J.B. Taylor

5th Helena Drive.

Like many starry-eyed little girls growing up in Hollywood, my first love was Marilyn.

I'm sure it would be hard for any aesthetically-minded human not to be moved by her innocence, genius, and dreamy aura. I've read many books about her life, each portraying a different mythology . . . but the fact that many of us have our own interpretation of her story, is further testament to her eternally captivating power.

This year marked the 50th anniversary of her death, and though it's blue to think about all the movie magic she had yet to conjure for us, I celebrate her spirit often. She had a wonderfully inquisitive mind, and fabulous taste . . . especially in clothing (simple Pucci pieces for day, Ceil Chapman gowns for evening), books (her Joyce, Hemingway and Whitman-laden library would've impressed any literary snob), and decor (she began collecting antiques in the 1950s, when it was still considered a bohemian hobby).

Her final home on Earth was a little Spanish bungalow in Brentwood, which she was happily  decorating up until the night of her tragically un-intentional OD. She had just returned from a trip to Mexico, where she ordered pieces of custom furniture that would soon be delivered to her beloved abode. While I'm sure most fans would imagine her home to be adorned with crystal chandeliers, white fur cushions, and gold leafed walls, it may surprise some to see that her nest was casual, warm, and completely unpretentious. She was setting up a cozy home, filled with hand-crafted Mexican art, weavings, Navajo pottery, and souvenirs from her travels.

Many of her beloved Mexican pieces were auctioned off years ago by Julien's in Los Angeles, and I've always treasured their catalog from the sale. It says more about this complex woman than any billowing white dress ever will. 1926–1962.

Sending you love and light, MM, wherever you are!

Select photos from top: Marilyn & mandolin by Milton Greene, her sun hat, photo of her festive dining room by Gene Anthony, Polaroid of her modern woven chairs (photog. unknown), the Iron boot was a gift from Clark Gable to MM during the filming of The Misfits in 1961, her portable record player.

The Best Coast.

As alerted to by Rose Apodaca . . . my ultra-chic friend and fellow Cali-style expert, THIS SUNDAY is the final day of the epic LACMA exhibit, California Design, 1930-1965: Living in a Modern Way. So if in L.A., and a lover of classic West Coast mid-century vibes, hustle down to Miracle Mile, or fear reading the exhibit book and weeping that you missed it in all its golden teak glory.

Above: Another reason to worship this exhibit . . . the rare chance to practically step inside Charles and Ray Eames' iconic living room, every piece of which has been meticulously moved from Case Study House #8, where the Eames' lived throughout their lives, starting in 1949. When touring the home's permanent location in Pacific Palisades, you may only peek through the windows, so this is a special close-up view of their tzotchkes, furnishings, and books (so many of which are the same we have on our shelves at home).

I'm so glad we took the time to experience it when last in L.A., as we exited the show bursting with creative inspiration. I'm filled with even more native Californian pride than before, and dreams of perfectly simple, handcrafted work, surf, sunshine and mod Hollywood poolside glam. Here are some shots we sneakily snapped while viewing the exhibit in March . . .

Above: Fab Paul Fusco photo, c.late-1940s, of Billy & Audrey Wilder hanging with Charles & Ray Eames in the "conversation room" of their Pacific Palisades home. Below: Art Deco Cal-Arts pamphlets.

Above: Claire Falkenstein's model for client Peggy Gugenheim's garden gates, c.1961 (they remain at Guggenheim's home in Venice, Italy). Incantation Textile by Alvin Lustig for Laverne Originals, c.1947. Below: Arches and Dome Renaissance Christmas gift boxes by Joe Hong for Joseph Magnin (San Francisco), c.1966. Kraft paper Doggie bag for Lawry's Foods, art directed by Saul Bass, illustrated by Art Goodman and Phyllis Tanner, c.1961.

Below: Mr. Taylor and my sister, Miss. Lizzie, taking in all the beauty, as well as a bitchin' 1961 Studebaker Avanti, designed by Raymond Loewy, along with three Pasadena Art Center students.

The Adamson Family.

After becoming an item in the '70s, my parents moved from their Westwood apartments into a beachside love-nest in Malibu. Yet they were sad to find, that after a while, the morning commute to their fashion jobs in Downtown L.A. via the tortoise-paced Pacific Coast Highway became unbearable. This probably had to do with the influx of celebs moving to the old Movie Colony, as well as the retro re-discovery of teen cruising, and the surfing revival, birthing a million Spicolis in search of babes and waves. So they bought a quiet house in The Valley, but took my sister and I every weekend to the 'Bu, to visit their old haunts, and let us swing on the Country Mart's jungle gym.

I have memories of building sandcastles in the Malibu Lagoon as a little girl, and being curious about the beautiful tile-worked "Adamson House" sign on the road nearby. It wasn't until reading about the home in Martha's Living, that I became aware of what an architectural gem was sitting right there on our shore.

After years of curiosity, we finally took a tour . . . exploring every nook & cranny of the castle-like tile shrine. Land developer Frederick Rindge and his enterprising wife, May, originally purchased the land on which Malibu sits in the 1800s, and after his passing in 1905, his wealthy widow began leasing surrounding property to Hollywood stars, creating the infamous Malibu Movie Colony. With that income, she invested in the founding of Malibu Potteries (c.1926), and in 1930, May's eldest daughter Rhoda married Merritt Anderson,and together they founded the successful dairy farm, Adohr (Rhoda spelled backward). after that success, they began to build her dream home on her family's property, designed under the supervision of architect Stiles O. Clements, and utilizing the talents of pottery artisans like Rufus Keeler. Though the tile factory only existed for 7 years, closing due to the Depression, the works it produced are timeless jewels that still adorn many of California's most beloved landmarks, including; City Hall, the Mayan theatre, and Hollywood's Roosevelt Hotel.

The preservation efforts are astounding . . . the family's original furniture exactly where it was placed in the 1930s, and the eye-dazzling array of colorful tile motifs all in tact, each piece hand-painted and fired using the traditional Spanish cuerda seca glazing technique. Every detail hails from that bohemian era when folks first began fantasizing about traveling to exotic locales. As a result, the decor is an eclectic blend of Spanish colonial architecture adorned with Moorish, Moroccan, Pueblo Deco (my new obsession) and Mediterranean details. Also noticeable are hand-painted Scandinavian wooden pieces, as well as gothic Nouveau-style touches (make sure to catch the iron spider web gate). Real rugs were unneeded, as Malibu Pottery artisan William Handly created full-scale custom Persian carpets made entirely of tiles for the floors. There is even an outdoor tiled tub room solely for washing the family hounds. Also not to be missed are the whimsical children's rooms, covered in fairy tale and Maritime illustrations, not to mention the tiny upstairs "snack kitchen" for guest, and the Egyptian Revival style pool house.

The Adamson House & Gardens

Tours Weds.-Sat. 11am-2pm

23200 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA

Photos: Me and Martha Stewart's Living

Vintage L.A., 2011 Edition.

 

We've happily arrived home to NY after a long and winding visit to my technicolor hometown of Los Angeles, with many a tale to tell. It was quite a whirlwind "vacation", as the mister & I had both been sick prior to the trip, so we were forced to bring our design studio along for the ride (though it's pretty hard to complain about working on your laptop, while you're lounging on a chaise in Palm Springs, which i'll post about later). We knew right from the flight that it was going to be a surreal trip . . . as after my Klonopin kicked in (neurotic flyer, to say the least), I noticed Twister Sister's Dee Snyder seated across the isle. And to make matters even wackier, not 20 min. later, we were watching him in the video for I Wanna Rock on our petit TV . . . a totally meta experience.

Immediately upon touchdown, we headed straight for In-N-Out and indulged "animal-style" (not exactly part of my usual grass-fed/farm-fresh diet, but mind-blowingly awesome anyway). And after waking up the next morning in my parent's beautifully preserved Art Deco apartment (as seen above), my mom (Moira), my sister (Lizzie) & I, headed to Paper or Plastik for potent lattes and a peek at their lovely little loft-boutique, Anyash, where I swooned over silk dresses handmade by the cafe's owner, my sweet mum bought us a little succulent-filled terrarium, and Lizzie purchased vintage paperbacks (seen below).

Lizzie & I then hit a jam-packed estate sale, where I picked up a classic Freedom Rock LP ($1) and a great novel with a fabulous '70s pop cover ($1), and Lizzie scored a green leather disco belt/necktie ($3) with stamped leaves (reminding us of these shoes).

In the afternoon we visited the historic Farmers Market to sip fresh carrot-apple juice, and shop at its adjoining mall, The Grove, where we bought Audrey Horne-esque sweaters at Anthropologie, perfect boho sandals at J. Crew, and I was elated to see my book, Vintage LA, in the front window of Barnes & Noble. Later on, we were joined by our friend Yego and our spiritual sister, Kimme at Silver Lake's Intelligentsia, and after getting crazy caffeinated, we crossed over to Pazzo for gelato.

Day three consisted of us watching Lizzie totally Tina Weymouth-ing out on her disco bass in preparation for her weekly lesson, followed by brunch at Downtown's insanely hoppin' Bottega Louie. After some work back at the ranch, and a play-date with the Pugs (Ali Baba, was in tow for the trip, and my parents are also blessed with one, aptly named Groucho), we devoured long dreamed-of tacos and hot cinnamon tea, at my all-time favorite Mexican cafe, Alegria. Then after catching up with friends at El Cid's Saturday night party, Goodie Tu-Shoes, we headed for tea at Swinger's.

 
Along with visiting our old haunts, we also discovered some new joints, like Wonderland Emporium, which is filled to the rafters with LPs, 8tracks, rare books, men's vintage clothing, and wacky collectible music memorabilia (it's also open 'till 2am, perfect for coffee addicts like us). To view photos of Wonderland, along with a gallery of snaps from our L.A. adventure,  venture HERE.

We're already planning our next trip, to visit all the vintage haunts we didn't have time to pay homage to, spend the day in Ojai (to visit Beatrice Wood's studio, who is one of my ultimate idols), and see friends we missed this time around.

Photos: "California" animation found on Silk-Rayon's Tumblr, all others = °The Vintager.

Better than Licorice Pizza.

I'm beyond jazzed to announce the grand opening of Wombleton Records (located in L.A.'s Highland Park), for which our letterpress and design co., Thunderwing Press, proudly designed all the signage and printed ephemera, featuring a logo of an olde English carriage (outfitted with LPs as wheels, of course), and a gilded "W" for the front entrance. Click here to see pics of the glitzy 'biz cards we designed for the shoppe.

Wombleton's friendly proprietors, Jade (on the left, below) and Ian (on the right), are dear ol' friends, who also happen to have wickedly stellar taste in music, not to mention decor (have you ever seen a more gorgeous record store in your life?). Their shoppe offers a keenly curated selection of vinyl, collected during Ian's trips abroad, and Jade will soon be offering rare books on art, culture and design. So if visiting, or residing in L.A., and if in ownership of a turntable, get your bum in your buggy and gallop on down!

Below: Stylist Kimme Aaberg glamming around in Wombleton's Victorian sitting area.

We're so proud to have taken part in the creation of this hamonious haven. Congrats, Wombles! Save some 10CC LPs and rare Noosha Fox 7"s for us!

Beautiful photos: Lizzie Brandt

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!

It lives!

Vintage LA was spotted by my mum in the window of Barnes & Noble at The Grove in L.A. this week (hip-hip-hooray!) My former publisher basically only sold it into stores on the West Coast, as they didn't think there was a "large market for people in the East that are interested in traveling to Los Angeles" (um, what???) So that my friends, as well as the fact that they made it an astronomical $34.95 so none of my bohemian friends could afford it, is why HarperCollins and I are now, divorced.

Vive le Vintage LA!

P.S. LA Bizarro is a really fun book too, so I hope it and my book have cocktail parties and dance to Cha-Cha music after the bookstore closes.

I think I see the light.

Mayday! Mayday! Several awesome vintage culture institutions are in need of our support, so please heed their call, and do what you can to ensure they are around for generations to come . . .

One of my favorite places to visit in NYC, The City Reliquary, which i've previously blogged about here, is in desperate need of both visitors and members. So, if you're in Brooklyn, stop by and let your mind be dazzled by their wonderful collections of NY-centric knickknacks and ephemera. They also currently have a display of a museum member's life-time collection of unicorns!

Over in L.A., the Cinefamily, who have taken over the historic and beloved Silent Movie Theatre, are hosting silent Wednesdays, and as they are renting original prints of these very rare films, they need to make sure attendance is high, so they can afford to keep up the tradition. So all you old timey babies better show up tomorrow to see Olive Thomas Charleston-ing her way through the 1920 flicker, The Flapper!

And click HERE to sign a petition that could help save New York City's historic Tin Pan Alley from real estate developers. This is a cause that is especially dear to my heart, as a relative of mine, composer Harry Ruby (writer of Who's Sorry Now?, I Wanna be Loved by You, and most Marx Bros. tunes), began his career on this very street.

On a sad note, Erich Segal has passed on to author's heaven. In 1970, he penned the weepy novel, Love Story, which later spawned a film starring Ryan O'Neal and Ali MacGraw, yet was most famous for bestowing upon us the world's cheesiest break-up line . . . "Love means never having to say you're sorry".

I'd also like to bid adieu to my sister's kooky ex-neighbor Zelda Rubenstein, who was also a great actress in films such as Poltergeist and Sixteen Candles.

This is how I picture Zelda walking "into the light" . . .

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!