Retro Republik

Mad Men Yourself

2009-07-31T08:17:00.000-07:00

Be Sleek, Be Stylish, Be Yourself! That's the name of the swanky "Mad Men Yourself" game.

The Season 3 premiere of Mad Men is almost two weeks away, but you can jump into a '60s retro scene now.

Yours truly & Don Draper

Betty Draper & Yours truly

Gambusia Affinis

2009-06-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Nocon's "Gambusia Affinis" (2009)

While attending the Downtown Art & Wine Tour I came across the Bloom Projects at the Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Foundation (653 Paseo Nuevo) where Los Angeles based artist Jennifer Nocon's commissioned installation, "Gambusia Affinis" is housed.

Nocon is known for creating sculptural environments using hand-dyed wool felt inspired by naturally occurring patterns.

The wool felt sculptures form a repetitive and retro-esque pattern that have a visual language all their own.

Retrospective: Areno Collection

2009-05-27T15:18:00.000-07:00

Joseph Areno's "East Beach Volleyball - Santa Barbara"

The historic University Club of Santa Barbara (1332 Santa Barbara St) will open its door to the public to present the Areno Collection at a special event on Thursday evening June 4th.

On view will be the Club's existing Areno collection along with over 50 never-before-displayed oils, sketches and watercolors. Sip, savor and delight in the regal setting. Contact: Chrissy Deferville, 805-966-0853 ext 13 / Chrissy@uclubsb.org

ICFF 2009: Gray is the new Green

2009-05-21T15:15:00.000-07:00

For the first time I had a chance to attend the International Contemporary Furniture Fai r (ICFF) in New York City. This worldwide wonder of design disciplines was truly innovative and inspirational.

Our favorite fair find comes from Seattle based graypants - the designers/inventors Seth and Johnathan are architects that desire to make a difference through design - instilling new spirit into salvaged pieces of corrugated cardboard, a scrap light’s lively play on light and shadow invigorates once lifeless materials.

Graypants scrap light shades are made entirely from salvaged corrugated cardboard. All lights are handmade - giving each a varied shape and size.

Graypants scrap lights can be purchased on their site and come in three different styles: DISK, HIVE and BELL.

Retrospective: Brett Weston's Out of the Shadow

2009-05-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (1130 State St.) is presenting the largest retrospective of influential American photographer Brett Weston's work in over 30 years.

Running May 2-August 16, The Brett Weston: Out of the Shadow exhibition will display more than 130 of Weston's photographs that range from early vintage prints made in California & Mexico in the 1920s and 19030s, East Coast images from the 1940 to Hawaiian images made shortly before his death in 1993.

Brett Weston’s “Cactus, Santa Barbara” (1931)

Brett Weston’s “Garrapata Beach, California” (1954)

Stars & Stripes

2009-04-30T07:25:00.000-07:00

Portland based jefdesigns' new walnut & teak panels combine retro forms and modern stripes for a truly striking collection.

Each organically modern piece is hand painted by designer Joe Futschik, who also welcomes unique commissions.

For more of jefdesigns art work or lighting visit the Retro Republik shop or jefdesigns direct.

Airstream Dreams

2009-04-15T16:20:00.001-07:00

Oh how we love the ocean and dreaming of being a nomadic hipster. This year in celebration of MINI's 50th birthday, the folks at MINI have teamed up with Airstream and Republic of Fritz Hansen to bring our dreams into reality.

This 22-foot Airstream and MINI Cooper S Clubman concept is debuting at the Salone del Mobile Milan later this month.

The Airstream interior features new interpretations of Arne Jacobsen's classic mid-century Egg™ and Swan™ Chair and a table set up with four unique Series Seven™ chairs, allowing plenty of room for guests. Sleek wood paneling and bold colors top it off giving it the ultimate mod surf look. Kowabunga!

Swag the Dog: Retro Wares

2009-03-31T07:17:00.001-07:00

Give your most loyal partner some swinging swag this spring.

Wear: Funky. Chic. Slick. Dogma London's spiffy retro series of collars are a new attitude. Dogma London has over 200 fresh designs and styles including martingale, buckle and tag collars. Plus cool matching leashes too.

It's not about just a collar and and leash, it's about a personality. Is your pup a Rebel or into Camo? Maybe your pup yearns to be One-of-a-Kind?

Retro series favorites:

Sprocket / Have a Nice Day

Nuclear Winter / Hound Dog

Saturday Night Fever

Fast Freddy in Saturday Night Fever

Decorate: For Mod Art for mod dogs be sure to check out Mod-Dog's fine art prints.

Shop by breed - from Airedale Terriers to Yorkies and everything in between like Boxers, Great Danes, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Whippets.

Pssss...don't miss the Mod-Dog Blog for mod-dog resources like green pets, health+wellness, shopping+style, travel and more!

Play: Tired of tripping over your pups' toys?

The cool and clever Fast Freddy has re-purposed a Chartreuse Retro Bullet Planter as a hip toy chest. Good dog.

Retrospective: Jena Ardell's Fine Art Photography

2009-03-27T07:54:00.001-07:00

If you've ever clicked your heels together and wished you resided in a more retro decade then you've come to the right place.

Jena Ardell's retro fine art photography transports you back to a time that is reminiscent of a 70's dreamy Santa Monica beach day or a 60s Vegas wanderlust moment.

As soon as I spied her stylized Kit Cat clock photo I was sold.

Jena Ardell's KitCat / Retro Republik's KitCat

Here's a few of our favorite moments...pssst check out Jena Ardell's Etsy Shop and Blog.

Ace in the ho-tel

2009-03-23T12:42:00.001-07:00

In the words of Liz Lemon, "I want to go to there."

Where's there, you ask? In this case we want to go to ALL 4 swanky locales of the ACE HOTEL: New York (opening soon), Palm Springs (now open), Portland and Seattle.

In New York the mini-bars aren't so mini - full size (and stocked) retro Smeg refridgerators and vintage woodcrate with snacks from local shops.

Some rooms even feature Music Hall turntables with hand-picked vinyl for guest enjoyment.

The rooms of the Palm Springs Ace have a bohemian-campy feel with the warm glow of the desert sun and the simple draped fabric. Many of the rooms open to private outdoors patios with fireplaces.

In Portland the 79-room historic property stands between old downtown and the revitalized Pearl district. This Portland hotel lobby wouldn't be complete without a Jorg & Olif bicycle ready for a spin.

Plus the hotel room numbers boast retro metal signage...too cool.

Within walking distance to the famous Pike Place Market, the Seattle Ace is full of stylish comfort. Clean white rooms, low platform beds, large windows and high ceilings have us ready to jump on a plane.

And a big "merci beaucoup" to Retro Republik follower Lindsay in Hermosa Beach, CA that tipped us off to ACE HOTEL.

Mommy Dearest

2009-03-19T08:32:00.000-07:00

"C'mon, click the button. i dare you" is truly a double-dog dare from the spunky Scary Mommy Creations. Scary Mommy designs retro cool buttons for all you bloggers out there.

Here's a few of Retro Republik's favorites:

I'm pretty cool

A little bit of attitude

I don't cook or clean

Rated G

Please comment

Ink, Post & Paperwink

2009-03-15T19:41:00.000-07:00

This Santa Barbaran is officially obsessed with a new blog I discovered today, via Sunset magazine, called Ink & Post.

Ink & Post is the creative outlet and personal aesthetic of local Santa Barbara blogger Katie Chambers.

Ink & Post covers: design, ephemera, fashion, home, interiors, music, paper, photography, print, Santa Barbara, shops, travel and type.

By the way if you're asking yourself like I did, 'What is ephemera?'

This should help...

From Wikipedia: Ephemera is transitory written and printed matter not intended to be retained or preserved. The word derives from the Greek, meaning things lasting no more than a day. Some collectible ephemera are advertising trade cards, airsickness bags, bookmarks, catalogues, greeting cards, letters, pamphlets, postcards, posters, prospectuses, stock certificates, tickets and zines.

Ironically Ms. Chambers' and Retro Republik share a favorite ephemera...STAMPS!

******

To keep this ink and post theme going thought I'd indulge in a throwback to a bygone era and share my recent Design*Sponge find, Paperwink.

Paperwink's award-winning stationer duo Darcey + Tara have wowed us with their retro inspired custom wooden address stamps.

Had a hard time deciding between Airmail, Telegram and Vintage Typewriter:

In the end the bright and simple Vintage Typewriter won me over:

Click here to check out Paperwink's full section of rubber stamps, note cards, labels and calling cards.

We got blogged

2009-03-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

We got blogged by Ribsy a handsome and surly whippet that has an eye for style.

Check out the posting: Fast Freddy Finds

Art: Retro Bikes

2009-03-06T09:51:00.000-08:00

Artist Hillarie Tasche of Winnipeg, Canada loves to draw and paint bikes. She has a collection of her favorite originals that she's strung up. Prints are available for sale on her etsy site.

Yellow Ten Speed Road Bike

Red Ten Speed Road Bike

Green Ten Speed Road Bike

Gold Ladies Ten Speed Road Bike

Red Lighting Speedster Bike

Full Series - 14 Bikes - Limited Edition Art Prints

History Lesson: Barbie turns 50

2009-02-16T21:36:00.001-08:00

I'm a barbie girl, in the barbie world
Life in plastic, it's fantastic!
you can brush my hair, undress me everywhere
Imagination, life is your creation
Come on Barbie, let's go party!
-Lyrics by Aqua, "Barbie Girl"

Even though I preferred playing He-Man, She-Ra and Skeletor with my brother & cousin, I did play with Barbie (think my mom made me) every once in a while. Have to admit Barbie really did have always have the best shoes in town.

Barbie broke into the fashion spotlight in 1959 and literally came to life this Feb 14 at the Bryant Park Fashion week:

According to BarbieMedia.com:
"She may be petite, at just 11.5 inches tall, but her wardrobe is anything but tiny. Her amazing outfits have been designed by more than 70 fabulous names in fashion, cut from more than 105 million yards of fabric (and still counting) and she has had 1 billion pairs of the most to-die-for shoes.

Barbie® boasts five decades of fashion heritage, working with more fashion designers than any other brand in the world.

As model or muse, Barbie has relationships with more than 70 of the biggest names in fashion. From Calvin to Cartier, Gucci to Galliano, Versace to Vera, they all have something to say about Barbie:

"Barbie represents a confident and independent woman with an amazing ability to have fun while remaining glamorous." -- Diane von Furstenberg

"Barbie doll has been a cherished fashion phenomenon for five decades, so it was exciting to be able to dress her in one of my signature gowns." -- Monique Lhuillier

"It's been my honor to dress some of the most glamorous women in the world and Barbie is certainly among the ultimate 'It' girls!” -- Patricia Field

"As a little girl, I spent countless hours playing with my Barbie doll's, even designing and sewing one-of-a kind outfits for the doll--I guess you could say Barbie gave me my start as a designer," -- Cynthia Rowley"

Retro Republik Finds: An Etsy Valentines'

2009-02-14T10:11:00.001-08:00

Oh Etsy, you have stolen my heart!

For Valentines Day I found my hubby this warm Dark Wood Print wallet made of Gaffer Tape from Etsy seller and Portland based Duct Tuff. This photo-realistic print is rich, dark wood grain but is not thicker than a strip of tape. It only set me back $21 big ones.

Other cool items from Duct Tuff include an RFID (radio frequency identification chip) blocking line of Duct Tape wallets...Stop a would-be thief by blocking the signal with the Duct Tuff Resistance Machine wallet that has a flexible metal lining that stops radio frequencies from getting through.

Gaffer Tape Wallet with a Dark Wood Print

Next Etsy stop: bowsandarrows vintage, based in Sacramento, has a slew of super fun select pieces from the retro 1950s to the nifty 1990s.

With the extra money I had left over from the killer wallet deal, I picked myself up this pretty little Sante Fe vintage number from bowsandarrows vintage, only $14 bucks.

Vintage Santa Fe woven bag

Retro Republik Finds: Santa Barbara

2009-02-09T09:49:00.001-08:00

You know you're a retro nut when you spend your Sunday afternoon poking around town on a quest for the perfect retro floor lamp.

My first stop was our local swanky emporium, Retroville.

Retroville (512 State St.) appears to have more vintage housewares (Crosley, Bauer pottery, Moda Home linens) than the Mad Men set!

Retroville also carries women's, men's and children's clothing, shoes and accessories - both vintage and new...and vintage appliances too!

Retroville even has a cool & cleaver video to woo you into the store:

The Road to Santa Barbara

All this shopping has been famished and thinking what's for dinner.

On Craigslist: Santa Barbara I tracked this retro appetizers cookbook for only $10 bucks.

Appetizers is part of the Retro Recipes series that recreate the delicious diner offerings and sophisticated cocktails of the 1950's for a modern audience. Every recipe is illustrated with period advertisements and packed with ideas and variations on classic foods.

Appetizers include such classics as shrimp cocktail and iceberg lettuce salad with Thousand Island dressing.

Next stop, the local Goodwill store. I found this green bean for only $19.99.

Cleaned up the lamp & added a Black Martha Steward lamp shade with metallic lining from Kmart $15.99.

Tossed it all together and voila:

Beam me up...Buttercup

2009-02-02T16:31:00.001-08:00

Recently we had a chance to spend some time at the historic Ojai Valley Inn & Spa - a serene, and beautiful retreat just 40 miles SE of Santa Barbara with our cousins.

The spa was luxurious...

the Spanish colonial rooms were rich in palette with colorful Moroccan accents...

the golf & tennis we're a blast...

...but my favorite feature of the resort was the retro Moon Beam Alarm Clock in each guest room. This 'most famous getter upper' seamlessly tied the casual elegance of the room together.

1950 Moon Beam Big Ben Alarm Clock

Over the weekend I was luck of enough to receive one of these darling Moon Beam Alarm clocks in the vintage and classic Buttercup color, from my stylish cousin Jordan...Thanks Jord!

The clocks can be purchased online or directly at the resort.

Wasting no time, the buttercup Moon Beam Alarm Clock has found its new home on my nightstand alongside my favorite blue owl bank and my sculptural jefdesigns' Legna table lamp.

New Products: Retro fresh sunburst clocks

2009-01-26T16:01:00.000-08:00

Oras Designs' retro fresh sunburst clocks have Retro Republik seeing stars!

Each cool clock is laser cut from warm and natural walnut with the perfect dash of color. The clocks come in two shape choices:

And in one of four retro colors: turquoise, pear green, pink or orange.

History Lesson: PEZ®

2008-10-17T13:44:00.000-07:00

According to pezcentral.com in 1927 Edward Haas came up with this new peppermint candy in Austria. The word PEZ comes from the German word for peppermint (pfefferminz). It was an adult breath mint that he decided to market as an alternative for smoking. From the word pfefferminz they took the first, middle and last letter and came up with the word PEZ.

At that time PEZ was carried around in pocket tins. Then in 1948 they came out with the "easy, hygenic dispenser" that we all recognize now to be a regular PEZ. In 1952 PEZ wanted to expand their sales so they set their sights on the U.S., to make their product more appealing to Americans. They placed heads on the dispensers and marketed it for children.

To date PEZ has made about 300 different dispensers, here's some of Retro Republik's favorites:

Check out how a Retro Republik customer turned her retro bullet planter into a swanky PEZ display table by only adding a piece of glass to the top of the planter...now that's retro with a modern twist!

Retro Republik Sightings: 'Mad Men'

2008-09-14T12:16:00.000-07:00

The retro, stylized and sensational drama Mad Men is a Retro Republik favorite - the historically accurate costume design, set design and props are painstakingly researched and flawlessly executed.

Inside Mad Men: Costume Design

Inside Mad Men: Production Design

Inside Mad Men: Behind the Scenes

On a side note, Mad Men's central & complicated character, the dapper Don Draper played by Jon Hamm was eye-spied today by yours truly at the Nautica Malibu Triathlon.

Even though Mr. Hamm plays the ladies man and the big ad man in the corner office, he was an absolute gentleman. He even introduced himself to Fast Freddy.

Mr. Hamm competed in the triathlon with the 1/2 mile swim portion of the Celebrity Team Relay Division (time of 00:15:18.5) - Guess it's a good thing all those cigarettes they smoke on the show are herbal cigarettes, not tobacco.

New Products: Melamine Plates & Pillows

2008-09-12T14:53:00.000-07:00

Coming soon - New Products from Retro Republik:

jefdesigns has joined forces with freddy&ma to create a special collection of home accessories - including melamine plates and pillows that combine unique and organic design elements of jefdesigns' work with the craftsmanship and quality of freddy&ma.

Additionally, all pieces are made to order in the U.S.

Melamine Plates:
These 10" diameter sea-inspired plates are dishwasher safe (not recommended
for microwave). Available in 4 unique designs. Sold in sets of four (1 of
each style or 4 of a single design).

Pillows:
Washable covers with eco-friendly cotton and Kapock insert.
Available in small (12” square) and large (17” square) sizes.

9/11/01: Republik's Remembrance

2008-09-11T12:11:00.000-07:00

Remember this: Every day ordinary men and women do extraordinary things to ensure that our freedom is secure.

This 9/11 we will be offering our remembrance, gratitude and appreciation to families of our American fallen and injured heroes by providing for their families and remembering the price they pay.

Recently I heard about a foundation called Operation Family Fund that assists the injured and families of those injured or killed as part of the Global War on Terrorism (domestic or abroad and military or civilian), with financial grants to help them transition to their new circumstances and achieve financial self-sufficiency.

As of June 2008 over 230 families have received grants and more than $1.5 million in donations have been received.

God Bless America.

-Taryn

Retro Stamps: Eames to Mickey Mouse

2008-08-29T17:32:00.000-07:00

Just got back from running errands and to my husband's surprise I brought home everything I've always wanted:

An Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman, an Eames Storage Unit & a set of Eames plastic Stacking Chairs.

What more could a gal ask for?!? How does a self-employed gal swing this, you ask? Just ask the US Postal Service.

This commemorative set of stamps illustrates the breadth and depth of Charles & Ray Eames innovative 'good design' from architecture, art, exhibits, film & furniture.

This got me to thinking...what other design related stamps are out there?

USPS's American Design series showcases a stylized treatment of a Chippendale chair made in Philadelphia between 1760 and 1765.

I may want an original Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman, so I guess I'm OK with my honey bringing home any of these four polished & chromed beauties any day of the week.

Built by four different manufacturers, each of these retro mahogany watercraft are still in use today:

Frolic, 1915 Hutchinson Brothers Launch
Dispatch, 1931 Gar Wood triple cockpit Runabout
Thunderbird, 1939 Hacker-Craft
Duckers, 1954 Chris-Craft Racing Runabout

From vintage watercraft to Steamboat Willie, the USPS's most popular stamp series of all time, 'Art of Disney', will be calling it curtains soon.

Mickey Mouse and his friends rule as the most popular stamp series with $211.5 million in revenue. However, Elvis remains king as the single most popular stamp subject of all time with an estimated $124.1 million collected.

This 'Art of Disney' imaginative design features:

Mickey Mouse as Steamboat Willie
Mowgli and Baloo from The Jungle Book
Princess Aurora and her helpers Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather from Sleeping Beauty
Pongo and one of his pups from 101 Dalmatians

For more retro & fun stamp facts visit the USPS newsroom: http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/

It only seems appropriate to shut down the laptop now and break out a pen & paper to let someone else enjoy receiving one of these retro stamps.

Retro Toys: LEGO Miniman turns the big 3-0!

2008-08-25T14:17:00.000-07:00

The LEGO Miniman turns the big 3-0 today! The 'over the hill' celebration is in full effect over at GoMinimanGo.com.

1978 Police Officer minifigure

According to GoMinimanGo.com, the LEGO minifigure represents the world's largest population of people! Over 4 billion minifigures have been produced in the last 30 years. There are over 3,000 varieties of the LEGO miniman.

The Miniman's blog hosts vintage LEGO commercials, a "Go Miniman Go" fan challenge and even boasts an interactive LEGO Miniman Timeline where you can view the original seven Minimen and check out the Minimen of today including SpongeBob and Harry Potter.

1978 Space Astronaut / 1989 Pirate

2002 Harry Potter / 2006 Sponge Bob

I don't know about you but I can't resist picking up the retro & quirky collection of 5 famous figures through the years...from the vintage 1978 Astronaut to the 2002 Mad Scientist. I found the link to the Lego shop to pick up the Vintage MF Collection Vol.1: http://shop.lego.com/product/?p=852331&LangId=2057&ShipTo=US

For a more modern twist on these classic yellow & plastic men, check out the blog for Band of Outsiders LEGO® project - this site celebrates the little man's Bday with a collection of photos and also information on their miniman T-shirts that will be available soon.

History Lesson: The Legend of St. Christopher

2008-08-16T08:48:00.000-07:00

For years I've been wearing the retro & original St. Christopher medals in various colors on my travels. Whether it's an adventure in Thailand, roaming around Prague or a weekend trip to San Francisco with the girls. I’m often asked what it is I am wearing & why.

Usually I tell the short story of St. Christopher who is said to bring luck and good fortune to travelers.

According to Catholic.org there is the legend about St. Christopher where he was crossing a river when a child asked to be carried across. When Christopher put the child on his shoulders he found the child was unbelievably heavy. The child, according to the legend, was Christ carrying the weight of the whole world. This was what made Christopher patron saint of travelers. St. Christopher is often revered also by athletes, sailors and drivers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Christopher).

More recently in the 1960's surfers wore St. Christopher medals as a good luck piece to protect them while surfing.

During those retro times a St. Christopher medal was synonymous with fleeting romance as “Moondoggies” and “Gidgets” exchanged them as a symbol of "going steady.”

My favorite story of giving a St. Christopher medal is that of Truman Capote’s novel Breakfast at Tiffany’s where the narrator gives Holly Golightly a St. Christopher medal for Christmas.

“ ‘I’m afraid it isn’t much,’ and it wasn’t: a St. Christopher’s medal. But at least it came from Tiffany’s. Holly was not a girl who could keep anything, and surley by now she has lost that medal, left it in a suitcase or some hotel drawer. “ (Capote, 59-60)

Holly Golightly may not have kept that medal close to her heart - she just might have with the vibrants colors of St. Christopher medals of today.

Our new fun colors at Retro Republik (from our partner Getbackdesigns) include:

When to Give a St. Christopher:

Travelers: St. Christopher jewelry is believed to bring safety and good wishes to travelers, and would make an ideal gift for someone leaving on a trip or who travels frequently.

Kids: A St. Christopher medal is a special gift for young children and babies as it reflects the start of their journey through life. This would make a lovely gift for a baby shower, baptism or 1st birthday.

Drivers: Many cars are seen sporting St. Christopher medals wishing them a safe return home. Great gift for that ‘road warrior’ or new driver.

Welcome to Retro Republik

2008-08-06T16:16:00.000-07:00

Retro Republik is the online showroom for hand-picked retro + modern designs and furnishings

Over the last few months we’ve been busy building the site www.RetroRepublik.com (launching soon!) and partnering with talented designers & manufacturers to bring you designs to outfit your life, products will include:

• accessories
• art
• books
• eco-friendly
• furniture: home + office
• garden + outdoor
• jewelry
• kids + baby
• lighting
• mobiles
• pets
• textiles
• shop by color

I’m guessing that if you’ve found this remote blog it’s probably because you’re a friend or family member.

Speaking of family members we already have a few happy customers that are enjoying their products from Retro Republik. Check ‘em out:

Reese (my baby niece - AKA Baby Cakes) and her Mommy (cousin Amy – AKA Amy Cakes) think that the Oval mobile (Oras Designs) in berry + white + lime looks fresh & playful in Reese’s nursery.

Part mobile & part art, this wall piece will grow along with Reese as she transitions from her nursery to her ‘big-girl’ room through the years.

Our buddy, Fast Freddy (the Whippet) loves his new retro patterned pet bed (Lexie Lew) with built-in burrowing pocket! Perfect for the pup that likes to get cozy and sleep under blankets.

Freddy is also a fan of his Retro Bullet Planter (Hip Haven) turned toy chest – and I’m a fan of the stylish and vintage shape & color. Retro Republik's retro bullet planters come in: chartreuse, tangerine & turquoise.

Looking forward to sharing the Retro Republik journey with you. We appreciate all of the support!

-Taryn O.
(plus Joe O. + Fast Freddy)