Road Warriors – Vintage Trailers & Campers Bring Style to the Campground

I’m sorry to admit I’ve neglected the blog for a couple months – but it’s summer! I’ve been busy enjoying time with family and friends. But a recent RV camping excursion in Lake Tahoe with my parents has me bitten with the camper/trailer bug.

“Constance” 1957 Sprite 14 caravan

While I appreciate the modern conveniences of today’s tricked out RVs (Direct TV, A/C, slide-out kitchens), I do prefer my camping a bit more “rustic,” though comfortable. So, I am a little bit obsessed with vintage trailers/campers of the 1950s and 1960s for their unique design and cozy charm.

Historic Airstream (from Airstream.com)

 

 

 

My dream has always been to someday own an Airstream trailer. Airstreams were the original trailer/campers – first appearing in the 1930s and iconic for their streamlined aluminum bodies. The Spartan was similar, with an angled end and oversized windows. Then there’s the retro-cool Shasta in candy colors.

1957 Shasta

And probably the grooviest – the elusive Holiday House (check out the full Flickr set of this picture-perfect pink HH).

1960 HolidayHouse

Aside from their incredibly cool outer design, vintage trailers are known for their adorably charming interiors featuring real wood, chrome and other cool period details that are lost in today’s more “generic” RV styles. The kitschier the better. These trailers provide such an opportunity to express your vintage style with customized decor.

Retro fab trailer interior

If you just want to gawk, there are a number of vintage trailer shows that take place around the country – most notably during the annual Palm Springs Modernism Week in February. Closer to home is the Midwest Vintage Trailer Rally 2012 in Montello, Wisc. September 13-16.

I’ve always enjoyed tent camping, but I dream of someday owing a restored vintage trailer like one of these that comes filled with a lifetime of great memories.

Rock the MadMen Style and Pass the Cocktails, Please

Christina Hendricks as Joan Holloway (photo: AMC)

The return of AMC’s MadMen for its anxiously awaited fifth season (after more than a year hiatus) has this MadMom in a dither of excitement. In addition to the fantastic characters, great writing and compelling storylines, I spend an equal if not greater amount of time in awe of the furnishings, décor and style featured in this show. There’s hardly a scene in which I am not coveting some table, lamp or dress.

MadMen has become an astounding pop culture phenomenon, inspiring a renewed appreciation for the style of the era – and as a lover of all things mid-century, I embrace it. Don’t get me wrong, I still love the casual comfort of a pair of flip flops and well-worn jeans, but there’s something to be said for getting a little “dolled up” on occasion, and MadMen’s 60s style is a great fit whether at the office or cocktail hour. The curve of a close-fitting pencil skirt… a clean-shaven man in a well-fitting suit… an ultra-feminine dress in a bright, floral spring pattern… it worked then and it works now.

January Jones as Betty Draper (photo: AMC)

Shopping for true vintage dresses and skirts like those worn by Betty Draper or Joan Holloway on Mad Men can be a bit tricky because, although there are plenty of vintage stores out there carrying them, you may not be able to find the one you want in your size. Vintage items may also show wear and/or be made of materials that aren’t so comfy (like heavy polyester).

Not to worry! There are plenty of current lines that put a modern-day twist on MadMen style, such as Banana Republic’s exclusive MadMen Collection, designed in collaboration with MadMen costume designer Janie Bryant. The collection features clothing and accessories for women and men in styles and colors inspired by the show.

This great pencil skirt from J. Crew is one of a number of pencil skirts offered by the brand that can show off your curves while still keeping a professional profile.

Pencil Skirt from J. Crew

Here’s an adorable MadMen inspired silk floral cocktail dress by Jessica Rose Fashions on Etsy.

Jessica Rose Silk Floral Cocktail Dress

"Ode to Joan Holloway" Necklace from Owliday Inn on Etsy

Don’t forget the jewelry. MadMen’s Joan is known for her brooches and gold “pencil necklace” she wears at the office. Owliday Inn on Etsy offers a number of “Ode to Joan Holloway” pencil necklaces made of vintage pencils.

To get into the spirit of the new season’s fashion and style, I attended a MadMen premiere party this week hosted by ModernSTL and St. Louis ad agency Scorch, where the men and ladies rocked MadMen outfits and sipped on deliciously crafted signature cocktails including a twist on the Manhattan and a delightful gin and champagne punch by St. Louis’ hip members-only bar and restaurant Blood and Sand.

Here my friend Nathan shows off his polished Don Draper look in a sharp, fitted suit and narrow tie as he sips from a vintage glass (with a candy cigarette – unlike our 60s counterparts, we know smoking kills).   I donned a vintage, Asian-inspired, lime green shift dress with a vintage satin handbag with tortoise shell detail. Dressing the part was a blast and made cocktail hour feel extra special and fun. Click here to view a slideshow of the party from the Riverfront Times.

We’ve come a long way since the 60s, and certainly there are many things about that time that aren’t so romantically remembered (like how women were basically sex objects or baby machines), but incorporating a bit of the era’s sophisticated style into your wardrobe can make you feel sexy and might turn a few heads – in a good way.   Need some inspiration? Tune in for the two-hour season premiere of MadMen tonight on AMC and visit AMC.com to view fashion photo galleries from each season. Happy shopping!

Vintage pottery planters add color and style indoors or out

I fancy myself a gardener – or at least I enjoy gardening. Amongst the various things I have begun to collect from the mid-century are a growing number of vintage pottery planters. It started with a unique pair I picked up from Craigslist for $20 and planted with flowers to put by our pool. I fell in love with their unique shapes, vibrant colors, and multi-layered glazes. I really like container gardening so I spend a lot of time looking at various pots and planters and had never seen any like these.

Soon, I began to notice them at antique malls and estate sales, and picked up a few more – usually for less than $10. Then I started really looking at them online and noticing the marks on the bottoms for brands like UPCO, McCoy and Hull (all made right here in the U.S.A.). The shapes seem endless, some very geometric and others completely free-form, making it all the more fun to look at because they are all so very different.

Most of them needed holes drilled in the bottom for drainage before planting – which my loving husband did very quickly and easily with a power drill and a narrow bit.

They look great outside with tiny annuals like alyssum or moss roses. Miniature cacti fit perfectly in them as well. I created this cactus arrangement on my front porch.

Inside, larger, deeper planters are perfect for small houseplants like this fern I have on a bookshelf.

These little gems are so attractive inside and out, that they even look good without any plants in them at all. I use a two-toned turquoise one that matches my bedding to hold bracelets and other jewelry on my dresser.

In addition to the small pottery planters, I was lucky enough to score an amazing vintage fiberglass tripod bullet planter, which makes a statement filled with dramatic mother-in-law tongue by the fireplace.

Vintage UPCO pottery from Paris On Sunday on Etsy

As with most antique collectibles, vintage planters are just plain fun to hunt for and find. If you’re not the “picking” type, though, you can find plenty of them online on Ebay and Etsy, such as this classic UPCO planter from Etsy shop Paris On Sunday.

I get a lot of compliments on my vintage planters and I think it’s simply because they stand out from the mass produced pottery you find in home centers and garden stores now. These pieces are true American originals.

Retro Barware Puts the Style in Happy Hour – I’ll Drink to That!

Suffice it to say I’m pretty excited about the upcoming fifth season of MadMen (beginning in March). The popularity of this show has practically reinvented cocktail culture – and one of the most important lessons it has to impart is that the glass you drink out of makes nearly as big a statement as what’s in it. Don Draper, for example, goes for an old fashioned (bourbon, bitters, water, sugar) – but he drinks it out of a silver band Roly Poly glass by mid-century designer Dorothy Thorpe.

There comes a time in life when you have to grow up, ditch the “Red Solo Cup” and enjoy your happy hour(s) in a more sophisticated manner. After scoring a very cool glass and wood cabinet last year on Craigslist (for a mere $25!), I decided to make the top of it into a Don Draper-esque liquor cabinet for my home office (if you watch Mad Men you’ll know that it’s imperative to have a liquor cabinet in your office). The narrow top shelf was perfect for filling with cool, retro barware, so I started hunting and building my collection.

This black and gold set was my first purchase…

Followed by these…

Vintage cocktail glasses like these can be easily found in vintage stores, antique malls, estate sales and online on Ebay, Etsy and Craigslist. Hunting for unique patterns and colors is nearly as fun as drinking out of them. Here is a set of fun snowflake ones from August Vintage.

Vintage barware also makes a great and unique gift for those who appreciate the value of something with a history (and of quality). Why give someone the same mass produced glasses everyone else has from a big chain store when you can give them something truly special?

Sometimes you can even find them in cool sets with a little caddy, like these, available at Rust Belt Threads:

And don’t forget the accessories. Another classic staple of the modern bar is the West Bend Penguin Ice Bucket. They come in chrome and aluminum with Bakelite and wood handles and can be found by the dozens on Ebay.

Teak also makes a fine modernist statement, and is very durable as well, like this number from High Street Market on Etsy.

Having a small group over for cocktails? What better way to showcase your glasses than to serve them up on a stylish tray like this one, found in the Retro Mod Eclectic Etsy store.

Collecting vintage barware is fun and it is typically reasonably priced and of good quality. Next time you whip up some cocktails, serve them up in style. Want to challenge your skills at mixing popular 60s cocktails? The official Mad Men Cocktail Culture iPhone app is a game and a 21-drink  cocktail guide rolled into one. Have fun and remember to always drink responsibly.

Modern Holiday Part II – Deck the Halls

Since moving into our mid-century modern ranch home (built in 1954), I have tried to seek out and begin building a collection of stylistic and period appropriate holiday décor. This is not as easy as it seems. At first glance, most of the stores that sell ornaments, wreaths and the like tend to lean more often than not toward the traditional. But if, like me, country-cute snowmen and plaid bows are just not your thing, you must dig a little deeper and look a little harder (and sometimes be creative) to find items that scream Mod Holiday.

Now I am still building my collection, but I have a few choice pieces I truly love – like this tiny curled wood  tabletop mini-tree from Germany that I found in the basement of an estate sale for $5 (in its original box no less).

With a bit of digging (on and offline), you can locate holiday items that cater to a more modern or mid-century modern/retro sensibility.

Let’s start with the basics. One way to mod up your holiday is to opt for an aluminum Christmas tree. These rose to popularity in the 1950s and 60s and many people prefer their more “space age” look. Rather than hassling with strung lights, aluminum trees are typically lit from below with a spinning color wheel that is reflected in the aluminum and the colored ornaments. My fabulously modern friend Jeff has an amazing rotating aluminum tree in his living room and it makes a great statement with its bright color scheme. Aluminum trees can be found both new and vintage in a range of sizes and prices.

My friend Jeff's cool aluminum tree

I personally have always gone for a real Christmas tree mostly because I love the smell of them (we always buy the very fragrant Balsam Fir) and the sense of bringing that piece of nature indoors for a bit. It’s also a fun family tradition to head out with the kids to pick out that perfect tree. Luckily, I have found some fun modern ornaments in colors that complement my décor, like these great starbursts I picked up at Target last year.

Glass ornaments are always eye-catching as well (particularly on aluminum trees) and there is such a wide range available from the truly modern, like these double glass spheres from West Elm…

Double Glass Spheres from West Elm

…. to a myriad of vintage mercury glass ornaments that you can find easily on Etsy, E-bay and in vintage stores. Here are some pretty ones from Perfect Corners.

Vintage Mercury Glass

If you use string-lights, bubble lights are a fun and classic look for the mid-century modern tree. First available in the U.S. in the late 1940s, these were a popular holiday staple in many post-war homes.

Bubble lights from Target

Studio Tree Chair Stockings

The hearth is the heart of the home and hanging decorative Christmas stockings is another way to express your style and creativity. Modernists are known for their love and appreciation of chairs – particularly those designed by masters. Studio Tree offers these fun holiday stockings featuring classic chair designs including the Saarinen Tulip Chair and the Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen.

Bebe Sniklefritz Stockings

If you prefer a more “retro” look, you might like these cute handmade mod fabric stockings from Bebe Sniklefritz on Etsy, available in a number of fun patterns.

West Elm Felt Ball Wreath

Wreaths are always a nice way to deck the outside of your house, but they don’t have to be all greenery and bows. Many modern and mid-century modern homes feature cleaner lines and less decoration outside, so a wreath for a modern door should be a bit more simple, understated and chic like this Felt ball wreath from West Elm.

Jonathan Adler Skyline Menorah

If you celebrate Hanukkah rather than Christmas (or both, like us), you can make a bold holiday statement with a cool modern menorah, such as the Skyline Menorah from designer Jonathan Adler or the Nova 68 modern menorah.

Nova 68 Modern Menorah

However you celebrate, you can easily inject modern style into your holiday décor with a little extra digging and creativity.

Modern Holiday Part 1: Toys That Inspire

It’s always a great thing when form meets function, especially when it comes to toys. I believe that you can never start too early fostering your children’s appreciation for good design. This holiday season, escape from the licensed character and electronics overdrive of the big-box stores and instead consider well-designed, inspiring and educational gifts that you also won’t mind laying around your home. Some of the best gifts don’t involve batteries and buttons and can’t be bought in the big chain stores. I think that makes them the most special.

Here are some of my favorite finds, in a variety of price ranges for a variety of ages:

$25 and under:

Eames House of Cards: I got a set of these as a gift and they are a favorite of my kids’ and my
own as well. Designed by modernist legends Charles and Ray Eames, these interlocking picture cards feature vibrant photos, patterns and colors. Stack them in a tower or build a house. They come in a lovely box. $25 at the MoMa store.

Alexander Girard Memory Game: This beautiful version of the classic children’s Memory game features the work of renowned Herman Miller textile designer Alexander Girard. Kids and adults alike will find beauty in the fun, colorful and modern designs and illustrations. $15.95 at Ammo Books.

Kaleidograph: I scored one of these on Fab.com recently and it is really cool. Both of my girls (and I) love to make designs with it. These colorful, die-cut paper cards can be arranged into more than 350 million designs, according to its makers. It’s good for the brain, the environment and the wallet and is the size of a CD case, which makes it tremendously portable. It’s a great one to throw in your purse for entertaining the kids at the restaurant or in the car. $12.99 on Amazon.com (for store availability visit Kaleidographtoy.com).

Under $50:

Plan Toys Water Blocks: Not only do these teach kids to build, but they help them learn about color as well. The six hardwood blocks have acrylic centers filled with red, blue and yellow water. Kids can learn about mixing colors by holding two blocks together. This toy was winner of the Teacher’s Pick Practical PreSchool Award. Plus, they are just pretty to look at.  $40 at Plan Toys. http://www.plantoysusa.com

Pʼkolino Book Buggee: A great way to always have their favorite books at hand, the P’kolino Book Buggee has four “V” shaped book holders and driving room for a special friend too. Bring it from room to room – it’s unique wood design and bright colors will complement any modern décor. Comes in natural, orange or school bus version. $39 at City Sprouts.

Dwell Modern Owl Wooden Blocks: I love the colors and designs on these. They are just so pretty to look at and also provide great developmental stimulation. Made of solid maple, they are eco-friendly and durable. They would look adorable in just about any modern nursery, toddler room or playroom. At 1.5″ square, they also don’t pose a choking hazard, so they are safe for all ages. As a bonus, they come with a handy unbleached cotton muslin drawstring bag for easy travel. $38 at Stackblocks on Etsy.

Organic Guitar Wooden Baby Rattle Teether from Smiling Tree Toys: As a music fan, I absolutely adore the guitar shape of these gorgeous rattle teethers. In fact, I adore pretty much all of the toys in this Etsy shop. Beautifully hand-made sustainable toys made of maple and finished with a special blend of beeswax and organic camelina oil from the family’s farm. It comes in a muslin bag and can even be personalized with a gift note. These gifts also give back – the company donates to the Peace Corps’ youth education projects with every sale. $26 at Smiling Tree Toys on Etsy.

$50-$100:

LEGO Architecture, Fallingwater: Older kids, teens and even adults with an interest in architecture will love LEGO’s Architecture line, featuring models of famous architectural landmarks such as Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece, Fallingwater®. The assembled Fallingwater model stands 10″ (256 mm) wide on a gray base with printed name label and includes a booklet with facts about the building, its construction and its history. Or try the Farnsworth House™ by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The finished models will look great on a shelf or display. Ages 16+  Fallingwater, $99.99; Farnsworth House, $59.99. Available at Lego.com.

Splurge:

Brinca Dada modernist dollhouse and furniture:  The first time I saw Brinca Dada’s Emerson House modern dollhouse, well, I wanted to move in. This house has everything, including sliding glass doors, mitered glass corners, solar panels and recessed lighting. It’s even eco-friendly. This is the kind of dollhouse you don’t stash in the basement or hide in the corner, no. This one you’ll happily put right in your living room. It is of course recommended for kids (or grown ups) who will take good care of it and appreciate its craftsmanship. To go with it, Brinca Dada also offers a complete line of gorgeous miniature modernist furniture. This is truly a collector’s piece. Assembly is required. Emerson House, $399 at Brinca Dada. www.brincadada.com.

Stocking stuffers:

Modern Paper Dolls – These cool, laminated modern paper dolls come in a wide variety, and at just five bucks apiece, it makes it easy to collect them all. The beautifully patterned dresses jump out on the black silhouette dolls. They attach with heavy-duty Velcro, making them easy for even the smallest hands. Each set comes with a doll and 10 different dresses. $5 each at Hansel and Gretel Craft Shoppe on Etsy.

Modern Patterns Illusions Coloring Book – Regular coloring books can be so boring. These cool modern patterns are challenging and stimulating. Break out the markers, crayons or colored pencils and get creative. The book contains 12 images repeated on 23 pages. $6.95 at Mindware.

Happy Shopping!

 

 

Magical Melmac

I wanted to kick the blog off with some of my favorite little things that I use every single day and that always make me smile when I see them – my vintage Melmac dishes.

Melamine cups and saucers from By The Wayside on Etsy

What is Melmac, you ask? Melmac was the leading line of colorful melamine resin dishes that were popular (and used in nearly every American home with kids) in the 1950s and 1960s. Whether or not you recognize the name, chances are at some time in your life, you’ve seen or eaten off of a melamine dish.  Their durability made them popular in school cafeterias – they made those large, divided platters you so fondly remember that held your fish sticks and macaroni and cheese.

I love these dishes because the colors are amazing, they are pretty much unbreakable and they are dishwasher-safe. The kids like to eat off of them because they are fun and they come in these tiny little bowls and plates. They also come in large plates, bowls, serving pieces, cups – pretty much everything you can think of. Here are a few from my collection (in lime green and orange):

They are so handy and I literally use them every single day with the kids. They also make great patio-ware for summer barbecues and pool parties.

Since Melmac or melamine dishes are vintage, they are typically (and fairly easily) found in vintage stores, antique malls, estate sales, Ebay, Craigslist and in vintage Etsy shops like By The Wayside.

One thing I have learned about buying vintage items is that there’s usually a reason certain things are still around after more than 50 years – they were built to last. Melmac definitely falls into that category. It is also fun to hunt for. Pick the colors you like and start building your collection.

*Note: Melmac is NOT Microwave-safe

It’s a mad, mad, mad, mad world

Hello and welcome to my new blog. I have had this idea for a while for a different kind of “mommy blog.” I am a mom of two beautiful girls. I also have an affinity for modern design (particularly that of the mid-century). I created this blog to share ideas, inspirations and products that fuel my modern family lifestyle and my love of good design. Accoutrements of the modern mom if you will. And also just stuff I think is cool.

As for the name of the blog (for those not in tune with pop culture references), it’s a bit of a nod to the highly popular AMC show “Mad Men” – a show that I not only love for it’s great acting, brilliant writing and closeups of Jon Hamm, but also equally for it’s 60s setting, filled with amazing mid-century modern furnishings and decor. I modeled my own home office on the offices of its fictional advertising agency Sterling Cooper.

I am a writer and a marketer/publicist by trade. I am also a founding board member of ModernSTL, a non-profit dedicated to the appreciation and preservation of mid-century modern architecture in the St. Louis area. At ModernSTL, we focus on the architecture of buildings and homes. Here on this blog, I wanted to focus more on the finer details of daily living, with moms like me in mind. If you like to be inspired and see some cool things, I invite you to visit often.