Watts up?

 

I think my mom was the first person to tell me about Watts Towers. Many a hippie in her day had sojourned to the depths of South Central to see this magnificent work of art.  Ever since I found out about the towers, I knew that one day I would visit.  The visit I had this weekend was definitely long overdue, but I'm happy to say that I can finally scratch this little Los Angeles adventure off of the list!

I think the most amazing thing about this piece is that it was created by one person, Simon Rodia, who worked tirelessly for over thirty years to create his masterpiece.  Then, when it was done, he simply gave the ownership of the property to his neighbor and walked away,  leaving behind a legacy that in its own way, paid homage to the legacies of his heroes- Da Vinci, Marco Polo and Christopher Columbus.

Its really like nothing you have ever seen! Everyone in Los Angeles should give it a visit. Even if you are not from L.A., it is definitely worth your while to make a little detour over to Watts Towers.  Tours are $7 which includes access to a small art exhibit in their visitor center and a short documentary. To find out when you can go view the property, click here.

It was a hot day in Watts and we didn't eat any breakfast, so we decided to try Hawkins House of Burgers.  It was pretty damn tasty.  Brian really liked his fat egg cheese burger, and my fish sandwich was perfectly cooked.  The onion rings are awesome, too!

We decided that we were on a roll and so on the way home we stopped by another Los Angeles landmark, Randy's Donuts in Inglewood, Ca.  I love the 50s vibe, and don't be fooled by the kitschiness, these donuts are REALLY good. We got two jelly filled for two bucks!  Can't beat that. :)

Sunglasses + Vintage

80s shirt + Thrifted

Jean Skirt + Thrifted

Shoes + Vans

zoooooooommmmm ouuuuuuuuuuuutttttttttt  :)

View Danielle's Adventures in a larger map

Paula

This is my bestie Paula, or as some like to call her; P, Peeb, Pb, Peen (am I missing any?)
I call her many of these nicknames, but I won't call her my therapist, 'cause then I might have to start paying her. ;) This girl has helped me through some ROUGH times.  I'm not quite certain that I can live without her.  The pictures here are enough to prove she is beautiful in every way.

Paula is an avid hiker.  She and her husband Matt are now into peak bagging.  Hiking with these two is not for the weak.  I've experienced near death by hiking with them on several occasions.

*cough* Mt. Baldy *cough* *cough* Zuma Canyon *cough*

I didn't think I'd be coming back alive from Baldy, and I was pretty sure we'd be spending the night in the seemingly endless Zuma Canyon.  

You know those occasions where you think you're probably going to die but you don't, and then you laugh about it later?  Well, let's just say that Paula, Matt and I have pleeeenty to laugh about.

I'm completely inspired by vintage things.  I grew up in a 1940s style house in L.A.  My mother collected antiques.  I guess it runs in the family.  I want people to wear their own clothes for my pictures, because I feel their clothes reflect their personality.  But if they have any vintage clothing, I encourage them to dress up in it.  Anyway, I was rummaging through Paula's closet to find out what the heck we were going to dress her in for the shoot, and we came across a vintage green tiki print blouse that was her grandmother's.  The rest of the outfit came together in my mind instantly. We shot at the Culver Hotel (possibly illegally).  Word to the wise- do NOT go there after happy hour, or you will quickly become broke.  Cheers!

Hiking babe pics:

Dress+  Style Express (aka The Hoochie Store)

Shoes+ Thrifted

Classy Peeb pics:

Blouse+  Grandmother's

Belt+ Thrifted

Skirt+ JC Penny

Shoes+ Nordstrom