Shopping the Rose Bowl

On the subject of flea markets, here's a spin we took through one of my favorites out in Pasadena, California, together with another great group of readers.  

Pair picture perfect weather with the curiosity of others and the group swelled at times with me on my soapbox.    

This set of 1940s leather-top tables I loved for their cool, old casters, metal detailing and great lines. To freshen them up, I'd paint them both black, then faux malachite the round one and cut a mirror for the square. Very Hollywood Glam.

Speaking of, as soon as I pointed out these Regency lamps ($40 for the pair!), Telisha pulled the trigger. I'm still waiting to see if she takes my advice of adding brown, black and gold faux tortoise shell drum shades for her living room.     

For a bathroom, I loved the idea of painting these old, Chippendale whatnots a fresh coat of white, hanging mirror in the back, then filling the shelves with beautiful bottles for Q-tips, cotton balls, pretty sponges and even sea glass. 

For something more out of the box, how about cleaning up an old bird bath, lining it with hasta leaves and building an edible landscape for a summer garden party? At the moment, I'm picturing a beautiful baked brie, raised on a cake pedestal, topped with caramelized pecans and surrounded by sliced, toasted baguette. Add silver spreaders, and you're the hostess with the most.

On the other hand, if you're the guest in need of a gift, I love a table like this because a) you never know what you'll find and b) it's almost always a good deal.

Serving spoons, single plates for cookies and vases for fresh flowers all make fantastic hostess gifts. Styling for magazines, too, it's tables like this where I usually find all those quirky odds and ends that make for great table settings and vignettes. Sure, you have to dig a little, but isn't that part of the fun?

Stephanie and Christina from Paisley Petunia are certainly no strangers to digging. Both came on last year's trip with us, where Christina scored this set of super stylish cocktail glasses from the 60s. 

Scoping out the goods before the group arrived, I pointed out to Jaithan a brass and black glass bar cart I loved. Leave it to Stephanie to snatch it up without hesitation. Last year's glasses + this year's bar cart = stylish summer cocktails! 

Finally, for something a bit more sober but no less striking—a Wedgwood-style chandelier reminiscent of Jaspwerware. 

First, I'd do chandelier shades in white, then hang it in a downstairs powder room with a hot pink ceiling, white lacquered walls and a black herringbone marble floor.  

One last thing. Do you remember that square leather-top table I pointed out to the group? 

As soon as we all parted ways, Traci from Muse Margaret beelined back and bought it! I'm hoping she takes my advice of painting it black (sans metal), cutting mirror for the top, then adding a vintage Lucite lamp with a kelly green drum shade for her bedside table.

You can probably tell how much Jaithan and I love meeting so many great, new blogger friends on our shopping trips! Others we want to mention include Grace from Grace Happens; Melissa from Seagrass Interiors; Alex from Rustic Rooster, Ariel from Ariel Gordon Jewelry; Tracy from Comfort and Luxury; Alison from Ali on the Go; Jennifer from Style Your Life; Shelly from LIttle Mrs. Do It All; Theodore from Theodore Leaf; and Janet from Gardener's Cottage. Have a great weekend, everyone, and happy thrifting!   

Comments

[Bev Krasselt]

Do you know of a tour that goes from Palm Springs to the swap meet at the Rose Bowl. My stepson went last year and wants to go again. Thanks

[Linda Jordan]

There is a new flea market at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. This is a newer concept for flea markets in that it includes entertainment and gourmet food trucks. I didn't go to the first one, but I'd love to hear anyone's comments on it if they've been.

The next one is August 29.

[Mimi Peters-Davis]

I can't wait to go on one of these shopping trips. You always find such great things while having so much fun! I love how quickly you come up with such amazing ideas for how to use these treasures in the home. Keep up the good work!

[Jessie]

This looks like another fun outing! Any plans to come to Brimfield, MA this year?

[Jenna]

When will you make it to the mid-west - come to Denver!

[rustic rooster interiors]

Ahhhh great such sweet, sweet memories! I will never forget the time we all had together... Sushi {cocktails & more cocktails} & Sun! Thanks for the rustic rooster plug. Can't wait to see you two in Cali. again. Look forward to another adventure!!!!

xoxo,
Alexandra

[Lisa Golightly]

SO enjoying your Palm Springs escapades with the lovely Miss Dolfina ... she is a sweetheart isn't she ?? Love what you do !

lisa

[Kindle@RedesignDiva.com]

Coolness! I really need you to have your own show...I just watched the video of the DIFFA table and it so inspires me to decorate...

What the H, TV casting people? Can you make more videos just for me? and thank you for inspiring me always

BIG XOXO's to you guys!

Kindle

[Sherry @ No Minimalist Here]

This looks like so much fun! Will you be attending the Lucketts Antique fair in May?

[Shelly]

I can't wait to go on another adventure with you two! I learned so much and found some fabulous things for my home. Thanks for the shout out!!

[Karena]

What a fun time and so many blogger friends abound to search for unique pieces.

I have an interview with Robert Anders up on my site that is fascinating!

Karena
Art by Karena

[HollyGoesLightly]

Dear Eddie -- I have a new pair of chairs I'm re-upholstering and my friend La Dolfina visited and said I should ask you what to do because you know all. i'd have to agree. Could you take a peek and let me know what you think?

http://hgoeslightly.blogspot.com/2010/04/help.htmI

Ever so gratefully yours,
-Holly

[LaurieAnna's Vintage home]

No fair! I want to go....wish I lived closer!

[Carla H. Smith]

eddie, does everything you touch turn to gold? you are so imaginative and clever! i wish you lived in the south!

[Athena]

Oh my gosh, I LOOOOVE the Rose Bowl flea market, wish I still lived in LA so that I could frequent it! I'd die to go flea-marketing with you guys, so fun!!!! :)

[Theodore Leaf]

We had so much fun with you both, and learned a lot! We look forward to seeing you both again soon on either coast!

[Jürgen]

What pictures so pretty and what interesting things are in this flea market!
If you ever travel to USA I love to go with the group.

[debra phillips]

hello e+j!

what i personally love about these tours is getting eddie's insight; what potential and new uses he envisions. my horizons are always broadened

thank you!!
xo
debra

[Traci Giles]

Eddie & Jaithan, this was just so much fun and completely inspiring! Thank you for schlepping west, I hope you had a lovely time on the west coast. . . minus the earthquake! I'm all giggly about my picture front and center on your post! Thanks--you made my day!!! And the table will be painted this weekend, I'll email you the results!

[Connie Cusick]

Looks like an amazing trip of great finds!!! I just launched my vintage jewelry line at my Etsy Stop!!
Stop by and let me know what you think!! I am enjoying being inspired by your blog!!
Best, Connie

[Sanity Fair]

So much fun - Eddie - you look like you have a little flock of ducklings following you everywhere you go! Fond memories of your design trip through Atlanta - please come back soon!

[Mona Thompson]

You just have way too much fun! Flea markets and antique fairs are my very favorite thing to do in the whole wide world!

[ashlina]

you both look super hott as usual. wish i could have been there. looks like you had a blast.
xoxo

[grace]

loved the recap and thanks for the shout out! till next time...:) xoxo!

[Marija]

This has me so ready for warmer Chicago weather and FLEAS! Have a great weekend, guys! Marija

[Jennifer]

Eddie and Jaithan
It was so fun hanging out with you! I can't wait to see your TV pilot, Good luck with everything!! You guys a amazing :o)
Jennifer

[Rosa]

Love the ideas. It looks like a fun event. One day, I hope to see you at one.

[Rene]

What fun! A girl would be crazy not to take your advice.

The weather looks fantastic... I'm patiently waiting for our Spring Antiques Fair held in Midland Michigan (I've been to the Rose Bowl, but unfortunately just for a football game, not for a Flea Market, shh don't tell any Michigan Fans I said that.)

I can only hope we can have such nice weather, thought we have no complaints here so far this spring. Love your blog.

[Heather]

thanks for sharing your finds and fantastic tips on how to style them!

[LindsB]

Looks like such a beautiful day for the Rose Bowl. Lets hope for weather like that if you two make it up to Boston :)

[Belle on Heels]

eddie, you are a genius!! if i had a pinky-sized drop of your creativity, i would be a happy girl. thanks for sharing your ideas!

[hamptontones]

I'm going to have to join you fellas on an outing soon! I'm in love with the table Muse Marget bought! Have a great weekend.

[White Cabana]

Aw. Looks like you had a most amusing time! Congrats to all those people who scored fabulous deals!
-Jordana

[Jennifer]

Looks like a great trip and the weather looked perfect for shopping. It looks like there were lots of great finds as well! I love the way you explain the way things can be transformed. You have an eye for creative decorating that just amazes me!

Hope you guys are enjoying this gorgeous spring weather,
Jennifer

[Mr. Goodwill Hunting]

The Rose Bowl Flea seems to be such a eventful event. If only I were in Cali. I have a few nice items over on the blog. Take a look Eddie!

[Dagny @ Beautiful Living]

Love it! You guys seriously need to consider expanding this concept to Europe. I would come in a heartbeat!