The Six

Remember The Weekly 6? We're ba-ack!

This week we have some really fun pieces along with some old faves.

First up, we have these truly amazing cast aluminum ornate church lighting fixtures.

The patina, size, weight, style of these are a steal at $475 a piece. 

They were salvaged from a basement of a church in Oakland.

They can be wired or used in any number of ways.

Next up is this mid-century table by Jens Risom.

Pronounced 'Yens', he was a Danish American designer that first came on the scene in the early 1940's.

For years he teamed with Hans Knoll until the late 40's, when he launched Jens Risom Designs, JDR.

In the 50's, after years of home furniture, he changed his focus to office, hospital and library furniture.

One of his chairs was used by Lyndon B. Johnson in the oval office. 

We cant say for sure when this table was designed, or where or what it was designed for, but

we do know that we are lucky to have it to enjoy until it finds a new home!!

  

Deconstructed Furniture--once we saw the spread on this in Restoration Hardware, we were hooked line and sinker!

At Alameda, we spied this loveseat in one of the last booths we hit. This is definately a look you either love or you just don't get it. We love the original touches of this beauty.

These pillows along with a few more are upcycled from vintage rugs. They add a beautiful rich touch to furniture or it will provide itself as a piece of art.

We are constantly adding to our collection of tooled handbags along with suede and woven. Sll shapes, sizes and eras.

Boots boots boots. Simple at that, timeless, leather, and perfectly worn in.  

The Rubinistas (or as Joan Rivers would say, "That b!^@% stole my look!".)

Have you ever looked at an ad in a magazine and gotten lost in it? While flipping through a Lucky magazine the other day, we did just that. We found ourselves thinking, "Hey, we have that look!" or "We can pull that off for a lot less!".

Many of  these ad photos and looks are really not a dream away, but right here at Ruby Rose--whether it's Ralph, Miss Me or J. Crew. So after being lost in the ads, we found ourselves again and knew what we had to do. We rang Jenn Young (our amazing photographer) and Kelsea, Riley and Hayden (our in-house models), and came up with our very own production of  Pageant of the Masters. 

Bohemian, the Premium, the Prairie Girl and the Prepster...we got our game on. The results were brilliant if we do say so ourselves!

...and the look below? It's one of our faves!

Thank you girls for the giggles and for helping us out on a moments notice!!

A Happy Wrong Turn

On Monday, the mister and I had to drive up to Berkely for a 911 root canal for Ruby. She's been in school there and it was bad timing for her tooth to scream out. On our way there, we missed our turnoff and found ourself having to cross the bridge and come back. While heading back, our gas warning light flashed on. At what age do we have it all together? We had a map, our iPhones with maps, and the mister and I each had cash for gas???? Well this is where serendipity came in. We made it across and turned off on Ashby and there was a gas station and da da da (!!!), the Urban Ore Salvage Yard!! We hadn't been there in years!! 

 

We only had a few minutes since we were on a 911 call, but it was the big one, and come on, what would you do??? Well we stopped, a really super quick stop. Here is what we spied:

 

Doors, windows, shutters, tubs, sinks, hardware, etc etc etc. We've been to a handful of salvage yards and the more organized and perfect, the more the price reflects.  At Urban Ore, it is really a dig, navigate and load on your own operation. There are helpful people to answer questions and direct you, and the prices are definitely fair to good. 

Summers with Ruby

This summer is going to be much different than summers in the past... 

We have spent most summers hooking up the trailer and hitting the road.

If we weren't discovering history or roadside attractions, we were junking.

Last summers the tides were a changing when Ruby announced that she was going to raise a pig and compete at the fair. Hmmm, OK. It turned out to be a lot of work and a lot of fun. 

This summer, she is going to spend a month at Berkeley. Hmmm, OK. Our offspring, families, and friends are all a changing. What can we do? Pull out the humor card and support card is what we have planned. This month we are going to re-group at Ruby Rose, re-organize and replenish.

We hope your summer is as you hope it to be!

Side note. Do I worry that Ruby and John will be a bit miffed that these photos were posted? 

Not a bit, as most of the family and close friends don't really fead what I write. They are there to keep it real.

Some Things Never Change...

...and we are sooo happy for that.

Last week, Kathy was so very kind to share her 5 pound box of See's candy that she got for her birthday with us and all of our visitors. Thank you Kathy.

Phil, her very charming and thoughtful husband knows that she loves nuts and chews, and has the sales gal put together a box just for her. Thank you Phil.

Traditions are important...I'd say critical. We get up on saturday and there are yard sales, we eat turkey on Thanksgiving (this one I tried to change and it didnt go over so well), and there is See's candy for celebrations! Thank you See's candy.

When Ruby comes home from her summer away, we intend to sit her down with us and have her watch the episode of "I Love Lucy" when Lucy and Ethel work in the candy factory. There are some things we need to take responsibility for, and this is one, maybe we'll watch it with a box of our own.

Little Pretties

Before the birth of this little shop of ours, there was a lot of time spent in the the dirt. The garden has gone through a lot of changes with yard art, styles of furniture and different kinds of flowers that we have tried to grow. Some took, others, not so much.  

This years blooms (minus the very lackluster lilac year in SLO) were over the top beautiful. One of the reasons the garden is more full this year, is the benefits of shrubbery. A lot of flowering shrubs filled in spaces that were a challenge--they are literally no maintenance.

Ever wonder where all the broken and chippy concrete art goes? Our opinion is that it is no less beautiful. How does your garden grow? Send us photos!!

Interview with a Master

I would love for you to meet a genious in the sewing world: Ginger Behnke. Ginger graduated a home ec major at Cal Poly and immediately put her love of sewing and construction to work. She has made patterns for some major companies, advised on fit, designed, and is currently teaching at Cuesta. This summer, Ginger is teaching a class on clothing construction and still has some vacancies to fill. These classes cover a variety of areas and we, at The Rose, are constantly picking her brain on ideas and altering pieces here and there. We figured if we have this many questions, you may have them too and would be interested in taking Ginger's course to learn about sewing what she has to offer.

RR: Hi Gin, last week when you mentioned this class to me, I immediately asked you what the class covered because I knew our friends would be interested. Can you explain it?

Ginger: Sure!  In this 3 unit college course, I introduce the basics of operating a sewing machine and serger.  Students make a basic pant, then a shirt, and if time allows, they can choose from either a knit project or constructed pant or dress. We also create a notebook consisting of a variety of hand and machine sewing techniques such as hemming methods, zipper applications, etc.   Anyone from the age of 15 can take the class.  Because we tend to attract a variety of sewing backgrounds, I accommodate all sewing levels from beginner to advanced and can adjust the curriculum to fit individual’s needs.  The best part of this class is the classroom.  We are in the new Performing Arts building, we have large cutting tables and many sewing machines and sergers for all to use.

RR: We have customers that may love a vintage dress or skirt, but there may be fit issues (maybe the waist or bust). Would this class you're teaching cover this kind of thing?

Ginger: I do cover how to adjust commercial patterns for fit and I have had many students bring in garments to adjust for a good fit.  Although the course does not specifically cover this, most students find they learn a lot about their bodies and how to adjust garments to fit them while taking this class.  

RR: What are some of the most common questions or thoughts that your students have?

Ginger: Most just love to sew or have been curious to learn how. Most just want to learn all the shortcuts and tricks that are second nature to me.  I just love sewing and I am very happy to be in my classroom sharing what I know!

RR:  Do your students need to have any equipment or tools to bring?

Ginger: Students do purchase their own fabrics and patterns.  Most equipment is provided, but I find that most students like to bring their tools.  I do allow students to bring their own sewing machine if they prefer.

RR: We have referred you a handful of specialty customers and most recently a bride that needed a vintage dress altered. She was sooo happy with the results! What kinds of things are you open to taking on?

Ginger: Oh, just about anything fun! I enjoy a challenge and love to make clothes just from pictures or even and idea in your head.  I specialize in creating what you cannot find in stores, or hard to fit folks.  I really enjoy making people happy in what they wear. I feel that clothing is a great way to feel good about yourself, and most of us know that “shopping” can be such a drag and a real downer for our self image.  I say, celebrate the real stuff, dress for your body and show off the goods!

RR: In addition to your teaching, you are working with local talent Robin Kaplan. So awesome. We saw you at the Remnants of the Past show a few weeks ago--what did you think about working directly with customers? 

Ginger: I had a blast!! Especially working with Robin, we “guess” a lot on the right sleeve length, skirt fullness, etc.  It was SO GREAT seeing the garments on a variety of real women and noting what they loved or wanted instead.  Robin and I both keep a pretty low profile, so it was great to interact with customers and receive the kudos you don’t usually get working at home.

RR: What do you think about the world of us junkers?

Ginger: Well, I love seeing how creative people can be.  I have always loved antiques and “old” things.  I remember coming home in high school with a vintage wool suit from a thrift shop and my mother was appalled.  You know, she came from the generation when new was “better”.  Her mom was a meticulous seamstress while my Dad’s mom was a total thrift shop hunter and re-maker, so I like to think I inherited traits from both grandmothers J.

RR: I find it really funny that when we first met, we both thought that we would have nothing in common. Here we are 16 years later, having shared holidays, laughs, tears, and now our working worlds mingling. We have had more in common than we ever thought! Thanks for the good times, Ginger!

Ginger: I know, it’s been so fun (OK, not always) watching these kids of ours grow up.... I tell my children that people come into your life for a reason and that friends often serve different purposes in your life.   We have been reliable friends for each other in tough times and greatest supporters we excel.

Ginger's classes start June 19 (T/W/Th 8:30-1:30) through July 26 and you can sign up at  www.cuesta.edu (FDM 263 Apparel Construction)

Thanks Ginger!

It's a Wrap!

Last week we had the Remnants of the Past show come to our town, practically in our backyard. This show brings in so many talented vendors and some really savvy shoppers, so we thought we had better be on our game! We spruced and fluffed and polished and were ready for some fun. 

Speaking of fun, look at this lovely lady and her new found neon dress? We think it was made for her...

More details...

Photo mobiles...brilliant, no?

Everyone needs a little pink sometimes...

(Above photos by Jennifer Young of I ART U)

National donut day was Friday and we arent one to dis the donut. We served them with a side of berries.

A lot of clothes and shoes and boots found new owners...

Our bestie, Lori, so kindly braided my hair.

Our friends stopped by to show us the new addition to their family--a 24ft airstream!!

...by the end of the week, we were exhausted!  Ever have a junk hangover??

What's New?

We added a sewing nook and we have a notion you'll love it! 

Danish modern mid-century wood lamps! We think their sleek + stylish, just like you. 

Theater seating. Whether you're waiting to be acquitted for, see the principal, or the movie to start, these wooden beauties will support your bum. 

Don't be caught in the same swimsuit as someone else...our vintage beachwear will ensure you'll be the cutest Annette and Frankie on the sand. 

 Bike Month. 1930's Tru Test, $550. For father's day or the coolest dudes in town (Eric, Kyle, Steve). 

 Denim cutoff's, vintage and premium--every wardrobe needs a pair.