Showing posts with label Zoot Suits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Zoot Suits. Show all posts

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…..

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... 

 
 



Thursday, November 8, 2012

The Re.Generation of Happy…


The Re.Generation of Happy…



      It’s Funny how life puts you periodically on blast, causing reflection and wonder. Looking back on life, perhaps it is something we all do as time passes, reflect on our lives. Wishing maybe hoping we could of done things differently. Life needs to change over time...its how we evolve, by trial and error. Looking back I think of the many times I have said in conversation, I've always felt like we all start out as ordinary rocks and life is our weather.
    The chips and cracks from the weather of life are inevitable. Time and life eventually weathers us all into one of a kind creations of art. Life’s winds and weather will keep blowing, of that I’m sure. But how you interpret your own cracks and chips will define how you see the world. The interpretation of your own life will be the key to your world. Personal interpretation is key; a truthful heart is your biggest tool to owning your own life.
     Mistakes are a natural progression in life’s lessons. Never stand to judge anyone for wrong choices in life. So many people do… everyone’s choices are personal and unique. No one knows the path another has had in life. Judge your own life not another's. 
     Regret is a choice, never regret anything if you can learn from it, there can always be a positive reason for anything as long as you choose to truthfully view, understand and learn. Listen to your instincts…this may be quite possibly the best internal gage for your own life. Only you know what will make you feel at peace…learn to understand the feeling. Once you can understand this feeling, use it to fuel yourself and find what truly makes you happy. Just remember how it feels and always strive for that feeling. When you’re happy…life’s flows and ups and downs become a lot easier.
    Happy is contagious, energy is drawn to energy, good or bad. Try to remember to follow your heart and always pursue your dreams and happiness. Forget the haters and fight everyday for the things that create your happy world. Don’t try to be what the world portrays to be as the happiness of the moment…life is different things to different people and being different is never easy. But being a sheep makes for a herd mentality, do you really want to be part of a mindless groups of followers?  Stand out and be real…I would rather have a world full of strong individuals than a world of mindless sheep.
    I felt the need to speak my mind after all my years of fighting to be a good sheep in a world of corporate herders, and felt the need to scream it to the world. Ok maybe not scream…but blogging is kind of like screaming to the world isn’t it? If I can get one of my “kids” to read this and get even a fraction of what I’m saying then I am happy. 
Re-Generating Happy is kind of my goal….
     Start your own Re-Generation. Be Happy. 
        

Monday, February 13, 2012

Soundtrack of our Lives...


The Soundtrack of our lives …


   

Music is the soundtrack to our lives…Look back at your own life in stages. Your entire life is a wonderful and personal soundtrack in the making. Music is there whether you’re listening at the time or not. Music will mark your momentous moments. Your happy times, your sad times; it’s funny that no matter what kind of a mood you’re in, you will always find a song that speaks to you.

I love that Music is for everyone and everyone makes the perfect choice in music no matter what your genre. There are no rights or wrongs in music. Music grows with us and changes as we change. Human nature can learn a lot from Music, all we have to do is listen with our hearts and really feel what we love, isn’t that what life is there for? The best music is created by really feeling something without Inhibition. So with music in my heart and in my life, I wish that everyone would take some time to reflect on their own soundtrack.
         Live your life like your making your soundtrack.

My life in the City of Angels has always been filled with so much music history, learning about music at an early age. Thanks to my father’s love of Jazz and Blues, I was privileged to have a father that invited me to share his music world and to share his love of music. It was a truly magical era. A time when their was a pureness to music and I met some colorful characters along the way, all of us with the same love for music. There are many moments in my own life soundtrack that become that much more vivid when I hear a song…you know what I mean. I’m thankful that music can make my memories that much more vivid and regenerate my memory.

I am comforted to know that music will be there even without my eyes…you can hear what Music is saying. Music has many voices and many things to say. Over the years music has evolved for me, just like my life. Regenerated…if you may. Musical Styles are regenerated, sampled and given new life. It’s all meant to be shared and recreated; to me it’s just adding more love, sharing your spin on things. It could be the new standard for life. We don’t have to be so quick with that old adage “Out with the old, in with the new”….Maybe we should re-generate the old and breathe new life into as much as we can.  
  
PEACE, LOVE AND REGENERATION...
                 ReGenerationAngeleno



Friday, January 27, 2012

Defining Regeneration…

Defining Regeneration…


re·gen·er·a·tion  (re -jen -er ayshun)
n.
1. The act or process of regenerating or the state of being regenerated.
2. Spiritual or moral revival or rebirth.
3. Biology Regrowth of lost or destroyed parts or organs.


REGENERATION is an interesting word and concept; The literal definition can be found in many a dictionary and defined in many a way. But currently my own definition of this word has a truly personal note. I believe that life has a way of moving full circle; this may be life’s way of allowing us to reflect and regenerate.
Signs from the universe can come from a lot of places and in the most random and unique ways. Coming Full circle is a beautiful thing. Life is only a matter of perception and one thing I have realized later in life is that we can only control our own perceptions. With that said, follow your signs and look back at life thoughtfully, lovingly and forgivingly. Always remember that life can be regenerated.
            ReGenerationAngeleno was created as a tool for my Full Circle moment and to begin the process of looking back and documenting my life thoughtfully, lovingly and forgivingly. What some of will learn about me is that I am an avid collector. I have spent my life collecting random things that catch my eye, and treasuring the gifts given to me by those that love and share or just things I've found along the way in my life that speak to me… if you will.  

I guess because of my age and time served…I can now be officially considered a Garmento. I love the word Garmento; to me it is a descriptive word and creates a mental picture of the people I grew up with in Los Angeles. Life in L.A. seemed so innocent back then. I remember being a baby and rolling around in my walker around the feet of my Dad and Uncle working together at the giant tables in our garage; creating First Patterns and Markers by hand. Later as a young child I became fascinated by the paper, the color pens and the Dress forms. In my teens it became a whole other fascination as I realized my own actual fashion sense. Once I was in my teens my dad finally consented to let me be his “assistant” I would go after school and spend my afternoons till dinner time working alongside my father. Sometimes this would prove a challenge a teenager working with Dad?! I wasn’t really sure what to expect. Another pivotal life lesson here…just because you are not sure what to expect doesn’t mean you should avoid what’s to come.
I didn’t and it proved to be one of my life’s greatest lessons. I learned a valuable work ethic, that can be taken with me and applied to life in general and probably learned the best lesson ever, and from a truly irreplaceable and  invaluable person in my life. I have since furthered my Fashion career in so many other avenues and challenges. But always refer to my earlier lessons from the original much loved and treasured Garmentos in my life.  
This is what Regeneration is for….If we don’t share an empathy and understanding of each other and most of all an understanding of ourselves how can we truly come full circle so life can regenerate in a positive way.  

Peace, Love and Regeneration...

ReGenerationAngeleno


Sunday, January 15, 2012

The Regeneration of an Angeleno...



Growing up in the City with a Mission, in the early 60’s was such a privilege. At the time being a young child, I was happy to innocently run and play in the streets with all the neighborhood kids. We were forever outside playing, only going home when you heard your parents call for dinner, because we all had to be home for dinner and we were, no qualms about it. Little things I grew up with that I never thought would go away with the passing of time. Things like childhood friends, favorite teachers, scout leaders, and team coaches. For me it was the stuff in my neighborhood like the neighborhood grocery stores, local parks and pools. During the later years, the things that would go away with time would be employers and relationships. Funny how such everyday things can become such relics, afterthoughts and well…history.
I have so many memories to document and am looking forward to taking each memory and putting the memories in writing. I know that my thoughts and experiences are uniquely mine and want to document my feelings and memories. Writing has always been a dream of mine and life’s dreams are meant for a reason. Life sends us on many paths in life…I am a willing participant in my life good or bad. So remember its only words, no one can ever change what you feel in your heart. Trust in your feelings and follow your dreams. Live life like you love life and all will be well.
 I guess everyone looks back at some point to reflect on their lives, it seems like human nature to me. We all have our memories to treasure. My memories will always be the one thing that are meant to always be with me, the one thing that is truly uniquely mine. I treasure mine with my every breath, they are a constant source of wonder. I wish for everyone to feed off their memories and to realize that every day is a source to create new memories. If you can stop one second to appreciate the everyday miracles in your day, you can keep the wonder alive. A lot of people love to use that cliché “Life is a Journey”, I guess I can agree with that, But, it’s a really grey statement. I’ve been on quite a few “Journeys” you might say, and I can only speak from personal experience but not every journey I’ve taken, has been something I’d care to brag about. That’s just me being honest. Now don’t get me wrong…I always tell all my friends this…I wouldn’t change a thing about any life choices I’ve made. Everything or choice I’ve ever made has been done whole heartedly and dare I say it with Passion. No Regrets. But in looking back I really would have to say the Best lessons have been learned by my mistakes. At least I can honestly say that from every mistake I’ve been able to understand more and understanding is what will help me to truly find happiness. I joke about that a lot; I was so intrigued with a song I heard. Have my son to thank for that. LOL. But the song is about the Pursuit of Happiness, which really hit home with me. I have been told I’m too deep. That might insult some people but the reality is if I’m too deep then maybe you should stay in the shallow end of the pool. Only a few people can really swim in the deep end and it’s ok. Life is different things for different people.             

ReGenerationAngeleno

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Re.Generation Angeleno...

Re.generation Angeleno has been my lifetime in the making so to speak. A lifetime collected and a personal lifetime of memories. Creating this memorial, hasn't been an easy task. Releasing parts of my life and my families life hasn't been easy, but knowing that the Vintage pieces that I have held so dear to me will go out into the world to breathe New Life. Breathe new life, knowing that someone else now treasures what I have held so close. Isn't that what life's really about? I had always wanted to create my online biz, but being a single mother and working in the Apparel Industry, which my dad so affectionately calls "ShowBiz" has delayed my dream till the universe finally opened all its doors and the signs led me to my chance. So Here I am today, wondering if I have what it takes inside to relate to the world outside of Los Angeles..the city of angels. 

As I take a deep breath and put it all out there for the world to see. Please stay tuned for bigger endeavors, and more personal views on my time here in the City Of Angels.

Remember this is all a Work in process for me, but with every great lesson I've learned from life, nothing ventured nothing gained. I would rather learn from my mistakes than never have tried. So many well meaning people tried to advise me about my business venture, and yes I could of hired a Web designer and All the team I may need to get my thoughts out there, but the goal was to accomplish, fulfill my dreams and to learn from this entire process. So be kind with your critiques...your words mean alot. I really value people and their words and want to hear from anyone with something to add. Good, Bad or indifferent it all means something to me. So help me get the Re.Generation in effect...

Regeneration Angeleno

Peace, Love and Re.Generation...