Ultra Swank - Retro Adventures

1950s

A Warmer, Friendlier Alternative to Christmas

A long time ago when I was a lot younger I used to feel sorry for people in the southern hemisphere who never saw snow, much less a white Christmas. I thought to myself, “how could they possibly get into the holiday spirit when it was still warm enough to wear shorts and t-shirts?” I truly felt bad for them not knowing what a “true”...

Dressing like Jackie O
Written by Guest Writer in Fashion

Dressing like Jackie O

It’s hard to believe that Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was the First Lady more than 50 years ago, because she’s still well known and loved today — that’s what’s happens when you reach icon status. Even today, the mention of her name conjures images of her perfectly tailored wardrobe, pillbox hats and well-coifed hair. Shows like Mad Men have only made it more desirable to bring...

Bringing Mid-Century Modern Design to Life

Mid-Century Modern design began making its mark in the 1940’s and on through the 1980’s. It left its biggest impact, however, during the 1960’s and 1970’s when the world was going through drastic changes in terms freedom of expression, which could be seen and felt politically, socially, and culturally. While mid-century modern design may have made an impact in the 60s and 70s, it is...

Video
Written by Baron von Swankenstein in Film

Korla Pandit – The Godfather of Exotica

Lounge Revivalists dream of romantic mystery. It’s why we buy all those Exotica and Space Age Pop records. We dream of idyllic unexplored islands or far-flung planets away from problematic modern lives. It doesn’t matter that those places couldn’t possibly exist. We need them to exist. And, with a dream and a good stereo, we hope to will them into existence. Korla Pandit was the...

Retro Slot Machines Used Today
Written by Featured Post in Kitsch

Retro Slot Machines Used Today

With advancements in technology come advancements in one of humanity’s greatest vices, gambling. Of course, slot machines are no exception, but some gambling fans prefer the old retro slot machines of yesteryear. In some parts of Las Vegas, the demand for retro slot machines hasn’t faltered but instead it has increased. For some people the new slot machines just take the fun out of it,...

Scenes from Stockholm Central Station in the 1950s

The main train station in Stockholm, Sweden or simply, Stockholm Central Station opened during Victorian times in 1871. Modified and rebuilt in stages during the years, it now welcomes over 200,000 travelers who pass through it during a day. Back in the 1950s, it was all quite different. Let’s explore further. The station was built in only four years with architect Adolf W. Edelsvärd at the helm....

Vintage Las Vegas – The Original Cloud Cuckoo Land

Elvis, showgirls, crooners and the Rat Pack may be a thing of Las Vegas history. But their memories live on. Come and take a trip with us as we explore some Vintage Las Vegas history. Famed neon signs from casinos such as Stardust, Caesars Palace and El Rancho, glittering and sparkling like stars in the Nevada desert, lured people from all over the continent. Las...

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