The Moldy Doily

opening # 96

For all those people that may say I am not into commitments, let me start  by saying that SHOW PONY will be officially 8 years old this OCT 13th.  Sure that seems far off, but I mention it because last night was # 96 art opening block party extravaganza.  If we didn't remodel it would be # 99, which would seem EVEN cooler.  The shindig last night toppled into the street again and was pretty lively.  I decided to dress a little Egyptian and wear dark raccoon eyes just for fun. You have to click on these images to see the whole thing- because typepad had somehow changed the formats and half of them are cut off on the right side- or maybe that's cause I'm inept.  

these were taken before the action... little brittly right before the party begins Miss Becky Stark (on rt) posing with me at the shop. She and her boyfriend (of Lavender Diamond) were doing an art show and performing at HOPE Gallery A customer was wearing this "Georgie Boy "necklace. I almost cried when she said it was vintage and therefore unobtainable. Isn't it divine? Sandra Chi the artist and I posing in front of one of her paper drawings! Kimberly Faith: jewelry designer ---in the house with her fab stuff The window display of the heart projected on the world- Lavender Diamond's dream vision

Bandmate A good time was had by all. Lincoln Madley performed in the loft and the ladies below swooned. Our Iranian band friends showed up. Fran's family from Oakland came down, Miss Koshi was there (sure she took better pics than mine) I got to meet one of my favorite cast members of the L-word. It was a rad shindig

plaid pony

Saturday night, the block had it's monthly art opening. Show Pony stocked up on lots of cookies and candies and cheap wine. The street was packed. I've never seen so many people crowded onto the sidewalks. It took about 15 minutes to get from one end of the building to the other. Fun all over, HOPE gallery featured Hamburger Eyes- huge black and white photo images. The former WORK shop reopened as Ladyboy Shoes!
The night was long and ended up with a pow wow at Taylors new pad and a trip to a house party.

wendy from OOGA BOOGA !

this was the block early on...

and later

Outside...HOT VEGAN dogs tossed on the grill

the happy D.J.s in front of LADY BOY. It was the big Ladyboy debut, with new wave shoes and art by Amy Jo

Annie, out front (incredible leather jewelry maker!)

guess who got a new South Paradiso Medusa leather?

we like to train 'em young at Show Pony. Miss Vinca and her assistant took over for us ladies while we entertained the crowds

BEST $10 I ever spent...Balloons. What is it with balloons? Girls dig em. I wanted to do a photoshoot with everyone with the balloons. Shiny, ribbons...stars...hearts

mark your calendars! That's right I'm wearing PANTS! Can you believe it? Check out my hobo chic, all I need is one of those sticks with a polka dot cartoon rag. Turns out that everyone else was on a "mad about plaid" revolution too. There were even MORE plaid shirts that I couldn't snap

OUR PLAID MATCHED!

plaid family?

HAN CHOLO boys

By the way I just posted this big watercolor painting on my etsy site- currently on the wall of the shop

Flapper-thon

This weekend was a blur. A blur of colors and crazy. I like having a bunch of girl friends who like to get dolled up and go out dancing, and stay out til the sun comes up. ( Really trashy flappers) We had an insane adventure and I apologize that I neglected to post sooner. Sleep was crucial to my survival. These are the shots I promised from the store of the feathers. And a few of my pals the day after.

Also this weekend: The Debut of Organic HOMEMADE PIZZA! Delmore-LICIOUS. Viv and Matt have decided that the folks in the building deserve to taste their incredible handmade pies. So for those working and living in the building, we LUCK out! Finally real food delivered to your door/store. Only on the weekends for now. Check out the 4rd FLoor special that Annakim is eating. That's not a typo, my floor was painted way back and they misspelled 4th as 4rd-after the 3rd was done.
This is her reaction when I told her she couldn't eat the whole thing by herself. She tore into slice after slice

all of these special pizzas are hand tossed up in the air and made with gourmet ingredients- they even come in their own BOXES!

Don't you want a pizza from this happy family? These lovebirds are tying the knot next month! Talk about mystic pizza

They've Landed

Those feather clips and hats by Laura Kranitz that everyone falls in love with, are back on the shelves at SHOW PONY. This batch is truly to die for. Seems like the master artisan has upped her game and created shapes and styles that seem to take hours of dedicated love.
This pile on the floor doesn't do them justice, I'm waiting for the right head to feature them. My favorite is the crown peacock and the long dangle peacock comb. I will post separate images of them tomorrow when I find a hair model. (or as I like to say, Brittzy!)
Anyway if you have been
a.) feeling dumpy
b.) feeling like your skin has broken out
c.) gained weight?
d. all of the above

These clips are so outrageously gorgeous that no one will even remember you have a face, or body for that matter. It's all about that clip baby

Speaking of being influenced by the OUTER LIMITS and just landing from another dimension-
The April 2008 issue of HARPER's Bazaar is pretty fabulous. There is an article on Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell, a spread on ethnic fashion, a spread on avant garde dresses, fantasy fringes, 70's blissed out folk craft wear, and more bohemian rhapsody. I don't have a scanner but photographed these from the issue so you can share in my excitement.

The above and detail here are of a minidress with sequins and draped back. The skirt part is a beaded Masai skirt with shells and tassles

this silk sequin mini dress is by matthew williamson and there is a beaded neckline ribbed vest. Check out the gigantic wool bracelets!

electric turquoise ruffle silk gauze dress by Burberry Prorsum

cool colorful patchwork knit dress by Etro, THE NECKLACE!!!! OH wow- this is what my blog is all about folks- that necklace right there, Silk cord and semi precious stone koo koo crazy necklace-with mirror and beads- (two different pieces placed together by Johanne Mills and and VVRouleaux)

Ok, this dress must be mine. Seriously I have to own this

this suede tassle mini-dress with mirrors is by Balmain

silk strapless dress by Giles

tulle and fur top by Fendi

suede fringe dress by Roberto Cavalli

blue feathered coat by emilio pucci

leather and silk chiffon dress D & G, and suede fringe gilet by relik

knit doily top and skirt by JEan Paul Gaultier

detail!

chiffon dress Alberta Ferretti suede fringed jk Paul and Joe. Look at that eagle necklace

dazed & confused

Hey check this out:
Writer niki roberton did a little story on the Show Pony for DAZED DIGITAL. Too bad it was before our big super duper remodel.

(photo DS)

Show Pony in Echo Park, Los Angeles was started in 2000 as an art and fashion space. Eight years on, the once-run-down strip of Echo Park Avenue has become a flourishing centre for cool vintage stores, hair/art salons, coffee shops and the successful Family. Show Pony's creator Kime Buzzelli (a Los Angeles artist) is at the centre of this hurricane.

Dazed Digital: How has Echo Park changed?
Kime Buzzelli: When we first opened the area was like a little ghost town. Now the block is mostly retail. We are excited about Family coming to open a gallery on the block next month. They sell exciting books and records and host rad performances by the Sads, No Age, and Abe Vigoda.

DD: What do you think of the independent music and art culture that's expanding in Los Angeles now?
KB: I love it. I feel like LA has a real revolution going on right now. It seems that so many interesting artists and musicians are collaborating and creating things. I also think that there are small collectives of designers and musicians who perform together and this system seems to feed off of each other. The Smell seems to be making real good vibes, lots of all ages shows and excitement in the air as bands play, there's also Little Radio, The Echo and their new EchoPlex. The boys over at Dublab take their show online and around town to places like the art museums and the Natural History Museum. My favorite place to see art shows with bands is New Image Art Gallery. On this side of town, Show Cave and Tiny Creatures.

DD: What impact has Show Pony made?
KB: Well, I think we were definitely in the group of pioneers of the initial scene, and participated in the early years of DIY everything. You want to do a one-woman show in the loft, it's yours. Want to show your indie movie on the wall, it's yours. Want to build a cake sculpture in the shop and wear plushy outfits while performing? Go for it. We had Becky Stark, Ariel Pink, Sonny Von Bulow, Civil WAR, JD from the Hairy Patt Band, Dame Darcy all perform in the early years.

DD: What are your plans for the future?
KB: We are currently doing a major overhaul and remodel. The plans are to bring it back full circle to its original art roots. Less clutter, more amazing stuff. And more wall space for art installations. I would like to start hosting classes out of there or letting artists take over the space with new ideas. Like, every month changing the name and hosting a shop within a shop, like Grow Pony (sell plants), Dough Pony (we can sell pastries), you get the picture. That could be fun

here's the point the other night where the party really got dazed and confused:

this little tea pot must have been laced with something

Pretty

I just have to repost this image because this profile is STUNNING. Check out Heather (co-owner of the TAYLOR de CORDOBA Gallery) and her purchase from Saturday night's party.
I have seen a lot of ladies purchase there amazing clips at the Show Pony, but WOW...this particular picture is incredible. If you haven't seen last months Marie Claire issue that focuses on L.A. ART and musicians, try to check it out, Heather Taylor has a beautiful colorful fashion spread in front of FROHAWK's paintings.

By the way, you should really go to her gallery and check out the latest art show by artist
Claire Oswalt titled: Trustfall. You may remember me raving about her work while in Miami for the AQUA Art Show. She creates these paperdoll like hinged paintings that are incredible.

March 15 - April 15, 2008.

here's the PRESS release

Taylor De Cordoba is pleased to present Trustfall, a new series of sculptural drawings by Los Angeles-based artist Claire Oswalt. This is the artist's first solo show with the gallery.

With her puppets made from wood, twine, and graphite on paper, Oswalt explores an increasingly complex adult world with a childlike simplicity and curiosity. The push and pull between control and freedom is pervasive throughout her series: from a girl being blown away, to the clothes that have fallen on the floor, to a man falling out of his chair. Her puppets demonstrate a sense of restricted movement, while the title of her series suggests an unrestrained freefall, made possible only with trust. Oswalt ensures that each fall is a fall in the right direction, or to a safe place. And although they are put into a position that lacks control, the puppets put their trust in the artist and subsequently the viewer. In this sense, the puppets welcome us into their world as we explore the trials and tribulations of "falling" in love and falling through life. Though Trustfall is theatrical with its changing backdrops and Pinnochio-esque qualities, its characters instill a quiet sense of realism that prompt the viewer to ponder the simple aesthetic quality which propels these puppets into our world.

Taylor De Cordoba is located at 2660 S La Cienega Blvd in Los Angeles, CA and is open from Tuesday – Saturday, 11am-5:30pm. For additional press information, contact Heather Taylor at heather@taylordecordoba.com or (310) 559-9156.

the big night

The past few weeks have been hectic to say the least, and last night's reward was a big party with old friends and cupcakes celebrating the grand re-opening. I was notified the other night that the L.A. Times article on the shop was published online already! To my surprise it says that the girl in our reopen flyer (the cute one one the carousel pony) is a self portrait! Um, well... no- I wish! For future reference I try to never draw myself as much as possible. Of course I will take that compliment and utilize it to buffer the blow in the article which states that I am older than I actually am. Ouch, nothing can hurt more in Hollyweird than someone adding a typo to your age or weight. But whatever, I was told by a psychic once that my real age was "7". Can't mess with that. Although in the moment I was a little alarmed, I opened up my second email to reveal this horoscope to me:

Your Horoscope for APRIL 05, 2008

Do not automatically think that beauty always has to be defined by old-fashioned standards, kime. It is time to set your own definition. There is no need to fit yourself into some socially constructed mold that doesn't resonate with who you truly are. Your job is not to try and make sure that everyone loves you. There is only one person you need to satisfy, and that is yourself.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
WOW, right?
It's like divine intervention saying "Sure, you may want to phone and get that mix up corrected, but you know the real fact, so why does it matter?" And hey, the article is awesome and the fact that the shop is featured in the image section and sharing all GOOD news about the designers and street is worth it.

Next door to the Show Pony (at LUCAS), my pal Susie is showing her photos of musicians, friends, and sassy street life. She is also hysterically funny like a comedian, so your lucky if you came and met her last night at the opening.
The HAN CHOLO boys were on their best behavior last night at the art show, cause you how those kids like to throw down a street party.

miss violette came out in true colors

Marsea trying out a little Show Pony flair

The designer K.K. and Kelly from Flounce, model the new stuff

me in a new tropical jacket

future show pony Vinca

mini cupcakes were provided by Delilah's Bakery up the street

Scheid, Amber, and amazing artist ASHLEY Macomber

jennifer and jeaneen

new friend Sessann with the best doily craft necklace on

miss Laura Kranitz, the legendary hands behind the feather revolution

emma came all the way out for the party!

check out her cool platforms

The only comforting thing after a crazy art/party and the realization that you missed Christopher Walken on SNL: this puff face

p.s. In my effort to take snapshots of all of the partygoers I sort of neglected to take pics of the shops final look. Whoops. Promise to take more of the entire space soon

the sneak peek

The LA Times image section this Sunday is going to have a little story on the ol Show Pony remodel! When the photographer came by to shoot the pics she had to deal with some creative wrangling to make it look already polished. I liked that she decided to leave in the ladder and the chaos, and embrace our work in progress.

Don't forget this SATURDAY is the big debut party with all new frocks and paintings and goodies. Delilah's is making us trays of teeny tiny cupcakes too.

not gonna do it

I am boycotting this April Fool's Day. I mean, it always goes sour. I can never execute a prank that doesn't go terribly wrong. I wanted to post a great blog with some insane or juicy info and then wait til tomorrow to reveal the truth...but alas I cannot think of anything.
Hope that none of you were victims to cling wrapped toilet seats, loosened salt shakers or frosted cardboard cakes. I promise that I won't pretend to have a new arm tattoo to my father as well. For the record it's not always nice frosting some plain donuts with chocolate laxatives

I wish someone would make these to pass out at the GRAND REOPENING party for the SHOW PONY this saturday. Imagine how festive that would be?

I liked this Happy April debut art

if you've been holding your breath...

The time has finally arrived. The wonderful gypsy den has all grown up. The ladies are going to be more organized, more efficient, and more glamourous than ever. We not only have sparkling gloss walls, but new sexy displays and cases to house the gems. It's gonna feel like your are living your life like some French movie when you come in. Ok, maybe now I've gone too far, but hey anything is more fabulous that all that clutter we had in there before.
You won't believe your eyes. I promise. So mark it in your calendars, APRIL 5th, next Saturday. It's a luxurious affair with cupcakes provided by local darling DELILAHS. Plus special musical guest...HEATHER PORCARO of the Heartstring Symphony. All new designs for spring and summer and fancy new jewelry to hang all over your self.

It's gonna be well worth those 2-3 months we were M.I.A.
SPREAD the WORD

I'm Blushing

Check out the sweet post on me by Street Style darling Linee Allen for NYLON...

Art star & Show Pony provocateur Kime Buzzelli looks made in the shade!

1. bracelet by lee angel, $205, intermixonline.com
2. rings by free people, $12 each, freepeople.com
3. charm bracelet by betsey johnson, $140, betseyjohnson.com
4. hat by forever 21, $9.80, forever21.com
5. dress by mayle, $429, shopbird.com
6. tunic top by tsumori chisato, $239, shopbird.com
7. bag by urban outfitters, $34, urbanoutfitters.com
8. perfume by marc jacobs, $30, sephora.com
9. hair spray by coiff oceanique, $2, sephora.com
10. paint set by red envelope, $38, girlawhirl.com
11. painting by kime buzzelli, kimebuzzelli.com
12. shoes by frye, $158, anthropologie.com

Check out more on artist Kime Buzzelli HERE: http://www.nylonmag.com/?section=article&parid=275

For more street style by Linlee Allen, check out Fashionably Loud and linleeloves.blogspot.com.

here's a painting I made last year- it's gone now- but just found the pic

Gaultier Spring Couture- mermaid-licious

friends swap

Every year at the Show Pony we like to get festive. We buy some egg nog or some mulled cider and we cookie it up over at the shop. We markdown some stuff down that we can't stand looking at anymore, and we pull lovely crap from our closets to trade down on the block. In the past we have sold some rad art, books, knick knacks and clothes that we are tired of, but that someone else will scream " SCORE!".

I think one year someone found a PUCCI print scarf and another pal scored an original PICASSO. Ok, now I'm just pulling your leg to see if it plays jingle bells.

Anyway, try not to miss this one, cause I'm selling some ART- and jewels and furniture too.

We will be hustling all day from 11-5, so come join the party.

new art by rebekah miles

This past summer I met artist Rebekah Miles at the JILL of ALL TRADES show in Santa Barbara. She had the cutest business cards I've ever seen. Little watercolor webs and tiny things all dreamy and painterly. Her work has an innocent feminine flair, and her subjects range from fruits to masks and love stricken couples. Tonight the Show Pony welcomes her for her solo ART show-at the shop and display of her handpainted art book covers. She also creates whimsical wall hangings from yarn and clay and paints lovable lions on plates. If you are in or around L.A. please try to stop out and see us to jumpstart the holidays.
I promise to do a follow up post for those of you who can't make the party- to show her installation and the festivities!

another BLOCK PARTY down

After the 24 HOUR Dept Store PAPER event, poor Brittz and I were forced to pack up and drive back to the store and host another art show at the SHOW PONY. To say we were beyond weary and slap happy is an understatement. One glass of wine and we were loopy.

Billie from the CHANGO coffee shop had her ART Show over at HAN CHOLO- it was awesome. Especially the wood cut out wall hangings

Lucas featured the artwork of skateboarder CHRIS PASTRAS-Echo Park neighbor and talented painter. His whimsical paintings feature cover art from tabloids and cool narratives. Fellow skater Jason Lee came out to support the show.

Papermag begs:TRICK your sad self out- for 24 HOURS!

The PAPER mag 24-department store project was a wild success. The SHOW Pony ladies successfully fancied up the hairstyles of countless shoppers. In fact we sold so many feather hairpieces that designer Laura Kranitz had to bolt the party after midnight and create more designs and return at 3:30 a.m. Ouch! The operation was supposed to continue for 24 hours- and most of the other vendors had interns doing the dirty graveyard shift 1 a.m. til 8 a.m. We nearly lost our minds in the wee hours
Of course Show Pony doesn't have interns, sadly we snuck out around 5 a.m. and took some gypsy naps. Lucky for us we were stuck in the middle of the venue next to our favorite people FAMILY bookshop and HEARTSCHALLENGER sweet treats. The second day Miss Lohan came through the place with a PAPARAZZI POW- and Jeremy Scott sweetly introduced us.

(markhunterphoto)

NATE: a.k.a. King RITZ from Family Bookstore made the hours go by much faster

Performance DARLING Ann Magnuson came by and tried on some Show Pony gear. Her old band BONGWATER is a personal all time favorite

Cameron from Decades came by

Ari and Josh hug

Wendy from OOGA BOOGA's booth

The adorable intern Scout Willis (16) at the Jeremy Scott booth helped Britt and I choose our fun buttons. I ended up scoring the happy mushroom pizza and she picked out the colorful chip cookies
(photo mark hunter)

Mark (COBRASNAKE) giving a massage to Kim Hastreiter from PAPER

FAB stylist Gitte

proud sponsor for the red bull-- Aaron Rose

CAT-CULT fanatic

This point of the night is sort of blurred with sleep deprivation. Sometime after 2 a.m., we feathered up and ventured to the MAC makeup photo booth where artists fixed the lips and you are asked to choose a frame and get shot. I was lucky to pose for amazing photographer HENNY GARFUNKEL!

I made this dress a few years back for a fashion show- and this girl showed up wearing it!! whoa

the EMPLOYEE award goes to Eric-

Mr. Teardrops ...CALI

Show Pony busted on the D.J. wall for tardiness

Britt shows off her denim banana HIT n- Run t-shirt

JILL OF ALL TRADES!

My new and fabulous friend Emily KAtz and I drove up to Santa Barbara yesterday to sell our wares at the CRAFT-bonanaza "JIll of All TRADES". The event- hosted by Kenny and Chris of the PRESIDIO motel- was quite a hit. The crowd was very pro-female entrepeneur. All kinds of artists, bakers, performers, and designers filled the parking lot with VINTAGE and new crafts and clothes. We were positioned right in the middle of the place- and therefore had a great vantage point.
Having merely 4.5 hours of sleep and cupcakes for nourishment always adds to a fun day.

Barrie of CORNFED

Planner of the EVENT: Kenny shopping

Jenny from Sirens & sailors wearing her new knit beaded necklace

future show pony

my favorite booth at the venue...

This rad lady created the coolest cupcakes in the land. Check out her "Charles Bukowski dirty ashtray special" it's really coffee grinds and candy cigs

what about the lucky cakes?
Heartbreak at it's finest recovery

the family that plays together stays together. And this particular 3-piece family does Portishead better than Portishead

FABRIC SKIES MAKE ME HAPPY

this is about when the cupcake high + the sleep deprivation made us loopy