Falling in Love with Berets

August 28, 2018
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Berets, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Retro Fashion Blog,

While the Fall is technically a few weeks away here in New York, it hasn't stopped me from preparing my wardrobe for it. Like a lot of other folks, the change from summer to fall is a welcomed and joyous experience for me. I feel elated to take long walks, feel the wind blowing in my hair while I'm wearing my light jacket with a hot coffee in hand. The only thing I don't like about it is that its not long enough.

One of my favorite go-to accessories is the beret. It's taken me a while but I finally I  a nice little collection of both vintage and modern berets in a variety of styles and colors but there is no beret I will say no to. Okay, maybe the one with safety pins stuck in it but otherwise I am a beret loving kinda gal. I think its is the quintessential 1960's accessory. That and sunglasses, which are also a huge part of my personal style.

Berets can be worn in all types of weather and I wear mine year round. Unless it is extremely hot or the outfit could do without it, I will wear one. What are your favorite go-to accessories?

Here are a few places I regularly shop for berets:


A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Natalie Wood Fragrance, Natalie Wood Perfume, JCrew Pajamas

The Beauty of Natalie Fragrance

August 23, 2018
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Natalie Wood Fragrance, Natalie Wood Perfume, JCrew Pajamas

A year ago I made a happy discovery when I found out that the late, great Natalie Wood's daughter, Natasha Gregson Wagner created a fragrance in honor of her mother called Natalie. I don't typically like to wear perfume anymore but when I heard that the fragrance of Natalie had a light scented gardenia smell to it, it really peaked my interest. I immediately put it on my must-have list and luckily Santa placed a small roller ball of Natalie in my stocking this past year.

I don't typically like to wear perfume anymore but when I heard that the fragrance of Natalie had a light scented gardenia smell to it, it really peaked my interest. Once I rolled on Natalie for the first time, I instantly fell in love because it was exactly has promised. Floral, airy, and delicate. I particularly love the roll on style bottle because it can be easily tossed into a bag or purse and I can refresh my scent as many times as I like throughout the day.

This past May I entered into a contest on Natasha's Natalie Wood Instagram and she was only going to give away three prizes and to my shock I won! Shortly after I received the cutest package that included a postcard of Natalie, a Natalie Eau de Pardum Roller Ball , and the new La Rose Eau de Perfume Roller Ball. What a neat thing to happen and I can tell you that La Rose did not disappoint. It smells beautiful.

If you are interested in trying the Natalie or La Rose perfumes you can get them at Natalie Fragrance.

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Natalie Wood Fragrance, Natalie Wood Perfume, JCrew Pajamas

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New York Guide: 7 Iconic Coney Island Spots

August 19, 2018

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Coney Island Wonder Wheel, Vintage Inspired Fashion Blog, Iconic Coney Island Spots

Coney Island is a must-go-to stop for all New Yorkers or those visiting New York. Although it is busiest in the summer, don't let the weather stop you from experiencing some vintage inspired fun.There are a lot of things to do in Coney Island but I am going to focus on the things that been hanging around here for a while.

  • Coney Island Beach: Was first "discovered" by Henry Hudson in 1609. It is here that so much amusement and fun was built around. The beach itself is about four miles long. The beach was at its most popular during the early portion of the 20th Century but popularity declined after WWII.
  • Coney Island Boardwalk: The boardwalk got its slow start after the Coney Island Hotel, a seaside resort, opened in 1829. After that the area became a place for the wealthy Manhattanites to come and frolic. Then in 1870 the area became bonafide day-trippers paradise once the Brooklyn Bridge was finished, connecting Brooklyn to Manhattan. The amusements parks then started rolling in and to accommodate all the hustle and bustle,  the Riegelmann Boardwalk was finally made. It officially rolled out on May 15, 1923. Just recently it has been made into a historical landmark. 
  • Nathan's Hot Dog: In 1916 a Polish immigrant named Nathan Handwerker started a nickel hot dog stand with a $300 dollar loan from two friends and his wife's secret spice recipe. This is the original Nathan's hot dog and eating here is must-do for all foodies and history buffs. It is as busy as ever and hosts the National Hot Dog Eating Contest every year. It's super tasty too!
  • Luna Park: Luna Park opened in 1903 and was one of three original iconic large parks built on Coney Island, the other two being Steeplechase Park (1897) and Dreamland (1904). The rides are still fun with all the beautiful colors that makes an amusement park a special place to visit.
  • Coney Island Cyclone: Made entirely of wood, this rollercoaster started giving it thrills and chills on June 26, 1927.
  • NY Aquarium: The NY Aquarium first opened its doors in 1886 but was located in Manhattan until 1957 when it made Coney Island its forever home.
  • Williams Candy Shop: Established in 1943 and still delivering delicious treats.

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Coney Island Wonder Wheel, Vintage Inspired Fashion Blog, Iconic Coney Island Spots

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A Vintage Nerd Book Club: Courageous Women of the Vietnam War

August 16, 2018
A Vintage Nerd, Vietnam War, Women in Action History Books, Vietnam War Book, Kathryn Atwood Books, Courageous Women of the Vietnam War,  Chicago Review Press

The Vietnam War ended on April 30, 1975, a year before I was born. It wasn't a part of history that I naturally grew up with mainly because no one in my family fought in the war but it was something I was exposed to via television (M.A.S.H.) and film (Dogfight-1991). There is so much I didn't know about the Vietnam War but what do I know about it has always left me feeling uncomfortable, confused, and frustrated. All that changed after I read Kathryn Atwood's latest masterpiece, Courageous Women of the Vietnam War: Medics, Journalists, Survivors, and More

Atwood does what she does best, she maps out the past in a way that anyone can follow and understand and I love that about her writing style. Wars are complicated and twisted by nature and to untangle all of that in way that lays all the facts on the table and gets to the heart of the matter is a exquisite skill to have.

The Vietnam War has the longest US combat force participation that spanned 17.4 years. In that time men and women fought in a war that was not popular among the American public and faced crisis not only when they were occupying Vietnam but all across America as well. Women in particular played many different roles in this war. They were nurses, surgeonsprotestors, and journalists. And then there were the women who had children with the military making their children what the Vietnamese would call Bui-doi (dust of life) or now referred to as Amerasians.

This war has left a stain on the American psyche that I have found many people still have a difficulty explaining it or sharing their experiences about it. After two great wars, the Vietnam War left the America public strained, confused, resentful, and angry. Something I do not think that it has fully healed from.

Atwood shares stories about some incredibly brave women who had to face a war that people resented. I am one of those Americans that didn't quite understand why all this had to happen especially after all the sacrifices and loss of lives from both great wars. Why again?

Because of Atwood's amazing ability to share the lives of others, I may not still understand every nook and cranny about the war but I do have a more compassionate view on it. You can find more of Kathryn J. Atwood's books HERE and follow her on Instagram HERE.
A Vintage Nerd, Vietnam War, Women in Action History Books, Vietnam War Book, Kathryn Atwood Books, Courageous Women of the Vietnam War,  Chicago Review Press

The Beatles vs. Elvis: Which One Would You Pick?

August 12, 2018
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Elvis vs The Beatles, Vinyl Records, Retro Fashion Blog

I remember being told more than a few times if you are a Beatles fan you can't possibly be a fan of Elvis. I never understood the comparison because in my home my mother was a huge Elvis fan and my father is a devoted Beatles fan. I grew up listening to the records of both and loved both equally for their songs.

I don't know where this saying came from but I have heard it numerous times as the years went by. After someone would ask me which I would pick I would just shake my head and always say, "both". How can I choose? But if you were to choose, which would it be? Let's compare the two.

The Beatles:

  • Four young guys from Liverpool, England
  • Melodies for days
  • Catchy lyrics and toe tapping tunes
  • Outstanding bowl haircuts
  • British accents
  • Snappy suits (circa early 60's)
  • A drummer
  • Not afraid to experiment with music
  • A yellow submarine
  • An entire cartoon film dedicated to a yellow submarine

Elvis:

  • One guy from Mississippi
  • Jet black slicked hair
  • Those swingin' hips
  • Soulful voice
  • An electric smile
  • Rock n' Roll
  • Always giving to others
  • Mama's boy
  • Fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches
  • Charming performances as an actor

Its safe to say I stand by my upbringing. I can't choose between the two. Have you? Is there one you love more than the other? Have you heard this saying about not being able to be true fans of both?
 
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