A Vintage Heartbreak Playlist

Sometimes, you just need a cathartic, mascara-streaming-down-your-face, ugly cry. And sometimes, that moment comes on Valentine’s Day, which one of my friends refers to as S.A.D. (Singles Awareness Day).

Whether it is a love that does not know you exist, a love who does know but does not care, or a love that once was but now can never be (translation: you were dumped), may these ten tunes about heartbreak, loneliness, and revenge cleanse your soul and start you on the path to healing.

And may next Valentine’s Day find you singing L.O.V.E.! xxoo

 

A quick note: I have chosen some of my favorite versions of these songs, but they are classics and have been done brilliantly by many different singers over the years.

1. “One For My Baby” – Frank Sinatra

Fred Astaire introduced this Harold Arlen/Johnny Mercer song in the 1943 film The Sky’s The Limit, but it is Frank’s version that most people think of when they hear the title.  Can’t you just picture him in some dingy little joint, tie askew, hat tilted to the side, stubble on his chin, clinking glasses with the bartender for the ninth time that night as he pours his heart out? I hear this song and want to be held as I reach for some whiskey to drink along with him.

Shameless Plug: I am hosting a new love songs show on www.MartiniInTheMorning.com called One For My Baby! It premieres on 2/14 just after 6p PST, and then moves to its regular night and time of Sundays 6-9p PST.

2. “I Wanna Be Around” – Tony Bennett

When you have been dumped, this would be the song to play down the phone as you call your ex at 3 a.m. to let them know that you wanna be around when they get their heart stomped into a million pieces. The best revenge really is looking fabulous and having a hit song, isn’t it? Johnny Mercer received the idea for the song and the opening line in the mail from a grandmother/housewife/beautician (depending on who you ask) who was inspired by Sinatra leaving his wife for Ava Gardner, and then Ava leaving Frank.

3. “In The Wee Small Hours” – Carly Simon

To paraphrase Ernest Hemingway, it is a lot easier to be hard-boiled about things in the daylight. But in the wee small hours of the morning it is a different story, as you long for the one you love while clutching the phone to your chest, willing it to ring (or even just buzz with a text).  Is there a happy reunion? People have wondered about that since Sinatra sang the song in 1955; the lyrics don’t give us any clues, and we are left with the loneliest early morning mood of all time, made especially poignant by the emotion in Carly’s voice.

 4. “You Don’t Know Me” – Ray Charles
 If you have ever felt invisible to your crush, this song is for you, as the woman Ray is crooning about is completely oblivious to the fact that he is smitten with her. He has an encounter with her and her man where Ray takes her hand for a moment, heart just about beating out of his chest, and thinks, I dream of you at night and long to kiss your lips. And she is perhaps thinking something like, this guy is staring at me a little too long and squeezing my hand a little too hard. So she walks away with her guy as Ray watches with an aching heart, the chorus in his head singing, “You don’t love me, you don’t know me.”

 5. “These Foolish Things” – Michael Buble
If you have ever lost a love, you know how the scent of their cologne or the opening notes of your song can instantly take you back to the time you were together.  In these heartbreaking lyrics, it is everything from a cigarette that bears a lipstick’s traces to a fairground’s painted swings that reminds Mr. Buble of what he has lost. There is a line that says, “Oh, how the ghost of you clings,” and while I do think this song is about a woman who simply left and moved on to someone new, when I really need a good cry I pretend that “ghost” is meant literally and that there is no chance for an earthly reunion. Unless perhaps Whoopi Goldberg shows up.

 6. “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” – Natalie Cole

Don’t feel bad about staying home alone on Valentine’s Day, or even every weekend. Natalie missed the Saturday Dance, even though she tried to go and got as far as the door—it was the thought of everyone asking about her ex that (I’m guessing) had her making a beeline for her couch with some ice cream and a few episodes of Downtown Abbey. I have heard that it can take up to two years for every one year you were together to completely get over a breakup, so don’t be surprised if you skip quite a few Saturday Dances as you try not to stir up old memories.

 7. “But Not For Me” – Elton John

This song is such a perfect example of the genius that was (and continues to be, because their songs are timeless) The Gershwins, with music by George and lyrics by Ira. “But Not For Me” was introduced by the lovely Ginger Rogers (who was married and divorced five times, so she knew a little something about heartbreak) in the 1930 musical Girl Crazy. If you have been feeling like love songs were meant for other people, lucky stars are only lucky for other people, and every other person you see is tying the knot (but there is no knot for you), this is for you. And Elton, who made us all cry in the 80s with some of his fashion choices and “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues,” has such a wistful tone that you want love to find a way and all of his dreams to come true.

 8. “Stormy Weather” – Lena Horne

The lyrics of this song remind me of living in the Pacific Northwest in the month of February; it has been gray and drizzly for months at that point, and will continue to be gray and drizzly for a few more months, and you are weary (so weary!) from the gloom and the pitter, patter, and spatter of raindrops. When you feel that you can’t go on, because everything you had is gone, Lena’s gorgeous song will add a little company to your misery and perhaps give your heavy heart a lift. And if you actually do live in the Northwest, you can look forward to some sunny and bright days in August.

 9. “After You’ve Gone” – Bobby Darin

First recorded in 1918 by Marion Harris, “After You’ve Gone” has stood the test of time and been recorded by about a bazillion other singers because the someday-you’ll-regret-leaving-me message never, ever gets old. And many times is true, as the dumper didn’t know what they had ‘til they dumped it. But until that day when your ex returns to you in tears, disheveled from nights of weeping over what they threw away and begging for a second chance, which you may or may not give them, gather strength from this song and the knowledge that you were the best thing that ever happened to them.

 10. “Body And Soul” – Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse

“Body And Soul” is the most recorded jazz standard to date, boasting Louis Armstrong as the first jazz musician to record it. This version with Tony and Amy (from his Duets II cd) is especially poignant, as it was the final recording Amy made before her death in 2011. The lyrics speak of being sad, lonely, and full of sighs while offering yourself up on a platter to someone who is turning you down. Although the narrator/singer’s life is a wreck, there is hope that one day they will get a chance to surrender themselves, body and soul, to the oblivious one. And then perhaps dump them.

 

The Edison: Lighting Up Downtown Los Angeles

A rainy night in Southern California, a strange tickle in the back of my throat, and massive traffic on the 110 could not stop me (Lara) from checking out The Edison in Downtown Los Angeles. Hearing for years the buzz about this fabulous space in a former private power plant, I have wanted to make a direct beeline to it ASAP and experience what nightlife in the early twentieth century might have been like.

And did I mention they have “absinthe fairies” pushing carts containing what looks like test tubes of the naughty liquid around? But we will get to that…

One of the several bars!

The opportunity to check out the buzz at the Edison hive came last month. Fellow Diva Cori and I had initially tried to make it a date night and finally introduce our hubbies (who shared in common water polo, strong jawlines, and an amazing affinity for their wives…wink, wink); however, reality (like lack of a babysitter on my part) changed our plans, and we instead made it a GNO (Girls Night Out) instead…oh, and plus one: Cori’s husband.

By the time I arrived Downtown (watch those one-way streets!), parked at the valet, and walked down the film noir-ish alley to the Edison’s entrance, Cori and her husband had already posed for pictures in different locations around the restaurant.

We were immediately informed about the gloriousness of a particular cocktail: The Mistress, a lovely concoction of vodka, pomegranate, and fresh-squeezed lemon juice with a hint of prosecco. Sigh. I wished my husband had come so I could have had about three of those, and he could have then driven me home as I slept in the car.

I was introduced to Cori’s beautiful friend Tatiana, a stylist at a famous spa in Los Angeles, and we started oohing and aahing over the exposed brick and metal, luxurious fabrics and furnishings, retro lighting, and ginormous staircase that takes you down into the heart of The Edison—they call it Industrial Cathedral on their website. 

And the clientele is equally glam! The Edison’s dress code is strictly enforced, so you see a lot of beautiful dresses on women and suits on men. Plus, vintage attire looks right at home here, especially with a lot of old school-themed parties and birthday celebrations going on. This is a classy joint, so dress sharp—when you see your surroundings, you will be glad you did. If you look down once in a while, you will most likely see a pair or two of sequined and glitzy shoes. And the heels in this place would make Carrie Bradshaw weep with envy!

The restaurant, which opened in 2007, is located in what is known as the Historic Core area of newly revitalized Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA). It is housed in the Higgins Building, which, having been built in 1910 in the Beaux Arts style, pre-dates the Deco Era. The folks behind The Edison were genius to design it as a nod to the building’s history, as six floors used to be a private power plant, and the downstairs restaurant and bar area are in what used to be the boiler room.

Posh dining! Imagine sitting in this chair with a drink!

I definitely felt like I was stepping into a glamorous, early 1900s dream as I heard the old-time music playing, which sounded like something you would hear on your grandma’s Victrola as she waxed on about Italian superstar singer Enrico Caruso.

There was also a classic film being projected on the wall; the night we were there, 1903’s Misfortune Never Comes Alone was being shown, which was definitely the oldest film I have ever seen. There is something about watching a film or listening to music where you realize that every person involved in it is now dead, but their art lives on, that moves me almost to tears every time I experience it.

It would be easy for almost any menu to be overshadowed by such unique surroundings, but the food and drink at The Edison does not disappoint. If you are driving or have to be up early to meet a client for breakfast in Malibu (or have a little one that wakes up at 6 a.m. no matter what), knock back The Natasha, with fresh raspberries and lemon juice garnished with a raspberry and mint sprig, which is one of The Edison’s imaginative non-alcoholic cocktails.

Our meal started with A Fine Cheese Platter, which is a selection of cheese (including goat cheese) accompanied by bread and fruit; a small platter was easily enough of an appetizer for four hungry folks. In fact, I stuffed myself with so much fromage that I got up for a stroll to check out the rest of the restaurant and try to burn off a few calories before the entrees arrived.

Different areas in The Edison have different names (you can see the layout on their website), and I think my favorite place was The Ember Room. It is kind of hidden in plain site in the middle of the space, but very private—curtains are hung at the entrance. As I peeked in while trying to not make it obvious that I was sneaking a look, I felt like I might see It Girl Clara Bow hanging with Jean Harlow at a table and talking about Gary Cooper or William Powell. 

And btw, because you could easily see a celeb here, do not bring a big camera in! Management might think you are a paparazzo and you will be asked to check it. We know this from experience.

At that moment, a beautiful gal wearing glowing wings and pushing a vintage cart filled with vials of Absinthe came strolling by—The Absinthe Fairy! Absinthe has a natural green color, has been referred to as “the green fairy,” and was consumed by Ernest Hemingway, three reasons that once again made me wish I were not driving and could partake! Next time, I will get a room at The Biltmore and cab it. And perhaps try to snag a pair of wings…but I digress.

GNO is glorious!

Making my way out of the restroom, I found that a Cirque du Soleil-style acrobatic routine was in progress in the middle of The Lab area, to the delight of the crowd of tourists, older couples, and trendy club kids. A bare-chested young man was spinning upside down while twisted in a piece of red ribbon hanging from the ceiling. But faster than I could text Cori with a “GET OVER HERE NOW HALF NAKED MAN SPINNING UPSIDE DOWN,” it was over and a deejay started spinning in the corner of the room.

Back at the table, the best entrée ever arrived: The Downtowner, consisting of jumbo prawns over stone-ground grits, topped with sautéed spinach and an egg with Zoe’s bacon and a brown butter vinaigrette (Seriously, can I go back RIGHT NOW and eat this again?). 

After sharing some with the girls and surreptitiously trying to lick the last of the grits off of my plate, we were taken to dessert heaven in the form of The Elvis. “Thank you, thank you very much!” ran through my head as we wrapped up an incredible meal with pan-fried sandwiches filled with peanut butter and banana, and served with cajeta caramel (low-cut white jumpsuit and sunglasses not included). Thankfully, I had a leopard print cuffed jacket with me to cover the food baby that had suddenly appeared in my stomach. But it was so worth it!

Some useful tips…

•  Make a dinner reservation well in advance. It fills up fast, and you might encounter a line and have to wait outside. We were told that this line typically starts at 10 pm. Although, in our opinion, it is worth the wait.
• Keep in mind that on the weekend there is a $50 minimum per person if you reserve a table, but between the incredible drinks and appetizers and entrees and desserts it is not going to be hard to meet that. And, it is nice to have a table (and when you have dinner you have the table for the night) and somewhere to sit (hold court for all your admirers?) when the place gets crowded. Our table was tucked into a quiet corner in The Tesla Lounge and was just perfect for a relaxed evening and lots of conversation. Note that your table is YOURS the entire night!
• There is a $10 cover charge per person on Saturday nights. The host told us that this was because they have a Burlesque show. When Cori went to the Edison a second time (on a Saturday night), we saw that the burlesque dancers performed at 9:45 pm for about 10 minutes. Very fun to watch!
• If you can’t reserve a table—don’t fret! You can eat at the bar in a very fun and social setting. You’ll just need to stand the entire time…so rethink the heels.

Contact Info:

The Edison

108 West 2nd Street #101  

Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 613-0000

http://www.edisondowntown.com

www.twitter.com/TheEdisonLA

Afternoon Tea for Two...at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel

View from the tea room!

Maybe one of your New Year’s resolutions is to try to slooooow things down a bit in your life. You know, take time to stop and smell the roses and actually talk to people—without having to use a keyboard. Or, maybe you want to meet friends for tea and munch on cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off.  We figured out how to do the latter option. The answer: Afternoon Tea at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles.

The Biltmore, a Historic Cultural Landmark, is located on Grand Avenue, right across the street from the Central Library, making it a perfect place to plop down after a fun afternoon of hunting down Harlow biographies and Deco fashion tomes.

The Biltmore has retained its classic glamour for nearly 90 years, and it is one of my (Lara) go-to places when friends come to town and want to go somewhere that captures an Old Hollywood vibe. This hotel is also a great local escape if you live in Southern California and need to get out of your toy-strewn house for a few hours of toddler-free calm. But enough about me!

Look at that glorious ceiling!

Striding into the Biltmore’s grand entrance (those columns! that archway!) by day might make you wish that you were decked out in a fitted suit with a smart hat, and by night a 1930s, Gowns by Adrian-style, clingy number.

If it is later in the day when you visit, you could stop into Gallery Bar for a drink and admire all the bronze and exquisite lighting. And make sure you look up as you walk through the Galleria to see the hand-painted, frescoed mural ceiling done by Italian artist Giovanni Smeraldi (one of the restaurants in the hotel was named after him).

It is tough to pin the décor down to one style; is it Mediterranean? Beaux Arts? Spanish? Yes, yes, yes, and more. We did not see any classic Art Deco details, but we proclaim the Biltmore Deco because it definitely captures the exuberance and unabashed glamour that we associate with the Art Deco era.

It opened in 1923, just two years before the start of what many experts consider the Art Deco period of 1925-1939, and it was the largest hotel west of Chicago. And even now, surrounded by skyscrapers, it still looks and feels imposing with a solid eleven stories.

The Biltmore has always had a strong Hollywood connection, from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences being founded here, to the rumor that MGM Art Director Cedric Gibbons sketched a drawing on a napkin that was the basis for the Oscar statue, to hosting eight Academy Awards ceremonies in the 1930s and 1940s.

Where tea is served!

There are four restaurants and bars in the Biltmore, but afternoon tea happens Wednesday through Sunday from 2-5p in the Rendezvous Court (once the hotel’s lobby), beside a gently gurgling fountain, under Italian chandeliers, and at the foot of an impressive Spanish Baroque staircase that you may have seen on the TV show Entourage.

With so much grandeur, you might think that you need to show up in a twinset and pearls, sit with your back straight, and stick a pinky out as you sip your tea, but the space and the atmosphere is remarkably warm and friendly, a perfect place to relax with girlfriends or your daughter.

Reservations are recommended, but thankfully we were able to slide in last-minute on a Saturday afternoon. Cori and I opted for the traditional Victorian Tea ($45 per person, excluding tax and gratuity), but you can also go with the Princess Tea ($22), which includes a pot of tea, a freshly baked scone with cream and preserves, and a selection of freshly baked cakes.

Our Victorian Tea came with more than enough food (served on a traditional three-tiered stand) and drink to fill us up!

There is a wonderful variety of teas to soothe away stress and help you forget that you are surrounded by the busy downtown streets of a major city, including Ceylon and India, Black Tea Blended, English Royal Breakfast, Masala Chai (my favorite—nice and warming), Lemon Echinacea (good for a cold), and Apricot Cinnamon. 

And did we mention that the tables are covered in white tablecloths and set with china featuring a sweet rose pattern? It is exactly the kind of china that I am always looking for at the Santa Monica Airport Flea Market. 

Our selection of tea sandwiches, which were cut into these cute tiny diamond shapes (crusts off, of course!), featured egg salad and asparagus, smoked salmon and dill butter, cucumber and cream cheese, and ham and cheese on pumpernickel. And the mini pastries are almost too pretty to eat…but, of course, we did. 

It is tough to choose a favorite among the fruit tarts, chocolate truffles, and the freshly baked scones with homemade Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves, but suffice it to say that we were practically licking the heavenly clotted cream off of our fingers, and Cori was wondering if her husband (a talented vegan chef) could make a dairy-free version of this. Stay tuned ;) 

We took a few leftovers home for our husbands, who had spent the afternoon watching the kids, although, I must confess, I continued eating the gold-dusted blueberry lemon tart in the car. J


Tea for two, please!

Contact Info:
Millennium Biltmore Hotel
506 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90071
213-624-1011
http://www.millenniumhotels.com/millenniumbiltmorelosangeles/

The Wiltern Theatre: A Glam Experience, Even From The Last Row

The Famous Sign!

Before I (Lara) was bitten by the Art Deco bug almost five years ago, I thought that the Wiltern Theatre was aesthetically pretty and an ideal place to see a show, but it was not until recently when I truly saw it for the stunning Art Deco masterpiece and historical venue it truly is.

Let me take you back a few years to my experience at the Wiltern. Instead of gazing at the luxe entrance (Terrazzo flooring!) in wonder, I could be found pounding on the locked front doors as I stood outside with twenty winners from my radio station’s contest. My goal was simple, but it was oh-so-profound: to enable my station's contest winners to enjoy an acoustic performance at the Wiltern with the band Train.

Of course, someone eventually heard all the commotion out front and let us in, and we enjoyed some lovely renditions of “Meet Virginia” and “Drops of Jupiter” and even engaged in light banter with the band.

Now, a few years later and even more in love with Art Deco, I approach those same front doors with a sense of reverence and awe, almost as if I am entering a church. Can I get an Amen?

The Glorious Entrance! Look at the ceiling!

The Wiltern is located in the big, blue-green Pellissier Building in Koreatown at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue. A poster located at the entrance gives you a Reader’s Digest version of the theatre’s history: The Wiltern opened its doors in 1931 with the premiere of the film Alexander Hamilton, starring George Arliss.

Design on the side of the building!

The theatre showed movies for over 50 years, and it was almost torn down in the 1970s until an awesome group of Angelenos (with help from the equally awesome Los Angeles Conservancy) saved it. In the book Theatres in Los Angeles (p.43), Anthony B. Heinsbergen, whose company created much of the Wiltern’s artwork, writes (when told about the plan to tear the Wiltern down) that what really killed all the grand movie palaces was the fact that there was no parking.

In fact, folks started going to films in suburban areas simply because they had room to park. Thankfully, there is now ample parking in the form of street parking, lots, and structures, and since the 1980s the Wiltern has flourished as a venue for live music.

The best way to see the Wiltern is to attend a show. Cori and I stopped in recently to see A Fine Frenzy and Joshua Radin in concert, and even though our seats were in the very LAST row, it was still a great view. (And no, our noses didn’t bleed…much.) And the seats are comfy! And even if they weren’t, you would notice for long because you would be blissfully drowning in the acoustic sounds. Seriously, the theater’s acoustics are almost heavenly.

The auditorium part of the Wiltern is reminiscent of the Egyptian or Pantages, with a sunburst and gold (so much GOLD) everywhere, and an overall feel of luxury. You might want to get a pic of yourselves (as we did) in the lovely rotunda, which is all about waves and sun and leaves and nature. We asked a nice gentleman who worked at the Wiltern to snap our pic, which he did, while also secretly turning Cori’s iPhone camera around and photographing his charming mug. (We sooo want to publish it!)  

Beautiful terrazzo flooring out front!

Contact Info:

The Wiltern Theatre

3790 Wilshire Boulevard  Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213) 388-1400

www.twitter.com/Wiltern

Why You Should Love Besame Cosmetics

Note to Reader: The following is a review of Besame Cosmetics, written by one of our Art Deco Divas, Chandra Savaso, a licensed cosmetologist and a celebrity makeup artist. 

Besame Crimson Rouge product!

I think the first time I learned about Besame Cosmetics was in 2009. I always try to stay in-the-know about new products because the industry is constantly changing and improving the "stuff" we put on our faces. 

Besame caught my attention in a big way because of their attention to detail in their product packaging. It is, to say the least, an absolute work of art. Even if the contents within the package were complete rubbish, I would probably purchase them because of their external beauty.  Besame was founded by Gabriela Hernandez in 2004. The inspiration came from Gabriela's recollections of childhood aunts, never leaving the house without their "lips" on. 

From Gabriela’s bullet style lipsticks to her intoxicating, yet lightly scented Brightening Violet Powder, all are encased in gorgeous ways.  To my delight, not only is beauty in the packaging but it is also in the ingredients and quality of these products.   

Bésame does not test on animals and only uses natural ingredients and organic oils in all their products. Their product line is formulated to be beneficial to your face. How much more can you hope for? The colors they have created are actual vintage reproductions, so you truly are putting a little vintage glam on your face--except it smells and tastes so much better than the lipsticks of yesterday! The lipsticks do not contain any lead ingredients and they are paraben free. And bonus: They are scented with real vanilla extract.

I would love to eventually try them all, but there were a few specific products that I have been wanting to try for quite a while.  These are the products I am reviewing:

- Cerise & Red Masterliner Pencil

- Besame Red Classic Color Lipstick

- Crimson Rouge Vintage Inspired Cream Rouge for Cheeks and Lips

- Brightening Violet Powder

The Cerise & Red Masterliner Pencil comes in a gorgeous gold double-ended encasement.  Both ends have the liner and they are sharpened for precision application. I lined my lips first with the liner, which was creamy and made application so easy.  The color is a rich deep crimson red.  This product has better staying power then so many liners I have used. I was really amazed!

Besame Red Classic Color Lipstick was applied next.  The scent is so delicious you want to eat it instead of wearing it! It smells of vanilla but not an overpowering fake vanilla. It is very pigmented so although the size is probably smaller than an average lipstick, a little goes a long way.  It has a sheen to it so it is not really a matte red.  I like it because you could wear it and not have to top it with a gloss.  But it is not too shiny if you like the more matte look.

The Crimson Rouge has a sort of vintage smell to it, but it is a nice pleasant scent.   This too is really pigmented so one swipe of a finger in the pot will give your cheeks a rosy glow reminiscent of back in the day. I applied it to my cheeks and it blended so easily. Be sure to apply it before you powder. It gave me that flushed look, like the kind you get after receiving a smile from a handsome gentleman.  Surprisingly, I applied the rouge to my lips and Wow! I have to say, I may even like it better on my lips than on my cheeks.  It has got a sheerness to it, and it makes your lips look youthful without looking overly made up.  Paired with some black cat eyeliner and mascara, it would be a beautiful look to sport for daytime. Simple, chic and classic.

Last but not least, the Brightening Violet Powder was the product I was most excited about.  I’m not sure if it is because of the name or because of what I hoped it would do for my skin.  The older we get, the more sallow our skin appears.  I used my regular foundation and lightly applied the Violet powder all over my face with a powder brush.  It comes with a little puff in the compact but I wanted to keep that looking new.  

I was first impressed by the scent.  It is a delicate violet scent.  I am not typically into strongly scented cosmetics; they sort of scare me.  Fragrance on my face is not appealing to me.  But the powder has just the slightest hint of violet, enough to notice but not overwhelming.  And the result?  It decreased my shine, but it gave my skin a little boost of brightening.  My skin looked amazing and yes, brightened. 

I would highly recommend all of these products and I plan to replace them when they’re gone.  For now, I am going to enjoy looking at them and using them daily.

I am so very impressed by Besame Cosmetics.  From their packaging to their customer service.  This is a company of integrity, quality products and such a beautiful concept.  I know they will stand the test of time.  They have brought back the beauty, boudoir and luxury of days gone by.  Thank you Besame for letting me experience a little bit of history in a new and improved way. 

For more information and store locations:

www.besamecosmetics.com

Besame Cosmetics Boutique

1558 Victory Blvd.

Glendale CA 91201

A Vintage Wedding Playlist

Pretty much all of us have been to a wedding where The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” has been played, and maybe you had the same thought I had while watching the newlyweds dance to it: This song is about stalking. Or maybe you have heard Frank Sinatra’s “These Foolish Things” and wondered if the lovebirds realized that the “cigarette that bears a lipstick’s traces” was reminding Frank that he was now alone. Alone. Alone. Alone. So, sidestep any kind of musical faux pas (whether it is your first wedding or fifth) and go with this playlist of romantic songs that are guaranteed to melt even the coldest heart. And even if your wedding is at the courthouse and you are toasting your new union at home with just the two of you, these songs on your iPhone will take you to the pinnacle of romance. We wish you many years of happiness!

Pro Tip: If you are having a full reception with a cocktail hour and dinner, you can start things off with a soft instrumental mix, and then work in songs with lyrics as you get closer to the dancing portion of the evening.

1. The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra

Fred Astaire charmed millions of women when he sang this in the movie Swing Time as Ginger Rogers was washing her hair nearby and feeling less than gorgeous. Dorothy Fields (who wrote the lyrics) said that when Jerome Kern played her the melody he had written, she “went out and started to cry…I couldn’t stop, it was so beautiful.” I am tearing up right now and feeling a glow just thinking of Frank’s lovely 1964 version.

2. Come Rain Or Come Shine – Ray Charles

Written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, Ray had a hit with this in both 1960 and 1968. You may have heard the line, “We’ll be happy together, unhappy together” and wondered why the heck anyone would stick around to be unhappy together. At some point, though, you will discover that being unhappy with the right person is better than being happy with the wrong one. This is a wonderful song and tribute to a love that lasts through the ups and downs of life.

3. How I Will Say I Love You – Tony DeSare

“Call My Name

I’ll be at your door

Cry out loud

-->

I’ll hold you till it’s over

And that’s how I will say

I love you.”

Need I say more?!

4. Love Is Here To Stay – Dinah Washington

Written by George and Ira Gershwin in the 1930s (and sometimes referred to as Our Love Is Here To Stay), you may have first heard it as the main theme for the 1951 Gene Kelly movie An American In Paris. Dinah’s version is so romantic, and I love the “thing” in her voice (Is it a growl? A purr?) that just completely pulls you in.

5. That's All – Steve Tyrell

If all you can give me is country walks in springtime, a love that lasts forever, your heart to own, a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall, and arms to enfold me…the answer is “Si!”

6. At Last – Etta James

When you listen to this classic from Etta (born Jamesetta Hawkins), you will understand why she has influenced everyone from Christina Aguilera to Diana Ross to Rod Stewart. Hello, blue skies, and goodbye, loneliness!

7. I Get A Kick Out Of You – Rod Stewart

Don’t we all want to be the one person to thrill the guy or gal who is thrilled by nothing? Although if champagne is not giving you a kick, you might try a different brand (or switch to tequila). Rod’s fun version will liven up your reception, and you can use the opportunity to share a naughty detail you learned about him in his book, Rod: The Autobiography.

8. My One And Only Love – Chris Botti with Paula Cole

When you pair a handsome trumpet player with the lovely vocals of the gal who did the Dawson’s Creek theme, the result is swoon-worthy. Plus, you can get this as a ring tone for your cell to play when your new spouse calls you.

9. Unforgettable - Nat King Cole

This one was almost called Uncomparable (“Uncomparable…that’s what you are…), which I don’t think has quite the charm of Unforgettable. Nat’s version, with the awesome Nelson Riddle arrangement, was recorded in 1951 and is still the most popular one, though we do love the David Foster remix of Nat’s 1961 recording that turns it into a duet with his daughter, Natalie.

10. Orange Colored Sky - Natalie Cole

“Flash, bam, alacazam, Wonderful you came by.” That is about as good of a way to describe being struck by one of Cupid’s arrows as I have ever heard. Lady Gaga has performed this song numerous times, including once while wearing a dress made of hair. Do you use conditioner on that?

A bonus tune that you can bust out that is pretty much guaranteed to get Grandma out on the floor and shakin’ what her mama gave her is Glenn Miller’s In The Mood. You can never, ever go wrong with that one to liven things up.

And, if you are feeling a little cheeky, here is one you can play for all the singles: Toni Tennille’s version of Cole Porter’s Let’s Do It, Let’s Fall In Love. Seriously, even educated fleas do it, so there is a good chance someone at your wedding will at least fall in like.

Disney Adventure in Deco

There are certain things you can count on when you spend a day at Disney, like the best attractions, and food in the shape of mouse ears, or groups of adults in matching t-shirts proclaiming their family’s tenth reunion.  But now, when you visit Disney California Adventure Park, you can add Art Deco to that list. 

Buena Vista Street is a glam new addition to the park, and as noted on the Disney website, it captures “the spirit of optimism and opportunity that Walt Disney discovered in Los Angeles when he stepped off the train in 1923.”  I (Lara) think the twenties and thirties must have been a fascinating, albeit challenging, time to have been alive and to have pursued a career in balmy, smog-free Southern California (what was that like to be able to see the mountains every day?), and certainly Walt personified that Deco spirit of hopefulness, excitement, and dreaming big.

You might find yourself saying, “Hey, that’s Art Deco!” as soon as you arrive at the gates of California Adventure and spot the pale blue and white, Streamline Moderne, Pan Pacific Auditorium-inspired entrance.  The Pan Pacific was built in 1935 on West Beverly Boulevard in Los Angeles, burned down in 1989, and in between hosted everything from a home show to an ice rink to concerts.

There’s more Streamline to your left once you enter the park, in the form of a gas station with cream and red colors, smooth corners, speed lines, and a pylon on top that simply says, “GAS.”  It reminds me of the Firestone Garage on La Brea (just south of Wilshire) that has been around since 1937 and was recently saved from demolition. (Thank you, Art Deco Society of Los Angeles and everyone that was involved in the rescue!)

Just ahead is the Carthay Circle Theatre, which is impossible to miss. As the Depression deepened, movies offered a way of escape, making it easy to forget your troubles for a few hours while immersed in the drama on the screen and the beauty of a luxurious movie house, and the Carthay Circle Theatre was one of the most beautiful and glamorous. 

Opened in 1926 on San Vicente Boulevard, this Spanish Revival-style building captured the Deco spirit by hosting many glamorous Hollywood premieres, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937 and Fantasia in 1941. It was torn down in 1969.  

Moving further into the park, you may decide that it is time for a snack, so you can stop to buy some fresh fruit, water, and Mickey Mouse Freeze-Dried Apples in this Deco-detailed Market! It may well be the most glam place I have ever bought an orange. 

Check out the metalwork on the awning, the motif just under the roof, and the lettering and speed lines in the background on the Lockers building. And nice symmetry with the windows and panels there, too!

Ready to do a little shopping? Well, step right up to the Streamline Moderne-style Elias & Co. Department Store, but not before pausing a moment to admire those sleek rounded corners, speed lines, use of metal that is reminiscent of the grille on a car, and palette of what looks like three colors (white, cream, and bronze).

You will also see some Deco touches on the buildings lining each side of the street as you ride the Red Car Trolley, and your trolley host will most likely draw your attention to it as they point out various styles of architecture. I’m thinking that there needs to be a full-on Disney Art Deco tour one of these days! We volunteer to lead it, and wish only to be paid in Mickey Mouse Freeze-Dried Apples.

Some fun things to note:

• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror building, like the Carthay Circle Theatre, is not recognizably Art Deco, but it has always reminded me of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, which has that glamorous Deco feel to it. Minus the out of control elevators you will find at California Adventure that we love. We love them so much!
• Get the free Disney Park Mobile Magic App, which will give you information about Disney California Adventure and Disneyland. Once you are there, the app will “unlock” more details, like wait times for attractions and when shows are starting and parades are happening.
• Keep an ear out for Dean Mora and his Orchestra as recorded background music on Buena Vista Street! I have loved hearing their incredible music at the Art Deco Ball on Catalina Island and at Cicada Club in Downtown Los Angeles, so it was a treat to hear them in Anaheim while wearing Mouse Ears.

 Contact Info:

Disney California Adventure

1313 Disneyland Drive

 Anaheim, CA 92802

(714) 781-4565

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/

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