We all know that an alpha hero would drive a power car, right? Maybe an imported sports car or an off road vehicle or possibly a large, growling motorbike. Or maybe not. Earlier this year I was writing the manuscript that became my current release (Seducing His Enemy's Daughter) I discovered my hero and heroine, despite being a very contemporary pair, both had a soft spot for the past and in particular Art Deco style of the 1920s and 1930s.
Here's what Ella finds when she visits Donato's home.
Donato was waiting for her, standing in the doorway
of a white, two storey, Art Deco gem of a mansion that made Ella’s mouth water
with envy. In the forecourt sat a gleaming convertible in dark red. Not a
modern supercar but a vintage model with running boards that made her think of
champagne picnics and romantic escapes to the country.
Or finally, this one. Someone obviously enjoyed designing him.
Are you into nostalgia or do you prefer modern all the way? And if you do like some vintage things - from what period?
And in case you want to check out 'Seducing His Enemy's Daughter', here's a quick link.
Hi Annie
ReplyDeleteWhat great pictures and the cars are so lovely not sure if I could get in and out of them LOL but I would give it a go I did love this story and the all the art deco things when we went to New Zealand we saw a lot of it over there so lovely, I like all of these older things but for day to day living I think I am into the modern things :)
Have Fun
Helen
Helen, they were lots of fun. The nice thing too was that we hadn't realised this was on. We just rocked on up to the Leura Mall on our last morning in the mountains and saw all this. Ah, I'm wondering if you went to Napier in NZ, Helen. That's supposed to have lots of Art Deco buildings. So glad to hear you enjoyed 'Seducing His Enemy's Daughter'.
DeleteAnd yes it was Napier we stopped for the day on the cruise such a lovely place I loved touring that City and hearing about why they when art décor after earthquakes :)
Deletehave Fun
Helen
I've never been to Napier, Helen, so maybe on my next visit. It sounds terrific.
DeleteI prefer modern things, but a period that I like is between the late 1800s and beginning 1900s. Very beautiful photos you've been pubblished
ReplyDeleteHi Franca. Oh, yes, that period was very graceful, wasn't it? Though, like you, I prefer modern convenience. Thanks for poppy by.
DeleteI'm a modern gal too, Annie but I do love wandering around the kitchen on stately homes and marvel how those servants produced such grand banquets with zero technology!
ReplyDeleteI really love old china. No particular time period. Just whatever looks pretty and makes me smile :-)
Amy, I know what you mean. I remember standing in (yes 'in') the fireplace of the kitchen at Hampton Court Palace and wondering how they produced so much grand food for so many people.
DeleteI love old china too. A weakness I inherited from my Mum. It's not the price tag, it's the fact that it makes you smile, as you say.
I love vintage cars, Annie -- they make me drool with longing. I expect, though, that they'd be a challenge to drive. I also adore the art deco buildings we get a glimpse of in the TV series Poirot. Oh, and the art deco fashions that Phrynne Fisher wears can make me swoon!
ReplyDeleteAll of that said, I do love the convenience of modern living.
Argh. Blogger ate my first comment, Michelle. Let me just say I too drool over PF's fashions. My favourites are the cars a little later in date than the ones I've included here - the ones that are a little more streamlined but not too much. They look like it would be an absolute treat to travel in them.
DeleteThere is a vintage car club here in town. It's quite normal to see a car chugging down the main street. No one seems to mind that they could get out of their cars and walk faster. The cars are just so beautiful. I love it when the passengers are in period dress too. The perfect picture.
ReplyDeleteMary that sounds like such fun. The other day I was visiting a nursing home and there were half a dozen old cars there, gleaming, for the residents to view and really, it was such a talking point for them all, and I suppose a bit of reminiscence. Would love to go for a ride in one. I know what you mean about seeing people in costume too.
DeleteI'm definitely a foot in both camps - I love my modern comforts and technologies, but I've always had a thing for vintage style whether it be jewellery, clothing, hair styles and makeup. I also have a small collection of antique tea cups and I think the oldest is from 1910.
ReplyDeleteStefanie, another for old china? Sounds fabulous. Some of the jewellery is gorgeous too, but pricey. I feel in love with Art Nouveau jewellery in Paris but sadly it's out of my price range.
DeleteLovely post Annie. I love 1920s style.
ReplyDeleteI certainly have a soft spot for antiques. I'm currently searching for the right sized antique desk to put by the window so I can gaze at the view whilst dreaming up new stories.
Good luck on the antique hunt, Jennifer. I hope you get the perfect one for the space. What fun searching for it.
DeleteLove those cars, Annie. I always watch in awe whenever I see a rally on the roads. Like Stefanie, I have a foot in both camps. I'm not a collector but do enjoy things from the past, especially those that remind me of my parents or grandmother.
ReplyDeleteSue, I wonder if that's the key - things that make us think about special people? For me that's reason enough to take time and enjoy those older items.
DeleteAnnie, what a lovely post - and such great photos. I was lucky enough a few years ago to go on a cruise to New Zealand and we stopped off at the NZ Art Deco capital Napier. The locals did us proud - bands and vintage cars and people in costumes to give us all that jazz. Such fun - and the cars were spectacular. Your photos brought back very fond memories of that visit and the lovely architecture in the town. I have to say I find those old cars have SOOOOO much style - and a feeling of individuality that is often missing from the new ones. But then, I write historical romance, so of course I'd say that!
ReplyDeleteI loved Seducing his Enemy's Daughter - such a steamy beginning and then it's lovely watching them fall in love, vintage cars and all!