Rocking the eBay way!

Any ideas what that is? Here's a hint, it's not just a piece of rock! It's a piece of history!

We've got a souvenir from the J. Paul Getty Museum in the form of a piece of travertine, the stone used to build the museum as well as its original structure the Getty Villa. The stone was mined from quarries in Bagni di Tivoli, Rome, the same place mined for stone to build great structures of antiquity like the Colosseum. Stone for the Getty Museum dates between 8,000 and 80,000 years old.

On top of that, the piece we have is signed by the architect Richard Meier. The story goes a former staff member had the fantastic opportunity to meet the architect during construction. Richard Meier graciously signed a piece of the stone, immortalizing his signature just as the limestone has immortalized nature. It's a part of Greco-Roman and Los Angeles history you won't find anywhere else but on eBay.

Visit our eBay Store at: SHOPITLA

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The eBayer Who Loved Me

Have you seen the latest James Bond film Skyfall? James' irreverent handling of an Aston Martin was a cheeky tribute to a James Bond staple and a great way to juxtapose the old and the new. Of course the need for secret agents and their gadgets is much older than Ian Fleming.

At SHOPitLA we recently acquired a Toko Teleca Binocular Camera. Can you guess what it was made for? Who else needs a subminiature camera mounted to a pair of binoculars?

In addition to having a curious purpose, the camera itself was made in 1950 occupied Japan, giving it a unique if also controversial history. It ought to make a great eBay find for an enthusiast, and sellers, definitely do your research! You always learn something new through consigning on eBay.

For example, did you know Ian Fleming also wrote Chitty Chitty Bang Bang??

Visit our eBay Store at: SHOPITLA

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eBay Radio Live!

In just 30 minutes Amy Weintraub will be on eBay Radio to talk about winning eBay Main Street's "My Business, My Voice" video contest. Tune in at 12:00pm PST at http://www.ebayradio.com to listen live. They will be taking questions and comments during the second half hour of the show, call in toll free at 888-RADIO-30 (888-723-4630) with anything you might have to say!

Amy Weintraub wins "My Business, My Voice" video contest!

We have some exciting news!

SHOPitLA's very own Amy Weintraub has been selected as the winner of eBay Mainstreet's "My Business, My Voice" video contest! The contest gave users a chance to submit a short video introducing themselves and their business, as well as a platform for sharing their views on Internet Sales Tax legislation. The prize? An all expenses paid trip for two to Washington, D.C. and a chance to discuss Internet Sales Tax legislation with members of Congress.

This is a very important opportunity for small businesses to speak up on the way Internet Sales Tax legislation affects them. We're very proud that eBay Mainstreet has chosen Amy as one such 'ambassador' of small business but there's always a need for more. If you're a small business operating on eBay or any internet space please let your voice be heard! Upload your own video, write to government officials, talk to other business owners, blog about it! There are no limits when we're all part of the same movement to save our trade.

Read more about Amy's contest-winning video and learn more about how Internet Sales Tax legislation can affect you at eBay Mainstreet!

Functional Art in an eBay Gallery

There's something to be said about art that you can use and use without feeling too concerned about delicacy. Vintage dinnerware is a perfect example of this.

Whether silver, brass, or stainless steel there's always fine craftsmanship involved to make each set unique and individual.

The best part is you don't have to worry about getting them dirty, that's what they're there for, and a good dinnerware set's robust enough to handle that treatment. For an eBay seller, this just means most buyers understand vintage dinnerware is likely NOT never used, new in box. No need to overlook an old Wallace set just because the last owner missed buffing out a rinse spot!

Check out our silverware and chinaware at SHOPitLA.

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Steiff Reprised!

Remember what we said about Steiff?

This lot sold for over $1,000. Whether out of love for nostalgia, love for animals, or love for ear-button collecting, you won't find an experience quite like that outside of eBay.

We hope the buyer's in love with their new menagerie!

Judith Leiber Then & Now & Now on eBay

Vintage items may not always attract media attention when starlets are wearing the newest IT pieces off the runway and onto the red carpet, but those in the know and those who revere designers look at vintage designs as points in a designer's career. It's like visually charting the evolution of their body of work, or in some Houses' cases, the rise and fall.

Fortunately for Judith Leiber there doesn't seem to be a fall in sight. At SHOPitLA we have two vintage pieces of hers unlikely to be spotlit at the next awards show. They're not covered in crystals, they're not even clutches! Do you remember when Judith Leiber made lizard skin shoulder bags? They might be dated but Presidential First Ladies were carrying Leibers years before the cupcake minaudiere shined in the Sex and The City movie.

Where can you find these pieces of designer history? On eBay of course! With vintage pieces becoming scarce as the years go by, sometimes eBay is the only way. Happy hunting!

Visit our eBay Store at: SHOPITLA

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eBay's Sea of Silver & Turquoise

What do you see in the photo up there? Is it jewelry, a ring, a frame? Do you see something worth over $200?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and if you feel it's not worth the price tag you'd be wrong. There's something about silver and turquoise that goes beyond metal content and stone equality. People love vintage pieces and we all know eBay is full of them, it's a matter of recognizing form and function. That piece had function as a frame or even a small mirror. This squash blossom necklace is renown for its form rooted in Navajo tradition.

So think twice before you pass over a tarnished piece of gray and blue. You never know who might consider it treasure.

Visit our eBay Store at: SHOPITLA

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Tiffany & eBay Co.

What do Elsa Peretti and SHOPitLA have in common? A love for design, function, and Tiffany&Co.!

This sterling silver bottle pendant, one of her first designs for the robin's egg blue wrap, encompasses all three traits. Beyond pleasing the eye, the organic aesthetic has tactile appeal fitting smoothly in your hand. It functions by allowing you to carry your favorite scent with you and even has a stopper with a drip-drop attached. And of course, it's made by none other than Tiffany & Co. What more could you want? Actually what more could your mother want? See what we did there.

We can't emphasize enough the importance of timelessness on eBay. Unique collectibles mint in box never used do have staying power, but a Tiffany necklace pre-loved and gently worn has staying power everywhere.

Get ready for Mother's Day with SHOPITLA!

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Red Carpet eBay Style

Do you have an opinion on celebrities? Of course we mean celebrity style! We've got some great shoes at SHOPitLA and we're not afraid of any tabloid stirrings.

These Balenciaga d'Orsay Stilettos have been seen on Heidi Klum, perhaps even on Project Runway.

These Brian Atwood Military Boots have been seen strutting on stage and busting rhymes with none other than Nicki Minaj.

These Christian Dior Extreme Gladiators in Black have been seen on Sarah Jessica Parker.

These Christian Dior Extreme Gladiatorsin Snake Metal have also been seen on Sarah Jessica Parker too. Can you tell someone on Sex and The City is a fan?

And just like Hollywood everything is exclusive and elusive. In other words we have only one pair of each so act fast!

Visit our eBay Store at: SHOPITLA

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I spy with my little eye...

One Amy Weintraub in Glo's Guide. Read this tasty article by Elaine Bauer Brooks on how you can find $5000 in your home, the eBay way in our case!

Glo's Guide at: http://glo.msn.com/living/how-to-find-5000-in-your-house-9020.gallery

Visit our eBay store at: http://stores.ebay.com/SHOPITLA

A second childhood with Steiff and SHOPitLA

What comes to mind when you hear the word vintage? Is it the 80s? The 70s? How about three generations back? Steiff pieces can even date as far back as the late 1800s, when and where it all began with Margarete Steiff in Germany.

From pin cushion elephants to bunnies with buttons in their ears, these toys are coveted all over the world. Collectors and club members are largely responsible for that movement, but for some there's a sense of nostalgia when you can hold a fuzzy seal you once had when you were little.

Searching for the one stuffed bear or camel you used to have or just starting your collection for the next generation? Check out our selection of Steiff toys on ebay!

Steiff at SHOPitLA

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