Let's Go Treasure Hunting

Los Angeles is already a hot destination for so much of so much - like celebrities, like eating, like swinging by the beach or sunning yourself in January. People here don't just shop to purchase an item of need. They shop to find the best deal - and usually on something they don't need. And vintage is one of the defining pillars of the neighborhood. We are, simply, vintage obsessed.

I spent my Sunday at the Melrose Trading Post in West Hollywood. The massive happening is a bit of a hippy celebration held in the meandering parking lot of Fairfax High School. The $2 entrance fee brings browsers by the hundreds. All the proceeds go to the high school, contributing to books, equipment, extra-curricular classes - so everyone benefits. Shop for yourself and help out the neighborhood. :-) 

Music from junk bands provide the back beat for hundreds of vendors selling old records, grandma's dried up fur coats, and the contents of Aunt Nancy's closet, as well as handmade jewelry (I purchased some!), re-worked leather dresses (amazing), antique collectibles and early 60's art. 

It is a handle-able flea market - not so huge that it takes a whole day to walk not even a half of it - two hours will get you through all the aisles and give you a chance to chat with the live wires selling the what-nots.

Two friends, Rachel and Megan, sell at a booth full of vintage finds and jewelry. Jackets, shoes, dresses, coats, blouses... you name it they have it. Most items are hand-picked by them and re-worked to be originals. Their signs are just as artistic as they are themselves, and you see they spend the days living, breathing, feeling vintage. The stop there is worth it because they have dug out all the great finds already - huge plus! And the incense they have burning smells AMAZING! It is a must stop for vintage. (If you can't make it to them on Sunday, they sell out of their home anytime!)

A great day. Five pieces of jewelry, a dress, and a vintage Frank Sinatra record. Bring cash - choices are many on these sunny Sunday afternoons … and it’s clearly a buyer’s market.