a renegade canyon photoshoot

Last weekend, Pete and I did a renegade photo shoot out in the canyon. We trespassed on an old abandoned ranch, and nobody really noticed us even though there were hikers out and I was wearing some pretty fancy vintage clothing and laying all over the ground and inside hollow trees. Unfortunately, the photos inside the hollow tree was underexposed (my light meter died), but I’ll be back to capture this image. The inside (womb) of the tree was smooth and milky & insect free & I was snug as a bug, and I thought while lying there, “I should have a coffin like this when I die.” There were the most perfect holes in the tree exposing my outfit and face in a very artistic way, but I guessed what aperture to shoot at based on my very limited experience & I was wrong, but that’s how learning goes, right?

We also tried out some new photographic techniques, namely using a piece of colored acetate over the lens to add splashes of color. I have to give credit to the talented Jaja of July Stars for this marvelous lo fi idea. I also got a new soft focus lens filter. I’m going to be experimenting with photography a whole lot more, and I’m so glad I found such a fun hobby. As always, thank you to Pete for joining me in this hobby & always taking my photo.

My first outfit in this photo is somewhat “ranch-wear” influenced. I’m wearing a turn of the century underskirt and vintage slip tank, a brown-turquoise (even though it’s white, it’s still called that) necklace which is annoyingly turned the wrong way in the first photo, awesome vintage piano key suspenders (a gift from the darling Marissa of Stylebook vintage who sent them to me even though I am so undeserving of such kindness given how much money I spend on vintage clothing & accessories, but thank you, thank you!), and Pete’s vintage coat, which was actually the first piece I ever thrifted for him, probably about 8 years ago. My favorite accessories are definitely suspenders, and western bow ties, bolo ties, garter belts. Speaking of garter belts, in my last outfit, I’m wearing a yellow floral 1930s dress with garter belts which are holding up 50s thigh highs. You may not be able to tell but I’m wearing two different color thigh-highs in the same tonal range - bruised nectar & keylime pie (my names). The dress needs some work, but in the mean time I just safety pinned it wherever I see fit. Thank goodness for safety pins! I am an awful seamstress.

You can expect to see a lot more posts from me this week.

Byeee,

Crystal Lee

the highway is for lovers

Here in Los Angeles, it’s sweltering, the sky is visibly polluted, and the traffic is a living hell; my mind drifts towards last weekend’s trip along Hwy 395. Here is a peaceful image of the windy road as seen from the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.

long time friends

After exploring the Bristlecone Pine Forest, we made our way to one of our favorite little towns, Bridgeport, where we ate some top notch fried chicken and peach pie that made me moan aloud. Later that night, we entertained ourselves with a game of horseshoes (I'm afraid the photos were too grainy to post). With Pete's advice to play with more finesse and grace, I actually did pretty well for my first try.

Believe it or not, there was no film at this store.

Outside of our room at the Virginia Creek Settlement in Bridgeport

The next morning, we drove to Virginia City, Nevada, a dusty, bawdy, old western mining town, where outlaws, gamblers, miners, soiled doves, and Mark Twain once roamed. Mark Twain's first novel,"Roughing It", was based on his time spent living and working in Virginia City, NV. I have yet to read this book, but I can't wait to now. And here I am roaming around.

Mark Twain sat here in his role as editor of the local newspaper, the Territorial Enterprise

He also sat here.

The sun shines through big undies here in Virginia City.

in the bookstore. My dress features an insect print.

the main drag in Virginia City

We decided to lodge at Lake Tahoe but in retrospect, we would have enjoyed Virginia City's nightlife much more. Anyway, on our way to Tahoe, my car overheated, and so we parked it in the shade, right in front of the sign for the Moonlight Bunny Ranch, which we couldn't actually find for a photo op.

We made it to Tahoe just in time to hit the lake and catch some rays.

The nightlife in South Tahoe is basically an outdoor shopping mall offering a lot of crap retail, but we found an arcade in Harrah's Casino that had old school video games like Ms. PacMan!

The next morning, we made our way to June Lake, a charming and friendly little resort town, that we really want to return to in the Fall or Winter.

June Lake

Pete in front of our room. We spent the evenings with the locals at the Tiger Bar, where we sat at the bar and conversed with everyone about important matters like who makes the best pie along Hwy 395. Pete and I shared a piece of peach pie, and though it was yummy, but Bridgeport's peach pie was much better.

The Tiger Bar

We stopped at several antique shops during our trip. I found a turn of the century crochet crop top with pink ribbon trim for $15. I wore it for most of the trip, but those photos are on the black and white film that is still in my camera. I also bought Pete a pair of handsome cowboy boots as an anniversary gift (It's been three years this final time around). I found the cutest 1930s round glasses, but the celluloid arm snapped in half as I was trying them on after purchase. The owner of the shop let me pick out another pair and also let me keep the damaged ones; I'm hoping Pete can fix em' for me, and I'm pretty sure he'll be able to. He's been successfully fixing my run down shit forever now.

California's Eastern Sierra

I’ve got some stories to tell you folks, but I’m afraid I don’t have the time just yet. Just returned from a mini trip along Hwy 395, in California’s Eastern Sierra. You may remember this place from last year’s Labor day holiday (here, here, here, here) There’s just so much to see in the Eastern Sierra that we just had to go back, and honestly we’ll probably return every year. There’s desert, forest, lakes, old western towns, and ancient stuff, like the bristle cone pines - trees that are over 3000 years old, older than the old growth Sequoia trees. In fact, they’re the oldest trees in the world! And then there’s more goodies like old watering hole bars, friendly folks, yummy homemade pies and fried chicken, neon lit hotels, and some of the best antique shops I’ve ever encountered! For now, here is a lil’ preview of my trip. I hope you had a lovely holiday weekend. More anecdotes and photos to come soon.

ancient bristlecone pine tree

Virginia City, NV

Lake Tahoe

I love lakes! Lake Tahoe.

lavender gingham for you, Dolly

I feel so lucky that I got the chance to see Dolly Parton perform. She looks remarkable, sounds remarkable, and is just the sweetest, funniest, most down-to-Earth legend alive. She told stories about her humble upbringing, made jokes about her "trashy" appearance, played about 8 instruments, and even rapped (which was god-awful, but she knew it and was just wanting to make everybody laugh). I wore a lavender gingham dress (tucked in so as to look like a skirt) and a 50s sheer pink top. Pete was sweet enough to match me by wearing a lavender cowboy shirt. If I had my way, we'd match every day & we'd ride around town on a tandem bike. I am half-kidding. You can see my lavender dress in its entirety here.

I hope that life is treating you well. much love. - crystal lee

Outfit: vintage gingham dress (thrifted a long time ago), 50s sheer top (Etsy), bass oxfords (thrifted)

summertime after hours

some uncharacteristically placid photos of me. After 8 hours in an office everyday, it's so nice to be able to spend some time outdoors after work.

I have yet to set sail in Elliott's sailboat, but I'm hoping to get around to it sometime this Summer. These photos were taken after work in San Pedro, my favorite town, which I've mentioned frequently on this blog. I guess I love it because it's an old port town, nearly desolate, and Bukowski used to frequent all the dive bars there.

I recently thrifted both of these dresses. The first dress is from the 70s and features red poppies. The second dress is a 50s wiggle dress. I don't generally wear all black because 1) I'm not trying to look any skinnier and 2) it's too somber for my personality, but this time, it went quite well with the overcast sky.

I have been having incredible luck at the thrift stores. A couple of days ago, I scored a Versace Denim jumper dress. It's unbelievable & fits just right. I'll show it to you soon.

Oh ya, I'll be selling at the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena this Sunday with Fancy Disaster Vintage. I have really amazing stuff in stock, so come on out if you get a chance. Plus, I'd love to meet you.

until next time ....

I'm feeling better. I come bearing flowers.

new thrifted finds from Florida: 90s Banana Republic dress & peach maryjanes worn in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

behold the mistress of the flower field.