Being a freelance producer means there is often times where a job ends and instead of finding another, I’ll take the time to re-center myself and see those who are near and dear to my heart but not close to my home. For my first stop, I decided to head home to Lake Havasu City, AZ.

Havasu… not just for Spring Break any more.

I know what you’re thinking: You hear Havasu and immediately think beers, boats, and pasties? (well this is if you’ve actually heard of the small town in the north west part of Arizona). But shockingly I was able to discover some great vintage finds at the local Salvation Army.

Not only was I interested to see what I could find but I also had 2 missions in mind.  I needed options for Coachella because let’s get real, half of the fun for us ladies is scoping out what is worn at this incredible festival. Also seeing as I left my vintage London Fog trench coat in my cousin’s car in Vegas (Sin City may have killed some brain cells), I needed to find another coat for my upcoming trip to NYC.

Katie’s first find of the day…

There is a huge variety of items from furniture to clothes to shoes to books to board games. Everything is easily organized and the staff is filled with small town charm and quick to tell you about their $1.75 great finds. Yes, $1.75. The green jacket pictured is what I ended up nabbing for NYC and it was on the sale rack; marked down from $4.25 to $1.75. I was also able to grab a hot pair of red leather boots for $3 & a cute pair of wedges for Coachella for a whopping $3 as well.

Spicy red boots… check.

Wedges for the desert… check.

The beauty in shopping at a Salvation Army in a small city is that most people don’t exactly know what they’re giving up and/or just don’t want to spend the time figuring it out. So if you find yourself taking a vacation on the lake, always remember that a city isn’t always what it seems.

K.V. and her $1.75 green jacket in action!

I finally came up for air from my current job and the timing could not have been better. I’d yet to see Deana in months and The Way We Wore was having a sale! Let the perfect Sunday begin.

Now for those of you not living in LA, (or those who do and have yet to venture to this La Brea gem) let me give you some deets on TWWW.   Immediately when we walked in, the lovely ladies who work the shop told us about their exact sale items and we’re quick to help with any questions.  You will be immersed in all articles of clothing from high-wasted shorts to chic blazers, designer heels, dresses, and enough scarves to fill a trunk!

Shoes galore!

But that’s not all. Once upstairs you enter upon a whole other territory (a.k.a. My weakness) boots! They’ve got lace-up ones, high heeled, over the knee. The possibilities are endless. Not in the mood for boots? Don’t worry. There is flats, sandals, heels, and more.

Upstairs at TWWW

TWWW is a great to place to grab a quick accessory piece (their collection of vintage belts is endless) or even a classic Chanel handbag. This being said, you can go in and spend anywhere from $12 to $500 on one item. But the odds that anyone you know will have anything like what you purchase is slim to none.   So not only will you add a classic vintage addition to your wardrobe but you’ll also be a new source of fashion inspiration.

If you’re not sold yet, just check out these photos and the fabulous women donning the TWWW look.

You’ve got Green With Glamour fan, Jessica Alba, on the Tonight Show in a vintage dress from TWWW…

GWG’s patron celebrity saint, Emily Deschanel, in a-ma-zing dress from TWWW…

and last but not least, the ever stunning Olivia Wilde in a gown from this one of a kind boutique as well.

The good people at I-ELLA introduced themselves to us last week… and I have to say, I’m really excited, impressed and eager to shop!  I’ve browsed other online buy/sell/swap sites in the past, but NONE have come close to the quality and variety of pieces available at I-ELLA.

As I’m sure you can imagine, I get just about everything I wear (clothing, jewelry & handbags) from Green With Glamour.  However, I’ve been known to pepper my wardrobe with a vintage designer piece or 2 from Ebay, DecadesTwo and the like… but here’s why I think I-Ella outranks those others:

*They’re discriminating (in a good way) about what actually makes their site.  Excellent quality and condition seem present in every item.  From Chanel and Hermes to Philip Lim 3.1 and Diane von Furstenburg to J Crew and Nine West, they have a really well-curated selection of goodies (ranging from barely worn 2010 pieces to vintage).

*The site is easy to shop.  Their navigation system and categorizing is spot on!

*They GIVE BACK.  Every time you shop with I-ELLA, you give.  Each month, the I-ELLA team picks three charities to partner with running the gamut from funding for the arts in NYC to health initiatives in countries all across the world – including the Greater NYC Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, Keep a Child Alive and H.E.L.P.

*As a shopper, you can borrow, buy, swap and/or sell.  I love the swap concept because it’s perfect for those pieces you’re not willing to totally part ways with – but you can send off on a little adventure and then have returned to the haven of your own closet!

*You can shop in various celebrity closets!  Whitney Port, Elizabeth Rohm, Veronica Webb… and proceeds go to a cause they support.

Check out some of my personal favorites available right now…

DVF                                 Lanvin                                                    J Crew

Feral Childe (eco)         YSL                                                                   April, May

I will say that everything I checked out was a size 6 or under, so… I’m hoping they broaden their range, but I’m pretty much convinced that I-ELLA is the place to go for 2nd-hand, online treasures!

It is a member’s only site, but you can use the referral code: INVITE2010 for instant access!

Despite the scorching heat in LA this past week and weekend, I braved the high temps and hit the Melrose Trading Post once again! This time I am in search of fun, unique fixtures for my apartment.  Lucky for me there are more than enough vendors for my viewing pleasure.

When you first enter the Trading post you may think this is not what you’re looking for if you’ve come to purchase furniture or art. However, push past the first 20 booths or so, and you’ll find what you want.

One of my favorite vendors for abstract art can be found in the most open area of the parking lot, 2nd row in. His name is Jim and he tries to make it to the Trading Post every Sunday. Jim’s use of colors is incredible and he can make you anything you can dream up. His paintings range from small to quite large wall.  Jim was also recently featured in 944 Los Angeles and is definitely an artist on the way up.

If you keep walking past the ‘A Englishman In LA’ booth you will reach the booths filled with furniture, wall art, and various home accessories.  The adorable couple Manuel and Josephine run a booth which focuses on everything and anything you could want for your home. They have dressers, tables, art, comics, and even this week they included an old wooden boat steering wheel you would expect Captain Jack to be using. Manuel is a top-notch bargainer and always willing to negotiate.

Last but not least, you’ll definitely want to check out the furniture booth ran by Zbigniew and his daughter Kasia. Zbigniew has been selling his furniture at the post for years now and has a plethora of items to choose from. One of my dear friends bought a vanity set from Zbigniew in 2008 and it has withstood 2 moves and received endless compliments over time.  Zbigniew refurbishes each piece and also adds his own personal touch so not one fixture is alike. He is incredibly friendly, knows all about furniture, and will help you load any item of furniture into your car for safe traveling.

Happy shopping!

We’re stepping it up, People!  As our retail big sister, Green With Glamour, grows and grows… we’re keeping in stride as any younger sibling might.   We’ll still be bringing you major, eco-chic bargains, letting you in on fantastic “green” design finds and ooh-ing & ahh-ing over all amazing things vegetarian and vegan, but now you’ll be getting more than just our 2 cents.  We’ve enlisted some serious (& delightful) experts to cover what you love!

Meet our new (& seriously stylish) team:

Celebrity hairstylist & make up artist, Vanessa Rose Price, will be schooling us all about sustainable make up, hair and skin care with The (Eco) Beauty Biz.  Not only does she tame those famous Justin Bieber locks (along with a scrolling list of other celebs), but Vanessa will be taking time out of her ridiculously jet-settery schedule to bring us “eco” beauty tid bits along the way.

Vanessa Price

Switching gears from the fast-paced hullabaloo to the bucolic countryside, comes our new foodie team, Abby Lutz and Shane Walsh.   A clothing designer and photographer respectively, this couple traded in their edgy Brooklyn address for a bit of paradise on a farm in rural Vermont.  With a slower paced life now (though they still both work and turn out insanely gifted work), Abby and Shane have found themselves lingering in the garden and creating in the kitchen.  The result?  Mouth-watering, inventive concoctions crafted from the very food they grow.  Whatever is ready to be picked is what goes on the plate…  the very reason why they are The Accidental Gourmands.

Abby Lutz & Shane Walsh

And from the moment I met writer Tiffany Romigh in her well-appointed home in the Hollywood Hills, it was obvious that she was a woman of style.  Seamlessly fusing Street Art with French antiques, bold pop colors with delicate metallics, Tiffany has a knack for merging genres and mediums – and boredom is her enemy.  Never one to ask others to do what she can, Tiffany rolls up her sleeves and dives right in – whatever the task might be!  Having recently relocated to Austin, TX… she’s now faced with a whole new house to grace with her good taste – and a whole new city to explore.  With Chic Re-do, Tiffany shows us how turn the simple into the sublime and the unexpected into the unbelievable!

Tiffany Romigh

Professional TV producer (and semi-pro shopper), Katie Vaughan, has traveled many, many miles and shopped her way across multiple countries in her young life.  And though her career is a demanding one, she always manages to find time to take several trips a year, snagging chic (and sometimes hilarious) thrift store finds all along the way.  By writing 2nd Hand Spotlight, Katie will be sharing with us her favorite vintage shops, thrift stores, flea markets and hidden shopping spots… and maybe she’ll even explain what possessed her to get those metallic high tops!

Katie Vaughan

Of course, I’m still here… wrangling stories from the inspirational, unique and supremely talented bunch above!  I’ll also still be covering divine architecture (both old and new) and must have interior design pieces (as some of you know… I’m an Interior Designer by trade).  On top of that, I’m writing a  new piece called Green Goodie Review. With it I explore great, sustainable finds that are exceptional and moderately priced (under $25).  Everything from brilliant hostess gifts to vegan dog treats to organic room sprays.  Stay tuned… it’s going to get fun!

Deana Bracken (pictured with very understanding husband, Nadim)

Read on, Friends!

My latest article for The Green Girls…

I recently learned that controversial writer (Henry & June), erotica advocate and elegant bohemian Anais Nin lived in my neighborhood, with husband Rupert Pole, for about 20 years beginning in 1962.  She helped design her hill-perched Silver Lake getaway home with architect Eric Lloyd Wright (grandson of Frank Lloyd Wright).

Interior shots of Anain Nin’s Silver Lake home

The Pole (& Nin) Residence by Eric Lloyd Wright

Needless to say, I’m now officially obsessed with the house and it’s feminine take on early 60s Modern architecture.  Nin’s decor style is not dissimilar to my own… nods to Japanese style and Chinoiserie, ethnic textiles and mixing clean, mod pieces with organic, natural-y furniture and classically refined American & French staples.  So, there aren’t many tasks I enjoy more than searching for new (& old) goodies that work for the likes of Ms. Nin.

Reclaimed wood print block panel at CB2

Art Deco box

The Kalafornia Lounger by WhyrHymer at Green With Glamour

Vintage Curtis Jere lamp

Reclaimed Oriental rug made from 100% recycled plastic bottles

Anais Nin at home in Silver Lake

Remember the good, old days when bobbed hair was in vogue, bejeweled gauzy fabrics, ornamental hats & hair jewelry were all the rage and fast-talking intellects were in abundance? A time when the incredibly talented Jennifer Jason Leigh was getting great roles, Gwyneth Paltrow wasn’t yet the most annoying woman in the world and Matthew Broderick was actually kind of sexy… that’s right, 1994!  And yes, I do realize that Mrs. Parker & The Vicious Circle was based on Dorothy and her Algonquin Round Table friends that thrived in the 1920’s, but I watched the film the other day and the (somewhat) modern recreation of the “roaring” style of that era was simply de-lovely!

Eager for Fall 09, I’m in an elegant retro mode lately… 1920s, 1930s – even the early 1960s (thanks to Mad Men making even aerosol-sprayed hair helmets look sexy).  While my Summer look is more 70s caftans, flat sandals & big hoop earrings (which I love, but am bidding farewell until 2010)… my Fall/Winter vibe is about light, tailored layers, intricate costume jewels & femininity.  And though I not one to pull off seriously antique-y, pretty & soft looks (I’m no Mary Catherine Garrison), I do like to trick out my pencil skirts (or wide-leg pants), man-tailored white shirts and ruffled blouses with hand-me-down costume jewelry pieces and pearls.  I have a great collection of pins, cocktail rings and hair combs… but I’m a little short in the necklace department.  Enter Monica Macha…

Unique, statement-y and stunning necklaces by Monica Macha.

 We just added Monica’s one-of-a-kind creations to the Green With Glamour Collection.  From photos alone, we asked Monica to become one of our beloved designers… but now that I’ve inspected, admired and tried on (of course!) Monica’s pieces in person – OH MY GOD!  They are insanely beautiful and well-crafted.  I was finding that I couldn’t take my eyes of them… especially the 2 necklaces above, so I’ve displayed them prominently in the GWG Showroom (swing by & check them out if you’re in LA.  I can feast with my eyes every day!  From a simple white ribbed tank, cardy & jeans to your favorite cocktail dress… these modern mixes of yesteryear’s jewels are an incredible way to take any ensemble up about 5 notches at once.

Remember the good, old days when bobbed hair was in vogue, bejeweled gauzy fabrics, ornamental hats & hair jewelry were all the rage and fast-talking intellects were in abundance? A time when the incredibly talented Jennifer Jason Leigh was getting great roles, Gwyneth Paltrow wasn’t yet the most annoying woman in the world and Matthew Broderick was actually kind of sexy… that’s right, 1994!  And yes, I do realize that Mrs. Parker & The Vicious Circle was based on Dorothy and her Algonquin Round Table friends that thrived in the 1920’s, but I watched the film the other day and the (somewhat) modern recreation of the “roaring” style of that era was simply de-lovely!

Eager for Fall 09, I’m in an elegant retro mode lately… 1920s, 1930s – even the early 1960s (thanks to Mad Men making even aerosol-sprayed hair helmets look sexy).  While my Summer look is more 70s caftans, flat sandals & big hoop earrings (which I love, but am bidding farewell until 2010)… my Fall/Winter vibe is about light, tailored layers, intricate costume jewels & femininity.  And though I not one to pull off seriously antique-y, pretty & soft looks (I’m no Mary Catherine Garrison), I do like to trick out my pencil skirts (or wide-leg pants), man-tailored white shirts and ruffled blouses with hand-me-down costume jewelry pieces and pearls.  I have a great collection of pins, cocktail rings and hair combs… but I’m a little short in the necklace department.  Enter Monica Macha…

Unique, statement-y and stunning necklaces by Monica Macha.

 We just added Monica’s one-of-a-kind creations to the Green With Glamour Collection.  From photos alone, we asked Monica to become one of our beloved designers… but now that I’ve inspected, admired and tried on (of course!) Monica’s pieces in person – OH MY GOD!  They are insanely beautiful and well-crafted.  I was finding that I couldn’t take my eyes of them… especially the 2 necklaces above, so I’ve displayed them prominently in the GWG Showroom (swing by & check them out if you’re in LA.  I can feast with my eyes every day!  From a simple white ribbed tank, cardy & jeans to your favorite cocktail dress… these modern mixes of yesteryear’s jewels are an incredible way to take any ensemble up about 5 notches at once.

“Swapping is the new Shopping” is the motto of Posh Swaps, a new clothing, accessories, etc. swapping site based in the UK… and I love it!  It’s a new endeavor, so the picking are still slim but the concept is brillsville – and I’m sure it will take off.  It’s a super “green” (as long as you’re not constantly shipping between the States & the UK), chic and free way to update your wardrobe.  You can swap, buy or sell goods on the site – so there’s an option for everyone!  And though Posh Swaps’ offerings are still on the sparse side…I found 3 pieces to seriously pursue.

I have to give Green Grechen her propers… as it was her blog that turned me onto PS.

San Francisco is a shockingly beautiful city… seriously, I was shocked.  I’m a fairly active traveler – and though SF is a short jaunt from LA , I had never actually heard much good about it, so I was never inspired to go (and I had always pictured it as dreary weather hovering around grotesquely painted Victorian townhomes).  My loss, I guess… though I do believe everything happens at a purposeful time and place (and I’m already planning my 2nd visit).

Our stay was short (2 days, part of a 10 day birthday holiday for my mother that took us up to the rustic, tucked away Shelter Cove down to sea lion-ladden shores and super-luxe hills of San Simeon), but suffice it to say… San Francisco has my number.  Dining, Drinking & Lodging is a whole other story, but here we focus on shopping!

As every big city typically does, San Francisco has a decent representation of the upscale boutiques – Hermes, Chanel, Loro Piana, etc. in the Union Square area, but now that I no longer buy new silk or leather… I have little use for these stores and instead look for vintage & 2nd hand pieces from these lines (the hunt is far more fun & rewarding).  Gump’s, however… GUMPS!

I had heard stories about Gumps – I’ve even ordered some of their catalog pieces, but Mon Dieu… the store is the real thing!  It’s like Bergdorf’s decor section times 10.  The perfect selection of vintage & antique tableware mixed with an incredibly edited  collection of new.  Go for yourself.  I can’t do it justice, but I will mention some of my favorite pieces…

Antique Meissen porcelain dishes for a lofty $1700 per table setting.  The Black Court Dragon pattern is pristine, stunning and as relevant today as it was at it’s production over 100 years ago.

Um… and the wind was nearly knocked out of my by Phillipe Starck’s remarkable “Fool” vase (I really shouldn’t be surprised, right?) for Baccarat.

And I do have a soft spot for those fantastic Finnish blown glass Toikka birds by Iittala.  My husband has given me a couple as gifts because he know my fondness for birds and my love of great design… well, Gumps had the biggest, most beautiful Toikkas I’ve seen!

And of course, their collection of John Derian trays was wistful & sublime!  Impossible to resist!

A lot of Gumps’ goodies aren’t available online… so do yourself a favor and GO!

Needless to say, shopping was non-existent in Shelter Cove unless the General Store counts and our days in Napa were spent in wineries and restaurants rather than boutiques… though the St. Helena Olive Oil Company was outstanding!  The ultimate place to stock upon organic, locally made oils, mustards, pasta sauces and vinegars.

 And then on to Carmel-by-the-Sea… one of my favorite little hamlets!  It’s a very quiet, very beautiful, very low key, VERY WASP-Y little town – which for me also makes it a FANTASTIC place to second-hand shop.  We hit up the ASPCA and Yellow Brick Road benefit shops… both teaming with old people and their donated wares.  These are the places I hunt for vintage costume jewelry pieces, books, tableware & crystal.  And though I was really impressed by the amount of current designer pieces (tons of Miu Miu shoes!) the local boutique, Girl Boy Girl, had donated to the ASPCA shop all I found (or had the patience to find) was the brilliant out-of-print book by one of my design heroes, David Hicks on Living – with Taste (I love that the phrasing almost makes it sound like a burden… but actually Mr. Hicks speaks to those interested in design & living well on just about any budget).

Seriously… click to enlarge & absorb.  This man had a gift!

 A bit disappointed, but remembering that I really don’t need a thing… I continued to shop.  On to, Consign Couture,  the high end 2nd hand store nestled right in the downtown area.  Scads of Gucci, Chanel, YSL, Dolce & Gabbana… shoes, suits and handbags – none at a particular bargain (they know what they have), but if ever I jonze for that perfect, basic black Chanel suit – I know where I’m going.  Long… very, very, VERY long story short – I found a crisp, white cotton, man-tailored, french-cuffed shirt by Ralph Lauren, paid the lady and bounced.

 POST BY DEANA

San Francisco is a shockingly beautiful city… seriously, I was shocked.  I’m a fairly active traveler – and though SF is a short jaunt from LA , I had never actually heard much good about it, so I was never inspired to go (and I had always pictured it as dreary weather hovering around grotesquely painted Victorian townhomes).  My loss, I guess… though I do believe everything happens at a purposeful time and place (and I’m already planning my 2nd visit).

Our stay was short (2 days, part of a 10 day birthday holiday for my mother that took us up to the rustic, tucked away Shelter Cove down to sea lion-ladden shores and super-luxe hills of San Simeon), but suffice it to say… San Francisco has my number.  Dining, Drinking & Lodging is a whole other story, but here we focus on shopping!

As every big city typically does, San Francisco has a decent representation of the upscale boutiques – Hermes, Chanel, Loro Piana, etc. in the Union Square area, but now that I no longer buy new silk or leather… I have little use for these stores and instead look for vintage & 2nd hand pieces from these lines (the hunt is far more fun & rewarding).  Gump’s, however… GUMPS!

I had heard stories about Gumps – I’ve even ordered some of their catalog pieces, but Mon Dieu… the store is the real thing!  It’s like Bergdorf’s decor section times 10.  The perfect selection of vintage & antique tableware mixed with an incredibly edited  collection of new.  Go for yourself.  I can’t do it justice, but I will mention some of my favorite pieces…

Antique Meissen porcelain dishes for a lofty $1700 per table setting.  The Black Court Dragon pattern is pristine, stunning and as relevant today as it was at it’s production over 100 years ago.

Um… and the wind was nearly knocked out of my by Phillipe Starck’s remarkable “Fool” vase (I really shouldn’t be surprised, right?) for Baccarat.

And I do have a soft spot for those fantastic Finnish blown glass Toikka birds by Iittala.  My husband has given me a couple as gifts because he know my fondness for birds and my love of great design… well, Gumps had the biggest, most beautiful Toikkas I’ve seen!

And of course, their collection of John Derian trays was wistful & sublime!  Impossible to resist!

A lot of Gumps’ goodies aren’t available online… so do yourself a favor and GO!

Needless to say, shopping was non-existent in Shelter Cove unless the General Store counts and our days in Napa were spent in wineries and restaurants rather than boutiques… though the St. Helena Olive Oil Company was outstanding!  The ultimate place to stock upon organic, locally made oils, mustards, pasta sauces and vinegars.

 And then on to Carmel-by-the-Sea… one of my favorite little hamlets!  It’s a very quiet, very beautiful, very low key, VERY WASP-Y little town – which for me also makes it a FANTASTIC place to second-hand shop.  We hit up the ASPCA and Yellow Brick Road benefit shops… both teaming with old people and their donated wares.  These are the places I hunt for vintage costume jewelry pieces, books, tableware & crystal.  And though I was really impressed by the amount of current designer pieces (tons of Miu Miu shoes!) the local boutique, Girl Boy Girl, had donated to the ASPCA shop all I found (or had the patience to find) was the brilliant out-of-print book by one of my design heroes, David Hicks on Living – with Taste (I love that the phrasing almost makes it sound like a burden… but actually Mr. Hicks speaks to those interested in design & living well on just about any budget).

Seriously… click to enlarge & absorb.  This man had a gift!

 A bit disappointed, but remembering that I really don’t need a thing… I continued to shop.  On to, Consign Couture,  the high end 2nd hand store nestled right in the downtown area.  Scads of Gucci, Chanel, YSL, Dolce & Gabbana… shoes, suits and handbags – none at a particular bargain (they know what they have), but if ever I jonze for that perfect, basic black Chanel suit – I know where I’m going.  Long… very, very, VERY long story short – I found a crisp, white cotton, man-tailored, french-cuffed shirt by Ralph Lauren, paid the lady and bounced.

 POST BY DEANA

I can’t seem to move past the vintage scarf thing – and combined with my obsession for home design… I’ve scouted around and found the best applications for sweet, sweet decor.

I wrote all about it for The Green Girls – check it here.  If you’re crafty… you should be able to replicate these designs easily!

I can’t seem to move past the vintage scarf thing – and combined with my obsession for home design… I’ve scouted around and found the best applications for sweet, sweet decor.

I wrote all about it for The Green Girls – check it here.  If you’re crafty… you should be able to replicate these designs easily!