City of Angels

We spent a week in Los Angeles back in April, as a little pre-Viva Las Vegas warm up.  It's a great time to be in LA, because there are lots of Viva pre-parties, the weather is excellent, and you get to catch up with lots of friends - both from LA and out-of-towners from all over the world - before the madness of Vegas ensues.

 'Nobody walks in LA...'

As we were in LA last year, we did a lot of the touristy adventuring then, however, there are just some things that need to be repeated.  Namely, visiting the Hollywood Sign, and the Griffith Observatory.

The Hollywood Sign is so classic Los Angeles, that no matter how many times I see it, I can't help but feel a wave of excitement that I'm in Hollywood, baby!

Whether I'm hiking up to it, driving up to it, or seeing it peek out from the hills in the distance when cruising around the city, that sign is so iconic, that I think I will probably want to take a photo by it every time we are in town.

We were lucky enough to be able to see the Griffith Observatory from the balcony of our room in Los Feliz, so it really would have been silly not to go up and explore the Art Deco beauty up-close and personal.

The view from our balcony

We did a lot of shopping whilst we were in town (well actually, I did a lot of shopping, and Loverboy waited patiently whilst I tried on clothes) and ran into many friends along the way...

Hanging out with T-Bone, the man behind the His Vintage Touch (aka hair magic) at the Pinup Girl Clothing store.

With the lovely Laurence of Lost in the 50's at Hubba Hubba vintage clothing store in Burbank.

Aaron and the pinups at the shoe Mecca that is Remix Vintage Shoes.

We also got to tour all of the vintage stores in Los Feliz, with the lovely Mia of A Hollywood Flashback.  After being Instagram friends with her for so long, it was great to finally meet her in person - and well, she is just the most charming, stylish, sweet lady around!

Cheeeeese!

Our trip also coincided with the Rose Bowl Flea Market.  Everyone told us that we had to wake up at silly-o-clock in the morning to get the good deals, so despite getting to bed at 4am after a night at the School of Rock'n'Roll, we diligently set our alarm and headed off at 7am to wander around the humongous market like zombies for the next few hours.

I picked up a few great items, but alas Aaron came back empty-handed. He did, however, run into his brother-from-another-mother...

I mentioned that we went to the School of Rock'n'Roll in Pomona the night before the Rose Bowl Flea. Well, let me tell you that I have been looking forward to returning to this club, put on my Real Gone Productions, ever since we were there last year!

Such a super fun night of music and dancing, spread over two floors with top DJs, live bands and a super atmosphere.  There were eight (eight!) DJs on the bill, and we also caught a set by Rhythm Bomb Records' Dale Rocka & The Volcanoes from Italy, who were great!

 Aaron with his homie, DJ Rockin' Vic

A new addition was the Mexican food stand outside, which served up theeeee most delicious tacos.  So help me, I love California and can't get enough of all the delicious Mexican food that it serves up!

Which leads me to our next discovery: El Coyote.

I was lucky enough to get a lot of 'Missy time' whilst I was in LA, and one of the places that the Technicolor Cutie introduced us to was this fine Mexican establishment, which has been serving up food since 1931.  Let's just say it was so good that Aaron and I returned two days in a row...

The shrimp tacos are the bomb, and so are the fajitas - but be warned that you should share these, unless you want to end up in a food coma.  The margaritas are also delicious...as well as being practically the same colour as water, so go easy on them!

Good thing we did so much dancing, as we had a lot of chips and salsa to work off!

Proof that we didn't just stand around taking photos with our friends - we spent most of the evening tearin' up not one, but two dance floors at the School of Rock'n'Roll!

We also hit up Joe's Bar and Grill for some swing dancing, and ran into our French friends, DJ Turky, and the wonderful dancing duo, Marty and Miss Dee!

Aaron spinning Technicolor Cutie around after the Kim Lenz & The Jaguars show at Spike's...

....and then taking to the dance floor with the rockabilly dynamo herself...

I'm so glad that we got to spend so much time with Technicolor Cutie, she is a real sweetheart! 

The biggest highlight of our trip, however, was getting to spend time with so many friends, and making so many new lovely friends.  Los Angeles is an amazing place, but the people always make it so much more of an enjoyable experience for us...that and the food....the delicious, delicious food...

We had a fabulous time BBQing at our friends' beautiful home, with wonderful hospitality and the most amazing spread!

We got social with Dollie the Rockabilly Socialite...

Hooray, I was so happy that we got to see the most Wacky Tacky gentleman that I know, Mr Tiny, as we didn't get to meet up on our last trip!

 The hostess with the mostest!

We spent a lot of time brunching and lunching...after all, that's what holidays were made for...

Reunited and it feels so good!  I have known this beauty since we lived at a co-op together in Berkeley!

Chicken and Waffles (and a Mimosa) at Home restaurant in Los Feliz.

 The Nickel Diner in downtown LA makes theeeee best maple bacon doughnuts!

Of course, brunch and lunch (and milkshakes) can be eaten at any time...

On a late-night chocolate malt mission! 

Every time I visit LA, I fall in love with it more and more.  I discover new things, new places, new friends....and new food.  Needless to say, I am already looking forward to returning next year!