Friday, May 13, 2016

Brand New Melamine "Atomic" Retro-Style Dinnerware

With all the warm weather we have been having, I have been doing everything outside. Not only that, but I just bought an amazing outdoor furniture set that I need to use. I don't want to bring all my glass or ceramic dinnerware outside, so I suppose I need to buy some melamine! These super cute vintage style "atomic" melamine dinnerware on Amazon are a perfect match.

The starburst pattern is one of my favorites. These 50's style salad plates are a blast from the past.

If I just got this oval serving bowl I would be a happy camper. By itself, it would add that vintage flair that I need to my outdoor dining set! For smaller dinner parties this would be helpful to have.

In order to match the salad plates I will need to get these dinner plates! Not only do they have the funky retro design, but they are oval shaped. I actually like how large it is! Whenever I have a barbecue I always end up spilling my corn on the cob because the plate is too small. This is the perfect size to be spill proof.

I like the style so much that it doesn't necessarily need to be melamine. Having a little tea party using these starburst cup and saucers would definitely be a hit! Also, I would love to just drink my tea out of this cute cup.

I want to have these atomic drinking glasses for everyday use! These are more colorful and fun than the glasses I have currently.

The last melamine plates I found are these diner boomerang plates. I'm dying because they don't match my outdoor decor, but I want them! They're so stylish and really bring me back to the good ol' days. Maybe one of you can provide a better home for these?

Check out more "atomic" melamine dinnerware on Amazon. Do you like the style? Tell me in the comments below!

Vintage Retro Style Radios That Really Work

One of the most important things needed to tie a room together is a radio. It's so sad they are hardly ever used anymore! As I am a rare breed and actually use these still, I figured I would find a vintage style radio that would match my home. The best part about these retro style radios is that they actually work! I am already ecstatic about using these to listen to my favorite morning radio stations!

I think of my childhood when I see this Northpoint radio. It reminds me of when we used to go camping in our cabin. My dad would always play country music, which I hated at the time. I do like the color, because it would match my downstairs! That's where my entertainment room is - perfect place.

I am also really loving this blue Coronado vintage radio. It would be so much fun to use this for summer. You could pack it up for a trip to the beach with the kids and they wouldn't even know what to do with it. It could create an opportune time to tell them about the history of radio.

The style of this Northpoint vintage radio is so cute. Out of three of them this is my favorite. I really like how the speaker pops out versus the other two. Maybe I could start playing our local 1950s themed station on it for a more authentic experience.

Out of these three radios which one would you use in your house? Or would you take them with you on vacations? Let me know in the comments below!

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Retro Sputnik Chandeliers from Dutton Brown in Minnesota

I am so excited to show you guys these Sputnik Chandeliers from Dutton Brown on Etsy. When I was a kid I remember seeing these and hoping my parents would get one someday. Of course they never did, so now I've been waiting for the right moment to get myself one. Mostly I was looking for the right design or color, because Sputniks can come in all shapes and sizes! These guys have three fabulous different styles.

This orange mini sputnik chandelier is so cute. I love the compact design. It is perfect for most people this day and age. Many of my relatives who love retro home decor live in small condos or apartments. This lighting system is the perfect size. I imagine this would give off light for many rooms at a time.

Take a look at the other colors they have - So many!

This amazing yellow Sputnik chandelier is a fantastic size for a living room. The arms are a lot longer than the minis, so I would make sure it's in a place where there's a lot of height. I have a really tall ceiling in my living room and it just doesn't get enough light. I think with this chandelier it would be bright enough.

Here are a few of their color options for the medium sized Sputnik chandeliers.

When I think of Sputnik, this is typically the design and shape that comes to mind. The large mint Sputnik Chandelier is great for over the dinner table. Since it is "flatter" it's less likely someone will hit their head. I'm pretty tall, so I always have to keep that in mind. What a great way to spunk up your dining room. Both adults and kids would totally fall in love with it.

If you're not seeing a color you would like here, I would check it out their store for other options. If you have colorful walls and need glamorous and fun decor this is the place to go!

These things live in the future and past, I really enjoy that aspect! Check out Sputnik Chandeliers from Dutton Brown on Etsy. There's more designs here than just Sputnik, but of course, that's what I like most. What about you? Tell me about it in the comments down below!

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

New Vintage Sewing Book: Gertie's Ultimate Dress Book

Does anybody under the age of 60 sew anymore? If you do, you might be interested in this new book, published back in March: Gertie's Ultimate Dress Book: A Modern Guide to Sewing Fabulous Vintage Styles.

"Every vintage-obsessed sewist dreams of having a closet full of gorgeous dresses. The follow-up to the popular Gertie’s New Book for Better Sewing and Gertie Sews Vintage Casual, Gertie’s Ultimate Dress Book is packed with all the information and patterns you could ever need to create a wardrobe filled with stunning vintage frocks."

"The book begins with all the essential techniques for dressmaking and includes instructions and patterns for 23 dresses for a variety of occasions. Elements of each pattern can be mixed and matched, allowing readers to customize the bodice, skirt, sleeves, pockets, and details of each dress for a truly unique creation."

I'm guessing this book isn't for beginners!

Chapters include:

  • Getting Ready to Sew
  • Basic Dress Construction
  • Finishing Details
  • Giving the Dress Structure
  • Techniques for Special Fabrics
  • Fitting

I'm not much of a seamstress myself - sewing machines frustrate me! I can do a bit of hand needlework though. I don't think I'll be adding this book to my vintage library, but wanted to show you in case it was of interest to you!

5 Incredible Antique French Liqueur Sets and Decanters

I always think to myself "Do I really need anything else to encourage my drinking habits?" The answer is definitely yes, by the way. I'll let you in on a little secret: I probably have too many liqueur sets. I'm sure you can understand the need for a different kind of set for each season, type of drink, and mood! As I was searching for more retro kitchen items on Etsy, I found these vintage french decanter sets that you must see.

This midcentury gilded French liqueur set is absolutely delightful. Typically I do not like gold or stripes, but these are just jaw dropping. They are clearly perfect for the holidays. I actually think they would be a very vibrant and amazing set during the summer. The stems on the glasses look thick enough that they wouldn't easily break. I would only bring these out for very special guests, though!

Speaking of summertime, this 1950's nautical French liquor decanter set is lovely. My grandfather actually owns a sailboat and would enjoy this as a gift! I like the peach colored glass they chose to make this. It gives it a lot more character and brings out the beautiful painted blues on the sailboat.

I can't believe how elegant this midcentury glass decanter is. Again, normally I wouldn't like the gold trim, but with this set it works for me! I wish I had this for Easter, but maybe I can get it for next year.

What a unique find! This vintage French liqueur set would be so much fun to have at a party! I really love how each cup has a different color. The houndstooth pattern gives this set an edgy quality that I like. It definitely looks like it is from the 1960's!

This antique French decanter set is so bright and groovy. I am in love with the red/orange diamond print all around the glasses. This is one set that would definitely match my decor. It wouldn't look half bad with some champagne in it. Even better - Whiskey!

Take a look at these gorgeous vintage French decanter sets on Etsy. Out of the five, which one do you like the most? It's a hard choice! They are all individually awesome. It will be hard to pick. Tell me about your finds in the comments below!

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Stunning Purple Tableware from Flora Gouda Holland

I am determined to keep Spring alive! I love the style of this Dutch Flora Gouda Holland - Lila series on Etsy. The color is so spring, but the design of the floral pattern is very retro. Take a look!

Can you see why I really enjoy the style of the floral pattern? The colors are very delicately painted, but compliment each other well. A purple ceramic bowl like this would be great for storing jewelry. I can also see myself using this for hot soups at parties.

I love baking and would love to display a cake using this footed bowl pedestal dish. It would be really fun to display a whole bunch of candy in as well. I actually wish the floral pattern was printed on the outside instead of the inside of the bowl. It's still stunning nonetheless.

I have never used a glazed ceramic tray like this before. I'm so glad the design is on the outside on this one! The shape is really interesting. It would be a cool way to store maybe your fruit for an outdoor get-together. I personally would use this for my jewelry, it's so funky!

Check out Dutch Flora Gouda Holland - Lila series on Etsy. This will surely add that spring feeling that you've been looking for!

Monday, May 9, 2016

Cocoship's Fab Retro Swimsuits on Amazon

Summer is coming up quickly and I need to start preparing! When I was sorting through all my clothes I realized I only have one swimsuit. I live in the Pacific Northwest so it's not entirely surprising that I only own one. I admit, I just have always wanted a retro style swimsuit. Let's get fabulous with Cocoship's retro swimsuits on Amazon!

This teal monokinis halter swimsuit is so cute. This is the only suit from Cocoship that is teal, my favorite color! This style almost looks like it originated the two piece swimsuit style. It's stylish and conservative. I personally always wear shorts when I go swimming. This style makes it easy!

I want to sunbathe in this vintage one piece swimsuit. I actually prefer the size of the polka dots. This reminds me of Minnie Mouse! The "bra" part of the swimsuit is a bit higher than what you see nowadays.

This is the same cut as before, but in a plus size. The black cherry one piece swimsuit looks like it would be very comfortable. The waist has elastic seams on the side that would be perfect for extenuating your curves. I actually prefer swimsuits to have that! It's so cute and I love the cherries!

I am in love with this cut! When I think "retro" this monokini dress is the one piece that comes to mind. It's also one of the only bathing suits that I think is flattering on everyone! I wish that the trend would come back around!

Some of the best swimsuits are the plain Jane ones. This classy antique style two piece comes in all sorts of colors. There is more of the elastic which tells me it's going to be super comfy! I like the front tie as well. I can actually picture vintage Hollywood starlets wearing this!

This vintage high waisted bikini is the same style as above with a modern twist. It has cute little skulls on the lower piece. There are other patterns that are offered such as leopard print, polka dot, and even flamingo prints!

If you're looking for a more nautical style, this retro stripe bow bikini would be great for you. I so wish that I could wear this! It reminds me of ladies watching Navy sailors from the docks way back when.

Take a look at other fantastic retro swimsuits by Cocoship on Amazon! It's so interesting to think both of my grandmothers probably wore something stylish like this when they were young. It's like taking a step into history. Can you find yourself wearing any of these?