J.B. Taylor

D.V. + Me!

Wanted to share my excitement about something happy that occurred for yours truly this month . . . NPR's most popular program, All Things Considered aired a story wherein my dear friend, former editor at ELLEgirl and fellow authoress, Melissa Walker, reported about her 3 current favorite book picks in honor of fashion week, and Vintage LA was one of them. Huzzah!

One of my favorite things about Walker's story was that my lil' ol' book was mentioned alongside Diana Vreeland's legendary memoir, D.V., which was one of the first "grown-up" books I ever read as a kid, and was most-likely the inspiration for me wanting to be a scribe. Hearing Melissa say my name, followed by Vreeland's was enough to make me cry real tears of happiness, and to jump up and down holding hands with my mom (jaded, i'm not).



You can listen to the whole story here, and please be sure to leave comments and use the "recommend" option, if so inclined (and to ensure that Melissa can report on many more vintage-friendly stories like this in the future).

Mary, i'm a star.

Yours truly is happily featured in the new Spring/Summer ish' of Budget Travel's Girlfriend Getaways magazine, talking about a most treasured vintage find. Click on the bottom image for the full scoop . . .

Let's Talk Turkey

I'm off to my hometown of L.A. for Thanksgiving, and even though most of the Valley is on fire, and all of my friends have sore throats due to the sooty air, nothing is gonna stop me from a rendezvous with my beloved City of (vintage) Angels. There are so many places I miss, so i've decided to make a checklist here:

~ Joan's on 3rd
~ The Little Next Door, for a fancy French lunch with Ali Baba
~ 2 visits to Hugo's . . . once for oatmeal frittata, and once for stir-fry
~ Tree People, to take Ali Baba on his very first hike
~ "Novogroder" at the Beverly Hills Hotel Fountain Coffee Shop
~ Valley visits to; Playclothes, Casa Vega, La Knitterie Parisienne
~ Laurel Canyon., so Nic can see the hippie tree-houses.
~ Downtown; Shareen, Dovetail, and tamales on Olvera St.
~ Elf Cafe with Lizzie and Justin and lattes at Intelligentsia
~ Amoeba Music, fueled by Body Factory energy shakes
~ Take Ali Baba and Groucho to run around on Pepperdine's lawn
~ Tuna sandwiches at John's Garden in Malibu
~ Decor hunting; Sam Kaufman, Boo Radley's, and Reform Gallery
~ Visit Taylor De Cordoba Gallery
~ See Heather Porcaro & Friends perform at Largo on Nov. 21st
~ Tacos at the Farmers Market (NYC Mexican just doesn't live up)
~ Say "hi" to my friends at Mystery Pier Books
~ Browsing on Abbot Kinney
~ LACMA

The list keeps growing, so suffice it to say, we'll be drinking a lot of lattes next week. Btw . . .



Soundtrack of the day: Cat Stevens' Tea for the Tillerman (because i'm reading the fabulous Marianne Faithfull book, Memories, Dreams and Reflections, and she said it was the soundtrack of choice for her hazy weekend hang-outs with Pattie Boyd). Love it!

I've got Flair!

I'm elated to be featured in the Oct. issue of Flair magazine (with a portrait by Vintage LA's wonderful photographer, Jeaneen Lund)!

Here is the translation:

"This book is my love letter to L.A.". With her moon kissed complexion, and scarlet lips, that's how Jennifer Brandt Taylor, the most famous "style guru" in Hollywood, defines "Vintage LA" (Harper Collins), her ultra-glossy guide to all modernized glam. Nothing's missing: from the thrift store 'Junk For Joy' to the desert resort Al Capone built for his mistress, from art house movie theaters (which show only classics) to lifestyle advice. All these secrets have been collected over years of obsessive research which she began as a young girl: "As a child I used to steal my grandma's fake lashes," says J.B. Taylor, as her friends call her, and in 1984, struck by Cyndi Lauper's video for 'Girls just want to have fun', "I bought my first vintage piece: a flowery 50's style dress." Today her most extensive collection is her purses ("only if they have a sense of humour"). David Bowie is a fan of hers and American television is considering giving her her own show. Her advice for wanna-be vintage queens? "First, when it comes to fashion, never limit your choices to a single decade; mix 'em up. Second: when shopping, look high up, and down under the shelves. Third: always scout your local old fashioned boutiques." In the meantime, with twinkling Los Angeles already in the can, Taylor has already started another "tour" of second hand chic: next year, Vintage N.Y. will hit the shelves.

*Special thanks to Andrea Cangioli (for the beautifully written story) and Ilaria Meloni (for the translation).

Press Pretties

I'm quite excited to share two interviews with yours truly that are gracing newsstands this month . . .

I'm happily featured in TimeOut NY's Fall Fashion spectacular, as the "Eccentric Vintage Queen" (click to view full size, then double click to read story), or read the online edition here:


I'm in love Ryan Pfluger's fancy portrait (taken in my storied closet!), and want to send kisses and thanks to Quinn and Courtenay (Ali Baba misses you)!

I'm also currently featured in the October issue of Mean Magazine (which is one of my favorite publications) giving away more secret haunts in Vintage LA, and dishing the dirt about what it's like to grow-up as a true blue Valley Girl (double click on interview to view full size):

Thanks to Kashi for featuring me in your wicked cool 'zine, Lyndsay for writing such a fab piece, and Jeaneen for the cosmic shot : )

Vintage LA's Hollywood Happenings, Pt. 3

As we all know, California, knows how to party, and my release shindig at Fred Segal on June 28th, sweetly hosted by Ron Robinson and his awesome staff, was all I could have hoped for, and more! For one thing . . . 2 history-making mayors made appearances . . . first there was a surprise visit by debonair Antonio Villaraigosa (the Mayor of Los Angeles)!;

 

(Clockwise) Mayor V. with awesome Obama, me signing a copy of Vintage LA for the mayor of L.A.!, with my cute mum, Moira, waiting for the gold ink to dry (Click photos to view larger).

There was also an appearance by the Mayor of the Sunset Strip himself, Rodney Bingenheimer, who has a great interview featured in Vintage LA (on pg. 85) and is a rock 'n roll hero of mine. If it weren't for obsessive late-night listens to his radio show, Rodney-on-the Roq, starting when I was 13, I may have never been introduced to the brilliance of Siouxsie & the Banshees or T. Rex! He pretty much saved my musical life through high-school, and beyond.

(Above) Rodney and Miss. Giddle Partridge checking out their portraits in the book. GoGoGiddle just released a pink vinyl heart-shaped LP of duets with Boyd Rice, who was also in attendance at the signing.

(L) My dazzling sister Miss. Lizzie admiring Rodney's famous Little GTO. (R) Lovely Ron (in his awesome vintage Pop-Art shirt) of Fred Segal's lovely home decor boutique.
 
(Top) I was graced with the presence of magical artist dollybirds Mackenzie Kay, Miss. Lizzie (who has a secret new clothing line debuting soon), and Alia Penner. (Bottom) Vintage LA's sweet photographess, Jeaneen Lund!

(L to R) My gorgeous and dear friend, Madame Kim Denman (who's supernaturally talented family is featured in VLA), L.A. historian and all around glamorous dame Marcella Ruble (in an unbelievably va-va-voom  original '50s dress!), and lovely Vintage LA fan and young entrepreneur, Tatiana Mclane.

And these girls need no caption, because it's just totally obv's how awesome they are.

(Top) Michael and Amanda, who are a truly lovely and inspiring couple. (Bottom) Michael conversing with the mystical haberdasher, Mr. Hodgepodge, who makes bespoke suits inspired by both Victoriana and psychedelia.

(L) Adorable couple of the century, Brian and Heidi (who I just spotted in the trailer for the new Jim Carrey film. Congrats!!!) (R) and yours truly with the always debonair, Mr. Taylor.

The very foxy Vintage LA Team: Jeaneen (photographer-in-chief), Miss. Lizzie (additional photos), Moira Brandt (set design, styling, creative guidance, therapist), and  me, vintage guru and authoress.

Lots of vintage love to everyone who showed up to support my heartfelt project (especially those who came decked out in glammy vintage accoutrement)! I hope it'll inspire you to explore all of L.A.'s secret, magical, historic locations, and fall in love with the city of glitzy angels all over again.

Special thanks to Ron Robinson, Karen, Ron, and the whole lovely, delightful gang at Fred Segal.

Photos: Antonio Villaraigosa and Barak Obama by Yosi Sergant, all other photos by Nic Taylor.

Little ol' Vintage Lady from Pasadena.

On June 26th, I did a Vintage LA signing at Borders Pasadena, where I got to catch up with vintage loving friends, old and new. There was even a surprise appearance by the legendary Los Angeles puppeteer, Bob Baker, of Bob's Baker's Marionette Theatre.

Here are some pics from the fun event (click to enlarge):

(L) Me and the lovely Georgette (an old-school Pesky Meddling Girl, who had me sign her collaged scrapbook, inspired by Life is a Movie Starring You)! (R) My glammy mom, Moira  in her sparkling 1940s vintage kimono (she did the gorgeous set dressing for VLA), and my very sweet and handsome Mr. Taylor.

With the legendary Mr. Bob Baker! Who's colorful, star-studded life story is featured on pg. 164 of VLA.

My adorable sister, Miss. Lizzie, completely starstruck  (and crying)  about meeting the fantastic Mr. Baker, who has been hard at work on his next marionette spectacular, Arabian Nights (for which we are too excited).

My friends (L to R); awesome photographer, DJ, and beau to my beloved friend Fawn, Jeff Yarborough;  sweet vintage babe, Trashy Tracy;  the mystical haberdasher, Mr. Hodgepodge; and my fabulous designer sister, Miss. Lizzie.

* And for those who's dads didn't torture them with oldies 24/7, the post title is in reference to a Jan & Dean tune from 1964, called The Little Old Lady from Pasadena, which was also famously performed by The Beach Boys the same year.

Sirius Stuff.

After a lovely weekend of doing vintage research in the The Hamptons for my upcoming book, Vintage NY, I returned back to NYC to be interviewed by the fabulous Judith Regan about Vintage collecting, and the making of Vintage LA for her Sirius radio show, which will air throughout the day today (Weds., Aug 6th), on Sirius Stars, Channel 102. They tell me that even if you aren't a Sirius subscriber, it's easy to sign up for a 1 day free trail, so be sure to tune in!

In other Vintage LA hoopla, I am honored to be featured on both Vice, and LA City Zine's sites (vintage kisses to Vice's Amy Kellner, and LA City Zine's Mali Elfman., and Kendra)!

P.S. In case you haven't seen it, this is my new favorite thing ever (you can thank me later):

Vintage LA's Hollywood Happenings.

I'm so elated that Vintage LA is finally in stores, after 4 years of wicked-hard work, and i'm now back home in NYC after 3 wonderful weeks celebrating its release, in the LaLaLand that I love so much.

My first signing of the took place at Borders Hollywood, on June 25th, and I was happily graced by the presence of some of my all-time fave L. A. personalities and friends. Here are some snaps from the event (courtesy of  Mr. Taylor, who happens to be shooting my next release, Vintage NY)! . . .

I was ready to sign those suckers for a long time ; )

Vintage LA ladies! (L to R) The lovely painter and Showpony boutique proprietress Kime Buzzelli, Kime's adorable vintage loving friend Fran, my fabulous fashion designer sister (and bon vivant) Miss. Elizabeth, and Miss. Heather Porcaro, the brilliant songstress for the Heartstring Symphony, all of whom are lovingly featured in VLA.

Yours truly with L.A.'s most treasured flapper songbird, Janet Klein, who is featured in VLA.

Mrs. and Mr. Taylor, vintagers  extraordinaire.

* I'll also be posting full photo galleries of all the Vintage LA events soon, so stay tuned!

You are cordially, and vintagely invited . . .

to Vintage LA's official release soirée!

And for those in the L.A. area, I will also be signing copies of the book and mingling with fun fellow vintage lovers, at the following events:

    * BORDERS (Hollywood) ~ Weds., June 25th, 7pm
        1501 Vine St. (323) 463-8519

    * BORDERS (Pasadena) ~ Thurs., June 26th, 7pm
        475 S. Lake Ave. (626) 304-9773

Hope to see you cats & dolls!

Dazzler.

I'm elated to announce that I'm finally holding an actual copy of Vintage LA in my hands!

And i'm not really supposed to do this, but I do consider myself a rastafarian soul rebel at heart, so here's a sneak peek (shhh . . . don't tell)!

 

 

Nylon Surprise!

Every time I look at the countdown widget to the right, I get butterflies. I can't believe after nearly 4 solid years of blood, sweat and tears,  that so little time is left before Vintage LA will make its big debut! I can't really tell what i'm feeling, as i'm a bit like Woody Allen in that i've alway found the feeling of excited-ness to be all too similar to anxiousness, but I really am quite excited to see what the future holds for my heartfelt little tome.

In more groovy news, Vintage LA is featured in the June ish' of Nylon mag!  And i'd like to give a big, old-Hollywood screen kiss to  April Long for writing such a beautiful review:

 

Goin' Back to Cali.

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I've been busier than ever . . . getting ready for a month long-stay in L.A., where i'll be preparing for the many glitzy soirées and signings surrounding the launch of Vintage LA (it drops June 24th, y'all!), and i'll also be celebrating my 33rd birthday (just call me Oldie-Olsen). Not to mention that while i'm back in Hollyweird, the mister and I will be acquiring a Pug puppy (to be named "Ali-Baba"), followed by a cross-country auto-adventure back to NYC. If that weren't enough, my Vintage NY deadline is looming, i'm throwing a fondue party next week in honor of my friend AJ's birthday, attending a weekend-long wedding in CT, and the following week brings a visit from my awesome sister, so things are really bonkers right now in J.B.T.-Land.

P.S. A story about Vintage LA is currently featured in the June issue of Los Angeles magazine, accompanied by this gorgeous photo from the book, taken by Jeaneen Lund at the Santa Monica Vintage Expo (yay)!:

You oughta look at pictures.

Earlier this year, the UCLA Library placed its entire photo collection online for vintage image enthusiasts (like moi) to happily peruse. Going through the site is an absolute thrill for anyone interested in the history of Los Angeles, and Hollywood in particular. I'd planned on using the site's search feature to scope out a few photos or particular landmarks that I love, but about a half-a-day later, I was still hunched over the laptop soaking up all the awesome rare images.

Here are a few of my favorites, found on the expansive site (click for larger view):




Images: The Pan-Pacific Auditorium as seen in 1956, but it was tragically destroyed by fire in 1989. My sister and I used to go roller skating outside the building when we were little, pretending we were Olivia Newton-John in Xanadu, which was filmed here. / The grand lobby of Downtown's gilded movie palace The Los Angeles Theatre, as seen in 1987 (it is still as stunning today). / Marilyn and Arthur Miller arriving at LAX airport (1959). / A 10 year old Tatum O'Neal holding her Academy Award for Paper Moon (1974). / Jayne Mansfield and husband Mickey Hargitay in their new home, which was soon to be dubbed The Pink Palace (1958).  / Warhol and Jane Forth signing autographs in Los Angeles (1972).

Sneaky Peek!

Here's a sneak peek at Vintage LA's front and back covers (which officially debuts on  June 24th)!  . . .

Can't wait to hear what you think!