A Different Approach to Junking for This Junker

Muse; a woman or a force personified as a woman, who is the source of inspiration for the creative artist.

We have some really lovely guests here at The Rose. As we get to know each better, we keep everyone in our thoughts as we shop. We like to review our requests and what direction we are taking before we hit the road.

On this particular trip, we invited two of our muses to come along. Taylor of the Little Deer Vintage and Roxanne of Tender Turning Quietly. Both of these girls have quite the following on their blogs as well as their stores.

Instead of making them get up for the usual 3 a.m. takeoff when we visit the Rose Bowl, we decided to go to the Melrose Flea Market instead since it has a lot of vintage clothing and accessories (plus a late opening time).

We left at 6 a.m. and made our first (and most important) stop at 6:10 a.m. Yep, they are coffee lovers too! Personally I think it's a prequisite to successful junking. We may have also stopped at one of our favorite spots in Montecito to get a bit of fuel--we indulged in peach french toast and an omelet with goat cheese, asparagus and spinach. This is definitely not normal, but one must show a good time.

Fairfax High also has a flea market every sunday. I find this flea very different from the others we go to. When we need vintage clothing items or boots or accessories, it will usually supply us...although we have been there and we've left empty handed.

Roxanne and Taylor were both excited to find their loot. We seperated off and they worked like pros. They each navigated really fun buys. Since this market is in Hollywood, we all knew a star spotting was very likely. I spied a group of seven girls hustling around this gal, a model maybe? Each of them with cameras and duffle bags--fussing and working quickly to get their shots. It was fun to watch (although I think that 3 or 4 could have handled it).

We shared notes once we found each other and talked about what we saw (cutoffs...too many) and didnt see (affordable art). After one round, we were all way too hot to go another round so we shipped off. After another glass of iced coffee, we made a plan to check out another market on the way home. It's a fairly new one that is in a parking lot off the Topanga Mall and held on the 4th Sunday of the month. I didn't know what to expect. It was really hard to judge this market due to the heat...I seemed to only go into the booths with shade. We thought it was hot in Hollywood, but it was SUPER hot in Topanga! The girls liked this market better--they both found art AND clothes!

It was so fun getting to know these two better! Make sure to check out their blogs (Taylor, Roxanne) and vintage items in their shops (Taylor, Roxanne).

After looking back at the photos, I am so bummed that I forgot to pick up some of the painted tiles (above). They were all so brilliant and this one in particular summarizes what I think of many times. Be nice or leave! Right?

New Treasures on Garden Street

We found ourselves wandering around downtown on a recent Monday with some time to kill. We were pulled down Garden Street by the lure of a Linnaea's cappuccino, but instead found ourselves in Jules D., a charming new store opened recently by style maven Jules DuRocher. 

It was love at first sight!

Jules D. caters to a customer with a strong sense of design. Many of the items carried cannot be found in other stores on the Central Coast. 

The shoes and leather goods are to die for! Products carried at Jules D. are made in The U.S. or Europe--we are talking quality in design and manufacturing. Jules has worked hard to offer products at many differing price points. You can pop in for a little treat or purchase a special event gift.

We loved the fine quality shaving tools and grooming products. Baxter of California is a favorite. The Mister will have a smooth face and be smellin' fine!

This uber-fun and stylish location is at 1129 A Garden Street and is open Monday, Wednesday through Saturday from 10am-5:30pm, and Sunday from 11-4:30. Next time you're on Garden Street, stop in and say hi to Jules. It's the shop with the Ducati in the front window!

Glitterfarm at The Rose

Friday, August 24th and Saturday August 25th we will be hosting Jenny from Glitterfarm.

Jenny is a fellow junker and not only does she have the eye for beauty, charm, and whimsy, she and her husband Joe create products that they produce and sell online, at flea markets and local shows.

Come by and meet Jenny to see all of her little handmade pretties as well as some vintage finds! We'll be open Friday 11-5 and Saturday 11-4. See you then

Hidden Treasure: Roxanne's Café

Here's the routine--it's 2:00pm, we are super hungry, we waited too long and didn't fill our lil' fridge.

no. 1: Are we going to eat today?

no. 2: Yessirree. What's it going to be?

no. 1: (We go down our regular list of local eateries)

no. 2: OK, I don't care, you pick.

This goes on for another 10 to 15 minutes....

This week, we remembered that a number of our friends have been telling us about this little gem right around the corner--in our hood! Roxanne's Café.  

Roxanne's is open 11-3 daily and closed on sundays. Perfect, this day is taking a turn for the good.

As we come around the corner, we are enchanted by the seating choices and the atmosphere is so chill and comfortable.  

The majority of the menu changes daily. There are usually specials, salads, soups and treats.

On this day, we try the eggplant pita and the romaine boats. They were both equally delicious!

We chose the coconut macaroons for dessert, and as sarah would say, "They were a symphony in my mouth!".

So far a 2 out of 3--they had a great atmosphere, great food, and SCORE, they made a 3 out of 3 with the staff being not only friendly but informative. I loved the relaxed banter that they had with all of their customers. As I sat waiting (not long at all), it is apparent that this place is a favorite to all that visit it.

Thanks Roxanne, Matt and Claire!

Roxanne's Café is located at 1227 Archer St. in the courtyard of Smiling Dog yoga.