I believe this is my third time writing about one of the best flea markets…Downtown Modernism. Because of that, I won’t bore you with all of the details; aside from that, it’s in Los Angeles, only happens twice a year, is the perfect size, and the vendors primarily sell mid-century-era goods. For me, this is total heaven. Here’s the current problem: I don’t need anything. The main spaces in my home are done, and since my boyfriend went out of town the morning of the market, I couldn’t even attempt to convince him to get things for his home. However, my dear friend Franchesca needed some art, and I clearly needed to be an investigative journalist and show off all of the things that caught my eye for this vintage-loving community (spoiler alert: I didn’t leave empty-handed. I’m sure “no one” saw that coming).

But there is one thing a professional investigative journalist does…they come prepared. I did not come prepared. Despite Franchesca and me being avid flea market lovers, we did not bring any cash. Not the biggest deal, as most markets have ATMs. But there is a $10 entrance fee, and their ATM had not arrived yet. We felt like idiots. Nothing like getting your butt up to get there at 7:45 (which was a little later than planned) to then get to the front to be understandably told, “Sorry, ladies. You can see if someone in line has extra cash, and then you can Venmo them.” As we were trying to figure out what to do, who else but EHD alum Mel Burstin sees me, says hello, and knowingly asks, “Do you need cash?” Needless to say, she was our angel, and in we went. So before we start looking at the amazing vintage, THANK YOU, MEL!

The First Few Things That Caught My Eye

At the end of the first lane of the market, I saw these guys. Aren’t they outrageous in the best way? Yes. Will they be for everyone? No. And honestly, I wouldn’t necessarily say they are for me. But I could envision the face tables in a really cool garden as these incredible sculptures/tables/planter holders. I forgot to check the price, and to be honest, I’m not sure whether they are safe for the outdoors. But I think they are kind of a perfect introduction to the market as a message that this isn’t your average market. That cabinet is also something that I was drawn to but likely wouldn’t buy if I had the $1,200 to spend. It’s more 80s than I tend to go for, but I love the more organic wood grain with the ultra-modern shape. I could see it in a super high-end home where there’s only one “funky” piece that adds a fun contrast.

This vase was actually the first thing I took a photo of. I knew I didn’t need it (especially for the price), but I was so drawn to the colors, the shape, the hand-painted design. In the right space, this would look so cool.

Outdoor Furniture Was Having A Moment

Something that we noticed was the uptick in fun vintage patio furniture. The photo on the left is a company called Los Resort, and they restore old patio furniture! The shape of that set was so cool. The chair frames are the best. The yellow and white chairs were from a different vendor and cost $45 a chair. I don’t know why, but I feel like these styles could be making a comeback in the next couple of years…

This set had us swooning! This beauty was $3,500 and just unbelievable in person. Franchesca was scheming to try to take it home:) But it was meant for someone else (we hope!) who will give it a good home. The wicker table, while the coolest, I would imagine a tablecloth would be pretty necessary if any food were to be consumed on it. I’m normally not the most worried about “how to clean things” when I’m shopping, but the idea of semi-permanent crumbs in wicker would likely stress me out.

My Favorite Thing To Talk About…Lights

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I’m going to need a bigger home in the nearish future because there are too many incredible lamps that I need more space for. This one is a great example. MCM Italian (I think) from Modern Thrifter LA, with 2 lights and an ambient reflective plate. It’s a piece of functional art! $395 isn’t cheap, but it’s also not much more than what many major retailers are charging for non-vintage pieces.

Another Italian table lamp that I absolutely loved. It was perfectly small but not too mini. It was $600, which was more than I would have wanted to spend.

I know this one is pretty specific, but I thought it was insanely cool. It’s a late 1970s Vico Magistretti Nemea Lamp, and while $500 is a lot, when I looked online, they often sell for more than double that.

The Search For Franchesca’s Art

Now, as I said in the beginning, art was Franchesca’s mission, and I was happy to support. Franchesca’s style tends to lean more classically romantic than mine, but we both love a little playfulness:) This will all make more sense when you see what she bought. I like that Downtown Modernism has more abstract/modern artwork than a typical market, but they also have nearly every style.

As a reminder, Franchesca and her husband Ben were my friends who lived in the apartment above me for years (and I got to design their bedroom). Well, they were able to buy a home last year (bittersweet, but they are still close!), so they are now in a slow but intentional decorating mode.

There’s my flea buddy surrounded by pieces that really weren’t her style, ha. I really loved that red staircase photo. Should have asked for the price just to see:)

Ok, both of these spoke deeply to her heart. This first one was an original piece in the original frame for $350. The price was a bit more than she wanted to spend, so she passed. The piece on the right was much harder to pass up for her. It’s a piece by Argentine-Italian surrealist artist Leonor Fini. It was stunning, but at $600, Franchesca decided to wait. She got the vendor’s information if she changes her mind:) But please look up Leonor Fini. Her life and work seem pretty remarkable from the little bit I’ve read so far.

These were just pieces I liked and wanted to share.

This one I really loved, but at $1,025 it was sadly a definite no. Also, I know I’m pointing out a lot of expensive things, but there are also many more affordable pieces there too!

Furniture We Fell For

And the prices aren’t getting lower yet. I stopped in my tracks when I saw this. The vendor wasn’t around to ask the price (well, I accidentally asked a shopper, thinking it was the vendor- whoops). Regardless of that, I just wanted you all to see it. The inset handles, the two-tone wood, the open and closed storage – perfect.

I did ask the price for this dining set, and it was $3,750. Honestly, for a table and four chairs, you’d likely spend close to that at a major retailer. But with this, it’s a 1957 by Glenn of California, which was a pioneer in MCM furniture manufacturing from the 40s to the 60s. The vendor told us that this set was a rarer design of theirs. I loved the chairs the most, and that leather seat is original. The lines are so beautiful.

This 1960s Danish teak and oak daybed for $1,875 (with new upholstery) was a great size and really comfortable! It’s from Modern for All.

This settee on the left is proof that there is a variety of styles at Downtown Modernism. We loved the arms and the two-tone look! I spotted those red velvet chairs while Franchesca was at another booth, and I had to snap a photo. The shape is perfectly exaggerated, and I feel like red velvet is a less common type of color/fabric combo for an MCM chair, right? If that’s correct, it needs to happen more.

THAT BASE. No words. It’s perfect.

One Of My Favorite Vendors

Of course, I needed to stop by artist and vintage seller Melinda Forster‘s booth. It’s always my favorite. I’ve bought two of her ceramic pieces before, but her vintage finds are also so good. No one should be surprised that I love this chair with the circle cutouts 🙂

Here’s a mix of her work and some vintage. It took a lot of strength not to buy another piece, but I knew I simply didn’t have the right place. Oh, and another great thing I loved about her booth this year was that she had a clearly marked (that’s important) table for items under $30. So nice and helpful!

This was also at Melinda’s booth, and I just thought it was so fun. It’s a 1970s Pierre Cardin Serving Set that was made in Japan out of plastic and mahogany. It has a serving tray, salt and pepper shakers with a caddy, and two pitchers. I didn’t see a price, but when I looked it up, one site is charging $675. I have a feeling hers was a lot less than that, but you never know!

More Cool Objects (And Two I Almost Bought)

I didn’t need it, but I loved it. It was $75 and would be a really fun napkin holder for a table, right?

I didn’t almost buy this, ha, but I was blown away by it. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a more modern wood piano like this. Both Franchesca and I couldn’t stop looking at it. The vendor, Furniture Fosters, was selling it for $5,9995. According to them, it’s a Steen Nielsen Hammerspinet, which is a rare, mid-century Danish piano and harpsichord hybrid housed in a Brazilian rosewood case. 10/10.

Boy, do I also know how to find special but expensive pottery. I love that black and white ceramic box a lot. But at $400, I was going to skip. Then those little ceramic sculptures made me smile. The hands are adorable, right? They really weren’t right for me or my home, but at $900, I was sure.

Now, before I knew the price, this was the first piece I thought about buying. The patina was great, the handle was cool, but that ball nozzle was everything. I mean, it’s so cute but kinda chic, right? Well, once I found out it was $400, it was out of budget, and my sad heart walked away.

This is a brass “Nike” paperweight, and I loved it. I immediately thought, “Oh, maybe I can get it for my boyfriend! I think he’d like it.” A dangerous new purchasing excuse I need to keep a close eye on, ha. And had it been $20, I might have grabbed it with less consideration. But it was $60. Then I really thought about it and realized that while he would have appreciated me thinking of him, he would likely not have loved it like I did. So I passed…it was close one.

I didn’t need them, but I hope someone did! SUCH a fun flatware set for $350.

What We Actually Bought!

This was the first purchase of the day from Seoda. Franchesca bought a block print by N. Pollock for $45. It was the exact size she was looking for, and it was already framed in one she really liked!

Her second and final purchase was this sweet cat piece from an art show that celebrates autistic artists. This was near and dear to the vendor. She shared that her son is autistic and is an artist as well. This made it all the more meaningful. She paid $68 for it.

Onto me:)

I also only made two purchases (which was two more than were on my list). But this book jumped out at me. I loved the cover, the patina, and the photos inside. When he said it was $20, I said, “done!” Did I totally need it? No. But will I need more design books in my future larger home? Yes.

This tray put a spell on me, I swear. I picked it up and fell in love. I love the asymmetrical placement of the opening, the carved lines, and the little feet you can’t really see from this angle. I did put it down, went around the market one more time, and then decided I needed it. I’m sure I could have haggled, but I didn’t and spent $125. It’s now on a nightstand, and I’m very happy.

Has anyone been to any good markets lately? Any favorites? Let us know! Happy thrifting, everyone.

Love you, mean it.