Thursday, January 21, 2016

Learning about the Other Woman…





OK so the title may have been a little bit of Bait & Hook, but it got you here didn’t it? I was thinking recently that I have someone I’d like to introduce to the world. She has been a part of our Garmento Family since I can remember. Now she isn’t exactly a sister, friend or relative, and the more I think of it, the more I realize that she is kind of like the "Other Woman" in our life. My father brought her into our world and it was the endless nights and days that he spent with her that got me thinking. She truly can be considered the "Other Woman" for our family, since she spent more time during the day with my father than we all did. When I was older and began to work with my father, I was introduced to this silent "Other Woman". I learned to handle her much in the same way my father did, and after working with her, she became almost invisible to me. Sad because she spent so much time in our lives, years of time have paid its dues on her and after many years of wear and tear, life’s spills have started to show on her now. Since my father’s retirement she was basically let go and has since retired too. It’s easy to forget about those who have quietly stood by us and that have been there through our lifetimes. Sad really…Nobody ever gave her a second thought and after retirement she stayed in her room alone and discarded.
ReGenerationAngeleno has been a full circle moment coming to fruition. While I worked on the website, the idea of
Re-Generation really became a focal point for me.
ReGenerationAngeleno. had a goal to re-generate, re-create and bring life back to as many items, things and ideas as I could find from times past.
It was this process of Re-Generation that made me think of
“The Other Woman” who had been there all those years and never asked for recognition or repayment, she had quietly paid her dues in the Garment Industry all those years. It was the new beginning for ReGenerationAngeleno which got me to thinking about the “Other Woman.”
It was then I decided, who better to help me create the image of ReGenerationAngeleno than the “Other Woman” she has lived her lifetime in the Garment industry, and sat thru many eras and seen endless changes in this industry. While she is less than perfect and a little worn from the years…who better to help represent a message to anyone in this world we live in, to never judge a book by its cover. Inspiration can come from anywhere.
ReGenerationAngeleno would like everyone to keep an open mind when it comes to appearances, no matter what; there is something to learn from everyone you meet….even if it’s what NOT to do. Positive is what you take from a situation and imagine what you can learn if you take something positive from everyone you encounter.
ReGenerationAngeleno is happy to finally introduce the “Other Woman” to the world and you’re going to be seeing a lot of her, we’re featuring her all thru the website, she may be a little weathered, but the Love and character has never looked better to me… So the “Other Woman”?! Well she happens to be the Fit Model for ReGenerationAngeleno and has been a huge part of my working days, now that I know and understand the purpose of the “Other Woman” I'd like to take a minute to introduce to you my working partner and the “Other Woman.” Please don’t judge her by her rips and stains, look at it as her life’s victories.
She is here and after many years of rest, has come out of retirement and has hit the ground running in her Full Circle Moment….Does she have a name? No...But if you can think of one I may be open to a nickname…After all these years I think she deserves some recognition…Don’t You?
Meet the "Other Woman" in my life: 
ReGenerationAngeleno is here…..

Saturday, May 31, 2014

MISS YOU...

MISS YOU...



 
Missing people is a true form of respect and a reminder that the person you miss is still inside your heart. Missing people is a way to connect through thoughts of any treasured time you had with the one you miss. However you interpet this is, unique to each one of us and all memories are special in their own way. This is my way to say I miss you...because I do miss you.

Miss you to those who I just left, may we see each other again someday....Miss you to those who have left this earth, you live forever in my heart...Miss you to those away to serve their country, thank you for being my hero....Miss you to the people and times that have been outgrown....Miss you to the people that have shared a moment...Miss you to those who have touched my soul...Miss you to those who have taught me life lessons...



MISS YOU...

 

Sunday, September 8, 2013

One second....

One second can change a life. One second can go by without a thought. One second changed the life of a special person i know...this person who i bonded with without every actually meeting in person. Funny how connections can be made by people. Everyone is where they're supposed to be at all times. You may not know it but even the wrong place can be the right place. One second may go by without a thought and One second could be the most life altering second in your life. But just as fast as one second challenges your  life...is how fast one second can change your life for the better. Lesson here...never give up being positive. One second is all it takes...never give up your peace...carry it with you through life. Keep your peace with you through all of lifes challenges. Renew your peace when you find your lifes blessings and use your peace when life challenges you. One second can change your life...one second can turn your world around...so dont think that one second can only change your life for the worse...but one second can change your life for the better too...so embrace every second and if your down..remember that any second your life can change. Make the most of every second. Your entire life is second by second...appreciate all your seconds.

Wishing everyone a lifetime of seconds to embrace.



https://www.etsy.com/shop/ReGenerationAngeleno

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Kindness...

Hope everyone is enjoying their beautiful Spring weather, their is so much to be thankful for. This past Easter I received a Face Book greeting from an old friend, a friend I haven't seen in many years. But this random greeting gave me more joy than this person could probably ever know. This greeting from a childhood friend made me think about all the people I have cared about, from my past. Random people who although they only highlighted my life for a moment, managed to share a piece of their world with me. And while even though for some it was for only a moment in time, they welcomed me with open arms inside their world. There was an eclectic mix of people from my past who I can truly say have touched me in so many different ways. 

I highly recommend to anyone...to never limit yourself to the "types" of people you associate with. It was something that impressed me early on, High school cliques were an early lesson. I just knew by watching people and their "tight knit" groups, that I never wanted to limit myself to any one type of people. The best lessons I have ever learned have come from all types of people, all colors, all walks of life. Some not so savory types, but seeing all walks of life always felt so right to me. I cherish these people and all of the lessons I have learned from their paths.

Kindness is a lesson I learned from all of these people who have touched my life whether it was for a second or a lifetime. They will always be cherished for a lifetime in my memories and my heart. Without these people who may not even know how much I learned from their lives, I wouldn't be who I am today. So today I want everyone to know that all who have crossed my path, good or bad are a part of who I am.

This is a lesson that I would like to share...

Be thankful for any person placed in your path of life, for even those who cause you pain or heartache or that you may have a distaste for, can teach you important life lessons. Share kindness and empathy for people. Without empathy the world is a bitter place, empathy will allow you to feel for someone and maybe give you a kinder outlook about who someone really is and where they may come from. We never know who may be acting out of hurt or is simply scared, empathize for that person who on the outside appears to be mean, angry or a bully. maybe they need someone in the world to understand their pain. Empathy will allow us to view the world through different eyes. Empathy and kindness will help the world bring to light Peace, Kindness and Regeneration...   

After all wouldn't you rather live in a place were your neighbors are Kind...I know I would.

So https://www.etsy.com/shop/ReGenerationAngelenowould like to begin with a little kindness...

Lets all start this Re-Generation of Kindness and Empathy...





Peace, Love and Regeneration...always


   

Friday, March 8, 2013

Giving...

GIVING...it's something we all do everyday whether you're conscience of it or not. GIVING is not limited to GIVING to others, GIVING to yourself is something that everyone should do daily. Allow yourself to take what your soul needs to regenerate. But lately GIVING has taken on a much deeper meaning.
The conception of  ReGenerationAngeleno and the endless memories that it brings to life are even more vivid. GIVING is something that I would like to highlight in my writing. Not because I want to "pat myself on the back" and post a list of my own GIVING, that I want recognition for, but because I am proud to know that I have for the most part spent my life giving without expectation, recognition or needing praise. But GIVING because I felt strongly about it being something I needed to do. Maybe some times others may look upon a person who is too giving as a pushover...or a victim waiting to happen. But its a victim mentality that makes a victim. Expectations attached to giving, will surely disappoint. GIVING is something that should be done with the purest of intentions, knowing that your offering a gift to another and wish for kindness to be paid forward. I wish to view giving as something that feels right to do, if you feel it strongly enough. Not for self motives.

This tiny twist on GIVING is something that I wish to pay forward and Re-Generate...

GIVING with pure intentions far outweighs, GIVING with the intentions of getting something in return. I may be showing my age here, but sadly I have watched first hand many incidents of GIVING with the wrong intentions. There has to be a distinction between giving with blatant manipulation and self promotion in mind and a true giver. My wish is to "not see" these self promoting "Givers", thank you very much. But would rather live happily simply trusting and knowing that GIVING is being carried out everywhere all the time. Knowing that I could trust the world to demonstrate this GIVING mentality. Now that is something to think about...

Now may be the perfect time for me to remember all of our Military who have are "GIVING" the ultimate gift, by protecting our rights and freedoms. Your "GIVING" may be the exception to the rule, the one that I can say truly deserves recognition, "pats on the back" and any other kind of THANKS we can give!

So with that said ReGenerationAngeleno would like to thank our US Military and their families for the Ultimate gift in GIVING.  

Practice GIVING daily.
Peace, Love and Regeneration...           









   

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Steel Jeans Inc.

A lot of this months measuring and photo shoots involved STEEL JEANS Inc. There is a story behind all my products and I intend to relive my memories as best as I can, all for the sake of preserving memories. I'm sure that in Los Angeles there are MANY untold stories and I've recently been inspired to share a bit of my memories...STEEL JEANS Inc. is just one of many stories to tell... 

STEEL JEANS Inc. was a cutting edge denim company launched in the 80's and based in the heart of Los Angeles. This company was owned and operated by the Lee Family. The Lee's became my mentors in learning the corporate side of the Apparel Industry, and as they took me under their wing, they generously shared their knowledge. Since then I have based my career on the important lessons they taught me. It was because of these "Garmentos" from my past, that I spent my lifetime emulating and always cherishing every memory and lesson learned. Watching this finely honed company operate was the best lesson ever. Learning as you go, and from an Old School class of people who were happy to share their knowledge with the young daughter of another "Garmento". Vicki and Thai Lee, were introduced to me by my father, who met Vicki and Thai during the 70's as they were both working for the iconic Chemin De Fer Jeans company. It was there that a friendship was formed that went beyond work, and lifetime bonds were made. It was Vicki & Thai's 20 years of experience as the owners of a prominent Los Angeles sewing contractor which was the knowledge and foundation for the birth of STEEL JEANS Inc. 

STEEL JEANS Inc. was created and run by their children Danny and Vivian Lee. These two siblings and the younger generation of the Lee Family carried the "Garmento" torch and ran with it, creating their own eras version of a fashion denim empire.

STEEL JEANS Inc. was one of the early innovators in Denim production during the 90's. Their goal was to create the highest quality denim product, at an affordable price. They were a fully operational company which unlike many Apparel companies, kept their product domestic to assure and maintain quality and delivery. The younger generation of Lee's were focused on taking the manufacturing game to the next level of technology, breaking ground by testing and launching the Gerber computerized technology. Automated cutting and sewing. They also took laundering and distribution to a whole new level.

They truly were a manufacturing Vanguard of their time.

During the 90's STEEL JEANS Inc's commercial advertisement made its TV Debut on MTV and they co-sponsored one of the first MTV's Spring Break series. They also broke ground when they were the first Apparel Manufacturer to use a new outdoor advertising medium called the Photo Mural Bus, which featured Multi-covered ads on virtually all MTA Bus side exteriors including the windows, but allowed the passengers  unobstructed views through the use of  an exciting new patented technique called window graphics. Bus routes included Wilshire Boulevard through Beverly Hills, Westwood, West Los Angeles, Brentwood and Santa Monica. Quite the advertising breakthrough at the time, it was seen everywhere in the Los Angeles area.

STEEL JEANS Inc. made many cutting edge breakthroughs with Denim Washes. Creating several design trends that caught on like wildfire with the public. I could go on and on about the people and the lifetime bonds that were made with this group. We grew together with the industry changes, we were together
during the LA Riots, and during this time we all quickly learned that the Lees were not just the Bosses, they cared for their employees and in turn their employees cared for them. Learning from these icons made me realize that when the boss cares, the employees care. This was a part of the recipe that made the team work together and all thrived together with their successes. This is something that I sadly learned from my later years within Corporate giants, is a torch that has not been carried on. Maybe if we could learn from these Icons of a time gone past, we can grow from the old ways. It doesn't take much to appreciate the little guys, but when you do big things can happen. So in keeping with the traditions learned from the Lee's, I will always appreciate the Little guys. Hey you never know when the little guy may become someone Big.

STEEL JEANS INC. is making a comeback...
Much Thanks to the Lee Family
for being a part of my Re-generation...








Thursday, January 3, 2013

2013 A New Year for Made in the U.S.A.…


2013 A New Year for Made in the U.S.A.…

 

 

It’s the beginning of a New Year and the official start of 2013…
Re-Generation-Angeleno.com would like everyone to keep positive and imagine the best for everyone. There is power in positive…I for one plan to keep thinking on that note…can’t hurt can it?!

Re-Generation-Angeleno.com has been a bigger animal than I thought it would be, but the never ending process is has been pure joy.

I have been doing so much research to get a better idea of the history and background of the items I will be selling. It’s an enormous, never ending process to say the least. But the part I am finding rewarding is the endless research of SO many different pieces of Vintage Fashion, jewelry, war memorabilia, house wears, watches, cufflinks, music..It’s really mind boggling!  

Now I know why Collectors narrow down their fields of expertise! Lol

One of the interesting details I’ve noticed is that almost all of these Vintage Items are, Made in the U.S.A…
Now back in the day…I never gave it much thought about “where” my things came from…it really didn’t even occur to me. I guess I assumed everything was from the USA, how naïve could we have all been. Not to think that one day we would all wake up and find that we have outsourced ourselves. I try to be conscious of the products I buy but it’s not easy practically every store around here in Los Angeles, are filled with products produced overseas.
Now that I know firsthand what it’s like to be a corporate out casted by-product…I have seen the unjust corporate downsizing in my own neighborhood of DTLA. I have watched my peers being laid off while suspect Corporations outsourced their jobs to other countries to obtain the never ending search for more $ profit. Profits that eventually go into the 1% pockets. Everyone should have the opportunity to succeed in life, and all over the world. I wonder, whatever happened that made the USA forget about the pride of Made in the USA? Seeing this on your label used to bring pride to the people…It’s something that I forgot to think about…all these years I have been in the apparel industry adding to this insult to the USA. Along with millions of people I too wear the clothes…but I am sad to say I forgot to think about the labels…
I think it’s something most of us have forgotten.

So I say we bring back the Made in the USA in 2013,
Pride in the USA….all you have to do is read your labels!

DTLA is my neighborhood and I feel it’s time for us to take it back
and provide for each other in our own neighborhoods.  

So Support your LOCAL Business….Promote your neighbors and lets Re-Generate our own neighborhoods…it all begins at home anyways!
Re-Generation-Angeleno.com is coming soon…..

Made in the U.S.A...say it again and get used to it...
I feel another regeneration coming our way...