J.B. Taylor

Indian Giver.

Recently on Tumblr, I posted a wish to find the rare 1945 Cecil Beaton book, An Indian Album . . . and much to my surprise, weeks later a package arrived in the mail from Manchester, sent by a lovely lady named Alice, who had read the post and actually purchased the tome as a gift pour moi! I'm hard pressed to think of a sweeter gesture, as she wrote in the enclosed letter that she wanted to give me something in return for bringing her inspiration through the writing of my first book, Life is a Movie Starring You.

 

She also wrote in her note that she had just taken herself on a maiden voyage for her 22nd birthday to California with a copy of Vintage L.A. in her handbag, and told me of all her fabulous adventures, which included dining alongside Rodney Bingenheimer at Canter's and placing her hands in Marilyn's at The Chinese Theatre (see her photos below, and how beautiful she is). I'm just blown away by this generous gift, and wanted to let Alice know that she has inspired me just as much.

She also waxed quite poetically about our city of angels, in such a heart-felt way, that I want to share it (hope you don't mind, Miss. A.):

P.S. Alice, please send me your last name and email address. XO!

Lizzie Loves Bette.

Now presenting . . . the very first entry by The Vintager's new official co-author, Lizzie! She's not only my lil' sis, but a secondhand sweetheart, a frock designer, fashion photographer, and total vintage guru. Here, she muses about a new found love for the Divine Miss. M., in her first of many dazzling entries to come . . .

Dearest Divine Miss M.,   

It has finally happened. You made me love you. I didn’t wanna do it, but you made me love you.  I guess I’m just another fan of yours and I thought I’d write and tell you so.

In an attempt to better understand your role in my heart as a Divine Miss. Muse, I have spent many a night drinking lattes and studying your movies. Thanks to Netflix, my T.V. set has been transformed into a Divine Miss. Masterpiece Theater, with frequent screenings of Down and Out in Beverly Hills, The Rose, Beaches, and your biography. I learned some enchanting facts… You were born a Honolulu honey, named after Bette Davis. Your career took off in the 1970s, whilst performing in a gay bathhouse with Barry Manilow tickling the ivories along to your wildly sparkling tunes. Your nickname during this time was "Bathhouse Betty". You were the first woman in history to sell out Carnegie Hall before an album had actually been released. All of this dazzling information has been deeply satisfying, though I still have a few questions going round & round in the carousel of my mind. When you find a free moment, i'd be delighted if you'd answer the following… 

1) Where are your show-stopping ensembles and furnishings from the 1970s? Are they in storage, or maybe at your daughter’s house? Have they been so kindly auctioned to benefit a worthy cause? Perhaps you'd be interested in donating a few fancy frills to my closet? Believe me, it’s a good cause. I particularly like what I see in these photos…

 

 

2) Did you really date Jerry Nolan of the New York Dolls? Tell me more! Was he always wearing shades? Did your heart take a leap and skip a beat? Was he tall? Did you have to look up? Did he wear big bulky sweaters to match his eyes? I hear he was good/bad, but not evil. Google couldn’t offer assistance in locating a photo of you & Jerry, but it did offer these gems…

3) I just found this incredible satin tour jacket on eBay… Do you happen to have an extra one lying around in your closet with “Bette” embroidered on the front? Just wondering.

I hope this wasn’t too much trouble. If so, it’s all your fault. You made me love you. You are a national treasure and a true inspiration. In conclusion, I love this quote of yours… “Cherish forever what makes you unique, 'cuz you're really a yawn if it goes.”

Yours truly,

~ Lizzie B.

Photos: corbis, getty, Kenn Duncan, Rolling Stone