Showing posts with label Marilyn Monroe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marilyn Monroe. Show all posts

Friday, January 4, 2013

Sew What?! A 1950's Starlet Ensemble

Do you ever crash parties?  Do you ever plan to crash a party and then realize the day prior to the event that you were actually invited to the party and now you have to plan something to wear because the pressure increase in the paradigm shift between party crasher and party guest is like that of being thrust from the crest of wave to the very depths of the ocean floor?  Why, when it comes to the same exact party, is it so refreshingly simple to be a party crasher and so stressful being formally included?  For Mr. Tiny, the answer to that question can best be answered by his sponsor at Neurotics Anonymous - for which he has yet to find a regular group due to the problematic design schemes/chair arrangements and snack options at the meetings.

The above situation, as described in question number two, happened during our recent seasonal celebrations and left me scrambling for something to wear that was appropriate for a formal, adult, cocktail party.  It easy easy to see why we would have missed the invitation; we never drink cocktails, we rarely act like adults, and our usual concerns lean most definitely toward the informal.  If you're Mr. Tiny, options are decidedly limited.

Amber & Mr. Tiny
You can see that left with little time and precious few options, Mr. Tiny was forced
 down the Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous route - silk ascot and navy blazer.
Formal? Not really - unless it's for shipboard drinks on Thurston Howell's yacht.

If you're Mary, on the other hand, you will no doubt have an ideal ensemble (handcrafted by Mr. Tiny several years ago that you have NEVER worn before).  I guess it's true; what's old is new again - for the sartorially spoiled!

Mary & Amber
I like to think of this as an All About Eve moment...hahahaha!
It seemed to me that Mary's outfit was fitting of a young starlet
with aspirations.

Mary's party ensemble consists of a pencil skirt with
asymmetrical peplum and matching, lined bolero.
The vintage material for the skirt and bolero was inherited from
our centenarian neighbor; it has an ivory ground with slubs of
metallic threads.  Her blouse was purchased at the 99 Cents
Only Store - no joke!  Her matching brooch and earrings are
heirloom jewelry that belonged to our great-grandmother

While I was a little disappointed that Mary waited years to wear this outfit, I am glad that she remembered to bring it out of moth balls for the occasion (she actually got a chance to wear it again when she played a few songs in an opening set for Wanda Jackson!!!).  To be perfectly honest, even I had forgotten that I had ever made the darned thing.  The party was lovely, the host and hostess were gracious, and the guests were quite clever and extremely talented.  Now that I think about it, I am still not entirely sure that we were invited to a party of that caliber...

Now that we have begun a new year, it might seem regressive to reflect on the festivities of last year.  Nevertheless, we ask, did you crash any awesome parties?  More importantly, does a formal invitation change your attitude of dress?  However you party, we hope you did it in haute wacky tacky style!


Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

Friday, December 28, 2012

Waking the Dead: Westwood Village Memorial Park

Can you believe it?  This is officially our 200th post!  Color me OCD, but I love wrapping up things neat and tidy with a nice round number - this will be our last post of 2012!  We should be having a giveaway or something, but the big 2-0-0 just snuck up on me and found me totally unprepared.  That just means our next giveaway will be extra awesome - STAY TUNED!

Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park  is some of the most exclusive real estate in Los Angeles.  In fact, it can be said that major Hollywood stars are just dying to move in.  Situated in the dead center of Westwood Village, it is the final resting place of some of Tinsel Town's brightest luminaries.

Not the least of which is Marilyn Monroe!

Marilyn Monroe
(Source)

The best part about Westwood Village Memorial Park is that Marilyn and all of the stars are fairly easy to locate because the park itself is rather small.  Actually the hardest thing to do is to find the park itself.  It is nestled behind a library, a church, office buildings, and residences; it is like a secret garden and once inside, it is a celebrity seeker's dream come true.

"Hollywood Party"

Actors, singers, comedians, directors, studio executives, and authors all mingle together for an otherworldly Hollywood party.

See what I mean?
Marilyn Monroe & Truman Capote
(Source)



Truman Capote
(Source)

The Velvet Fog

Mel Torme
(Source)

This one is for my brother - a big Coburn fan.

James Coburn
(Source)


Don Knotts
(Source)

This is not funny...but honestly, the area around her grave was waterlogged.

Natalie Wood
(Source)

That voice!  It's Bagheera!

Sebastian Cabot
(Source)


Fanny Brice
(Source)

One of my favorites.  I love Peggy Lee!

Peggy Lee
(Source)

Even though they had divorced, Peggy Lee and Dave Barbour found rest
right next to eachother - sweet!

I've said it before, but it bears repeating; I LOVE The Parent Trap!
Brian Keith and Maureen O'Hara had what the French call "chemistry."

Brian Keith
(Source)


Les Brown and Dodo
I had to include Les Brown as it was with his "Band of Renown" that
Doris Day had her first major hit, "Sentimental Journey."
(Source)

"Sentimental Journey" - Les Brown & Doris Day

"There goes the neighborhood"
Even in death, Dangerfield gets no respect...

Rodney Dangerfield
(Source)

One of the best epitaphs ever!

Jack Lemmon
(Source)

The epitaphs just keep getting better!

Billy Wilder
(Source)


Walter Matthau
(Source)


Any surprise that Dean Martin rests in the Sanctuary of Love?


Dean Martin
(Source)

He may not have been the biggest star, but Oscar Levant always
 added an acerbic charm to any movie in which he appeared.

Oscar Levant
(Source)

"That's for Me"
Mary Martin & Oscar Levant in Rhythm on the River


Burt Lancaster
(Source)

I couldn't quite make out the epitaph so I had to ask, "Is that Shelley Winters or Judy Holliday."  Neither, it's Eve Arden.  I Love Lucy, anyone?


Eve Arden
(Source)

I'd probably lasso the moon for her too!

Donna Reed
(Source)



Eddie & Eva - always searching for greener pastures and now
residing on God's Green Acres
(Source)


Cornel Wilde
(Source)

Wordy much?

Daryl F. Zanuck
(Source)

Um, hello....hello...Roy...are you there?
After spending a major portion of our time searching out Roy Orbison's gravesite,
we learned that his grave remains surprisingly unmarked.

Roy Orbison
(Source)

When it is my time, I'm thinking the Sanctuary of Tenderness is the place for me.

I really liked visiting PBWVMP because its quaint size and semi-hidden location made it feel like a secret adventure.  Other big names that reside at Westwood Village Memorial Park include Bettie Page (yes, the Bettie Page), Farrah Fawcett, Merv Griffin, Sammy Cahn, Minnie Riperton, Carl Wilson, Jim Backus, Carol O'Connor, Ray Conniff, George C. Scott, and Ross Hunter.

As is the case with many of our expeditions into the world of wacky tacky, we stumbled upon unexpected opportunities to share our knowledge and interests.  As we were leaving the park, we were stopped by Hannah, a field reporter for German public radio.  She was on assignment to find out why people are drawn to graves, particularly celebrity graves.  After addressing all of the creepy issues like obsession with death and asking if we believe that the spirits of the dead stars are roaming the park, we explained to Hannah that our interest is simple - a love of old Hollywood and wonderful music.  After the interview was concluded (good thing I took German in High School) we chatted with Hannah about her experience in America.  She likened her native Berlin to a big, cozy grandmother who nestled you in her bosom and fed you well.  Los Angeles, on the other hand, was like a young, sexy woman with medically-enhanced assets who would use you for fun and then move on to the next thing.  Trust me, it sounded very cool with a German accent!  Unfortunately, I don't have the link to the interview but if I find it, I will be sure to pass it along.

Mary and Hannah


Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park
1218 Glendon Ave
Los Angeles, CA
(310)474-1579

www.pbwvmortuary.com

As we bid adieu to these icons of Hollywood and to the year 2012, I want to say thanks for keeping the wacky tacky momentum alive.  The pleasure I get from writing this blog is immense and second only to the great thrill I get from meeting you guys. I hope that you have a safe and crazy sane NYE and a healthy, prosperous 2013!  I'm just sure that the new year is going to bring us all plenty of opportunities for wild and wonderful wacky tacky adventures!

Happy New Year!!!


Cheers!

Mr. Tiny