For my 23rd birthday I wanted to have a dinner party. So on June 12th, I had The Gemini New Moon Party at Connie's Speak Easy. My grandparents lived in this house their entire lives- in many ways, it is still stuck in the late 60s. So, it was the perfect setting for my retro-theme party. I nick-named my grandma's house "Connie's Speak Easy" because it has a lot of soul and character, like her.

I asked my guests to wear anything groovy/retro. There was no specific period. I hand-made the invitations with a riddle about the new moon, Gemini season, and celebrating with good friends and good food.

My mother acted as the chef for the night- we had cocktails and vegan appetizers hummus+veggies, steamed dumplings, bruchetta) in the patio (see outdoor pics) and for dinner we had spring salads with almonds, cranberries, and shrimp + pizzettes + eggplant pasta. (Keep in mind I have an Italian family and cooking is in our blood! haha). For dessert, sorbet and/or chocolate mousse cake.

I decorated the table setting myself. The lace table cloth and runner were both found in the house. For the centerpiece, I pulled different objects and candle holders that I found (like the frog vase, a lady-pin holder, a high-heel candle stick holder, and the main vase in the shape of a woman). The place setting cards were hand-made by myself. I used magazine images and glued the front of a one-sided card and wrote their names on the back.

I made a few playlists for the night. Started off with a retro/funky blend of Donovan, The Beatles, The Doors, James Brown, Nick Drake, Simon+Garfunkel. For dinner we listened to Ella Fitzgerald, Sinatra, Louis Armstrong. There was also a doo-wop/soul playlist for later in the night!

The Missoni dress I am wearing is my mothers and the sunglasses I am wearing in some pictures are vintage Carrera shades from Italy.

My friend Alex, (with the red hair) is wearing vintage from LA.

The pictures with the x-mas lights and streamers- the streamers were found in the attic, are actually from the 70s.

Story by reader, Rita Luppino.

Sounds like a fun vintage party to attend!

Each and every one of us has a story of the past, one that our grandmothers and mothers have told us. Maybe something you experienced in your childhood. We would love to hear your vintage story! You may send in old pictures or do a shoot yourself and tell us about it!
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