I’ve shopped the Rose Bowl here and here, and also here, but this time I did it with my good friend Anna. She interned with me at Martha back in the day, cut her teeth at Kelly Wearstler and has since gone on to do fantastic things. We were both a little hungover tuckered out that morning, but after beelining to the food stands and inhaling our breakfast burritos (hold the beans, please), we were off!
First sighting of the day: this gorgeous set of mid-century blond wood chairs. They’re like a modern version of a classic ladder back, which I love. I’m thinking I’d cover them in a neutral leopard. The price was dirt cheap: $350 for all 6. We totally need new dining chairs right now; if only they had fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of me.
Next up: a pair of great ginger jar lamps on Chinoiserie stands. I love how the drippy golds and greens in the glaze give them a cool, mottled feel. Pair these babies with black drum shades lined in gold and you’re, well, golden. Add agate finials, and I might just cry. Good in a bedroom; great in a living room; drop-dead gorg on a console (especially if it’s lacquered red with a glamorous Venetian glass mirror over it.) Oh, and the price: $100. Hello?!
A stylish ginger jar lamp is a little like my favorite castaway on Gilligan’s Island: a mooooovie star! This one has piercings in all the right places. I see a blue and white awning-striped shade with a black finial between two twin beds with gilded bamboo headboards and a colorful mix of blue and yellow bedding. Morning, Sunshine. Why aren’t you pretty?
Next obsession: a set of four Lucite and silver candlesticks with super sleek lines. I’d cluster them on a mantle with colorful tapers in a punchy turquoise or coral-y watermelon, or on a brass tray adding height to an ottoman or coffee table. The price? $25 for four, said the nice man with the wad of cash. And in my bag they went.
I love unusal objects in a mix of materials, so this little number spoke to me. You take the horn, you take the brass, you take them both and there you have: CHIC! Even though it’s a vase, water might leak; instead I’d clean it up, then place it on a bathroom vanity filled with make-up brushes…you know, for all that make-up I have.
Finally (well, not really of course but finally our sake), check out this great set of 1950s Dirilyte Anna picked up with six iced tea spoons (she’ll use them to mix drinks), four cocktail forks (she’ll use them for lemons and limes) and two cheese spreaders (she’ll use them to, um, spread cheese). That mid-century star pattern reminds me of California agave; love!
Speaking of, agave margaritas, anyone?
Love it! You guys seriously need to consider expanding this concept to Europe. I would come in a heartbeat!
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!
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
Aw. Looks like you had a most amusing time! Congrats to all those people who scored fabulous deals!
-Jordana
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.
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!
Looks like such a beautiful day for the Rose Bowl. Lets hope for weather like that if you two make it up to Boston 🙂
thanks for sharing your finds and fantastic tips on how to style them!
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.
Love the ideas. It looks like a fun event. One day, I hope to see you at one.
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
This has me so ready for warmer Chicago weather and FLEAS! Have a great weekend, guys! Marija
loved the recap and thanks for the shout out! till next time…:) xoxo!
you both look super hott as usual. wish i could have been there. looks like you had a blast.
xoxo
You just have way too much fun! Flea markets and antique fairs are my very favorite thing to do in the whole wide world!
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!
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
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!
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
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.
We had so much fun with you both, and learned a lot! We look forward to seeing you both again soon on either coast!
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!!!! 🙂
eddie, does everything you touch turn to gold? you are so imaginative and clever! i wish you lived in the south!
No fair! I want to go….wish I lived closer!
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
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
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!!
This looks like so much fun! Will you be attending the Lucketts Antique fair in May?
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
SO enjoying your Palm Springs escapades with the lovely Miss Dolfina … she is a sweetheart isn’t she ?? Love what you do !
lisa
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
When will you make it to the mid-west – come to Denver!
This looks like another fun outing! Any plans to come to Brimfield, MA this year?
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!
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.
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
Dear Eddie, Sounds like so much fun. It’s so strange, I was just thinking of my visit to the Rose Bowl ions ago. I came across a four poster spindle bed that makes my heart flutter to this day (why aren’t those overhead compartments bigger?). I also remember seeing Minnie Driver, the actress! x Catherine
Gotta say it…You tickle me! You’re fresh, funny and absolutely spot on!
Love the flea markets out there, like you I hate that I can’t fit most of the awesome stuff I see in my carry on. Those candle holders are fab, they look like they could be Dorothy Thorpe. Happy hunting!
Oh, you SO speak my language!!! Honestly, that IS why I love these fleas…I still get to “play house” in my imagination. GREAT POST! franki
Adore all of your work! I’ve always dreamt of shopping the Rose Bowl market, but wondered if you knew of a great counterpart on the East Coast (specifically in the NYC area)
Eddie you are always so fun to go shopping with. I love your visiton when you see things. That white pierced lamp was a stunner and in a blue and white room would be so elegant. Thank you for taking us along with you,
xo Kathysue
Eddie, I absolutely love the green lamps! I have s very similar one 🙂
Those candlesticks! J’adore! Well done Eddie!
Hysterical, the commentary. Dammit, why are we not scouting together?! Even funnier, I thought you were referring to my chinoiserie bowl on IG not the brass trimmed horn – which I picked up for $5 whole smackers 7 years ago at my thrift. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to slam my makeup brushes in it. Because, yeah, why didn’t I think of that?!
I looove the mid century chairs (what a great deal!) and the ginger jar lamp! Do you have any plans to organize another “flea market trip” some time this year??
Flea Marketing with you is always fun! I love seeing things through your eyes.
wow – total finds. those chairs, though. whew… they’re BEAUTIFUL CLARK….
Nice to see some great variations at this blog i am looking for home decoration ideas hope i will get it here
Hi Eddie,
I am heading to the Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea in April. What are your best tips… Go early or go late? How to strike a good deal? Were there many good booths with lighting options? Is it best to bring your own bag and wrap?
So excited to go…I’m already counting the days 🙂
Rocks and Salt, Please!
Sadly, I’ve never been to P’s Rose Bowl but wanna meet up at Brimfield ??? 😀
I love the little finds you have. So many people miss the important details in life, but not you!
I am so glad o run upon your latest post even if it was last February . I would love to attend the Pasadena flea market. I love seeing all your things of interest
Janice
I am a Craigslist ADDICT. Here in Chicago, Craigslist is absolutely FILLED with awesome mid-century furniture. Have you ever looked?
Be warned…it is highly habit forming! LOL!
xo
Andie
Eddie, I loved your Rose Bowl adventure. I think just generally starting with breakfast burritos and ending with a margarita – with a flea market in between – is always a good day. Thanks for sharing.
Hello Eddie, Ross, I saw your piece in the Better Homes and Garden October 2013 issue where you used Ikea kitchen cabinets to build a bookcase surrounding a bed which gave the look of custom cabinetry. I can’t quite figure out the cabinets I should use. Can you explain it more or diagram it. I know it’s asking a lot, but I would be so grateful. You are so talented. Thanks if you can help.
Sincerely,
Diane Harris
artisan8@cablespeed.com
Love the Lucite candle sticks. I would took them too!
Could I be in Pasadena please ? Those chairs were amazing ! Isn’t that always the problem, too much stuff for the vehicule we came with ??? Flea markets are my addiction, there’s so much DIY project in a same spot…