Tales of an 8 year old CardShark
Red Hen Studios on Etsy has this fantastic poker chip and card holder. Stumbling across it brings back so many great memories. My cousins and I sat at the dining room table at Grandma and Grandpa’s house and played for pennies. They were all from Grandma’s penny jar and she let us keep our winnings. To be fair, no one went home empty handed, but most of the time, Grandma played her own hand well by convincing us to put them back for next time when someone got a little shark-ish—well as card shark-y as a few eight year olds, a 5 and a 4 year old could possibly get.
Somehow, one of my cousins, one of the 8 year olds, taught us to play 5 card stud and 5 card draw. How did he even know how to play those games? At least it was all innocent and a bit more math-skill-enhancing than Go Fish or Old Maid were. He even wore a visor just to make things that much more authentic.
Violet64 on Etsy has another caddy, shown at right, in a great old plastic with all sorts of ripples and swirls. It is a bit more handsome than what we used, of course. The caddy of choice was solid black. Actually, it wasn’t “of choice” but “of available. Poker caddies are great not just for nostalgia, but it gives you so many choices – from actual card games to building card houses to chip tosses. If the kids get bored, you can always encourage them to toss the chips in a hat and see who gets the closest. I forgot – a more challenging game is to toss them back into the caddy. I seem to remember a bit of pushing and shoving when the “close enough” rule was invoked.
What old school card and table games do you enjoy?
entertainment, games, gift ideas | Comment (0)VintageGent Christmas Gift Guide: The Status Ring
Christmas is right around the corner and Hanukkah has already snuck up on us. It is high time to start thinking about what to get the special dudes in our lives. Not a lot of men go around galavanting with tons of rings on their fingers these days, but sometimes when they go to a black tie event, they might wear something antique or era appropriate to their outfit. Perhaps the bride is looking for an offbeat wedding band for her groom.
This circa 1870’s ring has a surprise to it. Behind the garnet, a white sapphire is mounted. Only the gent that wears it will see it. The ring appears to have a patina, at least from the photo, but it doesn’t take away from the stunningness or marvelousness. The ring is a reasonable size. It’s a size 9, so it could potential fit a guy of today, so long as his fingers are not broad. I would hesitate to recommend resizing it. I am sure it could be done, but you may lose some of the character.
It is made of sterling silver, and is available on Etsy from NoveauMotley at the price of $235.00. Snap it up before it gets away. They aren’t exactly making more of them, are they?
gift ideas | Comment (0)“Muddle” This Idea for Christmas
This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of RI Media Group. All opinions are 100% mine.
I have been searching for gift ideas for several people on my list. The ones that have collections are easy. I enjoy the thrill of the hunt, and finding something that they don’t have in their collection gives me as much excitement as they get receive when opening it. However, sometimes I cannot find that perfect item but still want something very unique that they can’t possibly already have. I was really surprised at the unique items they have over at StudBox. Sure, they have some cookware and odds and ends that you could find in other places, but there are many items that I have no seen anywhere else. The offerings are parred down for quality and uniqueness.
Do you have a sophisticated person that you would like to find a gift under $10 for? A gift in that price point may be gifted in addition to a gift certificate. Some folks feel gift certificates are impersonal, and a small gift seems to satisfy the urge to give them something to use now…and later. The price point is perfect for a gift grab, or for giving with a holiday tip to someone who serves you. Have you ever heard of a muddler? It is the latest must have for the sophisticated bartender. An aspiring James Bond can crush the fruit in their drink without missing a beat, or being accused of selecting a girlie drink. The muddler at left is the VIVA! Stick muddler by Liquid Revolutionist, which was designed by a bartender with a waffle end for maximum fruit crushitude. The model at right is a spare, more traditional looking model made of wood. The former is offered for $7.95, the latter for $3.95.
There is a new style fondue set on Studbox that not only is easier to clean, it also does no require seasoning, and is easy to carry. The interior is a more user friendly porcelain enamel, and the unique design makes it easy to carry. The latter is extremely important to me. I find that I like to bring a unique dessert when family and friends gather, and the fete is not always at my place. This style lends itself to easy set up and tear down. It is on special right now for $64.99.
Shipping at Studbox is only $4.00 for orders up to $30, so you can buy all of your friends cocktail muddlers. On orders over $30, the fee is 12%, which is quite paltry considering the weight of some of the items. That’s great news.All of this web window shopping reminds me that it is also time for me to roll out the daily Christmas gift guide at VintageGent’s Menswear Daily.This post is the kickoff. Stay tuned for more great gift ideas for the retro man and ladies they like. In the meantime, I do highly recommend checking out the unique odds and ends on this site. I bet no one on your list has a cocktail muddler, but they sure will be impressed at the sophistication level of the giver.
A Golf Tie That is Actually Classy
Golf ties, and Christmas ties for that matter, sometimes make me cringe just thinking about them. They are often cheaply made, brash, and embarrassing for some to wear. Here is one that breaks the rules. There is a golf tie offered on Etsy for a limited time. How long is limited, you might ask? Until it sells. It is available for the bargain basement steal of $8.99, which includes shipping. How can you beat that?
This tie is of the square bottom, skinny variety from the 1960s. It is considered a novelty print, as it is not an “all over” print, but depicts a theme or a scene. It features a print on cotton of a golfing scene. Colors are primarily green and brown. Condition is listed as excellent, with no apparent flaws.
To check it out, or to snap it up and get it in your hot little hands before anyone else, CLICK HERE.
1960s, gift ideas, vintage clothing | Comment (1)New! Fit for a VintageGent: Golf Tie
Now, at InColdStorage at Etsy, there is a section named after this blog of items from the collection that are things I would select. Look for the section “Picks for a VintageGent” and you will see one or two items at a time that may be something that you are interested in snapping up. That’s right, for now there will be one or two items and when they are gone, they are gone. They may sell, or they may just switch them out to keep you on your toes, and we’ll see how fast they go.
Of course, you might want to look at the other items in the shop, such as handbags, kitchenware, and books which are all great too. Now, however, it will be like your own personalVintageGent or VintageGent-ette selecting items for you that you may just have to have, or at least are a little bit unique.
The inaugaral item is a nifty square bottom tie from the 60s with a golfing theme. Where is the rule that golf themed ties have to have Mickey Mouse on them or be polyester? Well, not in this case. This one, I think would be great for even someone who does not care to golf. The graphics are just so cool and a definite “throwback.”
The price is $9.00, with shipping just a little bit more, or buy another item in the store and combine shipping.
1960s, VintageGent's Vintage Picks, gift ideas, vintage clothing | Comment (0)My Dad is No Ward Cleaver
In the harrowing tail of the Attack of the Bookshelf, below, I mentioned my father’s personal mishap. I was thinking the other day that when some people think of their dad or grandfather, they sometimes think of a particular actor or character that reminds them. Oftentimes, they don’t think of this until long after their father or grandfather is gone. My father is still with us, thank goodness. He reminds me of Clark Griswold, Chevy Chase’s character, most of all. Aside from getting tempted by strangers, which wouldn’t be characteristic of my dad, the heart of the character us to keep plugging along and making the best of things no matter what crazy thing happens.
Crazy Dog t-shirts has a shirt that I wished I had seen before Christmas, but I think I will put it away and give it to him before hand next year so he can wear it all through the holidays. It reads: “The Griswold Family Tree…It’s All About the Experience.” That is exactly something my dad thinks all the time. It doesn’t matter if you get anything actually done, does it? When in doubt, tie your problems to the rough, right? Trust me, there is just no possibility that he will see this shirt and buy himself before then. He sometimes still just hits “reply” when I send him an email and doesn’t type anything back in response. Online shopping is something we will have to work on in another couple years.
film, gift ideas, modern fashion | Comment (0)
Play “As You Wish”
When I was…ahem…younger, I remember watching the Princess Bride over and over again. My family had just gotten cable for the first time, and it was on one of the movie channels in heavy rotation for a few months. I was first introduced to it in school, where our English teacher brought it in as a treat on the half day of school we had before a holiday. Of course, it featured the celebrated acting of Andre the Giant as Fezzik. It was the type of irreverant movie that makes adults laugh and children to have the affectation to their voice which they believed to be their best Spanish Accent and declare to everyone: “I am Inigo Montoya. You Killed My Father. Prepare to Die.”
It has taken quite a few years, but as you wish, someone has imagined up the Princess Bride Game. I have tried the demos for the 5-pack of Princess Bride games for PC/MAC. I have to admit, I had a lot of fun. Are you up to the challenge? Brave the fire swamp and stand up to Vizzini in the Battle of the Wits, and much more. I have to admit that the questions made me think. So many games that are based on other media (books, movies) require you to have seen or read the inspiration source, otherwise you will be lost when playing the game. I think it makes it that much more fun when you already love the movie, but friends who have not, or have not seen it in years can hold their own quite well. In the fire swamp, I was reminded of the game Pitfall! except that this was much more easy to navigate and a bit more challenging. I used to walk into walls and trap myself all the time in that old game. The other good thing about it, is that it is all ages friendly without being over simplistic. The nephews and niece have tried it, have had as much fun as I did with the demos, and they are clamouring for me to purchase the games for them.
The whole experience makes me want to see the movie again. I am going to check my local listings or go ahead and rent it. Not only is the movie a little off the cuff, but it reminds me of being what they now call tweens, and sitting on the couch on a Saturday with my brother and sister.
Personalized Pens: A Stylish Gift
Looking for a time honored gift to give the men in your life, but don’t want to make sizing mistakes? How about giving Cross Pens – Personalized Gifts that are going to last. It is apropriate for a proper gentleman, rather they are a high ranking business man, or just someone that has a little style, to have a good pen that is attractive, and well weighted in the hand.
Personalization will guarantee that no one will run off with it either. In an office I worked at, there was a coworker that had a habit of pilfering pens, claiming that they were all his. It could indeed be that he had a collection himself, but he was always caught when one spun the barrel around and looked at the name.
If you scurry over to GiftPens.com, they have free engraving on Cross Pens, as well as free shipping on orders over $69.00.
Gift Ideas for the Vintage Man – Idea #6 – The Stork Club Suspenders
The Stork Club was a chic hangout form the 1930s through the 1950s. Owner Sherman Billingsley, a New York bootlegger, presided with long time mistress Ethel Merman on his arm. Guests included the Roosevelts, Kennedys, members of the Royal Family, Elizabeth Taylor, Walter Winchell, Bing Crosby, Marilyn Monroe, and many others. In the Stork Club Lore, a very young Dorothy Lamour was turned down for the job of nightclub singer. According to “Tips on the Table”, the inner sanctum called “The Club Room” was opened especially for these elite guests.
The Stork Club may be gone, but you can still own a piece of Stork Club history. A pair of Stork Club suspenders from the 1940s (scroll down the page) is being offered by Dorothea’s Closet for immediate purchase. You won’t see something like this very often!
Tell them you saw it in VintageGent’s Menswear Daily
1940s, gift ideas | Comment (1)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, Stuff for the Pad, gift ideas | Comment (0)Gift Ideas for the Vintage Man – Idea #4 – Pendleton 49′er
Not all Vintage Men dressed to the nines…..sometimes they dressed to the forty-nines!
Jackets from Pendleton are always a classic. This particular selection from FuzzyLizzie Vintage is no exception. It resembles the classic ladies 49′er but is clearly meant for a man. The coat measures 51″, so it will fit many modern guys with a vintage sensibility. Remember to compare it to similar items the lucky recipient already owns or keep his modern sportcoat size in mind and then add a few inches for outerwear. Price is $50.00. Available for immediate purchase.
Tell them you saw it in VintageGent’s Menswear Daily!
gift ideas | Comment (0)Gifts for the Vintage Man – Idea #3 – 1940s dressing robe
Day 3 of our Gift Ideas for the Vintage Man!
PoshGirl Vintage has a stunning silver dressing robe or smoking robe from the 1940s. This particular robe is a 40″ chest, so for the small to medium sized guy. The shoulders are padded and the belt is included. Price is $159.00 and maker is State-of-Maine Desmond’s.
Tell them you saw it in VintageGent’s Menswear Daily!
1940s, gift ideas | Comment (0)Gifts for the Vintage Man – Idea #2 – Bachelor’s Friend Socks
From now until the new year, we are highlighting a gift idea every day for the Vintage Guy. Today’s suggestion is a nice stocking stuffer called the Bachelor’s Friend Vintage Socks offered by Wardrobe the Globe on Ebay. This stocking stuffer would be perfect to complete the vintage outfit with a hard to find item, or would be just the perfect thing for the guy who thinks “they don’t make them like they used to.” Give him socks that actually last! They would be also good for a collector who has it all…except for this!
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This is a “Buy It Now,” so you don’t have to wait for the auction to end!
Tell them you saw it in VintageGent’s Menswear Daily!
gift ideas | Comment (0)
