Home Archives for November 2013

Being Thankful

November 28, 2013

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It is Thanksgiving here in the States and although it is important to always keep in mind what you are thankful for, today I gave it extra thought. Of course my list is actually longer but I would like to share some of them with you.

My husband and children. They keep me exhausted, partially insane, and deliriously happy.
Oh sleep how I miss thee! I am thankful anytime I can get some extra zzzzz's
Cinema. Thank you to the creators of Hollywood and all the films you made and make.
Books and more books. I am grateful to have eyes to read (and see) and the ability to enjoy (and consume) all the books I can get my hands on.
I love to write and as of the past three years, I love to blog. It feeds my brain and keeps me social as I tackle the everyday joys of being a housewife and mom.
I started taking photos with my first camera at twelve years old and have loved it ever since. I am grateful I was able to upgrade my camera (named Gidget) and take some extra fabulous photos of my family and for my blog.
I am thankful for the fashions of yesteryear. I love how so many outfits where pretty and even sometimes sexy but they were never too revealing. I also love how feminine everything was!
British TV, what would I do without you? Most of my favorite shows are BBC made and well, I just love the British and their writing styles. Their shows are always so well thought out and the story lines are never disappointing!
I adore the community of vintage bloggers. What an exceptional community it is!
Last, but never ever least are the brave men and women of yesteryear and today who try their best to serve their countries and bring freedom and peace to this world.

What are you all thankful for?

Decorating Your Wrists With Vintage

November 26, 2013

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Fashion Inspiration

The wrist. A largely ignored part of the body that at times we may forget to decorate. Many of us wear earrings or a necklace, perhaps even a watch. But we may forget that the wrist can be a place where many a beautiful bauble can rest upon.

There is such a wide range of goodies that one can obtain within the realm of Etsy, Ebay, Yard Sales, Vintage Fairs, Antique Malls, and Thrift Shops. All you have to do is keep your eyes open and your wrists free so you can try them all on! Like anything else I find it is best when you can try on the bracelets in person but if you know the measurements of your wrists then you should be able to shop just fine via the internet.

Aside from silver or gold styled bracelets, there are also carved, jeweled, or beaded bracelets. There are also two types of vintage plastic name Lucite and Bakelite. Lucite is the weakest type while Bakelite is the sturdiest. I only own one Bakelite bracelet for now but have been focusing my eyes on Moonglow!

Both Moonglow and Lucite are the most affordable compared to Bakelite. I love how colorful the Moonglow's are and have never spent more than ten dollars for a bracelet. I have a few Lucite but I think that will be my next type of bracelet to acquire more of.

When you begin collecting more wrist decor, I highly suggest that you aim to collect all sorts of colors. A big addition to any wardrobe or particular outfit is accessories. I feel like if you let say have a variety of colors of bracelets (earrings, brooches, etc) then you can create more versatile outfits and even make the simplest looking outfit look dazzling with fabulous accessories.

I don't think bracelets are for everyone. Some may find it uncomfortable or cumbersome to wear, but they are worth trying out and seeing if it is something you would like to add to your wardrobe (Vintage or Not). Good luck on decorating your wrists! If you already have a collection of wrist baubles, what types of bracelets are your favorite and why?

50 Years of Doctor Who

November 24, 2013

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Classic TV Land

Some of you may or may not know but I am a huge fan of Doctor Who. I think there are many different types of fans, some are hardcore, some into cosplay, some are fan girls....I think since I am such a story driven person, I am one of the types of fans that loves the show because it is so incredibly well written. I don't think it hurts that it also tends to include a multitude of categories that are included in story telling such as, drama, horror, action, adventure, romance, and comedy. And not to mention that every story is epic in one way or another. I am also a huge fan of epic stories.

Today the world celebrated 50 years of Doctor Who. Many shows don't last a season let alone 50 years so I think it is commendable that it has endured the changing times; disco, mohawks, cell phones, and everything else in between that has happened in the past 50 years!

In honor of today I decided to do an impromptu photo shoot. I used my Doctor #9 sonic screwdriver and my souvenir magazine that my friend sent me from the U.K. as my props. I wore my 1950's Tardis blue dress, the same one I wore for my photo shoot this past summer. I accessories it with a simple black cardigan, black gloves, a pair of crystal shaped earrings (not seen sadly in the photos but very pretty), and my moonglow bracelets.

I also would love to share with you some past posts from my previous blog that are based on DW. I was doing a special series that included my favorite episodes from each "new" season and a coordinating outfit based on a character. I think I will like to continue that series. Not necessarily just DW but other shows and films. It makes dressing up so much more fun. What do you think?

Previous Post From Bunny's Victory (Blog):

The World of Doctor Who

My Ode to Doctor Who

The Empty Child/Rose Tyler

The Doctor Dance/Doctor #9

Love & Monsters/Doctor #10

Blink/The Weeping Angels

The Tardis Has Landed! In My Dining Room! (A birthday party from two yrs ago!)

TCM's 20th Anniversary

November 21, 2013

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Classic Cinema

I have some great news to share with all you classic film lovers! TCM is celebrating their 20th Anniversary this year and in honor of this celebration they are offering loads of free events for fans!

I already signed up for a three hour tour (not to Gilligan's island though!) for two weeks from today. The tour will take place all around Manhattan and we will see all the places up close where many classic films were made. I am particularly excited to see the brownstone that Audrey Hepburn's character Holly Golightly lived in, in the film Breakfast at Tiffany's.

The events will last until April 14, 2014 so I highly suggest you check the TCM site or their Facebook page or their Anniversary page. Click on the highlighted words and they will take you to those pages.

One of the reasons I love TCM (aside from the films and information) is its debonair host, Robert Osborne. Listening to him speak about films just makes you love them even more. If you love classic films, then shoot over the the TCM sites I linked on my post and join in the celebratory events!

Writing Letters to Classic Film Stars

November 20, 2013

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Classic Cinema

Would you ever consider writing a letter to a film star that you admire or adore? Many of us enjoy films especially classic films and yet sadly there only a small number of classic film actors alive today. Wouldn't it be nice if we could in some way communicate with our idols of old hollywood?

For a few years now I have been wanting to reach out to those people and send them a letter. So you know what? I am. I am going to do just that! I have compiled a list of 45 classic film stars and decided to start small and focus on ten at a time. I chose my top ten favorites and scoured the internet for as many addresses as I could find.

Next step is to order some new blog business cards and some proper stationary. I am torn between using note cards or stationary because as much as I want to ramble on about how much I admire them and their work, I know that short and sweet letters are most likely the way to go. I am also debating whether I should send them a small list of questions for my blog or a book for them to sign. I may just try both. It would also be savvy to provide them with a SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) so they could return a response back.

Afterwards, I will have to wait with baited breathe. I have to be honest, I am nervous to take on this project. But I have decided to trust in my letter writing skills (I penpalled for 15 yrs) and my sincere approach of my forever love for classic film.

If you are curious to know who I am mailing my first letters too-here is my list:

Doris Day
Debbie Reynolds
Rod Taylor
Joan Fontaine
Tippi Hedren
Lauren Bacall
Shirley Temple Black
Sidney Poitier
Jerry Lewis
Rita Moreno

I will keep you all updated on the process and if you are interested in joining me on my first ever vintage nerd project, feel free to contact me via Facebook or my email avintagenerd@gmail.com and I will happily share the addresses to those on my list above.

Downton Abbey Lipgloss? Yes, Indeed! And Much More!

November 18, 2013

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Beauty

I know, I know! Downton Abbey has put out a little line of items in the UK as a mini celebration for the fourth season of the show. Gah!!!!! Once I discovered it online I immediately asked my UK vintage sistas to help me locate them and they led me to Marks & Spencer. You can find the entire line here and once I found it I knew I had to share it with all of you!

The collection includes; soaps, lip balm, cosmetic bag, candle, bath decanter, bath gels, nail polish, lip gloss, and two different types of bath collections. Just fabulous! It is a lip gloss so you can apply it over a lipstick if you want a darker shade or apply more gloss to your lips. I love it, it smells good and it stays on for a while. I also like that I can wear it on my non-vintagey days. They are truly lovely and worth the splurge.

Must Watch TV: Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries

November 14, 2013

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Classic TV Land

Phryne Fisher Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries

If you haven't heard of the fabulous Miss Phryne Fisher, then I am here to tell you all about her and her show!

The series is based on books written by Kerry Greenwood called A Phryne Fisher Mystery. Set in the 1920's with Australian as its backdrop, Phryne is an independent and ultra glamorous lady detective who solves cases while also driven to solve the mysterious death of her sister. In a time when women were rebelling against corsets or settling into the institute of marriage, Phryne's approach to life comes across as daring yet refreshing. She is single with multiple lovers, she has no children of her own and she is independently wealthy. Not to mention that she is also a bit of a firecracker!

Netflix is currently showing season one on streamline and season two is now available to the public. Well, if you live in Australia that is or have access to Aussie television (tunnelbear anyone?)

Phryne is a lady detective by trade who has the fashion sense and money of a film star. She brings along with her a slew of friends/sidekicks if you will, those who help her out and assist in solving the mysteries (aka crimes). Detective Robinson is a prestigious detective and Constable Collins helps him out in cases. Then there is Dot-Phryne's maid, Mr. Butler-Phryne's butler (not kidding you), Bert and Cec-who help Phryne out as well, and her close friend who is also a doctor named Dr. Mac. Adding to the cast is Jane-her foster child and Aunt Prudence-Phryne's respectable aunt.

The main cast of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries:

Essie Davis as Phryne Fisher, Nathan Page as Detective Inspector Robinson,

Hugo Johnstone-Burt as Constable Collins, and Ashleigh Cummings as Dot

Dr. Mac played by Tammy MacIntosh

Aunt Prudence Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries

Aunt Prudence played by Miriam Margolyes

And I will not forget the stunning Essie Davis who plays the title role of Phryne Fisher oh so well. And I must mention the other star of this series.... the FASHION!

Oh, swoon on the fashion! Geez, I am ga-ga over the clothes in this show. Not only are the story lines well written and the characters charming, but the fashion just fills your eyes up with wonder. The costume designers must be in bliss being able to work on designs like the one above. Goodness, makes me wish it were the 1920's all over again and I were a rich and famous starlet. Oh...did I just write that out loud? Ooops, well a girl can fantasize once in a blue moon, right?

Now, go tune in to Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and let yourself be transported to the 1920's, in style!

must watch tv- miss fisher's murder mysteries

Vintage Life Magazine: Doctor Who

November 12, 2013

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Be Inspired

What an honor to be in Vintage Life Magazine again! The first time I was a part of this amazing magazine was in February 2013 and you can see that post here. I went under my stage name Bunny Moreno and I spoke about the challenges of living a vintagey life while balancing a family and a disability.

This time around I wanted to be published under my proper birth name and write something a little more fun and less serious. This is the first time I have been published under my name and that is not even the best bit. The best is that I was able to share my work with the wonderful Celeste Giuliano Photography and my love for one of my all time favorite shows-Doctor Who.

This month marks the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who and I really wanted to express my love and appreciation for the great story telling and the good memories it has given me (and my children!). I decided I wanted a early 1960's look since the show began in 1963 and it all came out exactly like I had hoped. You can see more of the work Celeste and I did here.

A Vintage Nerd Book Club: 5 Riveting Biographies in Remembrance of Veteran's Day

November 11, 2013

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A Vintage Nerd Book Club

Today is Veteran's Day. It is a day to remember all of those who sacrificed their time, energy, and sometimes their lives in order to protect freedom. I am forever grateful that there are people who are willing to take on such a daunting task.

In honor of today, I compiled some reading suggestions on the lives and works of some of the brave who helped ensure we could have a better world.

The Girls of Atomic City

Love Stories of World War II

The Last of the Doughboys

Code Talker

Women Heroes of World War II

A Few of My Favorite Things: Fall Edition

November 09, 2013

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Lifestyle

Like so many of you, I adore the Fall. I am defiantly not an extreme weather lover. I don't like it too cold or too hot. I guess I am like the baby bear from the children's story, "The Three Little Bears". I like it just right! And Fall weather is just right for me.

I love the season of Halloween. I love putting on a costume in general but Halloween has become super fun for me again because I get to experience it with my children. This year the baby (who just turned three), really grasped the concept of trick or treating and had a super blast with his brother and sister. They all decided what they wanted to be for Halloween and they chose to be Princess Peach, Mario, and Luigi from a old video game from the 80's.

Of course mama had to join in the fun this time around and with some thought I decided to go as Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast at Tiffany's. Not from the black dress scene but the scene where she steals the cat mask with Paul. She wore a grey dress with a fabulous orange coat on her outing with Paul in the film (Holly not Audrey) and paired it with her stolen cat mask. It is an important moment in the film because that is when they both bond and she lets her guard down a bit.

I wore my 1950's grey/orange front zipper dress that I wore at the Chiller Expo the other day and although I aimed to put my hair up like it was in the film, I just didn't have enough time which is the way things usually work out when I decide to dress up. But I did pair it up with a look-a-like cat mask that was especially made to look like the one in the film. It was my splurge on myself.

I love Halloween and getting dressed up and trick or treating with my children. Heaps of fun at every turn.

When the weather gets chilly some people drink more coffee or hot chocolate. I have been drinking more tea lately and boy is it yummy. Green Tea is especially good for you and since I dislike the natural form of Green Tea, having it with a hint of Red Goji and Raspberry has been nothing but a delight. It is like having your medicine with a dash of something a little more flavorful. Of course, I drink it out of my Audrey mug. A girl must drink her tea in style!

Leaves falling and taking long walks through the park. I love doing that with my children. We already did a few projects with leaves at home and they love looking at the changing of the colors. So do I!

Lastly, being able to curl up with a good book on a Fall day with a cardigan on and slouchy bean hat is bliss for me. Now, if only I could have a fireplace in my bedroom.....nah.....I will leave that for the winter edition of my favorite things!

12 Very Good Reasons To LOVE Downtown Abbey

November 08, 2013

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Classic TV Land

What is not to love about Downton Abbey? Just nothing I think! But just in case you didn't have many reasons to love the show, I compiled a small list of reasons why DA is so worthy of your time and affection.

I promise that I will not give out any spoilers (not intentionally anyway) especially for those who have yet to see the show or yet to watch Season Four (the current season). The photos are a compilation of Seasons One to Four. Also, the list is not set to importance but rather to all the fantastic things one can find while watching the show and reveling in the amazing writing and story lines!

The first is one of the most entertaining and that is Mrs. Patmore-the head of the kitchen. Her quick whit and one liners just make watching the show so much fun and she makes so much darn sense. I think the wisest women in the entire show are Mrs. Patmore, Mrs. Hughes, and the Countess of Grantham (The Dowager). I love how straight up Mrs. Patmore is and clearly she is one smart cookie!

The Dowager Countess (Robert's mother). I mean what words come to mind but that she is feisty, strong willed, and determined to keep to the old ways of things. She is a symbol of their traditions and her role on the show is vital. She is a constant reminder that there are proper ways of doing things and that keeping to the rules is a valuable trait to behold. Let's not forget her famous one liners. She is quite the whipper snapper!

The fashion is something your eyes can feast on for days. The series began with the Edwardian era in 1912 and is now currently set in the early 1920's (the Jazz Age) so the fashion you see is just divine. The costume designers for this show should be applauded, truly. Each piece is so beautifully made and such care is taken to ensure it reflects the time and the status of the one wearing it. It really is a sight to behold!

Carson and Mrs. Hughes, what a pair they are! They have each other's backs and that of the household and their staff. Mrs. Hughes is the lady who can keep a secret and really lend her hand and support others. I love watching how she handles difficult situations and I love the friendship between these two.

Sibling rivalry. That is always something to keep your eye on. I don't have any sisters so I find the dynamic of the sisters and how different each of them are to be fascinating.

Thomas is naught sometimes but I adore him. He has such great potential and is such a strong and determined character. I look forward to seeing the mischief he gets himself into.

Who doesn't love a wedding? Beautiful gowns and celebrations galore. Happy occasions put smiles on our faces and I hope we get to see more wedding at Downton!

Daisy may hide in the shadows a bit a Downton but she has come a long way and one cannot help but cheer her on. I hope she finds true love and gets the happiness she has been searching for.

Mr. and Mrs. John Bates. If there ever was a love that will be long lasting it is there's! I look forward to seeing them as two little old people celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. I just cannot help but love the way these two love each other. Sigh.

Branson or Tom or Tom Branson. It doesn't matter what you call him but his whole life changes by the power of love in ways he never dreamed it would. There is nothing but love for this character. He is sweet and kind, passionate and Irish, and by golly you just want to root for him to succeed at anything he does. Team Branson!

Lady Rose who is the great niece of the Dowager Countess. She is vivacious, energetic, and yearning to live life to the fullest. That is something people of her status do not often get to do. Watching her bring a sense of youth and vitality into the series has been exciting. She goes by the beat of her own drummer and its so refreshing to watch.

Lastly, how fun it is to see the times changes at Downton? Watching technology and the modern world seep into this stately home little by little is a blast to see. Some of these moments might easily go unnoticed but there are many scattered about throughout the series and it stays true to the times changing. Just because it may be a home filled with Lords and Ladies it doesn't mean that they cannot progress and move forward into what the future of an ever changing world holds.

I Really Wish I Liked Leopard Print

November 04, 2013

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Lifestyle

Every time I see a photo of a woman wearing an article of clothing with a leopard print on it I think to myself, "dang it, I wish I would like that more!"

It's not that I dislike leopard print, its just I don't understand the attraction to it. I suppose for some people its a simple fact of a person's taste in things. Some people like pink, some don't. I am sure the same for leopard print. But I wonder, why the fad and fascination?

I can clearly tell that the women who wear it look both incredibly stylish and sexy. But I wonder, does wearing leopard print make a women a feel stylish and sexy and why? Rational me asks that because it is a pattern of an animals skin. We don't wear raccoon jackets or squirrel coats? Okay, I am sure somewhere in the world someone does, but it isn't seen as a "must have" for fashion vintage or modern.

So, although I am torn by the concept of wearing leopard print I am open to perhaps finding some smaller pieces to try out. Like this hat or this scarf or how about this bracelet??! Subtle with a hint of leopard?

One thing is for sure and I am convinced by this, whatever reasons that this print is so popular and long standing when it comes to fashion, when wore tastefully, it really is a sight to behold.

Old Hollywood Stars Enjoying The Written Word

November 02, 2013

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Lives of Old Hollywood

A Vintage Nerd Vintage Blog Celebrity Readers Old Hollywood Stars Classic Film Blog Lauren Bacall

Being an avid reader myself, I couldn't help but want to know if my favorite classic film stars were book worms too.I ended up finding a nice batch of photos and I couldn't resist sharing them with you. I have some more on my Pinterest board called Avid Celebrity Readers as well.