Connie & Deana

My mom Connie has been a collector  her whole life.  She particularly loves vintage hats. She has nearly 100. They provided my younger sister and I with countless hours of dress up time as little girls. We would put on vintage prom dresses that mom purchased at the Goodwill and try on every hat she owned while she snapped photos like we were super models. At a very young age I learned how true that old saying is, “one persons trash is another's treasure.”

As an artist I love to find “trash” and turn it into treasure with a fresh coat of paint or some glue and a bunch of rhinestones. I more recently started collecting.  I love vintage head vases, but not the ones in perfect condition.  Chips and faded paint give them such charm.  I also enjoy silver pieces that are worn and tarnished.

About three years ago the two of us decided to use our passion for all things old and our creativity to create a fabulous place to shop.  It is much more than just a shop though, it is an experience.  Browsing through our store for many is a nostalgic walk down memory lane.  For others it is “retail therapy.” Whatever your experience may be, we have just one wish, that it be a good one!

Our annual party. Join us in Oct. to help find a cure.

Last year we had our first annual Dress Pink to Drink party.  The store was decked out in pink balloons and ribbons, pink champagne and cupcakes and lots of pink accessories, gifts and even some pink furniture!  All our guests showed up dressed in pink from head to toe.  Guests enjoyed great raffle prizes, delicious food, special discounts and lots more!! Thanks to everyone who participated we raised over $800 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. We look forward to October 2008 and hope to double the amount this time!

My fathers cousin was diagnosed with breast cancer over two years ago. She went through numerous treatments, including chemotherapy, lost weight and all of her hair.  Through it all she kept a smile on her face and a positive attitude.  What an inspiration! I am pleased to say that she has been in remission since winning her battle with cancer.  We host this event in her honor.

In an article about architectural detail items from The Brick Basement were featured, including, vintage glass bottles, a decorative wooden mirror and wood corbels.

Trish Banner has been with us for almost two years now. She started off with a little space in the basement and moved her way up to a bigger space on the main floor.  About a year ago she brought her sewing machines into the store and her business has continued to grow.  She can be found most mornings and often the entire weekend, sewing away in The  Brick Basement.  She offers sewing lessons and creates beautiful home décor items such as, pillows, curtains, duvets, slipcovers and more!

Stop in and take a seat in her cozy space. She loves to chat! She has a fabulous eye for fabric and color and is always willing to share her ideas and listen to yours. 

Sandy Moreno designs gorgeous jewelry.  She uses vintage buttons, rhinestone broaches, bakelite, swarovski crystals and other fine gemstones and semiprecious metals. I had the pleasure of visiting her in her workshop recently. It was a sight to see! Her room was full of treasures she has collected over the years.  I was in awe of all the sparkly items that surrounded me. She has such a passion for what she does.

Her line of jewelry is constantly evolving to reflect current trends in fashion, as well as, the changes in our economy. She has recently introduced a line of brass jewelry that is adorable and very affordable.

On June 18th Sandy held her first jewelry making class for kids.  It was such a success we are currently planning to add an adult class.  Check back for more details about classes and schedules.

The grand opening of our new store was held on June 27th.  Thanks to all who attended! It was a successful and very fun event! I live in the loft above the store.  My home was open and guests enjoyed food and beverage and good company. We were so please to share it with such great friends. 

The picture to the right is a link to our new store.  Please click on it to visit our website. 

As mentioned in the article, Kim offers interior design services.  She and I actually work together on many jobs.  We do what we call re-design.  We take things you already own and rearrange them in an entirely new way.  If you are tired of looking at the same old thing or if you have great stuff, but are unsure how to display it, this is a great way to transform your room at a reasonable price.

Prices start at $300 for a standard to small size room. The process usually takes about 4 hours.  In addition to re-decorating your home Kim can also suggest paint colors, flooring, window coverings... and much more. She has many years experience as a designer.  Please call the store if you would like to arrange a consultation.

The pillows featured on page 45 of the magazine, as well as, the table cloth on page 41 were created by our in house seamstress.  Trish Banner is a dealer at The Brick Basement who has set up her sewing room right in the store.  She creates fabulous pillows, table cloths, curtains, bed skirts... and much, much more. Choose from her great selection of fabrics and trims or bring your own.  She also offers embroidery.  Her prices are very reasonable and her work is impeccable.

Many of our customers start with a small job only to return wanting more.  Delicious fabrics, original designs, prices to die for... who could ask for anything more?

Many of the items that you see in Kimberly’s home actually came from The Brick Basement.  She is a dealer here in our store.  She is constantly rotating items from her home, to her space in the store and back again.

The article mentions her interior design business.  Below you can learn more about this service.  Many of her consultations take place right here in our store.

Our in house seamstress creates beautiful custom designs that you can also see on the pages of the August issue.  Learn more about Trish, the seamstress, below.

Cyndy loves the beach! If you visit her space in the store it is very apparent. 

Cyn’s Beach house is a family owned business that has been selling in stores, at festivals, seasonal craft fairs and decorating homes since the late 1970’s.

If you shop in her space you will get fabulous ideas for decorating your home with beach cottage and cottage chic furniture, natural seashells, sea life, home décor, linens, collectibles, and so much more. Once in a while you will find jewelry, watches, sterling silver and shabby chic architectural elements.

Come visit the tropics right here in Orange County.