when it's spring time in the desert

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.

crybaby in the woods

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).