Frankie's Tiki Room - Las Vegas

If kitschy culture, cool drinks and amazing atmosphere is your style, get off of The Strip and head over to Frankie’s Tiki Room in Las Vegas. This cozy bar is covered in bamboo, carved tiki gods and thatched roofing. Some of the best tiki artists in the world contributed to the incredible island decor that covers every inch of the walls, chairs and bar. Tiki Bosko,  Leroy Shmaltz and Tiki Ray are just some of the many talented artists who helped bring Frankie’s aloha spirit to life. Top it off with tropical sounds playing in the background and vintage Hawaiian movies behind the bar and you’ve got ambiance that carries you away to an Polynesian paradise. Oh... and let’s not forget about the drinks...

The strength of Frankie’s drinks are measured in cute little Shag-like skulls - however don’t let their cuteness fool you!! Drinks such as the Kahiki Kai (my favorite and only two skulls), the Thurston Howl (four skulls) and of course their killer Zombie (a whopping five skulls - and they aren’t kidding) are all original creations and can be served in collectible tiki mugs. Frankie's is all about the details - right down to their headhunter swizzle sticks. If you can’t make it to Vegas any time soon, but want a little piece of Frankie’s in your home, you can purchase their mugs and prints in their online store.

Frankie’s is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Located just west of Las Vegas Boulevard at: 1712 W. Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89102

www.FrankiesTikiRoom.com

702-385-3110

Unique-Vintage Boutique

Vintage fashion trends come and go with mainstream designers like the tides on a summer beach. And if you’re a retro girl, that often means that brick-and-mortar shopping (aka - the mall) isn’t always your first choice - or even an option - when it comes to finding a fabulous bit of modern nostalgia.  Don’t get me wrong, I love online shopping and I love the amazing independent designers who are providing us with glamorous, reinvented ensembles.  But sometimes I want to browse in person. Sometimes I want to feel the fabric and see the color. Sometimes I want to try it on.  I recently stumbled upon the most amazing place - a shop dedicated to all things modern retro. A big shop. With beautiful clothes. And handbags. And shoes. By our favorite indie designers. All there to touch and feel (and drool over). I felt like I had died and gone to retro heaven.

Unique-Vintage is beautiful boutique on the quaint and trendy Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank, California. Divided into three sections, this unique shop offers glamorous designs for retro girls of all ages. If you’re looking for the perfect prom dress in the style of Audrey Hepburn, this is your shop. If you are oogling over the latest dresses from modern designers such as Lolita Girl or Heartbreaker Fashion, this is your opportunity to try them on and feel just how luxurious they are in person. The third section of Unique-Vintage is dedicated to the retro bride. They offer the most beautiful wedding dresses that even Grace Kelly would be proud to wear.  I want to renew my vows just to shop in this section and wear a gorgeous 50s inspired gown.  

Unique-Vintage also has their own line of clothes designed and inspired by nostalgic fashion. Halter swing dresses, wiggle dresses, swimsuits and separates are offered  in a wide variety of colors and designs. The owner and creator even uses metal zippers for an extra authentic touch. I recently purchased a tiki-sarong dress from their custom line and I fell in love with the fit to my curves, the fabric, the colors and the feel. And then... the best part... I walked out with my purchase that same day. I love online shopping, but that impatient part of me often wants it now.  

• On Saturday, October 29th they are hosting a Halloween Costume Haunt with The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Good Day LA.  It’s from 1-5 pm and includes Halloween costume ideas from the 20s-60s.

If you aren’t a Southern California girl, you can still experience Unique-Vintage online. And if you ever get a chance to vacation out west, skip the theme parks and put U-V on your must see list!  

www.Unique-Vintage.com
2013 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91506
818-742-6210

A Very Retro Halloween

Halloween is fast approaching and it's the perfect time to play up the retro by recreating a favorite character from an iconic era. Here is a list of fun and flirty retro costume ideas to bring forth your vintage vixen. If you have more ideas to add to the list, leave your comments below. ♥

• Marilyn Monroe:  Of course I have to start with Marilyn! Instead of going for the common 7 Year Itch dress, why not grab your BFF and go as the gal pals from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes? Couple’s Tip: Have your guy dress as JFK or Joe DiMaggio.
• Ginger Grant: The sultry movie star from Giligan’s Island is the ultimate TV bombshell. A red wig, a slinky dress and a life preserver and you're all set. Couple’s Tip: Have your first mate dress as Gilligan or the Professor.
• MaryAnn: You know the ol’ question... Are you a Ginger or a MaryAnn? If your sweet n’ sexy, this other castaway is the costume for you! Here’s an adorable, checkered romper by Bernie Dexter to channel your inner “good girl.” Couple’s Tip: See Ginger.
• Bewitched: A retro miniskirt and a long, blonde flipped ‘do is just the trick to magically transform you into the sexiest witch of the 60s - Samantha Stevens.  Couple’s Tip: Have your guy dress as hubby Darren (you choose the version)  Family Tip: If you have little sweetie like I do, she’d make the perfect Tabitha.
• Lucy Ricardo: We all love Lucy. And while funny lady Lucille Ball, kept us laughing, we often forget what a gorgeous bombshell she truly was. Here’s the perfect polka dotted dress from Daddy O’s designed by Stop Starring. Couple’s Tip: Ricky! Don't forget the bongos.
• Morticia Addams: The ultimate goth queen is truly a fabulous bombshell in her long, velvet wiggle dress. Couple’s Tip: Let your guy romance the night away as the loving Gomez Addams. Family Tip: Pugsley and Wednesday!

• Pan Am Stewardess: The new television show on ABC is launching next week and so are the cute costumes like this sexy flight attendant to go along with it! Don't forget the best part... Handbags! Couple’s Tip: Have your guy dress as a pilot. Gal Pal Tip: Gather up the BFFs and go as a group. Fasten your seat belts!
• 60’s Star Trek Babe: Go-go boots and a sexy, long sleeved mini dress will beam you up as an intergalactic goddess. Couple’s Tip: Give your guy some pointy ears and transform him into Mr. Spock or ladies man, Captain Kirk.
• Vintage Sailor Girl: Last year I went as a vintage sailor girl with a dress purchased from PinUpGirlClothing. It was my favorite costume so far - especially because my handsome hubby and adorable daughter dressed up too!
• Jessica Rabbit: No other cartoon bombshell can compare to this racy Rabbit! Here's a gorgeous, red mermaid gown found at Unique-Vintage designed by Stop Starring that puts the voom in va-va-voom! (Thank you to FB fan, Ashley, for this suggestion!) Couple’s Tip: Have your date dress as a 1940s detective.
• Cigarette Girls: Vintage cigarette girls dolled up any formal event, and now you can be a doll for a night too! Check out MrsBellasDolls.com to see how real life Cigarette Girls work their magic. Bella creates all of her costumes and she is the perfect source for glamour inspiration (to learn more about Bella and her fabulous dolls, click here). Couple’s Tip: Have your date dress as an vintage usher or bell hop.
• Tiki/Hawaiian Girl: If you love a good luau, why not be a Hawaiian inspired goddess for Halloween? Hula, tiki, flowered sundress... Don’t forge your lei! Couple’s Tip: Dress your date white shorts and a Hawaiian shirt for a Blue Hawaii Elvis. Don’t forget the ukulele.

• Liz Taylor’s Cleopatra: I recently had the pleasure of experiencing Elizabeth Taylor’s version of Cleopatra on the big screen and seeing her glorious costumes come to life in vibrant technicolor. The drama and beauty of her ensembles are fit for a queen! Check out this wonderful blog Digs, Frocks & Books for images and inspiration. Couple’s Tip: dress your Richard Burton as Cleo’s love, Mark Antony. 
• Bettie Page: We all love Bettie. How about recreating one of her iconic looks and pulling out the 6” stilettos this Halloween? Couple’s Tip: The queen of pinup needs a photographer. Arm your guy with a vintage camera!
• Playboy Bunny: Take inspiration from the new television show, The Playboy Club, and wiggle your tail as a glamorous 60s bunny. Couple’s Tip: Get a smoking jacket and some silk jammies for your Hugh Heffner.

Hand-Carved Tiki Shoes

Everyone who knows me, knows how much I love my shoes. My husband has even hinted toward an intervention, but he has learned my shoes are part of the package. You love me, you love my shoes. And speaking of love, I absolutely love discovering something unique. I have been known to construct entire outfits around a spectacular stiletto or a whimsical wedge. But nothing is as unique, spectacular or outfit-worthy as my latest discovery - Lucky Lou’s Hand-Carved Tiki Shoes.  I recently found them online and I’m in awe.

Not only are they gorgeous, but the story behind the line is so inspiring. Lucky Lou’s was created by an artistic, shoe-loving entrepreneur who fell in love with a vintage pair of hand-carved sandals. Intrigued by their originality, design and beauty, Linda Lou was on a mission to find the creators of these amazing masterpieces. She scoured the globe and finally found the descendants of the family who originally carved the World War II souvenir pieces. She convinced them to return to their nearly-lost trade and start creating beautiful works of art again. How incredible is that?? Again, I am in awe.

She’s currently trying to raise funding through Kickstarter to further her fanciful designs. You can check out her project video here. Lucky Lou’s shoes can be found at various rockabilly and pin-up boutiques and can also be ordered through her site (though many are sold out!).  Here’s hoping Lucky gets lucky. ♥

www.LuckyLouShoes.com

Egyptian Movie Theatre

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to view the old classic movies on the big screen? Imagine seeing Gene Kelly splashing around in glorious Technicolor as he danced on the streets in Singin’ In the Rain. Or watching Cary Grant and Grace Kelly captivate audiences as they were meant to back in 1955 when Hitchcock’s thriller, To Catch A Thief, debuted. If you live in Los Angeles, you’re in luck.

The Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood celebrates cinema by preserving and presenting classic films. I recently saw Elizabeth Taylor’s epic picture, Cleopatra. Seeing her incredible costumes fully come to life was enough to enchant me for the four hours (yes four hours!) of the movie.  

This Saturday, July 16th,  the Egyptian Theatre is hosting a “Tiki Celebration” before playing the 1951 island fantasy, Bird of Paradise, starring Deborah Paget.  Enjoy tiki vendors; live music and performances from King Kukulele and His Friki Tikis; sip on tropical drinks and dine on island fare from Maui and Sons Restaurant while watching a Tiki Fashion Show in the Egyptian’s courtyard starting at 5 PM. It’s the perfect escape from Carmageddon if you happen to be near by!

Egyptian Theatre

6712 Hollywood Blvd.

Hollywood, CA 90028

Tiki art by Eric October who will also be featured at the Tiki Celebration.