Vintage Lover's Paradise: Rose Bowl Flea Market

I play tourist a lot in my own state.  There's just too much to see/do/eat here.  It almost makes me mad that California is just so awesome and the reality (sad sad reality) is that I probably won't get to do it all in this lifetime.  Morbid, I know but it is the fuel that gets me out and doing thangs.  I have too many friends wasting away in their own states not getting cultured and what a damn shame!  One of the places I have wanted to visit since I was a kid is the Rose Bowl Flea Market and I finally made it out this past Sunday!  It was so awesome.  I can't believe I waited 25 years to check it out.  All that missed time!  It only happens once a month and that is a blessing in disguise cause I'd be broke if it was weekly.  

   First off, there is nothing in the actual Rose Bowl.  Let's just put that myth to rest right now.  It is around the Rose Bowl and in the parking lots next to it.  I vaguely remember commercials as a kid making it seem like it was inside but no, not it's not.  I asked.  If you are staring at the Rose Bowl, most of the vendors to the immediate left and right are new merchandise.  You know, like the swap meet.  Most of our swap meets are free so just avoid that area.  You paid $8 for the good stuff and it's to the far left of the Rose Bowl - that area has everything and if you want to venture to the far far left, that's where all the vintage clothing and shoes are.  It is a goldmine.  

Here is just a small portion of what caught my eye during the January 12, 2014 show:

"Vintage Prom Suitcase with Everything" 

It was very cute but I have questions since I do not have a daughter... what parent in their right mind would let their daughter have this?  Is it an old school thing cause really...

Alligators & Antlers and animal skins...  This vendor was super busy.  I actually want antlers but no room on my budget (or wall) yet.  Sigh.

I scored these vintage heads for wigs.  The vendor initially said $1 each so I said cool, I'll buy two and she told me to go ahead and take 4 for $1!  My husband ended up giving her $2 cause she was cool like that.  These ladies are going in my prop closet!

Vintage toys always make me ohhh and ahhh.  Was happy to see our friend Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang!

Far far left of the Rose Bowl.  The vintage clothing mecca.

Styling is everything.  It's what catches your eye.

Again, styling for the win.

This is one of my favorite vendors.  We've actually shopped him at Long Beach Antique Market - he is so organized and has a bit of everything.

Forget boots with the fur... these coats are dreamy.

I wanted these hand painted barber shop signs but my husband said no.  They are works of art!

Things to know:

• Regular admission is $8 at 9am - you can show up earlier and pay more but not all vendors are set up yet.  
• Kids 12 and under are free with an adult.  
• Parking is FREE.
• There is food and lots of it.  There's beer too.  

My tips:

• Get there EARLY!
• Do not pass something up - if you want it, get it right then and there.
• Bring CASH!  Some vendors take debit/credit cards but most do not
• 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! (We were actually there for 4 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.  

I love flea/antique market shopping, see my other vintage finds:
Gifts For The Person That Has Everything at Long Beach Antique Market
California Must-Do: Long Beach Antique Market

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.  

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!  

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.

Tupperware and Pyrex - So many good memories of my Nana's house.

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!

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.

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

Read more »

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 

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

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.

I was walking through the aisles and reversed.  Funny!

I love vintage scraps!  Making ephemera packs make me happy!

OG Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and other figures!

This painting gave me a Dr. Seuss vibe.  Love all the frames!

I wanted some!

These pieces were so cheap!  Kinda sad I passed on them!

I like booths like this!  Reminds me of mine at community!


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?