a  wooden  keepsake  box  with  the  happy  couple’s  names  and  wedding  date  on  the  top?  They  can  use  it  to  store  mementos  of  their  life  together,  like  ticket  stubs,  a  lock  of  their  child's  hair  and  any  other  small  meaningful  item.

Dear  Glamorous  Housewife,So  we  live  in  a  social  media  world,  right?  But  would  it  be  poor  form  to  use  mobile  devices  to  upload  photos  during  the  wedding?Thanks,Cell-­‐tography  in  Austin

Dear  Cell-­‐tography,It  is  perfectly  acceptable  to  use  your  

cell  phone  to  take  wedding  photos  and  upload  them  during  the  wedding.  That  is  just  part  of  the  time  we  live  in.  However,  you  need  to  consider  a  few  things.  First  of  all,  if  you  are  a  guest  you  should  ask  the  bride  and  groom  for  permission  to  upload  pictures  so  quickly.  Many  people  consider  their  wedding  a  private  affair  and  might  not  want  it  all  over  the  worldwide  web.  Secondly,  if  you  are  the  bride  or  groom,  I  would  also  hire  a  professional  photographer  to  capture  your  big  day.  They  have  had  a  lot  more  experience  in  taking  pictures  at  weddings  and  will  know  what  pictures  need  to  be  included  to  give  you  the  perfect  wedding  album.  It  would  be  unfortunate  to  wake  up  the  day  after  the  wedding  and  realize  you  don't  have  any  pictures  of  your  beloved  grandmother.  But  other  than  those  two  bits  of  advice,  I  don't  see  why  you  shouldn't  take  pictures  on  your  mobile  device.

Dear  Glamorous  Housewife,I  couldn't  be  happier.  I'm  engaged  to  my  best  friend.  We  just  settled  on  our  home.  So  many  exciting  things  happening.  But  my  parents  want  us  to  have  a  big  wedding.  Us?  Not  so  much.  

Honestly,  we'd  rather  elope.  How  do  I  get  my  parents  to  understand  that  making  the  big  day  “so  big”  just  isn't  for  us.Thanks,Vegas  Bound  in  Moorestown

Dear  Vegas  Bound,As  a  parent  I  have  come  to  realize  that  the  big  events  for  my  children  are  also  big  events  for  me.  Though  your  wedding  is  your  own,  it  is  also  shared  by  both  sets  of  parents.  They  raised  you  and  took  care  of  you,  so  this  is  their  celebration  of  ending  their  time  as  your  main  caregiver.  It  is  both  a  joyous  and  bittersweet  time  for  any  parent  to  see  their  child  fly  the  nest,  and  your  parents  are  no  exception.  With  that  said,  it  is  your  big  celebration  and  you  should  be  allowed  to  have  the  wedding  of  your  dreams,  not  your  parents.  

Why  not  explain  how  you  feel  to  your  parents  and  see  if  you  can  come  to  some  kind  of  compromise?  Maybe  a  smaller  wedding  with  a  more  intimate  ceremony  would  appease  you  both.  

g

Ask Q Glamorous

Housewife

Have a question for The Glamorous Housewife? Email AskGHW@VintageVilleMag.com Want even more of The Glamorous Housewife? Check out www.TheGlamorousHousewife.com for style, fashion and more ways to embrace your glamorousity! 33 | VintageVille Magazine

4.

2.

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3.

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1. 1940s Necktie $50 Venus an Mars | 2. NOS Vintage Sunglasses $27.30 Mod Vintage Eyewear | 3. Ikebana for All Skirt in Floral $69.99 ModCloth | 4. Hand-Dyed Velvet Settee $1,498 Anthropologie | 5. Vintage Plane Wall Decoration $18.95 The Owl Shop | 6. 1960s Shopper Bag $58 Stone Soupology | 7. 1960s Dansk Kobenstyle Pot $50 Kiteless | 8. Toile Duvet Cover & Sham $39.50–$169 Pottery Barn

VintageVilleMag.com | 34

2.

8.

Psychedelia

For people who didn’t live through the era, it might be hard to fathom the sheer diversity of 1960s popular music. Hard rock, soft rock, acid rock, sunshine pop, folk rock, baroque pop, blues rock, country rock, R&B and more: all these styles coexisted, vying for radio airplay and record-store display space.

One of the genres unique to that amazing decade was what we might call psychedelic pop. As with any loosely-defined style, it's probably best to think about it in terms of a few core commonalities. Strong melodic content, often supported by elaborate harmonies. Offbeat instrumentation – everything from zithers to sitars. Innovative production techniques. Trippy, allusive lyrics. And an occasional nod in the direction of musique concrete: sound effects or "found" natural noises blended into the mix.

There are modern bands and artists who reference psychedelic pop in their work, sometimes with notable success. But

there’s something truly special about the original music. It’s not just a matter of instrumentation of production values; there’s also cultural context. This music was very much a product of its times, and it evokes feelings and associations that go far beyond the actual words and notes.

Some psychedelic pop songs were hits, well remembered today and generously represented on Internet radio playlists. But there are other albums and artists that have been largely forgotten. And that’s a shame. So we’ve rounded up some personal picks: lost treasures, if you like. We think they’re well worth discovering…or rediscovering.

Some of these albums have been reissued on CD; some are available as digital downloads; and others are genuine vinyl rarities, commanding collector's-item prices. (The good news is that many of those rare albums have been uploaded, as needle drops, to YouTube.) So one way or another, all of this music is out there, ready for your listening pleasure.

By Jon Hechtman

...of the 1960s

The Smoke: October Country (1968)

Sometimes, when it comes to ‘60s pop, you really do need a scorecard to keep track of the players. Here goes…

In 1967, west coast musician/producer Michael Lloyd oversaw an album by a group called October Country. Lloyd wrote the songs, produced the album and – when the group's musical skills proved inadequate to the demands of the project – wound up playing most of the instruments. One of the standout album tracks was a song that shared its name with the group: "October Country."

Clear? OK. Now it gets a little more complicated. The very next year, Lloyd masterminded an album by a new group called the Smoke (not to be confused with a British rock band of the same name). Included on that disc was a significantly-improved remake of the song "October Country." So if you decide to seek out this particular tune – and it's good enough to justify the search – make sure it's "October Country" by the Smoke, not "October Country" by October Country. Whew!

Leaving aside that little tangle, let's turn to the important stuff: the music. Lloyd had attended

some of the sessions for the iconic Beach Boys hit "Good Vibrations" in 1966, and he was obviously paying attention. The Smoke's one and only album is chock-full of melodically sophisticated, creative, engagingly quirky music…with a real psychedelic spin. "Gold Is the Color of Thought" features a gorgeous, lushly orchestrated arrangement. "Fog Bound" serves up bouncy rhythms and unexpected instrumentation. "Cowboys and Indians," with its old west theme, is a sort of companion piece to the Beach Boys' "Heroes and Villains."

The references don't stop there. The "Fog Bound" fade explicitly quotes "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" (people were a little less touchy about copyright in the laid-back ‘60s). And "Odyssey," the album's closer, is clearly inspired by Homer's epic of the same name. Ambitious? Yes. But not at all self-conscious or pretentious.

You can't say that about every song on the album, unfortunately. "Song Through Perception" and "Self Analysis" come uncomfortably close to twee self-absorption, and some of the other tracks are just cutesy throwaways. But there are plenty of wonderful moments here.

37 | VintageVille Magazine

Chad & Jeremy: Of Cabbages & Kings (1967)

Chad & Jeremy got swept up in the tidal wave that was the mid-60s British invasion, but they never really conformed to the British-pop-act stereotype. The whole world was charmed by the Beatles' working-class Liverpool roots; but what were we to make of two vaguely upper-crust chaps (Jeremy was an Eton graduate and a descendant of the Duke of Wellington) who met while attending drama school?

But let's leave the reverse-snobbishness aside, and focus instead on the music. The duo's early hits – ironically, they had greater success in the U.S. than they did at home – were lovely, sensitively-performed folk/pop crossovers.

Looking back, the sophistication of those early songs can be seen as a foretaste of what was to come. Of Cabbages and Kings, released in 1967, was dubbed by Jeremy a "soundtrack without the film"; and that's a very apt description. It's a terribly literate album, as the borrowed Lewis Carroll title suggests. And make no mistake, this is full-on psychedelic pop: layered arrangements, unconventional instrumentation, baroque flourishes, allusive lyrics, sound effects, disorienting time changes and more. Like an elaborate, highly spiced meal, It can be an awful lot to absorb at a single sitting. The record-buying public evidently agreed, because the album was a sales disaster.

But if you can get past the occasional moments of excess and just plain silliness, there are ample rewards here. "Rest in Peace," told from the viewpoint of a successful funeral monument maker, is a brilliant slice-of-English-life vignette, on par with the best work of bands like the Zombies or the Kinks. "Can I See You" is a marvelously understated song in which love and regret are combined in equal measure. And "Painted Dayglow Smile" (the album's unsuccessful single) is a beautifully-crafted little masterpiece on its own.

Autosalvage: Autosalvage (1968)

This New York psych-pop group started out with a different name. It took its new monicker from the title of a song that was a centerpiece of its live sets: a rambling, off-kilter number that lamented (of all things) the disappearance of cars like the streamlined ’53 Nash. The name change was suggested by an early fan of the group – a fellow named Frank Zappa.

It's not hard to understand what Zappa saw in Autosalvage. The arrangements are innovative, often defying the standards of conventional song structure. The lyrics are mysteriously allusive, sometimes almost opaque. And the instrumentation – incorporating such unusual items as dulcimer and cuica – is inventive.

There weren't any big names in the band. Bassist Skip Boone's brother Steve was a member of the Lovin' Spoonful, and multi-instrumentalist Rick Turner – who went on to a successful career as a high-end guitar maker – had played with Ian & Sylvia. But that was as far as it went. The members stayed together for barely a year, then went their separate ways.

Autosalvage may have earned praise from Zappa, but its sole album made little impression on the record-buying public. And that's a shame. Because despite its moments of '60s psychedelic excess, this is a consistently interesting album with a broad creative range. There are folky tunes featuring attractively rough-edged harmonies ("Parahighway," "A Hundred Days"); wittily literate songs like "Ancestral Wants" (its title is a pun on the phrase "ancestral haunts"); and gutsy, bluesy rockers like "The Great Brain Robbery."

It's not surprising, in retrospect, that this album wasn't a bigger hit; it was just a little too cerebral for that. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's a brew well worth sampling.

Sagittarius: Present Tense (1967)

Without knowing it, you may already be familiar with a song by Sagittarius: the brilliant “My World Fell Down,” with its soaring harmonies, irresistible melodies and memorable sound effects. It was an intricately built little masterpiece, and a modest AM radio hit in 1967.

Before dipping more deeply into this band’s catalog, however, it’s important to understand that Sagittarius wasn’t really a “band” at all. Instead, it was a sort of vanity project for celebrated producer Gary Usher: a kind of “side gig” to absorb whatever free time he had left, after working closely with such artists as the Byrds, Simon & Garfunkel and the Beach Boys. Speaking of which…

There’s a real Beach Boys connection at work here. Glen Campbell (who filled in as a touring Beach Boy when Brian Wilson decided to abandon the road) contributes lead vocals. Bruce Johnston, who was and is a card-carrying Beach Boy himself, is also in the mix. The zero-degrees-of-separation personal relationships are important, but it’s really the stylistic kinship that cements the Beach Boys connection. “My World Fell Down” sounds eerily like some lost Pet Sounds/SMiLE track – so much so that there was a rumor, not so long ago, that its “bullfight” section was literally stolen from one of the many “Heroes and Villains” mixes Wilson attempted during the SMiLE sessions. (Not true, by the way.)

The remainder of the album doesn’t quite measure up to the grandeur of “My World Fell Down.” The songs are a bit more predictable in construction – fairly straightforward stuff. But this is still a marvelous piece of work. Personal favorites include “Another Time,” “The Truth Is Not Real” and the bizarrely-named “Song to the Magic Frog” (a title that could come only from the 1960s).

39 | VintageVille Magazine

Jan & Dean: Carnival of Sound (1968/2010)

Jan & Dean: the guys that gave us "Surf City" and "The Little Old Lady from Pasadena"? Seriously?

Well, yes – although "seriously" is definitely the wrong word for this very unusual album. Carnival of Sound, as conceived in 1967-68, was envisioned as a sort of hybrid, combining psychedelic-influenced music with comedy elements. An ambitious album, you might say, but not a serious one.

It's probably worth mentioning that many '60s artists tried, with varying levels of success, to incorporate humor into their music; those two genres weren't as far apart as they are today, and the adventurous spirit of the decade seemed to invite such experimentation. It's hard to know how successful Jan & Dean's brand of musical comedy would have been, because Carnival of Sound, as we know it today, is an approximation of an album that went unfinished back in the day. Jan was just beginning to recover from his terrifying 1966 car accident, there were the usual troubles with the record label, budgets were spiraling out of control – you get the picture. Somewhere along the way, this grand, sprawling project wandered off the track, leaving a few random singles and a cache of unissued vault tracks. And so things remained, until a 2010 archival release finally saw the light of day. So it's important to remember that we're listening to a reconstruction, not a polished final product.

That said, there's some terrific work here, featuring contributions from many of the finest session musicians of the day. The melodies are memorable, the harmonies are marvelous, and the instrumentation – including brass, woodwinds, strings and washes of sitar – is inventive. The best song of the bunch, by all odds, is "Girl, You're Blowing My Mind": it opens with what sound almost like revving car-engine noises (a wink and a nod to the duo's "Dead Man's Curve" era?) and builds into a gorgeous tune with a killer hook. "Fan Tan" and "Hawaii" are quirky, exotica-tinged numbers. And "Mulholland" starts out as pure L.A.-sunshine pop…and ends in a slapstick comedy routine that could have been lifted from "Laugh-In."

Ironically, it's the duo's sense of humor that keeps the more straightforward songs from being totally convincing. "Carnival of Sound" and "I Know My Mind," for example – two tunes that call for sincere, heartfelt readings – come off a little too tongue-in-cheek. But those faults shouldn't be overstated. This is the second-greatest "lost" psych-pop album (after SMiLE), and it makes for fun, entertaining and not-at-all-serious listening.

VintageVilleMag.com | 40

www.weararetheynow.etsy.com

The honor of your presence is

requested

What exactly is a rockabilly wedding?

Well, it’s whatever you want it to be.

It’s the perfect marriage of rock ‘n’ roll, pompadours and crinoline coming together to create your perfect day.

But what it’s not? Stuffy. Or cookie cutter. Or boring. Or off-the-shelf.

“[With a rockabilly wedding] the couple planning it don’t follow trends or do what’s dictated to them by others,” says 30-year-old Kat Williams, Founder of Rock ‘N’ Roll Bride. “They plan a wedding that is reflective of them.”

One of the perks of having a rockabilly wedding is that you have the freedom to do what you want to make it your own. Rockabilly weddings also lend themselves well to DIY – perfect for adding a pop of personality while not pinching the pocketbook. Plus, ideas are plentiful. Movies, books, music, artwork. Even drawing from your own parents’ big day.

The only prerequisite? “Someone to marry,” Kat jokes.

Here’s some inspiration to get your wedding totally rockin’ and rollin’.

Model: Coco FiercePhotographer: Haywood Jones PhotographyMUAH: Le Keux Vintage SalonDresses: The Couture CompanyFlowers: BeaubuttonsHeadpieces: What Katy Did NextShoes: Revive Me BoutiqueIce Cream Van: Annie's Antics

Gettin’ Hitched...

Rockabilly StyleBy Emily Lux

VintageVilleMag.com | 44

SAVE-THE-DATES & INVITESThe ring’s on. Commence planning. Your next step: sending save-the-dates. This pre-invitation announcement is often the first peek guests get of your whole wedding vibe. Options are plentiful, ranging from the colorfully kitschy to traditional.

Odd Lot Weddings

Royal Steamline

Wedfest

Beacon Lane 45 | VintageVille Magazine

Mini Gumball Machine Beaucoup

Leopard Cake PopsNot On the High Street

Day of the Dead PlanterSewZinski

Passion Has Red Lips WineSome Young Punks

DECORATIONSYour choice of colors, fabrics and décor conveys a lot. Are you opting for soft pinks, pale yellows, gorgeous teals? Or are you going bold with a sexy red and leopard print? Either way, you’ll want to, sprinkle in cool vintage items throughout to bring your theme to life.

1950s Camper Gift BoxSimply Everyday Me

FAVORSGive guests a gift of the past with vintage-themed thank you’s.

Freed’s Bakery

Cake LavaChrissy Lambert Photography

Laura Barton Cupcakes, Cookies & Celebration Cakes

CAKEGone are the days when cakes had to be white, round and froufrou. Today’s rockabilly cakes are wildly colorful and totally fun.

Crumbs & Doilies

VintageVilleMag.com | 48

Man Bakes Cake

THE DRESSVintage or retro inspired? Rockabilly brides now have endless options. And can we talk shoes for a moment? Once upon a time, they were available only in white or ivory. Nowadays, you can get show-stopping pumps with personality measured in tonnage.

Crush Vintage $462

Zappos $245

Veil, The Honey Comb $35

Look Darling £695.00

Veil, Little Over The Top Shop $75

49 | VintageVille Magazine

1919 Vintage $335

Fifi’s Alternative $165 Inked Shop $58.95

Dolly Couture $995

La Fleur Mystique $30

Veil, Anna Main Designs $165

VintageVilleMag.com | 50

51 | VintageVille Magazine

OK, so you've planned your vintage-inspired wedding down to the last detail. Got the dress, booked the venue, picked the music.

Now…what about the honeymoon?

Sure, you could just opt for one of the standard destinations; there's no law that says a vintage wedding has to be followed by a vintage honeymoon. But here's the good news: whether you're a rockabilly rebel, a Gatsby glam-seeker or a lover of all things Victorian, there are plenty of great vintage honeymoon choices out there. To get you started, here are a few of our favorites – in no particular order.

VintageVilleMag.com | 52

Route 66

This is it: the iconic American highway. First paved in 1938, it runs from Chicago to L.A. As it meanders west through eight U.S. states, it hits the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert, Cadillac Ranch, the Mississippi River and Santa Monica Pier⋯among other great landmarks. But the real story here may be the quirky little establishments along the way: cafés and eateries, bars, motels, kitschy roadside attractions and more. (Be sure to include a stop at one of the nine, count 'em nine museums dedicated to this "mother road.") You'll want to have a bite to eat at the Snow Cap Drive-In (Seligman, Arizona), and spend a night at one of the two Wigwam Motels – yes, they're shaped like giant teepees – along the route. Honeymooning on Route 66 will require some research and planning, but it's an experience like no other.

Bermuda

Bermuda just feels like history. It's different from all the other "beachy" destinations: a refined blend of British culture and island charm. Spend some time in the capital city of Hamilton; walking (and shopping!) along Front Street, with its pastel-hued Victorian buildings, is one-half sight-seeing and one-half time travel. Be sure to visit St. George's, at the other end of the island, where a real-life town crier has been announcing the time for some 400 years. There are plenty of magnificent gardens, museums and historic attractions to tour. A word to the wise, though: Bermuda isn't known for its night life – in the evening, you can hear the breeze sighing through the bougainvillea. If that sounds boring, you might want to look elsewhere. If it sounds blissful, then this might be the place for you.

A vintage postcard from the Castle Harbour Hotel, Bermuda – no longer standing.

Magnolia Gas Station Museum, Route 66, Shamrock, Texas.

Sherlock Holmes's London

If you're Holmes fans, why not consider a honeymoon in the legendary sleuth's London? The modern-day city isn't as reliably foggy as as it was during Victoria's reign, but there's still plenty of authentic atmosphere to be savored. The

site of 221B Baker Street is now a Holmes museum, and the Sherlock Holmes Pub now stands on the spot formerly occupied by the Northumberland Hotel – an establishment that figures prominently in "The Hound of the Baskervilles." The celebrated Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour begins at Piccadilly Circus and ends at The Strand; along the way, it takes in both literary and film locations familiar to Sherlockians. There's even a Sherlock Holmes hotel, but we think vintage-loving visitors might prefer the discreet, traditional luxury of Brown's Hotel in Mayfair.

Orient Express

Just say it out loud: "Orient Express." The name instantly calls to mind the glorious golden age of travel, with all its romance and luxury. Today's Orient Express is a worthy successor to the legendary original, carrying on a grand tradition of opulence and faultless service. The painstakingly restored vintage train cabins convert from day coaches to sumptuous sleeping quarters. Fabulous meals are prepared in the train's kitchen, and served in restaurant cars adorned in wooden marquetry or Lalique crystal. Honeymooners can choose among several different journeys, including stops in Venice, Vienna, Budapest, London or Paris. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. All aboard!

Oxford Street, London, c. 1890: a thoroughfare that would have been well known to Sherlock Holmes.

A vintage advertising poster for the original Orient Express.

Saratoga Springs

Back in the day, affluent travelers flocked to Saratoga Springs to "take the waters" – in other words, to enjoy the mineral springs that gave the town its name. Today's Saratoga Springs is a destination rich in history – filled, in summertime, with hundreds of things to do and see. Stay and dine in one of the grand old hotels. Marvel at the Victorian mansions. Play a round of golf (period attire optional), or spend a day at the races at Saratoga Race Course, opened in 1863. Visit the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, summer home of the Philadelphia Orchestra and New York City Ballet. Get a little pampering at the Roosevelt Baths & Spa (opened in 1935); treatments include everything from traditional mineral-water baths to shiatsu massage and facials. (And if you're fans of baseball history, Cooperstown is just a couple of hours away.)

Saratoga Springs, New York

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is hot – and we're not just talking temperature. This is where Desert Modernism was born: an architectural aesthetic that echoed the open spaces of the environment with acres of glass and spaces that flowed seamlessly from indoors to outdoors. Today, with Mid Century Modern design more popular than ever, Palm Springs has rightfully been recognized as one of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations: an elite honor indeed. But that sounds awfully stuffy – let's focus on the fun instead. Stay in a swanky mid-century hotel or vacation-home rental. Take a guided Segway tour. Experience the area's great restaurants. Shop the unique boutiques. If you want to go modern in style, Palm Springs is your spot.

Palm Springs Postcard, 1950s

53 | VintageVille Magazine

French Riviera

Ever seen To Catch a Thief – that great Hitchcock movie set in the south of France? Cary Grant and Grace Kelly, posh hotels, stunning seacoast? Of course you have – and odds are you've said to yourself, at some point during the film, "I wish I was there." Well, it's your honeymoon, and this is your chance. If there's a destination more romantic, more glamorous than the French Riviera, we somehow missed that memo. There's the charm of Nice, the jet-set allure of Cannes and St. Tropez. Beautiful beaches. Some of the world's finest wine and food. And if all of that endless luxury starts to seem humdrum⋯well, don't worry: Monte Carlo is just a short convertible drive away.

Vintage French Riviera travel poster.

Miami Beach

If Art Deco is your thing, then Miami Beach is your destination. The South Beach Art Deco District boasts the world's single highest concentration of 1920s and 1930s architecture. The strong lines and curves of the style get a uniquely Miami spin here, with decorative motifs borrowed from tropical foliage and luxury ocean liners. (Special Art Deco tours, available year-round, include every neon-gilded landmark.) There's vibrant night life, with clubs and restaurants galore. You can choose among a number of restored Art Deco hotels in the District, some of them directly on the beach. Oh yes, that's right: when you've had enough of architecture, there's always that magnificent beach...

1950 postcard (above) showing the Surfcomber Hotel, Miami Beach. This Art Deco landmark looks much the same today (left).

Yes, you can!

a smashing rockabilly wedding

for $11K?

California’s Dominique and Ron married in 2011. All it took to get that just-right rockabilly look on a budget was creativity, ingenuity…and the help of a few friends.

The VenueA friend's home.

Total: FREE

The PhotographyDominique and Ron shoot weddings for a living, so they know

exactly where to put their focus. The photographer for the event was a friend…who gave them a real steal.

Total: $1,00057 | VintageVille Magazine

Hair & MakeupFriends lent a hand to create a simply stunning look.

Total: FREE

The DressA flea market find for $175. To liven up the plain flat linen skirt, the incredible Daniela Kurrle in West Hollywood remade it with over 30 yards of tulle, adding a vintage rhinestone necklace as a belt.

Total: $675

The GroomA vintage suit.

Total: $150

VintageVilleMag.com | 58Photography: Joielala Photographie

The FoodFeeding 130+ people can be a huge expense. To embrace the fun, lighthearted feel of their backyard wedding, they went with a food truck from the ever-popular In-N-Out Burger. Ricky’s Fish Tacos (arguably the best fish tacos in LA) set up a cart, followed by a kettle corn vendor at the end of the night.

Total: $2,100

Tables & ChairsThis time Dominique’s mom had the connection. Her friend owns a bartering company, so the couple got all their tables, chairs and more for less than half of what they would have paid otherwise.

Total: $2,000

MusicNo DJ. Instead, the couple opted for custom playlists for cocktail hour, dinner and dancing.

Total: FREE

59 | VintageVille Magazine

Flowers & Decor A lot of DIY and help from friends. The chuppah was made out of bamboo, tissue paper streamers and flowers. Tons of uber-custom touches, like glitter table numbers, pineapple centerpieces and escort cards made from old movie star pin-up paper dolls. Flower accents and bouquets artfully arranged by hand. The overall look? Spectacularly memorable.

Total: $2,200

The Rockabilly Way...

October 30, 2011

Our Wedding Day

It’s often said that your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life; and if you’ve been fortunate to marry the love of your life then this will most certainly be the case. Yet in order to make your wedding day perfect, you must contend with months of planning, research and stress, as every minuscule detail is pulled into place. Traditionally it’s the remit of the bride and her family to arrange almost everything, with the groom responsible for arranging his own suit and for getting to the ceremony on time. However – especially of late and within non-mainstream society – the groom is taking more of an active role in the preparation and planning side of things, as it’s “his” wedding day too.

I have to say I’m in a very privileged position: I’ve married the love of my life. And I knew from the outset that I wanted to help make our wedding day perfect for both of us…but especially for my wife-to-be. I wanted it to be a day we would both look back on with a glow of pride and wonderful memories. And we do!

When I proposed to my then-girlfriend Claire, and we started to plan our wedding, I knew it would be our day – and that we were both going to be playing an active role in every element of its planning. And because it was our day, and because both of us are very much into the whole rockabilly scene, we knew from the start it was going to be a rockabilly wedding. Rockabilly has become a huge part of our everyday life, so it seemed logical to let this follow through into our wedding day.

I think we were like most couples: we instantly let our ideas run riot as we imagined and discussed what we could do and how we could do it, what we could wear and all of the other endless finer details. But again, like most couples, we were tied to a budget…and not a huge one at that. We both worked, but had just moved in together. That left only a limited amount of resources available, so we were kept somewhat grounded. However, I did want to make my wife-to-be’s day perfect – one she would never forget. So we set about attempting

By Lee Powell

!a groom’s perspective

Photography: Simon Walden VintageVilleMag.com | 62

to organize everything we needed…within the constraints of the budget we had.

Uncertain where to start, we attended a local wedding fair – an event which just seemed so alien to us. Completely different from everything we’d thought about! White puffy meringue-like dresses and top-hat-and-tails were most definitely the order of the day; and although this obviously has a huge appeal to many couples planning their big day, it just left us cold. While nonchalantly looking at stalls and trying to avoid being given promotional booklets for this and that, we were approached by a bubbly photographer who said he’d seen us come into the fair and liked our style, as it was different from the usual couples he saw at events like this. He went on to say he’d be very interested in taking our wedding photos. Not sure if this was just a marketing ploy, we took his information pack to check out when we got home. And we also picked up a promo pack for an interesting-looking venue for the ceremony

– a venue that ultimately turned out to be the stunning setting for our ceremony.

63 | VintageVille Magazine

After the fair, we realized what we wanted was going to be impossible to find as a “package”, meaning that each element was going to have to be sourced individually rather than through the usual channels of wedding fairs and magazines. Thankfully Claire and I have ridiculously similar tastes in almost everything! We know how each other’s mind works, and what the other would or wouldn’t like – and this helped greatly. Yet there were certain elements of planning, such as flowers, wedding favors, table settings, etc. that would be best left to Claire, as she certainly has more of a flair for design and the finer detail in those areas.

The first thing I needed to find was my suit; although this was a rockabilly wedding, we wanted to make it more formal than the usual jeans and swing dresses. I knew straight away that I wanted to get hold of a sharkskin suit, as I’d always loved the two-tone shimmer of the fabric weave and the 50s cut. Being in England this was easier said than done, as sharkskin suits were very much a 1950s U.S. phenomenon, and the odd ones that did make it overseas quickly disappeared into collections of vintage clothing aficionados. Luckily, back in 2011 the rockabilly scene wasn’t as commercially popular as it is now. So after a few days and countless hours in front of the iridescent glow of a laptop screen, I’d found the suit I wanted. A two-piece, black-on-black striped sharkskin weave made by Steve Gordon’s, Las Vegas. From the images, it looked stunning. And it was my size! I had to get it, before it disappeared. Close to a month later, it arrived – and happily, it was as striking, if not more so, in the flesh (or fabric) than it had appeared online. I really wanted to look my best – not just for me, but as an embodiment of how I felt marrying my fiancée. I wanted to complement Claire’s fabulous look, so I spent a huge amount of time and resources putting together my wedding outfit, with a custom made waist-coat, tie and matching shoes…along with smaller items that were less visible, yet still as vital to the completed look: period cufflinks,

arm bands and tie-pin. I think I managed to pull the look off, and although it was an outrageously time-intensive effort, I felt a great sense of pride and satisfaction knowing I was looking the best I could on such a truly special day, in a style that meant – and still means – so very much to us,

This followed through to the evening reception suit. Well, the bride was having a change of clothes – so why shouldn’t I? I spotted an amazing black, red and leopard print dress while shopping one day (not specifically with the wedding in mind), and I knew immediately that Claire would love it as a reception dress. I was right…but this meant I had to once again complement Claire’s look, and gamut of

Above: Lee sports his custom made waist-coat.Right: Morris Dancers celebrate Lee & Claire’s wedding. Morris Dancing is a traditional English folk dance performed by a group of 6-8 men.

accessories, with my own. Again the internet was an amazing resource for tracking things down: a teddy-boy styled three-piece suit in sharkskin silver, a custom tie and pocket hanky, custom cufflinks, the obligatory tie-clip and of course matching shoes.

It was great fun putting it all together again, but as with everything else it came with a cost. And we were really on a limited budget – a budget that was rapidly running out. But the day had to be perfect for Claire, and I would have done anything to make it so. So with a heavy heart I sold off my huge vinyl record collection (around 1500 pieces) to obtain the funds for everything else we needed. It seemed like a huge sacrifice at the time…but it was

completely worth it. The new infusion of capital meant we could get the perfect vehicles to travel to the ceremony. For Claire, an immaculate black 1959 Cadillac Sedan de Ville; for myself and my four-year-old daughter Violette, a fantastic 1952 Triumph Standard Vanguard. But even sourcing the cars was difficult, as there isn’t a huge number of 50s classic U.S. cars around in England – especially Cadillacs. So again it was lots of research, emails, phone-calls and posts on rod forums…which happily, in the end, led to the vehicles of our dreams.

Of course it wasn’t all easy sailing. We encountered a number of problems and issues

Smother me with kisses, bust my heart with love

'Cause when I'm in your arms I'm in a new world

Just to realize that you are my girlI wanna cling to you like a honeybee

'Cause our love's like a raging seaGene Maltais – “Raging Sea”

(the first song played after we became husband and wife)

that proved to be a lot more time-consuming than we had originally thought. The biggest single problem? Claire’s wedding dress disaster, just before the wedding. The designer, a classic wedding dress seamstress, had promised she could deliver exactly what Claire had asked for in all respects, even down to the steel boning in the corset. Regrettably, she couldn’t – and we only had two weeks to rectify the issue. After days of endless modifications to the skirt by Claire (she hand stitched 500 pearls on it), and a breakneck speed trip to London, she returned with what promised to be the perfect end result.

The sourcing of the table decorations for the reception venue seemed to take a lifetime. It seems there is only a limited number of 1950’s tea sets still in circulation; and you wouldn’t believe how hard it was to get hold of teapots from the same era. Endless trudging around antique shops in our few spare minutes paid dividends, and finally we managed to get everything we needed. Alongside the vintage

tea sets was a completely personalized rockabilly and psychobilly themed wedding cake. For a finishing touch, Claire then had to sew 90 meters of bunting to crisscross the ceiling of the venue, to give it that authentic party atmosphere.

Thankfully, we were able to pull together a few favors from friends – something that helped the budget tremendously. I had danced with a Morris side for a number of years, and they performed for the guests as we left the ceremony. Likewise I’d not long beforehand interviewed an up-and-coming psychobilly band called Luna Vegas for one of the scene’s biggest magazines; and because of that connection, they agreed to play the evening reception. Oh, and that photographer I mentioned? Well, a cheeky proposition paid off – and we were extremely fortunate to have him and his assistant for the entirety of the day at a massively discounted price, with the understanding he could use our wedding photos for his own promotion.

Above: Wardrobe changes aren’t just for the gals anymore – Lee opts for a wildly cool second look.Right (top): The all-important wedding cake.Right (bottom): Lee & family take a break from formal photos.69 | VintageVille Magazine

So what else is there to say? Well, Claire walked down the aisle to Eartha Kitt’s “Just an Old Fashioned Girl” and looked absolutely breathtaking. Our first dance was to “Bikini Girls with Machine Guns” by the Cramps, and the rest of the day’s music featured a wonderful mixture of 50’s and modern rockabilly, psychobilly and rock 'n' roll…with a splash of glam and punk to help our reception finish with a bang. The guests were asked to dress accordingly, and a number of them did, adding immensely to the atmosphere.

We were extremely lucky to have some amazing friends to help – and fortunate that we managed to arrange, source, organize, prepare, decorate and plan our wedding day (without too many hitches) pretty much by ourselves. That personal involvement truly made it a complete labor of love. Looking back on it now, as we approach our third wedding anniversary, I can say that it was a truly perfect day. A day we worked so hard to turn into reality. A day that embodied our modern-day rockabilly sensibilities. But most importantly, it was our wedding day. And it rocked.

~ gasp-worthy finds ~

71 | VintageVille Magazine

1950s Cat Eyeglasses.

$250.89 Vintage Cat Eyeglasses

Sculptural Chair & Table Set by Clayton Tugonon.

$4,950 MCDanish

VintageVilleMag.com | 72

Burgundy Cartier Handbag,.

$580 Vintage Eclectic Eye

1900s Dressed Monkey Candlesticks,.

$311.67 Lavish Shoestring

1920s Egyptian Style Art Deco Dress.

$2,700 Paradox NYC

The Great AmericanCycling Craze

P1890 -1900By Jon Hechtman

VintageVilleMag.com | 74

The New York City police force had a problem. Something had to be done about the fast-and-furious young men who were racing through the streets, wantonly flouting the posted speed limits and posing a serious danger to pedestrians. The regular police force was helpless to deal with these lawbreakers; these wild youngsters could simply outrun them. And so a special unit was formed. A unit outfitted with vehicles of its own – vehicles equal to the challenge. That unit's name? The Scorcher Squad.

The story is true. But the year wasn’t 2014, or 1968, or even 1955. It was 1892, and the street-racing rebels were riding…bicycles. (The police commissioner who created the bicycle-riding Scorcher Squad to deal with them? One Theodore Roosevelt.)

It’s difficult, today, to fathom the intensity of the bicycle craze that gripped the United States during the final years of the 19th century. Pick the most popular fad of the moment: Facebook, maybe, or the smartphone. Hugely important, society-changing sensations. And still, America’s early bicycle mania was arguably a bigger deal. How big? Well, consider this fact. At the turn of the 20th century, there were two buildings in Washington, D.C. dedicated to patent storage: one building for bicycle patents, and one building for…everything else. (Think about that for a second.)

There were several factors responsible for the sudden bicycle boom. Bicycles had been around since the 1860s, but those early models were awkward, dangerous and expensive. That began to change in the 1880s, as the technology evolved. First came the so-called "safety bicycle," with its chain-drive transmission; that allowed the wheels

to shrink in size, improving stability and safety. Then the brand-new air-filled tire arrived – and with it came a huge increase in riding comfort. (It's not for nothing that solid-tired bicycles were commonly known as "boneshakers.") Cost played an important role, too: advances in manufacturing made bicycles more affordable than ever.

That's a cause-and-effect explanation, but it doesn't begin to touch on the emotional reasons for the bicycle's popularity. To understand that side of things, you have to try to imagine the day-to-day reality of life in the USA of the 1890s. The American love affair with going fast isn't some new development; people back then craved the thrill of speed just as we do today. It was the bicycle that offered the first liberating experience of speed entirely under the control of the rider. Horse-drawn wagons, toboggans, sleds, railroad trains: all were capable of high speeds. But the bicycle connected the rider directly to the vehicle.

the decade of theBICYCLE BOOM

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You didn't need a strong horse; you supplied the power. The bicycle – unlike the toboggan or sled – offered complete control, the vehicle responding precisely and instantaneously to the rider's movements. The sensation of speed was pure adrenaline – direct, intimate and completely personal.

But it wasn't all about speed; it was also about mobility. Many Americans of the time lived and died in the town where they were born, without venturing more than a few miles in any direction. The bicycle changed all of that. Surviving diaries tell us that cyclists of the day often rode twenty or thirty miles at a stretch. All the neighboring towns…the ones that were just a little too far for a comfortable walk? All of a sudden, they were within easy reach. And don't think for a moment that all this travel was just a simple search for some new scenery. More than one expert has claimed that the bicycle was directly responsible for strengthening the rural American gene pool, because young men were now able to meet, court and marry women in other towns.

And those women weren't merely waiting in their parlors for their new gentleman friends to pedal along. Women began to ride in great numbers, and their outfits changed to keep pace. Bloomers became a popular part of the feminine riding costume; and some women went even further, daring to wear trousers (sometimes with skirts over top). In an era when skirts were supposed to hide the ankles, the lady cyclist faced a real challenge. Too short a skirt might risk a scandal, but too long a skirt might cause a catastrophe, getting caught in the chain and pitching the rider over the handlebars. Such dangers notwithstanding, Susan B. Anthony was vociferous in her support of female ridership; she said of bicycling that it had "done more to

Right: The Eiffel Tower bicycle, circa 1899, was often used for advertising purposes.

emancipate women than anything else in the world." And Maria Ward, author of Bicycling for Ladies (1896), declared that "the bicycle [was] an educational factor…creating the desire for progress, the preference for what is better, the striving for the best, broadening the intelligence and intensifying love of home and country."

Fine sentiments indeed. But they weren't universally shared.

Critics saw bicycle riding as a threat to the health and morals of American women. Ladies' cycling outfits, they argued, encouraged immodesty and invited unwelcome advances. Several prominent doctors claimed that bicycle riding could actually injure the female reproductive system.

And it wasn't only the female population – or American reproductive wellbeing – that was at

risk. The nation's spiritual fitness, too, was in jeopardy. Sunday became a day for bicycle outings rather than a day of worship. Ellen White, an early Seventh Day Adventist, opined in print that ownership of a bicycle, in and of itself, was a sin.

To a 21st-century sensibility accustomed to jets and bullet trains, the bicycle may seem like a throwback – part of a slower, quieter America. But back in the day, it was seen as the polar opposite: as a symbol of the speed and mechanization that threatened that bucolic ideal. Angry townsfolk were known to carpet the roads with tacks in hopes of keeping the crazed wheelmen away. (Not every municipality could afford a Scorcher Squad.)

The cyclists responded to the attacks, banding together to form bicycle organizations: local clubs by the thousands, and national entities like the

Above: Female cyclists in the forefront of a British suffragist “pilgrimage.”

77 | VintageVille Magazine

League of American Wheelmen. These cycling groups lobbied intensely – and successfully – for the creation of the well-planned, well-paved, well-maintained roads we take for granted nowadays.

It's ironic that the principal beneficiary of those modern roads turned out to be not the cyclist, but the automobile driver. The national bicycle mania was intense, but brief. By the early years of the twentieth century, the motorcar was becoming more reliable and more affordable, promising undreamt-of freedom and independence. Just as the bicycle had surpassed the horse, the automobile eclipsed the bicycle. America would remain a notion on wheels, but there would be

four of them…not two.

Today all the quarrels and controversies are utterly forgotten; and the bicycle craze that triggered them is nothing more than a dim memory. But the changes wrought by this decade-long American obsession are still with us. Suffragists celebrated cycling for its emancipating effects on women of the day, but the reality is that the bicycle did much to liberate citizens of every community, every class. It gave a new meaning to the American ideal of personal mobility – not as a distant aspiration, but as a living reality.

From races to tweed-clad runs to swap meets, vintage-inspired cycling is a worldwide phenomenon.

Here are a few selected events coming up in the year ahead.

Vintage Bike ShowMay 31San Rafael, CA

Rose Bowl Vintage RideJune 1Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA

London Nocturne (Brooks Penny Farthing Races)June 7London, England

Bravo ScoziaJun 7-8Ullapool, Scotland

RetroRondeJune 14-15Oudenaarde, Belgium

In Velo Veritas (Austrian Retro Randonneur)June 15Korneuburg, Austria

L’Eroica BritanniaJune 20-22Bakewell, Peak District

Anjou Velo Vintage 2014June 28-29Anjou, Loire Valley, France

Brompton World ChampionshipsJuly 27Goodwood Motor Circuit, Westhampnett, England

The TranscontinentalAugust 9London, England

L'EroicaOctober 5Gaiole, Siena, Italy

VintageVilleMag.com | 78

Retro Rides 2014

1893Two entrepreneur

brothers open a bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio.

Eleven years later – their engineering skills

sharpened by their experience in bicycle

repair – Orville and Wilbur Wright will go on

to other, more notable accomplishments.

A Decade on Wheels

1891The "Rational Dress" movement advocates

the abolishment of corsets and other restrictive women's clothing, protesting

"any fashion in dress that either deforms the figure, impedes the movement of the

body, or in any way tends to injure the health." The movement is driven by the growing popularity of bloomers among

female cyclists.

1894When a railroad strike

interrupts Bay Area mail delivery, an enterprising

bicycle owner inaugurates California's first bicycle messenger

service. Relay riders covered the Fresno-to-

San Francisco route, each one cycling a 30-miles

leg of the route.

1892The Davis Sewing

Machine Company, of Dayton Ohio, decides

to diversify into bicycle production…and the Huffy Corporation is

born.

1890The safety bicycle is introduced, and the bicycle boom

shifts into high gear.

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VintageVilleMag.com | 80

1897The Challand

Velocipede – ancestor of today's recumbent bicycles – arrives on

the scene.

1895Annie Cohan (a.k.a. Annie Londonderry) completes a bicycle

trip around the world, starting from

Boston and finishing in Chicago

some 15 months later.

1899The Indian bicycle

makes its debut, some three years

prior to the introduction of the

celebrated Indian motorcycle.

1896The first Olympic

bicycle race is held in Athens, Greece.

1898A midwestern U.S.

manufacturer introduces a special

bicycle, fitted with restraints, for the

purpose of transporting police

prisoners.

1900Major Taylor becomes the

world cycling sprint champion. He is the first African-American world champion in any sport,

achieving the distinction nearly ten years prior to Jack

Johnson's reign as heavyweight boxing

champion.

Form vs. function. It's an ancient, endless grudge match, with no winner in sight.

For us vintage lovers, that age-old dilemma has been especially troublesome. Let's say you're planning a vintage-inspired kitchen makeover, for example: do you opt for a cool vintage appliance, and bid adieu to energy efficiency and modern convenience features? Or do you choose the default big-box-store alternative, and sacrifice your style?

At least that's how it used to be. But nowadays, vintage lifestyles are moving into the mainstream;

and manufacturers are starting to take notice. They're beginning to add some retro-inspired items to their product lines, hoping to win us over with a combination of vintage looks and up-to-date functionality.

As we see it, this is a win-win situation. Purists can stick with the true-vintage originals…and buyers who prefer modern convenience (and a warranty!) can go for the remakes.

Here are just a few of our new-old favorites, from funky fridges to retro-cool rides.

APPLIANCES

No, there weren't any 1950s microwaves. So how do you design one that looks like it might have come from that era? Take inspiration from vintage radios, TVs, washing machines…mix well…and there you are.

81 | VintageVille Magazine

A vintage range is a true statement piece – you can build a whole period kitchen around it. But if you prefer a modern take on the classic look, you might want to consider this simple-yet-stylish Artistry Series range, from General Electric. (Just check out that analog clock!)

✺Retro Remix

CAMERAS

Let's be clear: we love vintage appliances. But let's also be honest: vintage refrigerators are inefficient, and they tend to be awfully short on storage space. This Big Chill refrigerator is the best of both worlds: modern features plus vintage-inspired style. (Cool colors, too.)

Modern-day cameras are incredibly powerful, loaded with features old-time photographers couldn't even have imagined. But most of them are…well…pretty soulless machines. Our hats are off to Nikon and Fuji, who've introduced models inspired by the design of classic film-era cameras. Nikon's Df nods to the brand's beloved F3; and Fuji's X100S borrows some of the DNA of the iconic Leica screw-mount cameras.

VintageVilleMag.com | 82

CARS

Owning a classic car is more than a purchase decision; it's a lifestyle choice.

If you're not quite ready for that kind of commitment – but you want to put some retro flair in your carport – why not consider

one of these brand-new, vintage-inspired vehicles?

83 | VintageVille Magazine

APPLIANCES

VintageVilleMag.com | 84

Finals are done. Cecilia’s officially graduated from college. And the couple has moved into their new house.

On the wedding front, invitations are stuffed and sent. And a simple, yet elegant chocolate cake with white frosting is ordered.

With less than three months to the wedding, the couple is working hard to bring the Gatsby theme to life.

“Our wedding colors are blush pink, black and gold,” says Cecilia. “I felt that this was a Gatsby-inspired palette but I have no idea if it’s actually 20s representational.”

Cecilia’s been DIY-ing decorations to get that just-right Gatsby garden-party look and feel. For the escort cards,

tags are attached to differently sized and shaped vintage-y skeleton keys. With the help of paint, old silver trays are being transformed into instant chalkboards. Strings of pearls will adorn décor, and will

also be incorporated – along with feathers – into the floral farrangements. And to complete the look – eclectic pairings of mismatched china and serving dishes to capture that lovely summery feel.

Groomsmen will don suspenders and bow ties – so dapper!

“(Budget permitting) I am also hoping to have some parasols and fans for guests,” Cecilia says.

The bride’s hair? Finger waves with a curled bun in the back, which will beautifully complement both the ceremony’s cathedral veil and the reception’s feathered fascinator.

Coming next month: a 1950s-housewife-inspired bridal shower!

Follow Cecilia and Bill along as they plan for their big day.

Cecilia & Bill

are getting married

1 Décor Details 2

85 | VintageVille Magazine

Home sweet home for Cecilia and Bill.

All graduated!

Visit www.TheGlamorousHousewife.com

• Shop the boutique• Style your life• Discover new passions• Find new friends in The Glamorous Housewife Forum

Get your daily dose of glam!

www.theglamoroushousewife.com

Prom1987

Yes, it's that time of year again. Time

for the annual event that's a party, rite

of passage, fashion extravaganza and

car show, all wrapped up in one. In

other words…prom. And one thing's for sure: even though today's dresses and

dos are the last word in style, we'll all be embarrassed by them, a few short years from now, when we look back at the pictures. So we thought we'd get a

head-start, and take a fond look back

at prom, 1980s-style. If you're thinking

about putting on an 80s-prom-themed

party today, you'll find plenty of inspiration here.

His: Good old Brut may have been launched way back in the 60s, but its unapologetic wallop of maleness makes it a true 80s favorite. Seeking something a bit more refined? Reach for Guy Larouche's Drakkar Noir, in its sleek black bottle.

Hers: This isn't a decade of subtlety, and the hot perfumes of the day prove the point: they're heavy, powerful and impossible to ignore. And their names suit their personalities, from Calvin Klein's Obsession to Christian Dior's Poison. Nobody notices at the time, but Debbie Gibson's Electric Youth – obviously targeting a younger buyer – breaks new ground by launching a fragrance in tandem with a song and music video of the same name.

YOUR SCENT

YOUR WHEELS

When it comes to prom, your wheels are just as important as your outfit. Good thing there are automotive options galore. The ultimate just-you-and-your-date ride? Gotta be the classic Corvette, with its aggressive stance and chiseled lines (extra points for the Indy Pace Car edition). The Ford Thunderbird is a slightly more sedate option, sporting a stylishly rounded, aircraft-inspired look. Thinking Europe instead of Detroit? Look no further than the VW Golf GTI: a whole lot of performance packed into in an unassuming hatchback box.

VintageVilleMag.com | 88Left: Images – Paramount Pictures, Fox 2000 Pictures

Ready to hit the floor? There are lots of iconic tunes – slow, fast and in-between – blasting over the speakers. Maybe you and your date are feeling “Mony Mony,” by Billy Idol. You may not have those Dirty Dancing moves down, but that won't keep "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" from making it into the mix. And no prom night would be complete without slowing it down with Whitesnake’s “Is This Love.”

89 | VintageVille Magazine

In some ways, the 80s weren't just a different decade; they were a different country. And like most countries, this one had a language all its own. Where else would something "bad" be very, very good? But wait…what if you actually wanted to say that something was bad? No problem: you simply called it "lame" or "gnarly." (Really, really bad? Then it was "grody to the max.") If you think that's bogus, just chill – don't have a cow. Once you get used to it, talking 80s is totally tubular. Fer sure!

YOUR SLANG

QUICK TIPThrowing an 80s-themed bash? Write your invite in 80s lingo, and your guests will be stoked about the theme as soon as they read it. For extra fun, add some neon-color graphics. Radical!

n

YOUR TUNES

nQUICK TIPThanks to the Internet, much of this music is more accessible than ever. Why not create a party playlist that reflects the astonishing diversity of 1920s music? Mixing up the genres will transform your soundtrack from background sound to conversation starter.

Great American Films Limited Partnership

His: Preppy in the front. Drama in the back. Yes, the mullet returns. Think David Hasselhoff or John Stamos. In contrast, business professionals still opt for the conservative look: neatly combed and clean-cut. And for the younger crew, spikes (moussed to the max) and long tails in the back totally rule.

Hers: Long live the perm. Big hair. Teased high. And overly hairsprayed. AquaNet is queen. ‘Nuff said.

His: Acid washed jeans make their debut and earrings are mainstream, especially for teens. Pants feature endless looks, including everything from parachute “aka Hammer pants” to pleated (gasp!) front jeans. Brand name labels are prominently displayed (remember Guess jeans with the triangle on the back pocket?). Oh, and don’t forget to tuck in your shirt. And wear a belt, too. For prom, this slightly prepster looked translates to tuxes, too, with tailored silhouettes and colors to complement your date’s dress.

Hers: Pop music stars like Cyndi Lauper and Madonna are bringing loads of color and lace. 1987 is the year of the cinched waist, pegged pants, plus the resurgence of the short skirt. Grab a Swatch watch (or two or three!), hoop earrings and oodles of bangles to make your own style statement. Light-colored lips, dark eyelashes, pink blush and blue eye shadow is the look of now. One thing that’s still in style: femininity, which plays prominently into prom fashions.

YOUR STYLE

YOUR HAIR

VintageVilleMag.com | 90

1980s Prom DressNeon Threads Designs $95

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Got Kids?Do you dress ‘em in vintage? Do they play with vintage toys? Do they love the vintage

lifestyle as much as you do?

Well, VintageVille Magazine would like to talk to you!

Please send an email to editorial@VintageVilleMag.com and tell us

about your family.

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The challenge?We’ll give you $50 bucks to create one head-turning vintage look.

The venue?A 10,000 sq. ft vintage-lovers’ paradise ripe for the picking.

The time limit?One short hour.

Think you’ve got what it takes?If you live in the Philadelphia area and would like to participate in Vintage Throwdown, please email VintageThrowdown@vintagevillemag.com Include your name, age, location, dress or suit size, and why we should pick you.

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93 | VintageVille Magazine

WRITERSI’ve been involved in the Rockabilly/Psychobilly scene since I was first introduced to the Cramps some 25 years or so ago and I was blown away by the distorted, primal rock n roll of their Smell of Female album. I was instantly smitten. In a time when rock ‘n roll was whitewashed chart-friendly fodder, it was like discovering gold.

I have a huge passion for all things ‘billy’ and Teddyboy, and I’m fortunate to live my life immersed in all of that, all be it with a contemporary twist (it’s not the 50’s anymore guys – can you really live without the luxuries of modern life?). I’m fortunate to share my world with my wife and two young daughters. My eldest who is six can proudly explain the difference between rockabilly and psychobilly and loves Imelda May and rockabilly compilations (she makes dad so proud!).

I adore 50’s styled suits, Teddyboy drapes, brogues and Creeper shoes and I have sourced a nice little collection of them all over the years. I spend way too much time on my quiff and looking at vinyl records, as well as trying to find that perfect pair of selvedge jeans and thinking about that next tattoo.

Blog:www.cleepowell.tumblr.com

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PHOTOGRAPHERSKevin  Nakonechny

Kevin Nakonechny is a freelance photographer specializing in lifestyle, portraits and weddings. Kevin’s obsession for the outdoors quickly led to a fascination for photography, which has led to the creation of NAKA Photography. Based in Calgary, Canada, Kevin mixes an editorial and photojournalistic approach, with the aim of stylizing photos that tell a story and evoke feeling (while breaking some rules along the way). He attributes much of his success to his talented wife for the ongoing source of love, support and most importantly, fierce competition. www.nakaphotography.com www.facebook.com/nakaphotography@KevinNakonechny – Twitter@NAKAphotography – Instagram

MODELS

Ki2y  Cadillac

Greetings from Pin-Up Model Kitty Cadillac!

I am a vintage pin-up model who has been modeling for over 5 years now. As a pin-up model, I have always looked up to Bettie Page and Bunny Yeager. For the majority of my modeling career, I have been a rowdy red head, but I recently made the jump to being a blonde bombshell. Apart from constantly being asked if I'm Marilyn, I love being a blonde. We really do seem to have more fun!

My pin-up name comes from my love of cats (I currently have 6) and my dream car – a pink 57' Cadillac.

Along with being a vintage pin-up model, I specialize in selling 1950s clothing in my Etsy shop. I focus on vintage showgirl costumes and beautiful dresses! I look forward to what the future has in store for me in the world of pin-up!

XoXo,Kitty Cadillac

www.facebook.com/PinUpModelKittyCadillac www.etsy.com/shop/NaughtyKittyVintage

Coco  Fierce

UK’s Coco Fierce specializes in 50s pin-up modeling but has tried her hand at many different genres of alternative modeling, including steampunk, gothic, punk, latex and even Lolita. She prides herself on her versatility. But her favorite types of shoots have a concept and she enjoys doing avant-garde shoots with dramatic hair, clothes and makeup.

Over the last two years, Coco has worked with almost 100 designers and has been featured in about 200 magazines since she started modeling in 2012.

Follow her at www.facebook.com/cocofiercemodel

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