5.11.2010

California, day 4, Retro Row and the Queen Mary

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Now that I know about Retro Row in Long Beach I just can't stay away. But more on that later. Since we were going to Long Beach we had to make a stop at The Queen Mary, a huge, beautiful, cruise ship first launched in the 30s, so it had a lot of pretty deco styling. After years of being forgotten it's recently been remodeled, and is permanently docked for tours, you can even stay there in the original staterooms! It was a beautiful day for walking along the upper decks, I could just picture pretty girls and handsome boys strolling along in fine 30s fashions, while they sail across the Atlantic. They had lots of pictures of old film and music stars who traveled on the ship, it was quite the way to sail!

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Next stop of the day was Retro Row! I swear, every city needs a retro row, it's a dream for vintage shoppers. There are lots of amazing shops all within easy walking distance, I could easily spend all day there, and a few months paycheck ;)
Out of all the stores these three were my favorite, they had a selection and prices that were to my taste, but there were many more great shops. At Meow I found the perfect pair of 50s jeans, fully lined in red flannel! They had two big stacks of 50s jeans there, in a wide range of sizes. When I got home from California last time I regretted not getting at least one pair, and I have not seen a single pair in Portland. What's with that? Get on it Portland!
Next stop was Liberty Vintage, and I was so glad the owner, Bridget, was there. She's the sweetest! We talked for a bit and I shopped for a bit (she has a terrific 40s and 50s selection of dresses), and even though nothing fit just right on me, I still enjoyed my time there. And when I picked up some of the most darling anchor hairbows she said "Oh let me give them to you!" Isn't that so sweet? I'm in love with these bows, on top of being cute they have a special backing on the clip to keep it from slipping out of your hair! There is an Etsy shop for them, but if looks like it's empty at the moment, too bad because I want to order some more!
Last stop was the The Vintage Collective, a store that has a mix of furniture, housewares, and lots of clothing! I got a little something there, but it's a surprise for Twila Jean, so shhhhhhhh!
I enjoyed talking to the owner and shop girl (I'm such an airhead and forgot their names! How terrible.), they were both really nice, and us gals swapped favorite blogs we read, and talked about Style Rookie. I'd love to go back there just to chat with them!

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Last stop of the day was K'ya Bistro in Laguna Beach. They have the best happy hour in the world, and the food is amazing. I had a yummy fennel and goat cheese salad, salmon with spicy coconut sauce, and lemon tart and berries for dessert. All I have to say is: Yum.

Sailor dress and shoes-Urban Eccentric Vintage

Beret-Thrifted

50s sunglasses-won them on Pretty Little Things

20 comments:

Vivian V. Dimples said...

What a perfect day.

art deco dame said...

oh man you are making me homesick!

A Thrifty Mrs said...

Looks blissful. I can't wait to get state side and do some shopping.

Oh and I have an old red phone box (sadly they aren't all like that anymore) at the end of my street.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful day! I love the pictures!

BaronessVonVintage said...

WHeee! The Queen Mary bit was AWESOME!! I've gotta check that out some time. AMAZING!

Anonymous said...

Ah, the Queen Mary! Although it's currently in renovation limbo, Eaton's department store in downtown Montreal had a restaurant on the ninth floor (Google: Eaton's 9th Floor) that was a near-perfect replica of the diningroom of the Queen Mary. I have to admit that seeing the original a few years ago was a particular thrill for me, as it brought back a lot of fond childhood memories of Sunday lunches with my grandmother!

Charlotte said...

Oh how funny! I'm going nautical style today, and I just earlier posted a picture of myself in exactly the same "salute" pose as you haha! Looks like you're having fun in California - jealous of your 50s jeans, I want a pair!

xx Charlotte
Tuppence Ha'penny

bridgetwhoplaysfrenchhorn said...

Oh my goodness what a trip! I love it.

Jenni said...

A. You look adorable. Love the sailor dress.
B. Um, now I kind of want to go to vintage row... It's only 4 hours away! That's not so bad, right? :D
C. Also, I am hungry. I'll have some of that tart, please.

Claire Nouveau said...

oh it looks like such a lovely day! in all the years i lived in california, i never ventured to long beach...and now i'm kicking myself!
xo,
claire
m a m u s h k a m a r i e

Victoria / Justice Pirate said...

Oh goodness those shops look awesome. You always look like you are having such a blast.

B-b-b-etty said...

Oh lucky you! I've always dreamed of visiting The Queen Mary!

Kitten loves vintage said...

Seems you had a fantastic day, and those jeans you found are just wow. You can surely consider yourself lucky! :)

Sarah Dee said...

You literally walked through my heaven! Retro Row here I come!

Sarah
theantiquepearl.blogspot.com

Q's Daydream said...

ohhhhh, what a dream day! RETRO ROW!!!!???? Lordy, how fabulous! I adore your dress too soooo much! and is that a margarita I see??? yummmm! ;o)

hannah, heart city said...

aren't you stylin! such a timeless look :) and those vintage shops look soo fun!!

Anonymous said...

Gah! Those nautical hair bows are beyond adorable, as is your blue and white striped dress! I can't wait to back at my home in Long Beach, CA!

Vanessa said...

I love love love your dress! So pretty!

Unknown said...

you are so darn cute!
xoxo alison

nayellyplascencia said...

I went to the Queen Mary last year! I love how they left it exactly how it was, old fashioned and all! It was as if I had stepped into a time machine..amazing!