Interview - Ridgefield Vintage

As professional organizers a large percentage of our days are spent in our client’s closets. People that love clothes tend to have a lot of clothing. We spoke with Charles Moschos from Ridgefield Vintage for some fashion insights.

For the busy homeowners, what is Ridgefield Vintage?

Ridgefield Vintage is a Clothing and Lifestyle store, featuring new, used, and vintage Menswear and Womenswear. We also sell home goods and vinyl records, etc.

What was your path to this store, how did you think of it?

I worked in retail, and specifically menswear, in NYC for nearly ten years. I worked in some great stores, and the best stores were where the physical location really nailed the aesthetic considering the neighborhood, offering, and clientele. Also seeing many of the sides of retail being starting as a personal shopper, then getting into store management and buying, really helped shape my lens in how I see a store working. Also growing up my Uncle had a Men’s store in Boston, MA. So since my early childhood I really loved the idea of having a curated space offering a lifestyle.

Do you purchase clothing directly from people, if so what is the process?

Most of the offerings in the store are my personal collection that I’ve put together and kept over the years working in the industry. But I also have always had the Vintage shopping bug and pick up great pieces when I see them. As the store evolves I would be looking to get some key brands in as well, wholesale. But the Vintage in Ridgefield Vintage will always be part of telling the story of classic refined garments. @ridgefieldvintage on instagram is the best and most up to date way to find out what we up to.  Also Ridgefieldvintage.com…we will be listing items for sale shortly. 

What are some of the pieces you find most interesting that you have sold?

Well, if you knew me you would know that Ralph Lauren is a God to me. And so since I was a little kid, when my mother was dressing me in their polo shirts, I’ve had an appreciation for RL clothing and the Americana lifestyle it creates. Whether new or 30yr old vintage pieces, I’ve had some great Ralph Lauren pieces that have sold. For example some of the original Polo Sport technical pieces, like jackets and accessories, or Polo Country shirts with certain prints, and RL sweaters. Also older Barbour waxed cotton jackets that tell a story with how the coat wears over the years….so many great pieces I could go on and on.

What are the most popular brands you carry?

Obviously Ralph Lauren, but also Woolrich clothing and outerwear, J.Crew, etc….all places I’ve worked.

Interview - Sam’s Digital Services

As professional organizers we spend a lot of time speaking with our clients about keepsakes. You can’t talk about keepsakes for very long before subject of photos and videos comes up. We spoke with Lisa from Sam’s Digital Services for some advice on how to deal with all things family media.

For the busy person, what is Sam's Digital Services?

Sam’s Camera Exchange was my family business. We had camera and photo developing stores throughout Westchester County for over 75 years. When my Dad retired a few years back, myself and another long time Sam’s employee decided to continue with the digital transfer part of the business. We convert photos, slides, videos and movie film to digital formats. We offer free local pickup and delivery to our customers, and everything is done right here in Westchester so nothing ever gets put in the mail.

What are the most common items you transfer?

We transfer old movie film, any type of video tapes, slides and photos. We can also transfer audio cassettes and reel to reel audio.

How does the actual process work, in terms of getting material to you?

We pick up and deliver locally for free. If the person isn’t local we can meet at a place that works for both of us. We then convert everything and place it on a DVD, flash drive or other types of digital storage. Customers can then enjoy and also more easily share their memories with family and friends while protecting them for future generations.

Are there types of media you don't transfer?

We can can usually transfer most media. We see it all!

Besides precious memories, have there been any projects that stand out?

I work a lot with people who are moving, and organizers. They generally like to consolidate as much as they can before they move it all. I really enjoy my work and working with people. I enjoy hearing how excited my customers are to watch their movies, view their slides and generally reconnect with memories that they haven’t seen in years.

Interview - Modular Closets

As professional organizers we spend a lot of time in closets. One of the common questions we get asked is, do I need a closet remodel? We turned to Christina Giaquinto of Modular Closets to discuss the various options.

For the busy homeowner, what is Modular Closets?

Modular Closets is a semi-custom closet system adaptable to any space. There are a few basic modules, like hanging towers, shelf towers, shoe towers, etc. in several different widths. The product is made of furniture grade TFL melamine board and high quality hardware. We hold a US government patent and are manufactured in New Jersey.

What are some of the main differences between Modular Closets and other closet installation services?

There are quite a few!

1. We're the direct manufacturer so we cut out a lot of the middlemen, making our system relatively affordable compared to similar quality products.

2. We manufacture in the US, which allows for the fastest shipping in the industry (3-5 days). With most other options you're looking at many weeks or months for a closet delivery.

3. We designed our system for easy-peasy installation - no professional installation required. In fact, Apartment Therapy ranked us as the best DIY closet system!

4. We offer free design assistance.

5. It's easy to order the entire closet online without any human interaction.

Can you describe the process, once someone decides to use Modular Closets?

You simply measure the space of your closet, select the modules you want based on your needs with our online closet design tool or in the Closet Modules section and add your design to the checkout!

Are there any limits to the types of spaces that will work?

We've done thousands of different types of dimensions - from tiny closets to massive celebrity-style walk in closets. Our narrowest width is 19.5 inches so the only time you'll have an issue is if your space is narrower than that.

What are some of the most popular systems or designs?

The beauty of our system is that it's so customizable that almost every closet design is unique. Most people come to us for bedroom closets, but there are plenty of pantry closets, laundry room closets and mudroom closets as well. I suggest you check out our online customer photo gallery for inspiration on what can be done with our system. We already have a "predesigned closet" section on the website for reach-in closets and we're actually in the process of building a similar section for commonly sized walk-in closets.

Interview - Financial Sense

Many of our clients have paper management challenges. Additionally, a lot of our clients have multiple properties, trusts and are dealing with various family members estates. We spoke with Rebecca Feeley from the Darien-based Financial Sense about some possible solutions.

What is Financial Sense?

Financial Sense is a family owned and operated Daily Money Management firm in Darien, CT. We work with individuals and families, both locally and nationally, to organize and manage their financial lives. We offer services such as bill pay, income and expense tracking for planning and tax purposes, budgeting, and financial reporting. Whether you need help staying on top of due dates, reclaiming a few hours of your time, or are looking to better understand and manage your spending habits, Financial Sense can help.

How can your service help busy people?

Typically, our clients have busy lives – children, careers, multiple homes, or some combination of all those things. The busier a person is, the less time he or she has to focus on their financial well-being. Financial Sense steps in and becomes the central hub for all the bills to be mailed. We make sure everyone from the credit card companies to the landscapers are paid in a timely manner. We track all the inflows and outflows, and we provide customized reporting so our clients can comfortably “get out of the weeds” and begin making executive-level financial decisions based on data we’ve provided.

How is your service different from other similar companies and services?

We have a small, close-knit team that brings a very personal, yet professional approach to what we do. We develop friendships with our clients while also delivering expert service and advice. We have a family feel, but with all the bells and whistles of safe, secure, technology-embracing firm.

What is your background? How did you get involved with Financial Sense?

I studied Economics in college and have been in Finance my entire career. First on the investment management side, and for the past 7 years at Financial Sense, on the client side helping individuals and families to better understand and manage their cash flow.

My mom, Keeley, left corporate banking and founded FS when I was in grade school in an effort to be more present for her family. Now that I have a husband and 3 kids of my own, I’m finding the same benefits and flexibility of self-employment that she was seeking 26 years ago. We work very hard for our clients while also making time for our families. It’s the best of both worlds.

How has money management changed over the years? What are some recent developments?

I think people these days are more willing to delegate responsibilities in their lives that they either 1) don’t have time for or 2) are simply not good at. It’s no longer about not being able to pay your bills on time or manage your money, it’s that people have busy lives and many things vying for their attention. Managing household finances is something that can be hired out now, just like a professional organization can be!