Category Archives: Vintage Childhood

Vintage Road Trip:: Station Wagons.

Best of Dottie, Vintage Childhood, , , , , , ,


Image via: Lennoxnehar

Before there was the mini-van, there was the station wagon. And all was right in the world.

For many people, summer brings back memories of family vacations, which for most people in America usually involved some time spent in a car and that car was usually a station wagon.

I remember trips to Cape Cod in the family station wagon.  Towing a fishing boat no less. All of the boys crammed into the middle seat and me all the way in the back seat with the cat and the cooler and my Raggedy Anne. I mean, really. If you looked at your family photo albums, I bet you probably have a photo somewhere in there that looks like this:


Images via: Station Wagon Forums and Lah Rah.

But before the station wagon became the family car that millions of teenagers learned to drive in and make out in the back of, it was more of a transportation vehicle for people traveling on trains in the thirties.  The modified back ends that made them “depot hacks” were necessary to carry large amounts of luggage – everyone traveled by train then, remember, and you needed a car that could comfortably carry people and large amounts of luggage from the train station to home–as opposed to a truck.


Image via: Traveling mamas.


Image via: Flickr user gem66

One of the most popular early station wagons pre-WW II was the Woodie. They were made with real wood–hence the name and harkened back to when people used wooden coaches to transport large groups of people. And they are gorgeous aren’t they?


Image: Akeem’s blog.


Image: Curbside Classic.


Image: Nihat’s blog.

But the real golden age of the station wagon was during the 1950s, when baby boomers’ parents needed something to travel on all those new highways in style! I love the ads the most! Every family had one! And the wood was replaced with steel although of course faux wood paneling was still popular for many years.


Image: 55 Classic Chevy


Image: Adclassix


Image: Forum.love-fords.org


Image via: Paulmanon

 

The sixties, we started to see more European versions, like this sweet Volvo.


Image via: Fontaine Maury.


Image via Flickr.

But the “wood paneling” stayed .. And the station wagons started to get smaller (think Pinto) but still were loved.


Image via: carsdirect.com

But the 80s were tough on the iconic gas guzzling station wagon and the mini-van pretty much signaled the death knell for these gorgeous cars, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still love them.  Vintage station wagons are still available and you can’t help but smile when you see one on the road and perhaps think back to your own childhood.


Image via: Striderv

But before I go, I must admit, I’m not just a fan of vintage station wagons, I’m a co-owner too!

We bought this sweet car the first year of our marriage with dreams of fixing it up and filling it with our kiddos for our own road trips.  And it is pink. How can you not love that? Right now it is getting more of a work out as the Peach’s playhouse, but we have dreams of future cross country trips in that beauty.

Here’s to future road trips!

PS: Speaking of road trips—our girl Jenny at Frecklewonder is having a blast of one. I highly recommend you check out the pix in progress on her Instagram (“frecklewonder”)!

 

 

 

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.55classicchevy.com/images/55Chevy-ad-6.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.55classicchevy.com/1955-chevrolet-classic-car-video-clips-7.html&usg=__LeQYmILjNcpgPWSasWHWAx_ottE=&h=310&w=400&sz=66&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=6oOwt6jwzwE8xM:&tbnh=132&tbnw=170&ei=xt0TTsHxFOnKiAKQm4GHDg&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dvintage%2Bstation%2Bwagons%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3Dose%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D870%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=993&vpy=301&dur=450&hovh=132&hovw=170&tx=126&ty=96&page=1&ndsp=27&ved=1t:429,r:26,s:0

Vintage Kiddo Retro Round Up!

Kiddo Style: Vintage, Vintage Childhood, , , ,

Hi hi Everyone, I’m back! I’ve been traveling for work last week and nutty busy going to estate sales, seeing cute new babies of wonderful friends and having missionary downfalls with family as the temperatures finally begin to warm up in the Bay Area. Huzzah!  Sadly, sleep has been rather elusive, but that means that I must turn to the darling Internet to amuse me with dandy vintage finds. And hoo-boy–did I find some gems.

So with no further ado–the round up!

This weekend I saw J.J. Abrams Super8, which was set in 1979 and revolved around a bunch of 12 year old boys.  I loved the movie, but I particularly loved the vintage  toys most of all that were shown in the background.  I grew up in a household of boys in the seventies, so I had vivid memories of them painting models like the ones featured in Super8.  And this sweet vintage Matilda van model kit made me smile ear to ear. From Ebay seller, reeds-real-deals.

I love little pastel vintage dresses and this sweet summer voile one is just perfection, perfection, perfection. From Ebay seller, msna2001.

I know transportation is a very popular theme for boys clothing, but I think this vintage Nascar white jumpsuit is a genius offshoot.  From Ebay seller, mooses12951.

As I child, my cousins and I would fight over which Village People character we would want to marry.  (Shaking head…) But I’m sure we would have fought over this brilliant vintage Macho Man t-shirt–in blue glitter no less! From our dear Robot Parade 4 Kids!

I love the great Stride Rite box almost as much as I love these great oxblood mary janes with the sweet Pilgrim buckle. From Etsy seller, White Wash.

I like to think that Glee’s Mister Shuester character is bringing vests back!  And you can start your little kiddo out right with one as sassy as this little plaid vintage friend!  From Ebay seller, nwiowarocks.

You know what would make a great puzzle? A smiling mama bird with a strawberry print kerchief carrying her baby birds in a nest on a branch riding a flower speckled turtle wearing a groovy red, white and blue hat. Well, hey! There it is! From Etsy seller, Aimee’s Scooter.

Gah! I had one of these when I was growing up and made soooooo many calls to Raggedy Ann, Mickey Mouse, and various characters from books with this gem. And it was so olde timey looking too! From our friends at Sweet Shop Vintage!

And the award for best product description this year goes to  Fuzzymama for describing this vintage smurfy gem of a puzzle, “100 pieces of musically inclined smurfs happily doing their thing.”  Genius.

I will do a feature next week on all Fourth of July U. S. of Yay vintage round up, but I HAD to share this wonderful little patriotic shirt with you all. I don’t know how 3 Ring Circus finds such great goodies!

One last one that was also featured in the main characters bedroom in Super8. And it would make the ultimate Father’s present too… You guessed it…

G.I. JOE! With kung-fu grip, natch.

I had to show a close up of that bristle head that I used to touch when I brothers weren’t look. It was the most bizarre texture ever. I love how this one has aged into salt and pepper.  From Ebay seller, Supercarsparts.

Happy Monday, friends!

Packed Up :: Vintage Children’s Suitcases.

Best of Dottie, Vintage Childhood, , , ,

Via Lynne’s Lens.

With Spring Break coming up, I’m sure many people are thinking about going on some fun trips this April.  And nothing symobilizes travel as much as a suitcase!  Today’s rolling backpacks are ergonomic dreams for kids, but I still love a good vintage suitcase and have a special little place for children’s vintage suitcases in particular.  Children love stuff that is sized properly for them. So you can imagine how even more excited they’ll be when they can pack their bathing suits in their own bag.

When I was a little girl, I had this sweet canvas floral suitcase that I packed all my Health Tex dressed and Raggedy Ann into to go to my Aunt Beverly and cousin Cheryl’s pad for the night.  Man, just pulling that bag out meant fun was on the way!  And they are very popular with adults as well as kiddos today.

I love this grand vinyl one that is a sassy take on the floral pattern.

I love the round hat box style ones.  Perfect for a little one to carry all of her goodies around!

I love the suitcases that make is seem like kids are huge travelers–like this one featuring a girl who probably has more passport stamps than me!

Or just a simple traveler going to Grandmas!

I think these nautical blue ones with the anchors would be perfect for a trip to the beach, don’t you think?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

the other nice thing about children’s suitcases is that they are still pretty easy to find on Etsy and Ebay, like these beauts for $40.

Definitely worth possibly collecting a few, yeah? I nice storage solution that is bright and cheery and easy for kids to use.

Did you have special suitcase when you were a little one?

Up, Up and Away with Yummy Retro Birthday Cakes!

Vintage Childhood, Vintage Kiddo Photos, ,

Today is a very special day. It’s Wolfie’s BIRTHDAY! I’ll be doing a little special edition Weekly Kiddo showcase later today, but for now I wanted to talk birthday cake. Mmmm. Birthday Cake. You know, back in the day people really made an effort to make their kiddo’s birthday cakes special—and personal. They cut and created. They decorated and embellished. Cakes were artful in a very home spun way!


image: curly wurly

I never was a fan of too much frosting when it came to eating, but I sure loved to look at it. When I was 4 or 5 one of my mom’s friends made me a gigantic ballerina shaped cake and whooooo boy did I think it was cool.


image: the happy apple

I have to say that ultimately I’m a big fan of the sweet and simple old timey two layer cake. My specialties are yellow cake with chocolate frosting and M&Ms all over the top (cute, easy, and festive!) and a lemon cake with cream cheese frosting (which is sooooo freakin’ scrumpdillyicious I can’t stand it).


Nowadays it seems that birthday cakes fall into a couple of camps. The over-the-top fondant covered fancy cake—that’s so elaborate it’s almost more of a wedding cake. (Does fondant really taste good anyway??) And the other option are the prefab, store-bought rectangle cakes with that puffy sweet frosting that makes yer teeth hurt. And then there are the cupcakes.

For all my yackin’, I’m never that adventurous and I always end up making cupcakes—which are admittedly all the rage with the elementary school set. While I do love a good cupcake, I still miss those proper homemade “cut up” cakes of the 1970s . Take a look at these babies from the Baker’s Coconut Cookbook and you’ll see what I mean! (Please pardon the butter and flour stains on the page—this little book as well loved!)


Poor Jerry Giraffe….it’s never a good sign when there are only two good things about you, and one of them involves you being eaten.

Awww, the gum drop horsey! So cute. Although it kinda looks like a llama…..

And then there’s the quirky Teddy Bear with it’s craaaazy eyes.

It’s a fluffy bunny, bear, er…. “THING”. And finally, the Cut-Up Kids!

The little girl is a TAD creepy. A slab o’ pink “leg” anyone??

So fun huh! I would loooove to bake something like that for Wolfie. Like, a groovy guitar cake! Or a wacky dog. Alas, my son is the World’s Only Child Who Hates Cake. And Chocolate. No lie. It’s maddening. So it’s cupcakes I’ll be making our party this weekend! Yellow cake with vanilla frosting and sprinkles most likely. Someday I’ll just surprise him and bust out with something totally crazy. Like this red and yellow luv:

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…