Happy Birthday James Dean

James Byron Dean

February 8, 1931- September 30, 1955

Today American actor and screen legend, James  Dean would've been 83 years old. 

Poor thing and such a tragic death he had at 24 in a horrible car crash.

He is one of my all time favorite actors and loves and truly one of my inspirations and idols.

May you have a Happy Birthday Jimmy, Rest In Peace.

I've lived in Los Angles my whole entire life and I've been the Griffith Park Observatory before, but I had never visited the James Dean monument there. So late last year on a class field trip I visited, I paid my respects and wore my Dean shirt.

One of my very favorite favorite singers and idols Morrissey, is also a huge Dean fan. In his music video for his debut solo single he pays tribute to Dean by filming Dean's his hometown of Fairmount, Indiana and his artifacts. He even gets a chance to "play" Jimmy's bongos and straddle his motorcycle.

Often Morrissey used Dean as inspiration during his time with the band The Smiths.

Where Is My Mind?

 Yeah I've been MIA for like ever! And yeah I've seriously been behind on posts, like years behind!

I've had a lot going on, more so now than before. But like I said before I'll keep trying (really I will) to keep on posting and make this blog into what I want it to be for you and for me.

My birthday has passed and I'm another year older. Autumn is here and it's my favorite time of year. Darker fall fashions, coats and stockings, coffee and hot baked sweets, Halloween and those cold breezes. So far I've enjoyed it. And as you can tell I now have a new playlist to match. Yeah it's really sad and depressing, but that's kind of where I'm at right now and it fits with the upcoming holiday.  And I think I'm in love, but it seriously could be just my imagination? According to my friends, I'm soo goth and I don't even know it. Plus I love the dark, beautiful, sad and tragic. So it makes sense.  I'm letting my inner goth/ dark whatever you want to call it out more. Which I think is a good thing it's like exposing all the sides of Victoria.

Anywho I'll get to posting soon. 

Happy Autumn.

"My life is one big dark room" - Lydia Deetz

I took this photo on the first official gloomy day of the fall season here in LA. 

It didn't last very long about 2 days max and about a week ago.

Quite appropriate don't you think? I guess you can call the look Vintage Parisian Goth.

I had some inspiration from Lydia Deetz too (aka Winona Ryder in the movie BeetleJuice).

This is what I pretty much look like these days.

Thrifted Vintage Dress, Slip & Belt

Flea Market $1 Cardigan

H&M Beret

My Morrissey Weekend

Sorry for the delay. Last month I blogged how I was planning on seeing Morrissey at the Staples Center March 1st and at Hollywood High School March 2nd. Well here's the post sharing my experience with you! Both shows were wonderful and that intimate Hollywood High show was nothing but amazing I even cried!! It was a weekend filled with friends and familiar faces, tons of fun, singing along and dancing to those heartfelt songs! I'm glad I had the chance to see Moz before he became ill and had to cancel his tour. It truly was a performance to remember. Oh and it was great finally bumping into Lidi of the blog "The Pocket Size Housewife" she recognized me! She has a great blog about all her loves and adventures with her Husband being the cutest little housewife! It was great meeting you! We should've took a picture, but there's always next time and thanks for saying hello!

The crowd at the staples center show!

Moz hit's the stage!

I didn't take many pics that night as you can see I wasn't very close to the stage haha But still it was a fantastic show! Loved that he played a lot of my favorites!

One of my favorite parts of that night was during the song "Speedway" Morrissey spoke those all too familiar and true words! Loved it!

This is me in front of Hollywood High the night of the show. I don't know exactly what that orb is? Possibly a spirit, because it's not a watermark! 

My two awesome friends who hung out with me the whole weekend Lidia of the amazing fashion website Fashion Focused (check it out for all your fashion needs!) and my great friend Pablo! 

Together we were one crazy smiths moz loving trio!

I had orchestra tickets, so this is some of the crowd in the balcony including my friends and celebs and musicians Actor/ Comedian Russell Brand who introduced Morrissey, Tony Kanal bass player of No Doubt and Davey Havok singer of AFI.

There he is the man himself! Morrissey! Looking lovely in blue floral!

Such passion!

A stage shot

Taking a bow

You rip that shirt off Morrissey!

Oh Moz, divine and holy one...

One of the most touching moments I've ever experienced! I cried and sobbed (not uncontrollably of course) softly as you felt all this love and energy in the room. I don't think I've ever yet to cry at a show like that.

Morrissey I hope we have you around much longer to continue to spread your love and your music, 

we need you and we love you!

Until Again!

(All Photos By. Victoria Inez Rivera)

Depeche Mode 2013

Yes yes yes!! I'm soo soo soo excited DM is back with a new album and a new tour on it's way!! You can't believe how effing excited I am! *"I just can't get enough, I just can't get enough"*

I missed the last tour so I'm definetly prepared for this one!

Last tour I missed out so I vowed I will see them upfront and personal at least once! I'll be attending both LA and maybe one in San Diego I'm hoping they'll add a Anaheim or Las Vegas show too.

 Plus there album is better than ever!!

The album is set to release this upcoming tuesday March 26th, 2013 and though I've heard a few new songs I'm waiting until I actually have the album in my hands which by my lucky stars I won in a KROQ radio contest!! I'm loving the bluesy sound and heavy draggy synths, it defiantly has a throwback feel to their Violator and Songs of Faith and Devotion albums. So far I've heard these songs and they're my favorite, especially "Should Be Higher".

Heaven

Angel

Should Be Higher

Not only is the album coming out including ticket sale dates there are a ton of DM/Strangelove Parties to attend too!

I'll  be here early, dressed in leather and black and ready to party!

I wish I could be here this night, but I'll be in Las Vegas for a Rockabilly Festival.

Depeche Mode Afterparty atb one of my favorite Downtown LA venues with Strangelove, 

Hell yes I'm There!!

I can go on and on and on, But check it out for yourself and let the DM Devotional madness begin!!

I'm soo ready!!!

Be sure to keep up with al the latest Depeche Mode and Strangelove DM tribute news!!

www.depechemode.com

www.twitter.com/depechemode

www.depechetribute.com

www.twitter.com/depechetribute

Mode On Devotees!!

Morrissey at Hollywood High

Be there or be square!!

Somehow my lucky stars were aligned and I got myself orchestra tickets to this intimate show, following right after Moz plays the Staples Center.

I think I'm going to dress in a totally retro teeny bopper vibe for this show, it seems appropriate.

 I just hope I don't get trampled on!

I'll see you guys there!!

Upcoming Events

Tons and tons of fun events are coming up! 

For all your Retro, Vintage, Rockabilly & 80's needs!

I'll be at most of these events, so if you see me say hi and be sure to spread the word!

Saturday

February 23, 2013

Call it 'Victoria Vends Vintage Part 2'! I'll be vending my own vintage and reproduction clothing for women and men here at this really cool shop along with friends this saturday! Everything from the early 20th century, along with food vendors and live band! Different sizes and styles to choose from, meet new people and have a great time! There's even a fashion show from 12:30 pm - 1:30pm!

Friday

March 1, 2013

Morrissey is back in town! The original show was scheduled back last November with Iggy & The Stooges. However due to Moz's momma being sick he rescheduled and we're left with no Iggy and lame Patti Smith! (Ugh, I'm not really a PS fan sorry) So I think all of Los Angeles will be crammed into Staples Center this night as well as be roaming the streets of LA for the after parties.

That same night some friends of mine are throwing a grand opening party for their vintage clothing shop Vintage Vortex! I don't think I'll be able to attend due to the Morrissey show, but if you love vintage and grilled cheese (The Famous Grilled Cheese Truck will be there!) be sure to stop by!

Saturday

March 9, 2013

Many of you have heard of this event before! I usually attend every year and it gets bigger and bigger! This years band line up sounds great! Come all the way out to the Inland Empire for your Rockabilly fix, pinup girls and those classic cars!

You can check out some event details and pics at the last time I attended the festival 

4th Annual Latino Rockabilly Festival

Saturday

March 16, 2013

The Chit Chat Club resurfaces yet again! This time for a fun filled glamourous night on Catalina Island!

This event is surely not to be missed! The Avalon Casino hasn't seen a party like this is ages! A black tie affair with great bands and at a ticket price that's a steal what's not to love!

Tuesday

March 26, 2013

Woo! DM fans let me hear you!! Finally Depeche Mode is releasing a new album that day and the New Wave Bar is hosting a album release party with a night full of DM, world famous DJ Richard Blade and the best DM tribute band ever, my friends Strangelove!! This is certainly not event to be missed so come have a Black Celebration!

Saturday

March 30, 2013

Couldn't make it to the new DM album release party at the New Wave? Never fear 333 Live in Downtown LA is having an DM dance party with ultimate DM tribute Strangelove, including a DJ set by Strangelove's Devotional Dave!! I'd really love to attend this night especially at one of my favorite venues with my favorite guys, but I'll be in Vegas that night.

Thursday- Sunday

March 28 - 31 2013

Viva is right around the corner!! Do you have your tickets yet? Are you ready for drunken, rockabilly, dance and party all night mayhem?! This will be my second year attending and I still haven't even posted about my first year going! Grab your best vintage, that classic car and those dance shoes for the biggest rockabilly festival in the world!! 

See you there!

Upcoming Events

8th Annual Ink N' Iron Festival

June 10- 12

This weekend is the 8th Annual Ink N' Iron festival in Long Beach California on the fabulous ocean liner the Queen Mary! Bands, Tattoos, Cars, Pin Ups and more at this three day festival. This will be my first time going so I really don't know what to expect and I'll be going Sunday which is clearly the best day because of the events and the bands! It's all ages and the ticket prices very, for more info check out the website. I can't wait! And if you see me say hi!!
A video from last years festival:

For complete lineup, info, ticket prices and more check out the website:
http://ink-n-iron.com/

Los Angeles Conservancy presents: 

Last Remaining Seats

May 25- June 29

How does being transported in time to the movie palaces of yester year watching wonderful classic films sound? That's what the Los Angeles Conservancy does every summer, and this years lineup is great! In fact almost everything is sold out! I really wanted to go to the showing of "Rear Window" but, yes it was sold out and I had school work to do. I don't think I'll be making it to the other showings except maybe for "Zoot Suit". I've seen the movie plenty of times before, but it's just when you see the movies in a packed old movie house and al the energy and excitement it's really great! I attended 2009's Last Remaining Seats, so lets see if I go this year!

for the movie schedule check out:

http://www.laconservancy.org/remaining/2011.php4




-See you there!

Happy Birthday Steve Naghavi

Steve Naghavi

May 26, 1970

Happy 41st Birthday Steve!! Are you wondering just who Steve Naghavi is, never heard of him? Well I wouldn't expect you too especially since many Americans don't. If you would've asked me who Steve was 6 years ago I would've said the same thing. But all due to the little crowd I hung out with when I was 14 and going to certain backyard  high school parties I discovered And  One.  And One? Steve Naghavi is the singer for the band And One, an awesome Synthpop/ EBM  band from Germany!!!
I love And One's music! Plus the whole reason And One was created or more so influenced in the beginning was because of Depeche Mode! Steve was obsessed with Depeche Mode and wanted to be Dave Gahan! He still is a huge Depeche Mode fan, and if you ask me he kind of resembles Dave Gahan a little. Oh and Steve is a hell of a good looking man if you ask me! He's even a great dancer just like Dave and just as sexy and he even knows how to work that mic stand!!! Over time their sound and look has been less Depeche and more And One which is a good thing since they established and identity. Their sound is much heavier and I like that, but don't worry they're still very DM influenced. However being that they aren't very popular in the US doesn't mean they aren't liked, oh no they are! Lot's of goth clubs that play a lot of industrial and synth usually have their music playing on a regular basis (I've never been to a goth club). But the way I found out about them would I guess be because of the "Rebel Scene". [The Rebel Scene I really don't know much about it, I wasn't around when it happened. I guess it started in early to mid 1990's  Los Angeles where (It was extremely popular with Latinos in particular Mexicans) kids were into Rockabilly style, but they listened to a lot of 1980's alternative, synth, trance, and early house music. Listening to Depeche Mode, The Smiths & Morrissey, The Cure, 90's House and yeah, And One. In high school I hung out with a couple of second generation Rebels, I listened to DM and the Smiths before I met them, but they introduced me to And One, and I love what I heard ever since! ] In fact I dreamt of the day I would finally get to see them! I mean they're hugely popular in their Fatherland (Germany) especially in Russia and in Mexico as well as other parts of Europe and South America where the EBM scene is big (EBM stands for Electronic Body Music, it's like early industrial it's synthy too)! When they announced their new album last year and presented a North American tour I went crazy! I made sure I bought tickets! I had planned to see them May 15th in Hollywood and be in the front row, only for the show to be canceled, I was devastated!

I missed out on what could've been all this awesomeness! I frekin love Steve's outfit for the Tanzomat tour! Those dance moves!! And yes they even cover Depeche Mode songs!! The video is a little long, but you should so watch it!

I guess one day I hope to see them, maybe they'll come back if not I guess a trip to Europe is the works  I would love that, hahaha But I don't think It'll be happening anytime soon!
Alles Gute zum Gerburstag Steve!!



The First song that introduced and hooked me onto And One. "Military Fashion Show" from the 2004 BodyPop album.

And as if I couldn't love them anymore, they do this!! And One's Rockabilly version of Military Fashion Show!!! Wooo!!! The video is a little cheesy though.

And One's "Second Voice" an early song of theirs from 1991 and an old favorite!

*I think I'll do a post about EBM it will be interesting  and the whole Rebel Scene too! New posts to think about!*

The Los Angeles Air Raid of 1942

• February 19th, It was my first time going to the Great Los Angeles Air Raid 0f 1942.  It's a great, fun historic reenactment of the LA air raid that occurred in '42 when an unidentified flying object was reported. No one knew if it was a Japanese war plane or an actual UFO? So to celebrate the historic Fort MacArthur in San Pedro, California holds a dance and WWII reenactment. I apologize for not posting this in my 'Upcoming Events', I've been distracted and yeah lazy too.  At the last minute I didn't even know if I was going to go, it was pouring buckets! Eventually we went and I'm glad I did, I met a new people made new friends, checked out guests wonderful outfits and had fun! Though it was so cold and rainy, hopefully next years will be bright, warm and sunny; which would make for much better photos too. Hopefully by next year my swing dancing skills would be better as well! I was stepping all over my friends toes, haha!
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• A lovely sunset

Setting up camp

Empty dance hall

My friend Robs' awesome FDR pin

Dancing

A couple who dressed and danced wonderfully

The air raid goes off!!

Yours truly; Thank goodness I wore stockings!

With my fabulous gal pals Ashley and Jessica. 

Hello Sailor! These boys were soo entertaining! 

Myself and my dashing  friend Ernie

With the lovely Mary! We just met that night, and boy doesn't she looked fabulous! Her outfit and that matching fascinator and corsage were to die for!! All us gals were soo envious we wanted one! Her entire ensemble was made by her brother Mr. Tiny of Wacky Tacky . Amazing, what isn't to love?

Lauren and Ashley dancing away

My brother Angel, looking quite spiffy

(All photos by. Angel Rivera)

Here is an amazing video shot of a previous LA Air Raid a few years back. It's so fun! And I promise next time I'll be sure to let you know.

• Los Angeles Air Raid of 1942 from Boulos Studios on Vimeo.
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• For More info:
• http://www.ftmac.org/AirRaid2011.htm

-Victoria

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ReVamp in the New York Times

ReVamp Fashions

Today the amazing Vintage Reproduction clothing ReVamp, which I proudly and happily work for was featured in an article about Retro Fashion in the New York Times. That's a pretty big deal! It's also very very exciting! This world needs more classic style! Be sure to check the article out, and remember if you're in Los Angeles this weekend be sure to try and stop by the Vintage Fashion Expo in Santa Monica, ReVamp will be there!! (and I'll be working the booth Saturday)

Article Photo

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/03/fashion/03REPRO.html?_r=1&ref=fashion

ReVamp:

http://www.revampvintage.com/

(photos from revampvintage.com and new york times)

~Victoria

Thursday Was An Event In Itself

So This Past Thursday,I thought It would Be any typical old Thursday. Well I was wrong, it turned out to be quite a fun little adventure around Los Angeles. I snapped some photos of my favorite Icons of Downtown Los Angeles. Met this wonderful Photographer at the Downtown Art Walk. Stopped at a local bicycle shop in my neighborhood that's been family run since 1941. Then snapped some photos again of the lovely spring florals on my street. And to finish It a photo of my outfit for the Day.
Fashion District Deco



What Is Black And White; Is Gray
While Walking down the street to my usual bus stop I noticed and realized that this Thursday was the Downtown Artwalk (which happens the 2nd Thursday of every month). It's a great event with tons of independent artists, vendors, music, and food. While browsing through really quickly a simple little booth quickly caught my eye before I left. Beautiful Black and White Photographs. But just not any, old photographs... I don't know really what to say I just instantly fell in love with them I think they just too beautiful!! These Photos had a simpleness to them, and major extra points for being Black and White (I'm an absolute sucker for B&W photography I LOVE it!) plus they kinda felt retro too! I think I like them so much because they reminded me of my favorite things, songs, movies, lifestyles and thoughts. When laying eyes on these photos I instantly thought of them as the love child of two of my all time favorite artists Man Ray and Anton Corbijn, and how they totally can be used as images for a Depeche Mode music video or album art! (It was like having an Art Orgasam, if there is such a thing which I'm sure there is) I was fortunate enough to be in the presence of this brillant photographer, Mr. Gray Malin. I approached him and told him just how wonderful and beautiful his work is! (He's a very handsome man too) We continued are small and friendly conversation about his artwork and how i happened to find his booth at the Artwalk. Gray Malin just gained a new fan!!
You Must see his work, If his photos were a fella I'd totally be swooning over him haha Check his website out at: http://www.graymalin.com/
The very talented, Gray Malin.

Some shots of his work.

A View From My Favorite Bus Stop: Lamp Post at 4th & Main

Bicycle Browsing
So ever since we have been having great sunny breezey weather, Me and my brother have been dying to do some recreational bike riding there is just one problem I don't own a bike. I love bike riding it was one of my favorite past times as a kid, and I would love to do it again. Also since I don't drive yet, and commute by myself by bus and train it would be great for making quick trips without spending extra change! But not just any bike would do, It would have to be something of course very vintage looking, cute and stylish! I'm very particular when it comes to these things so in order to see what the world had to offer in my liking that was cheap enough but still had quality. I decided to stop by Dennison Cyclery. I live literally about 5 minutes away from the oldest family run and owned bike shop in LA County since 1941!! That intself screams a place were Victoria can find her dream bike..or something close! It's a small shop the way I can describe it as a mini museum with a ton of bikes packed into a sardine can. It was full of guys getting their bikes ready for summer and the service was very very helpful and yes it was family! The owner Mr. Bill Blake gave me a mini tour of all the vintage bikes they had displayed, old photos, and let me flip through a Japanese magazine that published an article about this awesome little bike shop in lovely East Los Angeles! Dennison Cyclery is a great interesting little jewel in East LA, and I think I just found my dream bike there! For More info check out their website at: http://www.dennisoncyclery.com/

The original owner and his bike.

The original owner's bike displayed in the shop.

Some old photos in the shop.

I think this just could be part of the bike of my dreams?

Spring On My Street

Outfit Of The Day
Lately I've been looking at a lot of WWII propaganda posters and I was inspired by factory girls. Wearing my modern but retro looking green sweater blouse, faux denim 1940's style slacks, my favorite black and white saddle shoes, and my favorite pair of 1950's/1960's style sunglasses. And my only two vintage items a 1950's chiffon scarf wrapped on my head and my 1960's plastic braclet.

I know this has been a long one! Until again,
~Victoria  (All photos by Victoria Inez Rivera, last photo by Angel Rivera)