The Palms Inn at Borrego Springs, where we stayed for the weekend, was built in the late 1950s and was once a get-away spot for such celebrities as Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable. In later years, it was a home for wayward teens. Rather unexpectedly, I played homage to these two environments in an “old Hollywood” meets the wayward “Wanda Woodward of Crybaby” outfit. I even drank a martini, which I rarely do, since I am a dedicated whisky sipper (though my cocktail did have bourbon in it)
These photos are shot using Kodak Portra 400 NC film, though I probably should have used a slower speed film, since it was pretty bright out. I’m still learning about photography & which films to use for different occasions, but I think the Portra film really conveyed the soft Spring colors we encountered on our trip. The pastel ruins were remnants of the desert inn that was built in the 40s on this same property. We had a fun time exploring these ruins, which featured peeling pastel paint & colorful tile work.
Enjoy yourselves,
Crystal Lee
Outfit: 80s blue striped dress, 80s heart belt, and monkey boots (thrifted), cross necklace (Farmer’s Market in downtown LA), Michael Kors’ espadrilles (these are not comfortable shoes!!).
Oh ya, thanks to Pete for always taking photos of me & my outfits.
Dudes! Pete and I had the best time in Anza Borrego Desert State Park. It was a perfect mini trip. There were flame tipped ocotillos, wispy desert willows, and patches of wildflowers dotting the landscape. The air was filled with the fragrance of desert lavender. The palm trees were ungroomed, wild and free. My heart was content. I got to hike, soak in the jacuzzi, take film photos like crazy, cruise the desert with the top down, eat bbq and lots of pie! We stopped in the historical town of Julian, known for it's delicious apple pies, before and after our trip to the desert. Have I ever told you how much I love pie!? I had three pieces of pie during this short trip - apple boysenberry with ice cream, flaky cinnamon apple, and apple with a slice of cheddar on top. Pete suggested the latter for nostalgic reasons; it reminds him of New York where he grew up. Personally, I could do without the cheese. In Julian, I saw a kitty hanging out in a patch of daffodils, and the most colorful chickens I've ever seen made an appearance too. (Word just in, these chickens are called "Tolbunt Chickens"). I shot these photos with Fuji Velvia 100 slide film, and I really like the results. I have a lot more photos to show you in the days to come, but for now, I hope you enjoy these.
It's so great to get away from the grind if only for a weekend. I hope everyone is content in their hearts & happy to be alive!
Hi friends,
I got some major blonde cravings this week, so after work I put on a blond wig, and Pete took my picture. There is no way I would ever dye my hair blonde, but I do think it’s about time I did something a little different – maybe go a little lighter, perhaps go red. I do, however, have an irrational fear of dying my hair lighter on account of a tragic event that occurred in my teens involving a bottle of bleach. My hair was lightened alright, but tons of it fell out after submerging my head in bleach for several hours. I may have lost some brain cells too. I looked a bit like Cyndi Lauper. Remind me to show you some photos. So here’s a whole lot of recent outfits for your viewing pleasure:
My girlfriend Jen took this picture and said that future me was to my left.
wearing a silk raspberry dress with matching tights
one of my all time favorite knit dresses which features a crochet yoke.
Going to Anza Borrego Desert State Park, the largest state park in California, this weekend. I cannot wait to hike around, take photos with my Pentax (enough of these point & shoot photos already!), and dress up. I may even be able to put the top down while cruising the desert in my Beemer since it’s expected to be pretty sunny. Have a brilliant weekend, folks. Let the sun shine in!
Well, the Flea Market was a wash (quite literally) on account of heavy rains and even heavier winds. The mighty wind blew our neighbor's Easy-Up tent in our direction, and I thought "Goodness, what a stupid way to die.", but luckily he caught it before it hit us. Meanwhile, we were holding down our Easy-Ups too, and couldn't pack up to go home until the winds subsided. Many men noticed our difficult situation, but not a one offered to help, though they wished us good luck. Pssssh. At last, a group of gals offered assistance. I wished someone was there to take a picture of Stacey and I in this hectic situation because on reflection it was actually quite funny. I am most ready for a proper sun filled season, so I can play on the beach, and have bonfires, and wear my vintage bathing suits, and be the me that I like best.
my new car – a 1997 BMW Convertible. I cannot wait until it’s warm enough to put the top down, blasting Robyn, to the chagrin of my male friends. Other songs on my top down soundtrack, will be Stacey Q’s “Two of Hearts”, Neneh Cherry’s “Buffalo Stance”, and of course, Tigra & Bunny’s (L’Trimm) “Cars that go Boom.” Check out their music video below. Those are some killer outfits.
I purchased this Crybaby shirt immediately after seeing it on Calivintage’s tumblr. I bought it from Rock on the World on Etsy, and it was super affordable. Crybaby is one of my all time favorite movies. To this day, Tracy Lords in Crybaby is a style icon of mine, right up there with Kelly Bundy in Married with Children. I guess I’m fond of dressing look like an 50s/80s bimbo, and this is evidenced in my large collection of 80s bandage dresses and my love for 50s wiggle dresses.
The Oak Canyon Nature Center, in Anaheim Hills, was a teenage hot spot for Pete, and I was so happy that he shared it with me. Even though I grew up in Orange County, I had never been there before. I was pleasantly surprised to see so many old Oak Trees. I think Oak trees might be my favorite trees after Old Growth Sequoias.
Oh ya, and this denim jacket with plaid lining & tons of pockets can frequently be found at the thrift store. My pal Jesse owns one too. I’ve probably seen it about 50 times. I guess it was mass produced at some point in the late 70s, maybe early 80s? It’s made of the softest denim and the pockets are ultra convenient. Plus the plaid lining matches my 90s plaid bicycling shorts. Many years ago, I found a slew of vintage bicycling shorts at the thrift store – some plaid, and even a pair that reads “Jazzercise” all over.
Yay for Friday, friends! I’m selling vintage at the Long Beach Flea Market again this Sunday, and I’d love it if you stopped by. I’ll be selling with my gal, Stacy, of Fancy Disaster.
Much Love,
Crystal Lee
Outfit: denim jacket w/plaid lining, plaid bicycling shorts, vintage red keds (thrifted), Johnny Depp in Crybaby shirt (Rock on the World on Etsy).
