Upcoming Events! Fashion Show & One Year Anniversary

Block off your next two weekends with two incredible events coming your way...

Eco Fashion Show TONIGHT, May 29th @ 630p

We look forward to participating in the 5th Annual Eco Fashion Show hosted by HumanKind Fair Trade. They have teamed up with San Luis Obispo’s greatest eco-friendly business to put on this annual event, including Bambu Batu, EcoBambino, Curio, Threads and more! Join us tonight at the Odd Fellows Hall (520 Dana Street, SLO). Doors open at 630p with food & drink, vendor fair and raffle before the show at 730p. We can't wait!
Purchase your presale tickets for $15 at HumanKind (982 Monterey Street) or $20 at the door.

AND...

Ruby Rose turns ONE YEAR at the Mojo! Next SATURDAY, JUNE 6TH

Can you believe we have been at our new MOJO location for almost ONE YEAR?! We love our new space and the fresh energy it has brought to our business--so we think it's time to really celebrate! Join us SATURDAY, JUNE 6TH from 11-5p for our One Year Anniversary Bash with goodie bags to the first 75 purchases, a Sally Loo's pop up, select sales storewide, and loads of new Summer inventory!

Don't forget about the Cash in the Closet pop up this Saturday, too--it's going to be a packed weekend of fashion goodness.

Will we see you there??

Weekly Six: 5.27

Before we open our doors for the week, check out our top six vintage picks. We constantly update our inventory, and we want to keep you in the loop of the new things coming in! So, without further adieu, we bring you:

1: This bust is old, and still in near perfect condition! From this Native American's wise eyes to his intricate braids to his lighter-than-concrete pendant, the incredible detail just astounds us. And if that isn't enough, he has an eagle on his head.

2: This pendant light must have been a fly on the wall to so many circumstances--if lights could talk! Know your secrets are safe with it, and it's a very good listener. Hang at whim.

3: Dress with a pair of gladiators for the weekend off and then dress up with something heelier for a wedding next weekend. We love the soft pink and intricate embroidery on this sweet summer staple.

4: Ever met a resident of Four Corners Country? Neither have we, but we did find this vintage license plate from there. What animal would you guess is on it? We're stumped.

5: We got something out of Dodge, this super lightweight car grill. Easy to hang, it can go just about anywhere--where would you put it?

6: Bold, bright and independent, this chair was hard to nail down! Pair with your soft hued or tonal reading room--it looks great surrounded by books, plants, and records.

So Much More Than a Flag

Some years, the annual holiday mostly associated with a day off, possibly a barbecue, and the start of summer vacation season reaches into your heart and pulls the chain to a lightbulb overhead, and you get it. The meaning sets in and suddenly looking at the flags being posted outside your neighborhood's homes carry the weight of memory, of fellow life lost. The reflection of something bigger than us as individuals, something bigger than everyday life as an American jogs the reality that we are all a part of this one country, good or bad and right or wrong at times, but together. And men and women have fought for us to stay together, for the good or bad and right or wrong, sacrificing their everyday American life so we can continue to have one.

photo: smithsonian photo contest

As you celebrate, remember, and rest today, let every American flag you see be a waving memorial, a flapping headstone--let it be more than just a flag. The stories it carries, what it means to you and what it meant to those who chose to fight--take one as a show of gratitude, another as a morn for lost loved ones, another in celebration of freedom. Have a very happy Memorial Day, won't you?

photo: pinterest

Pop Up: Shop for a Cause

Our fellow biz owner and friend is hosting her first ever pop up shop next weekend, and it's going to be a good one--in oh so many ways. Always wanting to plan an event for community outreach and sale purposes, Courtney now has the opportunity to host her first pop-up shop event. Cash in the Closet started as a small online boutique specializing in hard-to-find clothing and accessories, and since its launch in 2004 has now become one of the leading fashion consignment and online retail boutiques on California’s central coast. Keeping in mind current trends, Cash in the Closet's owner, Courtney, specializes in designer apparel, accessories, and collections that suit every style. 

This pop-up shop will be a three day event located at 2146 Parker Street, SLO: May 29, Friday will be an exclusive VIP 'Sneak N' Peak 5-8pm, then open to everyone Saturday, May 30, 10-4pm and Sunday, May 31, 12-4pm as an all-out public sale.

The purpose of this event is not only to provide designer clothes at a discounted rate to the customers but to also shop for a cause. Twenty percent of all profits will go towards the non-profit organization, Jack's Helping Hand. This local nonprofit's goal is to financially, mentally and physically help children and their families overcome the stress when one is diagnosed with cancer, has a disability or is severely ill. Courtney wanted to make sure that this event's benefits extend beyond the customers and her boutique. By sharing a portion of proceeds, she--and her customers--know they contributed toward their community and the well-being of others while still shopping for their favorite designer clothes. 

Not only is this event extending to locals shoppers and nonprofit, it is also reaching to the students. As a graduating Communication Studies major at Cal Poly, Samantha Brisbon's career goal is to be an event coordinator/planner. After meeting Courtney, she allowed Samantha to be her event coordinator for this pop up as part of her senior project. This opportunity has not only put her Communication skills to the test but has shown her what she can accomplish, given her new experiences and revealed the many things still to learn in a professional career. The coordinating process has been a phenomenal experience already in contributing to the  success of this event.

We hope to see you there!

Weekly Six: 5.20

Before we open our doors for the week, check out our top six vintage picks. We constantly update our inventory, and we want to keep you in the loop of the new things coming in! So, without further adieu, we bring you:

1: Bring a friend home who will be with you gnome matter what. Whether sleeping or perched on a planter, these gnomes keep the garden jolly and squirrels at bay. Ahhhhhh, gnome sweet gnome.

2: In a class all its own, this kimono's minimal color and design make for a bold, yet delicate look. And the oh so feminine drape...we're speechless.

3: Produce shelving and some fine craftsmanship pictured here. Though these stackable shelves come singly, we bet you can't have just one. This is why, we have three. You're welcome.

4: What good is all that pent up talent, if you don't have a place to put it? With longer days on their way, time to pick up a golden hour hobby--may we suggest painting? This incredibly lightweight aluminum easel is just the thing to get you going (and we suppose, some paints and a canvas wouldn't hurt, either).

5: Blankets, blankets, everywhere. Blankets, blankets, on a chair? Blankets, blankets if you dare. Blankets, blankets make you stare. Blankets, blankets, we don't care. Blankets.

6: We have mama and baby bears' chairs, but papa bear's has proved more elusive. Painted so brightly, both these classic chairs seem just right to us.

What We're Eating: Fish

Feeling fishy over at the Rose lately--maybe it's our Spring fever for Summer, or our need for light meals in warm weather, but we can't seem to get enough of the many fishy options countywide. So we went on a hunt to fill your week with seafaring delectables, and discovered we could easily opt for one of our favorite fish options every day of the week. It's got us humming the Beatles, Ain't got nothing but love babe // Eight days a week--see what we're eating:

MONDAY = CEVICHE TOSTADA @ SANTA CRUZ TAQUERIA
Our lofty Monday goals of waking up early and beginning the week fully prepped and bright-eyed offften look a bit more like: hitting the snooze, skipping an already overdue shower, rushing out the door sans coffee while forgetting to grab the I'm-trying-not-to-eat-out bagged lunch so carefully packed Sunday night. Still, don't let Mondays get you down--there is redemption awaiting on your lunch hour.
Santa Cruz Taqueria in the MOJO district has the best case of the Mondays cure. Their ceviche tostada is not only refreshing, delicious and filling, it is also only three dollars. And it comes with free chips and a killer salsa bar (be warned: the unassuming pink habanero salsa is not for the faint of tastebuds). Tip a dollar and walk away with a fully satisfied tummy and new perspective on your week for under $5. You'll even stay fueled for that after work workout you had planned. Take that, Monday.

TUESDAY = FISH TACOS @ LUNA RED
Many locals hail the all day Thursday happy hour here at Luna Red, but we'd rather steak out their Tuesday Tequila and Tacos. This is the day they roll out their beer battered fish tacos topped with spicy cabbage slaw, and we get transported to Baja Mexico with each bite. Grab a few friends, get the plate with ten of these fishy friends (with a drizzle of the lime crema), and pair with their market fresh margarita for a real treat. Ole!

photo cred: Luna Red

THURSDAY = CRAB CAKES @ TACO TEMPLE
The original California fusion restaurant, the drive to Morro Bay breezes by when headed for dinner at Taco Temple. Don't fill up on their chips (this will be hard to do), because overflowing cabbage and tangy flavors accent the most amazing crab cakes (forever on the special board) entree. It may possible to leave this place any less than stuffed, but we've never met anyone--take this as a challenge and see if you can keep your fork from moving crab to mouth...it was a valiant effort. And pick us up on the way out, we make excellent dinner guests!

photo from taco temple facebook

photo from taco temple facebook

FRIDAY = CLAM CHOWDER @ AVILA FARMERS' MARKET
You've all heard Pismo's Splash Cafe's bread bowl and the line it commands, but Avila is commanding a chowder all its own. With the week finished and only the weekend ahead, watch the sunset sink into the ocean while strolling through the Avila Farmers' Market. Take time to sample some strawberries and almond brittle before choosing which chowder will keep you warm on the pier. Our preference is Old Port Inn's bread bowl chowder--much lighter than Splash's version, full of chunks of clam, celery and onion. Tastes like grandma's famous clam chowder--if, of course, your grandma made chowder, and it was utterly delicious. What's on the agenda the rest of the weekend? We have one suggestion...

 

SATURDAY = SMOKED FISH TACO @ RUDDELL'S TACO TRUCK
Save wine tasting for another weekend, head to Barrelhouse Brewing Co. and indulge in a smoked salmon taco...and possibly a beer. Every Saturday, Ruddell's Smokehouse drives from Cayucos to Paso Robles and posts up serving some groupie worthy fish tacos. You've had fried and grilled fish tacos, but have you tried one smoked? or with salmon? This is the taco to reinvigorate your tastebuds for another week of fish, because chances are you'll be pining for at least one of these again.

photo cred: SLO Eater

photo cred: Ruddell's facebook

Not enough? We thought so. Try sushi at Goshi's, or cook your own fish from Toggnazzini's in Morro Bay (the fresh salmon melts in your mouth, so buttery).

New Times Best of SLO!

Three years and running, we are so ecstatic our customers chose us for Best Antique Shop in San Luis Obispo County again for 2015! Thank you all for your vote of confidence and love--we feel the same about you (why isn't there a Best Customers in San Luis Obispo category??). It's a pleasure to be among so many high caliber antique stores here in SLO county, we would have a hard time picking I favorite! Snag a copy of the New Times and see all the other winners we share this honor with.

Weekly Six: 5.13

Before we open our doors for the week, check out our top six vintage picks. We constantly update our inventory, and we want to keep you in the loop of the new things coming in! So, without further adieu, we bring you:

1: We don't often carry statement necklaces, but when we do, we get the very best. This brass chain necklace looks good both on and off, waiting to be worn again.


2: Follow the red and white to the vintage barbershop sign! This double sided sign gravitates towards beards, staches and clipper--need a shave?

3: Who doesn't appreciate a beautiful piece of lace trim, but handmade lace trim is for the highest of taste. All hand sewn by the same lady, these trims are rich, intricate, and made with hours and hours of dedication. Give them a place they deserve, not in one of our drawers!

4: This piece of lawn art is sow incredible. Give your gnome a pet, or a friend, with this prestigious pig. You can debate about what to name him later: Wilber? Babe? Miss Piggy?

5: A file cabinet that took days for us to decide it looked better on the shop floor than in our bedroom. From the numbers to the wear to the most perfect size, this eight drawer treasure is ready and waiting.

6: Our excitement in finding this vintage movie camera overshadowed our know-how in using it--even upside down, this Keystone camera screams lights, camera, action! Shot any good movies lately?

Picnic, Anyone?

“A picnic is more than eating a meal, it is a pleasurable state of mind.”

― DeeDee Stovel

Sometimes, food just tastes better eaten outside. And now with the sun taking its precious time sinking below our watery horizon, after work calls for a little celebration. Pack up, relax, it's picnic time!

Ingredients for a most successful picnic: fresh air, nature all around, romantic golden hour, varietous small bites, something cool to sip, the perfect basket, an eye-catching blanket, and someone (or a few) invitees. We have the setup inspiration, you just bring the friends. And possibly a poem in tow, soaking in nature's beauty with Walt Whitman:

A child said, What is the grass? fetching it to me with full hands;
How could I answer the child? I do not know what it is, any more than he.

I guess it must be the flag of my disposition, out of hopeful green stuff woven.

Or I guess it is the handkerchief of the Lord,
A scented gift and remembrancer, designedly dropt,
Bearing the owner’s name someway in the corners, that we may see and remark, and say, Whose?

Or I guess the grass is itself a child, the produced babe of the vegetation.

Or I guess it is a uniform hieroglyphic;
And it means, Sprouting alike in broad zones and narrow zones,
Growing among black folks as among white;
Kanuck, Tuckahoe, Congressman, Cuff, I give them the same, I receive them the same.

And now it seems to me the beautiful uncut hair of graves.

Tenderly will I use you, curling grass;
It may be you transpire from the breasts of young men;
It may be if I had known them I would have loved them;
It may be you are from old people, and from women, and from offspring taken soon out of their mothers’ laps;
And here you are the mothers’ laps.

This grass is very dark to be from the white heads of old mothers;
Darker than the colorless beards of old men;
Dark to come from under the faint red roofs of mouths.

O I perceive after all so many uttering tongues!
And I perceive they do not come from the roofs of mouths for nothing.

I wish I could translate the hints about the dead young men and women,
And the hints about old men and mothers, and the offspring taken soon out of their laps.

What do you think has become of the young and old men?
And what do you think has become of the women and children?

They are alive and well somewhere;
The smallest sprout shows there is really no death;
And if ever there was, it led forward life, and does not wait at the end to arrest it,
And ceas’d the moment life appear’d.

All goes onward and outward—nothing collapses;
And to die is different from what any one supposed, and luckier.

Hip, Hip Hooray for Kendra Aronson

One of our sweet Ruby Crew members has been working round the clock on her SLO Farmers' Market Cookbook--and this last week celebrated her own birthday by launching her online shop! As the book is set to publish the end of this year, be privy to her creative teasers with a SLO Farmers' Market tote bag, letterpress Market map, and thank you cards. We are so proud and excited to see another one of our Crew exploding into their passions, check out these goods and make sure to snap some swag at her online shop. Hip, hip hooray for Kendra!

Kendra Aronson is currently writing, photographing, designing, and self-publishing the book from scratch. She loves to shake the hand that feeds her by supporting SLOcal farmers, food artisans, and farm-to-table restaurants. She is passionate about shopping locally at the county's twenty farmers' markets. She enjoys creating, reading, laughing, and spending time with friends and family.

The San Luis Obispo Farmers' Market Cookbook: Simple Seasonal Recipes & Short Stories from the Central Coast of California features 196 pages of beautiful text and photographs. The book is divided into two parts: (1) simple recipes (breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, dessert) for each season based on what is seasonally available & (2) short stories, interviews, and profiles of farmers, food artisans, and farm-to-table chefs. The majority of the recipes are provided by the food growers and crafters themselves to showcase the true terroir of the Central Coast!

Follow her progress and fresh updates on her Instagram: @kendraaahhhhh