Fifty two years ago, a little store a block from Van Nuys Blvd. opened for business. It offered a variety of antiques, jewelry, Tiffany lamps and used books. Within a year, the used books became the focal point of the store, and today the books continue to draw people here from all over the city. This Saturday, August 7, and the first Saturday of every month,  is their Special Parking Lot Sale—$1.00 per book.

A signed pamphlet by Langston Hughes for $500.

Bargain Books in Van Nuys is the place “where you can browse for hours and hours and forget you are having company for dinner,” customer Jeri Pollyea said of her new favorite old bookstore. With over 200,000 books in stock, there’s something for every reader in this tiny shop.

Pieces de Theater from 1699

Books are separated by category and include areas devoted to Chess, Science, Art, Fashion, Film, Architecture and even the Titanic disaster. There’s a Lincoln Room, a War Room, books on the occult and tons of old cookbooks.

Siblings Bill Wirt and Diane Sharrar run Bargain Books. Photos: Carole Rosner

On my last trip I perused a leather bound first edition Mark Twain ($600), a signed pamphlet by Langston Hughes ($500) and a book of four French plays from 1699. A large selection of popular fiction books in hard and soft cover are half off the retailer’s price and popup books and miniature books take up many shelves. This is also a great place to bring in a student’s required reading list because Bargain Books has stacks of the classic novels that teachers love to assign for homework, and the price can’t be beat.

Books can be brought in for sale or trade from the public

Siblings Bill Wirt and Diane Sharrar took over the business from their parents thirty years ago and have watched the used book business in Los Angeles suffer terribly over the last few years. Sadly, L.A. has lost 41 used book stores in the past three years and only three still remain in the San Fernando Valley, Diane explained.

Bargain Books has stacks of the classic novels that teachers love to assign for homework, and the price can’t be beat

Discovering wonderful finds at these brick and mortar book stores is part of the fun, as is pondering the journey these old books have taken. Bill thinks about the history of his inventory at Bargain Books and asked, “How did some of these books survive? They’ve seen battles, world wars, and cities burned.”

Books can be brought in for sale or trade from the public. Each book is reviewed separately. The cash price for books varies and trade-in books get 30% more than the cash price.

Bargain Books 14426 Friar St. Van Nuys, CA 91401 Phone: 818.782.2782 www.bargainbooks-online.com Open: Tues.-Friday noon to 6pm Saturday 10am-5pm, Meters in front

When I moved to Studio City in 1998, my very first find, years before My Daily Find was even germinating in my mind, was a home furnishings and design store called The Crimson Rooster that was housed in the Ventura Boulevard cottage now occupied by Canyon Beachwear. It was owned by Michael McHugh and his partner, Tom Connor, and had opened that same year with instant success. Sadly, the store closed four years later when Tom passed away.

Flash forward to 2010 when I spot a new store called Filigree on Ventura Blvd and Laurel Grove in Studio City that reminds me of The Crimson Rooster with windows filled with beautiful fabrics, pillows, ceramics, paintings and furniture evoking the same sense of a Hamptons, Connecticut  or New England lifestyle.

John Robshaw Bedding and textiles (above) will be shown at a sales event party on July 22 from 5-8 pm; One of a kind furniture like this bench can be designed by Michael McHigh at Filigree. Photos: Pavel Matsusik

I meandered in and started perusing around when I heard my name — “Karen?” I looked up and it was Michael McHugh — the man who spent hours with me and helped turn my house into a home.  I was thrilled.  Turns out Filigree is his store which he owns with his sister, Beth Matsusik, and her husband, Pavel Matsusik. Together they have re-created the spirit of The Crimson Rooster, only doubled in size with an even larger and more appointed inventory.

Once the location of a clothing store, Filigree feels like an east coast home anchored by a floor to ceiling stone fireplace designed by Michael. With a refined rustic theme permeating every corner, it is a sophisticated and classic full scale home furnishing shop complete with a collection that includes John Robshaw, Pamela Kline , Ralph Lauren (exclusive line for Filigree), Chelsea of London Textiles, Les Indiennes, Astier de Villate Ceramics and many more upscale designers.

Refined, sophisticated rustic defines the Filigree style. They even design for pets in mind too.

This Begere chaise is custom-made; Whimsical photo by Pavel Matsusik

There are also one-of-a-kind pieces such as various antiques, a  coffee table made from a Chinese window frame and arranged under glass, an antique shutter console, and filigree lampshades made by a Czechoslovakian artist. The art on the walls is by Susan Hovel who paints American Primitive works exclusively for Filigree. She can also be commissioned for original art work. Unique photographs are by Pavel Matustik and are available for sale. Especially delightful are his images of rooftops resembling a face. Unique to the shop is 3D  porcelain wallpaper in various shapes such as roses, birds,  crosses and airplanes designed by artist Daniel Birsc.

In addition to furniture and textiles, there are also wonderful independent pieces such as clocks, mirrors, candlesticks, vases, plates, rugs, throws and so much more.  If you don’t see what you want,  Michael can order  or design according to specifications.

All kinds of accessories, such as these clocks and 3-D wallpaper by artist Daniel Birsc are available.

Michael offers in home consultations for $250, but then deducts it from purchases. His personal service runs the gamut from scaled floor plans to working on renovations to finding or building furniture, and accessorizing the home.

And with the belief that a house is truly not a home without a pet, Filigree has many pet friendly design materials, such as Dash and Albert rugs, that enable people and animals to live together with décor that is practical and sophisticated. There’s even a selection of wonderful dog books.

Hey Michael, nice to have you home.

This Thursday, July 22, from 5-8 pm, Filigree will be hosting a special John Robshaw sales event with wine and light refreshments highlighting his bedding, pillow and textiles at 15 % off all in-stock items and 10% off special orders.

Filigree 12262 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 818-508-0560 www.filigreestore.com

Karen Young is the Editor/Publisher of My Daily Find.  Got suggestions? Questions? Email karen@mydailyfind.com

The Miche handbag  is  one of those “why didn’t I think of that” inventions.  It’s the  purse  with change, real change — meaning it’s convertible.  I nearly flipped when I walked into Two Tomatoes in Sherman Oaks’ Moorpark Village and saw the possibilities. Imagine traveling with only one purse that converts to multiple purses without taking up space?

These small handbags with a shell covers that convert the bag into a whole other look. Photos: Karen Young

The handbag is available in two sizes.  The small ($21.50-$25.50) comes in black, brown and cream.  The large ($36.50-$39) comes in black only.  The beauty of these bags is their versatility  because instead of having one handbag, you can change the look with a special outer shell wrap that magnetically attaches to the plain bag itself ($25.50-39). Choose from over 50 different styles for the small bag and 17 for the large bag.  Change the handles as well — long strap, short strap, chain strap ($15).  Dress to impress with a new bag a day!

Drop this plain handbag into one of the shells for a new look.

Two Tomatoes owner Diane Fonteboa says the handbags are so popular, she can’t keep all the designs in stock. The good news is that she can place an order for you without shipping cost.   Check out the purses as well as the other wonderful gift items in this very special store.

$5 of each purchase of the large LOVE handbag is donated to Breast Cancer Awareness.

Two Tomatoes 13251 Moorpark Street Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 (818) 788-7788 (in Moorpark Village in back of M Street Coffee, east of Fulton)

Karen Young is the Editor/Publisher of My Daily Find. Email: karen@mydailyfind.com

You take Pilates, or yoga, or cardio barre, and may have even braved a dance class. Alas, you’re still wearing dreary yoga pants and an uninspired tank top as you run to your next destination. You pray that no fashion police (or anyone you know) are nearby. As you duck in for lunch, the bank, or to get your headshots, you find yourself thinking ’sure am glad I don’t have to deal with the paparazzi,’ which sparks a new thought…where do you get great clothes for dancing/stretching/moving, that will work for the street?

So You Think You Can Dance choreographers, Napoleon and Tabitha D’umo, recently opened their flagship store in North Hollywood's arts district. Photo: Wikipedia

Problem solved. Those seeking great styles to bridge the range of their daily activities have a new place to find such attire: Nappytabs. Created by choreographers Napoleon and Tabitha D’umo (best known for their work on “So You Think You Can Dance”), the urban clothing line, previously only available on-line and through retail partners, recently opened its flagship store on Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood.

Nappytabs clothing is designed for dancers, by dancers, with the idea that the wearer may not always be able to change clothes between the studio and the rest of his or her destinations. “The idea was to create clothes that dancers would be comfortable wearing to a restaurant,” said Cyndi Dumo, “Our clothing is multi-functional.” But the comfort, style and design of the individual pieces make them attractive to a wider group than just dancers. Soft finishes, stretchy fabrics and tantalizing graphics make them irresistible to anyone who browses the store.

Want a hoodie with flair? Check out the halter-top version that begs to be layered with a signature tank top. Tired of your guy’s cargo or sweatpants? Here are pants to make men happily comfortable and still look great. The sale rack held a wonderful lightweight, stretchy, trench-style coat – perfect for over jeans or leggings.

The urban clothing line, previously only available on-line and through retail partners, recently opened its flagship store on Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood. Photo: Paula Humerick

Nappytabs also aims to be a resource for the NoHo Arts community. In addition to the array of sweats, hoodies and tees for sale, the store rents dance rehearsal space to individuals and groups. While they don’t envision having regular class offerings at the NoHo location (sorry folks, no classes with Napoleon and Tabitha here), the site provides a well-appointed space for those needing a dance floor, mirrors, sound system, and barre for private rehearsal purposes.

With so many ways to appeal to your inner artist, or find gifts for the ones you may know, there’s just one question left.

So, do you think you can dress like you can dance?

Nappytabs is located at 5152 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601 Store hours are: Mon.-Sat. 11:00-9:00 p.m.,closed Sundays 818-505-3607 www.Nappytabs.com.Inquiries for rehearsal space rentals can be directed to rentals@nappytabs.com

The studio is available to rent.

Paula Humerick has worked for car dealerships, printers, art galleries, lobbyists, software developers, investment bankers and LAUSD.  She’s still deciding what she’s going to be when she grows up.

Armed with a list a mile long, I headed to Carter Sexton in North Hollywood to buy art supplies for my daughter’s drawing class. I knew they would have everything we needed, and they sure did.

This “artist’s materials” store opened in 1944 to service movie studios, local artists and hobbyists, and it remains one of the only authentic art supply stores left in the  San Fernando Valley. Family owned for over 65 years, Carter Sexton caters to all types of artists, at all levels. From professional architects and sculptors to novice comic book artists and painters, the store has every brush, pastel, pencil, and paper one would need –and if they don’t have it, they will get it for you.

Chris Hauser and his wife Jenia own Carter Sexton Art Supplies which has been open in North Hollywood since 1944. Photos: Carole Rosner

Carter Sexton offers a discount to students and professionals. Photos: Carter Sexton

Chris Hauser and his wife Jenia have owned Carter Sexton since 2009. Chris has worked in the store for over 26 years and has seen the art supply business change.  Whatever the case,  Carter Sexton continues to offer their customers top quality products with personalized service.

“All our employees are artists with lots of experience with the supplies and the techniques. That’s a real benefit to our customers,” Chris explained.

“They have a super helpful and knowledgeable staff. I am using an acrylic ink that one of them just recommended. I also love that they have a gallery hosting local artists,” said professional artist Lois Keller.

Carter Sexton carries many hard to find items like specialized archival linen canvases, airbrush compressors and pin striping supplies.

Painting and drawing classes for kids and adults are taught here. Photos: Carter Sexton

Carter Sexton carries many hard to find items like specialized archival linen canvases, airbrush compressors and pin striping supplies. The store stretches canvases, cuts boards to size, and digitalizes artists’ work for portfolios. Painting and drawing classes for kids and adults are taught here as well.

“Carter Sexton is without the slightest competition. It’s the best store for sculptors in Southern California. They also have an interesting collection of books and DVDs too,” commented professional artist and author Lance Richlin.

Chris explained the difference between their store and a big box art supply store. At Carter Sexton, if one tube of Ultra Violet paint sells over the course of a year, they will still carry that color because they stock complete product lines, not just the common colors.

To support all artists, Carter Sexton offers 10% discounts to students and professionals.

Carter Sexton Fine Art Materials 5308 Laurel Canyon Blvd. No. Hollywood, CA 91607 Phone: 818-763-5050 M-F 9:00am-6:00pm, Saturday: 9am-5:30pm,Closed Sundays www.cartersexton.com

Carole Rosner is a native Valley Girl who took the school bus with Michael and Janet Jackson and worked at the Sherman Oaks Galleria in its heyday. She likes to spend her free time finding bargains at Crossroads Trading Company, eating Chinese chicken salad at Stanley’s and admiring the view from Fryman Canyon. Check out her new blog: www.anythinggoodlately.blogspot.com – reading, watching and eating.

Two new clothing stores just opened on Ventura Blvd. that are worth a look. Rewind Recycled Fashion and Studio Vintage are part of a growing trend of boutiques in the San Fernando Valley offering gently used clothing at great prices.  Both have owners have a great eye for fashion and choose an eclectic mix to suit all types.  Best of all,  the stores are each offering $5 off a $25 purchase for My Daily Find readers.

Rewind Recycled Fashion in Sherman Oaks is a place where you can buy, sell or trade in your clothes for store merchandise or cash. Owner Hanna Kario and her staff are buying designer casual and vintage pieces for men and women from their customers every day. The clothing must be current season and in good condition. Rewind offers 35% cash or 50% store credit for the items they “purchase” from you. Some merchandise is brand new here but the majority is from estate sales, sample sales and customer trade-ins. There is a good selection of blouses, dresses, shorts, shoes, shirts and lots of jeans. The merchandise selections change every day.  Rewind Recycled Fashion 14566 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 Phone: 818.981.9998 Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-8pm Sunday 11am-7pm (longer hours coming for summer).

Rewind Recycled Fashion offers 35% cash or 50% store credit for the items they “purchase” from you.

Rewind Recycled Fashion carries some new merchandise, but the majority is from estate sales, sample sales and customer trade-ins. Many of the clothing items are current.

Sivan Bendavid, owner of Studio Vintage in Studio City, has scoured the city to find timeless vintage pieces that are practical rather than “costume-y.” She stocks her store with classically styled dresses, coats, sportswear, furs and accessories. You don’t have to dig through a lot of unattractive merchandise here. Each piece is unique and well priced, including evening dresses starting at $21 and scarves for just $7.  

Studio Vintage 4070 Ventura Blvd. (At Laurel Canyon) Studio City, CA 91604 Phone: 818.509.1977 Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-7pm Friday-Sunday 11am-5pm

Studio Vintage has evening dresses starting at $21.

Studio Vintage carries practical clothes as well as cool vintage.

Shoes and more at Studio Vintage.

Carole Rosner is a native Valley Girl who took the school bus with Michael and Janet Jackson and worked at the Sherman Oaks Galleria in its heyday. She likes to spend her free time finding bargains at Crossroads Trading Company, eating Chinese chicken salad at Stanley’s and admiring the view from Fryman Canyon. Check out her new blog: www.anythinggoodlately.blogspot.com – reading, watching and eating.

Like millions of others, I love the portability of my iPod, but confess that I really miss the tactile pleasure of sliding an LP out of its sleeve and putting it on a turntable. Remember when half the fun of listening to the music was pouring over the album cover? Well, there’s a store for that.

Rick Alper. Photos: Paula Humerick

On Burbank’s Magnolia Blvd. is the vinyl-seeker’s oasis: Atomic Records. Run by brothers Rick and Steve Alper, this shop is a destination for buyers and sellers alike. “We are constantly acquiring new collections,” said Rick. Of course, this means that the inventory is constantly changing, which is what makes a visit to their store so much fun. The appeal to the ‘regulars’, as well as the first-time adventurer, is looking for that one great find.  Got tunes you no longer want? Atomic Records buys and sells used vinyl, cds and dvds.

The inventory covers most categories, from classical to comedy to folk to jazz and soul, but rock and roll dominates the center aisles. Lose your copy of the B-52’s? A former roommate disappeared with your Bonzo Dog Band? Want to introduce your Lady Gaga offspring to Grace Jones or Lene Lovitch? Atomic has you covered (no pun intended). Sure, you can find Jerry Lee Lewis on-line, but picking up one of his original albums and holding it? Priceless.

CDs, vinyl, buy, sell.

There were soundtracks: movies, stage, television (The Avengers – yes!). Do you have the original soundtrack album for “The Magic Christian”? Atomic Records did the day I visited, along with the original motion picture version of “Man of La Mancha”. (Peter O’Toole sings!! Who knew?)

The jazz collection revealed not only the greats – Cannonball Adderly, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Benny Goodman and others – but also lesser-known players like Jaco Pastorius. The comedy section had a wealth of Bill Cosby and Jonathan Winters, but the real jewel was “Greatest Hits of the National Lampoon” with the before-they-were-famous voices of John Belushi, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner and other now-familiar names.

Vintage posters.

Upon being asked what prompted the opening of the store, Steve  said. “When your hobby turns into a nightmare of boxes and boxes…” I asked each brother what record, personally, had been a “find.” Each told of a collection sold to them by a Los Angeles resident, whose husband had been a jazz musician.

“There was an album by Charlie Parker – Parker himself had drawn all over the cover, over the original artwork. This woman remembered him doodling on it while at the house,” said Steve. “There were also 78’s by Robert Johnson,” added Rick, “one of which, there are only a dozen known copies.”

Atomic Records is located in the Magnoia Park neighborhood of Burbank.

It is impossible to visit the store and not have a personal “never-thought-I’d-see-that-again” moment. Sneeringly tossing aside “Accent on Youth,”by the Harry Simeone Chorale (one could just hear some 60’s-era recording exec saying “they need a more modern sound”), I uncovered “Second Thoughts” by McKendree Spring, a folk rock band that had provided the soundtrack to my college sophomore year. Instantly, I was nineteen again.

Sometimes it’s good to have a blast from the past.

Atomic Records 3812 West Magnolia Blvd. Burbank, CA 91505 (one block west of Hollywood Way) (818) 848-7090 Store hours: Mon.-Sat. 11-7, Sun. noon-5. www.atomicrecordsla.com

Paula Humerick has worked for car dealerships, printers, art galleries, lobbyists, software developers, investment bankers and LAUSD.  She’s still deciding what she’s going to be when she grows up.