raised by culture

raised by culture

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Gifts For The Person That Has Everything At Long Beach Antique Market


I headed to the Long Beach Antique Market last Sunday to see what gifts I could find for the person that has everything!  Do you know someone that is so hard to shop for?  I got you covered with these fun finds!  You still have time - You can catch the next antique market on Sunday, December 15th!    Don't live in Southern California?  Shop your local antique / flea market!  Support small business! Read my antique / flea market tips here.

For the fashionistas --- 


Fur - it's definitely in for the Winter.  I can't hate on vintage fur.  What's done is done and well, isn't it better to buy pieces from a generation that didn't know better?  I hate to see these just get burned or thrown away.  Some pieces I drooled over were from the 50s and 60s but looked immaculate.  
Long Beach Antique Market November 2013
Louis Vuitton - So you want to buy your girl a bag but you don't have all that money to throw down. Save yourself some cheddar and buy an authentic vintage bag.  I took a good look at these and I'm willing to bet money that they are real. I'm no pro, do your own research!
Long Beach Antique Market November 2013
Dresses, cardigans and coats - I did a quick walk-through in two vendor tents and noticed the average going rate for a vintage dress is only $10.  What a steal.  I've been to vintage boutiques that charge double and triple that.
Long Beach Antique Market November 2013
Piles of stuff - it might look like blankets in this picture but there were all kinds of good things in the little hills.  It might be worth digging through!
Long Beach Antique Market November 2013
Real fox stole - My husband pointed this out and I was just about to pick it up when he scolded me not to.  I have no idea what I was thinking but yeah, ew.
Long Beach Antique Market November 2013

For kids or the kid at heart ---


I personally love vintage toys because they weren't mass produced like they are now.  I'm always looking for characters that stand out or remind me of my childhood.  We picked up a very cool monochrome Astro Boy figure from Japan for $30!  
Long Beach Antique Market November 2013 Long Beach Antique Market November 2013 Long Beach Antique Market November 2013

For the home ---

Mid Century Furniture - There were so many pieces in fantastic condition.  I'm just not ready to plunk down the cold hard cash, maybe in a few years.  Seriously drool worthy pieces that I can't believe have lasted over 50 years.
Long Beach Antique Market November 2013
Tupperware and Pyrex - So many good memories of my Nana's house.
Long Beach Antique Market November 2013
Original prints - I should've really bought something from this vendor but he didn't have quite what I was looking for.  These are original prints printed from actual negatives and signed by the photographer - the 8 x 10 I was eyeballing was $10.  I tried to get him to go lower but he wasn't going for it and now I regret not buying one!
Long Beach Antique Market November 2013
Frames and art - There are hundreds of pieces.  Don't tease yourself and glance at what someone has in their arms or cart.  I was really bummed I missed out on an original wolf drawing that was $7.
Long Beach Antique Market November 2013

What is the one vintage thing you are always looking for?

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Monday, November 5, 2012

Long Beach Antique Market Giveaway


I am so excited about this giveaway because I love the Long Beach Antique Market and know you will too!  November 18th is perfect for you to get your Holiday shopping started or finished!  Check out my tips for antique / flea market shopping!   I hope I see you there!

Long Beach Antique Market happens every 3rd Sunday of the month.
FREE PARKING
Children under 12 FREE
Rain or Shine
No Pets Allowed
Admission $5 6:30am -2pm
Early Admission $10 5:30am-6:30am
The Box Office closes at 2pm but shopping goes till 4pm!

Long Beach Antique Market at Veterans Stadium 
4901 E. Conant Street
Long Beach, CA 90808 

Long Beach Antique Market on Twitter / Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  This is not a compensated post.  All thoughts are our own.


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Wednesday, October 17, 2012

California Must-Do: Long Beach Antique Market

Even if you aren't into thrifting or antiquing, the Long Beach Antique Market is a must-do.  There is something for everyone.  My 6 year old Duke is used to being dragged around to thrift stores, antique malls, flea markets and swap meets so he loves checking out all the cool "vintage" stuff.  My teenagers love going too and taking them reminds me of the times I went when I was a teenager.

Over 800 vendors, winner of Los Angeles Times Reader's Choice 2012 Favorite Place to Shop in SoCal, Long Beach Antique Market happens every 3rd Sunday from 6:30am-4pm.  Admission is $5 but you can win passes or get a coupon on the Long Beach Antique Market site.  FREE Parking.  Kids under 12 FREE!

We really should have bought that Black Velvet Bob Marley painting.  It was incredible.
Long Beach Antique Market
I was walking through the aisles and reversed.  Funny!
Long Beach Antique Market
I love vintage scraps!  Making ephemera packs make me happy!
Long Beach Antique Market
OG Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and other figures!
Long Beach Antique Market
This painting gave me a Dr. Seuss vibe.  Love all the frames!
Long Beach Antique Market
I wanted some!
Long Beach Antique Market
These pieces were so cheap!  Kinda sad I passed on them!
Long Beach Antique Market
I like booths like this!  Reminds me of mine at community!
Long Beach Antique Market

Check out photos of my July 2012 Trip to the Long Beach Antique Market

Antique / Flea Market Tips:


  • Get there EARLY!
  • Do not pass something up - if you want it, get it right then and there.
  • Bring CASH!  
  • Haggle with the seller but don't lowball - don't be insulting!
  • Go through all the rows and dig through crates!
  • Keep an eye out for "specials"!  - There were different vendors that had $1-5 boxes.  I found a vintage Wonder Woman mask for $1!  
  • Wear comfy shoes and sunscreen!  Bring snacks and drinks too, you'll be there for at least 2+ hours!
  • Ask around.  Most of the time, these vendors sell at the same places and have known each other for years - if you are looking for something they might have it or know someone that does!
  • Go there with a budget.  You know how much you want to spend total and you know how much you want to spend on certain things so stick to your budget!  I have heard stories how people start saving for a few months and returning armed with a list.  Be that person.  
What are your tips for tackling antique / flea markets?

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