Vibrant Vintage

I've Moved!

2020-12-27T19:03:00.001-05:00

Go visit my new website!

The Sunday Story: Consequence, by Suspense

2018-02-04T14:23:00.000-05:00

Today for our story, we have a show that was produced twice for Suspense: Consequence, starring Jimmy Stewart. He turns in a performance as an unlikable doctor who seizes an opportunity to flee an unhappy marriage, but whose supposedly perfect plan spirals out of control. There's mistaken identity, murder, and... cowboy outfits. Have a listen below.

The Sunday Story: The Slasher

2018-01-07T11:00:00.000-05:00

Hello all! It has been a while since I've posted any radio stories, but I hope to have some more put out regularly this year for your listening pleasure. Today we hear from one of my favorite shows, Night Beat.

You may recognize the star, Frank Lovejoy, from his appearances in movies like House of Wax or The Hitch-Hiker. (I especially liked his character from In a Lonely Place.) His bread and butter was playing the every-man with straight morals, but who was also a little rough around the edges. Randy Stone, the reporter of Night Beat, is definitely the same type.

This story is a fun one, something that starts out with the feel of the typical "madman on the loose" storyline, but which turns into something quite different.

Blobfest 2017

2017-07-19T13:46:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday, we took a day trip to Phoenixville, PA to experience our first Blobfest! This is the 18th year of the festival, celebrating the shooting of The Blob in Phoenixville (specifically, the famous blob attack in the theater) and surrounding locations.

Blobfest from Sabrina on Vimeo.

The landmark Colonial Theater was showing the Blob all day, along with other classics like House of Wax and It Came from Outer Space.

I wasn't really sure to expect from this, but the streets were packed and the theater crowd was hyped. Every bad line-reading, every glimpse of the theater we were sitting in, and every small victory against the alien demanded shouting and cheering. I've never seen a crowd so excited for a movie at 12 in the afternoon!

Drinks at Bluebird Distilling

On the street, there were local artists, vendors with bootleg DVDs of cheesy movies, VHS tapes, t-shirts, pillows... etc. The late-night movie host of Cinema Insomnia, Mr. Lobo himself, was there. (He personally gifted us pieces of Angoratex™ with which to calm your nerves during any Ed Wood movie viewing.) People had rolled in with their hot rods and classic cars, and bands played all day so people could dance.
It was a really joyful celebration of that time an amorphous alien mass began to swallow townspeople whole and was defeated by Steve McQueen with a fire extinguisher.

Dress is vintage
Earrings by Bow & Crossbones
Vincent Price pin by Ghoul Gang

Quiet Earth

2017-01-23T19:37:00.000-05:00

Nighttime Fiction

2017-01-12T17:00:00.000-05:00

The lights, the smoke, the grime … the city itself seemed alive that day. I had little to go on this time... but my insider did manage to find something interesting. The clattering typewriter of a popular pulp writer. Oh, and also Jack Smith got done in. The murder took place just a few hours ago. Nothing to go on but a photo found at the crime scene. No suspects as of yet. “Guess I shoulda retired when I had the chance,” I sighed.

Via the Film Noir Monologue Generator, with some finishing touches.

5 Items for a Retro Perfect Dining Room

2016-10-03T15:28:00.001-04:00

Today on Vibrant Vintage, I'm happy to present a guest post by Amy at LuxeDecor! They offer a wide range of home furnishings with a retro touch. They have handpicked some items that my readers will surely be interested in, especially those who love midcentury decor. Enjoy!

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Often referred to as the Golden Age, the 1950s were a time of funky furnishings, bold artwork and vibrant décor. Seeking to add some of this midcentury vintage drama to your dining space? Whether you want to overhaul an eating area into a total time warp or just want to add some cool graphic furnishings and colorful art pieces to an otherwise modern mealtime nook, there are plenty of options for filling a dining space with nostalgic style.

Here are five items fit for a retro inspired dining room:

Image Via Pinterest

Splashy and dramatic, a sputnik chandelier is the perfect fit for a midcentury dining room. Adding tons of light to the ceiling, this showpiece lighting fixture is a glitzy standout.

Image Via HGTV Home

Classic and cool, a metal bar cart offers any dining room tons of character. Filled with bar staples and classic mixers, this cart is bound to be a hit during parties and evening soirees.

Image Via Memorable Décor

A large hypnotic painting offers this dining room a fresh focal point and tons of dazzling retro charm. Perfect for giving an eating space a bit of glamour, this painting is a definite blast from the past.

Image Via BeeYoutiful Life

Forget a commonplace gray or brown rug and instead opt to give a space some serious sparkle with a bright orange rug. Perfect for plain or muted floors, this colorful floor covering gives a dining room a burst of energy.

Image Via Decoist

A dining room needs a space for noshing and nothing screams midcentury more than a classic table with tulip chairs. Ideal for entertaining, this Scandinavian style dining set is like an ode to 1950s family life.

Guest Post by Amy Spagnola for LuxeDecor

Heat Wave

2016-07-21T16:58:00.000-04:00

Something about summertime lately makes me want to dress like a member of '70s girl gang all the time. (The new fringe and flare jeans must have something to do with it.)

Memento Mori

2016-06-17T16:00:00.000-04:00

Last March, we spent a weekend in Philadelphia PA for my husband's work. Our friend Molly came along, and the two of us set out on sightseeing abandoned and unusual places. It took some doing to find the entrance, but we eventually found our way into the Mount Moriah Cemetery. It is a huge cemetery that has no official owner, so the land has fallen into disrepair and the woods have overtaken large swathes of the property. It is located right along city neighborhoods and roads, like a bizarre time capsule. In some places, the brush has grown over the tombstones so heavily that all you can see are the flat faces of the stones looking up through the dried grass.

The inscriptions were varied, but the majority of them were placed in the late 1800s. One stone, for a family named Sherlock, had an inscription on each side for the different family members.

Molly!

Molly and I took pictures, met some geese and a deer, and then ate lunch looking over the graveyard.

Very strangely, at the edge of the cemetery, we found an operating beehive with empty glass jars littered around and bees buzzing in and out, even though it was a cold day. A very curious discovery.

It's such a shame to see this place basically crumbling away, but there are those dedicated to preserving the gravestones and the property (visit The Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery for more info). In any case, it is a surreal experience to visit this place in the middle of the busy city.

Carnival at Dusk

2016-05-21T18:10:00.001-04:00

Molly, Ivie, Whitney and I went to the local cheap carnival and stomped through the mud, got on rides, and played games. The dress code for the evening was 70s-80s girl gang, which was even more fun! An excuse to dress up makes everything better.

5 Keys for Instant Mid Century Style

2016-04-25T19:28:00.001-04:00

Mid century design for the home has never truly gone out of style. You just need to take a trip to your closest Ikea and you're sure to see how Scandinavian style influenced the homes of the 1950s and '60s. Here are some basic things that are easy to include in your house for a touch of retro style.

1) Streamlined furniture
Mid century modern couches, tables, and chairs usually have the trademark hairpin legs or narrow legs, which can be found on plenty of new designs, too! DotAndBo has plenty of mid century modern inspired pieces at very reasonable prices. If you have a piece that needs an extra something to complete the retro look, search online for hairpin legs or check out Ace hardware, which sells wooden table legs to add onto your own furniture.

2) Atomic age motifs

A starburst clock or mirror is plenty to add some vintage flair to your living room.

From Life Magazine

3) Geometric shapes

Along with the ubiquitous starburst, look for anything that has a pattern with clean lines. A wall print or a cute sculpture can add a little more interest to the room. Plus, if you're renting and can't paint, a big print on the wall (or even fabric hung from the walls) gives you a nice burst of color.

Wall art / Dot Bo mid century wall art / Photo poster

4) A bright pop of color

Use colors that were popular at the time, but maybe with the brightness or saturation enhanced a little.

From KathyDavisAssociates.com

5) Mixed textures

Mixing things like patterned cushions, a shaggy rug, or gauzy curtains can add a lot of visual interest to a room. Also, keep in mind that -- like now -- there were a plethora of influences on mid century design. Scandinavian design was popular, as were Asian motifs. So build on these aspects with your own style and taste, and then you'll have a unique and original room that will be just right for you.

What's your favorite era for interior design?
Any plans to update your living space soon?

1950s for Spring

2016-04-14T17:03:00.001-04:00

I'm so happy it's springtime. I think this winter was the last straw and I'm ready to migrate south next year; I guess I'm finally accepting the fact that I'm always freezing. Here is what I'm normally wearing out and about come springtime, when it's time to shed the dark colored clothes and heavy boots.

It used to feel overwhelming trying to find something vintage and comfy and pretty to wear during the day; a lot of vintage shops and stores highlight dresses over all else, and that isn't always practical. But with some trial and error, I found my go-to outfits for a day of shopping or running errands. I get a lot of inspiration from teen outfits in the '50s, actually. They're cute, functional, but still body-hugging and grown up. If you don't have a pair of saddle shoes, go get some; it'll change your life (for real, ladies).

Image via the50shousewife.com

Image via Wikimedia, from an ad for T. C. Beirne's department store

Image via VintageDancer.com

Jeans by Merona, at Target

Shirt from Lands End

Shoes from Payless

The Sunday Story: The Kettler Method

2016-03-27T10:31:00.001-04:00

For this edition of The Sunday Story, we'll be hearing an early story by Suspense! entitled 'The Kettler Method.' This is a story with great twists and turns, all taking place in a remote sanitarium that is isolated by the rain and storms. Cozy up and listen, and let me know what you think below!

Book Review: Dig That Beat!

2016-03-11T18:32:00.002-05:00

This month I had the pleasure of reading the book Dig That Beat! by Sheree Homer. I'm not well versed on the early rockabilly scene, but I was interested to read about how the music we love today came into being. Dig That Beat! presents a rich history of the musicians and singers that helped to evolve rock and roll into what it is today.

There are interviews with countless artists from varied genres, from blues to soul to pop, displaying how each has shaped rock and roll. There are also run-ins with familiar faces like Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, and even Mae West (!), but the real gem of this book is getting to know some of the lesser-known stars of the era and those that are riding the resurgence of old school music today. The end of the book highlights international artists that may not be on your radar, but are well worth checking out. Dig That Beat! is an essential history and delightful tome for any vintage pop culture enthusiast, and definitely for anyone that would like to expand their knowledge of music history.

The book is available to purchase through Amazon or your local indie bookseller!

The Grand Opening of My Art Shop

2016-03-07T16:42:00.002-05:00

Hello, friends!

I'm so excited to announce that my Etsy shop, Inky Notions, is officially open for business!

This is where I am offering art prints from my many watercolor paintings and ink drawings. When you look through the shop offerings, you'll surely see a few familiar famous faces, as well as plenty of characters I dreamed up. These are high quality art prints that look crystal clear and bright (I was so chuffed when I first got them in the mail; they looked amazing).

Take a look at some of the offerings there, and be sure to keep tabs on the shop since I'll soon be adding stationery and postcards, too.

Click below to visit and see many more prints offered!

A Case of the Blues

2016-03-03T17:00:00.000-05:00

This is the first vintage find that I ever purchased, almost 8 years ago. This dress is near and dear to me, despite the fact that I repeatedly tried to get rid of it or sell it! I guess I just couldn't make it work before, but now with practice wearing vintage clothes, it's one of my favorites. My talented mom basically took it apart and put it back together, replacing the weak seams and making it fit better on me, too. (Me + sewing machine = disaster. I call mom instead.) Now this is one of my favorite party dresses, perfectly comfortable and flattering at the same time.

Dress: Vintage, thrifted

Shoes: Target

Bag: a gift from my mom

The 5 Minute Flapper: Eyes

2016-02-11T20:29:00.002-05:00

Here's the final installment of the 5 Minute Flapper! This week, spend 2 minutes and learn how to put on a dark, dramatic 1920's eye.

The Sunday Story: The Magic Space Pictures

2016-02-07T11:00:00.000-05:00

For today's radio show, we'll hear the episode "The Magic Space Pictures" from Space Patrol! This was a show from the early 1950s that featured the adventures of Commander Buzz Corry, the head of the Space Patrol, and his sidekick Cadet Happy. They have adventures, solve mysteries, and usually end up being overpowered and knocked out cold in every single episode. They were probably the two worst candidates for Space Patrol officers, and their constant mishaps are actually pretty funny, but the B-grade plots and thinly-disguised-Soviet bad guys are campy fun.

(A word of warning: the constant ads for Chex cereal still work 50 years after the fact. After hearing too many of them, I had such a craving that I started buying Chex regularly. So stock up.)

The 5 Minute Flapper: Brows

2016-02-04T12:15:00.000-05:00

Hello again! I'm here with the next installment of the 5 Minute Flapper (although perhaps I should have named it The 5 Minute & 45 Second Flapper, seeing as how those extra seconds add up!). This week I'll show you in a jiffy how to get those perfectly curved half-moon brows that were so popular in the 1920s with flappers and starlets alike.

This video is only a minute and change, so break out your makeup bag and get started!

The 5 Minute Flapper: Lips

2016-01-29T15:45:00.000-05:00

Hi there ladies and gents! I've been wanting to do some video tutorials for awhile, so I went ahead and put together my first one! This is the first of three mini-tutorials meant to show you how to transform into a fab flapper of the 1920s, using some simple drugstore makeup. First up, the enviable 1920s Cupid's bow lip in less than 2 minutes!

Next week: those brows, baby!

In the Woods: Walden Pond

2016-01-24T21:48:00.000-05:00

"I never found a companion that was so companionable as solitude."

Henry David Thoreau

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."

Henry David Thoreau

The Sunday Story: Goodnight, Mrs. Russell

2016-01-10T16:59:00.000-05:00

For today's listening pleasure, I'm sharing the story "Good Night, Mrs. Russell," presented by Suspense in 1949 and starring the incomparable Bette Davis. This story stuck with me since the moment I first heard it, and I hope you'll enjoy the fine acting in one of Bette Davis' few Suspense appearances.

Click below to listen and enjoy!

Audio hosted by Archive.org; radio image via simplyuse on Deviant Art

Woodsy Retreat

2016-01-08T19:06:00.002-05:00

This year the family took an unlikely vacation (unlikely because we're hardly ever all in the same place) to celebrate my parents' 50th anniversary. We spent the weekend at a Virginia resort, Massanutten. It's deep in the mountains and they have the typical winter activities like skiing, tubing, etc, but there are also things like an indoor water park, ice skating, and horseback riding. I'm not really a resort person, but -- oh wait, maybe I am! Because it was pretty fun.

The best part, though, was seeing the first snowfall of the year while we were in the mountains. There's nothing better than that. There was also a lot of wildlife; we saw deer constantly, and they were actually very friendly to humans. All in all, it was a nice time away from the usual routine. Here are a few snaps of the area and some cool things we saw on a nature walk.

The view from our apartment

The first snowfall

Winter Sunset

2016-01-06T17:10:00.001-05:00

I'm so happy to show you the rest of the photos taken by the wonderful Naomi of Fresh Images Photography! I've always loved the 1920's (watching Louise Brooks in her prime is still one of the most glorious cinematic experiences ever) and the era made a huge impression on me when I was learning how to my makeup and hair. I've been hooked on Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (more on that later), and no small part due to the clothes. Ladies in the 1920's knew how to dress for fun and for impact, and even though the popular silhouette was commonly boyish, the fabrics and details were very delicate and fanciful. I came across a fringed sheer kimono that adds a cool Bohemian flapper touch to any dress.

Here Naomi used the soft sunlight to show off the textures and warmth of the outfit.

Dress and robe: Target

Hat: thrifted

Necklace: Forever21

Earrings: jade stones from my mom

For more of Naomi's work, visit FreshImagesPhotography.com

2015 Highlights

2015-12-30T22:12:00.002-05:00

Now we're at the end of 2015, and it seems like it passed even faster than the year before. This year offered a lot of new experiences and we had a lot of fun, trying new things and exploring our corner of the world a little better. We had a tintype made, took some trips, I went sailing for the first time, and we went to the best restaurant in the whole wide world (Monell's, folks).

At the close of 2015, here is a look at some highlights from the year, via my Instagram.

L-R: 1) At Third Man Records, 2) Girl Gang photoshoot, 3) Meeting King Kong at Dinosaurland!

4) Paddle-boarding and swimming at the beach, 5) Hiking in Harper's Ferry, 6) The waterfall at Stone Mountain park, 7) swimming in the Shenandoah river, 8) Our tintype, 9) A scenic swamp found while walking through Harper's Ferry