This store started as an idea- “that low brow was beautiful”— that the discarded waste of one generation is the lust of now.
Having been in operation for two years, Trashpretty has gone through many changes, but certain things have remained the same. Upon walking through the door, eyes and ears are stimulated, wall-to-wall, with clothes, trinkets and sounds of the past as well as those of the present – a scene that takes fad and spins it anew. Unlike your average thrift, Trashpretty picks its selection with a keen eye indeed. From women’s to men’s, its easy to spend longer than intended in the shop examining every little odd and end.
The shop also features a new local artist on its walls each month. Their debut is the first Thursday of every month for Laguna Beach Art Walk and the event is always accented with fresh music talent from the OC area and beyond. The music itself has even turned into its own unique experience.
Every other weekend there are performances from psych-rock bands, surf-garage bands, punk bands, and others that fit no particular genre. All are a little rough around the edges – like the shop itself. But the experience is genuine. Every show is packed with local kids who find this as “no other place like it”, where they can chill with friends and listen to diverse sounds from the area. Most shows are free and all are for all ages.
Q & A with Justin Martinez, manager, event organizer and in house artist for Trashpretty:
E2TU – What are your main considerations for choosing clothes and wares for the store?
Justin – It takes a creative dresser to understand our merchandise. We consider uniqueness above all. We buy “bad” clothes, thrifty clothes, and vintage clothes, but its up to the buyer to make it what they will. We have several buyers who each have their distinct eye and interpretation of what Trashpretty is. Its a trash melting pot.
E2TU – How does a band go about getting a gig at the store?
Justin – A little practice and a Myspace, that’s how we used to do it as funny as it may seem. Now we’re vintage about it, we like to meet in person or to talk via telephone at (949) 497-6797.
E2TU – What is the Trashpretty ethos?
Justin – Expression of life. What we like doesn’t really exist, it’s who we are as is. We sell clothes to pay the bills, but really it’s always been about the music and art. Each scene has their own thing going, but ours seems to be a more accepting and broader one for the kids.
E2TU – What does a shop like Trashpretty represent in Laguna Beach?
Justin – A genuine place. Some shows are OK, some are great, some art is OK, some is amazing, but it’s the fact we’re doing it that attracts.
E2TU – What can we expect from the store in the future?
Justin – We’re always growing, as long as we have people to water us. We have plans on new clothing lines, merchandise, bands, shows, events, websites, and then making it all better.
Trashpretty is located at 1103 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach. Their next Art Walk is Thursday, October 7 featuring SIM, Dirt Dress and more to be announced.
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