Crazy Crafty: Gettin' Christmas Crafty

I am normally not a crafter.  I don't have the patience, the time, the skill, or the money (crafts are EXPENSIVE) to make something that is set on a shelf and/or put away in a cupboard never to be seen again.  Don't misunderstand, I appreciate the skills of you serious crafters out there.  To be perfectly honest, I think it is out of pure, unadulterated jealousy at the nimbleness of your fingers and your never-ending ingenuity, that leaves me at odds with crafts.  Having said that, when the crafting bug bites, I bite right back - generally biting off far more than I can chew.

We live near a little plot of land that is a bastion of unachievable perfection in the world of horticulture/landscaping, namely Roger's Gardens.  For decades it has been, as A Christmas Story so beautifully puts it, a "yearly bacchanalia of peace on Earth and good will to men" - at least for the Martha Stewart set.  We try to go at Christmas time every year because the gardens are transformed into as much of a winter wonderland as Southern California can offer; stately pines end up being more lights than needles, an abundance of Christmas decorations of all sorts are available, and Santa Claus is there. A couple of years ago, while sidling through the crowds and outcroppings of merchandise, I found some tabletop, tinsel trees with beaded garlands and miniature ornaments.  In my eyes they had the primitive quality of mid-century Christmas decorations and all the sparkle of wacky tacky.  I turned one over to check the price tag and nearly had my first heart attack when I saw that this puny, little, ten-inch bit of Chinese manufacture was fifty dollars!  Before my friends could be embarrassed by the volume at which I shouted, "Fifty Dollars?!!  I could make this," I was at the 99 Cents Only Store sourcing materials for my trees.

My trees - not perfect but they get the point across
It took me two years to get them made; I told you, I'm not a crafter.
The total cost per tree is less than three dollars!
I guess that last sentence could have gone without saying...

As fate would have it, we were out doing some thrifting the other day and what did I spy, but one of those selfsame, coronary-inducing trees from Roger's Gardens.  At 96 percent off of the original price, we strapped it to the roof of the wacky wagon and brought it home.

The inspiration for my 99 Cents Store specials.
It's kind of like a glittering version of the Charlie Brown tree.
I wish there were more; I still love them!

The evidence is there, I am just not much of a crafter.  At least my trees are kind of funny and are entirely commensurate with the style guidelines of wacky tacky, right?

Have you been doing any wacky tacky Christmas crafting this year?

Roger's Gardens

2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd

Corona del Mar, CA

(949)640-5800

www.rogersgardens.com

Cheers!

Mr. Tiny  

Waking The Dead: Tea With The Duke

Southern California is a land of many wonders.  But, being a mere adolescent in terms of relative development with the rest of the world, we are bereft of the trappings our elders, namely the beautifully-manicured public parks so often found in big cities and European capitals.  Playgrounds (really awesome ones like La Laguna de San Gabriel Playground) abound in our suburban sprawl, but nothing in our neck of the woods provides the order and tranquility of traditional parks except, of course, a good old-fashioned graveyard.

Every once in awhile we like to explore a local cemetery in search of peace, pretty mausoleums, elaborate headstones, funny epitaphs, and even a celebrity or two.  Nestled above the beach in Corona del Mar, CA is Pacific View Memorial Park.  Sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean promise a peaceful rest for all of the residents there.  My grandparents claimed their little stake of Pacific View nearly 30 years ago and I would be lying if I said that I didn't think the chief reason for the their pick of plots had nothing to do with their propinquity to that of one Mr. Marion Robert Morrison - better known to you and me as John Wayne! 

A humble arrangement of silk flowers honors his memory.

Growing up in the area, I always knew that John Wayne was interred at Pacific View, but I had never really looked for his gravesite.  Knowing that both of my grandfathers were/are huge John Wayne fans (my paternal grandfather had a crudely-executed portrait of The Duke that know takes pride of place in the living room of my brother and his wife), I felt it only proper that we go and pay our respects to The Duke. I looked at the time when we entered the cemetery and realized that it was just about tea time; this was our first time having tea with nobility!

I thought, "Find a penny (or quarter), pick it up, and then all day you'll have good luck," but Mary told me it was bad form to remove the quarter form the headstone.  I am familiar with the Jewish tradition of placing small stones on the grave, but I had never seen the same done with small change.  You learn something new everyday.

We had a vague idea of where his plot was but instead of disrespecting the deceased by tramping all over, I looked up "directions to John Wayne's grave."  I followed the first link that came up and expected a plot number but was surprised to find what read like a treasure map.  For instructions on how to find the grave go here.  After taking thirteen paces past hangman's tree, we found the grave site and said "Howdy" to The Duke. Naturally, my grandfathers were fans of the westerns, but my favorite entries into the Wayne filmography are The Quiet Man and his unforgettable story arc on "I Love Lucy," and "The Lucy Show."

I was actually very surprised that Wayne's grave marker is so unassuming.  There are plenty of marble mausoleums and ostentatious gravestones, but his subtle stone marks a plot on a sunny slope facing the ocean among all the regular folks.  We only had a short time to visit Pacific View, but we managed to see a few things that day that made us smile.

"Got coffee Lord - then beam me up"
Nearly 102 years old when she moved on to that giant percolator in the sky and Lucille's sense of humor thrived.

Just like the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland -
a grim reminder that "There's always room for one more..."

The Quiet Man (1952)

If you've never seen this film, do yourself a favor and watch it.  

John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara at the height of their powers!!!

Pacific View Memorial Park
3500 Pacific View Dr
Corona del Mar, CA 92625

www.pacificviewmemorial.com


Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

Profiles in Vintage: Swellegant

On top of having the longest-running vintage store, with the BEST name in Orange County, Nicole of Swellegant Vintage Clothing & Accessories in Newport Beach, CA is really cool.  Stop by her shop any day of the week, and you will likely find her steaming clothes, listening to killer music or taking a nap on the sofa.  Ask her a few question and you'll find that she has some crazy stories and is a trained pilot.  We were fortunate enough to walk through the doors of Swellegant and ask Nicole a few questions about life in the vintage clothing business.

Through these doors, one can soak in
 the font of Orange County vintage.

WT: You are a trained aviatrix with a mane of the most brilliant vermillion, may we refer to you as the Red Baron?
Swellegant: Please don't.

Nicole, Ben, and Mary involved in a very serious discussion at Swellegant

WT: Okay, okay.  You have the best name in the business.  How did you come up with the name for your store?
Swellegant: I came up with the store name from the musical High Society written by Cole Porter.  Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby did a number about a "swellegant, elegant party" in the song "Well, Did you Evah?"  I dislike watching musicals but I guess this one changed my life?

"Well, Did you Evah?"

High Society (1956)

WT: How long have you been in the vintage clothing business?
Swellegant: I have had the shop for 15 years but I started selling to other shops almost 20 years ago.

wacky tacky loves Swellegant because the prices are great and it is a real
vintage store.  It is not one of those vintage museums where they act like
they are doing a huge favor to society and where the prices are so high
that the inventory, however beautiful, never moves.

WT: What got you started in the business?

Swellegant: I got started in the business by selling vintage to other shops to pay for college.  In high school I had no desire to be part of the norm.  I found the very best way to express this was through clothing.  This led me to second-hand stores, flea markets, etc.  In my quest for non-verbal self expression I noticed the obvious - fashion repeating itself.  I also realized that any repeat is usually a poor imitation of the original.  There had to be a market for the amazing items I found but had no personal desire to wear.  In need of funds for my education and entertainment I turned to something I enjoyed doing on an almost daily basis (it's like crack) into a profitable venture.

My favorite fixture in the shop is this mini, carousel giraffe turned purse rack!

WT: For what items are you on the hunt?

Swellegant: These days it is all over the place.  At the shop I do not specialize in any one era.  The racks represent a broad spectrum of vintage styles.  I have to keep up with what the mass, vintage-shopping population is looking for.  In the past, I used to only shop for items in near-perfect condition but now things are appreciated for their flaws and wear.  Sadly, sometimes that means eras that I personally love have less of a place at Swellegant.

WT: It seems like the range of eras which you stock must have broadened since you have been in business.

Swellegant: It has definitely broadened further than I could have imagined.  90's is now vintage???!!!  I started wearing vintage in the 90's because I didn't want to wear that stuff.  Now I have to buy it.

WT: What is your favorite era?

Swellegant: I jump from the 30's-50's.  It depends on my mood or the occasion.  I would have to say, if I had to pick, it would be the 40's - IT'S THE SHOES!!!

Shoes currently available at Swellegant

WT: What is the best vintage item that you have ever found/bought/sold?

Swellegant: No one item comes to mind with such eminence.  I am constantly on the hunt and am constantly adding/subtracting wardrobe items.  If I love it, I usually don't sell it.  At one point in my sinking, college financial situation, I sold almost 100 of my best Bakelite bracelets.  That was painful to say the least.  I thought that some day I would buy them back but other priorities and items have taken precedence.

WT: What is your ideal vintage item?  Have you found it yet?

Swellegant: There isn't any one item that I would say is ideal.  To me, getting dressed is synergistic - the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.  I have plenty of single pieces that I wouldn't consider ideal on their own but you don't know if you have found it until you have put it all together.

Modesty hats

WT: You are always dressed perfectly for every occasion, do you have any style icons?
Swellegant: I wouldn't say that I have any real style icons; there are so many great names in fashion.  Idolizing another's style is a substitute for a lack of style.  I may recreate looks I have seen - hopefully with my own flair.  If not, I would hope that the originator would view my interpretation as a form of flattery and think my emulation does their stye justice.  Are there any truly original ideas when it comes to fashion anyway?

WT: Do you have a dollar limit on rare/desirable items?

Swellegant:  Not being of infinite means, of course I have a dollar amount.  I walk away from items all the time due to price.  If I am going to obsess about an item then I would rather pay to have it instead of obsessing. Mental peace is worth more than cash.  I don't really hold money in high regard and I tend to be self-indulgent especially when it comes to clothes.  I would never go into debt for fashion though; I only spend money I have and consider disposable.

WT:  Do you find that running your own business allows you more or less freedom?

Swellegant: In theory, working for yourself allows you more freedom.  In reality, I have less.  It is probably a personal character trait that denies me this freedom.  I find myself working almost all of the time, at the shop or not.  Vintage is a lot of work; when people come into my store I don't want to let them down.

WT: Is managing this business easier, harder or just as difficult as you imagined?

Swellegant:  It is a bit harder than I imagined.  I think I made it so by doing everything.  It is difficult for me to delegate tasks.  I am trying to let go of the "If I don't do it myself, then it is never done right" mentality, but it is an interpersonal struggle.  It's funny because in my social life I am VERY easy going; the less I have to do to amuse myself, the better.

Dressing rooms at Swellegant

WT: Is this your dream job? Why?

Swellegant: For the most part it is my dream job.  I love treasure hunting and people's appreciation for what I bring to them through my store.  It is very rewarding when you see their excitement as they enter the door and even more so when they find a perfect addition to their wardrobe because of you.  Although at times the store feels like "job," I do feel self-actualization overall.

WT: Can you see yourself in this career forever?

Swellegant: I am pretty sure this is it for me.  At times I get restless and long for the mental stimulation that I found prior to working in retail.  I guess that is what travel and articulate friends are for?

Is she calling us articulate?  I'm not sure, but if you know what's good for you, you'll be sure to visit the Swellegant website and like Swellegant on Facebook!  Better yet, stop by Swellegant in Newport Beach and find yourself some great new threads!

Nicole and Mary carefully examine a pair of neon jogging shorts.

Swellegant Vintage Clothing & Accessories
3409 Newport Blvd
Newport Beach, CA
(949)673-3604

swellegantvintage.com

Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

A Night at the Movies!

I go to church.  I also go to the movies.  Is it so terrible that I want to keep these two activities relegated to separate buildings?  Yea, I rejoice in the fact that so many faithful worshippers are attending church in downtown Los Angeles.  Why, though, do these beautiful, old movie theaters have to be forsaken in the exchange?  It is probably more than a sacrilege to say that these theaters are being "desecrated," but I must admit that my sensibilities are offended when I see perfectly good theaters occupied by churches.  Even in Old Town Orange, CA, where buildings are held to a strict standard of period correctness, what was once the Orange Theater built in 1929 is now a church.  Wouldn't it be wild to see a movie there, to watch Paul Henreid light Bette Davis' cigarette as the light of the projector flickered above?  I know, I should be glad that the churches are maintaining these structures and not allowing them to fall into total rack and ruin.  I should be glad that parishioners have found a place in which to study and pray.  Furthermore, I should not complain because I have been known to grab The Bible and go to Bible study at these places just so I could see the inside of the theater and how it is being maintained.  In fact, I should be glad that many of these cinema/churches can really be considered an example of modern wacky tacky in and of themselves.  I am glad, however, that there are still a few historic theaters in Southern California that are being maintained as such.  These relics of wacky tacky are thankfully run by good-hearted people who honor the dignity of these theaters and appreciate the fun of seeing a movie in a movie house that isn't fitted out with the latest in reclining seats and ergonomic cup holders.

Bay Theater (est. 1947)

340 Main St.

Seal Beach, CA

Built in 1947, The Bay Theater in Seal Beach, CA is as unprepossessing as the movie palaces of Broadway in downtown Los Angeles are grand.  In fact, this place is as far from grand as a humble movie theater can get.  Its original box office is gone; the ceiling tiles are crumbling; the paint is chipping and the overall affect is well-loved.  However, the beauty of this theater comes from the very same qualities.  The smell is slightly musty and, in the same way as grandma's attic, rather comforting.  The clatter of the projector reminds you that you are watching a film.  The programming schedule always includes screenings of vintage films and the staff is very friendly.  It is very much a neighborhood theater; the kind of theater where one would go for a Saturday afternoon full of cartoons, newsreels, a double feature and the chance of winning a few pieces of block optic for mom's collection.

A view of the Bay Theater as it was in 1947

Many of the theater's fixtures are original and most beautifully designed - even the ladies' lounge!

Inside the box office - the original ticket machine        Cher - the concessionaire extroadinaire

The original theater seats                           Oversized, brass sconces light the theater

Regency Lido Theater (est. 1938)

3459 Via Lido

Newport Beach, CA

The Lido theater in Newport Beach is, in my mind at least, the little sister to Catalina's famous Avalon Theater on the ground floor of the Casino.  Immediately across the channel from Avalon, the Lido is a true beauty.  The terrazzo entry and front-and-center box office let you know that you are in for a treat; murals line the walls of both the lobby and theater and lead upstairs to the best part of the whole building - the balcony!  Is sitting in the balcony of an historic theater often better than the movie itself?  I think so.  This theater shows mainly art-house/indie films and has played host to screenings included in the Newport Beach Film Festival.  The theater has been refurbished.  So, if the comfort of modern theaters is important to you, you'll be glad to know that new, reclining seats with retractable arm rests/cup holders are part of this movie-going experience.  When you are in the area, be sure to check out Swellegant Vintage right across the street; it is a treasure trove of wacky tacky goodness.  I've been told to keep an eye out for a vintage toilet radio!

The Lido Theater

The original box office and a detail of the nautical-themed terrazzo floor

The functioning velvet curtain

A modern addition to the theater is the series of undersea murals that line the walls.  Incidentally, they glow in the black light when the house lights go down.

The mural in the balcony foyer by day and by "night".

A nod to the Avalon Theater - an undersea mural in tile.

More beautiful Southern California theaters deserving of your patronage:

The Old Town Music Hall: Home of the Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ (originally The El Segundo State Theater est. 1921) - El Segundo, CA

http://oldtownmusichall.wordpress.com

The Vista Theater (est. 1923) - Los Angeles, CA

The Fox Theater (est. 1925) - Fullerton, CA

http://www.foxfullerton.org

The Fox Theater (est. 1927) - Redlands, CA

http://www.foxeventcenter.com

(When you're in the area be sure to check out Hobo's Vintage - it's in the same building!!)

Avalon Theater (est. 1929) - Avalon, CA
http://www.ecatalina.com/about-movie-theatre.html

Let us know of cool theaters in your home town!!!


Cheers!

Mr. Tiny