Category Archives: Best of Alix

The “Ready to Tear” World of Vintage Paper Dresses

Best of Alix, Vintage Pop Culture, , ,

OK. I go through these little phases of obsession. For a while it was collecting vintage choker necklaces that had little flowers with a rhinestone center. Then Enid Collins bags. Then it was Franciscan Starburst china. Then it was 70s 8-track tape players. The list is endless, I won’t bore you (today anyway. heh). S0 a while back I was fascinated with paper dresses. I tried to buy one on eBay but some crazy Greek bidder was literally buying EVERY SINGLE ONE. It became a “thing”. I would find 5 or 6 of them on there….and Greek Paper Dress Magnate would inevitable outbid me and win ALL of them. I kept a mental tally and I swear this guy accumulated about 45 of ’em in a short period. It drove me completely crazy and, of course, made me want one even more!!

The paper dress was actually the genius of the Scott Paper Company (yep, the same peeps who made paper towels and “facial tissue”). In 1966 they marketed the “disposable dress” as a marketing gimmick and sold them for $1.25 in grocery stores to promote their new colored tissues. You also got a little stash of coupons for paper towel, along with your sassy A-line dressie. Scott didn’t really mean for them to be taken seriously but ladies knew what was up and ordered them in droves. I mean how fun to “hem” your new dress with a pair of scissors??

Scott advertisers described the paper dress as “created to make you the conversation piece at parties. Smashingly different at dances or perfectly packaged at picnics. Wear it anytime…anywhere. Won’t last forever…who cares? Wear it for kicks — then give it the air!”

Hallmark soon followed suit and released a line of paper hostess dresses, designed to coordinate with napkins, tablecloths and more. It must be said that the dresses were, in fact, made of more than simply paper. Most of them were composed of “Dura-Weve,” (similar to a Fed Ex mailer!) which was cellulose reinforced with rayon. They were still more fragile than cloth, however they were not likely to rip at the slightest move. Many paper dresses featured Velcro closures, adding to the “space-age” mystique.

Paper dresses were even the cover story of Mademoiselle magazine in 1967!

“In terms of how much pow you get for your pennies, the paper dress is the ultimate smart-money fashion! And the news in the paper is this: surprisingly pretty prints, clever new shapes that would do credit to an origami expert. (Surprisingly long life too: as many as 12 outings).”  —”The Big Paper Craze” Mademoiselle, June 1967.

 


image

{How cute are the “sizes” in that above dress? “Eeny” “Meeny” and “Miney”. I love it.}

Scott stopped producing them after the first run (I think all the suits were a little freaked out by the success, declaring they “weren’t in the garment business”). No worries, lots of others companies jumped on the band wagon. Andy Warhol joined in with his infamous Campbell’s Soup Dress (the “Souper Dress”) and even Richard Nixon created a paper dress for female supporters!


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The trend continues and according to a Time Magazine article from 1967, “Sterling Paper believes in paper resort wear, the idea being that vacationers could buy paper clothes at the hotel when they arrive, throw them away when they depart, thus eliminating packing and carrying heavy luggage.” Amazing! Designers began upping the ante, creating full length gowns and mock paper “fur” coats.

Alas, the rage only lasted for a few years and fashionable “ready to tear” paper clothing died out as suddenly as it had appeared but remains a testament to the innovations of the 60s.

Greg procured a paper dress for me for Christmas a few years ago (yay greg!) and I love it—the packaging is kind of the best part. I think it was a fun fad—I kinda of wish they’d pick it up again. How fun/funny to put your dress in the recycling bin instead of the clothes hamper??

Recently there have been several touring exhibitions of paper dress collections. There was one at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and there is one currently in Melbourne at the Chadstone Shopping Center. Which makes me wonder….just WHO WAS  that crazy Greek man who scooped up all those dresses and just what did he do with them? Hmph.

Come Fly With Me! Pan Am + Vintage Airlines

Best of Alix, Vintage Photos, Vintage Pop Culture, , , , , , ,


image: DannDC

I’m obsessed with vintage travel. I love every thing about it—old suitcases, vintage travel posters, retro airports and I love love love old stewardess uniforms (yeah yeah, I know…“flight attendants”). The other night Miss Dottie and I were out for dinner with The Dames (our retro supper club) and she mentioned that there was a new TV show on the books called Pan Am—all about a group of stewardesses in the 1960s. While I know this show is clearly pandering to the Mad Men craze, I can’t help but say, lawdy I’m excited!


I’ll post the trailer for the show at the end of this post, but first I wanted to share with you some of my favorite old skool airlines!

Back in the day flying was much more glamorous. Taking a trip was an event. People were genuinely impressed with the miracle of flight (“Holy smokes! We’re FLYING through the air in a metal ship!”) Everyone got dressed up and wore “traveling outfits” when they went on vacation. You ate food on real china with real silverware. You didn’t have to pay for drinks. You were a jetsetter! And stewardesses were like super models, tall, chic in stylish uniforms. Becoming a “stew” was considered quite prestigeous…and dating one? Well it was the ultimate status symbol.


Of course I know it wasn’t all sunshine and roses. The ladies had to maintain strict weight requirements and “grooming standards” in order to fly—not to mention leering drunkards pinching their pert lil booties. But at its most basic, it was a pretty glamorous lifestyle. My favorite “vintage” airlines were Braniff, Pan Am and PSA. Lemme show you why.

BRANIFF

First up, Braniff. These guys had it going on. In 1965 they famously hired graphic designer Alexander Girard to revamp their brand. He launched a campaign called “The End of the Plain Plane,” which introduced  a bold color scheme that was applied to everything from the lounges and ticket counters to the aircrafts themselves. Check out the fleet of “Jellybean 707s” in their brilliant candy colors!

Of course the other reason I love them is that Girard convinced top execs to hire Italian designer Emilio Pucci to redesign all the Air Hostess uniforms. Pucci, as we all know, is the master of the colorful, crazy print. He revamped their uniforms in his iconic patterns, adding a flair to air travel that had never been seen before.

One of his most infamous creations was the space bubble helmet (officially called a “rain dome” by Braniff) which protected your coiffure in windy/rainy weather. He also came up with a multi layered, inter-changeable wardrobe, which was dubbed the “air strip” because flight attendants would peel off various parts of the uniform (jackets, scarves etc) during flight to mix it up. Oooh lala!


images: BRANIFF

In the 70s they even had Alexander Calder paint a design on the planes to make them even more whimsical and fun. Oh Braniff, how we miss you!

PAN AM


Pan American World Airways (Pan Am) might not have had the space bubble (although that turban up there is prettttty darn close) they DID have what I think is quite possibly the best logo in aviation. This iconic airline was known a pioneer in transocean and intercontinental flying—they travelled to every continent except Antarctica. They are also credited with numerous innovations including the Jumbo Jet.

I have many happy memories of flying via Pan Am to Europe with my parents in the 70s. For some reason it always represented the ultimate in classy travel to me. It’s no wonder that they are the topic of this new TV series!


image: pollymcmillan


images: PAN AM

Back in the 90s I scored a Pan Am flight bag at the thrift store and its always been one of my prized possessions.I went through a phase where I tried to dress in a “60s stewardess” inspired way—neck scarves and tailored little dressies. Ahhh, those were the days!

PSA (or Pacific Southwest Airline)

Let’s face it folks, PSA was the total swingin’ 60s/70s airline. I discovered their crazy, colorful stewardess uniforms many years ago and was forever hooked. Mini skirts with hot pants and sassy go-go boots?? Sign me up! From 1970-1976 the ladies wore these amazing orange and pink or red and pink ensembles:



images: PSA

 


And one bonus shot, from a vintage Southwest Airlines crew. WOW. Look at those lace up go-go boots! A far cry form the khaki shorts and polo shirts flight attendants wear these days, eh?

I know we’re all about “being comfortable” these days. Most travelers wear sweats and sneaks or (shudder) shorts and  flip flops. We charged for everything from peanuts to water. We bemoan the delays and try to cram colossal rolling suitcases into the tiny overhead bins. But every now and then I’ll spy an older couple on a flight, beautifully dressed, sitting serenely. And I know they remember. To them, air travel is still a miracle of modern science. An exciting adventure. I always try to catch their eye and smile, as if to say “Hey! I remember too.”


image: julia davila
*ding*
You are now free to move around the cabin. Or watch the trailer for Pan Am. Hee.


Vintage Roadtrip // The Kitschy Pink Palace // Madonna Inn

Best of Alix

My friend Elizabeth, of The Littlest, was on a lovely family road trip this weekend. Part of her trip included a first time stay at The Madonna Inn. And I was so thrilled for her, because The Madonna Inn ROCKS. In brief, it is an insane palace of kistch! I was reminded of my own trip there. Waaay back when I turned 30,  before Wolfie was born, greg planned a really amazing birthday weekend for me. We flew to Vegas to see Siegfried and Roy (I should explain the night we first met was Halloween and my roomie and I were dressed as Siegfried & Roy. We looked fabulously ridiculous (sequin capes, giant stuffed white tiger) but somehow greg still asked me out. We always joked we needed to see S &R someday and so he made it happen. Then after Vegas, greg took me to Disneyland (I love Disneyland. For reals. It’s one of my favorite things ever). Finally, the last leg of our adventure was a pit stop at the infamous Madonna Inn. Ahhh, the Madonna Inn! Pink, kitschy…faaaaabulous! Each bedroom has a different theme—bright colors, crazy wall paper etc—and I really think this is what Liberace’s guest rooms must have looked like.

Located in San Luis Obisbo, the Inn was opened in 1958 by Alex Madonna. It didn’t turn this flamboyant until after 1966 when a fire nearly burned the whole thing to the ground. Like a mad genius (who believed “Anyone can decorate a room”) he wallpapered, shellacked, and ticky tackified this place into the wondrous creation it is today. All the rooms have Theme names (“Barrel of Fun”, “Krazy Dazy” “Jungle Rock” etc), which just adds to the fun.

One of the centerpieces of the Madonna Inn is the pink dining room….and I DO mean pink, pets!
How amazing are those round booths? It’s as luscious in person as it is in this photo.

Greg and I stayed in one of the cave rooms, which is like Flintstones-meets-Tretchikof with a splash of Swingin’ Bachelor Pad. Did I mention the rock shower? Awww yeah. You can see the larger suite version of that room in this YouTube video. (seriously, is EVERYTHING on YouTube??)


Images: Madonna Inn

If you’re ever in California you have to swing by for sure. My dream is to do a big vintage photo shoot there. Maybe this year I can make it happen. Oh Madonna Inn, I love you soooo!


Also, today is the last day to vote for us and all the other grand ladies in the Circle of Moms Top 25 Kids’ Style blog competition. Won’t you please head on over and give us a thumbs up vote? Just one easy click. Click the circle below to vote. Thank you co much for being the best readers around!

 

The Top 10 Best Dressed Kids of Classic TV

Best of Alix, Best of Dottie, Vintage Childhood, Vintage Pop Culture, , , , , , , ,

I can’t lie. Miss Dottie and I are straight up pop culture junkies. And nothing makes us happier than reminiscing about our favorite TV shows we watched as kids. The other day we were talking and we realized how much of our vintage clothing sensibilities were influenced by some of the cool kids we saw on 70s television. Sooooo, we thought it would be fun to take a cruise down Nostalgia Lane and take a peek at some of the most stylish vintage kiddos out there! These handsomely clad children were chosen by a very scientific process known as the Modern Kiddo Retro Diagnostic. It’s a unique three step process, which I am happy to share with you for the very first time. It goes something like this.

STEP ONE: Research

ALIX: Oh my god, do you remember that kid from Sigmund the Sea Monster?

STEP TWO: Analysis

DOTTIE: OH MY GOD I LOVED THAT KID! He had those crazy plaid pants!!

STEP THREE: Implimentation

ALIX: Dude! Let’s totally put him on the list!!!!

See? A verrrrry scientific process.

Well let’s get to it, friends! Presenting, The First Annual Modern Kiddo Best Dressed Kids of Classic Television.

1. THE ADAM’S FAMILY // WEDNESDAY ADAMS

ALIX: Long before Emily the Strange was a glimmer in yer eyeliner-rimmed goth eye, there was Wednesday Adams. She might have lived in a musty Gray Gardens-fab mansion, but man did this girl know the power of the Little Black Dress early on. Of course, she did have a fabulous fashion muse of a mama, Morticia!

DOTTIE: Absolutely! Where would all of those young goth girls crib their style from, if it weren’t for little Miss Wednesday? I do love that she softens it with a peter pan collar and crisp white cuffs. Now if only she could find a more charming accessory than a headless doll…

ALIX: Let’s not forget about Pugsley, either. He usually wore the requisite stripy shirt, but I am loving his Gomez Lite look—complete with ‘stash!

2. THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW // OPIE

ALIX: Awwww, OPIE! Honestly, this little feller is thee quintessential vintage boy. From his awesome plaid button up shirts and cutie tees to his little cuffed jeans, this freckle-faced cutie is tops! Wolfie is very “Opie-inspired” in his dress.

DOTTIE: I couldn’t agree more. And of course, he was the original purveyor of the stripey shirt…a look we’re gonna see a few more times today. Who knew that Ron Howard would be such a trend setter?? Oh, and you’re so right. Look at him working that cuffed jean! Go on with your bad self, Opie!

3. THE ANDY WILLIAM’S SHOW // THE OSMOND BROTHERS

ALIX: Helllo….helllo….helllllllo…..HELLLLLO! [that’s me typing in four part harmony] OK, I admit it. I was OBSESSED with The Donny & Marie Show. I loved the outfits, the music and I thought Marie and her big ol shiny teeth were amazing!! Alas, they are too old to make the list. So we turn to their snappy brothers! Technically their big brothers, these little gents wore some mighty dapper duds when they were little ones!

DOTTIE: I must say that my obsession with my Marie doll was twice that of Barbie or Blythe. What can I say! I’m a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll. But true—the original Osmond boys were charming and well dressed enough.

ALIX: Total aside, I am with ya on the doll business. I wanted a Donny & Marie doll SO badly but my mom would only let me get one. I convinced my cousin that she really wanted the Donny doll, and then I would get Marie. Of course my poor cousin had no interest in a boy doll in a purple jump suit, so I was more than happy to relieve her of him so he could sing in blissful harmony with my Marieeeeeee! I still have them.

4. FAMILY AFFAIR // BUFFY & JODY


DOTTIE: Family Affair was a totally great show that ran in the late 60s. Rich Uncle Bill somehow ended up raising his brother’s kids—Cissy and twins Buffy & Jody—in his luxurious New York apartment. I think I can trace my love of redheads to that charmer Jody. Look at him up there, giving Mrs. Beasley the stink-eye! What a well dressed scamp! And that little Buffy, what a doll!

ALIX: Speaking of dolls (hyuck, hyuck) Buffy had a creepily fabulous, polka dot wearing “granny doll” named Mrs. Beasley. It was so awesomely random. The kicker, however, was Mr. French, the bearded “traditional English gentleman” who was inexplicably living with them. He’s the gent on the right with the umbrella. And a bowler hat that I kind of cut out. Sorry—I had to choose between the bowler or Buffy’s shoes. Everyone on the show had fab style, but today we’re talkin’ Buffy and Jody.

DOTTIE: Where oh where to begin? The perfect patent leather mary janes or the genius dress?

ALIX: I personally love that she’s workin’ the pocket square! This young girl was ahead of her time. So unusual to see on a little lady! Almost as unusual as that wrought iron thing-a-majiggy she’s standing in. What the heck is that anyway??

DOTTIE: I have no clue. But did here’s a cool tidbit. Supposedly Cindy from the Brady Bunch based her hair on Buffy fab ‘do—like you could blame her—those ringlets are fantastic!

ALIX: I have to say as a little girl I was really confused by a little boy named Jody. BUT he’s got some crazy style—cribbed, I’m sure, from the fantastic Mr. French. Oh! And don’t forget that Jody would go on to rock our world with his casual, “I’m just chillin’ with a walking/talking seaweed guy” attitude on Sigmund the Seamonster:

 

5. THE BRADY BUNCH // BOBBY & CINDY BRADY

ALIX: “It’s a story….of a stylish family!” From 1969 -1974, these six rockin’ kiddos made us smile. But today we’ve got our spotlight on the two youngest Brady’s: Bobby and Cindy. Look at Bobby rockin’ the plaid pants!

DOTTIE: And with a patterned shirt, to boot!

ALIX: The Brady Boy’s wardrobe was such a great era in fashion. SO colorful and cool. But lets be honest. It was all about the girls. And not just Marcia, Marcia, Marcia. Little Cindy had the best outfits.

DOTTIE: I must admit, I was OBSESSED with Cindy growing up. In fact I made my mother refer to me as Cindy. There was this one episode when she showed up in lace up white boots and I nearly dropped my rocket popsicle, I was so in awe of her!

ALIX: For me it was all about THE HAIR. “The youngest one in curls……” I so coveted those pigtails!!


6. H.R. PUFNSTUF // JIMMY

DOTTIE: I think we can sum this one up in two words….PUFFY SHIRT.

ALIX: I think I would say this guy is Vest Dressed!

DOTTIE: Oh ho! And doesn’t he kinda look a bit like a young Christina Ricci in this next shot?? Also, is it just me or does he seems pretty handy with that flute?? Errr… ok. Let’s just say Freud would have a field day with this one.

ALIX: Cindy, I’m speechless.

 

7. THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY // DANNY, TRACY and CHRIS

ALIX: OK. Nothing says FUN like a full on, family band! Sure they wore matching get ups (in velveteen no less!) when performing, but off duty? They were incredibly stylish. Little Tracy and her mary janes? I think I looooove you!

DOTTIE: Could we talk about the awesomeness of the big yarn hair bows? That look needs to come back STAT! And I kinda want that yellow tights/turtleneck denim jumper combo for myself.

ALIX: Shout out to manager Ruben Kincaid in his velveteen artist smock!

Alix: I love that Tracy wasn’t just girlie girl. She’s got the little sneaks and jeans combo down!

DOTTIE: Um, I’m sorry, is Mrs. Partridge wearing granny boots?? I die!

Alix: Focus, Miss Dottie! This is about the kiddos! Quick, take a look below at Tracy’s red, white and blue SKORT to center yourself!

DOTTIE: Right, right….OK, whew. I’m back on track!

8. LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE // LAURA INGALLS & NELLIE OLSEN

DOTTIE: Oooh this was one of my all time favorites! Calico goodness! Aprons! A legion of girls were sportin’ their Gunne Sax prairie dresses and granny boots in a stylish homage to this brilliant show! I know you agree with me on this one, right??

ALIX: Um. So I have a confession. I never really watched this show much.

DOTTIE: [GASP!]

ALIX: I know, I know! BUT the one person who I DO remember? Nellie Olsen.


DOTTIE: Pardon me while I get back into the chair I just fell out of. OK. You are somewhat redeemed. I totally liked Nellie so much more just for her fabulous wardrobe!

ALIX: Yeah, why do all the mean girls get the best clothes? Nellie was always stylin’.

DOTTIE: I think I can summarize her fabulousness in two words: HAIR BOWS. Note to self: go as Nellie for Halloween…

 

9. PBS  ZOOM// THE ZOOM KIDS


ALIX: We’re gonna Zoom Zoom Zooma ZOOM! Please tell me you used to do that cool hand trick that Bernadette did!

DOTTIE: Please tell me you know how to say “that striped rugby shirt is brilliant” in hubbi dubbi talk!!

ALIX & DOTTIE: “Write ZOOM, Z-Double-O-M, Box 3-5-0, Boston, Mass 0-2-1-3-4: send it to ZOOM!”

10. SONNY & CHER SHOW // CHASTITY BONO


ALIX: Last but not least….one of my all time childhood favorites. Chastity Bono. I remember watching the Sonny & Cher Variety show with awe. Cher’s glittering costumes and flowing silky hair had me wide-eyed. At the end of every show she and Sonny would sing, “I Got You Babe,” which was one of my favorite songs. And little Chastity would come tottering out—usually in a really cool outfit that coordinated with her mom. I thought she was the most glamorous kid EVER.

DOTTIE: Wow. So much fashion fabulousness.

ALIX: Are we really going to ignore that clown back there?

DOTTIE: I think we must.

ALIX: Oh ho ho! Someone is workin’ the Nelly Olsen here!

DOTTIE: Don’t even try and name drop Prairie just to get back in my good graces, you sly thing!

ALIX: Hee. OK, well can I just say I’m partial to this sassy houndstooth goodness with the red accents? I love it!

DOTTIE: Of course we all know how this story ends. I’m not really sure what Chaz thinks of these funky ensembles, but I kinda hope he has fond memories of them! We sure do.

 

ALIX: So that’s it folks. That was too much fun, huh!

DOTTIE: Agreed! I think we had some smashing picks in the mix. But is there anyone we forgot? Hmmm.

ALIX: I can see it now…..Best Dressed TV Kiddos Goes 80s! Oh, and special welcome to our friends who found us via Daily Candy Kids! We were thrilled to be the very first “Editor Fave” on their new “WHAT WE’RE READING” list! Go Daily Candy! We luv you too!

PS: Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know! I have a feeling we’ll be writing about this again…

Then and Now :: Groovy Playhouses

Best of Alix, Vintage Childhood, Vintage Toys + Fun Stuff, , , , ,

I’m just gonna go out on a limb and say it. This is quite possibly the coolest playhouse EVA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It rules on so many levels. And yes it’s hip, but most importantly it looks like it would be SO fun to play inside. It got me thinking, “What did play houses look like back in the day??” So I went on a hunt. Lemme tell ya, it was a little hard to find. For example, I love this image, these kiddos are so cute (and stylish!). That playhouse is a tad grim though, eh?

OK,  this is more like it! A-frame goodness….with a built-in sandbox on the side.

This clever little playhouse is made of cloth. Love the big flowers….

This isn’t vintage, but it’s made of vintage sheets. It’s enough to make me want to hop on the tee pee bandwagon!

images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

I love all of those so much! I was curious if I could find some modern counterparts that had as much style and here’s what I turned up!

I really like this rad little pad—the double doors are very cool and it seems so light and airy inside! (nevermind that it KINDA looks like a 70s office building…)

image: modern play shed

This one is interesting but I have to admit it sort of looks like you’re playing inside a stylish piece of cheese:

image: smart playhouse

I like it better at night:

So this one….it’s slick, but seems so dark. Not very cheery, ya know? I’m all for hip design for kids, but not sacrificing FUN!

Ahhhh, see? This one is pretty groovy.  AND it still seems fun. Wouldn’t you rather have a fun slide than a CHIC! MODERN! MIDCENTURY! WOOD BOX! (ahem, playhouse above)

This one is quite adorable. The clear ceiling makes it really airy!


image: modern cabana

And finally….check out this bad boy. It ain’t purty but you know you would have one helluva good time staging battles and pretending your backyard was the planet of Tatooine. And your golden retriever a wookie.

Mmm hmmm. Featuring a 4-Sound Electronic Console. That *is* gym-dandy.