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Well I don’t know about that Eddie Zima Style, but I DO know we are sure loving polka dots over here! As always, we each have our own interpretation  of things. But we’ve both definitely been inspired by polka dot footwear…they are so fun and whimsical, don’t you think? Dottie was workin’ these sassy red flats:
And Alix was feelin’ mighty fine rockin’ these playful spotted oxfords:
FUN! How are you wearing polka dots? Would you ever wear polka dotter shoes too??
We here at Modern Kiddo are straight up pop culture junkies. 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 kiddos 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 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 your eyeliner-rimmed eye, there was Wednesday Adams. She might have lived in a musty Gray Gardens-fab mansion, but this girl knew the power of the Little Black Dress early on. Of course, she did have a fabulous fashion muse, her mama Morticia!
DOTTIE: Absolutely! Where would all of those young goth girls crib their style from, if it weren’t for 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. I am loving his “Gomez Lite” look—very suave!
2. THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW // OPIE
ALIX: Awwww, OPIE! Honestly, this little feller is the quintessential vintage boy. From his awesome plaid button up shirts and cutie tees to his little cuffed jeans, this freckle-faced cutie is tops!
DOTTIE: I couldn’t agree more. And of course, Opie 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!
ALIX:Â I just realized that Wolfie is rather “Opie-inspired” in his dress.
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, who started America’s love with The Osmonds! These little gents wore some mighty dapper duds when they were little ones!
DOTTIE: I’m with you. I must say that my obsession with my Marie doll was twice that of Barbie. What can I say! I’m a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll. And yes—they totally got their sweet style from the original Osmond boys. Check out little Donny down there!
ALIX: Total aside. Back in the day 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, so then I could get Marie and we would have both. 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! And yes. I still have them. In The Basement.
4. FAMILY AFFAIR // BUFFY & JODY
DOTTIE: Family Affair was a totally great show that ran in the late 60s. I remember catching it on re-runs. 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, 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 off. Sorry—I had to choose between the hat or Buffy’s shoes. It has to be said that 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 glorious dress?
ALIX: I personally love that she’s workin’ the pocket square! This young girl was WAY 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 here’s a cool tidbit. Supposedly Cindy Brady hair was inspired by Buffy fab—who 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 sooo 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 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:Â 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 still 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 ties? That look needs to come back! 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! It’s so Little House chic! I think I need to get some of those….
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
ALIX: OK, OK. You need to lead this one off because I know of your special fondness for Laura Ingalls lady!
DOTTIE: Oooh totally. 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:Â 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 Â 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!
PS: Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know! I have a feeling we’ll be writing about this again…
Hi hi folks!
Well, May is coming in with some totally gorgeous weather and I spent a good chunk outside with the Peach. Very mellow and lovely with even a massage in it. But I still of course had a bit of time pull together some dandy vintage goodness for you all! Enjoy!
I clearly have a thing for sassy silly giraffes. Like the well dressed one gracing this little yellow jacket. From Etsy seller, 1 Sweet Dream Vintage. Because THIS little giraffe is wearing a scarf AND skates.
Looks at this little kapow kutie romper in some seriously pretty houndstooth yellow. Perfection! From Etsy seller, Mama Fabun.
With the wonderful weather I’ve been really thinking about getting a pools… And my Fisher Price Little People shall live in the lap of luxury with their own pool! From Etsy seller, Toys of the Past.
Um, these Peanuts pants are perfection. I don’t know where you find these gems, Lishyloo, but seriously. These are so darn cute!
I’m completely in love with these little gingham baby rompers. Perfect for a spring baby! With extra room for diapers. Love! From Etsy seller, Oliver’s Forest.
I’m kinda crushing on this mama duck’s little kerchief as she guides her sweet baby duckies along. Perfect nursery decor if you ask me. From Etsy seller, UDA Kids.
This tiny little tea set is killing me with cuteness! A little sledding kitty and puppy? Makes sense to me! From Etsy seller, Dream Queen.
Whoa! These. Shoes. Whoa. From Etsy seller, Star Friends on Earth.
 A onesie with a flipping matching hat?!?! From Etsy seller, Linda’s Time Compass.
Alix–this is for you–Bargain Hunter board game. A board game based on getting the best bargain! From Etsy seller, Alchemy Collectibles.
Hee hee! Happy Monday!
Ah the Friday Link Hootenanny is turning more and more into the “Weekend Link Hootenanny” but I think that’s A-OK, and I hope you do too. We had a little bit of rain and cold but now we’re back to glorious sun shine! What do you have going on this weekend? In the meantime, here are some fun links that caught my eye….
1. PRADA GIFS GOOD ANIMATION
GIFs are all hot again. Even fashion powerhouse Prada is jumping on the bandwagon and have released a series of little playful GIFs that will debut on different fashion blogs. I found these over at style bubble. Check out more here.
2. MIDCENTURY WOW!
Pam over at Retro Renovation always has the most amazing finds for vintage lovers. This home tour of a 1954 midcentury masterpiece is one of the most spectacular I’ve ever seen! See the complete tour here.
3. INSTA GLAM
Wow. These high fashion photos were all taken by photographer Nick Knight via Instagram. Again WOW. See more here. (spied via whorange)
4. INSTA PILLOWS.
A pillow made up of instagram photos? How fun! I can see this being great for a kid’s room. Get yours here.
5. INSTA OBSESSION
Yes. I’m obsessed. I find instagram SO fun (both to browse and to shoot with). I loved this post on how to shoot like your favorite film director. Find out more over here. (To get the dreamy, vintage look of Anderson’s upcoming Moonrise Kingdom, add the Earlybird filter!)
6. MINI BUT MIGHTY.
Our sweet pal Erin of Design for Mankind just launched a brand new site called Design for Mini Kind. It’s already got loads of fun goodies, we can’t wait to see what else she comes up with! Congratulations Erin!
7. ROOTY TOOTY FRESH & FRUITY
Balloons shaped like fruits? Yes. Totally adorable (and do-able!). See more over here.
8. THIS SKIRT IS CURTAINS
This curtain was a skirt three minutes ago. Nice one, Aunt Peaches. See more here.
9. OLIVE DESIGN MOM
Design Mom is one of my favorite reads. Gabrielle Blair seems to navigate what could be a chaotic life (6 kiddos!) with such grace and aplomb. In addition to writing about cool design, she and her family moved from the States to a charming farmhouse in the French countryside and it’s been fascinating to follow along. It was meant to be a year long adventure, but now they are extending their stay for another year (or so) and I couldn’t be more excited. I have loved following her exploits. Do you read Design Mom? If not, I def recommend it. Check out the side bar for links to their French Adventure and a tour of the home they live in, La Cressonnière!
10. BONUS VIDEO// OLIVE US
Gabrielle is launching a new video series….here is the trailer. It looks like it will give us a further sneak peek into French living.
It all started here. One of my favorite things in the world. Thrift shopping. I was lucky that when I met Greg, I found a kindred spirit. He loves collecting and vintage as much as I do. In fact, our second date was actually an afternoon of thrifting (and then dinner and a movie). We’ve been together 10 years now. So that’s 10 years of joint thrifting. Not to mention all the stuff I had collected the years before I met him. In other words…..we got STUFF. Most of this was in our old Mission flat. Which had that kitschy cool charm of a San Francisco apartment. But when we bought a house we wanted it to look a little more “grown up cool”. Still funky, but less cluttered. We boxed up a lot of stuff. And tucked it away in the basement. So now our basement is filled with vintage clothing and bric-a-brac and miscellaneous stuff. Our garage and side storage room are also overflowing with STUFF……stuff like…well. THIS:
The problem is, while we have a mini hoarder sitch going on over here, it’s all cool stuff. Things that just make me happy to look at, but had forgotten about. Like this guy:
And our collection of vintage 70s 8-tracks and radios. They’re all so colorful and cool. “And they only play tunes from 1974!” Heh. I wish.
There were bins full of vintage magazines I didn’t even realize I had….
Magazines, dolls, dishes, lamps, books. BOOKS! So many books. I mean, who could resist the NEW COMPLETE POODLE??
Oh and vintage dance costumes?? Yeah. We have those too.
It’s starting to look a LITTLE cleaner. At least you can see the counter on the side storage room now.
If I’m being honest, there is also a lot of crap down there too. Papers. Books. Old suitcases (not pretty vintage ones). Camping gear. Random tools. Clipboards (we found EIGHT clipboards. WHY??) .TONS of empty boxes for toys that I saved “just in case we want to re-sell them”. I went through every single box that was stored on the shelves and we filled THREE recycling bins worth of paper. It’s still unclear why I saved an entire year of JANE magazine….or all those Vanity Fair magazines…or Martha Stewarts. Or that Rolling Stone issue with the Spice Girls on the cover (huh?) and every Rolling Stone with Nirvana on the cover. Or THIS:
HELLLLLLP!
My mom and dad came out here this week and have been helping sort and clean and take trips to the thrift store to donate and “put it back in the system” as I like to say. Ultimately there is a lot of pretty awesome stuff down there. Some of it I’ll keep. Much of it I need to sell. My mom always says, “You don’t need to ever go shopping again, just go thrifting in your basement!” She’s kind of right.  Most of it is just fun to share….so look for some followup posts on the craziness in my basement! (or follow me on instagram: @galexina….i tend to post lots of it there!)
I still have a TON of work to do. And to the untrained eye, the place still looks like a wreck…..but the piles are all organized. And i’m SO happy I went through all those mystery boxes and got rid of a ton of random things. Then again, so many things are soooo hard to get rid of!!
As I took my mom to the airport I couldn’t resist a quickie drive by at the thrift on the way home. I was going to take a joking photo of my out front and send it to her and Greg (because I am sort of forbidden from shopping there for a while). Of course as I walked in I spied an amazing vintage children’s book I have been on the hunt for for EVER (A Child’s Garden of Verses, illustrated by the Provesens) AND……a Pucci Scarf. $1.99. Sigh. And so it continues.
Do you have a collection problem??? Please share. It’s nice to know I’m not alone in this….