Modish Sites from Amboy to Bedrock

Like most of the world we’ve been staying home doing work and school remotely the last couple of years due to the global pandemic. My partner, daughter and I were all really excited to take a week off to go to the Grand Canyon. None of us had ever been to this popular National park. We also saw a few interesting mid-century sites along the way there such as Roy’s in Amboy and Bed Rock City.

Above you can see a picture of me by our car. It’s an old 2008 Ford, Hybrid Escape family car my partner transformed into a Beast. That’s what we affectionately call it. We spray painted it black. My girl tricked it out with bigger tires, big head lights, an aggressive bumper and a tire rack. Because momz can be bad ass too lol. Anyway, the first place we stopped was Bristol Dry Lake. It is a dry lake near Amboy. It consists of halite mud and gypsum. The halite and gypsum form interesting crystals on the dry lake. There is speculation that this mineral activity is the result of a magma chamber somewhere beneath the surface. The Amboy crater nearby also supports this theory and there have been reports of lava flow in the area. 

The next interesting stop was the infamous Roy’s Motel, Cafe and gas station. Just about the most interesting thing in Amboy with it’s population of 4.  It’s one of the few stops on the historic Route 66 and is the hometown of Charles Manson. If you don’t know who that is please ask google not really someone I want to write about for more than a few sentences. 

Roy’s now the main attraction in Amboy was a popular pit stop in 1938 on what was once Route 66. It has also been in a number of movies and music videos. I saw it in Beneath the Dark directed by Chad Feehan a 2010 film that has a couple stay in it only to experience a strange purgatory where you can’t leave without dealing with your past regrets. I personally was happy to get a bottle of water, take a picture and move on. 

When arrived at our main destination the Grand Canyon I felt tears form and my heart pound as I saw the shale, sandstone and granite temples in the distance. We stopped took some pictures and marveled at the wonder of the Grand Canyon before getting on the red line bus that would take us to Hermit’s Rest. 

The site of one of Mary Colter’s 4 buildings that she designed at the Grand Canyon while she was the chief architect and interior designer for the Fred Harvey Company between 1902 and 1948. Hermits Rest is a rustic building built from stones and timber from the area. It was originally a rest stop for travelers on the Santa Fe Railroad on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

After a little exploring we stopped hoping to eat at the El Tovar Hotel a hotel built in 1905 and designed by architect Charles Whittlesey. This rustic yet elegant hotel was once considered one of the most luxurious hotels west of the Mississippi. However we arrived in the late afternoon when it is busy from the numerous tour buses. We opted for a handful of trail mix and pizza later when we leave the park. 

The following day we explored the Bright Angel Trail.  It is a narrow trail that takes you down the Canyon. We did not go all the way down but did follow it enough to go through an archway and to get a view of the Canyon looking up. We also kicked a few poos as it is the same Trail that people ride mules on. 

When we made it back from Bright Angel Trail we went to lunch at the El Tovar Hotel. Our table was advantageously located near one of the windows with prominent views of the canyon. 

We enjoyed a delicious harvest salad that included squash, walnuts and Gorgonzola cheese. They had a sensible children’s menu and my drink had a cherry with two stems. I suppose that’s lucky.

Our modish last adventure was a trip to Bedrock.

A theme park fashioned after the early 1960’s animated show the Flintstones. It is about $8 to get it has a giant dinosaur slide and a stucco town made to look like the retro prehistoric town in the cartoon. It is in disrepair and has graffiti on some of the attractions but worth checking out because who knows if it will be around much longer. 

A Vintage Inspired Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is coming soon and if your looking for something to wear with a retro look here are a few of my favorites. With the unpredictable and sometimes warm weather this winter you might sail away with your beloved's heart in this lovely, red, sailor dress by Stop Staring.  For a true vintage option check out this eBay auction for a
1960's Kay Windsor, red sailor dress.

This year the 80's are trending again. This lovely true vintage dress will take you right back to the 80's. You will look like you belong in movies Sixteen Candles or Pretty in Pink. This full length, pink, off the shoulder, taffeta dress is true vintage, union made in the USA and comes in a size 9.

For a warmer long sleeve dress the Adeline Swing dress is a nice choice. It beautiful with a plunge neckline, a deep red color and a full skirt that is perfect for dancing. For something a little sweeter the Arabella red and white polka dot dress is delightful for day or night. The Arabella is a classic wiggle dress with, buttons and white trim pockets that are accentuated at the smallest part of the bodice with a thin belt.

If your looking for something romantic that can be paired with jeans for a more casual look Voodoo Vixen has some alluring pussy bow blouses. Like the Carianna seen below with it's silky fabric, sheer long sleeves, key hole front, peplum waste and pussy bow. Vodoo vixen also has some new pussy bow blouses that are gorgeous and conservative enough to wear to work. My favorite is the Heidi blouse in red with a high color and floral flocking.

 
These are just a few possibilities to help you create a vintage look this Valentine's Day. Whatever you wear I hope your day is filled with love, friendship and caring especially if you are without a sweetheart or if your sweetheart is forgetful. Wearing, well made vintage inspired clothes is how I treat myself. Treat yourself and be kind to someone this Valentine's Day. 

Vintage Shopping in Old Town Yucca Valley

Recently, during a desert trip visiting family we couldn't help from doing a little shopping for vintage clothes. Yucca Valley is a Mecca for Vintage, Antique and Thrift shopping. When driving in Old Town Yucca Valley it seems like every couple of feet there is another shop filled with vintage goodies.

One of my favorites is Funky and Darn Near New. Not only do they have countless racks filled with classic mid-century garments to funky threads from the 70's and flashy 80's they also have a great basket filled with clearance items that are in good condition for being vintage. I was able to find a lovely, red Tiki, floral dress from the 60's for under $10.

If you can't make it to Funky and Darn Near New don't worry they are working on an Etsy shop Funky Desert Vintage. If you are going to Yucca Valley their address is 55812 Highway 62 in Old Town Yucca Valley, California.

Get a 1930's Look with New and Vintage Clothes

Recently, I found a lovely 1930's reproduction by Stop Staring that has inspired me to write about achieving a 1930's look with new and vintage pieces. After the more masculine 20's where women wore sheath, flapper dresses that hid feminine curves, a more glamorous and form hugging look became popular during the 30's with bias cut dresses that draped and sculpt to the body. Dresses and skirts were mid-calf length and waists were defined. Hair became softer and cloche hats were replaced with plate shaped or pancake hats that revealed more of a woman's face. Gloves were an important accessory during this time. Day outfits were often accompanied by short fabric gloves.  Girls wore cotton dresses above the knee with floral, plaid or solid fabric with Peter Pan collars.

True Vintage 1930's Pancake Patrice Hat

Let's start with the hat. To achieve a 1930's look try a pancake hat like the one above. It is a navy, true vintage 1930's dish shaped hat with netting and red trim. During this era combining navy blue, red and white were used often to provide contrast. 

Stop Staring by Alicia Estrada make some amazing reproductions in Los Angeles. The dress above is a navy blue Miranda dress. It has all the feminine details for a good 1930's style dress such as a defined waist, sculpted curves and mid-calf length. The navy and ivory Railene Dress by Stop Staring is another stunning 1930's looking dress.

Short fabric gloves were worn in the day. Above are a pair of white vintage gloves from my personal collection. You can easily find vintage gloves at estate sales and etsy.com or you can buy a pair of reproduction Gloves from sellers like Hey Viv that specialize in selling reproductions to create specific time period looks.

1940's Federal Wooden Tube Radio

Lastly, if you would like to complete your 1930's look with some decor for your home, a radio from the 1940's would be grand. Even though movies were popular during the 30's especially with the new addition of sound, radio was still a favorite form of entertainment. People listened to music, soap operas and even sermons on the radio. Have fun creating your own 1930's look. Feel free to share your ideas or pictures of the looks you create.

                                                                     

Voodoo Vixen Vintage Inspired Retro Clothing

Voodoo Vixen Black and White Plaid Dress

Due to a love of fashion from decades past especially from the 40's to 60's and a desire to find garments in good wearable condition I decided to find a good reproduction. As a grown up lady, and mother of a toddler I am no longer able to fit into all of my thrift store and estate sale finds without worrying about destroying a true vintage garment.

During my search I found a lovely dress by Voodoo Vixen seen in the pictures above. Voodoo Vixen is a label that started in London, England. They have designers in both Los Angeles and London. They make lovely vintage reproductions with a modern twist and carry up to size 4XL. Their clothing is manufactured in the England and the United States.The dress in the picture above is from a few seasons past, but can still be found on Amazon for about $65. The fabric is a cotton spandex blend with a classic black and white check print. It has a side metal zipper, white bow, full circle skirt and a white belt. The only drawback is the belt runs small and the last loop on the belt is not long enough to fit through the buckle. That is why I decided to wear another belt.Voodoo Vixen does have a similar dress with the same print called the Mia for the affordable price of $30.21.

Tilly Dress Photo from Voodoo Vixen

From this Year's Summer collection I absolutely adore the Tilly dress shown in the picture above. It is a button up shirt waist dress with a knee length, pleated, circle skirt. It comes in a beautiful floral, pastel, sherbert fabric made of cotton and elastane. The Tilly also comes in a black and pink floral fabric.
                                                              

                                                             
Voodoo Vixen also has a great collection of cardigans that I will be looking into for the fall. In posts to come I will also write about Pin Up Girl Clothing that carry several brands that are all made in the United States. 

Goodbye Threads of Time

Recently, when I went to San Pedro to do some shopping I was sad to see a closing sign in front of Threads of Time. Though I have only been a customer for a few years, I have come to depend on the enormous and elaborate supply of vintage clothing that is at Threads of Time. This amazing store is closing and the last day to shop is May 3, 2015 and everything is half off. The address is 446 W 6th St San Pedro, CA 90731 San Pedro

If you have time stop by to say goodbye. The owner is moving to Palm Springs and says she might open a store there, but she does not know when.

Renaissance Hairstyles Fit For a Princess at Braids for Maids

As a busy woman, I find myself desiring at times to feel like a beauteous princess.  Recently, I had the pleasure of going to the Renaissance Faire in Irwindale, California. The faire will continue until May 17, 2015. My original plan for my hair was to wear my hair down with a partial braid in the back.  I also strung a few wild flowers into a wreath to wear on my head but as you can see from the photograph below it was a lack luster look.

  

After cramming into a bodice and getting my mo chèile and wee poppet out the door, after taking care of some of my merchant duties, I was in need of the magical pampering that could only be experienced from the lovely, braiding and singing maidens at the pleasure faire. 

When we passed by the Braids for Maids booth I stopped and stood in front of the braid menu.  I quickly decided that this was the experience I wanted. Out of all the fine things that could be had at the faire a braid at Braids for Maids was what I desired most. There were many pleasing braids to choose from like the adorable Perdita that is a number of braids, woven with ribbon to form two lovely buns in the back of the head or the delightful Phoebe that consists of two laurel braids, woven with ribbon that loop in the back. I chose the Phoebe as you can see in the photograph below. 

 

Verily I felt as if I were a princess as I sat on a cushioned bench under a canopy having a singing maiden braid my hair.  While the fair maidens braided they sang amusing Renaissance songs like “Maids When You’re Young”. In this ballad young women are advised not to marry much older men.  While the maidens braid your hair they spray lovely smelling detangler and place tiny silk roses in your hair to adorn your braids. At the very end each maid is paraded in front of a large mirror and announced as a most beauteous maid. 

The fine ladies at Braids for Maids will have you saying gramercy after having your locks braided and adorned by them.  If you too would like to feel like a princess or beauteous maid you can visit them at the Renaissance Faire in Irwindale until May 24 or you can contact them to set up an appointment at braidsformaids.com. Unless your feeling adventurous and want to try creating your own braids you could start by Her Dancing Fingers: The Art of Renaissance Hairbraiding.