YouLookFab Forum » Topic: WIW & flea market finds

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: WIW & flea market finds https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-flea-market-finds Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:09:05 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php leopardluxe on "WIW & flea market finds" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-flea-market-finds#post-1177312 Tue, 25 Feb 2014 11:27:38 +0000 leopardluxe 1177312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ rabbit, your thrift store outfit strategy sounds alot like when I used to shop the big annual sale at Filene's Basement back in Boston. It was crazy chaos but lots of fun! You should definitely try a pair of the Born oxfords, they are seriously the most comfortable oxford I've ever worn! You can find them on ebay (often times brand new) substantially discounted. So if you know your size it's a great place to snag a pair for cheap money (especially for the quality of  them). JAileen I'm so flattered you were inspired by my animal prints to buy an animal print scarf. It's a great way to try mixing in an animal print to an outfit. Definitely post some pictures when you try it as part of an outfit. I'd love to see it! When I lived in Boston I used to love to shop at Savers, too. I picked up many a cool thing there! E, I got my Born oxfords on ebay as well. Was thrilled to snag them for $20. Some of the best $20 I've spent, imho! I also have them in a distressed, muted gold color as well. I've found them to be SO comfortable. Since I developed arthritis in my left foot they have become a "go to" shoe for days when my foot is bothering me (because of the cushioning and arch support). I was never really an oxford shoe type gal but I've really come to like the look and I'm actually on the lookout for more in other colors. E on "WIW & flea market finds" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-flea-market-finds#post-1177108 Tue, 25 Feb 2014 02:47:20 +0000 E 1177108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've never been to a flea market: it sounds intense (and out of my price range)! I don't like the sun, so I'd have to wear a giant hat or go to a shadey one. hehe I do love to visit markets when I'm travelling, but those aren't usually about clothes. My secondhand shopping is mainly done at thrift stores (Goodwill where I live now) and occasionally on ebay. Love your newsboy cap & I have those oxfords too! I got mine off ebay last fall & they are quite comfy. JAileen on "WIW & flea market finds" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-flea-market-finds#post-1177042 Tue, 25 Feb 2014 01:56:37 +0000 JAileen 1177042@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I go to thrift stores instead of flea markets just because we rarely have flea markets. Last week I saw an animal print scarf (leopard print maybe?) at Savers and bought it after seeing all your animal print outfits. I'll try to work it into an outfit soon. This is the very first animal print I've ever had! rabbit on "WIW & flea market finds" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-flea-market-finds#post-1176581 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 20:36:25 +0000 rabbit 1176581@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love your outfit with the red gloves! (I'm going to see if I can find some of those oxfords, if anyone sees anything really discounted, size 8 to 8.5...) Great finds! I love the frog sweater, purple scarf, and boots.  I think I've only done a flea market once or twice, they aren't that big in the areas where I live, but I do have an outfit and a plan of attack for one day thrift sales - this is like the everything for 35 cent tables once a month at a local shop, or back in Ohio the memorial Colosseum was rented out by the Junior League for a one day huge yard sale once a year.  Again, all items had a set price (1-3$ for shirts or something like that).  I briefly did the Goodwill Bins also, at a time when I had one suitcase of clothes and had moved to a new city and had to immediately dress for a teaching job (found some good wide leg linen pants and shells, and some drapey cardigans and a blazer).  I don't want to be carrying stuff with me, since I want to be able to try on clothes easily and quickly.  So I bring clean trash bags, a clean cardboard box to shift around by my feet and put the 'maybes' into until I have time to carefully go over them with a fine toothed comb and try them all on.  For the bins I bring gloves.  I wear: -black leggings (I can pull on pants over them) -black stretchy skater skirt (flips out of the way easily for trying on skirts and pants, but keeps modesty during the process. -slip on light fashion sneakers (comfy to walk in, but easy to get on and off, also streamlined enough, flexible and with no tread or thick sole so I can pull on skirts with them still on). -black body con long tank top with straps.  Keeps modesty but you can try any top on over it and get an idea of how the sleeves and neckline will really look.  -thin zip up close fitting fleece top.  Easy to take off and tie around your waist, but keeps you warm and is good for trying coats and jackets over that you might want to wear layered.  Matches my shoes ;) -crossbody thing that just holds a phone, a credit card and a few bills. Small and easy to keep out of the way but attached to me (see pic).  Next time I'm going to put a makeup mirror into it so I can at least get a quick idea of what something looks like on me. I usually only do this full on kind of shop now once a year or less or when my wardrobe is really low or needs to meet brand new needs (like a summer in intense heat). whew, sorry for the long reply.  I just love the thrill of the hunt too catgirl on "WIW & flea market finds" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-flea-market-finds#post-1176412 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 17:56:59 +0000 catgirl 1176412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love the sting ray! leopardluxe on "WIW & flea market finds" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-flea-market-finds#post-1176343 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 17:00:44 +0000 leopardluxe 1176343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ karymk, awesome scores! That's the other advice I usually give folks, go at the end of the day (or first thing in the AM for the best pickings). I've found, though, that the end of the day method isn't always the best option out here. Since so many of the dealers sell at a different flea market every single Sunday, they're not as likely to be really lowballing the best stuff at end of day just to get rid of it (based on my own experience going late in the day a few times). I also can't stand getting elbowed in the head and stepped on by people. So I've found that later in the day Long Beach and Rose Bowl are SO crowded I get annoyed by how often people step on me (the drawbacks of being small!) When I lived back east I used to buy and sell at Brimfield regularly. Because the show was only 3 times a year and dealers came from all over the country for it, the end of week/end of day prices were often to die for (especially on furniture) because the dealers didn't want to schlep it back from wherever they drove from. adorkable, definitely try Santa Monica next month. It's very small (you can usually get all the way through it in well under 2 hours unless you stop to look at every little thing). It's also much less crowded than the big ones. karymk on "WIW & flea market finds" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-flea-market-finds#post-1176311 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 16:46:10 +0000 karymk 1176311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Leopardluxe I was just at the Long Beach Flea the other week and we went really late. But then they were just giving stuff away at the end! I literally rolled out of bed and threw on a sun hat, cotton tunic, khakis and huaraches. I looked super frumpy.  I found the coolest leather belt with brass studs--old and Mexican I assume? Definitely handmade. This French girl and her friend found this amazing tan suede mens jacket with fringe. I love watching people find treasures. Oh! and the friend I was with found a beaten up Balenciaga bag for $40. Unbelievable.  Your rings are FAB.  adorkable on "WIW & flea market finds" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-flea-market-finds#post-1176300 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 16:41:46 +0000 adorkable 1176300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ We have to be near-neighbors then! And I think I will try to go next month - I didn't even know about that one! Rose Bowl is downright terrifying. leopardluxe on "WIW & flea market finds" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-flea-market-finds#post-1176286 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 16:32:50 +0000 leopardluxe 1176286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ adorkable, the one I go to most often is the Santa Monica airport one. It's substantially smaller than Long Beach or Rose Bowl (so not intimidating at all) but it's literally like 5 minutes from my place, so it's convenient. I usually go there and then hit the farmers market afterwards with my BF. They have it the first and fourth Sundays every month. The first Sunday is very, very small with only a few dealers (almost not worth the time) but the one on the fourth Sunday is double that size (but still waaay smaller than Long Beach or Rose Bowl). adorkable on "WIW & flea market finds" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-flea-market-finds#post-1176230 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 15:40:28 +0000 adorkable 1176230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Which flea market do you go to? (I think you're also in LA.) I find them a bit intimidating but I think you've convinced me to give it another shot. Love your finds. Neel on "WIW & flea market finds" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-flea-market-finds#post-1176192 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 14:57:07 +0000 Neel 1176192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow!! Brilliant finds!! And excellent additions to your wardrobe! How cool is that frog sweater! It would even match your frog ring :). Great way to dip your toes into a trend! Digging the stingray ring and the lovely scarf!! Great finds indeed! I almost missed your outfit!! I love the cool red gloves with the black and gray! Nice uniform! Sorry about your camera ... Hope you replace it soon! Jaime on "WIW & flea market finds" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-flea-market-finds#post-1176048 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 13:00:00 +0000 Jaime 1176048@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I go to thrift stores not flea markets but did relate to your description of dressing including the weather change from morning until noon. Great finds - the jewelry is very interesting! And terrific outfit for the adventure! leopardluxe on "WIW & flea market finds" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-flea-market-finds#post-1176024 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 12:29:48 +0000 leopardluxe 1176024@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I usually hit the antiques flea market near my place once a month. Even if I don't buy anything it's fun to see all the interesting things. As a former antiques/vintage dealer I know that most of the best deals go early. So I usually arrive at 7 am when they open and stay for a few hours.  I have a pretty standard uniform for these ventures. Because when I arrive it's really cold (like 40's/50's) but by the time I leave it's usualy mid 60's to low 70's. So I have to "layer down" as the day goes on. I also need clothing layers and shoes that are easy to take on and off, in case I want to try on clothing or shoes while I'm there. So the uniform consists of: <ul> <li>Beat up leather jacket (in winter, anyway)</li> <li>cashmere hoodie or cardigan</li> <li>form fitting tank top or tee</li> <li>looser jeans or pants with pockets</li> <li>comfortable to walk in and easy on/off boots or shoes</li> <li>Scarf</li> <li>bag that holds a ton and can be worn cross-body</li> <li>gloves (depending on time of year)</li> </ul> Also, nothing terribly nice looking or pale in color. Flea markets can be grungy and you sometimes find yourself pawing through stuff that isn't terribly clean (I always bring a bag of wet wipes in my bag for just this reason). Here's yesterday's "flea market uniform". I don't usually wear lace up shoes but those Born oxfords are so comfortable and easy to pull on and off they're worth the extra 3 seconds it takes for me to tie them. The outfit isn't stylish but it is highly functional for the task at hand! Found some very cool stuff yesterday. I included a few photos of a few of my finds. My favorites are: <ul> <li>J Crew 100% cashmere frog sweater for $20. I don't usually wear pale/pastel colors often so this was a good cheap way to push myself to try out a pastel sweater (and it's a frog!!!! How cool!)</li> <li>Purple patterned cashmere Nordstrom scarf for $20 (forgive the blurriness, my camera actually broke while I was taking pics and now it adds this weird blur). I wear shades of purple as an accent often and this scarf doesn't duplicate anything even remotely similar in my closet</li> <li>Jan Michaels nouveau style ring and artist made brass Stingray ring for $30 each</li> <li>Very cool vintage slouchy cardigan sweater in earth tones. Doesn't look like much on the hanger but I really liked the oversized drape on this and where it hit on my body lengthwise. But the real reason I couldn't resist is because it's made entirely from different shades of woven LEATHER. For $40 I was thrilled to find it and cant wait to put together an outfit around it (once I get it cleaned).</li> </ul> Bought a few other cool pieces that I didn't take photos of (because of now busted camera. Guess I'll finally bite the bullet and get a new one). I'm also loving a pair of vintage leather pointy toe lace up platform boots that look almost identical to the Prada ones in the photo provided (only with a lower platform and chunkier heel so I can walk in them w/o my arthritic foot hating me). Anyone else a fan of the flea markets in their areas? Do you find stuff there when you go?