Oh, the Places You’ll Go

Posted on September 21, 2014 by Crashing Nightingale

Wanderlust is defined as a strong desire to travel in the Merriam-Webster dictionary. I’d say I caught the wanderlust fever at a very young age as I’ve always had a strong desire to travel and explore the world. I can start to feel the fever when I don’t go on any adventures or travel, whether locally or not, after a brief length of time. My bones ache for it and exploring is the only cure.

The idea of giving people the opportunity to travel within the United States began in the 1930s and came to fruition in the 1950s with the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 enacted by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1938 proposed to the Bureau of Public Roads to begin a study of a toll-financed system of three east-to-west and three north-to-south superhighways. It was President Franklin D. Roosevelt that appointed a National Interregional Highway Committee in 1941 to evaluate the need for a national expressway system. Thank goodness they did because their study supported the need for these interregional highways and in 1944, Congress acted on the recommendations.

Prior to the 1930s, think about all the road trip pioneers that ventured across the United States before the idea of any superhighways. These T-model Ford adventurists threw caution to the wind and encountered many treacherous roads and bridges before any President laid a safe and permanent foundation for those with wanderlust. Motorists only had the Lincoln Highway as it was the first transcontinental highway for automobiles across the United States of America which debuted in 1913.

Laying the groundwork and construction was slow for the highways during the 1940s. The decisions on funding was a cause for delay. President Eisenhower enacted the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 which solved the challenged funding encountered. Highway enthusiasts could start revving their engines as this served as the catalyst for getting the highways on to the road to completion. President Eisenhower also envisioned these roads to serve the purpose for national defense as a way to transport troops quickly in the event of ground invasion of foreign enemies.

So the leaders of our country envisioned Americans going many places long before Dr. Seuss published his famous book that speaks of travelling throughout life. I have to say, I may have been one of those early 20th century road trip pioneers as travelling is something that has always stirred my spirit.

And if you’re interested in taking a nostalgic road trip, I must suggest you check out Retro Roadmap before planning your next vintage destination. Happy travelling readers! 🙂

I’m Miss World

Posted on September 7, 2014 by Crashing Nightingale

The weekend after Labor Day weekend usually is a quiet one since most people celebrate the end of summer during the holiday weekend. Labor Day generally commemorates the end of summertime and all it’s festivities as we transition into the fall season. But Atlantic City in 1921 had no plans of engaging in any summertime blues as it planned a way to extend the summer season.

Enter the Atlantic City “beauty contests” as a way to keep the summer heat on for patrons. The plan was devised by some businessmen of the city and they organized a small beauty contest which seven cities of the Northeast United States participated. Each city sent a “beauty maid” to represent the city in the contest. This contest took place September 7-8, ninety-three years ago today. The happy winner of this 1921 contest was sixteen year-old Margaret Gorman, who represented Washington, D.C. Her prize was a golden mermaid statue and the title “Miss America.”

Many other beauty contests followed this one which in turned solidified the Miss America pageants we’re familiar with today. I love these photos of the women from this time. They are wearing beautiful pieces from the era and are natural beauties in their own way. One of my favorite photos of all the photos I’ve seen is the one below of Ruth Malcolmson, Miss America 1924. This photo is so raw and natural.

Here are some additional photos from some early beauty pageants. I love how dolled up they are in the sand and with their sashes! 🙂

And to celebrate the city that brought us these beauty contests, I’ll be watching one of my favorite shows, Boardwalk Empire, which takes place in Atlantic City. In the meantime, I’ll be practicing that perfect Miss America wave. 🙂

Weekend Wine-Filled Getaway

Posted on August 23, 2014 by Crashing Nightingale

I’m a big believer you don’t have to travel too far for a good time. There are tons of fun things to do within a days drive. My husband and I are ambassadors to this way of living because we’re always interested in travelling and exploring the world, near or far.

Recently we indulged in our local “wine country” and visited a few wineries and stayed at the bed & breakfast that one winery owns. My husband found a groupon for the Natchez Hills Bed & Breakfast, which to our delight, included the opportunity to visit the winery, Natchez Hills Vineyard, too.

Our trip gave us the option of taking the scenic route or interstate to get to our destination. The scenic route took us on the Natchez Trace Parkway. We were running short on time so had to save the scenic route for our return home. We arrived at the bed and breakfast first but learned we had to check in at the winery. I took a little video of the drive up the bed & breakfast. It is tucked away off a two-lane country road. The long drive-way made it feel very secluded and the perfect get-away from city life. No one around but you and nature.

We drove to the winery to introduce our taste buds to some sophisticated wine. The winery is just a few miles from the bed & breakfast, right off the main road. It was quiet and serene when we pulled up. The grapes glistened with their plum color in the late afternoon sun.

Our wine tasting host gave us a friendly and warm smile when we entered the room to taste the wine. We sipped on delicious and rich red and white wines, each time figuring out which one we’d like to purchase a bottle of. Our host entertained us while we went through the list. When we finished our wine tasting, we knew it was getting close to dinner time and inquired where we should dine. Our host suggested we go to Mt. Pleasant Grille in a nearby town. So we hopped in the car for our dinner destination.

By the time we arrived, it was dark but the quaint downtown the restaurant was located at was lit up. The restaurant had a modern but vintage diner look to it. Each booth had a little lamp and the floors were checked with black and white tile. There was a counter-top with the matching diner seats, which I’m always a sucker for sitting at for some reason.

And what diner-inspired restaurant would be complete without milkshakes? 🙂

The bed and breakfast itself was such a treat. They have two individual cabins and one room in the main house. We stayed in the main room but will definitely be checking out one of the cabins in a future stay. In the house is a living room, dining room and kitchen area. Guests can watch t.v. or choose a book from their large library. They had plenty of ways for guests to peacefully entertain themselves. Whether it be curling up with an old book or sitting out on the deck and soaking up nature.

We slept in an antique bed and sipped on the wine and chocolate we purchased. Enjoying every minute being away from the busy city and hectic work-life environment. When we woke up the next day, the wife of the husband and wife owner of the winery and bed & breakfast was preparing coffee and our breakfast. She was truly the most gracious and warm host I’ve ever met. Ironically, as a result of a morning chat, we found out she is originally from the same area my husband is from in Southern California. We had a great conversation getting to know her and her husband. There were two other couples that joined us for breakfast as the place can accommodate up to six it seems between the room in the main house and the two cabins nearby.

It was one of the nicest weekend getaways I’ve experienced. Between the peacefulness of the bed and breakfast, our kind hosts, the beautiful wineries and the scenic route we took on the Natchez Trace Parkway, it was a weekend not to forget. And a reminder that you really don’t have to travel far to soak in life and everything it has to offer. We’ll definitely be back to stay at the Natchez Hills Bed & Breakfast & visit the Natchez Hills Vineyard.

Futuristic & Film Noir Forties Style Inspiration

Posted on July 8, 2014 by Crashing Nightingale

What does Indiana Jones & Rick Deckard have in common? Okay, I know you’re already saying, both are played by the same actor. Which is true. And also true, one of my favorite actors (just give me one second to stop blushing from all the Harrison Ford hotness). Also, both movies came out in the 1980s, with one coming out in my birth year (I’ll let you guess which one). So all of the above is true BUT not what I’m getting at. Both have two leading ladies in the films that I’m currently pining over their style.

Let me introduce you to Rachael, one of four replicants in the movie Blade Runner, and Dr. Elsa Schneider, Indy’s fellow artifact-finder turned Nazi-sympathizer in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. I bet you weren’t expecting that. I’ve seen both these movies individually many times. Blade Runner is such a beautiful film and oddly enough, takes place in 2019 Los Angeles. Which is kind of strange considering we’re just a few years away from the year the movie takes place. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade takes place during the late 1930s, just as the Nazi regime was starting.

Interestingly, in both films, the leading female characters wear similar styles. However, taking place about 80 years apart. I’d like to think about the decade we are in now that we’ve evolved back to a 1940s film noir style. But, this is not necessarily reality. Although, I’m no stranger to not caring what the current trend is and just wearing what ever the hell I want. Blade Runner does futuristic well. I have always disliked films made in the 1960s, mostly 1970s and some in the 1980s that are set in the future or past. The reason is the costumes are never done well. The 1970s version of the Great Gatsby is a prime example for me. It still looks like the 1970s rather than the Jazz Age it’s suppose to represent. So when I initially watched Blade Runner many years ago, I had to give this film credit. Sure, some of the electronics are no where near what we have today. And the film does advertise Atari which has gone the way of the Buffalo. But overall, it does the early 21st century well.

Okay, now back to Rachael. Maybe I’m weird but I love her style in the movie. Except for that odd fur coat thing she wears when she saves Deckard from the not-so-cool replicant, Leon.

Not only do I want that black suit she wears as Deckard plays “20 questions” with her to determine if she is a replicant or not, but I am also digging her sheik red lipstick and ode to the forties hair style.

The black suit is my number one favorite but I’d rock the grey striped suit as well.

And I love the dialogue between Deckard & Rachael as he’s asking her questions and slowly figuring out her true existence.

Deckard: You’re reading a magazine. You come across a full page of nude photos of a girl.

Rachael: Is this testing whether I’m a replicant or a lesbian, Mr. Deckard?

Deckard: Just answer the questions please. You show it to your husband. He likes it so much he hangs it on your bedroom wall.

Rachael: I wouldn’t let him.

Deckard: Why not?

Rachael: I should be enough for him.

Now let’s move on to Dr. Elsa Schneider of the Indiana Jones claim to fame. With her business suits and dashing hats, she charms her way into Indy’s heart but later falls (literally) victim to Indy’s infamous slogan: “fortune and glory.” Such a shame because this girl had style.

Even when they’re galloping across he desert, she doesn’t shy away from showing us she was fashion elite.

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Her style was so spot on, I forgive her, just a little, for betraying heartthrob Dr. Jones. There is a scene when Indy and Elsa are underneath the historic church turned library and making their way through rat-infested tombs and corridors. During one of the scenes you catch a glimpse of her shoes. And all I can think to myself is how many ladies would kill for those shoes today. They were the epitome of art deco footwear. And there she was, treading through sewage and petroleum-filled waters as I mourned over the loss of those bad-ass shoes.

So there you have it, my current style obsession. Rachael and Elsa are the two leading ladies that have currently won my style-obsessed heart. Now excuse me while I master the perfect forties coiffure.

Photo Booths: A Box Full of Happiness

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Crashing Nightingale

There’s something magical about a photo booth. The small box that in a flash, snaps your photo and then delivers you the result. In one instant, your moment of fun is captured.

In a photo booth you can be serious, silly, sophisticated or sassy. Showcase your style or just show off. In a photo booth it’s your time to shine. When I see a photo booth, I cannot help but want to shove my money into the slot, jump in with a friend, or two, or three, and let the fun begin. Am I right or am I right?? 🙂

The history of the photo booth goes back to the late 1800s with it’s debut at the World Fair in Paris in 1889. Apparently these self-service machines were not too reliable. It wasn’t until the Jazz Age came along that the more modern-version of the photo booth was invented. With the curtain it made it’s grand appearance in New York City on Broadway. It was Anatol Josepho that brought us the photo booth that bursted onto the scene and stuck with us through the decades. Below is a picture of the inventor inside his box-o-fun.

Scouring the internet for photos from photo booths was fun all in itself. So many great vintage photos out there that document those moments in time. There are photos of people by themselves, with friends, lovers, family members, man’s best friend, service members, or perhaps even strangers. Everyone piled into a tiny box posing for the camera. People getting dressed up in their finest or maybe wearing their work attire. It’s a time people show the world their style, smile or personality. When I look at the photos I found, I can’t help but wonder what the story is behind each person in front of the camera. What were they doing that day, where they were at, who they were with. It’ll forever be a mystery and intrigue me. Perhaps this was their only means to take a professional photo or family photo. And my mind wanders to where this photo was going. In a photo album or maybe it was sent across the world to a friend or lover.

While I’m pondering these things, why don’t you check out these super awesome vintage photo booth photos ☞