Steal Magnolia Blvd.

What if you could step back in time, when men were gentlemen who held open doors, and women were ladies in dresses no matter the season. Time moves us on, we modernize, fads come and go, but some fashions live with us forever. Playclothes Vintage Hollywood, is a department store of everything nostalgic, including racks and rooms full of furniture, makeup, jewelry, hats, purses, shoes, accessories, home décor, kitchen accessories, fine dining, paintings, clothing, and more, from the 1930’s-80’s. Clothing of all sorts and styles fill up most of the store and their specialty ranges between the eras of the 40’s to 60’s.



Each item is different, and unique. Each coat and hat, each pair of shoes, each coat hung ever so gently on the racks, has a story and a history. Each pair of earrings has survived the test of time to have finally reached the hands of Playclothes. Every single item in the store is handpicked and bought by the owner through estate sales and generous customers every Tuesday through Friday. Every item has been specially chosen for a reason, for the store, and for the love of vintage.











Playclothes has been serving the Los Angeles area for more than twenty years, including twelve years in Studio City, and now one year on Magnolia Blvd. Their new Burbank location is huge, with beautifully upholstered ceilings, and hardwood floors. Their prices are pleasingly reasonable compared to other vintage stores, and their track record for the studios is overly impressive. They have supplied clothing and items for movies like The Changeling, No Country for Old Men, Benjamin Button, Dreamgirls, Oh Brother Where Art Thou, The Aviator, Catch Me if You Can, Pearl Harbor, and T.V. shows like Mad Men, The King of Queens, Two and a Half Men, That 70’s Show, My Name is Earl, Desperate Housewives, Lost, and much more.








Their clothing is inevitably old, and very fragile, but Playclothes takes very good care of each item, making sure all clothing is dry cleaned or steamed. Some clothes from the early Twentieth century are so delicate that it has to be kept off the floor and brought out under customer’s request. Coming into the store is very overwhelming because of it’s high ceilings and numerous rooms and hallways, but each item is individually marked so that finding the right era or look is fast and easy. Each tag is color coordinated by decade and has a brief description of the item as well as the price. Green tags are for 1940’s, orange for 70’s, yellow for 60’s and so on. If you still need help exploring, the staff are more than capable, and extremely friendly.





Playclothes Vintage Fashions is such a unique store because of the variety of things they carry. Their inventory is remarkable, leaving something for everyone. There is even a book shelf full of vintage fabric patterns, so you can create your own look. While they carry mostly old things, there are a couple new things, including jewelry by Classic Hardware. These incredible necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, are recreations of vintage and retro looks and can only be found in certain stores like Playclothes. You can also find local made items such as beautifully handmade scented soy candles.
www.classichardware.com



One of my favorite pieces that I have had my eye on for a while, is a handbag made from the company Red Camper. This purse is made out of real vintage photographs, sewed in to create a one of a kind, individually unique, new school/old school handbag. This one in the store is covered in slides of snowmobiling pictures at Pikes Peak in the 1970’s, and each purse has a hidden naked lady on one of the slides just to keep you on your toes. Flip it over, and the bottom is a map!
www.redcamper.com



But this isn’t just any ordinary vintage store, Playclothes transforms every Tuesday night for FREE live music from 7-9pm. Their usual performers, The Painkillers, play Jazz and Blues, and you can come enjoy some snacks and beverages. So if you’re in the area on Tuesday, and it’s been a long work day, come to Playclothes for some great tunes, great people, and some great atmosphere.

Playclothes also just held their first ever PinUp party on February 19th. For an amazingly low price of $100, makeup was done by Besame Cosmetic, Hair by Sandra D, and amazing pinup photos taken by Julia Dillon Photography. Don’t forget about the champagne and chocolates. What more could a girl ask for! The party was such a success and were hoping they do another one soon.

To see pictures of the Pin-Up party, check out Julia Dillon Photography or add her on facebook:
www.juliadillonphotography.com

Burbank and Magnolia Blvd. should be extremely proud to have such a gem.

Location: 3100 W. Magnolia
Hours:Mon-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 12pm-5pm
919-557-8447
www.vintageplayclothes.com










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Giamela’s Submarine Sandwiches has been serving the Burbank area for as long as some can remember. It is a well known local favorite, and a customer pick during the lunch time rush. Sitting only a quick walk from the Burbank Water and Power building, as well as the Burbank Chamber of Commerce, Giamela’s is a hot spot for some good old fashioned deli sandwiches.



With a variety of hearty meat, the sub sandwiches come in two sizes. The small is $6 and the large is $7, but don’t let it fool you, I couldn’t even finish the small! These delicious monsters come topped with mayo and mustard, chopped chunks of pickles, onions, tomatoes, as well as sliced cheese. With everything pack into the soft bread roll, these sandwiches are massive, making sure you get what you deserve.






Their assortment of sandwiches ranges from pepper steak, sausage, meat ball, pastrami, Italian cold cut, ham, turkey, tuna, and pepper and egg. I had the Italian cold cut, which was juicy and fresh. Topped with the works, this thing was a challenge to eat, but every bite was worth it. They are also known for their great pastrami sandwiches, both delicious and mouth watering. . It’s no wonder the line reaches to the door! Fortunately the line moves fast, and the employees are quick and attentive, calling down the line, while each employee takes on their own customer.



Giamela’s is cash only! So come prepared or leave disappointed. With your sandwich they also offer bags of chips and soda cans. There is parking in the rear, as well as limited street parking. The lot has an entrance to the back of the store so you can arrive either way. Like all my favorite deli’s it offers a bar stool deli counter, which to me is the only way to eat a sub sandwich. They also offer regular tables as well as outside seating.

What impressed me the most about Giamela’s is their environmentally friendly quality. A sign above the trash can asks that customer not throw their soda cans away, but to place them on top, so they may further by recycled. It’s always nice to see a local restaurant do their part in helping the community and the environment. Kudos to Giamela’s.

Location: 216 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10-8pm
(818) 845-6611


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Although Rocket fizz has many locations and are still growing, Burbank and Magnolia Blvd. are lucky to have this incredible and fun place. This store carries hard to find sodas and candy from around the world including British candy bars and Australian licorice. It’s bright and colorful interior, including steel walls, and retro posters and signs, gives this place a historic vibe. Throw in their free pinball machine and you got yourself a good time.











Rocket Fizz sells their soda in a couple of ways, but always by the bottle. You can grab any pop you wish off the shelves, or from their refrigerated wall, fully replenished with all types and flavors. All sodas are $1.89, or choose from their selected sale item for only a buck. Take your soda to the front counter where you can pop the top off with their built in bottle opener. If you’re their for more than just a quick refreshment, you can take one of their shopping buckets, and shop around for a 4-pack at $6.99 or a 6-pack at $8.99, your choice of any assortment.






Don’t feel too guilty while you guzzle down your ice cold pop, most of all the sodas are made from real cane sugar and not corn syrup, making these tasty treats less artificial.

Not only does this location carry newer candy bars that we are all familiar with, but candies that are near to impossible to find now. Funny candies, mints, gums, and even those crazy lollipops with worms inside. For hard candies and taffy, you can fill up a small bag for $3.99 and a large for $5.99. My ultimate favorite is the British candy bar, Violet Crumble. Chocolate coating over a honeycomb interior, gives the perfect crunch and sweetness that is a definite must try! There is always something for someone, no matter their taste.



Along with soda pop and candy, Rocket Fizz carries copies of vintage concert posters, show prints, and tin signs all priced between $6.99 and $9.99. One of the best deals I’ve seen in a while. These signs are perfect for just about every room in your home. Customers also love the little toys and gadgets, dispersed around the store, including the squirrel underpants, and other timely classics that have been around for decades. Rocket Fizz makes the perfect gift for anyone at any age. Throw in a couple unique sodas and candy bars, with a fun toy, and you got yourself a perfect handmade gift basket, that will be eaten up with pleasure.




Although Rocket Fizz has only been open for two years, they are planning on moving extremely soon, to another location close to Porto’s Bakery. Thankfully, they will still be on Magnolia, and a part of this great community.

This candy/soda haven also turns into a party venue when needed. Rocket Fizz has an outdoor patio with plenty of benches and tables to have a child’s birthday party. Parents can purchase gift cards to the store, where their children can roam around and pick out their own items at will during the party. Or join Rocket Fizz every Monday and Friday for their regular movie nights. The outside patio holds a projector screen where classic movies like Goonies and Willy Wonka play free for all customers.



This store is a must see, and please follow and support them as they move to their new location down the street.

Location: 2112 W. Magnolia (Moving Soon! Keep your eye out!)
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm Fri & Sat 11am-10pm
(818) 846-SODA [7632]
http://rocketfizz.com/










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