Wednesday, September 23, 2015

The Hunt (AKA how to be a "picker")

It's always the first question everyone asks.

"So where do you find your things?"
My response has been reduced to one sentence.
"It's a lifestyle".

And it truly is.

Because the truth is... if you counted out the hours spent searching, inspecting, negotiating, purchasing, transporting,cleaning, inventorying ,listing,,storing, wrapping, selling, delivering.....
(i got exhausted just writing that)
Lets just say, it covers quite a bit of time in a week.

"The Hunt" is not for the faint hearted.
(and verrrry verrrry UN glamourous.)
BUT it is an exciting, fun, entertaining (trust me there are quite a few characters), boring, exhausting day.
Yes, there are definitely moments that feel like christmas, or even like you have won the lottery.
And that's really the best of it.
The worst of it requires endless hours waiting, driving and well, waiting.
(only to lose that which you covet to someone with bad hygiene)

If you don't like to get up early (read 4 or 5 am early)....this is not for you.
If you don't like to stay up late (read still out at 11 or 12 or even 1).....this is not for you.
If you like a constant regular schedule.......well this is definitely noooot for you.

So wait....I wanna stop myself here ........
*eh hemmmm

I was thinking I would write a blog about the ins and outs of picking.
(to finally answer some/all of you)
But every time I get to this point I think.....sheesh ive worked so very hard to know what I know.

So I can't really tell you what you are dying to hear.
I will however give you a coupla tips on how to be a successful picker.

Here goes:
1. Figure out what area of vintage you love.
2. Research, research, research and study hard.
3. Disinfectant wipes.

Thats it.
Yup. Yes. Really.
Because its actually quite simple....
 Once you know what you know....
You will know how to take it to the next level.
(and the wipes.... you will thank me when you are finally out "on the hunt".)

Good Luck!!!!





Saturday, September 5, 2015

Grand Opening of SHV "At The Shore"

Have you been "down the shore" lately?
Funny till I met The Bodyguard last year, I hadn't either.
We came together over quintessential joisey music.
(Thank you Bruce and Southside, without you guys our paths would have never crossed.)

So now, i'm blessed to have a place to go.
To sit on the dock, watch the fishing boats go by and breathe.
(I do this as much as I can)

One day while riding bikes thru Asbury Park we detoured into town. 
A former business associate from Boonton
moved  his Interior Design studio to Cookman Ave.
(he too had a shop on Main St and closed it)
We thought we would stop in and visit.
Whoa.....How things have changed.
It seems over night Asbury has hit it's stride and has become so hip, so full of great restaurants, art, music, and design.....
very cool!
(ummm yay)
We got to talking....
He's just soooo darn happy there.
And the area is booming.
Yay for him, he deserves it, Im so happy he's prosperous.

And this got us thinking......
What if......

So I decided to take a baby step.
(cause the truth is, i'm just not sure yet of where i'll/we'll be in the next 5 years)
But, it seems so right.

And sooooooo........
Savannah Hope Vintage will be opening a pilot shop in the Antique Emporium on Cookman Ave in Asbury Park.

Mid September I'm moving in.

There will be a "grand opening" party.
(Ill update on the date.)

I'm super excited
("are we there yet" excited)
I've been hard at work buying and fine tuning my inventory so that my booth will be well curated.
I've got some great industrial and modern furniture and home decor.
Some great art, objects, dinnerware and glass.
50s, 60s and 70s
A few minis, maxi dresses and even a couple of leisure suits too.

I hope you will come check it out.
(after all if Asbury gets a write up in Vogue as a destination..well that's gotta count for somethin)