Trick or Treat Time

October 31, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Halloween, Vintage Blog,

Happy Halloween all! Phew! I feel like I survived a tornado! October sure did whisk by quickly and now its left us! I have been so busy with the children (ie Disney, Bdays, School, etc) that this year I honestly didn't have an ounce of energy to spare for myself. That means I didn't have a real costume this year. Bummer, I know. While trick or treating today I decided to put my thinking cap on and figure out our costumes for next year. It was a bit chilly and costumes today are so thin that we had to put coats on the children today.  I want to get costumes for them that are warmer so they can skip the coats next year and people can see what they are wearing.

Today I threw on my trusty Banana Republic puffer vest on (had it for 15 years and is still in perfect condition!) with a cardigan and my Crown and Glory red glittery horns. I feel grateful to live in such a pretty neighborhood and everyone was so nice. My children scored an insane amount of goodies inside their pumpkin buckets. They dressed up as the 1960's Batman and Robin and my daughter was an undead bride. She is defiantly my future goth girl!

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Halloween, Vintage Blog,
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Halloween, Vintage Blog,
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Halloween, Vintage Blog,

Did you do anything special for Halloween? Do you have any suggestions for costumes for me? I am open to anything but something vintage inspired would be neat! Thank you in advance and Happy Halloween!

Spooky Halloween Pinups

October 31, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Halloween Pinups, Vintage Blog

I really admire the photography of the past. One type I really love is vintage pinup. It's pretty, fun, and wholesomely flirty. I am aware that many pinup photos of known Hollywood starlets were actually a gimmick used to promote the starlet. Irregardless of why they took the photos, I am so glad they did. My favorite pinups are holiday ones. Halloween is no exception.

Imagine playing dress up with a witches hat and posing with spooky pumpkins and cat shadows? The pinups always looked like they had a blast.

I dedicated an entire board on my Pinterest HERE to Halloween Pinups. You can find a lot more photos on Pinterest as well.

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Halloween Pinups, Vintage Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Halloween Pinups, Vintage Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Halloween Pinups, Vintage Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Halloween Pinups, Vintage Blog

Have you ever hammed it up for the camera and modeled with your pumpkins and witch's broomstick? Do you like holiday pinups? If so, why?

Fall Frolicking and Floral Crowns

October 30, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, eShakti Orange Dress, Retro Fashion Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Vintage Blog

One of the best parts of the Fall weather is the frolicking that you can do in the dried and fallen leaves. My children love playing in them. Usually I watch them go bonkers while they run around in the leaves and toss them in the air. This past weekend I decided the join in the fun!

I wore my new orange cotton dress by eShakti and paired it with my very first cashmere cardigan by Boden. Now I know cashmere is pricey but it is one of those pieces of clothing that I have always wanted. I was able to score it for 75% off the original price, brand new on Boden's official Ebay shop HERE. I wore my vintage orange hoop earrings, vintage moonglow bracelets, my Jelly handbag, and my amazing floral hair crown by Crown and Glory.

I have been wanting to share with you all that I am part of a monthly club by Crown and Glory called Glitterati. For a reasonable fee I get a box of floral, glittery, and pretty goodness that is packaged with real care and love. I am expecting my third box in about a week and whatever I get I know its going to be spectacular. With the membership also comes access to great group of ladies from all over who share their love for floral hair crowns (via facebook). We share what we received, we swap what we may not use, and we form some great connections.

I felt like a bombshell in my floral hair crown. I mean, how beautiful is this?! My last box one of the owners, Sophie sent me this super sweet extra package with goodies in it. Each item was so thoughtfully handpicked and I wore one of the gifts, my black fly necklace with my outfit.

The other incredible accessory I wore was a handmade Ouja board brooch by Wacky Tuna Vintage which can you see HERE. Adding a little Halloween to your wardrobe is always a heap of fun.

A Vintage Nerd, eShakti Orange Dress, Retro Fashion Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Vintage Blog
A Vintage Nerd, eShakti Orange Dress, Retro Fashion Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Vintage Blog
A Vintage Nerd, eShakti Orange Dress, Retro Fashion Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Vintage Blog
A Vintage Nerd, eShakti Orange Dress, Retro Fashion Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Vintage Blog
A Vintage Nerd, eShakti Orange Dress, Retro Fashion Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Vintage Blog

Do you enjoy frolicking in the leaves? Have you heard of the fabulous Crown and Glory hair accessories?

The Vermont Country Store: Purveyors of the Practical and Hard-To-Find

October 29, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, The Vermont Country Store, Vintage Blog

The Vermont Country Store is one of those shops that is really a hidden gem. What is not to love about a shop that includes things that were made in the 1940's-1970's and no longer sold in everyday stores? There is an actual physical store in Vermont and also an online shop. They carry items from clothing to classic toys to soups and candies.

Below are just a few of the amazing things that have available. I haven't looked at their site in a while and I was pleasantly surprised to find Max Factor products as well as lipsticks that were originally available in the 1950's. Everything below was available originally in the 1940's to the 1970's minus the Scottie dog products. I just thought those were too cute and had to share.

A Vintage Nerd, The Vermont Country Store, Vintage Blog
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There are a few items I am eyeing. The mood lipsticks and Max Factor's Pan Stik are definitely two that I must score at some point. They come with great reviews and well, who doesn't want a lipstick that changes with their mood? 

Have you heard of The Vermont Country Store before? Have you ever purchased anything and how did you like it?

Movie Madness Monday: Favorite Spooky Films

October 27, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, Classic Spooky Films, Vintage Blog
Halloween is just a few days away so being the cinefile that I am, I have taken out some of my favorite spooky films and I have been rewatching them for fun. It made me think about which films really spook the heck out of me. Few modern horror films actually scare me. I think many of them go to far so it leaves so little to the imagination and its in the imagination where shadows play and bumps go in the night.

First up is the film that changed horror as whole in the 1970's, The Exorcist. A child becoming possessed by a demon and watching that said innocent child become a product of holy hell. Its disturbing. If you are a praying person you may find it even more disturbing. I watched the unedited version in the theaters in 2000 and was insanely freaked out. This is the type of film that you never forget. It creeps into your mind and stays there forever! My second choice is The Legacy, a heck of a film about witchcraft.

The last two selections are a ghost story and a demon story. Demon films scare me the most. Night of the Demons is very dated, very 80's but so much fun. It's also super scary because of the music and the sounds being made. Ghost Story is simply a brilliant telling of a ghost seeking revenge, That last scene creeps me out over and over. It is a doozy.

A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, Classic Spooky Films, Vintage Blog, The Exorcist


A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, Classic Spooky Films, Vintage Blog, The Legacy


A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, Classic Spooky Films, Vintage Blog, Ghost Story


A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, Classic Spooky Films, Vintage Blog, Night of the Demons

What are some of your favorite spooky films? Have you seen any of these that I have mentioned on this list?

Classic Cinema Spotlight: Night of The Living Dead (1968)

October 26, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, Night of the Living Dead Review, Vintage Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog

George A. Romero changed the face of horror films forever with his 1968 classic zombie flick, Night of the Living Dead. Made a super low budget in Pennsylvania with a main cast of seven people who are stuck in a rural farmhouse because the dead have come back to life and they came back hungry for human flesh! What a concept! Pure genius!

The film begins when Barbra played by Judith O'Dea goes to a cemetery with her brother Johnny played by Russell Streiner, to visit their father's grave. Johnny begins to tease Barbra who is uncomfortable being in a cemetery but uttering the now famous words, "They're coming to get you, Barbra!" Afterwards Johnny and Barbra are attacked by a zombie (known as the Flesh Eater) played by Bill Hinzman. Hinzman is the first EVER zombie to grace the silver screen-now how cool is that! Unfortunately, Johnny is killed by that Flesh Eater zombie and Barbra begins a journey of the unimaginable and unthinkable----having to fight off the living dead.

A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, Night of the Living Dead Review, Vintage Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, Night of the Living Dead Review, Vintage Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, Night of the Living Dead Review, Vintage Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, Night of the Living Dead Review, Vintage Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog

One of the most magnificent aspects of this film was not just the concept and writing but also the casting of the first African-American male lead in a horror film. That honor and title goes to the late-Duane Jones, whose performance was breathtaking. The beauty of this film is that its not just about dead people eating human flesh but about the removable of labels and barriers. It's not about being a woman or man, straight or gay, black or white but about being a living human and an undead human. Romero brought it back to basics, making it about people being people.

So much happens after Barbra receives refuge in that farmhouse. Ben (Duane Jones) becomes the leader of the group and tries his best not only to keep them safe but to find a way out of that mess. This film just came from left field and no one expected such ideas to leave a long lasting effect on the movie industry and beyond.

I had the pleasure of meeting both Hinzman (Flesh Eater) and Streiner (Johnny) at a Chiller Theatre Expo and a Fangoria Convention, respectively. They were both sooooo super nice. I must say that people in the horror world are some of the nicest people you will EVER meet!

A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, Night of the Living Dead Review, Vintage Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, Night of the Living Dead Review, Vintage Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog

So, before you watch any other zombie films which includes the t.v. show, The Walking Dead, watch the first ever zombie film and be prepared to be spellbinded! Remember without the success of this film there would be no zombie films, no "The Walking Dead" show, or "Day of the dead". Basically, we would have never even heard of the term zombie used in the fashion that Romero created on film. And there would be no Zombie Apocalypse to be preparing for either. (Awww shucks!)

So, thank you Mr. Romero for introducing to humanity the mind bending concept of "the living dead".

**Originally Published on Bunny's Victory blog**

Channeling A 1940's School Girl

October 26, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Lifestyle Blog, 1940s School Girl, Vintage School Girls

I decided to channel my inner 1940's school girl for my movie date with my husband last night to see Fury. It has been a long time since I dressed with a 40's flare and I loved getting back to my roots. There is something incredibly special about dressing up 40's. Its almost as if we are linking ourselves to the women of yesteryear.

To achieve my 1940's school girl look I worn my Peter Pan collared cotton top from Boden with a white cropped cardigan from Old Navy. I scored this really pretty plaid skirt via eShakti. I honestly had no clue if I could like a skirt like this or as long as this one is but I took a chance and I love it! It is fully lined and has these great deep pockets. Yay for pockets! One of my favorites features from eShakti.

I wore one of my brooches from my WWII collection with pride. Last two bits were a pair of navy bow shaped stud earrings purchased HERE and a navy satchel from the Leather Satchel Company.

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Lifestyle Blog, 1940s School Girl, Vintage School Girls, Vintage School Girl Fashion, eShakti Plaid Skirt, 1940s Retro Fashion
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Lifestyle Blog, 1940s School Girl, Vintage School Girls, Vintage School Girl Fashion, eShakti Plaid Skirt, 1940s Retro Fashion
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Lifestyle Blog, 1940s School Girl, Vintage School Girls, Vintage School Girl Fashion, eShakti Plaid Skirt, 1940s Retro Fashion
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Lifestyle Blog, 1940s School Girl, Vintage School Girls, Vintage School Girl Fashion, eShakti Plaid Skirt, 1940s Retro Fashion

This was such a comfy outfit to wear and it felt good to dress up to see the film. Have you ever admired the 1940's school girl look? What aspects of this style do you like or dislike?

Special Cinema Spotlight: Fury

October 24, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Vintage Lifestyle Blog

I have a weak spot for anything set in the 1940's. It can be a cartoon, a war film, a romance, you name it and I tend to love it. Fury is no exception and I am hear to tell you to run to your nearest theatre and see it.

Set during the last month of WWII in April 1945, the Allies are in Germany and a Sergeant name Don "Wardaddy" Collier (Brad Pitt) commands Sherman Tank with a five man veteran crew. The crew is made up of Boyd "Bible" Swan (Shia LaBeouf), gunner, Grady "Coon-Ass" Travis (Jon Bernthal), loader and Trini "Gordo" Garcia (Michael Peña), driver. After losing their bow gunner in battle, Norman Ellison (Logan Lerman) who was a trained typist is assigned to be their new gunner.

Norman is young, inexperienced, and still holds high ideals and morals when it comes to life and death. The rest of the crew of the Fury do not feel the same as Norman, not because they don't want to but because they have seen and done so much there is no way they can return to that idealism.

Online you can find the complete synopsis of this film including details and spoilers. When I found that I was just crushed. I went into this film knowing that it was about the end of the war and about tanks but nothing else. I am really glad I didn't know because I was shielding my eyes at some parts, jumped at one part, and teared up in many parts. The best part is that I was blown away by the humanity of that story.

I am utterly impressed by the telling of this story. It seems not to be based on a true story but rather inspired by those who fought bravely in battle in those enormous Sherman tanks.
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Vintage Lifestyle Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Vintage Lifestyle Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Vintage Lifestyle Blog

Thoughts of my grandpa came into mind watching this. I thought about how he could have fought at seventeen years old (he lied about his age) in Normandy, France so very far away from his beloved island of Puerto Rico. I sat in the theater wearing my WWII brooch and I am so glad I did. It made me feel closer to it all in a sappy and loving sort of way.

This film reminded me that there were no good guys and bad guys in war but there are some people who try to be better and some people who just do worse. I do believe in the evil humanity can wield but I have faith in the goodness it can create out of the mayhem, the madness, and the horrors mankind seems to create over and over again. A few other beliefs I had before were solidified even more after watching this film. I know its just a movie and I had to remind myself of that while watching but seriously it did not feel like I was watching a movie. It was to me what could perhaps be a snippet of what could have been or may have been and a reminder that no life is worth losing.

This film comes highly recommended and it will be one that I will happily own when it comes out on DVD along with The Monuments Men. Also look out for the film Unbroken, that story is unbelievable as every word is true as told from a WWII hero by the name of Louis Zamperini.

I highly encourage you to see this film. Brace yourself for some graphic violence and disturbing images but for the first time since Saving Private Ryan I have seen this particular war in its rawest forms.

It's vital to learn and remember history. Not as we see it but as it was. I feel so proud and grateful to those men and women who served and fought for freedom. I am even prouder that I called one of them grandpa.

Trying Out Different Decades

October 24, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Trying out Different Decades of Fashion, Vintage Blog, Vintage Lifestyle Blog, Retro Fashion Blog

You may have recalled me mentioning once or twice about the benefits of trying out different decades of fashion to help you find the one that you may enjoy the most. When it comes down to it I think its a blast to try them all out!Why not? That is the beauty of vintage. It's fun and so beautiful to dress up in.

For some discovering the world of vintage or trying to find their own sense of style, it may seem like an overwhelming process. But to diminish the stress of finding out what you love the most, try them all out! Feel free to have a good time exploring various decades. Take the time and see what you love and feel good in. You don't necessarily have to stick with any one decade but I find that it make it easier when building your wardrobe.

As you can see from the photos below I have played around with the 1900's to the 1960's. Technically I also played around with the 1970's back in the 1990's. Gee, say that ten times fast! I used to wear bell bottoms and polyester tops. That was so much fun to do. I really had a blast especially since 1990's fashion wasn't really my thing.

A Vintage Nerd, Trying out Different Decades of Fashion, Vintage Blog, Vintage Lifestyle Blog, Retro Fashion Blog

So, go ahead and give them a try. And take lots of picture so you have something to remember them by.
Have you tried out different decades of fashion before? Did it help you focus on building your wardrobe?

Special Cinema Spotlight: Dirty Dancing

October 23, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Dirty Dancing Review, Vintage Blog

Did you have the time of your life watching this film? I don't know anyone who hasn't. Dirty Dancing has become one of those movie staples that are a must-see. And believe me I have seen this film more than any other. Not because it is my favorite but because it was always so accessible on television and just so easy to watch.

Every time I would watch this film I would learn something new about the story or the characters. But it is recently that I really felt I understood the the full story. I always focused on the music and dancing, always wondered how a little girl like Baby could snag a hottie like Johnny. But after re-watching it just the other day I finally got it!

It just wasn't about a plain girl and a gorgeous guy hooking up and dancing. It is so much more than that. That is why I find films so fascinating. The more you re-watch them (especially when some time in-between) the more you can discover things you didn't fully understand before.

Now I get it. The premise of the film is that a girl and her family in the summer of 1963 travel to Kellerman's in the Catskill Mountains. What is supposed to be a family vacation turns into a life changing summer for the main characters of "Baby" Frances Houseman (Jennifer Grey) and Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze). Baby helps Johnny and his dance partner, Penny (Cynthia Rhodes) get medical help via her father. In the mix of things she learns to dance, learns to stand up for what she believes is right, learns to apologize, and learns to love.

A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Dirty Dancing Review, Vintage Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Dirty Dancing Review, Vintage Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Dirty Dancing Review, Vintage Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Dirty Dancing Review, Vintage Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Dirty Dancing Review, Vintage Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Dirty Dancing Review, Vintage Blog

Today, three of the main actors in the film have since passed; Jerry Orbach (Baby's father), Patrick Swayze (Johnny), and Max Cantor (Robbie). I have to be honest I have not been able to watch a Swayze film until just the other day. I cannot believe it took me five years since his passing. After I watched it again it was like seeing it for the first time.

It is filled with great music from the early 1960's. And although it does look like an 1980's film set in the 1960's, I say they gave it a good go of it and it came out to be one heck of a movie. I was so glad I was able to view this film with new eyes and understand things I didn't before. There was a lot of "don't judge a book by its cover" theme throughout the film, something I didn't realize until now. I think that sends out a powerful message and perhaps that is one of the reasons that it is such a fan favorite amongst people. It doesn't hurt that Swayze was a fox in this film and that the good, plain girl scores the dishy guy in the end. Good for her I say!

Have you seen this film? If so, how many times? Don't be shy. It's okay if you saw it over 50 times. I know I have!

By the way, do you think Johnny and Baby live happily ever after in the end or do you think he marries Penny and they open up a dance studio together? Swayze shared his views on it HERE. I would love to hear what you think!

AVN's Fall Favorites With 1960s Flare

October 21, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Fashion Inspired by the 1960s

The Practical and Vintage me cannot stop taking my eyes off of Boden's site. They are a UK clothing shop that has high quality pieces mostly with a 1960's flare. The practical me cringes when I see some prices but if the item is on sale (or I use a coupon. did I just say that?) or that item is a piece I know I would wear often and it is a classic piece-then yes. It is so worth it.

I mean ask yourself, do you want a closet with pieces you barely wear? My lifestyle says no. I need to be able to wear everything in my closet, love it, feel good in it, and have it for years to come. Hence why my eyes just gleamed when I  took a look inside the Boden site and saw what they have for the Fall. The best part aside from their quality is that so many of their pieces have that 60s flare to it. Its a vintage girls dream come true!

I know I have spoken to you about this shop before and let me say that Boden has no clue that I rant and rave about their pieces. I just love the fact that so many items are right up my alley style wise. I am also so happy that I can use some pieces to help me create a late 50s/early 60s look without the frustrations that I have had trying to find authentic pieces to my liking.

Without further adieu, here are some of my fall favorites with a 1960's flare:


A Vintage Nerd, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Fashion Inspired by the 1960s, Boden Clothing, Modern Vintage Inspired Fashion
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As those are just some of what Boden has for the Fall and the pieces just keeping getting more and more beautiful! Gahhh! I don't even know what piece to invest in first but I honestly do keep my eye out for sales and they do have them quite often.

What shops sell some of your Fall favorites for this year? Would you be tempted to shop at Boden?

Movie Madness Monday: Ghost Stories

October 21, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Classic Film Blog, Classic Ghost Movies


I love a good ghost story. I am currently hooked on the show Ghost Adventures. I did say  I love a good ghost story right? I just cannot imagine putting myself in a situation where there would be any speaking to me or touching me. Um, no thanks. The boys on that show are bonkers! I did find four super fun ghost story films that will make you laugh and make you run for cover.


A Vintage Nerd, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Classic Film Blog, Classic Ghost Movies, Topper


A Vintage Nerd, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Classic Film Blog, Classic Ghost Movies, The Univited


A Vintage Nerd, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Classic Film Blog, Classic Ghost Movies, Dead of Night

A Vintage Nerd, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Classic Film Blog, Classic Ghost Movies, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir

I love all of these films. The Ghost and Mrs. Muir and endearing and Dead of Night is horrifying. A good ghost story can be just about anything. It can be spooky, comforting, funny, haunting, and even romantic. All it really needs is a ghost!

What are your favorite ghost story films, classic or modern? Have you seen any of these on the list?

 
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