Saturday, July 27, 2013

Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena, CA


Part 2 of my recent visit to Southern California was a trip to Venice Beach and the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena.  Kat and I stayed at the Erwin Hotel in Venice, which has a very fab roofless, rooftop bar.  The views of the beach from up there were amazing.  We spent a day in Venice walking the beach-front walkway to the Santa Monica pier.  Along the way, there were musicians and artists, outdoor cafes, stores and crowds of Angelenos.  I had forgotten that LA people go to the beach on the weekend.  Just as people in New York go their beautiful park, the LA folk go to Venice.  We had a fantastic time.

The next morning, we got up early and walked to our favorite Venice restaurant, The Sidewalk Cafe.  We were so early, that we actually got a table by the walkway and enjoyed seeing the vendors and street musicians setting up for their busy day ahead.   It was all so peaceful and had a laid back feel.  After a very filling and delicious breakfast, we left for Pasadena, which was about an hour away on several freeways.  Kat knew how to get there and after several freeway changes, we were there.  Cars were streaming in, but we managed to get a parking space near the Tournament of Roses business office.

We followed the crowds and finally I could see the Rose Bowl building.  I was very excited.  I have wanted to come here forever.  I wasn't too impressed by the first part of the flea market that had mainly new stuff.  Then we crossed a bridge and we were in the vintage section.  It was HUGE and had so much of everything that it was overwhelming.  There were racks and racks of vintage dresses, some for only $5.  Shoes and purses were everywhere, but many were the same kind and despite distressed conditions, were priced high.  I did buy something I collect (not clothing).  And only spent $20 on it, so felt like I scored a little.

I would definitely recommend that you all check out The Rose Bowl Flea Market if ever visiting Los Angeles.  It's held on the 2nd Sunday of every month.


Views of Venice Beach
Venice, CA






Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA



Kat having breakfast before the flea market at the Sidewalk Cafe in Venice


Rose Bowl Flea Market
Stadium
Pasadena, CA
323-560-7469
rgcshows.com










































Looking for Prom Dresses at the Rose Bowl Flea Market

More sights & sounds at the Rose Bowl Flea Market

Rose Bowl Flea Market

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

North County San Diego Designer Recycled Chic

My latest vintage trip was to North County San Diego to stores in La Jolla, Del Mar, Solana Beach and Encinitas.  If any of you have been to this neck of the woods, you know how beautiful it is.  These towns are known for warm beaches and glam houses and restaurants.  I have been here many times, but I was curious about the designer resale shops and what I would find.  I stayed with Kat who lives in this paradise.  We visited some great shops and picked up a few things too.  She is modeling her silk dress that she bought at 2nd Act in La Jolla.  I also got a fitted Armani jean jacket for a very reasonable $35 at 2nd Act .  If you ever go there, check out the back room that holds some fantastic designer clothes at very low prices.  That's where I found my jacket.  I also must mention Salvador, the owner of Le Chauvinist.  He not only posed for me in front of the store, but gave Kat and I a tour.

Finally, I want to suggest you visit Ladies Designer Resale Boutique in Del Mar.  This store, owned by Janine, has the best collection of Chanel and Louis Vuitton purses that I have yet encountered.  There were so many purses that I wished I could have taken home.  Oh well, you'll just have to settle for the photos!


Echoes Boutique
Women's Designer Resale
7705 Fay Ave., La Jolla, CA
858-459-6588












Le Chauvinist - Consignment Store for Men
7709 Fay Ave., La Jolla, CA
858-456-0117








2nd Act
7556 Fay Ave., La Jolla, CA
858-454-6096













Carolyn's Designer Resale
1310 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, CA
858-481-4133
carolyns3@sbcglobal.net

















Ladies Designer Resale Boutique
1202 Camino Del Mar, Ste. 102, Del Mar, CA
858-792-7457
ladiesdesigner@att.net





















Double Take
731 S. Highway 101, Ste. 1b-3
Solana Beach, CA
858-794-5451
renn@plsek.us






Thrifty Threads
607 S. Coast Highway 101
Encinitis, CA