Los Angeles
Please note that I try to give you a heads up on things way ahead of time so you can make plans. Because I don’t know about you but for me, dressing like a hobo takes planning.
“Hooverville” Picnic at the Old Zoo in Griffith Park
FEB 27th 2010
12 noon-till sunset
The Hooverville dustbowl BBQ in the old zoo picnic area
Time for a copy and paste~
A special tribute to Palmdale Johnnie! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DRESS like a pre 1930s HOBO… do not show up or bring anyone wearing super modern clothing.. lets try to emulate the past with as 1930s or before people… only exception is food
THIS EVENT IS FREE FREE FREE so bring your vintage people
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I always think it’s a little strange when living people wish dead people happy birthday.
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Los Angeles
From The Good Folks At Stinkers Truckstop in Silverlake~
If you are a fan of all things Burt Reynolds, Trans Am and Peterbilt, you can dry your tears. We’re auctioning off the bar’s ’70s-themed decor (along with its lovable skunks-drinking-Schlitz-beer dioramas) on Feb. 9th. This includes a replica of the hood of the Pontiac Trans Am from “Smokey and the Bandit,” loads of Burt Reynolds posters and a life-size cutout of the man, the smoking skunk butts, plenty of 1970s movie posters and the cologne machine from the bathroom.
A portion of the night’s proceeds will benefit the Santé D’Or Foundation, a local animal rescue and adoption agency.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 8:00pm
Viewing begins at 8 p.m. and the live auction kicks off at 9pm
Stinkers Truckstop
2939 Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
We will be reopening the March 2010 with a new theme!
Images are from Stinkers Myspace page
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Yes, that’s me. What can I say except that I’m a sucker for a roadside attraction. Especially when they don’t charge admission and are located off the highway in the middle of the desert.
While I’ve never been one to squirm at the sight of a house spider or daddy long legs, this arachnid is a bit on the scarier side. We’re talking a GIANT spider reminiscent of a 1950’s sci-fi film made from a VW bug.
It stands at the entrance of this welding shop and really is something to see. Check it. But maybe leave the Raid at home.
Hole In The Wall Welding
Palm Springs
Highway 10 at Indian Canyon Drive
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It seems that all my friends back east are snowed in right now. Which brings me back to my holiday vacation at my parents house in New Jersey this past December.
First thing I think of when it snows this much is…graveyard sledding! This is kind of an unspoken tradition in my old neighborhood and we all grew up happily waking up with the sun on snow days and dragging our sleds through the streets to the graveyard instead of the classroom. The coolest kids had parents who let them go to the the graveyard at 2am or 3am.
This particular cemetery has great hills and headstones that are only an inch or so high so if you hit one by accident, you are usually no worse for the wear. It goes on all day and night and I’m lucky enough that the cemetery is right across the street from our house. Watch out belowwwww!
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4. Buy a swing from Myburgh Designs. The pumpkin one comes with a hidden music box!
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Los Angeles
I am my mother’s daughter. And whether I’m going to a costume party or I just want to transform myself without having to make a permanent hair style commitment, I have to have some wig options. And I’m not talking about stuff that comes in plastic bags on walls at Halloween stores. I’m talking the real deal. With real human hair. Yeah.
My mother has a thick full mass of hair but I remember when I was little seeing her giant wigs floating in the tub a few days before a party. She had an endless array and I couldn’t wait to grow up and have my own! Every girl should at least have a supply of falls for dress up. Wilshire Wigs is where I go to get mine.
On a back road in North Hollywood, they are the be all and end all in the business and supply wigs for movies and film. Often times when you come in you can see somebody hand sewing a mustache or a fall together. They have the cheapy stuff as well. But I go here for the big mama jama hair. And it ain’t cheap. The only thing that sucks a little about the place is that the salespeople are not always attentive. So just be patient and flag em down. Excuseeee me! Can I get some of that big mama jama hair?
Wilshire Wigs
5241 Craner Avenue
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(800) 927-0874
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On Saturday and Sunday, Fallen Fruit will hand out 150 trees each day along with planting instructions and ideas for transforming your neighborhood with the simple act of planting one tree. Fruit tree adoptions begin at 12 pm and quantities are limited so come early! Today they will be at Watts Towers and tomorrow at LACMA.
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Los Angeles
VICTOR CASTILLO: Strange Fruit & MISS VAN: She-Wolves
Opening Reception: Saturday, February 6th, 8-11pm
February 6 – March 6, 2010
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Old vintage postcards of the Cherry Hill Mall in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Oh how I loved that giant birdcage. The just don’t make em’ like they used to!
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If you don’t know already, we are all about to get our fill of Lewis Carroll. Which is mighty fine by me. However what I’m really hoping will come out of all of this rabbit hole merriment is a little more recognition for a fantastic filmmaker who made a truly haunting film about Alice, Jan Svankmajer. I’m really not sure that anybody will be able to make a better version of Alice than he did. Sorry Tim. Sorry Walt.
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Los Angeles
With another day of rain left to fall in Los Angeles you might want to get out to the Silent Movie Theater for a screening of the classic Daisies tonight. Be sure to get your tickets on-line as I think it’s going to sell out before the day is through.
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Drive-By
Random photos I shoot from the car
Stuck in traffic on PCH
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Rainy Day LA
I have a favorite local bar. It’s full of creepy dolls. And secret rooms all over that you never know are there until random doors are unlocked in the middle of the night with no announcement. And it has a courtyard that makes me feel like I’m in a back alley joint in Saigon where my smoker friends can smoke without choking or abandoning me. They serve everything from Guinness to absinthe and if their food doesn’t sober me up, I can always leave my car and walk home at the end of the evening.
I always describe the place as it’s as if Snow White And The Seven Dwarves went to the dark side and opened a bar in their home. The only thing that stinks about it is that sometimes they have random horrible DJ’s that attract a college crowd that is creepier than the creepy dolls. I hear it’s owned by an 80 something year old woman from Russia. I want to meet her. I bet she thinks the college crowd is creepy too.
I think tonight would be a good night to go because it’s raining and people won’t be able to hang out in the courtyard and one of the two rooms I’ve never been into might be open. Plus the DJ plays in the courtyard so he’d be washed out tonight and hopefully the college crowd will stay home too. If you go and you are wondering where I am, just ask for Grumpy.
Renee’s Courtyard Cafe
522 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
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I was in my mid-twenties and searching for student housing in Massachusetts when I first declared to my parents that I wanted to live in a trailer park. The photography school I was attending happened to be located directly next to a trailer park and I figured it was time that I make my ‘The Long, Long Trailer’ dream come true. While my parents were amused, they were not about to let me move into a trailer park in a hick town in Western Massachusetts.
Since then I’ve gotten my trailer fix any which way I can. I try to drive through every trailer park I ever come upon. I’ve stayed at Kate’s Lazy Meadow in the Catskills and the Starlux in Wildwood, New Jersey. Both of which offer airstream trailer accommodations. One day I hope to stay at the Shady Dell in Arizona and my big dream is to make it to one of the designer penthouse trailers at the Grand Daddy in Cape Town, South Africa. I’m also really looking forward to Hicksville Trailer Palace opening in Joshua Tree in the spring.
Mom and I on our Starlux airstream vacation get-away
Just as I begin to wonder if it is just me…I have noticed another new trailer trend. Trailer rentals on Craigslist both as living accommodations and vacation rentals!
Entirely redesigned 2004 Airstream “International CCD” model, located in Topanga’s “Post Office Loop,” next to State Park, inside property with ocean view (21503 Colina Drive). Immaculate conditions inside and outside. Amazing owner-redesigned interior for maximum living comfort…see pictures to believe it! Besides standard equipment (electricity, gas stove, oven, refrigerator, running water, septic tank, shower), comes with great amenities: Satellite Dish and TV hook-up, Ethernet wired, High-Fi radio-CD system, 18″ Flat screen, DVD player, Solar panels. Refurbished couches in leather. Re-designed blue shower. Aluminum Venetian blinds and suede curtains. Completely equipped with high quality bedding, towels, cookery, gas barbecue, even a portable laundry machine!
Utilities and once-a-week cleaning and laundry included.
ONLY single or double occupancy; no pets.
Available for monthly rental (month to month): 1,200 $
Weekly rental: 500 $
Weekend rental (depending on availability): 250 $
Available from March 1.
FUN FUN FUN IN THE SUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE SILVER BULLET Classic 1964 Airstream Trailer – 22′ Single axle. Delivered to your location. It has 2 beds, bathroom, full kitchen, hot & cold water, heater, lots of storage. all you need is a power cord. FULLY FUNCTIONAL – WE DELIVER AND PICK UP!!!!!! WE ALSO OFFER VACATION PACKAGES!!!
Commerials Special wedding Photo shoot Have family over and need extra room Want to take a vacation over the holidays business meeting.
http://airstream.home.mindspring.com/
1 bedroom, 1 full bath with tub, airstream trailer in the beautiful hills of Malibu. This is the largest, most luxurious home ever built by airstream.
It has a full kitchen and bath with separate living room, den and bedroom. The inside is all original birch veneer and tile floor. It is 12 feet wide by 42 feet long.
It has canyon views and sits creekside. It is wired for fios high speed internet, has a stove, refrigerator, electricity, water, trash service all included. Home is on 2.5 acres in the Malibu Mountains. Owner lives on site. It’s less than a 10 minute drive to the beach and 20 minutes to Westlake Village.
Need 1 year lease to move in. Looking for one great person who likes the country setting and a quiet life. Available immediately.
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/apa/1577664110.html
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It’s been a while since I’ve been to the Dapper Cadaver and I’m kinda sad that they are not in Hollywood anymore. If you have never been, they are horror prop masters who make and supply props for film, museums and parties and also sell to the public. Last time I was in they were working on a cadaver in the back! If you are looking for something bloody for your Valentine and can’t get out to Sun Valley, be sure to take a peek at their website.
Mummified Mermaid
Punk Rock Taxidermy Mouse
Vintage Fortune Teller In A Box
Diaphonized Bat 
Syringe Cookie Cutter
Beast From Beyond
Chicken Skeleton
Please note that there are some things on this link that will be offensive or disturbing to some people. These folks deal in horror after all.
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Have you ever measured your skull for a hat size? I have and my noggin is huge. As a matter of fact it is 23.5 inches around. Yeah, almost two feet. So it’s really difficult for me to find a woman’s hat that fits me. However, I’ve learned a little trick. You know the old vintage hats that you see in the thrift store? The kind that movie stars used to wear in the 40’s and Lucy used to wear to go grocery shopping in? Well, considering that they are more of a head decoration then a taut band around your forehead type hat, I can wear them. And I have a great collection!
California Millinery Supply Co. is one of those hidden gems that every time I go downtown, I pray will still be there. They are a hat making supply company that has obviously been there long before you or I were a twinkle in our parents eye. The front of the store is unassuming but if you go during the day you will see that the front door is open and the place is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.
It’s like walking into a time capsule when you enter the door of the California Millinery Supply Co. You will find old dusty shelf after old dusty shelf of fading cardboard boxes filled with everything from feather plumes, to high quality velvet ribbons to vintage notions. For those of you who don’t know what a notion is, that’s a little decoration like a velvet flower or plastic berry that you might use to decorate a hat or a dress like a precious bijou.
This isn’t like all the other dime a dozen notion stores that you will find in the fabric district either. This place is filled with new old stock. On a good day you can even find little vintage paper accordion ducks or pipe cleaner people which are my favorites! You can rummage through the boxes when you are feeling creative and need some inspiration, just be sure to keep it tidy. Above the counter you will see a clothes line hanging with all the old metal wires twisted and molded into the styles that they made the old millinery hats from. They even carry top hat frames!
I’ve brought friends in here who have no interest in vintage hats and not a creative bone in their body but even they have been wowed by the place. I’m tempted not to even tell anybody about it but quite honestly that would be selfish and my bad juju might make the place going under. So please, please, please, go and take a peek!
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When I was a little girl my favorite toy was a Kewpie doll that I named Tommy after my grandfather. I’d had it since I was a baby and I took it almost everywhere with me. One day while I was at school my mother cleaned my room and put Tommy in the wrong pile and accidently donated him to the Goodwill. While I long ago forgave her, it is something that thirty years later she still randomly apologizes to me for. And to be totally honest, I still miss him something awful.
This is why I have a soft spot for Adam Wallacavage’s glow in the dark Alyona print that is being sold through Poster Child Prints website. I own this glowing sweetness and it always makes me smile!
If you are looking for something really special for your Valentine this year, might I suggest you check out Poster Child Prints. It’s a great way to buy affordable limited edition and signed and numbered pieces by artists like Friends With You, Jim Houser, Claw Money, Saber and many more.
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Los Angeles
At the cross-section of the 10 freeway and Lincoln Blvd. is an antique mart that I travel to when I’m in need for a little inspiration, a unique gift or a window shopping fix.
And by the by, the telephone purse can actually be plugged in to work.
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Buy a…
2. Commercial Grade See-Saw
and throw in a…
3. Elephant Spring Rider for good measure!
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1. Buy A Mermaid Tail!
Thom Shouse aka ‘The Tailman’ has made mermaid tails for everything from commericals, print ads, tv shows and music videos. Charmed? Yes! Annie Leibovitz? Yes! Foo Fighters video? Yuh-huh!
While heaven only knows how much it costs to rent his fancy scale tails, he does have an affordable waterproof line available for only three hundred and fifty smackers! These fabric swim tails come in gold, teal and emerald and are fitted with monofins to make them easier to swim in.
I’ve been considering buying one for five years now. I think 2010 just might be the year of the mermaid!
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I’m just going to copy and paste on this one and let Craigslist do the talking.
UNIQUE PERSIAN PORTRAIT RUG OF KATE WINSLET $1950
We are selling one of a kind Persian Rug portrait depicting Kate Winslet, famous for her leading role in the epic movie “Titanic”, starring alongside Leonardo DiCaprio. Woven after a portrait photograph with Kate wearing the famous Diamond Heart Necklace.
This exquisite handmade wool & silk carpet was commissioned in Tabriz, Iran for a wealthy admirer of Kate Winslet. It shows the incredible skill and craftsmanship that was put into this very fine piece of art. It is a masterpiece in is own right and one can only imagine how much time and dedication the artist invested in creating such a superb yet delicate depiction of Kate Winslet.
Framed in an ornament black and gold frame this work of art captures the beauty of Kate Winslet and a sense of timelessness as it almost looks like a black and white photography. In reality, the colors looked upon closely, are more black, beige, yellow and green. (The pictures were taken with daylight with and without flash)
Dimensions: Frame W 24” x H 31 ½” with an inside measure of W 13 ¼” x 20 ½”. The actual carpet measures W 14” x 21 ½”.
Whether you are a fan of Kate Winslet or just can appreciate the unique beauty of this piece of art, you will not be disappointed. We had this carpet displayed in a public area and hardly anyone would go by without mentioning the “painting” and the reaction to being told that it is not a painting or photography, but a hand woven carpet, was always the same, it had everybody stunned.
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Now I’m on a Masonic furniture kick…
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Los Angeles
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Los Angeles
Dear folks booking the Hollywood Forever Cemetery Masonic Lodge events,
Hello! How are you today? I just wanted to let you know that I love going to events at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery but it is nearly impossible to keep up to date on what is going on at the Masonic Lodge.
If there is a website for the lodge, I can’t find it anywhere. And I’m pretty good at finding stuff. Whenever I do fall upon some kind of goings-on at the Masonic Lodge, it happened two weeks ago. I know Twelfth Night is being performed this week but when I searched for it that dude from Desperate Housewives popped up for some other play that I knew nothing about.
I say this with utmost kindness and respect. Secret societies are cool and all but you need a website. Even it it’s a Facebook fan page or a blog that you update with all of your different music and theater events. Please. The corpses know more than we do.
Thank You!
PS If you have a website and I’m just clueless, please send me a link.
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I am addicted to a radio station! I’m sad when I’m driving in the car and I can’t listen to DNR, I have a list of songs that I need to buy that I’ve only ever heard on DNR and I have all but abandoned my own music mixes. Try it. You’ll like it.
http://www.devilsnight.com/radio.htm
http://www.facebook.com/devilsnightradio?ref=ts
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Los Angeles
In my mind, the nautical themed restaurants of old are the original theme restaurants. Long before Medieval Times and Rainforest Cafe’s there resided a local faux paradise where folks could take a little mini-vacation for an hour or two to a land of bamboo and giant bowls of flaming booze. These days the original theme restaurants are sadly few and far between. So when I fall upon someplace local, I want in!
Bahooka Ribs and Grog sits on the outskirts of Pasadena in Rosemead. Built in 1967, the tiki and nautical decor features fish taxidermy lamps, over 100 aquariums including one which is the bar, jail cells (?) and fish with unique personalities. Rufus is their thirty-four year old Pacu fish that starred in the film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and will be glad to eat your carrots if you don’t want them.
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I recently came upon this old discarded 1950’s metal toy kitchen and had a vision for a new shelf! I have a small bachelor apartment sized kitchen and after rigging the back of the toy with some metal wire, I suddenly had a perfect place to store my utensils, picnic condiments and freshly cut flowers from the garden.
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Los Angeles
Several years ago, my friend Maristella was coming to visit me in Los Angeles for a few days and asked me if I could think of anything fun to do. It so happened that her visit fell on a weekend that Mark Ryden’s The Tree Show was up at the Michael Kohn Gallery in Hollywood. I planned out our day and dressed up as Robin Hood and we headed out to my favorite forest themed restaurant in downtown Los Angeles, Clifton’s Cafeteria for breakfast before checking out the the The Tree Show.
I was so inspired after seeing Mark Ryden’s work that afternoon that I decided to throw together a Mark Ryden tea party for us in my backyard the following day. I picked some fun kitsch out of my house for the table and whipped up some lemon tarts, scones, cucumber sandwiches, miniature patriotic Yule logs and Maristella concocted some spiked tea. At the last moment we decided to create homemade Mark Ryden tea party hats so I pulled out some cardboard, my crafts box and a glue gun. Maristella named her hat ‘Abe and His Ram’ and I named mine ‘Girl and Her Ass’. It was a lovely visit!
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I was nine years old in this photo with Dale and I got to stand on the side of the stage for this Missing Persons performance at the 1983 US Festival. I couldn’t wait to grow up so I could wear see through plastic bras and skirts!
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OK. I have driven the same Jeep Cherokee for twenty years and I am finally having it towed away to make room for new wheels. However, I know nothing about cars and I’m totally clueless when it comes to figuring out what I want next. I mean, I understand the basics but I’m just so not into shopping for cars. Which means that when I’m on Craigslist I end up typing in car searches for things like ‘glitter’ and ‘pink paint’. Anyhow, this is what I’m really liking today. Please don’t tell me all the reasons I can’t have it. It’s just a fantasy. It would match my zombie heels and I’d look so cute in it!
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I found these Iron Fist green zombie heels while shopping in Long Beach. They make bloody wolves as well!
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Los Angeles
Is anybody else looking at this photo and wondering what method they use to destroy these balloon sculptures at the end of the day?
The Hidden World
Saturday, January 30, 2010; 10 am-4 pm
What is hidden from the human eye? Come find out as we’ll view a variety of photographs of life forms taken by a high-powered SEM (scanning electron microscope) and get acquainted with the microscopic world! See some of our living tiny collections up close and make a “magnified” one yourself to take home. Plus, guest artist Jason Hackenwerth is on hand to create megamite sculptures with his amazing aerial art!
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I love these belt buckles made by Robin Charlotte! They remind me of something I’d uncover at the bottom of an old jewelry box in the attic.
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Los Angeles
A historical reenactment that includes a picnic and swing dancing? I’m in!
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Los Angeles
Two years ago I was working on the interior of the Santa Monica Free People store when I met a gal who has become one of my most favorite friends. While weaving embroidery thread up muslin walls for hours on end, Amy and I realized we had many interests in common including dancing, desserts, Disneyland and a deep appreciation for vintage clothes. Our last day of work on the store happened to fall on the last day of the Vintage Fashion Expo at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium just a few blocks away. So instead of going out for drinks we decided to head over for a quick peek before they closed.
The Vintage Fashion Expo happens twice a year in Santa Monica and is full of different vendors selling clothes, shoes, jewelry and linens. Whether you are in the market for a mint 1950’s circle dress or just have a few bucks to spare for a notion or bobble, there is a little something for everybody.
There is a hat dealer in the back that will put you in vintage millinery tizzy and my favorite vendor, Vintage Vixen, has a collection of dresses (pictured) so stunning that I feel that they should be in a fashion museum rather than be sold.
Um. There is one other thing. You never know what fashion icon you might spot. Like the time Amy and I went. I was admiring a 1940’s satin showgirl sailor dress on one of the racks when Amy came behind me slightly out of breath and said, “Do you know who Dita Von Teese is? I…I…think she is in the next booth!” I cooly turned and looked over Amy’s shoulder and turned back to the sailor dress whispering, “Yes. That’s her. Should we stalk her for a few booths and see what she looks at?”
Amy’s jaw dropped to the floor and her eyes grew as wide as saucers as if she couldn’t believe I just said that. She managed to squeak out a “yes” and we very respectfully followed Dita like secret agents for an entire aisle. Never saying a word or making eye contact with her, we managed to discreetly admire vintage wares in the same twelve foot by twelve foot booth with her while at points we might casually cross the aisle so we could glance at what she was wearing from afar.
We soaked in her impeccable hair and make-up as well as her quite demure black pants paired with a ladylike white tailored blouse. Not to mention how polite she was with all of the salespeople who were falling all over her. We graciously let her be otherwise and when she reached the end of the aisle we turned in the opposite direction and when out of earshot burst into a fit of giggles like two little school girls who had just stalked their high school crush.
I have to say that our Vintage Expo adventure was what really made me understand that Amy and I were meant to be friends, if not secret agents!
The Vintage Fashion Expo takes place Feb. 6th and 7th. Go to the website for more info and a coupon!
http://vintageexpo.com
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Los Angeles
I have been traveling to Hidden Treasures vintage shop in Topanga Canyon since I was a teenager living in Woodland Hills and desperate to get out of the valley. Back then they served you free cappuccino when you walked in the door that you could take up to a teepee hidden in the hillside garden above the store. I also remember an old woman who would wander around the property dressed in bright vintage get-ups. In my imagination she was some wandering soul from the canyon who they gussied up for fun like a warped paper doll when the store was empty. Here Gladis! Let’s put you in this now!
It’s a funky eclectic old hippie house full of everything from vintage clothes and antique linens to dusty old store displays and movie props that I’m not sure are even for sale. They have gone through different phases over the years from super affordable to overpriced. Even when they have had a few too many reproduced or new clothes, it is still always worth a look-see. If for not other reason than to just to glance at all the crazy things that have hanging from the rafters and stuffed in the nooks and crannies. And be sure to take a peek out to the back patio. The teepee above is long gone but there is some beautiful stone work and last I looked I’m pretty sure I saw some icicles from an old Universal Studios ride.
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Los Angeles
Check out this outrageous 1920’s elephant foot umbrella stand!
www.etsy.com
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Los Angeles
Unless you have been living under a vintage garden gnome, you have most likely heard that Paul Reubens is performing the Pee-wee Herman Show live here in Los Angeles right now. My Godsister and I purchased tickets for the Music Box Theater but our affordable seats were eliminated when the show was moved to Nokia Theater downtown. Sadly we couldn’t really justify the higher price for ‘comparable’ seats so we had to ask for a refund. Wah. Wahhhh.
At the end of last summer while we still had affordable tickets for the live show at the Music Box and I’d yet to defriend Pee-wee on Facebook, a group of girlfriends and I pulled on our picnic dresses and headed out to Hollywood Forever Cemetery for a Cinespia screening of Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure.
I am known amongst friends for my lavish and sometimes unconventional picnic and party spreads. For this event I made a picnic inspired by Pee-Wee’s happiness and color, bento boxes and the mother from the movie Mermaids fondness for funny finger foods. I filled my vintage Weeble treehouse with a surprise after dinner treat, packed my battery operated Santa Claus and at nightfall just before the movie began Paul Reubens and the cast made a surprise appearance and spoke to introduce the movie.
Besides seeing my friends reactions when I unveiled the picnic fare, I have to say my favorite part of the evening was the fact that Diane Salinger (Simone) sat directly in front of us in curly haired silhouette during the entire movie. It was a delight to watch her watch herself on-screen and I had to take a few photos. Which felt kinda creepy but it was just her curly haired silhouette. Oh! Oh! And anytime she was in a scene and somebody walked in front of her she got all antsy, waved them away and leaned to the side so she could see herself. Which is exactly what I would have done if I were her. She was fantastic! Hmm…maybe she’ll be my new Facebook friend?
Here is a little trip down memory lane to my Pee-Wee Herman Picnic!
Posted in Entertaining, Entertainment, Film, Food, Los Angeles, Movies, Outdoors, Picnic, These Are A Few Of My Favorite LA Things, Travel, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
This is the inspiration for my next dinner party. Don’t you even doubt it!
Posted in Architecture, Art, Books, Design, Entertaining, Entertainment, Fashion, Film, Food, Home | Leave a Comment »
Los Angeles
A few months ago my friend Michelle and I wandered down to Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Venice for girl talk, a stroll and some window shopping. We came upon a whimsical storefront similar to Off The Wall on Melrose Ave. but set up in a more orderly fashion and somewhat reminiscent of a freak museum.
It was two stories and filled with everything from old doll molds to vintage carnival memorabilia. Mind you even though we were in awe and in the store forever, we never got the name of the store! I just searched for it on-line to list with the photos we took but came up with nothing. I kind of enjoy the idea that maybe what we saw didn’t really exist and it was some secret portal into the past. So instead of trying to find you the name and address I’m just going to encourage you to take a stroll on Abbot Kinney Blvd. The portal will appear to you along the way but only if you believe.
Posted in Art, Design, Free, Gifts, Home, Los Angeles, Museums, These Are A Few Of My Favorite LA Things, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
This website features new and used amusement park rides from all over the globe! I’m not sure how often they update their sight but rides from Coney Island’s Astroland are featured. Dante’s Inferno!
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Los Angeles
With every post I realize that I’m just a sucker for any show that includes puppets. And this one includes finger puppets! Other than that all I have to say about this show is that it keeps getting extended and extended and extended. I’ll leave the rest of the description to the promoters this time. Copy and paste!
OVATION RECOMMENDED * LA WEEKLY GO * LA TIMES CRITICS CHOICE
JOIN THE GRAND GUIGNOLERS ON A LUXURY CRUISE TO SHANGHAI.
ELEGANT. DANGEROUS. BLOODY. NAUGHTY.
Don your best cocktail and/or vintage attire and join the Grand Guignolers on a 1920s luxury cruise to Shanghai. Come early for on-board entertainment at 8pm: period photos, Charleston, Flashlight Follies, tango, absinthe & tea tastings, songs, and a live travelogue. Set sail at 8:30 (showtime) to Shanghai, the most decadent city of the 1920s.
After docking, meet Sing Song girls (Chinese geishas) and The Green Gang in Sing Song Girl Sing Last Song, a dancing/brawling movement based melodrama. Witness spectacle and magic in the absinthe fueled hallucinations of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Visit a sinister opium den in The Cabinet of Hands by Chris Bell, a Grand Guignol play about a Madame with a penchant for collecting hands. And see hypnosis and ventriloquism turn deadly performed by the ever popular, Petits Guignolers, a French finger puppet troupe.
No one under 10 years old will be admitted.
Vintage and/or cocktail attire suggested.
From November 21, 2009 8:15 PM
Through February 06, 2010 8:20 PM
Sundays at 7pm
Art/Works Theatre
6569 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Price$25.00 – $30.00
http://www.brownpapertickets.com
Posted in Art, Booze, Entertainment, Los Angeles, Music, Night, Photobooths, Photography, Puppets, Theater, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Los Angeles
I’m always looking for a good excuse to get out to the The Velaslavasay Panorama. And The Bride of Wildenstein The Musical, a puppet musical about an aging socialite who grows fur and claws, sounds like a good enough reason for me. Heck, it can’t be any worse than the Tyler Perry play I saw at the Kodak Theater the other day.
Automata and IBEX Puppetry present:
Bride of Wildenstein
The Musical
Thursday, January 28 – Sunday, January 31
8 pm nightly
Tickets $15 ($12 Students, Seniors, VPES and Automata Members)
Seating is limited – advance tickets available here
For adult audiences.
Posted in Entertainment, Los Angeles, Theater, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Las Vegas
Today is the day that my friends Kathy J and Kevin join hands in marriage during a theme wedding at Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel in Sin City. When Kathy J was trying to plan her special day she strongly considered The Rocky Horror Picture Show theme wedding. Hmm…
Now you don’t know me but if you knew me you would know that if I sit you down and tell you something is a little too crazy, it must REALLY be crazy. Especially since my dream wedding scenarios over the years have included bridesmaids on rollerskates, a male maid of honor, a taco truck reception and the bride (myself) flying down the aisle hooked to a harness like Peter Pan. Oh! And in lieu of a ring I would want an Airstream trailer that sparkles like a new dime! I’ve got more rings than I have fingers after all.
Seriously though, I’m really rooting for an Elvis or even a Grease theme wedding. Because unless you hate your parents and grandparents, this is just all kinds of wrong…
Posted in Entertainment, Music, Parties, Theater, Travel, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Los Angeles
The Square Dance Social at HM157 will be happening tonight, no matter what the weather. Really, the idea of square dancing inside an old house sounds fun to me!
Posted in Dance, Entertainment, Los Angeles, Music, Night, Rainy Day LA | 1 Comment »
Considering how much I wear my rainboots, you would think I had a great raincoat right? Wrong! I just don’t like any of the ones that I see. And then today I got an idea. I wonder if there is such thing as a raincape? Look what I found!
Posted in Fashion, Rainy Day LA, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
I have to admit that I am obsessed with a certain boot in my closet to the extent that I pray for it to rain so I can wear them. It makes no sense. But I am crazy for my black knee-high Hunter Wellington’s which more often than not, I pair with a favorite dress.
Well I just came upon an old Biba window display from London and noticed a rainbow selection of wellies which made me think that maybe my fashion sense is not so off the mark. But then I noticed the sign in the windows is advertising sparkly wellies! Sparkly wellies? Only thing I love more than my wellies is sparkle! And then look what google found…
www.forever21.com
I’m going to hold out until they start making colored ones. Here's hoping!
Posted in Design, Fashion, On-Line Shopping, Rainy Day LA, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Los Angeles
Here are a few ideas!
February 13th
The Devil’s Night Drive-In will be playing Sid and Nancy on Valentine’s eve in downtown Los Angeles. It’s BYOB so why not pack yourself a nice little picnic for the car?
www.devilsnight.com
www.facebook.com/devilsnightdrivein
Swing dance events rarely take place on the Westside so bring your baby to the Bayside Ball for swing dance lessons and live bands! The Santa Monica Bay Woman’s Club is a gem of a venue. And don’t forget that heart-shaped box of chocolates!
http://www.camphollywood.net/bayside-ball-tickets
http://www.facebook.com/event
Posted in Dance, Entertainment, Film, Los Angeles, Monthly Event, Movies, Music, Night, Outdoors, Picnic, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
One day while at home on vacation in Philadelphia, I walked into my friend Adam’s house for a visit and came upon a photo shoot taking place in his dining room with the LA based band Miss Derringer. While I was familiar with Elizabeth McGrath’s artwork, I knew little about her and her husband Morgan’s band. Which is in no way an insult. Most music on my Ipod dates pre-1990’s. Seriously.
They were on a little break between dates opening for Blondie and that night after the shoot we all headed to a small local bar to see them perform. Well between the hip swaying music and Liz’s unique stage costumes, I became an instant fan. And I’m very glad to hear that they will be playing the Troubadour on Valentine’s weekend!
http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0900442C8805579C?artistid=1398878&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Miss-Derringer/69112739806
http://www.myspace.com/missderringer
Posted in Art, Bars, Entertainment, Fashion, Los Angeles, Music, Night, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Tickets are now on sale for “Another Evening with Tony Curtis” on Sunday, January 31st! Go to magiccastle.com/eventtickets and use your member number or e-mail Ben Roman at broman@magiccastle.com if you’re a non-member wishing to purchase tickets.
Posted in Bars, Entertainment, Los Angeles, Theater, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Hello there soggy Southern California! This week of endless rain is giving me a bit of cabin fever so I thought that I should take advantage of these countless hours indoors and post a little tip on the ol’ blog.
If my roof wasn’t leaking in seventeen spots, I would not be hanging out at home right now. You see, besides the fact that I love any excuse to put on my beloved knee-high Hunter Wellington’s, I also happen to know that rainy days are the best days to head to Disneyland! Why? Because most locals have no idea how to deal with small drops of water falling from the sky for hours at a time and would not even consider going to the Magic Kingdom and getting a little wet. And most vacationing tourists are ill prepared to outfit themselves and their families for a rainy day. And this my friends makes for very short lines at Disneyland for those ‘brave’ enough to take on the weather!
I happened to take advantage of this clever idea when it rained back in October. I was lucky enough to have a free pass which was about to expire and didn’t let the rain or the fact that all my friends were at work keep me from heading out.
I was off to the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’ all by myself dressed in rainboots and a poncho and armed with a homemade turkey sandwich and some hard-boiled eggs in my purse as well as an iPod filled with great tunes, Disney history Podcasts and all the 2009/2010 fashion runway shows I’d been meeting to catch up on.
These are the little details that I soaked in…
Posted in Architecture, Design, Entertainment, Film, Food, Games, Los Angeles, Music, Night, Outdoors, Picnic, Rainy Day LA, Restaurants, Travel, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
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