Traveling through Europe in the 196os would simply be a dream. But traveling through Europe in only 18 days with a bus full of kooky Americans in the 1960s? Well, that would be a mouthful, and also a fun movie. All of those stereotypes about American travelers are exaggerated and given a decidedly 1960s slant in this lighthearted comedy that follows the short stories of each traveler.

Each character is traveling to Europe for different reasons, whether it be to get a lusty teenager daughter away from her boyfriend, to decide on a marriage proposal, to relive the memories of old army days, to meet distant relatives, or to pick up women, they all have their little stories that delightfully play out on the trip. The main story centers on the tour guide director, Charlie Cartwright, who uses his job to maintain relationships with women all around Europe. He sets his cap towards a pretty American lady on his tour, but she easily pegs him as a womanizer and shows no interest in his advances. At first, that is. But soon enough, his attempts at winning her over turn from just a  conquest to real love.

If It’s Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium plays out like a serie sof vignettes, following characters who are interesting in their own odd ways. The vignettes are intertwined with each character’s story, coming together to create a quirky little story that certainly isn’t life changing, but is still a fun look at humanity, and more specifically, the 1960s American. I enjoyed the movie for its cultural themes (you all know I love the 1960s!) and light viewing content. I love heavy hitting dramas, but sometimes a fluffy movie like this is just the ticket, wouldn’t you say? If you’re looking for a modern-day comparison, I would say it’s like Valentine’s Day (2010) or New Year’s Eve (2011). It has a well-rounded cast of character actors and its plot offers a little something for everyone.

Sometimes people ask me for advice on how to dress for your body type. I have mentioned once or twice that I tend to be a bit headstrong about what I wear, taking no heed of social norms or fashion faux pas. But if I’m really honest with myself, there are certain cuts and styles that flatter my body type, and I do feel better when wearing them. Right now a big thing for me is playing down my bust and hips.

I don’t really know the rules of how to dress for my body type, but I’ve certainly had a lot of trial and error, and I can certainly say that this dress makes me feel great! And I think I’ve figured out why. I think the large lapel helps to balance out my larger bust, and the large flower also draws the eye up and away from my boobs. The a-line skirt is also flattering because it accentuates my true waist and doesn’t hug my hips at all. Makes me feel confident enough to trump around in polka dot tights and a big, black hat!

O U T F I T   D E T A I L S :

hat: Avenue Antiques (Canton, O.) | flower: Secret Past (Cuyahoga Falls) | belt: my grandmother’s
dress: Olive You Vintage on Etsy | tights: ASOS | shoes: Clever Nettle on Etsy

Living in the rust belt these days means experiencing a lot of community revitilization, and also a surge of reclaimed industrial items that pay homage to our area’s past. Akron and Cleveland have historically been Ohio’s hub for industry, including large manufacturing plants that supplied the whole world with rubber and steal. Akron’s known as The Rubber City, and while they’re still hanging onto Goodyear and Firestone, a lot of businesses have gone by the wayside, leaving us with the industrial fallout that has recently influenced a decorating trend.

I’m happy that Northeast Ohio’s economy is springing back, and I’m so into the industrial decor trend that’s swept through after the manufacturing crisis. Marque signs, moving carts, neon lights, and steel cabinets combine perfectly with the patina and prettiness of vintage furniture and accessories. So, of course it’s amazing to find all of these things under one roof! We have such a place here locally, in the heart of Akron, Ohio, called The Bomb Shelter.

Located just off of Route 8 near The University of Akron sits what I think is Akron, Ohio’s best vintage store- The Bomb Shelter. It’s a large warehouse packed to the brim with an eclectic range of mid century vintage, mantiques, collectibles, reclaimed industrial pieces, marque signs, and well, basically anything you’ve ever wanted to find but never knew where to look. I dare you not to find a treasure inside! But if you do go to visit, be sure to budget a lot of time! It’s easy to get lost in nostalgia, or to just plain get lost while browsing at The Bomb Shelter.

The great thing about vintage shopping in Northeast Ohio is the affordable price point. Visitors from out of town are always surprised, and usually wish they had brought a moving truck! At The Bomb Shelter, you can find marquee letters anywhere from five dollars to one hundred, depending on how massive of a letter you’re looking for. Furniture prices range depending on an item’s collectible value (a mint condition arco lamp was priced at around four hundred dollars), but I spied a yellow mid century patio sofa for only one hundred bucks. Now I’m just deciding which of my recent finds needs to come home with me to be my forever friend.

“A Visit To” is a continuing series featuring Mandi’s favorite local haunts in Northeast Ohio.