What's in Your Closet?

More than any other century, the fashion of the 20th century changed radically from the 1900’s through the 1990’s. Vintage fashion has surged in popularity over the last few years because of TV programs like “Mad Men” and “Downton Abby” or movies such as the “Great Gatsby”. Hollywood stars have caught our attention by wearing vintage gowns during red carpet events and people are discovering that wearing something vintage or nostalgic can be fun and very stylish. As you read the descriptions of fashion for the decades, you will notice that styles fluctuate.

The 20th Century started out Edwardian. From 1900 until 1919, the styles for women were long and with a little flounce. Bustles, corsets, fitted waists and high neck lines gave way to dresses with a looser fit and conservative style. Cotton and silk were fabrics of choice. Hats had lots of feathers, flowers and lace with large brims being the preference. Gloves were a necessity.

The flapper 20’s were very different and fun but with little style accentuating the figure. Many of the dresses were shifts or drop waist designs. Hemlines were shorter and just below the knee or a little longer. Many were made of silk and had lots of beading or flowers in the designs. Hats were cap style fitted with flowers and feathers. Coats were oversized. The 30’s attire shifted to being more feminine and the dress designs were fitted with skirts that were longer and cut on the bias. Wide brim hats came back in style. Fitted suits were a preference by the end of the decade. The 40’s became more tailored with padded shoulders and long A-line style skirts. World War II had a big effect in the design with more suits being worn and straight leg pants became popular. Gloves became an important part of dress when going out. Hats were cap style and fitted. The 1950’s were more feminine with shirtwaist dresses, spaghetti strap and halter sundresses with full skirts. Formals were made of tulle and full skirted strapless dresses were popular with long gloves. Two-piece swimsuits were around but most ladies chose a one piece. Ladies still wore gloves. Fitted pants and Bermuda shorts were stylish. Fashion changed more in the 1960’s than any other decade. From the onset the fashions started changing. By 1962, suits and pill box hats were popular, influenced by Jackie Kennedy’s style. The jackets had ¾ length sleeves. Bikinis became popular for swimwear. Ski pants or stirrup pants were popular with fitted ski sweaters. By the mid-1960’s, the Beatles had arrived and so had the London look. Shift style dresses and Empire waist dresses became the rage along with knee high boots. Berets were the choice for hats. Up until now the hemline had been longer with the exception of the 1920’s. Now, hemlines crept higher. By the late 1960’s psychedelic tunics and palazzo pants become stylish along with maxi dresses and mini dresses. Dresses were shift or A-line with no defined waist. Bell bottom pants emerged and short shorts were worn for casual wear. Gloves were no longer a necessity.

The 1970’s led to peasant style dresses for formals. Pantsuits became popular and for the first time ladies were wearing pants to work. Loose style caftans became associated with The Hippie fashions. Halter tops and bell bottom pants were everywhere. One piece “Jumpsuits” were popular in the mid 70’s. Platform shoes became the choice for footwear. Fabric by then was polyester because it was easy to wash and no

ironing. The 1980’s ushered in the oversize fashions with large padded shoulders. Big jewelry pieces and broaches were popular. Skirts became longer and brightly colored suits were seen in offices. Jeans became popular for casual wear.

The 90’s brought with it a resurgence of stirrup pants and oversized sweaters. This decade also brought in longer dresses with wide collars with lots of floral and printed fabrics. Fashions today mimic many of the 1960’s and 70’s and blue jeans have become a staple. You may want to go check out what might be in your closet. You might just find something vintage and “In”.

Nina Vickrey Kynard Owner Kynard Korner Vintage Boutique For more, visit Kynard Korner Facebook

Travel Experiences with Jeff Barganier Gorham’s Bluff:

Jackson County’s Hidden Gem

I’m relaxing on a breezy rock ledge month’s feature.) Once a thriving years old, the Inn at Gorham’s Bluff aptly called textile economy, has the look and feel of a much older Pinnacle. It’s this is now a land structure. It reminds me of the inns in thousands of of encroaching New England, only much smaller, more feet above the high-tech. Nuclear intimate and, of course, Southern. Guntersville reactors roost like It’s the combination of Southern Reservoir in giant, brooding, hospitality, yesteryear ambiance Alabama’s Jackson gray hens. Power and breathtaking scenery that make County. Annoyed lines seem it a fabulous getaway. There are by my presence, omnipresent. And a similarities about Gorham’s Bluff Inn a large hawk flaps ginormous Google that remind me of the inn in the movie back and forth data center is under White Christmas. I’ve watched it many against blue sky construction near times and remember the scenes well. about ten yards in the sleepy, albeit Especially, General Waverly escorted front of and slightly scenic, town of by niece Susan descending the square above me. Its nest Bridgeport just a staircase with straight white spindles. must be nearby. stone’s Like in the The hike up from throw movie, a boy scout camp from the plank took an hour’s wood worth of exertion, and now I need to Gorham's Bluff Inn walls with white trim rest, rehydrate and eat my Fuji apple Tennessee and Georgia surround for energy. I peel it slowly, keeping one lines. large, eye on the hawk. Some meddlesome fieldstone buzzards notice the raptor’s tantrum, Well rested, I hike down fireplaces and appear—as if from thin air—to to the base camp and text in both conduct their own investigation. I Ranger Duane Southers, the dining flash the shiny blade of my pocket informing him that I’m and sitting knife at them as they glide overhead safe and off the mountain. rooms. … and peel a little faster. I wanted to Scottsboro is only minutes These come here because Jackson County’s away; so, I contemplate rooms history, culture and terrain remind me a visit to the famous flank the of my under-contract novel, Lawson’s Unclaimed Baggage Center staircase, Bluff—about a young man who catches but I’m a sweaty mess, begging and kills massive feral hogs with his famished and anxious to get one to bare hands as his way of back to beautiful View from Gorham's Bluff Inn linger and coping with the alleged Gorham’s Bluff where a hot make new friends. There’s a piano over murder of his mother. shower and fabulous dinner which hangs a framed sparkly sweater await me. Cell phone signals once worn by a lady who filled the inn Jackson County is home are spotty in these hills but with music. An oriental rug in shades to amazing caves and as I approach Pisgah, a signal of moss green and rust serve as an cascading waterfalls. is achieved … and verbal anchor for linen-topped dining tables It’s where verdant directions. I’m getting close and antique Windsor chairs. Simple mountains meet scenic now. Like Blackberry Farm in chandeliers hold flickering candles. lakes. And Te-lah-nay’s Eastern Tennessee, Gorham’s Sunsets delight the eye through “singing” Tennessee Bluff is way off grid but worth windows overlooking the Tennessee River snakes through the diligence it takes to find River and distant mountains, even as its valley. (See last Gorham's Bluff Inn it. Only about twenty-five eagles soar over the bluff.

Lobby Staircase

Filet Mignon is on the menu tonight so I dash upstairs, shower and chill for a while on the balcony, enjoying the panoramic view. At six-thirty, Pisgah Gorge Cindy and I stroll down to the dining room where our table is beautifully set, including a personalized menu. (Our names are printed thereon.) Soft music streams from the speakers overhead—the melodious sounds of Paris—hardly the usual toxic racket restaurants seem to think patrons crave. The service and hospitality here are top drawer, and the food is excellent. The inn’s proprietor, Dawn McGriff, takes time to stop at each table and welcome guests. It’s obvious she and staff have gone to great lengths to make the evening special and charming. And it is.

This place is naturally romantic. After dinner, Cindy takes my hand and we climb the stairs to the glass observatory atop the inn; and watch the full moon rise, casting its glow over

Jeff at the Pinnacle

the property’s manicured grounds. We step out onto the “widow’s walk,” snap photos, and savor the remarkably cool June breeze upon which is conveyed the song of a distant whippoorwill. The view from up here is spectacular. No wonder Gorham’s Bluff is a popular wedding, honeymoon and anniversary destination. Indeed, everyone we’ve met today is celebrating a wedding anniversary. We’re the exception.

But people come here for many reasons as evidenced by the notes scribbled in our room’s guest book. One couple writes: “We came here on a hint from a friend. Wow! What a great place to relax and feel at peace with God’s creation. The food was fabulous! You really feel the balance of nature on this bluff. I don’t think I have ever seen this many June bugs in my life. All around one of my favorite places to go. We will be back!” Another inks: “We needed a break for a few days so we decided to spend the weekend here at View From the Pinnacle Gorham’s Bluff and we were not disappointed. The view of the river, the scenery, and the stressfree atmosphere were more than we had hoped for.” I wholeheartedly agree. I couldn’t have said it better myself.

The inn is set in a neighborhood that reminds us of The Waters in Pike Road where we live. Everywhere, we see the fingerprints of our friend and neighbor Nathan Norris and his colleague Steve Mouzon. They designed both. Our Jackson County to-do list is long but now that we’re here, we hesitate to leave. We prefer to remain at Gorham’s Bluff and marinate in the beauty and tranquility of Jackson County’s hidden gem.

For more information visit: www.gorhamsbluff.com.

Jeff S. Barganier is a freelance writer and manages Cindy Barganier Interiors LLC in Pike Road, Alabama. (www.cindybarganier.com) He travels far and wide upon the slightest excuse for something interesting to write about. Contact him at Jeffbarganier@knology.net. Follow him on Instagram #jeffbarganier.

Happy 2020.5! "A true story from the Greg files"

I don’t know about you but at noon, on the second day of this month, I am starting this year over!

If I make up my mind to declare a new year, tear up the memories of the first six months of 2020, there’s a chance the 2nd half will be a whole new ballgame, right?

Ballgame? Heck, “spring training” in baseball begins the day this issue of BOOM comes out, and “Opening Day” will be July 23rd, assuming the coronavirus doesn’t wipe out the season completely. Forget it.

I’m delusional.

BOOMers, we’ve all seen some strange years from a personal and historical standpoint. For the low, low price of 2 cents, I’d give you back my 1977, 1982, 1991, 2000 and 2004. They were valuable years- each delivering lessons that became building blocks for the very excellent years in between. They were years I’d only want to live one time.

Historically, 1968 was unpleasant. Politics, assassinations, riots. I was living in Chicago, where we spent several summer

Greg celebrating the "new normal' with hairstylist, Debra @Elegant Styles

nights sitting on our rooftop, watching the city burn at night. It was surreal.

Speaking of surreal, how about 2020?

On its dawn, I had high expectations. Business was humming. Life was “normal”. That seems like light years ago. Today, I went for a haircut after doing my

Saturday morning show on NewsTalk 93.1 FM. On 1/1/20 I hadn’t done a live broadcast on a weekend for many years, so going anywhere after a Saturday morning show is unusual for that reason. We launched the program at the onset of the virus lockdown, to inform and keep people company. It’s been well received and appreciated. I plan to continue, not so much because of the virus but all that has followed. Riots. Political mayhem. It’s gotten so ugly in this country we’re well past 1968’s unpleasantness.

When I arrived at Elegant Styles, I was cheerfully greeted by my wonderful stylist, Debra- and a receptionist wielding a thermometer. I put on a mask after passing the temperature check, and it stayed on through the clipping. Yes, I want to abide by these rules to be a good citizen but secretly, I’d wear a suit of armor if that’s what Debra required. She’s that good.

Otherwise, the mask has become a contentious issue. Thanks to the Internet, there are 500,000 opinions on whether they even work. I know this. I can tolerate it for only a few minutes in the heat, and through an air-conditioned haircut. Please

Somehow, the fatal malfeasance of 4 cops in Minneapolis has metastasized into a call for “defund the police” there and elsewhere. Insane! While I believe police training and procedure can always be improved- much like any profession finds ways to be new and improved- I have always believed the best way to avoid confrontation with a cop is to not break the law. No?

The demonstrations following that event in Minnesota were a head scratcher. If everyone agrees something was wrong, who are they trying to convince?

Protesting is as old- older, than America. Maybe I’m one of those old fashioned, “get off my lawn” types, but when you throw the first brick, break the first window, set businesses on fire and get people hurt or killed, you’ve become an anarchist.

The destruction of property has morphed into the destruction of history. Pulling down statues, vandalizing memorials to people who protected that right to “protest” with their lives and randomly assaulting people for their wardrobe, skin color or just for the heck of it, causes me great distress.

If any person, place or thing “triggers” one into a destructive act, it’s on the individual. If seeing a statue turns someone into a self-justified maniac, they’ve got bigger mental issues to deal with.

The most documented man in history was one of its worst- Adolph Hitler. There are no monuments to him, other than thousands of books and TV shows detailing his rise to and fall from power. Hitler should be studied and remembered so we don’t allow another like him.

One thing is clear. He became the “Fuhrer” through intimidation and terror. So, pardon me when he comes to mind as I watch masses destroying anything in their path to make their point. “Chrystal Nacht”, the turning point in Hitler’s ascension was the night his goons terrorized Jews and German citizens by wantonly demolishing homes and businesses. The message? Go with the Nazi party or you’ll be gone.

Restarting the year would be much easier if the virus would diminish (remember when we were told by experts it would die quickly in the heat of summer? #WRONG). In part, I blame COVID-19 for the “unrest”. Could the media stop calling this massive vandalism “unrest”? How about a more accurate term, like, say- “massive vandalism”?

For months we’ve been confined in a most unnatural way while being told “it’s OK to not be OK”, and other mind control drivel from the #AloneTogether people. Well, I’m NOT okay with that. The human condition has been pushed to the limit, which IMHO has resulted in a massive population of short-tempered, miserable people.

As the onset of COVID, we were watching the Tiger King. Now we’re watching America being devoured by lunatics on the nightly news, sadly with little opposition from authorities. Did you ever think any city would willingly allow armed punks to occupy one of its wealthiest districts to start their own country? No wonder Seattle is sleepless. Worse, their elected leaders enabled this madness!

Despite the seemingly relentless gloom, Happy 2020.5 (noon on 7/2)!

Celebrate the 4th safely.

Tip #1- know the difference between fireworks and gunfire!

If you have a comment on this column, email me at gregbudell@aol.com. It's still fun to hear from new people!

Greg Budell lives in Montgomery with his wife, Roz, and dogs Hershey and Briscoe. He’s been in radio since 1970, and has marked 15 years in the River Region. He hosts the Newstalk 93.1FM Morning Show with Rich Thomas & Jay Scott, 6-9 AM Monday-Friday. He returns weekday afternoons from 3-6 PM for Happy Hour with sidekick Rosie Brock. Greg can be reached at

gregbudell@aol.com