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CNN Live Sunday

Interview With Alicia Clavell

Aired August 18, 2002 - 17:26   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Perhaps you missed out on the annual world's longest yard sale this weekend. Well, this is what you could have been a part of had you gone to Highway 127 right across several southeastern states. Vendors of antiques, collectibles, used household goods, and just plain old junk were ready for the taking.
Well, tonight, they're folding their tables after a weekend bonanza, and you may never want to be too nervous about that though because you may have missed out on this one but guaranteed there will be a yard sale at a home near you. So how do you find a treasure among one man's unwanted? Alicia Clavell is assistant home editor of "Southern Living" Magazine and assistant editor of "Decorating Step- by-Step" Magazine. Thanks for joining us, Alicia.

ALICIA CLAVELL, "SOUTHERN LIVING MAGAZINE": No problem, thank you for having me.

WHITFIELD: All right so there are always a lot of yard sales. Everyone sees the signs or perhaps the ads. But what is really the best way to find the best yard sale? Is it a matter of just thumbing through the paper or pay attention to the neighborhoods?

CLAVELL: A lot of it is paying attention to the neighborhoods and thumbing through the papers. If there's a neighborhood that is really wonderful that you drive through and think, you know, I'd like to maybe live here, check out the paper. See if there are any yard sales going on in the area, and flea markets are also a really wonderful place to find some because they have a number of vendors there carrying everything.

WHITFIELD: And then there, of course, are always moving sales and then estate sales.

CLAVELL: And estate sales are really wonderful.

WHITFIELD: So you figure you're always going to spend a little bit more at the estate sales, right?

CLAVELL: Yes. Yes.

WHITFIELD: All right, so what are some of the things you need to make sure you have once you've decided on which yard sales to go to, you know, what need you bring along? Apparently you have, you know, perhaps some apparatus or tools you need to have.

CLAVELL: Definitely. WHITFIELD: What are they?

CLAVELL: Be sure to wear comfortable clothes. Be sure to wear grungy shoes, grungy clothes. Take along a backpack with you to tote your treasure. You probably want to think about if you are looking for a space, a certain space, have a measurement in mind. Bring a measurement with you. Bring some paint swatches, fabric swatches, anything that's going to help you place a piece in your home.

WHITFIELD: I always just figured it was as simple as just bringing a little cash and bringing yourself. I didn't realize it could be so complicated.

CLAVELL: It certainly can be that simple as well.

WHITFIELD: All right so you got some items with you.

CLAVELL: I do.

WHITFIELD: What do you have along with you? Are these things that anyone can find at a yard sale? I mean how do you distinguish the treasure from the junk?

CLAVELL: Yes, I have a wonderful assortment here of things that we've picked up at yard sales, flea markets along the way. It gives you an idea of the things that you are going to find when you're out there. I have everything from vintage linens to a wonderful old table to some antique shutters.

One of my favorite things to look for at flea markets is architectural elements, like paneled windows, like these shutters, things that you could take inside with you. Like, for example, put these over the bed or make a really wonderful table top out of them.

WHITFIELD: OK and then you know it comes down to bargaining I suppose.

CLAVELL: Yes.

WHITFIELD: Because, you know, all the prices are never fixed. People have suggested prices.

CLAVELL: You bet.

WHITFIELD: How far down can you really expect, you know, folks to go?

CLAVELL: It all depends on the vendor that you are talking with. Whatever the case, do not be afraid to ask how low can you go? Is this your lowest price? Is this your best price? Because when you go in vendors expect to deal with you and bring it down.

WHITFIELD: OK, Alicia Clavell, thank you very much.

CLAVELL: Thank you.

WHITFIELD: Some little tips for the next time I see that yard sale sign. All right, thanks a lot.

CLAVELL: Thank you.

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