long beach antique market: get your retro on

Just when I thought things couldn't get any better after my discovery of the Rose Bowl Flea Market a few weeks ago, I stumbled upon the Long Beach Antique Market.

Would you like a bison horn with your knitting needles and vintage chartreuse vase? I know. Who wouldn't?

blenko? i think so.

Negotiating in a flea market. I am sort of just learning the shtick. Something caught my eye on this table at the Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea Market.

What could it be?

pasadena rose bowl flea market: mid-century modern what not and then some

I learned a valuable lesson this weekend on buying vintage and retro stuff. This is the pricing hierarchy that I have been long familiar with:

• Retail stores branded vintage are usually the more expensive option due to rent, and other factors. More so in California where mid-century is SUPER hip, vs. what I have seen out of state. 
• Craigslist can provide great deals. BUT it is competitive. And you have the whole annoying Craigslist factor.
• eBay has been my guilty pleasure for many years and bargains can be had for sure. However, eBay prices are starting to seem closer to retail as most sellers are fairly savvy. 

Turns out there is another incredibly effective way to buy mid-century modern, vintage and retro in Southern California.

vintage shop labor day glass treasure and a church

So I bragged yesterday about "discovering" a new vintage modern retro shop, Out of Vogue, in Fullerton, over last Labor Day weekend.

So what couldn't I resist this time? Guess before clicking. A few of you will get it right.

out of vogue: vintage modern shop in fullerton

My oh my, what do we have here? A retro shop tucked into a corner of old downtown Fullerton (Southern California), only 25 short miles from my home?

Have the gods been holding out on me? Why do I have to read Sunset magazine to figure out this little corner of heaven is in my own backyard?

Out of Vogue
109 E. Commonwealth Ave.

Fullerton, CA 92832

(714) 879-6647

Out of Vogue

cliff may 1954 rancho-style mid-century in long beach - #2

Okay, I can't hold out. You really need to see the second Cliff May I toured last Saturday. The first one was exquisite, honestly perfect in every way. This little beauty is an equally special treasure.

It does give out a bit of that mid-century tiki bar party vibe. For sure.

cliff may 1953 rancho-style mid-century in long beach - #1

The California ranch is quintessentially mid-century modern. And, Cliff May is considered the father of the ranch. Lucky for me, I live just a few short miles away from Long Beach and some of the largest Cliff May housing tracts in the United States (okay I made that up, but I think for sure it may be).

Step inside. And feast your eyes.

#dwell la home tours: diana wong artist studio and residence

All good things must come to an end. My summer goofing around at wineries and pet sanctuaries was fun, BUT back on the wagon.

Home tours and home improvement here we come.

8 tips for visiting wineries in paso robles, california

You type "mid-century modern barware" into eBay search and an amazing assortment of drinking-ware will present itself.

Dorothy Thorpe Roly Poly Glasses on eBay right now!

Cocktail hour is quintessentially mid-century modern and has been making a huge comeback. Honestly, I have never been a fan.

best friends animal society: a different kind of home

What do mid-century modern homeowners love more than their homes? Their grandchildren? Their children? Their spouses? Nah.

Their pets.