I am not generally a fan of junk. I prefer throwing things away to acquiring them and I have always had an aversion to thrift stores (it’s the smell, I think, and the idea that somebody else needs this more than I do). All of these facts would seem to imply that I would not enjoy the hollywood flea market but this is a simple case of the facts not adding up.
I LOVE this fleamarket. The first time I went I didn’t even buy anything and it was still fun. Here is what you need to know: dress like you bought at least three items at this very spot. A pair of well worn cowboy boots with those skinny jeans will have you fitting in just fine. Don’t brush your hair, if your hair looks too groomed throw a hat on it so people will assume it’s messy. Bring at least two bucks as you do have to pay to get in (I think it’s stupid, but I don’t make the rules). Bring the amount of cash you want to spend and once it’s spent STOP BUYING; once you get warmed up you can really justify spending thirty bucks on something that used to be alive and has since been mounted for your mantle.
Lastly, always be skeptical of claims of authenticity. Some things are obviously quality and you can talk to the person who made that printed t-shirt or customized, old-wood table, this is the great side of shopping this way. On the other side you have the old lady with the pile of junk on a rug who tells you a ring is forty bucks because it’s vintage american indian (from the twenties) and still won’t budge when you notice the “made in thailand” stamp etched inside of it.
Anyway, I’m really tired from my hard day’s shopping and you really need to make this experience your own.
Just go.
