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!

I've been stocking up quite some time now on vintage and vintage handmade dresses.  The dresses have made it out to many events, but for some reason they haven't made it online...until now!  Being that it is the first day of Summer, despite the June Gloom we are experiencing here in Southern California, I've put together a few Summer Vintage Outfits, all with items available from my online boutique and inspired by my own Summer vacation planning.  

This light cotton red dress with matching belt features an island floral print.  Pair it up with this Straw Bag and carry your toiletries safely in the blue vintage Samsonite Small Luggage Case.  Get this look for only $91!

Retro Red Floral Dress: $18

1950s Straw Bag: $38

Vintage Samsonite: $35

Looking for something a little more classic?  Make a statement with this 1960s red and white handmade polk-a-dot dress with high collar and matching belt.  Pair it up with this 1950s Navy Blue and Red Handbag for an authentic vintage look!  Traveling?  Add the small beige leather makeup case and you're ready to go!  Get this look for only $72!

Red Polk-a-Dot Dress: $18

Blue and Red Handbag: $32

Beige Makeup Bag: $22

Just Like a Bee Swarm

It came and it went, just like a bee swarm - The Summer Shoppe Backyard Boutique, the 3rd and Final of the Year!

Buttoned Flower had an array of handmade stationary to choose from. As always, the designs were unique and adorable! I picked up a few items for myself, including Thank You cards, which will be included in my shipping packages. And while I was there, I had to check out Luxe Boutique’s 50% OFF SALE! I picked up the cutest dress that can be worn in any season, and it was on sale for only $35! Dee is the perfect fashion consultant, so when you stop by her Shop in LA, make sure you seek her professional advice!

After smelling the delightful scents of Scentsy, you could make your way indoors to visit Jean Cooper of Arbonne. All the guys took advantage of her free samples of skin care, and the women were just as excited, too! Just a few more steps and you were getting a mini-facial by Fern Burg with Faces By Fern, for only $20! Making your way out, you had to try the delicious Beer Bread with Garlic Garlic Dip (yes, double garlic) by Tastefully Simple. Rosalie really knew her stuff!

The backyard had more to offer, too! PunkBaby Wear was popular as ever with their toddler tees and onesies, starting at only $15, and going as cheap as 3 for $30! Just as popular was Dollhouse Republic with one of a kind handmade jewelry made by Brunette Barbie Jeanine Romo. Girls of all ages flocked to her booth, and I myself purchased a few pairs of Barbie Heel Earrings, Cameo Necklaces and more Gun Jewels for myself.

Speaking of Jewels, Jewels 2 Shoes was another popular vendor. The name says it all, except it makes no mention of the Fabulous prices! I purchased a pair of sandals for only $29! Anywhere else they would have easily been double...or more! Denise had every size in stock and her presentation was just as lovely as her. Another lovely lady was LA Designer Leondra Renee. She had the most rockin’ tutus, and her jeweled gloves were waaay to cute! Each item is one-of-a-kind and made by Leondra herself.

Across from Leondra was Norma with The Wine Shop At Home and Paige from Pilates with Paige, giving Pilates 101 lessons!

The Summer Shoppe - A Backyard Boutique!

It's baaaack!!! Backyard Boutique Number 3! I can't even believe how much the Boutique grew since the last one 2 months ago; from 4 Vendors to...TWELVE!!! The Backyard Boutique Party Network rocked it. Upon becoming a member, I have been supported by the creators of the Network as well as the vendors, and I thank them specifically for the growth of my Backyard Boutique.

So save the date, ladies and gents! Bring the kids and come out on SUNDAY, JUNE 13th, 3-6PM to THE SUMMER SHOPPE! As always, it's FREE!!!

Featuring:

Faces by Fern - mini-facials at only $20!

Makeup & Skin Care by Arbonne - Independent Consultant Jean Cooper!

Hand crafted Jewelry by Dollhouse Republic!

LA Fashion Designer Leondra Renee!

Munch on yummies by Tastefully Simple!

Baby and Toddler onesies and tees by PunkBaby Wear!

The Wine Shop At Home!

Mat Pilates for $8 by Pilates with Paige!

Handmade Stationary by Buttoned Flower!

Brand Name Designs by Luxe Boutique!

Wickless Candles by Scentsy!

...and Vintage and Handmade Finds by ME! BETTER THAN NAKED!

Vintage Condition Chart

When shopping for vintage and retro purses, or any other vintage and retro items for that matter, I strive to find items in excellent to near mint vintage condition. While I know what that means, does the average buyer know what that means? And if so, do they know that I strive to only offer items in this condition? After all, I’ve failed many times to note the condition of items in my posting descriptions. I guess I’ve just always assumed the photos speak for themselves.
How does one define the condition of vintage items? Well, for what it’s worth, here’s my definition of Vintage Conditions, along with examples from my online boutique Better Than Naked and my private collection. I’ve used purses as examples, but this Chart can be applied to any collectibles.
I follow a 6 tier Vintage Condition Chart, made up by myself and confirmed through observation of many other vintage sale and auction sites. Similar to Car conditions, Vintage Conditions include: Mint, Near Mint, Excellent, Very Good, Good and Fair.
1) MINT: this means that despite being 20 years old, or (hopefully) older...this item appears to be just like new. JUST LIKE NEW. Seriously...as if it just came out of the factory and you are the first owner. This item has NO flaws and ZERO visible wear. Quite honestly, it doesn’t appear to have ever been worn. EVER. The only example I’ve ever seen and had the pleasure to photograph is this 1960s Satin and Beaded Evening Bag, by Gucci.

It appears that this purse has never been worn since its creation about 55+ years ago. With only one owner, this designer handbag has been safely stored throughout the years. It’s valued at $1,000 and is currently for sale.
2) NEAR MINT: these items, if used, have been used minimally; as in 2-3 times max. They appear to be in new condition, despite their age, and worse case scenario there may be a light scratch or wear on the hardware...or a tiny mark on the interior lining. I think my Gold Mesh Purse by WHITING AND DAVIS makes the cut.

Not a mesh link is missing, every stone is in place, the satin interior is bright and super clean, not a scratch appears on the hardware, and it’s fully functioning. The last 50 years have not affected this beauty!

3) EXCELLENT: you may be able to tell these items have been worn, but they are without major flaws and have no damage or flaws to its architectural structure. They may contain a blemish or two, but they are very minor and in no way deter from their beauty. For example, this White Satin & Beaded Evening Clutch by GANSON.

First of all, surprise! Ganson made evening bags...I had no clue. Secondly, it’s beautiful! It’s shape and hand beaded design has not been sacrificed, and it only has a couple small marks on the interior and exterior back; and its architecture is without a flaw.
4) VERY GOOD: similar to excellent, you may be able to tell these items have been worn, and their age can be shown through minor blemishes, acquired through the years. While they may not be perfect, they are classic; timeless. They are also fully functioning and totally wearable, such as this Electric Blue SATIN CLUTCH.

Its architecture is without flaw, the satin blue exterior in very good condition; its bow showing a minor bend. A gold kiss clasp closure and gold lining in near mint condition makes this a classic clutch!
5) GOOD: just like ‘very good,’ these items show their age with small blemishes or marks to either the exterior, interior, or both. They are, again, fully functioning and wearable in their current condition, and are undeniably in their own right, classics. Like this 1960s NAVY BLUE & RED HANDBAG.

Its only flaw is a minor discoloration to the exterior right side. It’s classic architecture and navy blue and red color combo makes it simply irresistible!
6) FAIR: I don’t believe in fair items. They have numerous, notable flaws...and many times are not in usable condition. I can show many examples, but none of them are from me, so I don’t want to be a jerk. Many items in fair condition have architectural damage as well as major interior and exterior flaws, and are better off to be laid to rest. This includes broken straps, ripped skins, tears, missing stones, non-functioning clasps, etc.

Last Minute Bride

When one peeks a little deeper into the City of Angels, past the hazy skies and the West Side, they just might be pleased at what they may find. In my little corner of LA exists an ever growing group of local folk making and selling some kick a*s goodies! Together we were able to come together for a one-day boutique...a Bridal Boutique! My first time ever doing such a thing, I found this type of event to be one of the most fun events I’ve participated in so far.
With a larger goal in mind, I sought out my friend and fellow female business owner, Wendy Ramos. Owner of Just Wenderful, Wendy has been fulfilling bride’s dreams time and again with her Event Planning and Coordinating Services. Upon discussing my larger goal with Wendy, which will not be discussed here and now, we went for something a little more...last minute...
Last Minute Bride is a traveling Bridal Boutique featuring last minute necessities for the Bride and her girls! Another friend, and fellow female business owner, hosted the first ever Last Minute Bride at her Glendale Salon and Spa, Valentino’s. Hair Stylists offered Brides-to-be complimentary hairstyles, including Up-Do’s, while Makeup Artists offered FREE Makeup application! It was too much fun watching Brides being pampered and beautified.

The salon itself was beautiful enough to host a wedding! Wendy and her team left not one detail out! From the Sweet Treat Table to the milk glass vases with orange ranunculi, every girl felt like a Bride that day.

Catering to the Vintage Bride, Better Than Naked’s contributions (ME!) were vintage beaded bridal bags, handmade bridal bags, antique vanity sets, makeup compacts and more! I had a variety of vintage umbrellas starting at only $10, as well as vintage bags as low as $18!

Other local vendors included Cake Goodness, known for her delicious Cake Pops, Cupcakes and Unique and Colorful Cakes.

Katy Carrier Events and Designs, who was selling not only her beautiful stationary, but also her handmade garters; Shannon Lee of Shannon Lee Images brought her talented and lovely self to the Boutique and displayed her variety of what I like to call love shots; Pilates with Paige was offering 10% off her services; Earth Daughter Arts brought out handmade bags and other fun bridesmaid gifts; and JD of Shall We Dance Entertainment brought it all together with his great music, fun personality and his singing!
View more pics!Stay tuned for the next Last Minute Bride date, in the planning now!

Spring Shopping Party!

March 21st was not only the 2nd day of Spring, but it was also Better Than Naked’s 2nd Backyard Boutique! Celebrating the sun, flowers, birds and local businesses, we opened the Boutique for a 3-hour Shopping Party and offered Spring shoppers the latest in Vintage and Handmade Clothes and Purses, vintage-inspired Baby and Kid Tees by PunkBaby Wear, skin care and candles by Witchy Poo Bath, and...for the first time ever...a Wax Bar! Yes, a Wax Bar! Jennifer Grubbs, owner and esthetician of Valentino’s Salon and Spa, set up a private Wax Bar indoors and offered pain-free waxing!
Better Than Naked pulled out the arsenal of Kids Vintage and Handmade and featured vintage sweaters and osh kosh overalls, handmade hats and wraps, and retro roller skates! Vintage Bracelets flew off the counters at only $5 each. Lucite screw-on earrings and pendants started at only $3.


PunkBaby Wear was selling onesies and toddler tees for $15 each, and as cheap as 3 for $30! Pink Skull tees were a hit with the little ladies and the retro comics logos were popular with the boys. It’s always good times when mom and kids agree on fashion!

My favorite corner of the Boutique was the Wax Bar. Jennifer Grubbs makes waxing fun and painless. In the privacy of the Wax Bar, we listened to Jessica Fichot as she waxed my gams. Others took advantage of Jennifer’s Brow talents. Whichever the choice, everyone left the bar happy...and sober!
Staying in the Skin category, Witchy Poo made an appearance and offered up Bath Salts, Skin Scrubs, Makeup as well as their sister line, True Apothecary with their soy-wax candles!
Moms and daughters came shopping together and new friendships and connections were made. I was so excited to meet Shawnie from the Backyard Boutique Party Network! She made time in her busy schedule to visit our Shop and we are very grateful for that. As karma would have it, she won a Vintage Evening Clutch in the Chinese Raffle!
Other creative people and local businesses stopped by to show their support. Skin Care Specialist Fern, from Faces by Fern, enjoyed the Witchy Poo booth and was happily chatting away with owner Tonya. Attorney at Law, Brian Ward, made an appearance with his lovely wife Brandi and we were able to congratulate him on his new office in Pasadena. I had the pleasure of meeting Graphic Designer Martha Camacho of MC Design Studio, who also has a talent for knitted handmade items! I’d have to say the biggest bundle of joy that day came from Kennedy, the 5-year old daughter of Robyn Reynolds, owner of Organize2Harmonize. She was kind enough to show us scenes from her upcoming school play, Annie. Although Robyn is serious business when it comes to business, her soft side comes out to play on the weekends. Check out her radio show. I did and I learned in a quick 15 minutes the importance of getting my affairs organized. What a fabulous, FREE service she offers.
With this last Shopping Party, flowers and friendships blossomed alike. It was nice to look out among the shoppers and see smiles, friendship and excited eyes over their new finds. Looking forward to the next one!

Defining Vintage

It has come to my attention that there are many businesses, big and small, selling “vintage” fashions and accessories. I’ve recently visited these stores and saw their their "amazing" and "affordable" vintage finds...which cannot be given an accurate date or brand, and the pricing has been left to the discretion of the shop owner.

So how’s a shopper to know if it’s Vintage? Especially when it’s not obvious that the item is Vintage? Does it matter to the shopper if its true Vintage?

Derived from the wine making process, vintage is to describe something from seasons past. So does that mean that the dress from Fall 2009 is vintage? Technically speaking, YES. But in the vintage collector’s fashion world, NO. However, I’ve noticed a growing trend of retailers claiming to sell vintage fashions when indeed they’re not.

So what is Vintage? While it appears that the definition of Vintage is in the eye of the beholder, for starters its any item belonging to another era in the 20th century dating 20 years and older. Yes, that means that items from 1990 are now vintage pieces! If an item dates prior to the 1920s-1930s (timeline debatable), then you’re in the Antique category. Not my specialty...at all!

For my personal collection and my business Better Than Naked, I choose to define vintage from the 1940s-1970s. The 1980s are Retro and 1990 doesn’t exist for me as a vintage item. I happen to be a collector of purses and admire their architecture, interiors, and chosen fabrics and materials. Purses range from exotic skins such as eel, cobra and lizard to cheap plastics and vinyls.

Say you just found out that your 1960s vintage purse from the corporate store or local boutique isn’t vintage like you thought or was told. Upon closer examination, you find a small tag inside that reads Made in China, when in reality that’s not where a purse from its era would have come from...If it’s not vintage, then WHAT is it?......It’s Vintage-INSPIRED.

Inspire: “to influence, move or guide...exalting influence on...” Vintage-inspired - new fashions inspired by fashions from 20 years and older.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying vintage-inspired, as it’s obviously a compliment to fashions and times of the past. I’m simply defining the difference, in case you wanted to know.

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.

Winter Solstice

Saturday, January 23rd, is the first Winter Solstice at Valentino's Salon and Spa. Our friends in skin care and makeup, Witchy Poo Lotions & Potions has achieved their goal to bring us ladies mineral makeup that loves our skin and gives great coverage! Both easy on the skin and wallet, I love the 32oz Sacred Soak Salts for my Bath. I can't wait to smell the new Eucalyptus Mint scent, which sounds perfect for winter! Browse through the varieties of eye shadows, lip glosses, skin care and face care available!

Equally exciting, Better Than Naked will also be at the Winter Solstice selling Hand Knit and Crochet Scarves, Neck Warmers, Vests, Sweaters and Hats! We will also have our popular handknit headbands and hair clips available at our favorable low prices.

But I'm sure what will appeal to everyone most is that there will be FREE refreshments served from 1-4.

I love these shopping events we hold in Kenneth Village, and I'm excited about sharing our handmade goodies to all the loyal customers of Valentino's!

The Old Ridge Route

By the time Monday came around, I was in desperate need of some shopping. Unlike most women in the City of "Angels," I do not enjoy day-long shopping sprees at the Beverly Center, Colorado Street, Melrose Ave., or any other over-priced shopping areas LA has to offer. Instead, I enjoy leaving the city and traveling a mere 50-60 miles North to the mountains, where vintage and antique shopping is patiently waiting.For many years I've wanted to check out View Larger Map">Old Ridge Route Antiques in Lebec, CA. Having traveled up and down that part of the 5 Fwy my whole life, I walked in with high expectations...and left on Cloud 9 (hours later).
I got sucked into the $1 jewelry box the second I walked in the door, where I scored great sterling silver necklace charms, old pins and a gorgeous pair of faux gold cuff links - which my husband claimed before I could even finish cleaning them.
After I left my thrifty finds with owner Paula Clevenger, I made my way through the huge layout of antique furniture sets that were in impeccable condition. If you are in the market for a vintage vanity set, well...this is your place! I believe the most expensive vanity I found was $200, and all of them are complete with a stool and mirror! If I didn't already have one, I would have come home with two!
After browsing through antique beaded handbags, vintage toys and dolls, household items and many more goodies, I made a final stop to the $.50 picture box. For some reason I was drawn to a picture of a woman who wrote on the back of her photo that it is "horrid" and to "destroy it."

I can't help but think that maybe I should obey her wishes that weren't met all these years and destroy it; or, if I should be selfish and keep it alive, in spite that she wanted it destroyed decades ago. What would you do?

Of the items I walked out with, I'd have to say that my favorite find of the day was my latest home decor project - 1950s pictures of Rome, Italy. Each photo includes a detailed description of the sites on the back in pencil, by the photographer I'm assuming. Having traveled to Rome a few years ago, the connection was immediate to the pictures. And the passion and interest in each description motivates me to keep those pictures alive.