New in Shop: White Lace/Black Glitter

Just added these two amazing pieces to the shop: Vintage Betsey Johnson Punk Label White Lace Skirt and 50s Black Gold Lurex Glitter Jumpsuit. Get em" while they're hot.

Photography and Styling by me. Model: Avalon Lopez

Palos Verdes Botanical Gardens

Hiya friends,

Life is short, so I surround myself with beauty just as much as I can. The other day Stacey & I went to the Palos Verdes Botanical Gardens to walk amongst the flowers and succulents and snap some photos. I tried out Jesse's fancy Cannon DSLR camera (he let Stacey borrow it), but I still like film best. There's something magical about it. I am by no means a skilled photographer, yet with film I sometimes manage to produce an image that is pleasing to my relic soul.

film photos, Fuji Velvia 100:





some velvet roses







digital photos:

Wherever you go, go with all your heart. - Confucius

Old shit is the best shit. - Crystal Lee

Outfit: vintage 50s taffeta skirt, 80 corset top (thrifted), Michael Kors espadrilles

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.

Anza Borrego Desert State Park

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!

Ciao for now,
Crystal Lee

Outfit: cactus print skirt, crochet one piece, monkey boots (everything thrifted).

Friendship Park

I found a new park this Saturday. Friendship Park is on the top of a hill in Palos Verdes and overlooks the ocean and the city of San Pedro, but on this clear sunny day, I could see Mount Baldy & downtown Los Angeles. I walked up the windy hill, which switches from pavement to dirt, and felt so happy to be alive, and so happy to live next to the Ocean. I took photos of myself with my tripod, and there was hardly anyone around, so I didn't feel like a boner this time. I'm wearing an outfit almost identical to one my mom wore often on a summer's day in the early 80s when I was a child, except she wore red shorts. I didn't realize it until I had it on. Like my mom, I am a child of nature.



Catalina Island


I must have got some smudge or dust on my lens cause there's a dirty bubble following me around in my photos.
Outfit: silk embroidered top, red keds (thrifted), purple shorts (Etsy), butterfly scarf

teach your children well

“Hey, Anna, you wanna run up that hill with me?”
“Not really.”
“Come on. I just watched you play on 2 playgrounds. Auntie likes to play too.”
“Oh ok.”
“Wow, this is a really steep hill. Are you sure you can do this?”
“ I can just try my best.”
“Goodness, I’m getting tired.”
“You can do it Auntie because you’re big and strong.”
“ Geez, Anna, I can’t believe you’re doing this uphill hike with me, especially since your legs are so much smaller than mine.”
“That’s because I play and jump around and have lots of energy all day long.”
“Well, you should probably get some rest sometimes. We’re almost to the top. ... We made it”
“Yay, we made it! “ I have to go pee.”
“Why didn’t you go when I asked you at the bottom of the hill?”
“I didn’t have to go then.”
“Well, we’ll head back down. But if you really have to go, why don’t you just cop a squat.”
“What does that mean?”
“Squat down and pee. Don’t pee on your shoes or on your clothes. ”
“ Will people see me?”
“There’s noone here.”
“I don’t know.”
“You’re going to have to do it at some point in your life, believe me.”
“ Oh, ok. I can just try my best. ..... I can’t do it.”
“Alright, next time. Let’s race down the hill and get you to the bathroom.”