Earlier this year AT declared that Eddie Ross has become one of our favorite designers. Not only does he have an impeccable eye but his blog offers affordable, original diy projects and design tips with a more luxe flare than we're used to seeing. With his stint on Top Design behind him, he's bringing some common sense to decorating. And while his style might be luxe, his budgets are not. For him thrift stores, swap meets and a version of 'making it work' are imperative. Having a vision and finding the gems are what he's incredibly good at. But how would his traditional style translate at the Rose Bowl?
Given the state of the economy, it makes more and more sense to seek out bargains at flea markets and thrift stores and I wanted to see how a pro would do the Rose Bowl. So taking advantage of one of the many Flea Market tours Eddie has been doing across the country, I got in touch with him about his tour of the Rose Bowl Swap Meet and arranged to meet up.
Bright and early on a sunday morning I met Eddie at the Rose Bowl before his group arrived. We walked quickly through the alleys going from the bottom to the top (he does the Rose Bowl the same way Abby does) and I watched while he spotted a great milk glass punchbowl sitting forgotten and dingy on the back corner of a spread out blanket, found a tarnished set of amazing silver flatware and always took a closer look at a disorganized or otherwise messy looking booth.
Not surprisingly he passed up mid century credenzas in favor of 40's era tableware, silver and crystal, highlighting the versatility of such classic pieces. He found these great Dorthy Draper era lamps (that someone in the group bought) and some simple mid century patio chairs that just needed some powder coating and a new cushion. Simple lines, classic design and durable materials were what drew Eddie. Throughout the day he was gracious, insightful, patient and generous. He spent extra time at the end of the tour to help people find what they'd come for and was sincerely excited when people found treasures to take home. His enthusiasm was infectious and made me rethink what I normally shop for. I suddenly had a hankering for something...fancy.
Inspired by his Mimosa Brunch, I wanted to add some silver to my mainly colorful pottery collection and found this tray for $5. And with a little bit of elbow grease I'm excited to use this as a contrast to my more simple, modern pieces for entertaining.
(This is Eddie describing how to clean it.)
The bargain hunting tips that were reinforced for me:
1. Look for piles. This means that the vendor hasn't 'showcased' their wares and is where you are more likely to find treasures at a reasonable price.
2. Look for dirt. If you see tarnished silver, dusty old crystal or some slightly stained linens, remember that they can be cleaned and you're going to get a better price than a gleaming version of the same thing at a neighboring vendor who has already done all of the work of you.
3. There's always room for a classic. Going through the market with an eye towards more traditional silver and crystal was new for me but I realized was something I was missing in my own home filled with mid century pottery and modern white platters.
These days focusing on beautifully made heirlooms feels like the right kind of indulgence. Eddie reminded me that classic, grown up items--silver, glass and linen-- can add luxury to the every day. Just take a look at his new etsy shop that showcases exactly what I'm talking about. A pared down palette looks sophisticated and luxurious and because the pieces are older, they're better made and will last a lifetime. Plus everything in his shop is less than $100.
It's also worth noting that he was incredibly gracious and friendly and not much like the 'character' on Top Design. For more, check out AT New York's Flea Market excursion with Eddie and his blog for ideas for putting together your finds.
Thanks Eddie!
The last four items are nice, but wouldn't you want to have your own initials embroidered on your linens?
view bromelia's profile
Hear the dripping ... that just me drooling onto my keyboard... oh, how I wish I could shop at US flea markets... but it is a long way to go from Melbourne, Australia for a day of Sunday shopping.
view ElvisPresleyNews.com's profile
yawn
view beddybee's profile
I love all this crap, LOL. I think some of it can mix really well in a modern or a contemporary space. And it's nice to see pics of the Rose Bowl market, I'm on the other side of the country and have never been there.
My only complaint about the items mentioned is silver needs to be polished often if it's not in use on a regular basis. I don't know if I could use a silver ladle every day. Silverware or silver-plated flatware can easily fit in for every day use but they don't like dishwashers so handwashing is important. We don't have time to handwash cutlery around here so I had to banish the silver to a drawer for a while.
view jendavid99's profile
Grandma junk to go with Eddie's Grandma taste.
view jeffnyc's profile
Totally fun! We just finished the Round Top show in Texas and had an excellent time. We're looking forward to checking out the Rose Bowl, you posters who "yawn" and ho hum these posts must be dying of 'too cool for school ennui', we LIVE for this stuff!
Since most of our customers are huge fans of Mid Century and Industrial Modern, we love adding a little elegance to the mix. It makes us a little sad to see you AT posters poo pooing such a fun story. If you can't say something nice...
It's called eclecticism guys, there aren't any rules anymore!
I like Eddie's taste and yet I despise shabby chic, so stick a sock in it. Life's too short to be a buzzkill.
Love, AustinModern
view Austinmodern's profile
I am looking at those photos and wishing I had been there-so many great finds. Love Eddie too. His blog is one of my favorites.
view april~living the sweet life's profile
Who declared this guy "one of AT's favorite designers?" Talk about "yawn!"
view quiltmaster's profile
WOW what a snarky bunch! Going flea shopping with Eddie sounds like fun.
Keep up the good work Eddie!
view abbyjenkins's profile
As always I am loving Eddies style and the items he picked out at the Rose Bowl Flea Market - beautiful classic styles that will last and look good forever.
Even if his style is not to your taste I would hope that you could at least admire his enthusiasm and desire to encourage people to make their surroundings beautiful on a budget.
view Violetsrose's profile
Why is everyone so tired?
In these economic times, I love how Eddie takes 'junk' from the flea market and thrift store and turns into something that could grace the cover of a magazine. He makes design accessible to ordinary folks. I wish Baltimore had such awesome flea markets. The one I have been to around here sells cheap perfume and gold Baby Phat knockoffs.
view leely16's profile
"more luxe flare"
That should read "flair" unless you're talking about trousers!!
view Violetsrose's profile
Another tip for bargain finding at flea markets is to keep an eye out for the thing that doesn't belong. If the booth mainly features tools and tires, and there is one intact ceramic piece, chances are that the sellers are offloading something of their wife's or their mom's and they don't know (or care) what it might be worth. If you like the item, you can probably get a deal!
view SherryBinNH's profile
I had so much fun on the rose bowl trip....Eddie and Jaithan were awesome and I learned some great tips!
view hanako66's profile