KEY POINTS:
For retro lovers, walking into boutique Ruby & Sol is somewhat of a revelation. Vintage lamps, crockery, art, clothing, furniture and kitchenware are artfully crammed into the front of a beautiful old villa, alongside new items including pretty frilly knickers and Karmameju clothing and candles from Denmark. Owned
by Sherry Roberts (who happens to be wearing a Karmameju dress), the eclectic store on Williamson Ave is a dream for anybody with a penchant for affordable vintage collectibles.
Roberts opened the Grey Lynn store in late 2007, after having a week-long trial store earlier the same year. She sources most of the pre-loved treasures she sells from auctions and travels to Britain, where she visits her daughter and grandsons Reuben and Solomon - hence the name Ruby & Sol.
While her shop may be all about careful clutter, Piha-based Roberts says her own home is far more ordered. "I indulge my tendency to clutter in the shop. But I prefer to live in a 'cleaner' environment. My home is a mixture of vintage and modern, and fortunately my house can accommodate both."
Ten favourite things
1 & 2 Canvas deck chairs and umbrella
I love the look of old striped canvas, especially at the beach. These sling chairs (pictured) are so simple in design and so perfect. Easy to carry on to the beach, too. Why would you lie on sand when you can lie on these? There are so many new umbrellas around but to me, the old ones have a charm that can't be matched.
3 Floral swing seat
I bought this at auction in Whangarei in 2007. It was in almost perfect condition but I did have to take it apart and have the framework stripped and galvanised to protect it from the Piha elements. The back of the seat is adjustable, so when it's flat there is room for two to stretch out - but to be honest I prefer not to share it. Even on a cloudy day it's like bathing in sunlight. It is the perfect place to spend an afternoon with a book.
4 Waitangi by Garth Tapper 1990
We bought this painting when we went to a gallery to buy another Tapper, Once Were Warriors, which is a small painting of a bar scene. This is a large work and it's a lovely peaceful, contemplative scene. We were told the Maori man sitting on a beer crate had a fishing rod in his hand, which Tapper decided was superfluous. It is now in its third house since we bought it and in each house there has been the obvious and perfect spot for it.
5 Canvas beach shelter
I bought this from Ritzy Bits about 10 years ago. It's another brilliantly simple, effective and charming piece of beach furniture. One of these days, before it completely falls apart, I will copy it.
6 Rest bed and chairs
I had been searching for something other than the usual bed-settee thing. I wanted singles to give more flexibility for the inevitable overflow of guests. My friend Juls, (an expert pre-purchase researcher, who saves me the bother) had found these at Rest. The two together make a super-king bed and apart, two king singles. The backs lock into several positions, another option for lounging about.
7 Le Page 'Swing' Vase
I was with my daughter Rachel in London several years ago when we saw this vase. I obviously made all the right noises because she presented it to me in New Zealand the following Christmas. Each piece is handmade in Lucite and signed by Cec LePage. On a visit to New York in 2006 I happened upon a LePage Gallery, but unfortunately Rachel wasn't with me to hear the OMGs. I still love this one the best, it's so deliciously feminine.
8 Nefer lamp
My friend Isabel Hannah lives in Provence. She makes these lamps by hand from alabaster with bases of either Wenge wood, Tavel stone or slate. The light from it is so peaceful and soft. Isabel carried this 6kg one as a gift for me in her hand luggage on her last visit to New Zealand. I adore it and Isabel! Her husband, Gabriel Sobin makes amazing, large outdoor sculptures and installations with moving elements and I want one! Have a look at www.gabrielsobin.com. He loves New Zealand, and will be very happy for you to commission a piece!
9 Jasper Conran Champagne Flutes
My favourite drinking vessel by far! I went to Smith & Caughey to replace an equally beautiful wine glass from a set given to me by friends for my birthday. I tried really hard to leave without these flutes and failed. They are 26cm high and the base is a good 9.5cm, which makes them difficult to knock over - a very good thing. They make Lindauer taste like Dom Perignon and that's a good thing, too.
10 My Canon G9 power-shot compact camera
Yes, I know - there is a now a G10 and Canon should give me one for giving the G9 such a rave. I have talked lots of people into buying one. It's a spectacular little camera and I don't need to haul my big cameras around to get the shots I want with this clever little baby. I struggle a bit with the point-and-shoot thing as yet. I really must read the manual.
