JOAN CRAWFORD - AMERICA'S SWEETHEART...AND A DAY OF RETRO TREASURES!

Just when I could have sworn that it was someone else...who KNEW?!

 

My friend Jackie and I, in an attempt to add a little "happy" to my week, headed out to our favorite antique mall today.  It worked, bringing a smile to my face, some great retro memories to my heart, some new, old treasures in my pocket, and a satisfied appetite, to boot.

These came home with me - a pair of Bakelite barrettes (they're 2" wide); a brass squirrel pin with a beautiful pot metal tail; and the most excellent purchase of the day - a vintage Joan Crawford "publicity" pinback button that I couldn't bear to leave behind because, damn it all - nobody puts ol' Joan in a corner - and, no one would believe me about her title if I couldn't prove it!

A new restaurant experience for both of us, came in the way of CASA DON JUAN MEXICAN RESTAURANT, on Main Street, in the old/NEW art section of downtown Las Vegas.  FABULOUS food - charming atmosphere - the waitress took our order, and (SERIOUSLY) the food was on the table in 5 minutes time!

Across the street, we were beckoned by a large PINK building with a sign promising more antiques, art, furnishings, and accessories.  Seriously not thinking anything would top the Joan Crawford revelation, we wandered over, after lunch.  It was like walking back into my youth...they even had an entire pink kitchen (refrigerator, double oven, cabinets, AND the kitchen sink - no, we did NOT have a pink kitchen...the rest of the stuff was from my youth...the gin was from my 21 and over years).

As I mentioned, this area of old downtown Las Vegas, is seeing quite a movement to clean it up and bring a sort of art culture to the area.  In addition to the galleries and unique shops cropping up, the area also plays host to FIRST FRIDAY, each month - a gathering of artisans, entertainers, food vendors - an all-around wonderful evening out, under the Vegas stars.  RETRO VEGAS is located at 1131 S. Main St. - right across the street from the best Mexican food downtown.

And, as if all that fabulousness wasn't enough today, this was awaiting me in the mail.  Another win from the Grow Your Blog Party - this, a beautiful handmade bracelet from Jenny at PEPPA'S DREAM - vintage rhinestones; a beautiful, large, old religious medal; and brass filigree, all set atop a silver-toned cuff bracelet...pretty retro fabulicious, in it's own right!  You can find more loveliness at Jenny's blog, including a link to her Etsy shop.  Thank you again, Jenny - you ROCK!

Yes, smiles were plentiful today - here's hoping you find your "happy" this weekend, too...