Shoes!

Last weekend we went to the Rose Bowl to go a boot and shoe huntin'. We knew that going to this flea in August was not a great idea, since it is at the base of the foothills on solid blacktop with no shade. Seriously. The rose bowl has a handful of different sections--the back section is dedicated to mostly vintage clothing, accessories, and lots of mid century and retro...so this is where we primarily shop. We have found that it is important for us to have a specific list on what we are looking for because it can become overwhelming.

We found some fantastic pairs and in some very requested sizes! These are all priced between $46 and $85 and are in sizes 8 to 91/2. We are working hard to find size 10's. They are hard to find but we have the word out, so maybe next month!!

Guest Stylist of the Month: Taylor of the Little Deer

We have been a big fan of Taylor from The Little Deer for some time now. She is a fan of vintage and if you have seen and followed her blog, she has a talent for styling, accessorizing and creativity. Our mannequins were in need of some freshness for this new season, so we called on her to spruce us up. It was no suprise as to what she pulled from the racks--vintage, texture, and layers.

This vintage coat with a new dress looks so chic.

A little lacey lingerie with a chunky vintage sweater and little touches of a leather belt and a copper pin is a perfect go-to outfit.

Another favorite--a little lacey dress and beaded cardigan and a beautiful scarf for color!

What did I learn from this experience? Re-look at your inventory whether it be in the shop or in the closet. Maybe it's not an overhaul that is needed, maybe just a fresh look at what you've got, a few accessories and a lot of attitude. Thank you Taylor!

The Ruby Review: Crazy, Stupid, Love.

Crazy, Stupid, Love--3 stars

I expected this to become my new favorite movie. I am sad to say I was a little disappointed. Don't get me wrong, it was cute and all of the actors are incredible. I just found the general plot a little cliche and felt an underlying tone of sadness which is not in a romantic comedy, in my opinion. But disappointment aside, I enjoyed this movie. Steve Carell was funny, Julianne Moore was beautiful, and Emma Stone was Emma Stone; gorgeous, hilarious, and officially making her my new favorite female actor. But Ryan Gosling was, as usual, fantastic. The $10.50 was totally worth is just to see his swoon-worthy abs. And highlight would be the clothing throughout the film. Stone in her cute little lawyer outfits, Moore's Jcrew-esque work clothes and simple sweaters and scarves at home, and Gosling's over the top and perfect suits and ties. I don't know if I would recommend you run out and see it, but if you have a lazy day in these last few weeks of summer, go enjoy.

Charley

When we start out on a road trip, we occasionally get a book on cd that we will all enjoy. One particular trip, we listened to John Steinbeck's Travels With Charley. We loved the book and all of the wisdom and clarity it gave us.



We have just brought home our newest member of our family, Charley, appropriately named for all of the travels and adventures we will have. One of my favorite quotes from the book is: "A journey is a person itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing, and coercion are fruitless. We find after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us."

Hitting the Road

Photo by: Jen Manuele

A few of us are road trippin' to the Rose Bowl on Saturday. We have a lot of requests for boots in sizes 9, 10, and 11. More leather bags...stocking up on sweaters, sweatshirts, and...??? Any requests for our closet area? Have a great weekend! -S.

Laundry Day

As we talk to our customers, we find that that there are a handful of us that don't dread the laundry duty. Yep, you heard right. We have a few customers that have a mangle, lavender water, and little extras. Since I spend a lot of time in my laundry area, I have surrounded myself with lovelies and tools to make the chore easier. Before bringing in the clothes that have been accumulated, they are washed, usually hung dry and ironed. Here are a few snaps from the space you can find me in often...

I think of this as my laundry trophy.

This large trash can with air holes was found in texas and is perfect for the dirtys.

Salvaged lighting.

Love this California bear (a gift from kathy, love that girl).

This cart on wheels holds the goods that need ironing.

A little obsession with buttons--for any mending that we may need (OK, for me to take to Kim for mending).

Little pour bottles of water, for the iron, sprayer, etc.

I dont know where the love of tin toy houses came from, but this is a special one that reminds me of my dad.

After items are washed and ironed, they hang here until I can get them to the shop.

This little winnebego is just too cute--it keeps inspiring the road trips.

A little corner of the desk. Hmm, why didn't I take a pic of the whole desk? Messy!

Just hanging around drying...

You've Got Mail

I am one of those people that talk about the 'old days' and memories. It's the simple things, for instance, snail mail. I am as guilty as the next--I haven't sent a birthday card in years, I barely get out a holiday card. Last week, the mailman shouted out to me, 'Hey, you've got something!", probably because I ask him all the time.

It wasn't just a letter, it was a package, to me! It was a lovely put together package! It took some thought and time, I'm sure. This put a skip in my step all week long and brought back a good ol' feeling. I will remember how awesome this felt to be on someone's mind and I will pay it forward.

Thank you Kristen, you are awesome!

A Ruby Recipe: Sugar Cookie Cupcakes

image via

Normally, I review movies. But because of the love for these cupcakes from everyone at our recent Art After Dark event (pictures to come soon!), I thought I needed to share. I altered the original recipe that I found here and the frosting recipe was found here, but to make your life easier I included my way below. Enjoy this lovely treat!

Sugar Cookie Cupcakes Ingredients:

1 cup white sugar

1/2 cup butter

2 eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cup all purpose flour

3/4 cup milk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line muffin pan with paper liners In a medium bowl, cream together sugar and butter. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine flour and baking powder, then combine with creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in milk until batter is smooth. Spoon batter into pan. Bake for 20-25 min. Cupcakes are done when it springs back to the touch.

Buttercream Frosting Ingredients:

2 cups powdered sugar 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons milk

Directions:

With an electric mixer, cream butter until smooth. Add vanilla extract. With mixer on low speed, slowly add in powdered sugar. Scrape down sides of bowl. Add milk and beat on high speed until frosting is light and fluffy. Add in more sugar as needed.

What's in store? (The Weekly NINE)

We're switching things up a little bit. I've picked three of my favorite things in the shop to feature this week and have asked Kim and Jennifer to also pick three things they love. Here at Ruby Rose we are a big fan of differing tastes and styles and we always love seeing what our customers and employees are drawn to. Wishing you a good week! -S.

Stephanie's Picks:

Who doesnt get lost in a globe? Where we've been, where we're going...where is that place in the news? History lessons........

I love this very old, fragile frame, combined with the beautiful drawing. It feels like tradition and history. (bottom left)

This matador and his expression (above right)...love his clothes and stance. There's a lot of story in a little package.

Kim's Picks:

This set of chairs--I like that they look beautiful yet awkward to sit in, but in actuality they are very comfortable.

Sometimes you find yourself liking something...just because someone else loves it so much, it makes you happy too (Stephanie loves this little roadrunner).

How can you not be obsessed with buttons? They are miniature pieces of art work that you can wear on your sleeve.

Jennifer's Picks:

Rugs AND Blankets (and more). How can you deny the beauty of this color and texture? I'm also in love with the muted color textiles as well...

Macramé! You have to see these pieces in person...beautifully knotted texture, amazing beads (and even bells), and pleasing patterns--so much love put into these "handmades". Amazing to touch and ridiculously easy on the eyes.

images by Jennifer Young of I ART U

Getting to Know Her...

We are highly anticipating this coming Friday. We wanted our customers and blog readers to get to know Natellie a bit so we decided to ask her a few questions. Her work will be showcased at our store for Art After Dark this Friday, August 5 from 6-9 PM. Come and check out the amazing talent, shop around, enjoy small bites (and coffee and lemonade!), and hang out with the coolest people in town. Can't wait to see you!

RR: Natellie, we want our customers to get to know you. Can you answer a few questions?

NS: Yes ma'am I'd be glad to...

RR: How would you describe your work?

NS: I would describe my work as capturing objects that I love and words that make me smile.

RR: Who inspires you?

NS: Natalia Fabia, her work is absolutely amazing.

RR: When you are not creating, where would we find you?

NS: Sally Loo's-Duh!

RR: What can you not work without?

NS: I absolutely can't work without music, there has to be something playing in the background, or else I start singing--which, since I work ourtside, the neighbors aren't too fond of.

RR: What is at the top of your bucket list?

NS: Seeing the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.

RR: What would we be suprised to know about you?

NS: People would probably be surprised to know that I play college basketball.

RR: Thanks for your time Natellie, can't wait to see your pieces on Friday!!

The (Not So) Weekly Six

(We hope that it will soon be weekly!)

Another of Kathy's super talented family members has a crazy wit about her. We send her black and whites and she makes the funniest and sassiest cards! These are a sample.

We introduced a linen room a few weeks ago and the response has been tremendous! We have curtain panels, pillow cases, table cloths, quilts and well, you get it. When you look through pages of inspiring books and certain rooms speak to you, they usually have fabrics and texture that draw you in. Linens are one of the thriftiest ways to update and change the feel of a room!


T-shirts and summer dresses with details! Fun fun fun!