Rebels and Vixens in Style

Ritchie Valens, James Dean and Bettie Page are alive and well in Watsonville.

You can find them at Teddy and Lupita Martinez Rico’s vintage rockabilly and cyclebilly inspired shop in the East Lake Village Shopping Center.

Teddy and Lupita have a passion for cars, bikes, and the flashy, yet pulled-together looks of the 1950s. This passion was obvious with one visit to Rebels n Shirts Vixens n Skirts—in the clothing “with attitude” (for both men and women) offered in their store, as well as in the pinups decorating the walls.

But more than her decor and inventory, Lupe often is the most stunning example of the “look.” On one day, she was dressed to show off her curves. her face was artfully made-up and black hair perfectly coiffed.

“They dress up like that all the time,” their friends, Frances Moreno and Martha “Marty” Herrera, both said, “even when they go to church.”

Raised in Watsonville, Lupita and Teddy grew up among local car and motorcycle clubs and culture; “it’s who they are,” their lifestyle. A photo of Teddy on the counter shows him looking stylish astride his blue and white Softail Harley.

In respect for their heritage, they also combine elements from Dia de los Muertos—skulls, flames, and roses—with rockabilly in the store, creating an ambiance both rebellious and light-hearted.

The shop is small, but they plan to open another Rebels n Vixens in San Benito County. The fashions are pure retro fun: bright, contrasty colors (sexy red, pink, and black are prominent), with details like piping, cloth-covered buttons, nipped-in waists and leopard prints. They sell tees, too, often sporting slogans, like "Built for Sin." The 50s femme fatale look also calls for bows, ruffles, and polka dots.

Lupe is proud of the brands they carry—such as Lucky 13, Sourpuss, Bettie Page, and Tatyana—for the quality of the materials and construction, as well as the style.

The men’s shirts, generally in more somber shades, sport the same kind of ornate lettering you might find detailed on the door of a 1950s hot rod, like “King Kerosin.” There are also fun clothes for kids, as well as jewelry and other accessories—even hair pomade for the guys.

Friends Herrera and Moreno take their style seriously too. They were done-up when they helped out in the store while Teddy and Lupita were out recently,  attending “Viva Las Vegas”—no, it’s not a floor show at Caesar’s Palace. It’s the biggest car and fashion show of the year dedicated to pre-1963 cars, bikes, and clothing. The Vegas show is where Lupita and Teddy meet up with designers and retailers, and choose their clothing line for the year. This year Lupita is excited initiate a line of plus sizes for the store.

The business began operation in October 2010, according to Herrera, it has been a labor of love involving family and friends. You will find them participating in upcoming car and bike  shows in the Monterey Bay area this summer. Teddy and Lupita especially look forward to a car show in the East Lake Village Shopping Center this July—something that had once been a regular event. Watch Watsonville Patch for more information about the car show.

Rebels n Shirts Vixens n Skirts is a fun and friendly place to visit and shop. If you like flashy retro style, you’ll love their clothes. After my last visit, I felt like purging my closet at home of its faded clothing, and buying something frankly feminine, with lots of attitude.

928 E. Lake Ave. Hours: Tues.—Fri. 11 a.m.—6 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.—3 p.m. (831) 786.9770. rebelsnvixens@yahoo.com