Unsold Ebay

I am rather sick of seeing my eBay autions being in so many Watch lists and ending up not without even one bid, even when the auctions start at 'giving it away' prices. Not to mention, having to pay the fees on all those unsold items.

I typically use eBay for my more modern (un-vintage) clothing and accessories as my vintage goes straight to Etsy.

However, due to my issues with eBay, I've decided to open up shop on BigCartel.
I never have any luck at Buffalo Exchange or the like and it is just so disappointing to see some truly great clothes hauled off to the Salvation Army. Most of these are things that do not fit, I hardly ever wore, and are just taking up much needed space in my ever expanding closet.

I do hope you'll take a peek.

http://modellemodern.bigcartel.com/

Know of any other places to peddle your goods? Are just as frustrated as me?
Please leave me a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Shangri La Hotel

This week I stayed at the Shangri La Hotel in Santa Monica, CA.

First of all the hotel is set immediately across the street from the beach and ocean.  Not only a prime location near the beach, but also walking distance to plenty of shopping, restaurants, and entertainment.  A gorgeous deco gem which sits on the Pacific Ocean!

I arrived late and had a bit of difficulty determining where the parking lot was, as it is an easily missed driveway.  I was a bit disappointed that the parking was valet only and $33 for overnight.  But I guess that is typical for city parking.  I asked about alternative parking and there is a large structure within walking distance which is about $18 overnight, and significantly less for shorter term parking.  However, I would not suggest parking there if you have a lot of large suitcases and bags as it is on the next block.

The staff was friendly and check-in was quick and easy.  The registration desk had comfy loveseats in front so you could sit while you check-in rather the the traditional stand-up counter.

The architecture of the building is amazing art deco style.  I felt I was constantly looking around to take it all in.  There are 2 elevators;  one is a newer elevator and the other older, original one, which of course is a bit slower but adds to the vintage charm.

The halls are open to the outside and look out to a courtyard patio and pool area.  Unfortunately, it was raining so I did not get a great look of the pool area but I imagine it would be a lovely place for a quick dip and to sun bathe.  I am not keen on the open hallways as it has that 'motel' feel which for me is more of a safety concern.  There were stairs to each floor and of course the elevator, which did not require a room key to access and really no security in the lobby/ front door.  This is not always common in hotels, but typically in cities you expect this to some degree.

The room was amazing!  Gorgeous crisp bedding and a very comfy bed. Curvy, round edged drawers with carved streamlined designs to maintain the deco style.  The bathroom was enclosed in panes of glass and mirrors, which was a little dizzying but very elegant.  There were paned windows that opened the tub to the bedroom area...quite sensual!  The tub was deep and inviting, screaming for a bath to be drawn immediately.  However, I was already late checking in and really had no time.  My room was not facing the water but I had a peak out the window and a great view of the ocean just down the street.

The bell staff was friendly but a bit pushy about showing the 'features of the room'.  This really was no necessary as there was nothing unexpected about the room besides the panel of dimmers to control all the lighting in the room.  I was also eager just to get to my room, set my stuff down, and grab some food.

The restaurant on the first floor has had some excellent reviews but closes at 10pm so I missed that experience.  I was lucky enough to have a cocktail at the roof top bar, although missed the outdoor rooftop view because of the rain.  The inside bar area is a pink-lit room with cozy areas and low-seating to lounge.  High shelves curve around the corners of the room and are lined with books.  The furniture is upholstered in a lizard-look fabric with tweed patches.

I enjoyed a Pinky Punk martini which was delicious and sweet.  Another interesting signature drink (for Scotch drinkers) is the Smokey Martini with Scotch which gives it a smokey flavor.

Check-out was also quick and easy.  This was a quick trip for me and I wish I could have enjoyed more of the amenities.  Overall, this is an excellent hotel to stay, probably more so for leisure than for business. 

Belamar Hotel

I love independent and boutique hotels, or at least small chain ones.  It makes travel much more enjoyable.  I have stayed at many but will try to keep up-to-date on my most recent and do some 'flashbacks' of ones I have stayed at so you get a review of those, too.

This week I was at the Belamar Hotel (a Larkspur Hotel) which is in Manhattan Beach (Los Angeles area), but is about 5 miles from LAX.  So if you come to LAX and want to be near the airport, near the beach, and not by one of the 'airport' hotels (i.e. sound of jets flying over you all night), I recommend staying here.

It is a 4 Star hotel with very reasonable rates.  They have just launched a rewards program called "Stash Rewards" with other independent hotels, so join that if you are a frequent traveler.  The only drawback of this program is that you have to book through their website;  therefore, if you are a business traveler and have a company travel site/agency you may not get the rewards.

My stay was only one night and I really like the location of this place because if has a residential look and feel, so less busily than the LAX hotels.  Yet, you are so very close to the airport, too.  They have complimentary valet parking which is always nice and friendly front desk and valet staff to greet you.

I had a queen room on the top (3rd floor) which was spacious.  It has a nice closet area, mini fridge (not stocked), drawers, desk, and a spacious balcony.  My room was overlooking the inner courtyard area.  Some of the rooms were very close so you definitely want to draw the curtains at night (but who doesn't).  There is lots of seating and a fountain in the courtyard and looks like a perfect place for a morning coffee or mid-day snack.  The room is complete with robes and L'Occitane bath products.  The only flaw is that my room did not have a flat screen tv, but hardly a drawback in my opinion.  I also had a DVD player in my room.  Rooms also equipped with free wired/ or wireless internet access.

I ventured to the "Second Story" which is an open restaurant and bar.  It is accommodating for both large or small parties or even parties of one.  A few tv screens to catch the news or sports event, and cool mod lighting.  There is a M-F happy hour from 4-7pm.  The wine/beer is about $4-5 and appetizers are typically less than $10.  There is a regular dinner menu available, as well, and prices are $20-$30 for an entree (also available for room service).

The staff at Second Story were quick and friendly.  I ordered the "First Class Chicken Wings" which were excellent;  very crispy and very hot/spicy.  The dressing was a gorgonzola cream which was heavenly and way better than ranch or bleu cheese.  It only came with one small half-stalk of celery and the sauce was very hot, this would be the only drawback.  It was a perfect size for 1 person.

I ordered the house chardonnay and had no complaints ,especially given it was only $4 for a generous glass.

I also ordered the "French Ginger Snap" martini as I am a big fan of ginger-flavored drinks.  It was a bit disappointing as it mostly tasted of lemon and had bits of lemon in it, while the ingredients list Domaine De Canton, Absolut Citron, Fresh Lemon Juice, Triple Sec, Edible Flowers.  Perhaps, they should change the name to something more lemony sounding.  Specialty cocktails run $12 regular price.

This is Second Story.  Quiet but still a small crowd.

LOVE

From etsy seller vintageandglam

Synchonized Styling Dress from ModCloth

Alexander McQueen Love Last Suede Peep-toe Pump

From etsy seller gogovintage

Lulu Guinness Red Suzy Tote (available on asos)

Nautical Classics

Ahoy!  So it appears that the nautical style is back, or perhaps just never went out to sea.  It is a timeless, classic look that has reappeared throughout many decades.  But I'm going to dock this vessel in a present day 60s-influenced harbor of classic nautical staples.

The mini-skirt of course is timeless and true.  And of course, 60s through and through.

This one is navy & white from Kate Spade.

Or this black & white one from Forever21 (also in grey/black or red/charcoal)

Here is a staple for every closet....the striped Breton shirt.  This was from Landsend has a perfect portrait collar and is guaranteed to be great quality.

An adorable vintage sailor suit romper from etsy seller, Thrush

A cute new wool-blend mini dress from Tulle available on ModCloth.

Vintage Nelly Don dress from AshandArrow

Spring-y, nautical stripe sundress from Delia's

A vintage mod stripe and solid dress with long sleeves that will bring you from winter to spring.  From breadbuttervintage.