Six of the Most Unusual Items from the Marilyn Monroe Auction
Poor Marilyn Monroe. Born into poverty in Boyle Heights, mom sent to the asylum, divorced three times and dead at 36. But in those few short decades, she became an immortal part of the Hollywood legend and her blonde bombshell images still defines a sex symbol to millions. This week would have been the star's birthday and Julien's Auctions of Gardena is marking the occasion with "Happy 99th Birthday, Marilyn!," an auction of over 100 artifacts, tchotchkes and historical documents related to the most famous actress of all time running through June 12. 'At Julien's we sort of have a corner on the market for Marilyn,' says Margaret Barrett, Appraiser of Entertainment Memorabilia at Julien's, 'Our founder Darren Julien had a good relationship for many years with Lee and Anna Strasberg who inherited Marilyn's estate.'Barrett is partial to the personally signed checks. 'You know where she was that day and what she was thinking at the moment. We know she was at Pickwick books on July 3, 1951 and she bought twelve dollar's worth of stuff.'These online-only auctions feature only about 20% of the items of the more traditional in-person sales and the prices start low, often under a hundred bucks. 'The reason I started 5 or 6 years ago was so that young collectors or those without lots of extra money can get something,' Barrett says. 'It's worked like a charm. I say great! Keep coming back.'
Lot #41950s Hair CurlerCurrent bid at post time: $150'The curlers came from the Monroe estate sold Julien's sold 20 years ago,' Barrett says. 'It was a whole set and the owner's been selling them off one by one. Lots of buyers want one little piece of Marilyn. I'm sure the original buyer plucked off the hair 20 years ago.'
Lot #121961 Telephone Messages from The Beverly Hills HotelCurrent bid at post time: $300
Three missed calls from 1961 at Marilyn's preferred hotel
Lot #61962 Invoice from Arthur P. Jacobs Company, Inc. Current bid at post time: $50
This $7.82 bill for Western Union telegrams came from the Strasberg collection and includes reference to 'M. Monroe's picture with P. Sellers' Peter "Pink Panther" Sellers? What would that have been like?
Lot #171960 Receipts from Jurgensen'sCurrent bid at post time: $150
Thirteen sales slips from the upscale grocery store in Beverly Hills including her orders for cheese, 7-Up and caviar.
Lot #741954 "Monroe Scent" Vintage Merchandise DisplayCurrent bid at post time: $50
Possibly unlicensed air fresheners in rose, jasmin and lilac marketed with the star's image. Nine brittle 70-year-old samples remain intact.
Lot #941950s Blank CheckCurrent bid: $200
While most checks tell the story of when and where the star spent money, here is a rare unused and unsigned specimen from City National Bank in Beverly Hills that once lived in her handbag.
This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- Buzz Feed
53 Affordable Versions Of More Expensive Products
Nortiv 8 walking shoes with the pillowy comfort and bold color combos of Hokas on the cheap, so you can splurge a little bit on that boutique boxing class this week instead of shelling out more for the name-brand shoes. A tinted lip balm you'd SWEAR is Clinique's $25 "Almost Lipstick" Black Honey for the lovely, sophisticated hue it'll turn your lips. This is great for people who 1) always want a little lip color, 2) hate a sticky feel, and 3) love a bargain. Gold Bond's firming neck and chest cream to *gently* hydrate, exfoliate, and tighten the skin that's more sensitive than the rest of your body but less sensitive than the skin on your face. This makes for a lovely, quite effective in-between formula packed with aloe, salicylic acid, and jojoba oil in a formula that reviewers say works just as well as much pricier creams. A ribbed button-up tank that'll give you the same vibes as an Abercrombie & Fitch one for half the price. So you could double ya' want. Maybe this is what they always meant when they said transitioning your look from office to happy hour? A cutesy juice glass that'll run you $6 less a pop than the iconic Anthro icon juice glasses. Once you start collecting 'em, you may not want to stop! A Lululemon-inspired tennis skirt with built-in shorts and a secret inner pocket because are you even living your best summer life if you're not claw-handing your iced coffee and phone in one hand while you wildly gesticulate as you tell your friend a story on a neighborhood walk? No need to worry about a strong breeze. A "Soft" perfume rollerball that's definitely made an appearance or five in your FYP scroll. It's only $5 and smells totally delightful (it gets compared to sweet treats like waffle cones). BUT! That's not the only reason to love it. It reminds reviewers of the $65 bottle of Pink Sugar 👀 and layers like a dream. Or a Creamy Coconut fragrance rollerball to have everyone assuming you paid full price for the $25 Sol de Janeiro fragrance. Even if your immediate plans don't entail sitting on a beach and drinking out of an actual coconut, you can still catch a whiff of the island vibe with this sweet scent. An Anthro-leaning reversible quilted throw blanket in a ton of charming prints for a bedroom refresh that'll brighten things up and leave a little more room in your budget for, perhaps, a fun throw pillow?! Essence's Drop of Sunshine Bronzing Drops will help you fake that you spent the weekend taking in the sunshine instead of sick and holed up on your couch catching up on all the horror movies you've been meaning to watch. And at $33 cheaper than the Drunk Elephant version, you might just go ahead and invest in a second or third bottle now. Reviewers say it's super hydrating and buildable! An spaghetti strap sundress with built-in shorts (maybe "built-in shorts" is the 2025 summer mantra?) so you can reap all the benefits of a cooling sundress in the heat without having a Marilyn Monroe moment. (Reviewers say it's waaaay cheaper than one you can find at the mall.) A pair of pilot shield sunglasses for a very close look to the $699 Bottega Veneta pair. If you're on TikTok you've probably already seen these bad boys and thought about taking the plunge. It's a mere $14.99 plunge so, eh, might as well. A CZ tennis bracelet with tons of reviewers who say it can pass as actual diamonds. Listen, you want a glamorous stack but you don't have to choose between that and a long weekend at a beach resort. Or, go all out with a set of golden bracelets to help build up your wrist stack 'til you can throw your money at some real-deal Cartier ones with price tags that'll make you gasp. An intoxicating Baccarat Rouge 540–inspired Cremo Body Wash will help you smell luxe without blowing your whole beauty budget for the month. It has a blend of white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber that reviewers say stacks up to the real deal and sticks with them throughout the day. E.l.f. Lash Xtndr Tubing Mascara if you've tried pricier versions but have shied away from rebuying because of $$$. Seriously, just try this! It's so good that I'm currently on my THIRD tube. Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder made with natural rice starches and pineapple, kiwi, and papaya extracts that'll foam up and *gently* polish skin, giving you similar results to the $68 Dermalogica version. You can use it up to four times a week to see (and feel) the benefits without harsh scrubs or panicking a little bit at your Ulta total. Plus, Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel. Reviewers swear that this works just as well as $$$ eye creams at minimizing puffiness and swelling thanks to a powerhouse duo of caffeine and hyaluronic acid. Some sharp-looking pointed-toe flats with similar comfy, machine-washable features to pricier Rothy's or Vivaia flats. You'll be glad you packed these to get you from Notre-Dame to the Eiffel Towel on a long but gorgeous scenic view! And when you get home, you can toss 'em in the wash to look like new for your next adventure! A beaded shoulder bag in case you've added a similar Staud one to cart about a million times but haven't been able to checkout just yet. The brand's beaded bags became instant classics but you can get a little splurgey at Anthro without having to completely upend your monthly budget on a (gorgeous) $295 bag. You could get three of these at that price (if you wanted). A set of wrist and ankle weights will feel like an extra fun accessory after you look up how the pricing ($22-ish) compares to similar Bala Bangles ($50-ish). Slip on these before you take a stroll with a pal to get in your steps. Just be prepared for the onslaught of compliments by passersby. Mise En Scene Perfect Serum, a K-beauty product that's probably come across your radar for its stunning before-and-after results *and* lower price tag than a comparable $46 Gisou hair oil. Locking down a cheap but transformative hair oil will soften the blow of putting off having your split ends snipped off for a few more months. Sliick Ingrown Rescue Solution to halt painful (and unsightly) ingrown hairs before you realize they've rudely shown up on your first beach day of the year, no matter how you're DIY-ing hair removal. AND it's half the price of holy grail Tend Skin! Oxo's portable Cold Brew Rapid Brewer if you guzzle coffee like it's your main salaried job where you have a corner office in the C-suite. It whips up cold brew in a mere five minutes, which is even better news if you've gotten sticker shock from Aeropress but need something that'll work both at home and on the go. (For the record, some reviewers call it "Aeropress 2.0" because they prefer the Oxo version.) Self-Tanner for some super-easy-to-apply color that'll develop in an hour. No need to book a (costly) spray tan appointment. (Psst, reviewers who've previously sworn by St. Tropez products have made the switch!) A cherry bag charm can add a lil' razzle-dazzle to your plain bag that's just not doing it for you anymore. Just let your work nemesis assume that it's the $95 Coach charm. An Elizavecca hair treatment to give you "rich girl hair" thanks to its collagen and ceramide 3 formula. And it'll take just a few minutes of your time, like as little as five minutes post-shampoo. Because time is money, money is power, and power is pizza. (In case you were curious, lots of reviewers say they prefer it over $$$ Olaplex.) A long-sleeve bodysuit will wrap you up in an incredibly soft fabric that reviews oft compare to Skims. AND it's supportive enough so you can wear it without a bra, which is always a great thing! Plus, a stretchy bodycon pencil dress with heaps of Skims comparisons for the shape and stretch. I'm guessing this is what Morticia Addams would wear to an all-inclusive beach resort. A pair of wireless over-the-ear headphones you'd mistake for AirPods Max if you weren't paying close attention thanks to the similar shape and shade options. These beauts are at a small fraction of the price (I swear, that math is easy) with good noise-blocking, 10 hours of play per charge, a built-in mic for calls, and cushy padding so you can put those extra HUNDREDS you're not spending on AirPods Max for a flight to your college roommate's wedding. Catrice's Magic Shaper Face Cream Palette to help you build out and highlight your face's gorgeous assets for a mere $8 instead of $88 with a similar Makeup Forever palette. Listen, you don't have to spend a bunch of money to LOOK it. And a palette like this is gonna last you a while. A baroque-inspired mirror to instantly dress up an entry or hallway. The gilded frame looks equally great hung on a wall or atop a console. And every time you gaze upon your reflection in it, you can think about the dough you saved by opting for this one over the more expensive Anthro version. An elegant set of square wineglasses that reviewers point out are VERY similar to the pricier ones sold at Crate & Barrel. Whether you're just drinking some water out of them or some actual Prosecco, they'll certainly elevate the moment. E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter that'll free up a bit of coin if you've been eyeing Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter as a glow-getter on a budget. This stuff has hyaluronic acid and squalane to give you that lit-from-within for less than the cost of a pricey chopped salad from that place beside your office. A faux-leather bag you'll do a double-take on because it's verrrry similar to Polène's Cyme you've been stalking online and thought, "Welp, I could buy this instead of flying to my college roommate's wedding" before buying that flight. Hanes Ultimate ankle socks can pass the comfort test for fans of Aritzia's TNA line. Yes, we're at that age where socks can be luxurious. A faux-pearl choker that's a dead-ringer for a Vivienne Westwood piece you can easily add to all kinds of outfits that are missing something. Mystery solved. Slingback heels to add an air of sophistication to a simple outfit. We're not on a Chanel budget, but that's perfectly fine and normal! These beauts will help you chase that feeling AND turn out to be super versatile so you'll have a pretty low cost per wear. And while we're chasing that feeling, a quilted leather crossbody purse can scratch a Chanel-ish itch while adding an affordable purse into your wardrobe rotation. A glitzy long-sleeve sequin dress in case you marveled at the $765 16Arlington dress Hailey Bieber wore but gasped out loud when you looked at the price. This under-$100 version is just begging to make an appearance in a loud, dark club somewhere in Europe. A pair of retro-style oval sunglasses your nemesis will mistake for the $400+ Miu Miu ones, which is fine. Let 'em think that and put that extra cash toward whatever else you want. A multipurpose blush stick you can try out to create the lovely watercolor blush trend. Y'know what's even lovelier? Paying $7 for this instead of the $18 Pixi Beauty version so you can build and blend color to your heart's content. A pair of satin block-heeled dress shoes you'd mistake for some Loeffler Randall heels if you didn't buy them yourself! Reviewers also say that the supportive straps mean you can still make all kinds of moves. A wedding dance floor hates to see you coming. A velvet V-neck maxi dress that'd make a perfect bridesmaid dress. Or just a wedding guest dress! You're already paying [redacted] to attend the Nashville bachelorette. We don't need to spend $400 on a dress too. Slip-on mules because you're not allowed to wear sneakers to the office (I'm emailing HR on your behalf) but don't do heels. You'll get all kinds of use out of these comfy alts to the pricier Madewell Gemma mules without having to MAKE yourself wear them enough times just to make yourself feel better about dropping serious dough on them. Platform slippers you've eyed on so many other people in public (or, well, the similar but more expensive Ugg Tazz) and want in on the cozy style. Once you slip your feet into the faux-fur shoes, you'll find every which way to wear — even in the sweaty pits of summer. Cushionaire slides that'll help satisfy your old dogs' yearning for comfy Birks (there are 1,000+ reviews comparing them) for significantly less. E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops made to help plump up (hydrating hibiscus complex and hyaluronic acid) and brighten (niacinamide) your complexion for similar results to the $35 Glow Recipe Watermelon Dew Drops. Reviewers say it works great alone *or* mixed in with foundation. A plated ring with just a bit of glitz that'll help you channel the Cartier look without affecting your financial planning goals like the real-deal would. Dossier's "Ambery Vanilla" perfume because you thought about shelling out for YSL's Black Opium but your budget said no despite all your other perfume bottles being on empty. A Briotech spray can help soothe rosacea, eczema, rashes, sunburns, and other skin irritations for when your skin is just not cooperating thanks to hypochlorous acid (it's in your white blood cells and helps soothe inflammation). Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray is also what some call a miracle in a bottle. But Briotech is in a cheaper bottle. Some mid-weight sweatpants in case you wanna bring some luxe feel to your couch-rotting. Folks on TikTok compare these to Aritzia's for a fraction of the price. Everyone wear sweats but they don't have to be expensive sweats. A half-zip pullover sweatshirt that'll run you far less than Lulu's $118 scuba hoodies.
National Geographic
3 days ago
- National Geographic
The wild, joyful, passionate world of Marilyn Monroe's superfans
The actress's greatest legacy might be the happiness she still inspires in so many people. More than 60 years after her death, photographer Amy Gaskin documented Monroe's international legions of admirers. Marilyn gives strength and hope to people worldwide. Through her remarkable rags to riches story, she inspires many to persevere against the odds. In Australia, Marilyn is the motivation for those whose lives are touched by cancer. They raise money for cancer research, support and prevention by swimming in the ocean dressed as Marilyn. Swimmer Belinda explains, 'My mum died of bowel cancer when she was 58, and I had a good friend whose son died at 32 of cancer. It seems everyone has a connection to cancer. This is our ninth year doing the swim.' Back left to right: Petal (Belinda's granddaughter, 6 years old). Mark, Monique Front left to right: Belinda, Wisha, Jacqui Brighton, South Australia August 4th marks 63 years since actress Marilyn Monroe died at her Los Angeles home in 1962 (her housekeeper discovered Monroe in the early morning of August 5th). Her tragic death at age 36 has undoubtedly fueled the world's enduring fascination with the actress and, more than half a century after her passing, she remains one the most recognizable faces in the world. Best known for her roles in the movies Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), The Seven Year Itch (1955), and Some Like It Hot (1959), Monroe established herself as the archetypal blonde bombshell, marrying sex appeal with uncanny comedic timing. But her legacy is more complicated than the nearly 30 films she appeared in: she is simultaneously an actress, an American icon, and a woman whose life was mired in sadness. Monroe's multifaceted appeal continues to fascinate fans across the world, documented here by photographer Amy Gaskin. Over 500 people have gathered, dressed as Marilyn, on the morning of the swim. The Marilyn Jetty Swim began in 2014 with just a small group. Founded by Sarah in honor of her mother, Esther, who died from uterine cancer, the crowd grows every year and has now raised over a million dollars.'As a breast cancer survivor, I am inspired by Marilyn for her ability to overcome adversity and to be resilient when faced with difficult situations. Whilst I was undergoing treatment, her story inspired me to remain strong and accept the many physical changes that I have had to go through,' explains Katrina.'Marilyn Monroe has inspired a generation of people like me to never give up, believe in ourselves, and always put our best foot forward, no matter how unattractive or depressed we feel,' says Cate. Cate lost both of her parents to cancer and had a scare herself. Brighton, South Australia Gaskin discovered this ardent fandom during the early days of the pandemic when she visited Monroe's crypt in Los Angeles's Westwood Memorial Park, a cemetery that is the final resting place for numerous celebrities. The photographer was intrigued by the 'wet lipstick marks decorating [Marilyn's] resting place,' present even while much of the world was social distancing. It piqued Gaskin's curiosity, and she began photographing visitors at the grave. They shared with her stories of why Monroe was important to them. In these photographs, Gaskin captures the undying dedication of the many superfans who visit Monroe's grave and demonstrate their devotion to the icon across the world. These fans don her iconic look because they find commonalities with the woman she was, not the woman they imagine she might have been. They find consistent, real joy in Monroe. For the superfans documented in Gaskin's images, Monroe is everything from a source of inspiration to an icon of resilience, a role model of body positivity, and a shared source of community. A mother hopes Monroe inspires her daughter; fans find community with one another and dress up in Monroe's iconic outfits, wearing the white halter dress with the pleated skirt from The Seven Year Itch or the platinum blonde wig cut to mimic Monroe's stylish bob. 'If you love Marilyn, I know you are a kind person,' a member of the Marilyn Remembered Fan Club told Gaskin. Established in 1982, the fan club, an international group of devotees, gathers online to post photographs of Monroe and raise money to place flowers at her grave. (To mark her 92nd birthday in 2018, the group placed flowers from Parisian Florist, the Los Angeles-based florist that Monroe's ex-husband Joe DiMaggio used, on her grave.) In Palm Springs, CA, Marilyn is a symbol of hope. The 26-foot-tall sculpture "Forever Marilyn" is being installed to revive the city's tourist economy decimated during the COVID-19 pandemic. 'We are hoping she'll be a magnet and the 800-plus businesses downtown that have suffered will get some relief,' says Aftab Dada, Chairman of PS Resorts, the tourism group that brought the sculpture to Palm Springs. The sculpture was created by Seward Johnson and is based on a photo by Bernard of Hollywood. During installation, Karina R., of the Seward Johnson Atelier, carries supplies in the early morning during a record heatwave. That kind of devotion to the star isn't unusual. As these photographs make clear, Monroe's superfans continue to find their own sense of belonging in her life and work. Greg, the president of a fan club dedicated to Monroe and photographed here, collects the actress's personal items. He told Gaskin that his collection began as a way to 'get to know her better.' Surrounded by Monroe-inspired dolls and photographs of the actress, his attachment to her is clear. Undoubtedly, Monroe's biography inspires them as much—if not more—than her work. Born to a single mother in 1926, Monroe's childhood was unstable, spent moving between different households after her mother was institutionalized. Each turn of her story is marked by tragedy: sexual abuse, failed high-profile marriages, and an early death. Melissa in Dubuque, Iowa, shares a sense of intimacy with Monroe, relating to her 'hardships and traumas,' she told Gaskin. 'Marilyn taught me a lot of things without saying a word to me.' In Monroe's story, fans find a woman who persevered through hardship. She is a quintessential American success story: overcoming the odds to find fame and fortune. Though it's impossible to know what Monroe would have wanted her legacy to be, perhaps it's the legions of admirers who see hope and inspiration in her life. As Gaskin's photographs make clear, Monroe's appeal shows no signs of diminishing. With arms in the air, Kelly, left, from Los Angeles, and Haley, right, from Indiana, visit Marilyn's crypt. 'I've always felt connected to Marilyn. She was more than just a symbol of fame and beauty—she longed to be truly loved and accepted. She grew up feeling unwanted, searching for a sense of belonging, and that deeply resonates with me. I didn't grow up feeling good enough either, and knowing that someone as iconic as Marilyn felt those same emotions reminds me that vulnerability doesn't make us weak—it makes us human. Her story encourages me to embrace who I am, even when I feel like I'm not enough,' explains Haley. Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park & Mortuary in Los Angeles, CA Donna, from the UK, plans to be buried near Marilyn. She recently purchased a crypt near Marilyn's, even though she and her family live in England. 'I was the black sheep of the family. I felt different, but I didn't know why until I got older. When I first came out, my mom didn't speak to me for a year. She was born the same year as Marilyn, but they were very different in their views.' Donna said. 'Marilyn is very relatable, with what she went through and what she achieved. She stuck up for human rights and didn't like racism. She wasn't afraid to say what she felt. I wanted to be like that. Through her actions and acceptance of all types of people, she was trying to say 'love is love.' It doesn't matter your color, sexuality, or anything like that. She was very much ahead of her time. I feel close to her when I visit LA. I get so emotional. I just cannot imagine my life without her in it.' Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park & Mortuary in Los Angeles, CA The Marilyn Remembered Fan Club hosts the annual memorial service for Marilyn Monroe in the same chapel where Joe DiMaggio (Monroe's ex-husband) held her funeral more than 60 years ago. The club was formed four decades ago by a group of people who met by chance on the anniversary of Monroe's a Club member, says, 'Marilyn brings us all together. If you love Marilyn, I know you are a kind person.'Another Club member, Jeanne W., says, 'Marilyn's story of coming from a background of having no real stability inspires me. I love her resilience and determination to create a beautiful life for herself.' Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park & Mortuary in Los Angeles, CA Greg is president of the original Marilyn fan club. He has a vast collection of personal items that belonged to Monroe. 'I wish that I had known her, and that's why I started collecting— so I could get to know her better. She started from nothing and rose to being one of the greatest movie stars of all time.I didn't know her of course, but I've met dozens of people that did know her. They said that she had a very warm, giving, loving personality. She was the kind of person you'd want to hang around. She overcame so much, and that inspires many people. She fought the studio system and got her own production company. She had no major education yet she kept studying and learning on her own to become the accomplished person that she was. As a child, she was shuffled to several foster homes and lived in an orphanage. She never had a stable home. Her mother was alive, yet was unable to take care of her. This must have been very difficult for Marilyn to deal with. Her story is inspirational.' Los Angeles, CA Swim founder Sarah helps her daughter, Isla, 11, dress as Marilyn to help raise money for Cancer Council SA. Sarah believes that participating helps her daughter learn body positivity, while honoring her grandmother, who died from cancer.'I want my daughter to have these values about her body and to help others. I want her to feel good about herself in the world,' Sarah says."I hope my kids never get cancer. But if they do, I hope treatment can be easier, more effective, smarter. Somebody has to do something to get us there, and it might as well be all of us. I like to think, 'Just give us the right bathing suit, a blonde wig and a touch of red lippy and we can conquer the world!'' Brighton, South Australia Melissa always travels with her suitcase full of Marilyn photos. She has come to Los Angeles from Dubuque, Iowa, for the anniversary of Monroe's death and has decorated her hotel room with all things Marilyn.'I'm not alone. I have Marilyn all around me. I talk to her every day. Marilyn taught me a lot of things without saying a word to me. I relate to her hardships and traumas growing up.' 'Marilyn brought us all together. There's something inside each one of us that she loves about each of us,' Melissa said. "You'll be surprised how many Black women love Marilyn. Marilyn was one of the first people to help Ella Fitzgerald get a performing job. Marilyn gives me the strength to be who I am. She has given me strength at my lowest points. Be true to yourself. Don't fake it. Do it for yourself, not anybody else. She really loved African Americans and didn't discriminate at all. I love that she used her privilege for something good. It makes her goals board is on my wall. It has motivational quotes and pictures of Marilyn which inspire me to chase my dreams.' Saviyance Detroit, MI 'Marilyn brought us all together. There's something inside each one of us that she loves about each of us.' Dolls in a collection. The doll on the left holds a bottle of Chanel No. 5. perfume, which Marilyn had a passion for. She was famously said to wear only this perfume to bed and was rumored to have 26 bottles. Simon, center, gets ready for the big swim with help from friends Kaerena, left and Cate, right.'I lost my mother to cancer, and I started taking part in cancer fundraising walks. Sarah came to our office looking to recruit people for the swim. It sounded like a bit of fun to raise funds for cancer research, so I joined up and have taken part now for many years,' Simon explains. Hallett Cove, South Australia Marilyn parties attract a range of enthusiasts. Monica enjoys dressing like Marilyn for special occasions and is bringing a dish to the party. 'My Marilyn friends are like my second family. They watched me grow. I can't imagine my life without Marilyn. I find peace and solace whenever I think of her. Her vulnerability and the things she has conquered and accomplished are both inspiring and relatable. She means everything to me,' says Monica. Los Angeles, CA This is a long-term project by award-winning photographer Amy Gaskin, who lives in Los Angeles, and who has been studying the Marilyn phenomenon for years. What began with noticing fresh lipstick on Marilyn's crypt has now taken Amy on a worldwide journey. 'I didn't realize Marilyn inspires so many people,' Amy said. 'The more I researched, the more facets of Marilyn I uncovered. I discovered that people relate to Marilyn on many different planes. They relate to the person and her life experiences, rather than the film star. Her influence and inspiration has spread like ripples in a pond throughout the world." Amy's research has involved interviewing and photographing hundreds of Marilyn admirers from many continents over many years.
New York Times
5 days ago
- New York Times
21 Easy Summer Potluck Recipes You Can Throw Together in 30 Minutes or Less
Most of these foolproof side dishes are ready in 15 minutes, and they are a snap to pack and share. David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne. Published July 30, 2025 Updated July 30, 2025 Got a backyard barbecue on the calendar, or a last-minute potluck invite? Don't have the time to make a big tray of macaroni and cheese? Don't sweat it. Below are 21 travel-friendly side dishes that are big on flavor, sans fuss. Just quick, crowd-pleasing recipes that come together in under half an hour — perfect for when you want to impress your friends and family without working too hard. Joel Goldberg for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne. Prop Stylist: Paige Hicks. There are plenty of good, creamy dips out there. But this Iranian yogurt dip with celery, chopped hazelnuts and dried cranberries is truly something special. Naz Deravian's recipe calls for dried mint and dried dill, which, she says, are not substitutes for fresh herbs but 'stars in their own right.' Recipe: Borani-yeh Karafs (Celery Yogurt Dip) Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. 'When I was a boy growing up in South Carolina, we had hamburgers with pimento cheese and chopped onions. It is out of this world,' wrote one reader. Now that's an idea! This version of the Southern spread of Cheddar, roasted red pepper and mayonnaise came to The Times from the Charleston cookbook authors Matt Lee and Ted Lee. Recipe: Pimento Cheese Linda Xiao for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Monica Pierini. This five-ingredient recipe, adapted by Krysten Chambrot, comes from Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook of the Philadelphia restaurant Zahav. This quick version, done in a fraction of the time of their famous hummus, calls for a whole 16-ounce jar of tahini. The end result is silky smooth, a perfect accompaniment to crudités, grilled or roasted vegetables or pita chips. Recipe: 5-Minute Hummus Christopher Simpson for The New York Times. Food Stylist:Frances Boswell. Kay Chun's classic coleslaw proves simple is often best. Shredded cabbage and carrots are tossed in a creamy, tangy-sweet dressing of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar and celery seeds. Leftovers make a great topping for tacos and sandwiches. Recipe: Coleslaw Chris Simpson for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Frances Boswell. Cucumber salads are the ultimate cooling counterpart for hot food and hot weather. Ali Slagle takes that idea to new heights by swapping raw cucumbers for pickles. They're still crunchy, but give the speedy salad an extra zing. She recommends using half-sour pickles. Recipe: Smashed Pickle Salad James Ransom for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne. This salad from Jesse Szewczyk tastes like sour cream and onion chips — thanks to onion powder and, you guessed it, sour cream. Dress the lettuce when you get to the function. If you're feeling fun and flirty, garnish the salad with crushed potato chips right before serving for an extra pop of texture and a nod to its inspiration. Recipe: Green Salad With Sour Cream and Onion Dressing David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne. This hearty salad comes together with almost zero work whatsoever. No knife required! Here's what you need: store-bought roasted peppers, canned cannellini beans, hand-torn mozzarella, a single grated garlic clove, a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic and a handful of basil leaves. That's it. And it's divine. Recipe: Roasted Pepper, White Bean and Mozzarella Salad Kelly Marshall for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Samantha Seneviratne. Charcuterie boards are so last season. This breezy recipe from Melissa Clark takes the classic party appetizer and puts it on an edible base. Genius! You can use any kind of store-bought flatbread, but thick pieces of focaccia work particularly well, holding their own against the toppings. Recipe: Loaded Focaccia Rachel Vanni for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. This no-cook salad from Yasmin Fahr costs less than a flight to Greece or Spain, but one bite and you're basically there. It's got fresh tomatoes, creamy feta, salty tinned fish and added brine from the olives. Use whichever tinned fish you prefer. (Our friends at Wirecutter have some favorites.) Recipe: Tomato, Olive and Feta Salad with Tinned Fish Christopher Simpson for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. Ali Slagle's five-ingredient, crunchy and creamy salad is a surefire party favorite with more than 6,000 five-star ratings. Everything is stirred together vigorously — with lemon juice or vinegar to prevent browning — so that the avocado breaks down a bit and coats the cucumber. Recipe: Cucumber-Avocado Salad Armando Rafael for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Cyd Raftus McDowell. This sweet and spicy salad from Christian Reynoso is a love letter to summer fruit. Sweet stone fruit of any kind is cut small and tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes and basil in a chile crisp vinaigrette. (Pairs great with grilled meats.) Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Summer Fruit Salad Ryan Liebe for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. Hot take: This chickpea salad is better than potato salad. Lidey Heuck swaps potatoes for chickpeas and Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in this higher-protein but equally delicious riff on the classic side dish. 'I'm not certain we'll ever eat potato salad again!' one reader wrote. Recipe: Chickpea Salad With Fresh Herbs and Scallions Bryan Gardner for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Greg Lofts. Fun fact: The classic combination of cured meat and fruit dates back to ancient Rome. In Ali Slagle's take on the iconic antipasto, prosciutto and melon are tossed with arugula and mozzarella to make it more of a salad. (Add the arugula right before serving to keep its bite.) Recipe: Prosciutto and Melon Salad Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. Readers really, really love this lemony quinoa salad from Ali Slagle, and it's not hard to understand why: It's bright, crunchy, protein-packed and super adaptable. It takes just minutes to prepare, but will keep for up to two days in the fridge, so it's great to make ahead! Recipe: Quinoa Salad David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. This pretty shaved zucchini salad from David Tanis screams summer. 'I used my mini-mandolin to slice the zucchini and it was perfect. Don't skip the sumac, it's the icing on the cake IMO,' one reader wrote. Agreed. Recipe: Zucchini Salad With Basil, Mint and Feta Rachel Vanni for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. In the spirit of salads like fattoush and panzanella, Hetty Lui McKinnon's recipe throws in corn chips for a welcome crunch. A perfect make-ahead dish, the fresh corn and canned black beans can hang out in a cumin-lime vinaigrette for hours before serving. (Make sure to add the corn chips and avocado just before you're ready to eat). Recipe: Fresh Corn and Black Bean Salad With Corn Chips Rachel Vanni for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Spencer Richards. Yasmin Fahr seasons chickpeas with curry powder, vinegar, yogurt, olive oil and mustard in this super transportable, no-cook salad. She brightens it all up with fresh herbs, scallions and a splash of vinegar. Serve over a bed of spinach or your leaf of choice. You can throw this salad together before you run out the door, or even make it a day ahead, as it gets better with time. Recipe: Curried Chickpea Salad With Spinach Chris Simpson for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. Soba are ideal for salads because they taste particularly great when served cold. Hetty Lui McKinnon's recipe is refreshing and flexible — use whatever vegetables you like or have on hand. Both the noodles and the peanut sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge overnight, but wait to combine everything until you're ready to eat for the best texture. Recipe: Cold Noodle Salad With Spicy Peanut Sauce Rachel Vanni for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. In this bright and herby salad from Noor Murad, there's no need to cook the bulgur because it marinates and softens in the juices of the freshest tomatoes you can find, alongside mint, parsley and scallions. The 25-minute recipe calls for pomegranate molasses, which gives the dish a special sweet and tart flavor, but you can simply up the amount of vinegar and maple syrup if you can't find any. Recipe: Tomato and Bulgur Salad With Herbs Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. These cute little 25-minute cornbread muffins from the chef Alexander Smalls are transportable and shareable. He calls for finely ground cornmeal and two types of milk (whole and buttermilk) to create a deliciously savory batter. Recipe: Cornbread Muffins David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. Who said Caesar salad and potato salad had to be two separate entities? Not Lidey Heuck! The dressing, which is super bright thanks to plenty of mustard and lemon juice, comes together in the time it takes the water to boil. And while traditional Caesar dressing calls for an egg yolk, this 30-minute recipe uses mayonnaise instead. Recipe: Quick Caesar Potato Salad Follow New York Times Cooking on Instagram , Facebook , YouTube , TikTok and Pinterest . Get regular updates from New York Times Cooking, with recipe suggestions, cooking tips and shopping advice .
