Rose Bowl Flea Market

Designer Vanessa De Vargas shops the Rose Bowl Flea Market. De Vargas brings a vintage cart and large IKEA bags to carry her purchases. (Christina House / For The Times)

Oct. 31, 2014 10:19 AM PT

Typewriters found while designer Vanessa De Vargas shops the Rose Bowl. (Christina House / For The Times)

Designer Vanessa De Vargas checks out a vase. (Christina House / For The Times)

Designer Vanessa De Vargas chats with a vendor while shopping. (Christina House / For The Times)

Wall decor seen during designer Vanessa De Vargas’s visit to the Rose Bowl Flea Market. (Christina House / For The Times)

“Get a good night’s sleep and come early. I come at 6 a.m. And wear Dr. Scholl’s,” advises Bianca Chen, center. (Christina House / For The Times)

“Wearing a great hat is a must. It must be fashionable, preferably straw with a wide brim,” says designer Ron Woodson, seen shopping at the Rose Bowl Flea Market. (Christina House / For The Times)

Designer Ron Woodson inspects a piece of furniture he found at the Rose Bowl. (Christina House / For The Times)

Co-owner of Hammer and Spear Scott Jarrell, right, shops at the Rose Bowl with designers Lynsay Brice, left, and Ruth Storc. (Christina House / For The Times)

Hammer and Spear co-owner Scott Jarrell snaps a cellphone photo of a pair of chairs. (Christina House / For The Times)

Denise Portmans, owner of Merchant, shops the Rose Bowl Flea Market.”I try to always shop within my budget, but if I see something I love that I can’t afford , I ask them if they would consider [offering it on] consignment [at my shop],” Portmans says. (Christina House / For The Times)

Denise Portmans, owner of Merchant, says she prepares for a day at the flea market by hydrating before and bringing fruit and almonds for snacks. (Christina House / For The Times)

Bianca Chen looks through baskets of pillows at the flea market. (Christina House / For The Times)

Rose Bowl Flea Market (Christina House / For The Times)

Designer Mary McDonald tests two chairs found at the flea market. “Make sure your car has nothing in it, because no matter what, you will buy something you should not even think of stuffing in there,” McDonald says. (Christina House / For The Times)

Designer Mary McDonald flips through a vintage Vogue magazine. (Christina House / For The Times)

Designer Mary McDonald and her project manager Kenna Ryman, left, shop the Rose Bowl Flea Market. McDonald says to come early and bring a flashlight in case it’s still dark. (Christina House / For The Times)

“I have rituals,” says designer Kimba Hill. “When arriving, I first head to the other side of the river where the vintage clothes reside. Mixed in with the clothes are a sprinkling of furniture dealers. This is where you will find your best deals.” (Christina House / For The Times)

Rose Bowl Flea Market (Christina House / For The Times)

A chair found by designers Ron Woodson, left, and Jaime Rummerfield at the flea market. “Always bargain. It’s a part of the flea market experience. Point out any blemishes or issues to support your case,” Rummerfield says. (Christina House / For The Times)