Ruins of Detroit

Detroit has been making news since they became the largest city to ever declare bankruptcy in the United States. Yves Marchand & Romaine Meffree photography started this project back in 2005 called The Ruins of Detroit. Looking at these pictures it is easy to imagine Detroit at its height in the 1950s. It pains me to see such beautiful Art Deco buildings reduced to ruins! The images are both haunting and post-apocalyptic--as if everyone just picked up their stuff in the '50s and left...

Michigan Central Station

Farwell Building atrium

18th floor of David Broderick Tower

David Whitney Building

Abandoned apartment buildings in Art Deco style

The United Artists Theater

East Methodist Church

Ballroom of Lee Plaza Hotel

Vanity Ballroom

Check out the artists' website for more pictures from the series and feel free to explore the links above to read more about these decaying buildings and the dying city in which they live...

The Great Gatsby brings back the 1920s

Is anyone else as excited about The Great Gatsby movie as I am? I can't wait until December to experience all the glamour and oppulence of the 1920s. I am anticipating a visual feast followed by a love affair with the 1920s in fashion and television. I can't wait for art deco to make a comeback!

Vogue Italia and Ellen Von Unwerth already did a fabulous photo shoot and accompanying video here that channels that 1920s glamour. Do look into it.

Weekly Expense Report: Vintage Shopping

Mr. Anachronistic Style and I spent a snowy day in downtown Delaware, Ohio trolling through the antique stores. We had lunch at Bun's before visiting three antique stores and one vintage clothing store. We rounded out our day with Babycakes bakery and coffee at Choffey's where I kicked Mr. Anachronistic Style's butt at penny hockey. Good day.



I found quite a few treasures at DPS Antiques and collectibles. I couldn't go home without the pink feather plume pen I scored for only $9 and Mr. Anachronistic Style found some old photographs of infinitely stylish people for only $1-4! I found quite a few bobbles, my cherry pin was only $2 and the green clip earrings and pin set were only $7.


The $3 tray above was also purchased at DPS antiques for my vanity and I couldn't resist sneaking my plume pen in there again. The candy-colored necklace was scored at Sandusky Street Antiques for only $10. I also found some amazing vintage lingerie--peach tap shorts and a romper that would have come home with me if they had fit.



We visited Captain Betty's Vintage and I was very impressed with the selection. Betty herself though is a loon and I may have left a bad review at the link above. *cough cough* I scored the pretty art-deco bauble pictured above with my McQueen-esque scarf for a cool $38. Since she had men's vintage I snapped Mr. Anachronistic Style in his new $6 vintage tie.


After an hour at Betty's I was ready to order my first Vivcore dress set ($132). I love the fact that I can get a vintage look while enjoying the pleasures of shopping new (and actually find my size!) I have so many outfits planned already for these separates.

Tattler Russia's Ice Princess

Winter in Ohio kicks off after Christmas, our Indian summer frosts into full-blown winter with blizzards and ice storms. I love the changing of the seasons and winter holds a special place in my heart as the season of cozy cashmere, fur (faux please!), dazzling sequins, bright tights and cool winter coats. This editorial celebrates my favorite parts of winter with a strong 1920s vibe. I can't get over the liberal use of fur and gypsy accents that makes me anxious to get into the snowy part of winter. I can just see myself scraping the frost off of my car in one of these glamorous looks from Russia's Tattler magazine.

Daily Dose of Pretty : Metropolis

There's no Weekly Expense Report this week and work is killing me so here, have your daily dose of pretty. This art-deco inspired shoot is called Metropolis by Dusan Jaukovic for Morfium Couture. Maybe Metropolis (1927) would make a good Thursday movie review?

Living La Vida Dita!

In Style Magazine featured the burlesque-star Dita Von Teese's Los Angeles home. The star embraces full-on retro glamour in her living spaces. Teese and I share two design philosophies: decorate in colors that you look good in (people will see you in this room, after all, so might as well look good in it!) and don't hesitate to store your lingerie in places outside your bedroom (In my apartment every room besides the kitchen has clothes or accessories in it!).

The living room -


Flocked wall paper and taxidermied animals make a bold statement against teal blue walls -- one of the colors Dita favors wearing. I love the serenity that the unified color scheme brings to the room so that the warmer art deco furniture stands out.

The Dining Room-

The living room's theme is carried over into the dining room where a splash of red is added.

The Library -

I adore the fuschia couch and ottoman combo with the striped window shade in the background. Every home needs a library, so classic! Notice the antique lamp and chandelier, plus the leopard rug!

The Kitchen -

My dream kitchen is pink. One of these days I'll stop renting and paint all my cabinets to match all the pink appliances I already own. Check out those lady head vases, my grandma has one that I hope to inherit. I can remember playing with the vases real pearl earring when I was a kid!

The Bedroom -


I adore the Hollywood glamour with the silver fabrics and mirrored furniture. I'm doing the same thing in my bedroom only I added some navy to the white + silver color pallete. I adore that wallpaper!

The closets -




Dita has two closets made from two bedrooms, my dream is to one day have a whole bedroom to turn into a closet! Like Dita I love having everything setting out, waiting for me to put on! Check out her array of hats, shoes, and frocks. I love all the chinoisere details in both rooms. See that vanity with the round mirror? Everyone's grandma has one of those, so easy to find in antique stores and flea markets so you can have some Dita style for yourself!

The Garden -

Dita unifies everything in her garden by painting it lime green. I think its a brilliant way to tie a hodge-podge of finds together, make a statement, and yet not distract from the beauty of a lush green backyard. Love love love!

Retro & Whimsical Decorating

My new apartment has me itching for some new furniture and some odds and ends. Here are some of my favorite pieces from Anthropologie.


5' Doily Rug ($298) - An unexpected shot of lace on the floor can really ground your space. Pretty but not distracting, and the dove gray color will match everything!


Cherie Dressing Table ($698) - Like something curated from a secret garden this vanity will deliver a much-needed dose of glamor into your bedroom or dressing area.


Calligraphy Bed ($2498) - This fanciful and dramatic Hollywood-esque bed would look lovely contrasted with bright walls.


Hushed Hours Bed ($2498) - A vintage clock face creates an aureole of a headboard that is both a little antique and a little art deco at the same time.


Coat of Arms Mirror ($198) - Affordable Venetian mirrors are so hard to find, this one is a great value for the price! Anchor this over a dresser or vanity and do your best Maleficent impression.


One-Lump-Or-Two Lamp ($198) - Everyday can be a tea party with this Alice-inspired lamp. Pair it with your own shade for a look that is uniquely yours.

Art Deco-inspired boots + bags

Irregular Choice is one of those brands where I can't decide whether their shoes are cute or ugly, but sometimes they astound me with their whimsical collection of fancy footwear. The Miaow collection features boots, clutches, and bags with snakeskin, drapery, and metallic kitty brooches. The whole collection is reminiscent of 1930's Art Deco interior decor. Purrr...

Miaow boot - $189

Miaow clutch - $71
Miaow tote handbag - $143

Miaow flapover body bag - $76