It Went With The Wind!

June 30th, 1936: Gone With The Wind Is Published!

I’m every bit the romantic, but I cannot think of Gone With The Wind without picturing Carol Burnett in her curtain rod dress. It cracked me up as a nine year old and it cracks me up now (“I saw it in the window and I just had to have it”).

Yet it was that very TV sketch that introduced me to Margaret Mitchell’s sweeping saga which was first published on this very day, back in 1936. You can imagine my parents explaining that neither the actual book or movie contained any outfits fashioned from window treatments. I was really disappointed to learn it wasn’t even a comedy.

Some say Mitchell–who vehemently swore her novel was pure fiction–actually based most of the characters on real people. A feisty news journalist in 1920’s Georgia (think Rosalind Russell with a Southern drawl), she was an avid history buff who devoured books about the Civil War. Rumor has it, Rhett was based on real-life ne’er-do-well George Alfred Trenholm, a handsome blockade runner (high-class smuggler) from Charleston!

Once I was old enough to understand the “real” movie, I was blown away. The bombastic characters and ragged war-torn South left a deep impression. As sweet and good as Melanie was, it was hard not to side with smarmy, conniving Scarlett. But then, I’ve always been partial to firecrackers. Did you know Mitchell almost named her Pansy O’Hara? The power of editing.

Throughout the years, the book has become an old friend. Like other classics of its stature (it won the Pulitzer Prize in 1937), it sucks me in every time. So much so that a few years ago, I began collecting memorabilia from the film. There’s something about the Golden Era of Hollywood that enchants me.

I’ve got our Rhett and Scarlett Cookie Jar for my Rice Krispie Treats (not exactly a Civil War delicacy, but my kids’ favorite) and the antique-look Salt & Pepper Shaker Set (I pretend I got it from a Tara estate sale). When I need to curl up with the movie on DVD, I snuggle under my GWTW Fleece Blankie.

And for my birthday this year, my mom (also a fan) bought me the GWTW Art Deco-Style Wall Clock. It took me two weeks to pick a room to hang it in!

I suppose it’s possible to imagine a world without Gone With The Wind. But I wouldn’t want to live there!

Stan Laurel, The Gentleman

Born June 16, 1890

When you grow up in a house run by classic comedy fans (my parents), it’s a given that you’ll be well-schooled in Laurel And Hardy films! My siblings and I never got tired of hearing Oliver’s famous line “another fine mess!” or seeing Stan wrench his features into the whiny-crybaby face.

We must’ve watched Flying Deuces, and Babes In Toyland (also known as March Of The Wooden Soldiers), I don’t know how many times! And, because we were kids, we had no concept that these films had been made 40 years before our arrival on the planet. We didn’t care that we were watching stuff from the 1930’s! We just thought it was funny!

My Dad was the true comedy historian in the family, and he loved teaching us trivia about the stars we grew up idolizing. I developed a personal affection for Stan Laurel (I always championed the underdogs) and learned over the years that he was born into a vaudeville family in England, was once an understudy to Charlie Chaplin, was voted along with Oliver Hardy the 45th Greatest Movie Star of all time by Entertainment Weekly, was the inspiration for Peter Sellers’ sublime Chance The Gardener from Being There, and was a mentor to Dick Van Dyke.

But my favorite tidbit is his well-known generosity towards his fans. It’s said that late into his years he kept his phone number listed in the book, welcomed visits from admirers and personally answered as much fan mail as he physically could. That spindly simpleton with the twinkle in his eye was truly a rouse–Laurel, the man, was a gentleman through and through.

Another gentleman I know and love is my dad. So, this past Father’s Day, I drove over to his place and we watched his Laurel And Hardy DVD Collection. I’d brought him a copy of our new book, Stan And Ollie, and we flipped through the pictures while we laughed out loud at the DVDs.

Still ready with the trivia, my dad told me Stan was once asked by a reporter if he had any bad habits. Laurel, who’d been both married and divorced five times, answered, "Yes, and I married them."

It’s All About Glamour!

Carrie & Samantha Have Nothing On Our Gals!


We waited.
And waited.

And last weekend, the Sex And The City movie finally premiered, reuniting many of us with the four women we think of as our surrogate best friends. I was a huge fan of the series. I giggled and cried and relived dating disasters right along with Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha.

Why do we love watching glamorous women wreck their love lives in sky-high heels and couture? Is it the fashion? The trendy clubs? The dream of a world in which you never have to use the same bag twice?


I think it’s more about the laughter.


Because, let’s face it girls–if we didn't laugh at ourselves we’d never make it through the day. It’s the conversations, text messages and emails we share with our friends about how ridiculous we are that bonds us.


This is nothing new...


Retro icons from Loretta Young to Cher have given us humor right along with glitz and glamour. Marilyn proved pretty girls could not only be funny–they could be downright hilarious! And smart as a whip to boot!

Celebrate the diva inside you! Whether you’re strolling down Park Avenue with a venti cappuccino or driving to the supermarket for cat litter (note to self: don’t forget the cat litter)–toss your hair back and put some swing in your step!


And if you’re ever having one of those days where the job, traffic, and housework seem to erase all traces of “fabulous” from your face...these Retro Attitude Gals are guaranteed to put that sassy smile back where it belongs!

Think You Know Harrison Ford?

Its Not All Snakes And Wookies!

In honor of Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull I “dug up” some fun facts you may or may not know about the daring archaeologist’s alter-ego! As if we could love the man any more...

He Builds Things

Before the acting career took off, he was a very well-respected carpenter.

He Can Fly–Seriously!

He has his private pilot’s license and owns several aircraft and a Bell 407 helicopter.

He Rescues People In Real Life

August 5, 2000: Ford used his helicopter to rescue 20 year-old Sarah George from a mountaintop in Idaho. George was apparently so overcome with emotion and heat stroke that she threw up. ''I can't believe I barfed in Harrison Ford's helicopter,'' she later said.

July 11, 2001: When 13 year-old Wyoming Boy Scout Cody Clawson went missing, rescue teams called Ford. Again in the trusty helicopter, Ford found the boy and flew him to safety. Luckily, no cleanup was necessary this time.

He’s Related To E.T.

His ex-wife, screenwriter Melissa Mathison, wrote the script for E.T. :The Extra Terrestrial.

He’s Lucky

Tom Selleck was originally cast as Han Solo. When Selleck had to drop out, Ford eventually got the role.

He’s Green

Famous for his conservation work, he has a species of ant (Peidole harrisonfordi) and spider (Calponia Harrisonfordi) named after him, as well as a species of butterfly named after his daughter, Georgia.

He’s Philosophical

(Quote) "Peace isn't merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice."

Harrison Ford, we love you. Whether you’re flying the Falcon, raiding the Ark, or irritating Irina Spalko (his adversary in Crystal Skull,) you will always be near and dear to us. Because–like the icons you yourself so admire, Gregory Peck and Gary Cooper–you’re more than an actor; you’re a really good guy.

Grease Is The Word!

The Pink Ladies Are Back & Better Than Ever!

I feel I can admit to you guys that when Grease first came out 30 (really?) years ago, I became so obsessed with Olivia Newton-John, that I made my mom buy me a flannel nightgown just like the one Sandy wears in the sleepover scene so that I could practice singing “Hopelessly Devoted To You’ into my hairbrush night after night. I honestly don’t know how many times I made my mother take me to see Danny and Kenickie hold court with the coolest girls in the universe–The Pink Ladies!

Sure, the Frankie Valli song was great. The duets between Olivia and Vinnie Barbarino were magical. And the whole “boy meets Australian girl at the beach/disses her/wins her back at carnival where girl is painted into shiny Lycra pants” theme was mesmerizing.

But to a 9 year-old girl just entering the awkward Ugly Duckling phase of adolescence, The Pink Ladies were the girls I desperately wanted to be friends with. They were cool, tough, and funny. I knew, even at nine, that I was supposed to identify with sweet Sandy and aspire to ever-lasting love in a pleated poodle skirt.

But, honestly? It was Rizzo I empathized with the most. She tried so hard to keep her guard up when, deep down, she was a mess just like me! Besides, she was played by Stockard Channing and I thought “Stockard” was the coolest name ever besides Cher and Daphne from Scooby-Doo.

Frenchy’s hot pink helmet hair and Marty Maraschino (another great name) with her wallet-full of boyfriends were the perfect comic foils. Ask any girl between the ages of 30 and 60 to hum a few bars of “Look At Me I’m Sandra Dee,” and I’ll bet you get the whole song, complete with props!

We love those Ladies because they connect us to the fun of the 1950’s–and to our own childhoods. We don’t get to sing songs in our PJs with girlfriends much these days, but we can play with these new Mattel Barbie dolls based on our favorite Grease trio!

Sandy, Frenchy and Rizzo are more fun than ever in our set of 3 collectible Grease dolls. From Sandy’s pom poms to Rizzo’s pencil skirt, they bring back wonderful memories. My daughter had to pry them out of my hands and now she won’t give them back! She loves Grease, too! I guess it’s her turn. She just turned eight and I’m not positive, but I’m pretty sure I caught her singing into her hairbrush the other night...

We go together like ramma lamma lamma–ka dinga da dinga dong!

Gotta Have Game Night!

New MONOPOLY Games Take You From Oz To The Caribbean!

Call me nostalgic, but I miss Family Game Night.

Every now and then, my parents would reach into the hall closet and slide out our slightly-dented Monopoly box. I can still smell the folded press board and crisp paper money. My brother and I always fought over the top hat token–why, I now have no idea.

Oh, it started out innocently enough: somebody bought Marvin Gardens; somebody plunked down their first hotel. But eventually, it turned competitive and before we knew it, we were fleecing each other for all we could! Afterwards, we finished off with ice cream and, if it was a chilly night, hot cocoa (with those mini marshmallows)!

I miss those nights and therefore, I’m hereby bringing Monopoly back! And there couldn’t be a better time!

With our treasure chest of specialized versions, fame and fortune await in all sorts of far off exotic lands...if you dare to roll the dice!

‘80s kids can buy, sell, and trade their favorite Nintendo characters: from everyone's favorite red-capped plumber, Mario, to barrel-tossing Donkey Kong in Nintendo Monopoly!

Or duke it out with Megatron for Anti-Matter and Energon Cubes in Transformers Monopoly!

M&M’s lovers can wade through a veritable sea of chocolate, trading adorable M&M’s ads along the way. But don’t “Lose our M!” You could lose your cash!

Other collectible versions include the metal and chrome Harley-Davidson Monopoly, A Christmas Story Monopoly (don’t lick the pole, Ralphie!) and...coming soon...The Wizard Of Oz Monopoly allowing you and your siblings to fight over tokens of the Ruby Slippers, Tin Man, Dorothy and Toto, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion–even a Tornado token and no, I have no idea how they made that one!

Want more? Hop on over to our sister site, The Lighter Side, for Cat Monopoly, Pirates of the Caribbean Trilogy Monopoly, and more!

Settle in for a cozy night, the fun old-fashioned way. Before you know it, you’ll be tearing around the board waving wads of cash in your kids’ faces. Just don’t forget the ice cream, Hot Shot!

VIP Valentines

Aunt Betty Plays Cupid!



The worst Valentine’s gift your Aunt Betty ever received was the pine-scented car freshener (purchased 10 minutes prior at the local quick mart), given to her by a fella who threw in a bag of chips to sweeten the deal.

Here’s a tip, guys: sour cream and onion are not the way to a girl’s heart.

What do women want? It’s not diamonds or pearls–it’s that unexpected find we never would’ve guessed. Something that says you really really know who we are—and yet, you love us anyway!

Some women never outgrow their love of stuffed animals. After all, they remind us of tea parties with bears in pink-painted bedrooms. They comfort us and take us back to a simpler time (before carpools).

My favorite fuzzies are the M&M’s® Valentine Duo featuring a lovestruck candy making goo-goo eyes at a Boyds Bear buddy; and the Chantilly Lane Love U Cheerleader Bears who move their mouths and sing the party favorite, “Shout!” A personal cheering squad is quite the ego boost!

While we’re talking childhood, remember the “Love Is” cuties? So innocent. So adorable. So...in their birthday suits! Rekindle the romance with their Comic Strip Book collection, filled with love notes for you and your sweetie (birthday suit optional).

And, finally, for the incurable romantic, Mattel has created the Barbie Titanic Doll in the image of red-haired Rose. Dressed in a breathtaking recreation of the character's crimson gown, she's a vision and must-have for fans of the film! You’re never too old to play with Barbie!

Thankfully, Quick Mart Guy was decades ago. My current better half is much smarter, so I’m pretty sure there won’t be any cheese doodles this year.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Deals Of The Week!

Fabulous Finds For My Faithful Friends!

What do a secret spy, storybook sweeties, sexy starlet, swingin’ singer, and super-small soldier have in common? They’re all waiting for you in our Deals Of The Week!

I’ve collected 5 of my favorite winter pick-me-ups and given them special sale prices just in time for some well-needed “post-holiday retail therapy!”

The Lost Files Of Nancy Drew brings back fond memories of hiding under the covers past bedtime with a book and a flashlight, enchanted by Nancy’s moxy as she foiled the bad guys while looking like a prom queen. This interactive book is packed with neat pull-out/fold-up pieces celebrating the world’s spunkiest teenage detective!

Be careful! The Raggedy Ann and Andy Nesting Dolls look innocent on the outside, but once you start playing with them, it’s impossible to stop! I keep mine on my desk at work and I kid you not, every day somebody tries to sneak off with them!What happened to starlets like Marilyn who actually looked like women? All of these itty-bitty stick figure celebutants are a tad freakish. Bring back true Hollywood glamour with the cozy Marilyn Classic Pose Throw, and celebrate the beauty of real women!Did someone order a hunka hunka burnin’ love? Of all the phases of his colorful career, The King’s reign in Vegas held some of his most exciting moments. Keep a little piece of his magic close to you with the limited edition Elvis Las Vegas Figurine.

Encourage your inner child to play! Our movie collectible Munchkin Soldier Doll is an adorable recreation of the 1939 Wizard Of Oz character who so-warmly welcomed Dorothy and Toto to Munchkinland (after that mishap where her house fell on the lady with the red shoes).

All of these familiar faces are the perfect antidote to grey winter days stuck inside the house. After all, what’s more fun than Elvis stuck inside a too-tight crazy jumpsuit?

“Miss Scarlett! Miss Scarlett!”

Jan. 7th, 1911—Thelma “Butterfly” McQueen Was Born In Tampa, Florida

Fans of Gone With The Wind know there’s one character who steals every scene she’s in: Scarlett O’Hara’s high-strung, slightly-hysterical maid, Prissy. Butterfly McQueen’s endearing performance added light moments to Margaret Mitchell’s tumultuous Civil War saga. Who can forget the scene where Prissy shrieked "Oh, Miss Scarlett, I don't know nuthin' 'bout birthin' babies!”

Sadly, Mc Queen wasn't allowed to attend the gala Hollywood premiere of the film back in 1939 because it was being held in a “whites only” theater. As hard as that is to imagine now, it was that pervasive segregation and racism in mainstream culture which eventually led to McQueen retreating from the acting biz years before her passing in 1995. Her work in Gone With The Wind will forever be her legacy. No matter how many times I watch it, I’m mesmerized by the stunning costumes (although, I admit, I sometimes think about the Carol Burnett Show spoof with the curtain rod dress-- “I saw it in the window and I had to have it”).

Treat yourself to a little Old South indulgence with our sparkling array of GWTW mementos including the ultimate in domestic glamour, the ceramic Rhett And Scarlett Cookie Jar! Just imagine the endless one-liners: “Frankly, my dear, I'm snagging the last Rice Krispie Treat,” etc.

We also have a beautiful Anniversary Style Clock, Salt And Pepper Shakers, a comfy soft Fleece Throw and more! And the next time you journey back with Clark and Vivien, don’t take your eyes off of Butterfly McQueen. She created one of the most memorable characters in cinematic history.

Judy Garland Saves Christmas!

How A Song Was Born In St. Louis

Having just caught In The Good Old Summertime with the sublime Judy Garland last night, I started thinking about the holiday gem Meet Me In St. Louis starring Judy at her most luminous. Did you know that the mega-famous holiday ditty from that film, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” started out as, well, a total bummer? It’s true! When it was originally penned for that bittersweet scene between Judy and the young Margaret O’Brien, it contained lines such as “Have yourself a merry little Christmas, it may be your last...” and “Faithful friends who were dear to us will be near to us no more...”

Wow! That puts a buzz in the old eggnog, eh? Eventually (due, in part, to Judy herself), the lyrics were revised to the version we know and love, and a beloved Yuletide sing-along was born! To be sung at office Christmas parties and merry martini mixers for all eternity!

Personally, I think anything to do with Judy is a Christmas “must,” and that definitely includes The Wizard Of Oz! So slip into your party dress, freshen your lipstick and add some of her plucky chutzpah to your holiday with our Wizard Of Oz Jingle Bell Ornament Set and our Ruby Slipper Christmas Stocking. Because, with Judy, “all your troubles will be out of sight!” Keep the magic of Oz going strong throughout your holiday decor!

The Christmas Countdown Begins!

On Your Mark...Get Set...Go!

Shopping online and clicking one’s way through the holidays can eliminate 99% of yuletide stress and keep you from accidentally-on-purpose tripping the perfume-spray lady with your umbrella as you innocently glide through the Estee Lauder section.

That said, there’s a corny part of me that misses shopping at Christmas, at least the way it used to be. Not entirely unlike Ralphie and Randy from A Christmas Story, I was often bundled-up so heavily during winter months by my well-meaning mother that my arms struck straight out at my sides at a 90-degree angle. In the chilly evenings, our family would pile into the station wagon and putter on down to Main Street (yes, there really was a Main Street), where we’d walk with cups of hot chocolate, peering into shop windows. We were mesmerized by Kewpie dolls, teddy bears, baseball gloves, and model trains all framed with candy canes and rows of glittery garland.

Nowadays I send most of my gifts through the mail and my family’s celebration lasts two days instead of two months because we all have jobs to fly home to—but, no matter how much e-shopping, text messaging, or video chatting we do, there’s one place we meet up that takes us right back to those fairy tale storefronts.

We end up back in The Attic because year after year, as trendy “must-have” toys come and go, we always find the truly magical gifts right here. So, as my tribute to the spirit of Christmas Past, from now until December 24th, I'm going to offer a few of my personal favorite gifts each and every week. All available right here on our web site. No snotty cashiers. No sore feet. And no need to assault the perfume lady.

Just you, your mouse and the peace on earth that comes from shopping in your sweat pants. Click on them to read more and remember: it really was better when you were a kid!

She Dressed The Stars!

Edith Head: October 28, 1897—October 24, 1981

My children find it impossible to believe that there were fashion icons before Hannah Montana and The Cheetah Girls.

When I am poetic about Veronica Lake’s long luscious locks or Bette Davis’ moxy, they nod their heads to appease me and then go right back to blowing things up in video games. I myself shudder, and wish I could take them on a time travel trip to meet Edith Head, the costume designer for everyone from Mae West to Elizabeth Taylor, and the woman who was nominated for a whopping 34 Oscars®­—more than any woman in history!

When Edith ruled Tinseltown, she played by her own rules (unscrupulously at times, rumor has it) and matched wits and brawn with the gruffest of cigar-puffing studio heads. She was known as much for her formidable presence as her huge dark glasses and severe chignon bun. But the stars adored her because they knew she had the power to transform them from mere actresses to goddesses with a few silky swatches. Some of the icons she “dressed” were:

• Mae West in She Done Him Wrong
• Veronica Lake in Sullivan’s Travels
• Barbara Stanwyck in The Lady Eve
• Ingrid Bergman in Notorious
• Bette Davis and Anne Baxter in All About Eve
• Gloria Swanson in Sunset Boulevard
• Elizabeth Taylor in A Place In The Sun
• Grace Kelly in Rear Window and To Catch A Thief
• Rita Hayworth in Separate Tables
• Kim Novak in Vertigo
  

If you love old Hollywood glamour and fashion as much as I do, you must must must check out our two new paper dolls sets! They combine one of my favorite games as a little girl with the most luxurious, gorgeous designs known to mankind!

The Hollywood Paper Dolls Book contains 24 silver screen sirens (with famous movie outfits) such as Rita Hayworth, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor and more! The Fashion Parade Paper Dolls Book lets you dress a set of dolls with vintage couture fashions from the ‘50s through the ‘90s with iconic pieces from designers like Yves St. Laurent, Ralph Lauren and modern-day fashion iconoclast, John Galliano! Even if we wear our sweats 80 percent of the time these days, it doesn’t mean we can’t still daydream about slipping into one of these beauties!

A Bond Girl Is Born

Barbara Bach Born August 27, 1947

Most girls aspire to be a Bond Girl or the wife of a giant rock star. Deciding to do both is, in your Aunt Betty’s humble opinion, just showing off. But that’s exactly what über-gorgeous Supermodel Barbara Bach did during the seventies. She graced the silver screen with her lithe and tanned presence as Anya Amasova in 1977’s Bond extravaganza, The Spy Who Loved Me and then, three years later, met and married Ringo Starr.

Do you have a favorite Bond film? Do you get shivers when you think of Richard “Jaws” Kiel with those metal teeth? Do you watch the stunts and think “I could do that”? Or pretend your TV remote can control secret underwater shark tanks?

Then you, my friend, are ready to play James Bond Monopoly! It comes with six collectible pewter playing pieces so you can play as Oddjob’s Bowler’s Hat, the Q Boat, the Little Nelly Helicopter, the “007” logo, the Aston Martin, or Rosa Klebb’s bladed shoe!

So crack open an ice cold Tab®, put some ELO on the 8-track and party like it’s 1977 with The Spy Who Loved Me and the Bond Girl who gets more and more fabulous every year!

Frank Stallone, We Salute You!

July 30th, Birthday Of The Italian Stallion’s Fratellino (Little Brother)

Being the baby brother of the world’s most famous fictional boxer cannot be an easy cross to bear.

Many in this star-crossed position would cower—or simply milk the free press for all it was worth. But not Frank Stallone. Oh sure...be a snob and laugh! The poor man has been the punchline of late-night comedy for decades but I ask you, have YOU been in movies with Bruce Willis, John Travolta, Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Mickey Roarke, or Faye Dunaway? Have you ever written a song for a movie that was nominated for a Grammy® or Golden Globe®?

Did you know that he once played in a band with John Oates from Hall & Oates? It’s true! One incarnation of his ‘70s rock band Valentine briefly featured the future “Rich Girl” strummer. Valentine also played clubs with the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Ten Years After and Blood, Sweat & Tears!

Raised in Philly, Frank eventually left for New York to pursue his dreams of music. Like so many struggling artists in The Big Apple, he earned cash as a street musician. As he says on his website: “It was so cold some nights, singing on the street, that my fingers would stick to the strings. All I owned then was my guitar, a collapsible suitcase, and a train ticket to the next town.”

I ask you—is that not the stuff of Oscar®-winning drama?

These days, Frank tours behind his catalog of American Songbook standards and his singing has brought kudos from The Chairman himself, along with Tony Bennett .

Pretty impressive for Rocky’s baby brother! Speaking of The Other Stallone, be sure to check out Rocky Balboa because Frank has a song in it. And once you’re in the mood to sprint up and down 5000 or so stairs in your sweat pants, check out our collection of Rocky attire up in The Attic! You can cinch yourself into our Rocky Robe, add the matching boxer shorts or just go casual in the Italian Stallion T-shirt.

Somehow we know that Adrian would want it that way.