Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Retro: Kimmer

Retro: Kimmer

Link to Retro: Kimmer

THE LEGENDARY GROUPIE BEBE BUELL

Posted: 23 Nov 2010 09:07 PM PST


The legendary BEBE Buell

As I love to read retro fabulous books about the rock generation I began reading this book for inspiration for future blog posts. I love biographies, especially from women who were brilliant artists historically.



But BEBE'S book- I absolutely loathed. I hated it so much I would have taken it back to the bookstore for a refund except it was a gift from a garage sale shopping pal. Hopefully she paid 25 cents for it.


Elvis Costello

This book from Bebe Buell... OMG, this self absorbed "woman"! Even looking at her pic on the front cover annoyed me. Of course BEBE would counter that by saying I was jealous of her vast beauty and "talent" as she said that about every other woman she ever encountered.

Her ghost writer must have really disliked her to not edit this book into something more self protective. BEBE obviously hasn't a clue about how shallow and immature she comes off in this long book. It came out in 2001 I think so I am sure she has read the reviews. The readers are all jealous of her too.

Totally enjoyed reading "I'm With the Band" by Pamela Des Barres, a woman who knew how to handle these things and never once came off as so intensely narcissistic just a fun gal who loved the music and was happy to show her "appreciation". She didn't try and dress herself up as something she wasn't. So if you want to read about classic rock groupies try that book. Or read Ron Wood's great autobiography it was very well written and hysterical.


Todd Rundgren and Bebe Buell

Bebe Buell would want us to believe that she is some sort of MUSE and try as she might, she has not convinced me, nor many other folks that bought this lame book if the reviews on Amazon are any indication. I am happy to say the readers got it right this time.

As a single working mom I gave up my show biz job and settled down with a 8-5pm day job to give my daughter stability and a nice home life. Oh but not poor BEBE, and she crows on and on about all the work she did raising her daughter!! I am amazed she has a friend left let alone family members. If I was her cousin Annie I would have filed for guardianship to protect that little girl.



Bebe Buell is just another egotistic, self indulgent, celebrity wannabe who managed to have a baby and that gave her the proverbial 15 minutes of fame. Then she dumped her baby for years with family members to pursue her "career". It just made me crazy to read how self deluded this woman is. Her therapist should have had her license yanked.

Poor Mary Costello, Elvis Costello's first wife! Even more infuriating is that BEBE never cared a whit for all the innocent bystanders whose lives she affected so negatively. She found stalking Elvis a "game". He should have pressed charges! But oh no it was poor BEBE at every turn.


Elvis Costello happy family man now

Especially grating was how mysteriously a love letter to Elvis was suddenly misrouted to his home for Mary to read. How unintelligent does she really think the public is? BEBE only fools herself.

Another idiotic delusion is her insistence that practically every song after 1978 is about BEBE. Constantly talking about how beautiful she was, how HOT she was, and how often people told her this. Oops jealousy again on my part. The idea that Prince would write about her is laughable except in a snarky fashion.

Don't bother with this book. Seriously folks I hated it. I really grew to really dislike her after reading this. Trust me most women know that sleeping around when your are in a relationship is just plain wrong. If that is the life you choose then stay single.



Sadly I grew to dislike Todd Rundgren too after reading this "pulp" non fiction. At least he paid support and expenses for a child that was technically not his own. So kudos for that Todd.

I cheered when in the book a young Liv stood up to BEBE and fired her... took so much courage on her part... it was the best part of the entire book. Women everywhere have worked too hard for respect and independence in this world without this tart bragging about being a "rock n roll rebel" when all she was is tiresome. Oh yeah I forgot... I must be jealous

If you like a good read of this genre try these below.

LETTERS FROM HARRY BENNETT'S GRANDSON!

Posted: 22 Nov 2010 11:25 PM PST


Harry Bennett

The most exciting thing about being a blogger is the tons of emails and comments I receive from my readers. Imagine my great delight when I received an email from Harry Bennett's grandson Skip. He wrote to me and we exchanged messages. I just had to share them with the many other readers who like me are totally into learning more about this larger than life man. I did talk with Skip on the phone as he resides very far away. I just listened mesmerized to Skip telling the history of Harry Bennett and his family. Thank you SKIP! Kim

One quick thing Skip told me: Harry never had Tigers in cages inside the Castle. He did have two retired Circus Lions! Not quite as scary as the hushed conversations on the wild beasts roaming the grounds of the Castle...

Hi Kim,
Its nice to meet you. My grandfather Harry Bennett was all that you have probably heard but some of the stories have been a little exaggerated over the years but by no means was he someone who anybody wanted to cross.

I got the chance to know him as i grew up in California, every year my mother and father would take us kids to see our grandfather who was at that time living in Palm Springs retired.

He never much talked about the past with us...but my dad (who is still living) was Harry's right hand man and took care of the horses that were kept on the island across from the castle before he married my mom, Billie Bennett one of Harry's 4 daughters.

So over the years they(mom and dad) verified the stories and I could sometimes ask my granddad about the insensitive stories, but it was always Taboo to talk about the tough stuff and I didn't start finding out about the tuff stuff until I was older so I started to get a different picture of my granddad as I started to read up and check for myself.

My dad was so close to him he knew a lot of the dirt and truths about most the stories and was always kind of afraid to tell, but did anyway.


Harry Bennett's Pagoda House on Grosse Ile Michigan

I have seen the Pagoda house from the land and water, if my memory serves me there was a tunnel years ago in that home also. It has a boat garage that accesses the lake and my dad and uncles worked on this home during the construction.

My dad's name is Harold, my uncle that is still living in Michigan is Edward, and there is a gentleman who for sometime has been writing a book about Harry Bennett his name is Thomas Dewald.

This man has a lot of the true information about the life and times of Harry Bennett. He has interviewed all of us and everybody that Harry knew that would talk to him .

One of the best stories, well I guess truths that I have discovered are that Henry Ford himself was as accountable as my grandfather for all the stories that are out there, it just was never going to come out in the media at that time,

Henry Ford was a demigod and he was getting too old to cover for my granddad somebody had to be the fall guy, only Henry Ford and my granddad were the only 2 that knew the real truth.

Why do you think my granddad never went to jail at the end? Nobody wanted the Ford name tarnished in the slightest. They did summon him back from California but never made anything stick, he went away quietly.

Don't get me wrong I'm not on a soap box about my granddad he was a bad man and had bad things done, my point is he had no back up other than Henry Ford (another bad man) himself. When Ford's health declined my grandfather only had Henry Ford to vouch for him everybody else sold him out and rightfully so. Again

I am not defending Harry Bennett and I have no proof other than I believe my dad and mom, I am just stating things I found out along the way from the people who were so close, closer than anybody. I hope this intrigued you a little and we can talk again if you like.

Yours truly,
Skip) Harry Angellotti
yes i was named after my grandfather....and his nic name was Skipper.



Second Letter

Hey Kim,

I am glad you took an interest in my grandfather, and as a matter of fact his taste in architecture and the things he furnished his homes with are what intrigued me at an early age also. I was born in 1951 I'm 59 years old.

My grandfather had a flair for the asian style as I do (I guess Igot it from him) even in his non-asian homes he had many statues and artifacts from Japan, bronze, ivory, jade. etc. One of my most favorite was a full size antique rickshaw converted into a movable bar in his dining room in Palm Springs.

The seats and foot area were converted to bottle holders and glass holders, you could actually pick up the handles and move it where ever the party was, the wheels rolled very smoothly and it was painted unbelievably ornate. I have no pictures of the pagoda house but it had to really be something in its hey day.

And I believe he only had one cabin (if you want to call them cabins) off Geddes rd. As far as being afraid of any one coming for him,I never saw that in him during the time I knew him. He was like a king in Palm Springs when ever we all went to dinner it was like we were with royalty.

I think the days if being worried about someone coming after him died with his exit from Ford Motor Co. I do believe there were other people more worried about him sending someone for them after the fact.

My favorite story of my grandfather is how Henry Ford discovered him and took a liking to him. My grandfather was a sailor and Henry Ford and William R. Hurst (as the story goes) were near the docks and from a distance were witnessing a dock strike and my grandfather happened by and was asked by the to men if he thought he could go down there with his buddy and break things up for 100 bucks and of course he took the challenge and the rest was history. He later applied for a job with Ford Motor Co. and already had an in by what had happened at the docks. Hope you like this stuff, we will talk again soon

NEW* Video Tour of the Castle!
1984 Photos of the Castle
Harry Bennett's Lodge HERE
Harry Bennett's Castle HERE
The Rise and Fall of Harry Bennett HERE

Latest articles from Retro To Go

Latest articles from Retro To Go


Stitch 'n' Snip Necklace by In All Her Finery

Posted: 23 Nov 2010 11:32 AM PST

Stitchnsnip

We've long admired jewellery boutique In All Her Finery's eye for vintage inspired chic here at Retro To Go. Alongside quirky brand choices, their own brand creations provide a unique and high quality choice of retro costume jewels, like this Stitch 'n' Snip Necklace.

Using a Victorian style sewing machine and scissors as a pendant, the miniatures are as delicate and stylish as the real thing. Mounted on a long silver chain, this necklace is a piece that can brighten up any retro wardrobe.

It's available online from the In All Her Finery shop for £14.50.

Find out more from the website

Sleeveless Houndstooth Dress from Matalan

Posted: 23 Nov 2010 11:26 AM PST

Matalanhoundstooth

Like many budget clothing stores in the UK, Matalan's latest womenswear output has taken the brand from functional to fashionable for all consumers. This Sleeveless Houndstooth Dress displays their newly found eye for style, with a sixties influenced dress for less.

The sleeveless a-line shape provides the basis for a great mod look, while the monochrome houndstooth print is sharp and chic. The addition of black trim at the pockets and peter pan collar adds some structure and effortless mid-sixties feel.

Get it now from Matalan for only £18.

Find out more from the website

eBay watch: 1970s Adidas Perfekt GL trainers in mint condition

Posted: 23 Nov 2010 10:53 AM PST

Perfekt

A sports shoe not seen very often - and right now you can secure these Adidas Perfekt GL trainers in their original box for a tasty £12.50.

According to the seller, this slimline shoe dates from the 70s, or possibly early 80s, made of a dark blue leather with lighter blue detailing and off white rubber sole.

They're a size seven and a half, described as 'as new' (possibly been worn once or twice) and looking incredibly sharp. If you're a collector or if it's your shoe size, worth a punt at that current £12.50 bid price. Lots more close-up shots at the listing page.

Find out more at the eBay website

Mid-Century Modern Christmas Cards

Posted: 23 Nov 2010 07:40 AM PST

Il_570xN_195723720 
 
For those determined to have an entirely retro Christmas, Etsy seller dodelinedesign has some great Christmas cards designs, with my favourite being the Mid-Century Modern Christmas Cards.

These cards features a pile of classic chairs (it looks like an Eames design), stacked on top of one another in a Christmas tree formation and topped with a simple red star. You can buy an individual card for around £1.90, or buy in packs of 8 or 20 to save some money, which are priced just under £10 and around £18 respectively.

Buy them online at Etsy.

For sale: 1970s Frazer Crane-designed modernist house in Weston Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire

Posted: 23 Nov 2010 07:18 AM PST

Wilm1

Contrary to popular opinion, it's not entirely 'grim up north'. Indeed, there's plenty of cash floating around if you happen to be in Cheshire - and you'll need a lot of it to buy this 1970s Frazer Crane-designed modernist house in Weston Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire.

If the name Frazer Crane means anything to you, it's perhaps because he was the man who designed George Best's modernist home in the 70s. Indeed, he was one of the few architects working to that style in the north of England during that period.

Wilm2

This example is apparently on 'one of Wilmslow's most sought-after roads', with the town a short drive away, as is Alderley Edge. But it does benefit from an almost rural location, with the house featuring a double-height living room with full-height glazing giving views across the gardens to the Bollin Valley beyond.

The house has been 'sympathetically maintained' by the current owners, offering up a kitchen/diner, hallway, utility, cloakroom, dining room, lounge and study on the ground floor, with a 'galleried' landing, master bedroom, dressing room, three further bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs. There's also an integrated garage, gated access to the driveway.

£1,350,000 is the price being asked, which probably puts it into Premier League footballer territory - of which there are many in the area. Here's hoping they keep it in something approaching original condition. I wouldn't hold your breath.

Interestingly, Frazer Crane's design company, Building Design Unit, is still operating. If you ever come into money and want a house building, might be worth giving them a shout.

Find out more at the Modern House website

“Beauty and the Blitz” Talk at the London Transport Museum

Posted: 23 Nov 2010 07:18 AM PST

Beauty4_web 
There has a growth of interest in old-fashion beauty techniques and styles, and as we apparently enter a new age of austerity, it looks as if more of us may want to look back at how things were done in the past. An upcoming talk at the London Transport Museum, entitled "Beauty and the Blitz" should provide some inspiration.

The talk looks at the period during and after World War II when rationing was in place, which meant that everyone had to tighten their belts and do more with less (sounds familiar?). Despite strict regulations, people still took pride in their appearances, but had to be more creative. The talk will archive propaganda film footage of the make-do-and-mend campaign, and will show how the Second World War and the utility style made fashion more accessible to the masses.

The talk is at 18.30 on 7th December at the London Transport Museum and costs £8 per ticket for adults. Full details on the London Transport Museum website.

Newgate Underground Station clock

Posted: 23 Nov 2010 05:33 AM PST

Underground station clock
Newgate are well-known for their vintage-inspired clocks. There's no prize for guessing where the idea for their new Underground Station clock comes from.

Increasingly a rarer sight in stations, this clock replicates some of the old tube platform clocks. It's got bold black hands and markers, with red 24-hour numerals around the clock face and even reads 'Tube Station clock' along its bottom rim. It's been artfully distressed to give it a vintage look too. 

No need to search one out in salvage yards, this one comes ready made and aged for £55. 

Buy it from Graham and Green

This is Tomorrow tea towel

Posted: 23 Nov 2010 05:06 AM PST

This is Tomorrow tea towel

We've already highlighted the reprint of the 1956 This is Tomorrow exhibition catalogue, re-printed to accompany a new display about the exhibition that's on at the Whitechapel gallery. That exhibition is frequently held up as the beginning of British Pop Art. What better way to mark the impact of Pop Art onto everyday life than buying this accompanying This is Tomorrow tea towel

The tea towel reproduces some simple black and white artwork from the original exhibition. Couple that up with the distinctive 'This is Tomorrow' typography and you've got a striking piece of design. Fans of art and cooking will also be pleased to hear that an apron, again reproducing work from the show, is also available. 

The tea towel costs £18. 

Buy it online

Peter McKee's Cover Version exhibition heads to London

Posted: 23 Nov 2010 01:14 AM PST

Cover_version

It initially showed in Sheffield, but from this week, you can catch Pete McKee's Cover Version exhibition in London, specifically at The Design Conspiracy.

It's a celebration of album artwork, with McKee and notable figures from art, music and graphic design re-inventing or paying tribute to their favourite vinyl sleeves. Pete McKee's Electric Ladyland is above - reworked as Electric Landlady.

Others showing art include Sir Paul Smith, Tony Husband, Kid Acne, Masrk Riley, Richard Hawley and Lord Dunsby, with his Melody artwork. You can check it out at The Design Conspiracy's new exhibition space at 12 Stukeley Street, just off Drury Lane in central London.

Find out more at The Design Conspiracy website

Vitra's George Nelson Natural Sunburst Clock now available in oak

Posted: 23 Nov 2010 12:56 AM PST

Sunburst

It's a midcentury classic - and now the George Nelson Natural Sunburst Clock has been reissued by Vitra in oak.

It's a shape that screams the midcentury era, this particular example being produced as far back as 1949, but more commonly associated with the 1950s. This reissue is true to the original, with those shooting arms and white contrast face. Only this time, those arms are in oak to keep things lighter.

Sized around 470mm, you can pick one up for £208.

Find out more at the Lollipop Shoppe website

Don't Be So Quick to Overlook the Maserati Grecale Folgore

If the GranTurismo Folgore is a guide, this Grecale Folgore could be surprisingly competitive. The EV GT was one of the year's best surp...