When I got out of the car, I was pleasantly surpised to see that we were near Lucky's Breakfast, which used to be calledGolden Phenix (no "o" in their spelling), a place I've only read about through Kirk's blog (that post has a photo of the old sign).
It had an old school look and feel both outside and inside. It was already the early afternoon, so Lucky's was definitely closed, as they are open for breakfast only. A quick peek in the windows showed a completely, uh, "uncleaned" restaurant. No one was around. Dirty plates and dishes were still on the tables.
I actually wanted to take a quick peek in the store that was next door to Lucky's before going to that gourmet shop...
While peering through the Lucky's restaurant window, I saw an elderly Chinese woman (Lucky's wife?) come out to clean the tables and counters.
I'd heard about this vintage store as well and since we were in the area, why not check it out! This place is not like those used clothing stores like Thrift Trader or Buffalo Exchange, which have more "recent" type of apparel. The Girl Can't Help It (which is named after a song by Little Richard, and also the title of a 1956 comedy of the same name starring blonde sexpot Jayne Mansfield, who would later die in a horrific car crash in which she was decapitated. Trivia - TV Actress Mariska Hargitay is Jayne Mansfield's daughter). Sorry, you don't get the short easy answer with me.
Well what do you know, here's the song as it appeared the infamous John Waters' movie, "Pink Flamingos" starring drag Queen Divine (the inspiration for Ursual the Sea Witch in "The Little Mermaid"):
I watched this movie in the early 90's and was equally fascinated as well as repulsed! It was fabulously trashy and funny and vulgar!
This was pre- "Crybaby", "Hairspray", "Serial Mom", "Pecker" John Waters. About "Pink Flamingos"....hmmmm, let's put it this way...."singing assholes" (in the literal sense, to the tune of The Trashmen's "Surfing Bird"). If I could wish for eye bleach, it would have been at that moment of the movie.
But I digress...the store was a treasure trove of well kept vintage finds from the 20's up to the 70's. There was a small men's selection but the store by and large was devoted to women's fashions. The main decades seemed to be the 40's to the 50's, with the full circle skirts, as well as pencil skirts, "wiggle" dresses, and even dead stock jeans from the 50's complete with original tags!
This corner had vintage lingerie!
Many of these skirts were made for women who had Barbie doll-sized waists! Yikes! There were so many beautiful skirts, like that red ruffled flamenco style skirts (going for more than $100).
When City Beat had their Retro Issue a few months ago, one of the models had her photo shoot next door at Lucky's. Another model was wearing vintage clothing from this store.
I mainly did a quick looksee and had a tiny chat with the owner, who had the most awesome pair of rhinestone studded cat eye glasses EVER! She was such a super nice lady with a good eye for quality vintage clothing. The prices are a bit on the higher side, but the quality is quite good. It reminded me of the now defunct clothing store in Hillcrest, "Wear it Again Sam".
I didn't want the girls to get too bored, so we went off to find that little store...
after passing by this place...Hmmm, what do they do here? Ha ha!
Here's that cool trompe l'oueil mural again on the corner of Ray and University (on the side of Wang's)...
Ijust realized I didn't include the photos from Indulge, a newly opened Gourmet Food store on Ray Street. It's in the little enclave of business with the murals in the parking lot. I was looking for a possible gift for my sister in law but ended up getting something else instead. I met the owner who was a very friendly and nice guy. He sold not only condiments, mixes, jams, sweets, and chocolates, but also home decor. With my purchase, he included a 20% card for a future purchase, so I am definitely going to stop by again once I'm done with work.
By now, the sun was beating down mercilessly. The girls were getting tired of walking around and wanted to get back home so they could make their cupcakes.
Kitty corner to Lucky's was the North Park Post Office...
Love the font on the building, which also has that vintage feel.
Lucky's Breakfast
3804 Grim Ave
(619) 297-2760
There is definitely no website for this place!
The Girl Can't Help It
3806 Grim Ave
San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 795-7169
The Girl Can't Help It Vintage
Man, I'm so behind in my posts! The end of the year (for work) is gearing up. Graduation is around the corner. One of my students was talking to me about Grad Night, which is traditionally held at Disneyland. For most SoCal kids, this was THE Senior Trip to go on. High shcools from all over SoCal would converge at Disneyland at night and leave in the late morning hours! Guys had to dress up with a suit and tie and girls had to wear dresses (which I hated). My dress was baby blue and had a peplum, which is now back in style, from what I've seen in the stores. I shudder to think of that damn dress. Apparently, now the kids don't have to be dressed up! They can even wear a (logoless) sweatshirt if they want!
I was telling my studnet that back in the 80's (a lifetime ago for them, I'm sure, ha ha. Come to think of it, I'm probably the age of their parents! Fk!), Grad Night at Disneyland featured REAL BANDS. My year had Bobby Brown (right after he left New Edition)", Ready for the World ("Oh Sheila"), Wang Chung (seriously), and Glass Tiger ("Don't Forget Me When I'm Gone") to name a few. The secretary overheard our conversation and chimed in, "Well the Commodores and Tavares played at our Grad Night!" (along with Peaches 'n Herb)! OMG, she wins for an kickass lineup (1977)! Commodores? Brick House!!!!! Holy shit! My sister's year did not go to Disneyland. They went to Knott's Berry Farm instead and were treated to the sounds of Timmy T, whoever the hell that is. Sucks for them. However, the year before, my sister got to see New Kids on the Block with her older date.
Anyhow, can't wait 'til I'm on break. It can't come soon enough!
2 comments:
If you get the chance to go to Lucky's (don't remember if you've been?) it's a neat experience. The food is cheap (like, really really cheap - Jake, 2 kids and I ate for less than $20 including tip) but you have to wait a while. But it's fun! I didn't go to my grad night (which was at Disneyland). The idea of waling around Disneyland in a dress irked me so much that I didn't want to go haha.
hi mary - yeah, one of these days (after i go on break), i'll have to take tc up there with me. we hardly do breakfast but this is one of those spots i've read so much about that i feel compelled to go at least once.
I can't believe that Disneyland relaxed their dress code. Now the kids can wear jeans and t-shirts and such! WTF! They should force them to wear monkeysuits and dresses like what we had to do!
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