Organize 2 Harmonize

I don't know about you, but it is a constant struggle for me to keep organized. I start many projects at the same time, and have many ongoing projects that require constant attention, so I'm constantly making clutter messes. I realized that I needed a method to my madness, and so entered Robyn Reynolds, owner of Organize 2 Harmonize.
Specializing in Home Organization, Estate Sales and Move Coordination, Robyn's passion for organization and harmony comes through in the way she conducts herself and her business. She spares you the lip service and gets to the point. I called her in to take a small peek at some of my madness. She doesn't know it, but she didn't see the full madness.
We started in my master bedroom. That bedroom is fairly minimal, and that's the way dude man wants to keep it. So i showed her the inside of our closet and explained to her that we are running out of room and showed her my pile of shoes in the corner. I could see the wheels moving in her head, and her eyes lit up as the ideas came out of her mouth. She gave me some "food" for thought, and wasn't afraid to ask me questions. Why do I have to hang up all my jeans? I don't know, but she's right, I don't need to! Why do I hang all my tees? indeed they do still get wrinkled...
I then introduced her to our home office. We are very close to putting the finishing touches on that room, but I've been hesitant because I'm not liking the flow I've created...or lack of, I should say. After a few moments of silence, the ideas came out of Robyn's mouth. And it all made sense. And she also gave me a few places to shop for furniture based on the styles that are in my home. She is thorough, understanding and has great follow through.
Check out her site: www.organize2harmonize.com and, as Robyn says, Clear the clutter, Clear the mind, Be more productive.

Vintage Paper Fair

As I mentioned in a previous blog, February is Vintage Month. This past weekend marked the halfway point of this month, so I felt an update was due.
Unfortunately, I missed out on a few events I was really looking forward to. Saturday, Feb. 6th was an Apartment 3 Party at the Standard Downtown and, although I said I was going, I lied. The weather was horrific (for Southern California) and the clouds, rain, thunder and lightening kept me indoors all day.
I also had every intention to attend the Vintage Expo happening that weekend as well, but on Sunday I ended up at a friend’s house instead, Ooh-ing and Aah-ing over Vintage 1930s Mesh Bags and Costume Jewelry while the Saints won the Superbowl.
Valentine’s weekend, My Dude Man ended up taking a couple days off from. After working out our plans for the weekend, they did NOT include driving to Palm Springs for Modernism Week. But that’s OK! We DID make it to the one event I have longed to attend for years - The Vintage Paper Fair.
O-M-G. I had an idea of what to expect, but really...I didn’t know what to expect. I couldn’t contain the goofy smile that spread over my face when we pulled back the heavy curtain. I browsed through vintage fashion posters, vintage botanical posters, movie posters and more! I walked through aisles and aisles of old postcards; some dating as early back as the mid-1800s! I looked at old road maps, secretly sniffed old books, and gawked at the cheap meal prices on the old restaurant menus. Heaven!
Somewhere among the paper was my Dude Man. I last remembered him muttering “wow, this IS cool...” before we separated.
After finding each other on the opposite end of where we had entered, he surprised me with an Antique Valentine’s Day card from 1908! We enjoyed the rest of the Fair together, where we learned about Hold to Light Postcards.
Here are a few of the items I purchased for myself. Enjoy!

This One's for Me!

yeah, ok, so i’ve been on strict orders from the dude man to chill out on the inventory shopping. and I did! But, as I have said numerous times, you can’t fight the feeling when it comes calling. Anyways, thank goodness for a somewhat stable last couple months on the business end...it allowed for me to see what all was out there to see...and buy.

I came across, and bought, fun stuff this time around! Not a single purse, and I didn’t even mind! I found many fun trinkets, odds and ends...those of which I typically steer clear from. Not because I don’t love them. It’s quite the opposite, actually. Anyways, I ended up buying a few things for my home: a California Pottery Wine Carafe, 2 Stainless Steel oversized serving trays (for our “romantical” meals in bed), as well as a few bad-as* vintage art wall hangings.

However, my favorite, most priced-possession of this week’s shopping was the Ceramic Japanese White Owl I purchased...for only 1 dollar.


Measuring in at 4 inches high and 1 1/4 inch wide, this Owl is definitely a piece that Jonathan Adler used for inspiration when designing his line of white animals. His pointy ears and stoic face leave no room for play time. His feathers are so defined you almost believe they're real.



True to his breed, he still bears his blue 'JAPAN' sticker on his bottom for all to his admire his authenticity.


When I saw him, it was instant love. I’ve always been a skeptic about love at first sight, always playing those emotions off as lust. Well... skeptic I am no more. His milk-like white guarantees him a spot in my bedroom, I just haven’t figured out exactly where yet.

February is Vintage Month!

As 2009 was coming to an end, I had a great conversation with my husband (and business partner) about my vintage mania. Anyone that knows me, knows I’ll start a project and then walk away midway to start another project, all while brainstorming and ranting about the third project...and on, and on it goes. So for the sake of our sanity and happy marriage, together the partner and I decided that it would be best if I stop buying and start researching my obsession...to see what my long term goals are for my vintage madness and business.

After a successful Purse Party on the last day of January, I decided it was time to temporarily trade in my vintage shopping sprees for vintage research sprees. While it has only been a couple days, I woke up Monday not really knowing where to start. So I got into my car and drove to the Boulevard...where I ended up at a bookstore. After picking up BUST magazine, a guide book to vintage handbags, and a vintage fashion accessories book, I couldn’t wait to come home and get to reading! After my first day of research, I discovered that one thing is for sure: @ Better Than Naked, we offer AMAZING prices on quality and collectible vintage handbags, fashions and accessories. For example, Lizard skin Purses by Koret can sell from $50-$200. We’re currently offering one for below $30, with shipping and handling included!

After a sleepy morning, Day 2 got started with a stop to Vintage Playclothes in Studio City. I was overwhelmed by the amazing vintage fashions that awaited me once I opened the front door! While I wanted to touch every item and stock up on vintage hats and purses for myself, I managed to stay focused and instead conducted price comparisons. I almost couldn’t walk straight as I admired a wall of heels, boots, fur jackets, stoles, and vintage eye ware. The hats were too cute and unique, and I ended up giving in to trying a few on. After my trip there, I gladly realized that @ Better Than Naked, our wide collection of shoes come in popular brands and in great condition; the same as Playhouse. As I exited, I picked up a nifty free paper and event postcards and came home to build up my February calendar, which is:

Saturday, February 6th: I can’t miss Apartment 3’s Pre-Valentine’s Day VIP Penthouse Sale at the Standard in Downtown! I can’t wait to see all the items they have for sale under $45, and there’s nothing wrong with FREE DRINKS and kick ass music! Festivities start at 1pm and carry on until 6. All are invited!
Sunday, February 7th: I will not forgive myself if I don’t swing by the Civic Auditorium in Santa Monica for the Vintage Fashion Expo. Not only will jewelry appraisals be available, but fashions for Spring 2010 will be shown! At only $10 entry fee, this one can't be missed.

Friday, February 12th: If all goes well, on our way out to Palm Springs that Friday afternoon, the partner and I will stop by Barkar Hangar inside Santa Monica airport for the Friday preview of the first annual Kulture Recycling & Vintage Clothing World Gathering.
Saturday, February 13th: While in Palm Springs, we are looking forward to attending the Palm Springs Modernism Show at the Convention Center. At only $15 admission fee, I can’t wait to see all the amazing furniture and fine arts for sale in the mid-century modern capital of California - the desert of Palm Springs!
Sunday, February 14th: I'm hoping and praying that I finally make it to the Vintage Paper Fair in Glendale on the way home from the desert. The name says it all, and it's FREE...

Tuesday, February 16th: BOOK Starstruck: Vintage Movie Posters From Classic Hollywood is being released and is said to feature the best of film historian Ira Resnick’s collection of movie posters and stills from 1912-1962. The cover alone has me sold.

Sunday, February 21st: I absolutely have to make it out to the Long Beach Flea Market. After many unsuccessful runs at the Silverlake Arts Craft and Vintage last year, I’m on the prowl for successful flea markets where I can share and sell my vintage finds with vintage fashionistas and collectors alike.

Sunday, February 28th: I hope to end the month with a visit to the Ventura Flea Market. Just one county over, it sounds refreshing to leave the city and head to the ocean community of Ventura and see what vintage fans there are in the market for.