Vintage Co-founder Kalen Arreola, Distract TV Reporter Gita Cellei, Jewelry Designer Mina D, Co-founder Amelia Meloni

On April 13^th, the day of the Vintage NYC Magazine Launch Party, I didn’t feel like dressing up and going to a party. But Gita Cellei of Distract TV was so enthusiastic, I changed my mind and I’m so glad I did.

Gita Cellei with Crooner Larry Costa

The party boasted a red carpet interview area, Hollywood movies on three screens, models wearing 40s and 50s influenced designs by Henry Picado and Mina D, ballroom dancers Aleksandar Vukosavljevic and Viktoriya Kolbenova, crooner Larry Costa, DJ Teal Camner, and doughnuts. I’m not sure why doughnuts were the Vintage victual of choice, but Gita was delighted. For such a petite woman, she got through an enormous number of doughnuts: jelly, cherry, chocolate and custard; she tried them all, several times.

Gita with dancers Viktoriya Kolbenova and Aleksandar Vukosavljevic

One of the surprises of this event was that I found myself surrounded by British women. Gita moved to New York from London last year. Her friend Fiona moved here from Scotland more recently. We chose a prime viewing position for the performances, and soon the space beside me was filled by two girls from London, Heather and Jazz, who came to New York with an International Professional Services Organization.

London Ladies Jazz and Heather

Amongst the many photographers, Distract TV was the only company recording video of the event. Distract TV covers fashion, burlesque and cultural events, and Gita is their New York Correspondent.

Mina D, Gita Cellei and Cameraperson Pablo

Several photographers came around snapping Fiona and I while Gita was working. One photographer asked me to describe my outfit.

“It’s a burgundy lace sheath dress,” I said.

“I’m wearing a top and a skirt,” said Fiona, flapping the waistband at him.

“I can’t wait to see how she describes her outfit,” said Fiona as the man went on to photograph a girl wearing jeans and a flowery bomber jacket.

Models with Larry Costa (center)

My favorite models were the ones who came as couples, because I love the contrast between the long shimmering gowns and the classic men’s suits. At the end of the evening, the models were judged by audience applause. The winner wore an exquisite monochrome beaded gown and jewelry.

Winner of Model Contest

Once Gita finished recording, she, Fiona and I started dancing. Fiona is a Scottish dance instructor, and we tried to copy some of her moves. I removed my wedges, deciding the time for elegance was over. Fortunately, the photographers had decided the same thing and were on their way out.

Dancers Viktoriya Kolbenova and Aleksandar Vukosavljevic

I’m looking forward to seeing Distract TV’s report on the event. And I’m glad I went out when I didn’t feel like it, because I realized that looking cool and having fun don’t have to be mutually exclusive. And nor do being skinny and eating doughnuts.

Old Windsor Parish Church on Easter Sunday 2013Although I grew up in Old Windsor, I rarely visited the drinking establishments there, of which there are six. On my most recent visit, I decided to find out what went on behind the doors of Old Windsor’s pubs. Old Windsor is a village of 5,000 people with one recreation ground, one youth center, three hairdressers, four convenience stores, one restaurant, two takeaways, three churches, five pubs, and one members' club.

The Harvester, on the site of The Bells of Ouzely, Old Windsor

My first stop was the Harvester, a popular chain, on the site of The Bells of Ouzely, the oldest pub in Old Windsor. The Bells of Ouzely was built in 1300 and used to supply beer to Windsor Castle. Apparently, six bells, which all had names like Douce and Hauteeter, were being moved from Osney Abbey by monks, and were sunk in the Thames River across the road and that’s how the pub got its name.

The Fox and Castle, Old WindsorMy next stop was the Fox and Castle. Bar persons, Charlotte and Tony, told me the original location was across the road and its original name was the Fox and Punchbowl. The green in front of the pub used to be a pond. The most popular item on their menu is pork belly, which Charlotte loves also.

The Oxford Blue, Old Windsor

Owner, Mandy, took over The Oxford Blue on Crimp Hill, a year ago. The bar is cozy and spacious with a big garden and playing area out back. On April 5th, a Rod Stewart tribute singer will entertain customers. In June, Mandy will hold an Elton John party with chairs set out in front of the pub, so customers can watch celebrities pass by on their way to Elton John’s White Tie and Tiara Ball.

The Union Inn, Old Windsor

Right next door is the Union Inn, a restaurant bar and boutique inn. The manager’s phone was ringing off the hook while I tried to squeeze in a few questions, and a circle of old regulars chatted in a corner. There are several signed photographs of Elton John on the wall.

The Jolly Gardeners, Old Windsor

The Jolly Gardeners has a friendly and quaint exterior, and a comfy interior. They have been included in the Good Beer Guide five years in a row, and welcome dogs and families. But I didn't learn much about the pub on my visit there.

"You'd best come back when the manager is here," said the barperson, "John."

The Old Windsor Club

Next I stopped at the Old Windsor Club. It costs £20 per year to join, but guests are welcome.

“The drinks are half the price here,” said regulars Graham and John. “You can get a pint of Fosters for £2.50. The other places charge about £3.90.”

Fosters, incidentally, is the most popular beer in Old Windsor and vodka is the most popular spirit, straight or with coke.

The Old Windsor Club has a snooker room and a social hall that they use for events such as the Blondie tribute singer booked for April 6th.

The Toby Carvery, originally called The Wheatsheaf, Old Windsor

The Toby Carvery on Straight Road also houses the Innkeepers Lodge. The Carvery menu with unlimited vegetables, roasties and mash is very popular. Two travelling workers told me the drink prices were great, especially for the area.

Great granddaughter of Pete and Pat, wearing leopard print, with friends and family in The Old Windsor Club

Old Windsor pubs seem to be mostly occupied by families or men out with their mates. I did see a few single ladies on my way home, in the Old Windsor Fish shop. So those are the drinking establishments of Old Windsor, home of Saxon Kings.