What’s a Modern Girl to Do?

It started innocently enough. When My Honey’s grandmother passed away in 1989, I became the owner of several pieces of her costume jewelry. I fell in love with them and received numerous compliments. Before I knew it, I had a collection of vintage brooches from the 30′s to the late 50′s. I picked up a pin here and there for dirt cheap.

Then came the sewing patterns. Vogue started reprinting some of their vintage designs and I went crazy for them. But then I started finding vintage patterns here and there. I tried my hand at making one of two. I was hooked. I was able to find clothing that Audrey and Grace and Jackie wore. I could be like them. At least, in my imagination.

Then came the cookbooks. I found a cookbook from the 1930′s at a book sale at the library. Then another at a charity book sale where I could buy books for $1 a bag. The avalanche soon followed. As a scholar, I was intrigued by them. As a foodie, I loved trying out the recipes and making healthy adaptations.

Then came the red and white ware for the kitchen and the appliances that were bought for their design value.

Did I mention the vintage housekeeping books?

Or, the vintage projectors and home movies that my husband collects?

And, so, it is time to admit that even though I am a modern woman with an advanced degree and a business of my own, I am also a retrophile. I have various sized collections of vintage pins, patterns, cookbooks, housekeeping books, appliances, red and white pots and pans, red handled utensils, sewing books and more! My Honey and I love most things retro–which we classify as Depression era to Atomic era, with a heavy emphasis on postwar design.

This blog is dedicated to my life as a modern retro woman. I intend to share recipes from my vintage cookbooks that I’ve updated as needed, fun movies that I come across, my adventures in using my vintage patterns, and anything else that I feel like talking about.

Cocktail, anyone?