Joan is a writer and a social historian. She has a passion for vintage cosmetics ephemera, and crime. She believes that a dame should strive to look her best, even while committing a felony. As a tour guide for Esotouric she has created a personality profile of Elizabeth Short (aka The Black Dahlia) based upon her choice of makeup. Joan is currently developing a tour that will delve into graft and corruption in Los Angeles during the 1930s. Her blog Vintage Powder Room explores history, women, art, and provides her with a transparent excuse to add to her collection of over 500 items, which she has lectured on at the Queen Mary Art Deco Festival. Her new blog Deranged L.A. Crimes is a must read for fans of the dark side of L.A. lore.
Gift Certificates on Sale through 12/24
Upcoming Salons & Seminars
Upcoming Tours
- The Real Black Dahlia — Saturday, January 4
- Lowdown On Downtown – Saturday, January 18
- South LA Road Trip: Hot Rods, Adobes, Googie & Aeropace — Saturday, January 25
- Special Event: The Visionary World of Millard Sheets: Landmarks & Lore of Claremont and Pomona — Sunday, Jan. 26
- Birth Of Noir: James M. Cain’s Southern California Nightmare — Saturday, February 1
- Boyle Heights & Monterey Park: The Hidden Histories of L.A.‘s Melting Pot – Saturday, February 15
- In A Lonely Place: Raymond Chandler’s Los Angeles – Saturday, February 22
- Route 66 Road Trip: Roadside Architecture, Citrus, Drive-Ins & Cemeteries – Saturday, February 29th
- Wilshire Boulevard Death Trip Tour — Saturday, March 14
- Special Event: Mansonland — Saturday, March 21
- Blood & Dumplings — Saturday, April 4