#mel scouts

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AW

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ALSO GOT THJS YESTERDAY SHE IS SO CUTE

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Mel Scouted LA (Part 2 of 2)

(Art Nouveau style viking peering from gold and wooden vessels)

  Scouting Sunday finally arrived and we arose early to beat the LA traffic. The Santa Monica Airport Antique show was a smaller market with about 50 vendors. I somehow managed to spend a good 3.5 hours there learning and acquiring goods. Part of what I enjoy about going to weekend markets is the opportunity to soak up tons of information about jewelry and history by eccentric and gracious vendors. This seems to be a universal truth.

  While in Santa Monica, I came across an Art Deco gem.  I went back and forth about my decision for a good half an hour but ultimately went for it. This is an Art Deco silver pendant from the 1930s made in Germany. The black stone in the middle is Czech glass. 

  Next, we made our way to the weekly Melrose Trading Post in heart of LA. The crowd there was much younger and there was a larger mix of new and old pieces.  

   There was a young man selling rings from centuries ago data back to the Byzantine empire. I have to say that shopping under palm trees is a unique experience.

  All in all, we had a nice break away from the Bay. Mel Scouts is back on the road again end of February- seeking goodies at the 100 acre fair in Canton, Texas. One trip down and three more to go!

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Mel Scouted LA (Part 1 of 2)

(Above: Photo from Santa Monica Antique Airport)

  Just came back from Los Angeles and thoroughly enjoyed a multitude of experiences: visited friends, scouted at two different markets, devoured amazing food and soaked in the slight change in scenery. Sweet success!

  Day 1 Got in our little car and drove past the romantic green pastures seen from the I-5. 

Picked up some famous cheese rolls at Porto's and felt paranoia creep in as we watched the chances of rain increase in the grey L.A. sky.

Stayed in San Gabriel Valley with our  lovely friends -  Viv and Ryan.   We watched Viv and Ryan's 8 week old Boston Terrier - Ellie Ellington confront herself in the mirror.  Had engaging business conversations with Viv owner of the amazing Etablir (vintage rentals in the L.A area). All I can say is -- let's go girl entrepreneurs.

  Day 2 Stopped by and enjoyed some Taiwanese breakfast.(OMG: Have you ever had savory soy milk & rice burritos?). We dropped by Pasadena for a random garage sale at the church of truth. Found some treasures.

  Took the drive to Yerba Linda to check out Nixon's library. Mister Nixon had a lot of drama during his presidency including: the landing of the first man on the moon, end to the Vietnam war, opened the doors to red china, and the watergate scandal which led to his voluntary  resignation. On a side note - the small house he was born in was on premise. It is amazing that folks back in those times lived in such small spaces.  Nixon's father made this little white house - apparently back then people made their homes via  "house kits". I wonder if our old 1910 house came out of a box.

 More details to follow -- stay tuned! Pictures of the scout to come!

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A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar

Everyone has unique experiences, different inclinations, priorities – recognize that you cannot singly compare yourself to another individual.

Recognizing the above - I am embarking on a journey to developing a unique eclectic style.  The majority of my 20s have been spent admiring and soaking in a variety of aesthetics.  Though not a trained designer or artist, I have spent a large part of my free time appreciating objects whether traveling abroad, picking up objects at weekend markets, or noticing beauty in otherwise normal situations.

I appreciate clean simple design juxtaposed with one of kind pieces. This enables one of kind pieces to have the spot light all the while in a modern clean setting.

I particularly have a strong penchant for the old as there is so much to learn. Fortunately, I am the owner of a vintage jewelry store, Mel Scouts – this allows me go beyond appreciating vintage jewelry.  My charter is to find lovely pieces and breathe new life - where it might have been disregarded or unnoticed.

This blog is meant to do couple things: capture moments when the old and new coexist well and document the growth and progress of Mel Scouts.

#mel scouts

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Show Your Socks Off

I have been going through a couple look books in hopes of finding inspiration. I especially love finding subtle details that bring a look together. One accessory often overlooked are the use of socks or tights.  Socks can add character by adding texture, give a sense of layering and pull a color in an otherwise simple outfit. You can create a layered looking by folding up your pants to show off your sock collection.

I recently acquired the above socks/tights and am hoping to wear them into sock oblivion.

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Backwards And Forwards

2012 was an amazing year. I started Mel Scouts in April 2012 and achieved the following:

44 online sales

weekly added 5 new pieces to Mel Scouts

1 brick and motor

1 Mel Scouts video

tabled at two trunk shows

All this could not have been possible without the support of generous friends and family. There were so many new friends I met along the way.  I feel a stronger sense of community just by being in this venture.

Here are some 2013 goals:

weekly add 6-7 new pieces to Mel Scouts

4 brick and motors

4 Mel Scouts videos

table at 4 trunk shows

scout in 4 locations outside the Bay Area

get this Mel Scouts blog up and thriving

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1970s Monet Brooch on Mel Scouts

golden, elegant and ornate