Merry Catmas

December 24, 2017
AA Vintage Nerd, Vintage Christmas, Retro Christmas Inspiration, Home Goods Holiday Decor

Like many of you, I have been thinking about what I am grateful for during this holiday season. I thought of how how grateful I am that I made it through some bad health issues in the beginning of the year, our home, my husband, and the children. So many simple yet important things I'm grateful for.

I've also been thinking about Sophie, our cat who we lost this June. Ironically I wasn't a cat person but she won my heart, she won all our hearts. After we lost her I decided that I wouldn't think of adopting again until I really felt ready. The summer was quiet without her, even with three little kids running around the house all day long. There was a silence I couldn't quite explain. 

Then I did something I didn't expect that I would do. I found myself getting in contact with the hospital where Sophie was a patient, I found out that there were pair of siblings that were available for adoption and something inside of me told me that I would have to meet them.

We visited them a few times before adoption but I knew the moment I met Audie and Millie that they were meant to be mine. We officially adopted them this September and although there were some bumps in the road, we are all finally settled in now as a family of seven!

Now they are six months old and every day I fall more in love with them and for that I am grateful. While nothing could ever replace Sophie, Audie and Millie have made a wonderful addition to our family. Making this an extra special Merry Catmas.

So, happy Christmas to you all. Here's hoping the holidays bring you continued joy and many blessings.

AA Vintage Nerd, Vintage Christmas, Retro Christmas Inspiration, Home Goods Holiday Decor
AA Vintage Nerd, Vintage Christmas, Retro Christmas Inspiration, Home Goods Holiday Decor
AA Vintage Nerd, Vintage Christmas, Retro Christmas Inspiration, Home Goods Holiday Decor
AA Vintage Nerd, Vintage Christmas, Retro Christmas Inspiration, Home Goods Holiday Decor

Outfit: Plaid Jammies from Old Navy
Home Decor: Christmas Bedding from Target, Throw Pillows/Felt Garlands from TJ Max
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A Vintage Nerd Holiday Gift Guide 2017

December 19, 2017
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Christmas, Retro Christmas Inspiration, Retro Gift Guide

'Tis the season of decorating Christmas trees, hanging mistletoe, and finding the perfect gift to give to those you love. I was going through some old posts of mine and to my surprise I realized that I haven't done a gift guide since 2014! Oh boy, I knew I had to rectify that immediately and get back on the bandwagon with a AVN Gift Guide for 2017.

Here are some classic gifts that would make anyone who loves vintage or nostalgia go ga-ga:

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Christmas, Retro Christmas Inspiration, Retro Gift Guide
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A Vintage Nerd Book Club: The Twilight Zone Encyclopedia

December 17, 2017
A Vintage Nerd, Twilight Book Review, The Twilight Zone Encyclopedia, Rod Serling Book

"You unlock this door with the key of imagination. Beyond it is another dimension - a dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of mind. You're moving into a land of both shadow and substance, of things and ideas. You've just crossed over into the Twilight Zone." Rod Serling

The Twilight Zone was ahead of its time with storylines involving the concept of life on other planets, other dimensions, and time travel to name a few. The stories in the episodes really put strong and possibly controversial topics right in front of our faces. The episode, "Number 12 Looks Just Like You" (1964) talks about cloning, individuality, and the idea of being unique. In the episode, "From Agnes-With Love" (1964), a scientist falls in love with a computer, much like we all love our iPhones so much these days. Or one of the episodes that still puts chills down my spine, "The Midnight Sun"(1961) where you think everyone is dying of heat because the sun is moving closer only to find out that everyone on the planet is actually freezing to death because the sun is moving away from the earth.

Pick any episode from the five seasons that the original Twilight Zone (1959-1964) series first aired and you will find yourself enlightened, shocked, bewildered, and even frightened (Night Call). Rod Serling, the creator and main writer of the series, delivered one thought provoking episode after another. For those of you who have seen the show and have your favorite episodes, imagine if you could learn more about them.

The Twilight Zone Encyclopedia by Steven Jay Rubin is in my eyes the ultimate guidebook for Twilight Zone fans. It literally covers everything from A to Z. All of the episodes are included. the actors in them as well as never-before-seen images, interviews, and the behind the scenes. You get to relive each episode and learn about everyone who was a part in making it. This book is really something special.

If you love The Twilight Zone as much as I do, I highly recommend grabbing this book at your local book store. When you do-grab a chair, get comfy in front of your t.v., take your copy of The Twilight Zone Encyclopedia and put on the first episode (Where is Everybody). And prepare yourself...

"You're traveling through another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. That's the signpost up ahead - your next stop, the Twilight Zone!"

A Vintage Nerd, Twilight Book Review, The Twilight Zone Encyclopedia, Rod Serling Book
A Vintage Nerd, Twilight Book Review, The Twilight Zone Encyclopedia, Rod Serling Book
A Vintage Nerd, Twilight Book Review, The Twilight Zone Encyclopedia, Rod Serling Book
A Vintage Nerd, Twilight Book Review, The Twilight Zone Encyclopedia, Rod Serling Book
A Vintage Nerd, Twilight Book Review, The Twilight Zone Encyclopedia, Rod Serling Book
A Vintage Nerd, Twilight Book Review, The Twilight Zone Encyclopedia, Rod Serling Book
A Vintage Nerd, Twilight Book Review, The Twilight Zone Encyclopedia, Rod Serling Book

**In collaboration with the Chicago Review Press**

Holiday Ruffles

December 12, 2017
A Vintage Nerd, Retro Inspired Fashion, JCrew Ruffle Blouse, 1960s Style, Retro Fashion Blog

I love when I see vintage fashion pop up in mainstream fashion. I know some don't appreciate it but after so many years of wearing pure vintage and struggling to find pieces that are a part of my style, I appreciate some companies bringing some vintage flair back into today's fashion. Although I feel that nothing compares with wearing and owning vintage pieces as I still prefer vintage over anything else. But I am excited that companies like Boden, Modcloth, Unique Vintage, and J. Crew are creating pieces with a vintage, classic flair.

The holidays are coming up so quickly and the days are being filled with fun family holiday themed outings. I was out and about with my family on one of our playdates with some good friends of ours to see the movie, "The Star" with the children and I decided to wear my new festive inspired ruffle blouse by J.Crew. Ruffled blouses have been making a come back in the past few years and no wonder because they they were so popular for so many years especially in the 1960's to the early 1980's. I remember my mother used to wear silk ruffle blouses with slacks back in 1983 and she was one stylish lady.

Honestly I have always been hesitant to purchase a ruffled blouse-vintage or vintage inspired-only because of my bust size. I always thought that it would just make me look even bigger than I was and that it would make feel uncomfortable. But I am happy to say that I was wrong. Not only was this top by J.Crew completely comfortable but I didn't feel like I was bustier than I was. I paired it up with my favorite Boden jeans that are a vintage cut with my "new-to-me" thrifted Kelly Green cross body purse and a knitted beret. 

It just goes to show you that creating a classic vintage inspired look doesn't have to be as hard as we sometimes feel it is. Choosing how to create a vintage look that all your own whether its pure vintage, retro, or vintage inspired can be a daunting task because there is so much out there to choose from. I think sometimes less is more and with that you can create a vintage look that is all yours.

A Vintage Nerd, Retro Inspired Fashion, JCrew Ruffle Blouse, 1960s Style, Retro Fashion Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Retro Inspired Fashion, JCrew Ruffle Blouse, 1960s Style, Retro Fashion Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Retro Inspired Fashion, JCrew Ruffle Blouse, 1960s Style, Retro Fashion Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Retro Inspired Fashion, JCrew Ruffle Blouse, 1960s Style, Retro Fashion Blog

Outfit: Ruffle Top in Festive Plaid from J.Crew, Blue Jeans from Boden, Kelly Green Crossbody Purse-Thrifted, Green Beret from Forever 21, Silver Loop Earrings-Thrifted

Fall in Style with a Houndstooth Cape

December 09, 2017
A Vintage Nerd, Houndstooth Cape, 1960s Fashion Inspiration, Retro Style Blog, Vintage Fashion Blog, Vintage Cape

Oh how quickly the fall has come and gone here in New York. I'm so glad that my children and I got one more chance to play with the leaves before the snow came. My children wanted to join along too and I'm happy to let them. That way this busy vintage mom can keep an eye on them and get some photos in for my blog. Its a happy medium I have finally struck with my private life and blog life and everyone wins in the end.

This Fall afternoon out I wore that cape I thrifted and shared on my Instagram . It was brand new with tags and being sold for 12.99, but it was Monday and they had special sales that day so I actually paid 9.27 for it. It was originally priced at 89.00 so it was a mega score plus its a cape and its houndstooth. This is probably one of my favorite pieces in my closet right now. This paired with my 1960's styled Greek fisherman's cap and some loop earrings and I was all decked out in 1960's style for the duration of my day. That easy! They do say less is more!

The Fall is my very favorite season and sadly it has come and gone too quickly. But I'm grateful that at least we got to play in the leaves a bit before it ended. Now we have snow and bulky sweaters to look forward to! What is your favorite season?

A Vintage Nerd, Houndstooth Cape, 1960s Fashion Inspiration, Retro Style Blog, Vintage Fashion Blog, Vintage Cape
A Vintage Nerd, Houndstooth Cape, 1960s Fashion Inspiration, Retro Style Blog, Vintage Fashion Blog, Vintage Cape
A Vintage Nerd, Houndstooth Cape, 1960s Fashion Inspiration, Retro Style Blog, Vintage Fashion Blog, Vintage Cape
A Vintage Nerd, Houndstooth Cape, 1960s Fashion Inspiration, Retro Style Blog, Vintage Fashion Blog, Vintage Cape

Outfit: Houndstooth Cape-Thrifted, 1960's Styled Fisherman's Cap from Urban Outfitters, Black Turtleneck (mostly unseen) from JCrew, Blue Jeans from Boden Clothing, Earrings-Vintage, Lipstick from Kandee Johnson Too Faced Line


Avid Readers Club Fashion

December 05, 2017
A Vintage Nerd, Retro Fashion Inspiration, Nerd Fashion, Joanie Clothing, Avid Readers Club Top, Retro Fashion Blog

Okay, I have to tell you the moment I saw this sweatshirt, the nerd girl in me had to have it. I have never shopped with Joanie Clothing before this time but I have been admiring their pieces for a while now because they tick off two important musts fashion-wise for me; vintage inspired and comfort.

I'm just not the type of girl to wear clothing just because it looks good or very, very uncomfortable. I think its hard enough to be a women than to add to it and wear something you aren't comfortable with. This ended up being my favorite outfit so far for this fall season. I felt comfortable and pretty all at once and my special sweatshirt shouted out something I hold dear to my heart.

I had so much fun putting this outfit together and the best bit was having my ten year old daughter taking my photos. I think she did a pretty good job, didn't she?

A Vintage Nerd, Retro Fashion Inspiration, Nerd Fashion, Joanie Clothing, Avid Readers Club Top, Retro Fashion Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Retro Fashion Inspiration, Nerd Fashion, Joanie Clothing, Avid Readers Club Top, Retro Fashion Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Retro Fashion Inspiration, Nerd Fashion, Joanie Clothing, Avid Readers Club Top, Retro Fashion Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Retro Fashion Inspiration, Nerd Fashion, Joanie Clothing, Avid Readers Club Top, Retro Fashion Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Retro Fashion Inspiration, Nerd Fashion, Joanie Clothing, Avid Readers Club Top, Retro Fashion Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Retro Fashion Inspiration, Nerd Fashion, Joanie Clothing, Avid Readers Club Top, Retro Fashion Blog

Outfit: Avid Reader Sweatshirt from Joanie Clothing, Black skirt from eShakti, White blouse from Boden, Anika Bow Neck Tie from Free People, Red Handbag-Saks Fifth Avenue-Vintage, Knee High Socks from Target, Black Stud Earrings-Vintage, Book-The First King of Hollywood: The Life of Douglas Fairbanks (Chicago Review Press)




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Giveaway: Seized by the Sun: The Life and Disappearance of World War II Pilot Gertrude Tompkins

November 28, 2017
A Vintage Nerd, 1940s Women of WWII, Fight Pilot Gertrude Tompkins

I was so excited when Chicago Review Press sent me a copy of this book to read and review. I love learning new stories about World War II and this one was no exception.

You can learn more about Gertrude Tompkins, the last missing WASP from World War II HERE.

There will be two winners for this giveaway and each will have a hardcover copy of Seized by the Sun: The Life and Disappearance of World War II Pilot Gertrude Tompkins. The giveaway is opened only to U.S. and Canadian Residents. It will run until December 5th and there are four ways you can enter. You can follow me at A Vintage Nerd on Instagram, Share this giveaway on Instagram (tag me-a photo will be shared on my IG that you can use), Leave a comment on the book review about Gertrude Tompkins (link is above), or Follow the Chicago Review Press on Instagram.

Good luck to those who enter and keep your eyes peeled on here because I will be hosting many more  giveaways in the future,




A Vintage Nerd Book Club: Seized By The Sun

November 27, 2017
A Vintage Nerd, 1940s Women of WWII, Fight Pilot Gertrude Tompkins

I always get asked how I find the time to read. As you saw from my post, Be Inspired: Books Make Great Friends, reading has always had a special place in my life. And I always believe if something is important to you, you will make time for it. I sneak in a few pages here and there as well as on the weekends and in between homework with the kids. It can be done, albeit slowly, but it is possible.

One of the books I have been reading in collaboration with the Chicago Review Press is called Seized by the Sun: The Life and Disappearance of World War II Pilot Gertrude Tompkins by James W. Ure. I love reading personal stories and I think it goes back to my fascination with people in general. I was excited to learn more about Gertrude Tompkins who came from a very wealthy background, struggled most of her life with a profound stutter, and flew planes with the WASPs during World War II. 

The book delves into Gertrude's personal life and struggles but at the core of it all is her disappearance. On October 26, 1944 Gertrude flew a P-51 Mustang on a routine mission and was never heard of or seen again. Out of the 38 missing WASPs who lost their lives, she is the only one who is unaccounted for. 

The early chapters deeply explore her upbringing and her life long struggle with stuttering. Gertrude Vreeland Tompkins was born at Jersey City, New Jersey, 16 October 1911. She was the youngest of three daughters of Vreeland Tompkins, founder of Smooth-On, Inc., and Laura Towar Tompkins. Her father, Vreeland was a very successful businessman but he suffered from a stutter that was much more severe than hers. He desperately wanted his daughter not to suffer the same as he did and had Gertrude undergo various new treatments at an early age in the hopes that he stutter would be cured. 

I loved reading about her love for reading, college education, and world traveling. Despite the Great Depression, Gertrude was very lucky to travel the world and obviously was in no rush to be married. She did supposedly fall in love once and it is assumed that it is this relationship that inspired her to take flying lessons. What baffled me was how much care and detail when into delving into her early portion of her life and how much less information there was during the time she was in the WASPs.

The author does state that they were able to meet with Gertrude's sisters and many of her friends that were in the WASPs. Of course sadly all of those wonderful ladies have since passed but I couldn't help but feel that no one really knew why she joined or who she was really. I get the impression because of her stutter she was quiet and introverted and she seemed to have a great work ethic both in school and out. She seemed determined to enjoy her world traveling and took enjoyment from her independence. At the last portion of the book I learned a lot about the WASPs and about airplanes as well as what it may have been like for her, but the mystery of her disappearance left me haunted and wanting to know more.

Gertrude abruptly married someone she didn't love supposedly to please her parents yet told none of her friends about it. She disappeared about a month after the marriage took place so her sisters wondered if she possibly took off and started a new life elsewhere. There have been many in-depth searches conducted through the years lead by Gertrude's grandniece and absolutely nothing has been found. This is a mystery that may never be solved.

I do have to say that I really enjoyed getting to know Gertrude and she seemed like someone I would have enjoyed being friends with. I think you would enjoy getting to know Gertrude as well. Stay tuned for a giveaway of two copies of Seized by the Sun.

A Vintage Nerd, 1940s Women of WWII, Fight Pilot Gertrude Tompkins
A Vintage Nerd, 1940s Women of WWII, Fight Pilot Gertrude Tompkins
A Vintage Nerd Book Review 1940s Women of WWII Fight Pilot Gertrude Tompkins Old Navy Casual Style
A Vintage Nerd, 1940s Women of WWII, Fight Pilot Gertrude Tompkins
A Vintage Nerd, 1940s Women of WWII, Fight Pilot Gertrude Tompkins
A Vintage Nerd, 1940s Women of WWII, Fight Pilot Gertrude Tompkins

**In collaboration with the Chicago Review Press**
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Books Make Great Friends

November 16, 2017
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Casual Fashion, Jean on Jean Fashion, Vintage Beret, Beret Fashion

My mother was a avid reader and she always encouraged me to read. After her passing I felt loneliness I think for the first time. Its books that were always there to save the day for me. Anything that told a story I gravitated to and devoured. Whether it was books, movies, television shows, or music, I just soaked myself in it.  It's in doing that when I felt less lonely and more at peace.

Books then became my constant companion, my friends. My CMT doctor, who I was a patient with for over 33 years until his retirement this past summer, would always tell me how he remembered me always with a book in my hands. Funny enough not much as changed.

Being an avid reader and writer is something that has become a part of my nature, a part of what makes me Daffny, and one of the things that still gives me a sense of belonging. When I started blogging in 2011 it was because I felt the need to connect to the world again. I can't tell you how glad I am that I did start blogging.

One of my favorite things to do is to go to my local park and sit on a bench and read. It doesn't matter how much time I have to read or how far in the book or magazine I am in but just the act itself, after all these years is still comforting and rewarding.

Is there anything you like to do that makes you feel this way? I'd love to hear all about it.

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Casual Fashion, Jean on Jean Fashion, Vintage Beret, Beret Fashion
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Casual Fashion, Jean on Jean Fashion, Vintage Beret, Beret Fashion

How to Wear A Beret Four Different Ways

November 11, 2017
A Vintage Nerd, Beret Fashion, How to wear a beret, Vintage Beret, Retro Fashion Blog

The weather here in New York has been crazy these days. One day its warm, one day its cold, and told its freezing. But one accessory I always feel comfortable wearing no matter what the weather is like is a beret.

The beret is one of those hats that has stood the test of time. It is used in the military, in high fashion, and as daily wear. Women sported berets in all various shapes and sizes from the turn of the century until now. We have had knitted berets, felt berets, fabric berets, and crocheted berets. I even wore a beret with cat ears on it once. They are comfortable to wear, easy to put on, and stylish.

No matter what the weather is like in your part of the world, try on a beret. And if you decide to try one on, here are a four ways that you could wear your beret inspired from the 1940's to the 1960's.

Below: Berets in the 1940's were worn mainly to the side of the head. It was also worn that way in the 1930's as well.

A Vintage Nerd, Beret Fashion, How to wear a beret, Vintage Beret, Retro Fashion Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Beret Fashion, How to wear a beret, Vintage Beret, Retro Fashion Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Beret Fashion, How to wear a beret, Vintage Beret, Retro Fashion Blog

Below: Berets in the 1950's were worn mainly at the top of the head or towards the back of the head. If you feel like your beret would fall off you can always attach a bobby pin to it so that it can stay in place. 

A Vintage Nerd, Beret Fashion, How to wear a beret, Vintage Beret, Retro Fashion Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Beret Fashion, How to wear a beret, Vintage Beret, Retro Fashion Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Beret Fashion, How to wear a beret, Vintage Beret, Retro Fashion Blog

Below: Berets in the 1960's were worn mainly pulled down covering the ears. They also tipped their berets backwards on the head, like pillbox hat. It was also worn similarly in the 1930's. 

Keep in mind that in a decade like the 1960's they styled the beret in multiple ways. They wore them on the side, on the top of the head, or covering the ears. It seems to me they took all the ways that the beret was worn prior to the 1960's and used styles all within that decade.

A Vintage Nerd, Beret Fashion, How to wear a beret, Vintage Beret, Retro Fashion Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Beret Fashion, How to wear a beret, Vintage Beret, Retro Fashion Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Beret Fashion, How to wear a beret, Vintage Beret, Retro Fashion Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Beret Fashion, How to wear a beret, Vintage Beret, Retro Fashion Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Beret Fashion, How to wear a beret, Vintage Beret, Retro Fashion Blog

Outfit: New York T-Shirt from J Crew and Red Beret from Forever 21
 
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