Vintage Reads: Look Younger, Live Longer
While perusing the liquidation of a family estate, the x and y coordinates of “someone could use that, you can’t throw that away,” and “save it til its older” multiplied themselves by “don’t throw a book away. The information could be lost forever.” There were a few historical tomes that were also saved, but this 1950s gem of a self help/nutritional book bewitched us all. After all, “The Story of Genghis Khan” or the “Elementary Book of Arithmetic” from 1927 are probably “what you see is what you get” types of situations. Not as much “truth in advertising” as “Snakes on a Plane” obviously because the title of that film also informs us of the complete plot as well, and not just the subject, but close.
Gayelord Hauser’s “Look Younger, Live Longer” from the 1950s promised to be a rousing read, just because one doesn’t know what to expect. The expression of presumably Hauser on the cover, doesn’t exactly convey the feeling of “Whoopee, I feel great.” He seems to be sort of keeping his eye on us to make sure we do the “reducing diet.”
On a quick scan of the book, much of it is good, solid advice about poo-pooing sugars and bleached and refined wheat, especially the (and I quote) “Old Ladies Home diet” of gooey pastries and white bread. Quite uncontroversial. But what I love about reading books such as this is that some of the revelations appear very quaint or unusual, either practices that have since been debunked, or new revelations that seem old hat here explained in “late breaking news” sort of way. Hauser shocks us with the revelation that if we play our cards right, we too can live unbelievably long…even past 70 (!), the age that people were designed to live up to and not over, according to Hauser. Also, Hauser reveals what exactly our pancreas does and that, believe it or not, our “sex glands” excrete hormones. They are NOT just what we think they are for!
The key to all of this is learning the “Body Slant.” According to Hauser, “wherever body culture or beauty culture is practiced scientifically, much emphasis is placed on its value.” He instructs readers to go outside and lay on their cellar door. That is, if you have an old fashioned slanted cellar door a la Dorothy Gale’s family. If you do not, go get your ironing board and lay one end on the floor and one on a footstool. The whole point of this is that its better and safer than standing on your head and it helps out your spine if you don’t manage to topple off of the ironing board. Of course, this was replaced in the 70s and 80s by the inversion machine.
I may be giving the book just a bit of a ribbing, which is perhaps misplaced. There is lots of common sense sound advice about eating healthy foods and exercising in moderation that relate to anyone. There’s fashion advice, too, but that’s for a post in the near future. It is very insightful to find books of yesteryear concerning these subjects to see how much our sensibilities have changed…are the same truths always universally the same, have we grown and learned and improved since then with our discoveries, or did people truly live better in decades past? Maybe a little bit of this, and a little bit of that.
1950s, books: Chick Lit and Dude Lit | Comment (0)Yikes Stripes
Over the holiday, I walked through an architectural salvage warehouse. A couple was buying Heywood Wakefield twin headboards for the guest room. The plans were to adorn them with Zebra Bed Sets, though the male of the party was objecting due to the historical era they were looking to recreate. Did you know that zebra prints were not out of the question in the 50s? Granted, I would probably put it in a luxe master suit rather than a twin bed guestroom. So, she gets a point for historical accuracy and he gets a point for objecting to the setting….that is, if you are going for historical accuracy. 1950s, fashion history, Stuff for the Pad | Comment (0)
LA Time Machines: Where to Wear
Los Angeles Time Machines is a site that we have been watching for awhile that we think our readers would enjoy. It focuses exclusively on pre-1970s restaurants and bars that are still in their original state. Occasionally, there are updates on when folks can make a big difference in saving a historic vintage landmark so stay plugged in!
It mainly focuses on the many sites in Los Angeles, California, but has extended to includes spots in Nevada, Maryland, Arizona, Washington and beyond. So, go look up a historic place and show up in your vintage clothing! It would make a great retro photo! I usually try to look up places along every route I am planning more than a two hour car drive, just in case I should come across something classy or outrageous.
http://latimemachines.com
Stay Unique 
How Skinny Can You Go?
These hot red and black vintage ties were on sale in the “Fit for a Vintage Gent” section of InColdStorage.Etsy.com in honor of this blog. They have long since sold, but they are still worth mentioning. One is a standard width at 2 1/2″, is textured silk that was sold at Marsh’s. The other is a black skinny tie at only 1 3/4″ wide with fluer de lys. It was made by Pilgrim.
One could definitely take these two ties on a trip where the ability to be a clothes horse is limited. One could stretch your wardrobe without having to bring an additional suit, as the two go with the same color palettes, yet differe in width and look to make one look like they are wearing a whole different outfit. The condition is impeccable, and they would be equally suited for the collector, or for someone who just wants to look good.
It made me think of how skinny ties have been as far as mainstream fashion goes. Does a bolo count? If not, to me, 2″ seems to be the thinnest. What’s the thinnest that you have seen?
1950s, vintage clothing | Comment (0)Shrunk Trunks – Jantzens sell for $77
Yesterday, I uncovered a disturbing footnote in swimwear history. I fully intended to surprise you all with actually finding the ghastly “wrap front” swim trunks online (the term “trunks” used very loosely here). Alas, I am not surprised that I came up empty.
One item of note is that these Jantzen Swim Trunks were recently sold on Ebay to the tune of $77.00. They are very similar in “coverage” but infinitely apropriate for the man who is going to the beach or the pool to actually SWIM, albeit a bit more modest then what some Olympic divers wear for the aerodynamic qualities. Michael Phelps doesn’t mess around with boarder shorts, afterall.
1950s, 1960s | Comment (0)Gift Ideas for the Vintage Man – Idea #5 – Flying Saucer Lamp
We come in Peace!
No bachelor pad would be complete without a lamp that resembles a flying saucer. This is what modern designers want to have been the ones to have designed…but it has already been done perfectly fifty years ago. This particular one is offered by The Vintage Peddler at $95.00. Quite the bargain to own the “real deal” than another ho hum lamp of equal price from the department store.
1950s, gift ideas, Stuff for the Pad | Comment (0)
