Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Retro: Kimmer

Retro: Kimmer

Link to Retro: Kimmer

UNIQUE CHRISTMAS TREES!

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 05:10 PM PST



U. S. Capitol Christmas tree in Washington, D.C.



A Bubble Tree in Turkey



Love blue lights!



Skyscraper tree!



Bottle Tree!



Fiber Optic Cool Tree


Charlie Brown Tree (we want this one for our house!)



Pac Man Tree



Pink Tree we have had this one at the Retro Ranch



Blue Optic Tree is awesome



Grolsch bottle tree for the big beer drinkers out there



For the confused guests.....



Retro foil is always in style



Heather Harris' Punk Tree! Thanks for the photo!

More Unique Christmas Trees

RETRO: KIMMER MEETS MISS AMERICA!

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 04:05 PM PST



As the show manager of THE SUPER SALE (a nationally touring sale show) we tried many different promotions to attract crowds. One of them was hiring Miss America 1988 Kaye Lani Rae Rafko of Monroe Michigan.


Kim & Kaye Lani Cobo Hall

Sorry my pics are a little blurry but they are real. Gee sure wish I had a picture of me with that crown on my head as Kaye Lani let me wear it alot!!!! Oh well... close but no cigar!


I spent 5 shows in different cities with Kaye Lani at THE SUPER SALE. She usually had the much famous Ellie Ross as "official Miss America chaperon" Ms. Ross chaperoned 15 Miss Americas and though very protective, she did share a few stories with me. I just loved sitting and listening to Miss Ellie! I can't share her stories.. she made me swear a secret oath :)

You can see Kaye Lani (PINK DRESS AND CROWN) entering my office upstairs at Cobo Hall in Detroit, MI. That's me in the yellow dress.



After spending 4 weeks with Kaye Lani her mom brought her to the last show in Detroit. I had arrived early and was sitting in my office putting on makeup. Being very near sighted I had my glasses off and saw 2 figures standing in the doorway. I asked if I could help them and Kaye Lani pops up with KIM don't you remember me? I 'm Kaye Lani!!!! OMG!!!

YES of course I remember YOU! Let me grab my glasses for crying out loud! How embarrassing!
Meeting Kaye Lani's Mother was special as she was very much like my own and quite funny herself.



Kaye Lani autographed a photo like this one for me and one for my father who treasured it for the rest of his life.

Kaye Lani married her boyfriend Chuck Wilson and is working as a nurse in Monroe. They named a street after Kaye Lani too!

Here is a great interview clip: From Pageant Cast News

Kaye Lani:

I was the 1st Registered Nurse to be crowned Miss America and this came in the middle of a nursing shortage in our country. My profession experienced a drop in the Baccalaureate Nursing Programs nationwide in 1985 and hospitals/healthcare facilities began feeling that shortage in the year I was given the Miss America title.

I traveled our country and spoke to students of all ages (pre-school, elementary, Jr. High. And HS); I visited nursing colleges, hospitals/healthcare facilities; anywhere I could, to speak about my profession and encourage others to choose nursing as a life-long career. People listened and responded.

Here is Kaye Lani Rae Rafko Mis America 1988 being crowned.


MY FAVORITE GIFT: Estee Lauder Holiday Blockbuster 2010

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 03:32 PM PST


Estee Lauder Holiday Blockbuster 2010

The Estee Lauder Blockbuster Set has been a traditional gift for me every year since I was in high school. Christmas is the only time of year Estee produces it. It is a fabulous package of everything a girl could want makeup wise. I just love this set and it is an excellent gift... I use it for the entire year. Thanks MOM!!!


Estee Lauder Holiday Blockbuster 2010

Around this time of the year, every year Estee Lauder launches their Holiday Blockbuster Set. It seems the Holiday Blockbuster 2010 kit is better than ever!

This year's Estee Lauder's Blockbuster Set contains:

Eyeshadow palette with 18 different colors, containing all of their new Pure Color Eye Shadows. It will be a mixture of satin. matte and shimmer shades.

4 different color lipsticks
One double ended pink lip gloss
A blush palette with 4 different colors
3 eyeliners, variety of colors
One Eye makeup remover
One mirror
2 make up bags
4 brushes

Latest articles from Retro To Go

Latest articles from Retro To Go


Pac-Man Cookie Cutters now available at Firebox

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 02:09 PM PST

Biscuit

We featured these a short while back, but now you can buy these Pac-Man Cookie Cutters at Firebox.

Yes, you can cut our own biscuits in the shape of arcade-based ghosts. It does make sense - they've been getting eaten for the last three decades. There are four cutters in the pack, three ghosts and one Pac-Man, all officially licensed via Suck UK.

£11.99 gets you a set. Or you can check out over the page for a photo of a plate of Pac-Man biscuits. Yum!

Find out more at the Firebox website

Biscuit2

Ivalyn Sequin Dress from Missguided

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 10:33 AM PST

Ivalyn

Since the resurgence of maxi dresses on the high street some years ago, the offerings have been largely casual and summery. Tapping into a more glamourous aesthetic, this Ivalyn Sequin Dress from Missguided provides a different retro influence for your Christmas wardrobe.

The simple shape and cut of the dress allows accessories to adapt it into a variety of retro looks, from a high glam 50s Hollywood look to a late seventies chic. The strapless cut shows just enough flesh to contrast the long skirt, while black sequins provide a sparkle without the expense of beading.

It's available online from Missguided for £44.99.

Find out more from the website

Lace Waspie from Gorgeous at Debenhams

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 10:27 AM PST

Gorgeouswaspie

While there are many excellent vintage style lingerie companies available at the moment, some occasions call for something more affordable. This Lace Waspie from Gorgeous at Debenhams provides attractive retro looks without the pricetag that the more genuine article can deliver.

Made from a gold and black lace fabric, the high waisted suspender has a sultry fifties look that combines ideally with some backseamed stockings. Missing out the elaborate boning of vintage reproductions, this also provides a more comfortable choice for every day wear.

Get it now from Debenhams for £11.60 in the sale.

Find out more from the website

Oi Polloi Icons limited edition greetings cards

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 09:37 AM PST

Card1

Manchester clothing hipsters Oi Polloi have teamed up with illustrator Ben Lamb to produce a limited edition range of greetings cards, going by the name of Icons.

Because that's exactly what they are - images of Icons - the first of which are Hunter S Thompson, Jack Nicholson as George Hanson in Easy Rider, and of course the King of Cool, Steve McQueen (pictured above).

The Cards are strictly limited and exclusive to Oi Polloi. printed on 100% recycled paper and sell for £2.50 each. See over the page for a shot of Hunter Thompson.

Find out more at the Oi Polloi website

Card2

Hope and Greenwood homewares

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 08:50 AM PST

Hope and greenwood

We're obviously massive fans of Hope and Greenwood's retro sweets, but did you know they also sell their own range of homewares?

The homewares range is based around a design is called This Lovely Land which is inspired by traditional British stamps. The bright colours makes it a great take on the current heritage trend and a perfect fit with the distinctive Hope and Greenwood packing. The design is used across several items, such as the cotton apron and the tea cosy pictured as well as tea towels and oven gloves.

Prices start at £10 for the tea towels. Perfect for using to wash up after you've indulged in some of their confectionery!  

Buy them online

1950s-inspired Nigel Cabourn Cameraman Jacket

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 08:24 AM PST

Cabourn

This particular outdoor jacket is a replica of a classic coat of the past, going by the name of the Nigel Cabourn Cameraman Jacket.

The Cameraman Jacket was worn by Wilfrid Noyce on his photographic expeditions to Everest in the 1950s, with the latest version described as a 'painstaking recreation of the original', with Mackintosh uppers and Harris Tweed lower sections. Other features include nut buttons and a US military metal clasp closure, four front flap pockets and an adjustable hood with coiled cord detailing.

A limited edition that's made in England and available in four colour options. Sadly it doesn't come cheap, selling for £899.

Find out more at the End Clothing website

Via His Knibs

Space Invaders 2011 Calendar

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 07:48 AM PST

Il_570xN_198054417 
If you haven't bought a calendar for next year yet, what are you waiting for? We've featured several already, but perhaps this simple Space Invaders 2011 Calendar will appeal.

The whole year is shown on one sheet, measuring 12 inches by 18 inches with each row of space invaders representing two weeks. Each alien is numbered with the date and you can cross them out with a marker pen when the date has passed, which is supposed to replicate zapping them as you would in the old arcade game.

The calendar costs $19 (around £12.30) from SeeChangeDesign on Etsy.

Yin Yang Footstool

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 07:29 AM PST

Yinyangfootstool 
Footseys have turned the symbol for universal harmony into, of all things, a footstool with the Yin Yang Footstool.

Whilst the Yin and Yang symbol has its roots in Chinese philosophy, it gained wider recognition in the West in the Sixties and will always carry certain hippie connotations. However, the overall look of footstool will ultimately depend on which fabric coverings you opt for – one example they have on their website uses Sanderson's Dandelion fabric, which gives it more fifties feel.

Prices for the Yin Yang Footstool start at £290. Visit the Footseys website to order.

eBay watch: Artemide Pileino space age table lamps by Gae Aulenti

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 05:43 AM PST

Gae

Great spot by Andrew (many thanks) on eBay, not least because a pair recently sold for over £1,000 on eBay. I'm talking about these Artemide Pileino table lamps by Gae Aulenti.

The difference? Well, the oriignal pair, which sold for £1,105, was boxed and as 'new', rare for an item long out of circulation. But even allowing for that, this used pair is still a potential bargain. Designed by Gae Aulenti in 1972, the lamp is a space age classic, probably best known for its appearance in the Space 1999 series and still screaming the era. Not, as you might expect, plastic either - that adjustable casing is actually lacquered metal.

Sadly that casing isn't in perfect condition here. While both work, there is obvious wear to the lamps, which is well photographed on the site. So not perfect, but for such rare designs, still worth considering if the price is right - especially for two of them. Right now they're at £5.11.

Find out more at the eBay website

Emma Dolan 20th-century design tea cups

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 05:29 AM PST

Claricesq_450x450d
Admirers of the designers like Clarice Cliff, Susie Cooper and Charles Rennie Mackintosh may want to investigate the work of Emma Dolan and her twentieth-century design tea cups.

Hand-crafted in Yorkshire, Emma recreates their designs using embroidery combined with traditional materials such as Harris tweed and Hainsworth felt. The result are stylish in their own right, such as the Clarice cup pictured which obviously references a Clarice Cliff design. 

Pieces are priced individually but, to give you an idea of price, the Clarice cup costs £160. 

Contact Emma to order through her website

Blow-Up movie print by The Scene

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 12:58 AM PST

Blowup

Fans of Antonioni's swinging London classic movie Blow-Up might recognise and appreciate this Blow-Up print by The Scene.

It is, of course, David Hemmings in classic photographer pose, no doubt capturing some hip young thing through his lens. This archival Giclee print is a limited edition of 25, sized at 11.7 x 16.5 inches and on 250gsm silk white paper.

You can buy one online for £20.

Find out more at the Some Prints website

Via Modculture

I Love Tintin mugs

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 12:52 AM PST

Tintin-mugs
If you love Tintin as much we do, you just might want to show that love with one of the I Love Tintin mugs available online.

Made of porcelain they come in a Tintin box, although obviously you don't have to have the lead character - take your pick from Snowy, Thompson Twins, Captain Haddock and Castifoire if you prefer. They are available for £5.95 each and you can order online, but if you are in Covent Garden in London, the Tintin Shop there has them too.

Find out more on the Tintin Shop website.

Via Switched On Set

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