Magnolia Ave.

I'm back in Southern California for a week (where it is HELLA HOT). It'll be spent visiting family and friends, swing dancing, getting tattooed (that post will come later in the week), shopping and relaxing. The one place I've wanted to visit is Bésame Cosmetics in Burbank. I've been purchasing their products online, but I've wanted to see what the shop was like. Imagine; a boutique dedicated solely to vintage inspired make-up and make-up history. I checked out the website but it didn't disclose their shop hours. So I yelped and it showed open hours from 12-6 except Monday. So I decided to take a drive and invited my mom to come with me. We drove 30 miles which really isn't a lot if you come from the Bay Area. But Los Angeles? That's a heck of a trek. There are way more cars and a lot more traffic on the freeways. Traffic really wasn't that bad, though. When we finally got there, we saw that the shop was closed on Sundays. Gadzooks!

My mom and I decided to make the best of it because Magnolia Avenue is lined with vintage, antique and retro shops. I wasn't planning on purchasing any vintage clothing, but it didn't hurt to look. We perused quite a few shops, which were quite impressive with their inventory, but it was mostly 60s, 70s and 80s era. My mom even pointed at a few skirts and said, "I think I have that in my closet."

There were several antique furniture shops nestled between boutiques. My mom mentioned wanting to buy an antique rocking chair. She had already purchased one a few weeks ago from an antique shop in Whittier for about $95. Other places had them priced at well over $150. Along our path was a shop selling antique furniture on the sidewalk. She immediately spied a rocking chair priced at $75. The girl selling it said to make an offer. My mom got it for $65. The chair is in great condition.

There was one retro shop that I've seen at Viva Las Vegas. 8Ball. I knew I wouldn't have an interest in the repro clothing (Say NO to Repro!) but I usually enjoy browsing the kitchy items. The store reminds me of the Berkeley/Livermore shop Charlotte's Web. The inventory is identical with the Lucky 13 apparel, Lux Deville accessories, etc. The only difference here, is that 8Ball also has an art gallery. The current featured artist had several paintings of nightmarish imagery. It sort of reminded me of Mark Ryden's paintings.

I walked away empty handed, but I was happy to see my mom make a purchase. We'll be back again later in the week to check out Bésame.

Magnolia Avenue, Burbank, CA

Mom's antique purchase

Shops Visited

8Ball
33 Rooms
Best of Times
Burbank Books and Antiques
Hubba Hubba (had to peak through the window since it was closed)
Ms. Charlotte's Vintage
Swift
ToadStool Farm Vintage
Unique Vintage
Vintage Boutique

¡Por Fín!

After about a six month wait, the official document has finally arrived. I'm a little disappointed by how "chafa" it looks. I guess that's the purpose of getting a nice frame; it enhances the official document. However, I will say that it has motivated me to want to pursue the Ph.D. I can only imagine how nice that may look. The more I do my research on which programs to pursue (because they are very specific), the more I'm preferring U.C. Santa Cruz. It'll be a heck of a commute, but it'll be well worth it.

Vintage hairstyles - what to call that do.

I was recently dining with a friend in Mill Valley when the server arrived to take our order. She then complimented my "suicide roll".  I gave her a strange look and repeated back, "suicide roll?" I had never heard that term before, and I told her that that term was never in use in the 1930s or 40s.

My friend and I just laughed it off. But then I had to google the term to see how prevalent it is. What I noticed was that "suicide roll" is in wider use among the younger generation who dabble in RAB culture. As much as I love rockabilly music, it's quite disconcerting to see it blanketed over all genres of vintage culture. In fact, most who claim to be RAB are getting it all wrong.

Rockabilly music had its prevalence during the early to mid 1950s. It was the era of "New Look" fashion when the shoulders sloped, waists cinched, and skirts flared wider due to the end of WWII's rationing of materials. The hair was kept short and curled (producing more of a wave); most women rarely went outdoors without a hat. Gone were the more ornate, formal styles of the previous decades. In the 1950s, the following styles were prevalent: the artichoke cut, the short bouffant, the poodle cut, and short bangs of varying lengths.

More often than not, I generally see the above styles at many Rockabilly events. These ladies tend to be 30+ years old and more refined in their choices of vintage attire. The younger ones have adopted the hairstyles more prevalent during the 30s and 40s and have given some ungodly names to pass off as strictly rockabilly. There has never been a style called "Suicide Roll". Essentially it's just a roll but the varying styles will determine the name of the roll. The following are the most prevalent: The reverse roll, the side roll, the faux bangs, the Gibson roll, the continuous roll, and the classic victory rolls. When it comes to victory rolls, they can be set on any part of the head. I prefer the victory rolls off centered since it would otherwise make you look like Mickey Mouse. Not a flattering look.

As per my overall preferred style, I tend to do the reverse roll. Since I'm an advanced twirler, I usually go for three rolls; sometimes four for the more elegant affairs.

Of course the 1940s was not restricted to just rolls. Other popular styles consisted of the pageboy (my favorite), the peek-a-boo (another favorite), and pin curled waves.

The Victory Roll name was influenced by WWII. This generation was about supporting the war effort and true patriotism was at its peak. There were other hairstyles whose names were influenced by the war such as: Flight Command, Maneuver, Bombshell, and Rocket.

As you can see, there is a combination of different styles to create a specific updo. You can see the pompadour, pin curls, and side rolls.

So there you have it. The proper nomenclature of hairstyles from the 1940s and 1950s.

Source: 1940s Hairstyles by Daniela Turudich

2014 Hike #13: Sign Hill

South San Francisco - The Industrial City

I always see this hillside sign on my northbound drives either along 101 or 280. I researched its history and learned the following:

In 1923, the South San Francisco Chamber of Commerce published articles in the town’s newspaper, the Enterprise, promoting the community and its businesses...As a temporary publicity gimmick, the Chamber painted the words “South San Francisco, The Industrial City” in powdered lime on Sign Hill. In April 1929, the Cement Gun Construction Company of South San Francisco made the letters permanent. (ssf.net)

So it was all a publicity stunt. I'd always wondered what made South City so industrious. 

For some reason, the Sign Hill trail was off my hiking radar; I've hiked so many different trails throughout the Bay Area that I completely forgot this one (even though I see the sign everyday). This morning I made it a point to drive to South City and hike Sign Hill.

This is not a trail for the weak kneed. It is very steep. On my way up, I had to climb on all fours to get to the letters. Once there, it's difficult to make out the spelling, but I know I got up to between the "D" and "U" in INDUSTRIAL. I then walked east and then up beyond the letters to the top of the hill. It was a grand view looking over San Mateo County. I stood for awhile watching the planes taking off and ascending from SFO. 

I found a trail to take me back down to the foothill which consisted of a series of wooden steps that were at times two feet apart. It was a heck of descent which took much longer than the trail up. There were several other trails around the letters, so I may come back at a future date for the other trails. Until then, enjoy the pics.

2014 Vintage Purchase #8: Alameda Vintage Fashion Fair Day 2

It was day 2 of the Alameda Vintage Fashion Fair. I deviated from my shopping list of purchasing cotton day dresses exclusively. I bought two more dresses, but neither is a day dress.

From City Vintage

I've always wanted to get a sweater dress but most are too form fitting. I found a pink one from the 1940s. It has an a-line skirt, and it was a perfect fit. For only $45, I had to have it. This may not be a dress for dancing as it would probably make it warmer (it's hot enough just in a sundress at Verdi); for those colder outdoor swing events, it'll do just fine.

From Relic Vintage

The last dress I purchased is this 1930s rayon dress. I liked the way it draped and flowed with my every move. This may be a Gatsby contender. 

2014 Vintage Purchase #7: Alameda Vintage Fashion Fair

I've decided that the best way to curb my excessive vintage fashion purchases is to limit them only to fashion fairs which happens about 4 times a year here in the Bay Area. This summer, the Alameda Vintage Fashion Fair commenced with a WWII theme. I decided to wear my 1940s sailor dress for the occasion.

I was planning to enter their fashion contest, but Giants ballgame traffic through downtown S.F. and the usual Bay Bridge backup made for a longer than usual commute. When I arrived, they had just started the contest (which I strongly believe was rigged). Oh well.

On my shopping list was 1930s to early 1950s day dresses. I have many vintage dresses that are for more formal occasions: cocktail dresses, evening dresses, garden dresses, etc. I've a few cotton day dresses that I wear to work and for the dance floor and this is where I want my wardrobe to expand. My usual seller was not there, but there were two others that I always buy from who hail from Sonoma county. I didn't find anything this evening, but they told me they'd bring more for tomorrow's show.

I didn't want my trek to Alameda to be all for naught, so I decided to look at other sellers. I couldn't find anything to my liking since most of the inventory was overwhelmingly 1960s-1970s. I was just about to give up when I found a seller previously unknown to me; Marta of Hot Couture Vintage. She, too, is based out of Sonoma county. I'm sensing that I'll have to head north some time if I decide to check out the brick and mortar stores. I ended up buying three dresses from her that were all priced low. Two of them are from the 1940s and one from the early 1950s.

I'm really looking forward to day two of the fashion faire especially since I missed browsing quite a few sellers. The event had already closed when I made the above purchases. We'll see what's in store for tomorrow. Stay tuned.

The fruits of labor

I am a college instructor of American Literature and Expository Writing for multilingual students. Students who come to my class are preparing to transfer to a mainstream university graduate program. These students are required to pass the dreaded TOEFL exam which tests their English competency and readiness for a rigorous graduate program in the United States.

When I first started my current teaching position, the curriculum was quite dull. It emphasized test taking strategies and reduced the literature content in reading instruction. I have a profound love of literature and hearing colleagues publicly state that literature has no place in reading courses was a complete shock. For my Master Degree capstone (the equivalent of a thesis; only more difficult), I decided to design and implement a curriculum based on the literary arts to help improve critical thinking and analysis in English. Mind you, this is for multilingual students. For most, English is their third language. The primary goal was to prepare students to actively participate in a university course. The secondary goal was to improve TOEFL scores through literature-based instruction without teaching to the standardized test. When I presented the capstone at the SF State graduate student conference, I omitted the TOEFL study because my students had not yet taken the exam. I could only present on my students' classroom success. 

It has now been a complete year of this study, which I am now re-examining and re-writing to submit for a state-wide professional conference this fall. 

First, a bit about the TOEFL scores. The scores are scaled to meet certain academic levels. No student wants less than a 60 which is required for entrance into a community college. Four-year universities require at least 75 and graduate programs require at least 85. Top tier competitive universities (like Stanford, Harvard, etc) require at least 100. 

Today, the director at my campus gave me the results. He compared the scores between those who took only the TOEFL preparation class with those who took my literature class. Those in the preparation class scored in the mid 70s. Those who took my class scored in the 90s. I was pleasantly surprised. (Let's be honest...I was shocked.) This just reinforces my long held belief that teaching to the test is never a guarantee of academic success nor of any acquired learning.

As this academic year draws to a close next week, my students are now preparing for their transfers. They have been accepted to the following schools: San Francisco State, CSU East Bay, and Academy of Art University. A couple of my students (who are pursuing a B.A.) were told that my class was enough to admit them to San Jose City College and Foothill. TOEFL was not required nor will they ever need to take it when they're ready to transfer to San Jose State.

I've always measured my success by how well my students do. I can honestly say that this has been the most rewarding school year, and I am looking forward to the next.

Shhh!!!

It's that time of year again!  The Silent Film Festival returns to Castro Theatre right around June. Though this year, it came a week earlier than usual. It can be costly to attend every screening, so I usually pick the ones of most interest.

This year's crop was more international; this has been happening quite a bit lately that even the Film Noir Festival broke away from showcasing just American films. While I wouldn't mind watching foreign sound films, the silent foreign films are a bit cumbersome. Not only do you have the English title cards, the original language is also included which takes up quite a bit of room with risk of print overlap.

I only watched 2 films this year: Ramona (drama) and The Navigator (comedy).

Ramona starred the very beautiful Mexican actress, Dolores Del Rio. She had a great screen presence and her miming gestures were exquisite. There was something very poetic about her movements. Of course, it's quite exaggerated which may turn off a few viewers. But it was quite nice seeing a Latin actress in a lead role (stay tuned for another post on this specific topic).

The Navigator starred the Great Stone Face himself, Buster Keaton; known for his onscreen antics, stunts and deadpan facial expressions. I enjoyed this one much more than the drama since you can pull of exaggerated acting much better in a comedy than in drama.

As for my attire, of course I'm going to look more 1920s. On both days, I wore a pale pink 1920s and 1930s day dress with my cream-colored oxfords. I completed it with a vintage calf-length sage colored coat. As for my glasses, I put away my cat-eyes in favor of my round 1930s glasses that wrap around your ears. The best compliments were reserved for my hair. Lots of pin curls!

Anti Social Network

I'm proud to say I have never had a twitter account. When I asked what it was, the response was, "just a stupid app to tell people what you think in a hundred words." That's it? I never got into it because I didn't see its purpose. If you are going to have something to say, it should have some in-depth meaning.

I had a Facebook since 2007 and it had its benefits, but as soon as it hit its apex, the virtual scribing was akin to a bathroom stall. I started deleting people who had nothing valuable to say choosing only to keep a small number of people that I know personally. My account, though, mysteriously disappeared just days after Gia lost her inane case against me. So I started a new one and was more guarded about who I added. A few months later, the bitch struck again. To which I let out a final post via Instagram and publicly outed her screen name for anyone to block. I never looked back. 

When asked why I don't just start a new one, I was honest. I'd rather hear about things the old fashioned way. Pick up the phone and call or text me. Tell me in person. For the most part, people have been compliant. The one thing I don't miss about Facebook is all the drama. Apparently there has been a lot of mudslinging between people I know, and I'm the one who is completely oblivious.

• "Did you see what so and so wrote on their wall?" No. 
• "How can you not know what's been going on for the past few weeks? Oh that's right, you don't have a Facebook." And I'm quite content with that.

When people say that it's so much easier that I have an account, I just say, "what for? You're telling me everything right now." At least I know the context instead of having to read into something. And that's the problem with social networks. People are vague in their postings which causes any reader to take what's posted completely out of context. One thing I've learned is that people have lost the ability to be objective. They are quick to take things at face value and misinterpret the intended meaning.

I've also noticed that it makes it easier for people to be cruel to others. If anything, social networking has harmed friendships more than it has strengthened. It's another reason why I'm glad not to be a part of it.

One of my friends contacted me today. J was recently scolded and degraded online by one of our other friends, M; M didn't have the nerve to say it to her face. It was all in a Facebook message that apparently was copied and pasted to a public wall for others to read and criticize. I told her not to take it to heart. Sometimes you just have to accept how people are in that moment and kind of back away and let them have their space. Eventually they come around (they always do). I told her: I rarely hear from her. But when I see her, she's friendly. I don't think she considers me her close friend despite my always being there to help her when she does call me. It hurts but I know my place. I'm just a friend when she's in need. 

And I'd prefer to keep it that way with M. I don't need to feed into her drama. I just listen, and when she asks for help, I help her. I don't need to hear what other people have to say. Again I advised J, If anyone else says something about it, don't let it bother you. People like them live for other people's drama and gossip. Just don't fall into it.

The first instinct is always to shut people out and just do things on your own. It's a good practice, but one shouldn't confuse independence with isolation. Just be objective. In fact, it's probably best just to avoid social media or contacting people through it. It makes situations worse. On the flip side, avoidance can be misinterpreted as cold. Again I told her, someone who doesn’t really care for drama pisses people off. They interpret that as being uncaring or cold, when really, you’re just being fair minded.

And speaking of cold, the subject of Demian came up. She ran into him recently barely recognizing him (because he looks so old). She finally said hello to him. I found it amusing that apparently he was scanning who she was hanging out with. Gee, I wonder who he was keeping an eye out for. His responses to her were described as distant and cold; she lamented how he was once like a brother. But then she recalled how he yelled at her for commenting about our relationship. I reminded her of his warped sense of perception and said,

He's an asshole. He treated you unfairly. I know he's lonely. Where are his friends? He lost them all. And now he has to look at everyone with skepticism. That's sad and no way to live. But that's his sister's and that bitch's influences. He's miserable and he knows it. Of course it's sad that he's that way after how close you two were. But it's a poor reflection of his character. Not yours. He can always come back. But he still has a lot of growing up. 

And it is sad. I'll always care for him, and he's more than welcome back into my life. I'd accept his apology without question. We'd just continue where we left off in a positive direction. But he needs to swallow his pride, and he needs to get away from that girl. (SIDE NOTE: I was hesitant to write about what I am about to say as this occurred a while back. I was driving a friend home which requires a drive through the Castro. We were stopped at a red light. You can't help but look at all the pedestrians crossing...then I saw Gia waddling by. I pointed her out and we just shook our heads. She's an immature little party girl; then I heard my friend say, "that explains a lot about your ex's shitty character." And I drove on. That's all I have to say; no assessment of the situation or any other comments. Just stating the facts.)

But I reiterated, you can't completely withdraw from people. Continue going to Verdi. Go because you love to dance. Go because it makes you happy. I assured her that she's a good person. That I respect and admire her for being so independent and objective. I'm the same way, and I know it can be misinterpreted as being cold. What people find out, though, is that they get to know you in person and appreciate the fact that you are open minded and objective. And that's not something that can be figured out on a social network. 

demian griffitts