The LA Flea Market, Part Deuce

For me, the morning started with a steaming hot cup of coffee from the upcoming portable cafe Drip Bar.  Serving organic Blue Bottle Coffee, each cup of coffee is individually prepared at the time of order, resulting in a fresh, delicious, smooth cup of coffee.  In the amount of time it took me to walk from their bar to my booth at the LA Flea Market, I had already finished my cup and sent my hubby off to grab me another one (ok, it was 2 more, but who’s keeping count?).  

Sharing a booth with friends and fashionistas Denise and Nicole, we enjoyed all the people watching and shoppers.  Lucky folks walked out of our booth with vintage jewelry starting at only $1, vintage handbags starting at $3, and free belts with each purchase!  While I was sad to see the “Doris Day” Samsonite suitcase go, I was happy to know it was in good hands. 

During an early afternoon stroll with the hubby, I came upon The Animal Box.  Owner and Artist Kudura makes his adorable animal art work available on cotton tees and sells them for affordable prices.  When I say affordable, I’m talking about American Apparel thermal zip-ups for only $25 and girly tees for only $15.  He’s in the middle of reorganizing his online presence, but you can check out all the goodies here.  What I love about this designer, aside from his fantastic artwork, is the fact that you can choose your own colors of tees and ink, resulting in a truly unique tee!  Here are the 2 that I picked up:  

I’d have to say the best part, however, was the friendship.  From my husband and parents to Denise, Nicole, Susan and others, we were a strong unit of vendors, and the energy we shared coasted me through the day.  How random was it when the hubby ran into his childhood friend Anita, of "I Dream of...Vintage."  Being reunited after 12 years, it was as if all of us were long lost friends the second we all connected.  And if you do, indeed, dream of vintage, then you gotta check them out.  I picked up 2 vintage dresses for only $35!  

 

Anita spoke of a Fashion Show coming in the Fall at The House of Blues on Sunset...so as soon as I know, you'll know! 

While there are mixed reviews about the market out there, I had a good time as both a vendor and a buyer.  Yeah, sure, there could be more vendors.  And yeah, sure, it still has small hiccups here and there.  But it’s a fantastic blend of local sellers working hard to cater to local buyers, and those that support our hard work are greatly appreciated!

Straw Handbags for Summer

Straw purses make a comeback every Summer.  Here are a few different options available online from little ole Better Than Naked!  Each straw bag is vintage, and some are handmade, too!

My favorite is this handmade knotted straw bag, which is perfect for toting to the Farmers Market each week!  Sturdy and light and decorated with flowers, this number will perfectly carry your veggies, fruits and flowers week after week with its netted design!

Looking for something with more coverage but just as big?  Pick from one of these delicate woven straw bags adorned with straw flowers!

  

Maybe your prefer something less traditional and with a bit more pizazz and sass?  Then chose from a small silver woven straw clutch, a large red straw purse or a black straw clutch with plastic clasp!

  

and last, but not least, a couple fun numbers that quickly spruce up any outfit:

 

whichever your style, we are sure to have it!

Lovin' Leather!

i'm lovin' these beautiful vintage brown bags, in all their leather retro glory. not only are they super soft all over, they are great everyday bags! In house at better than naked this week are vintage bags from PHILLIPE, KENNETH COLE & COORDINATES by ColorMate. i stumbled upon the PHILLIPE the same time i stumbled upon a new place for finds. buried amongst other treasure was this slim, women's tote/handbag/briefcase with soft gold hardware. i ran my fingers over it a few times to confirm i loved it, and it was confirmed. the front features a slim, fully functioning zipper pocket and the logo on the bottom right corner. the interior is of a wipeable material and has the logo printed throughout the 3-sectional compartments, which are all enclosed with a zipper closure! gotta love those 3 compartments - they hold so much in such a deceiving way! maybe it will go to a professional with flair, or a student with movement! whomever it is, this baby is FOR SALE!

more photos at www.betterthannaked.etsy.com

the next leather beauty is one that has actually been sitting in our boutique, complimented and admired from shoppers near and far; but yet, no takers! can't go wrong with a vintage leather brown messenger/tote/handbag, by KENNETH COLE. Trying to find a flaw? Well it will be hard when you have a thick, adjustable leather strap with silver buckle and button snap closure. i'm surprised a student hasnb't snatched up this 3-compartment purse with a zipper closure! interior features a delicate design on fabric with the kenneth cole logo in leather and smaller compartments. FOR SALE! check out more photos at ww.betterthannaked.etsy.com
please tell me i'm wrong, but i find this retro bag to be quite unique. this smaller light brown leather retro purse has a darker brown leather accent in the corner and a removable slim strap, allowing it to be worn as a clutch! "Super Magnet" button closure is exactly that, a darn good magnet that snaps shut! Delicate gold hardware and 2 slim leather pockets inside; one with zipper. I've looked this retro bag up, but haven't been able to find out much about it or its brand "COORDINATES by Color Mate" (made in hong kong). Not sure what I love more about this retro find - the 2-tone leather or the sassy clutch ability! FOR SALE!
check out more photos at www.betterthannaked.etsy.com

better than naked - vintage finds at vintage prices!
visit our online boutique at www.betterthannaked.etsy.com