Red Carpet Diamonds

Though part of Los Angeles’s flea market charm is sheer abundance, navigating isn’t always easy. We’re here to help.

Rose Bowl
The big daddy of the bunch is a labyrinth of potential treasures on the second Sunday of every month. Prepare to dig and haggle amid the sprawling setup of antiques, housewares, and piles upon piles of clothes. Get there early, as this one attracts the most serious flea shoppers from all corners of the globe. Entrance is $8, and doors are open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pasadena City College
PCC’s swap is less known than the neighboring Rose Bowl, but it’s just as much of a gem. Hosted on the first Sunday of every month, vendors set up in the parking structure and outside. Aisles are filled to the brim (think tchotchkes and old records) but worthwhile. Entrance is free, but visitors pay $2 for parking, which you can take care of at the self-service kiosks. Doors are open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Melrose Trading Post
Held every Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., it is significantly more manageable in size and less frenzied than some of the others — plus it’s conveniently located in the middle of the city. A must for any vintage lover, the Fairfax High parking lot provides great style-watching of buyers and sellers alike. It’s just $2 to get in, but be forewarned: Unless you arrive early, parking is notoriously difficult.

Long Beach Outdoor Antique & Collectible Market
Despite the 800-plus vendors, the smart grid layout makes it doable in one day (the third Sunday of every month, 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.). And though the location’s not so easy, there are reasonable price tags and elbow room. The heat off the asphalt can be brutal, so take a hat to beat the sun. Entrance costs $5 and parking is free; for an additional $5, early birds get first dibs 5:30 to 6:30 a.m.

Santa Monica Outdoor Antique & Collectible Market
Located in Brentwood next to Santa Monica College, it takes place on the first and fourth Sundays of every month. Prices vary, but the market has a plethora of affordable clothing and furniture. Antique lamps, vintage silk robes, and estate jewelry are just a few items to sniff out on your hunt. Shoppers pay $5 to get in, and the market is open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can get in as early as 6 a.m., but it’ll cost you another two bucks.

Photo: looseends / Flickr

	Under-$50 Finds Swirl scoured its closet to bring you the best fashion under $50 from lovely labels like Dallin Chase and Isabel Lu. While you’re there, hit up the Gar-de sale for up to 60% off tunics, tanks, and dresses.

It’s lucky number seven for the F#@* Yeah Fest. Fondly known as FYF, the indie music extravaganza brings its best lineup yet — rife with local talent — to rock the L.A. Historic State Park on Saturday. Here are some of the bands you don’t want to miss.

“AM/FM,” by !!!
(Don’t touch that dial.)

“Throwing Shade,” by Abe Vigoda
(Don’t forget a hat.)

“Round and Round,” by Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti
(Yes, like on repeat.)

“Boyfriend,” by Best Coast
(It’s complicated.)

“Gin in My System,” by Big Freedia
(A food truck is never far off.)

“Youth and Lust,” by Cold Cave
(We’ll take ’em both.)

“Stay Close,” by Delorean
(Or your spot is gone.)

“Camera Talk,” by Local Natives
(Take a picture; it’ll last longer.)

“Slow Motion,” by Panda Bear
(Animal Collective is missing an Ailuropoda melanoleuca.)

“Answer to Yourself,” by The Soft Pack
(Are we having fun yet?)

“Idiot,” by Wavves
(See: sweaty, shirtless, drunken heckler, three rows back.)

Tickets ($30) available online at fyffest.com.

Photo: Jack Rodriguez

	Our trusty Dossier is where we share all the newsy bits NY Fashion Week has to offer — behind-the-scenes beauty madness, street-style snapshots, designer giveaways, and porn (for fashion fetishizers).

	Up to 65% off E.vil & 80%20 We’ve got you covered from head (er, shoulder) to toe: E.vil’s playful T-shirts and 80%20’s hidden-wedge booties and two-tone tennies are up to 65% off today on Swirl.

We’ve had a girl crush on model-turned-interviewer-turned-whatever-she-wants Alexa Chung for ages. So we’re using the upcoming launch of her amazing collection for Madewell as an excuse to subject her to the same brilliantly funny questions she’s asked celebrities on her beloved, departed MTV talk show, It’s On with Alexa Chung.

Here’s one you asked the cast of Glee: Let’s say you’re opening a chain restaurant. What will you call it?
A themed restaurant or just a restaurant?

A themed one, obviously.
Well, it’s a shame that Jekyll & Hyde is already taken, because that is really good. Um. I’d really like to do a Spice Girls restaurant. We can call it Spice Up Your Life. It can have Spice Girl memorabilia everywhere and serve curry.

Speaking of Spice Girls, which one would you be?
Definitely Ginger Spice.

You asked Emile Hirsch how he’d describe his smell. So how about yours?
Ha. I don’t know. I wear rose perfume, so maybe I smell like roses.

Now for Lady Gaga, you asked her about what she wears to the grocery store. So how do you dress to go grocery shopping?
I dress like Lady Gaga.

Would you rather lose an eye or gain one?
Oh, that’s from John Mayer. He was cracking me up at the time, and I couldn’t hold it together, because I thought that was the best thing I’d ever heard. As he said, I’d gain one then work an eye patch — a really cool, bedazzled eye patch. Though maybe I can gain one and put it in the back of my head and switch between the three. I’d be like an owl.

And you could cover the third with hair?
And you could see what people were saying about you, literally, behind your back.

This last question is also something you asked John Mayer. And it’s our favorite question ever.
It’s about the hairline, isn’t it?

Yes! Would you rather have a receding hairline or a — if this is a word — proceeding hairline?
Oh, man. I don’t know, because neither is particularly attractive on a lady. I mean, if you’re a guy, you can just kind of have a receding one, and it’s fine. Or a proceeding one, and it can be like a beard. But I’m a lady. No facial furniture’s okay really, right? So I guess I’d have a receding one, and I can cover it with wigs.

We like that answer.
Well, I don’t want to be bothered with shaving every day. I can’t even bother with shaving every day now, so if it were on my face, it’d be a real nightmare. There’d be a lot going on.

Finally, is there anything you wish we’d asked?
If you die tomorrow, would you be happy with everything you’ve accomplished so far?

That’s a good one. So what’s the answer?
You’re quite deep. Well. It’s aiiight.

For more delightful insight into the world of Chung (her Madewell collection, fave foods, and whose closet she wants to raid), click to the DailyCandy Dossier. Visit regularly during Fashion Week for the chance to win one of the great makeup bags from the collection, launching September 9 online at madewell.com. Still want more? Check out our gallery of her original sketches.

Photo: Thomas Giddings

	Our trusty Dossier is where we share all the newsy bits NY Fashion Week has to offer — behind-the-scenes beauty madness, street-style snapshots, designer giveaways, and porn (for fashion fetishizers).

	Up to 65% off E.vil & 80%20 We’ve got you covered from head (er, shoulder) to toe: E.vil’s playful T-shirts and 80%20’s hidden-wedge booties and two-tone tennies are up to 65% off today on Swirl.

Chung’s quirky sketches appear on T-shirts and accessories in her Madewell collection. We kind of want to print these out and frame them.

To see a Q&A with Chung — and for a chance to win a makeup bag from her collection later this week — visit our DailyCandy Dossier.

There’s no denying the goings-on at Hogwarts are irresistible (and if loving the books and movies is wrong, we don’t want to be right). But at what point does the affinity for adolescent wizards get weird/creepy? In this Ask the Office Guy, Dan works his advice magic.

Got a question for our office guy? E-mail him at theofficeguy@dailycandy.com.

This isn’t good-bye, white pants. It’s see you later.

HEAR
A Dolly Parton Tribute
What: Inara George (The Bird and the Bee) gets the gang together (Becky Stark, The Living Sisters, Charlie Wadhams, and others) under the starry skies for a night of the Smoky Mountain songbird’s finest.
Why: You’ve been waiting for the day your ship would come in.
When: Sat., 3 p.m.
Where: The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., at Rugged Trl., Topanga Canyon (310-455-2322). Tickets ($25-$40) online at theatricum.com.

BUY
A. Kinney Court Sale
What: Snag clothing, shoes, sunglasses, and accessories from faves like LnA, Becca Moon, Oliver Peoples, Mosley Tribes, KBL, and others at up to 70 percent off.
Why: Follow the music to the courtyard for complimentary beer and wine, so you’ll be ready to make those tough shopping decisions.
When: Fri., 6-10 p.m.
Where: 1423 Abbot Kinney Blvd., b/t Milwood & California Aves., Venice (310-392-3400).

EAT
Slice-of-Pie Sundays
What: Tiny Bountiful Bakery hits up the Brentwood Village Farmers Market with weekly selections of freshly baked goodness (banana cream and caramel apple streusel).
Why: Cakes, pies, and bars are actually exactly like Grandma used to make (baker Denise Assad’s grandma anyway).
When: Ongoing. Sun., 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: 741 Gretna Green Way, b/t San Vicente Blvd. & Montana Ave., Brentwood.

LOUNGE
Page 71 Lounge
What: Studio City’s newest late-night spot for locals looking for a casual but well-appointed change of scenery with cool, midcentury modern design from the sofas inside to the enclosed patio out back.
Why: Grab a Bertoia-style wire stool at the bar and get acquainted with a Lawn Gnome (a retro-feeling whiskey/amaretto/cola concoction served with a cherry on top).
When: Tues.-Sun., 8 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: 11916 Ventura Blvd., b/t Laurel Canyon Blvd. & Carpenter Ave., Studio City (818-980-4811).

Photo: Getty Images

	Up to 60% off Denim We’ve rounded up covetable jeans from the likes of Paige, Rich & Skinny, Dylan George, and Rockstar. They’ll leave your wallet (but not your butt) nice and big, since they’re up to 60% off on Swirl.

Technically speaking, shouldn’t all other days be called leisure days?

TREAD
Loeffler Randall Rain Boots
What: Much-anticipated (they’ve been about two years coming) impermeable rubber versions ($165-$195) of LR’s popular Matilde knee-high boots and June lace-up ankle booties in infallible neutrals (black, olive green, and taupe).
Why: Your feet will be drier and better styled than the soggy masses.
Where: Online at loefflerrandall.com.

READ
DailyCandy+Fashion Week
What: We did it up big. Up-close-and-personal looks into the lives and lines of nine of our favorite indie designers (including Albertus Swanepoel, Ann Yee, and Samantha Pleet) join our usual NYFW cast (The Dossier, giveaways, groundbreaking show coverage).
Why: Our friends at Swirl wanted in; look for their Fashion Week pop-up shop featuring five of the previously mentioned designers.
Where: Online at dailycandy.com.

SCORE
SnappyTuna
What: If ramekins, zesters, and obscure cooking gadgets make you giddy, geek out with the members-only sale site filled with top-notch kitchen utensils and table settings.
Why: There’s nothing fishy about 50-70 percent off the likes of Outset barware, Danica table linens, and Rosanna tableware.
Where: Online at snappytuna.com.

CELEBRATE
Sweet Sally’s Bakeshop Rosh Hashanah Treats
What: Rugelach (chocolate apricot, raspberry cinnamon raisin) and mandelbread ($12-$13) made by a nice New York girl who bakes just like (but probably better than) your grandma.
Why: The best part of every holiday? The food to which it’s intrinsically linked. Shana tova!
Where: Online at sweetsallys.com.

THROW
Beklina Prairie Rugs
What: Do you have a floor? Is it naked? Cover up with sustainably made, 100 percent recycled cotton carpets, mats, and runners ($50-$290) that are sturdy, washable, and come in bold colors (brick, mint, cobalt).
Why: The rug doesn’t always have to match the drapes; in fact, complementary colors can really open a room.
Where: Online at beklina.com.

Photos: Courtesy of Loeffler Randall

	Up to 60% off Denim We’ve rounded up covetable jeans from the likes of Paige, Rich & Skinny, Dylan George, and Rockstar. They’ll leave your wallet (but not your butt) nice and big, since they’re up to 60% off on Swirl.

Tomato soup and Fritos for supper? Again? Get out of that rut, starting with this very easy shopping list from Cookbook, the newly opened neighborhood market and takeout in Echo Park that’s stocked with pantry delights and tasty groceries.

1. Maestri Pastai flown in from Naples.
2. Organic pumpernickel flour.
3. Sustainably grown produce from local farmers (look for tomatoes, peaches, and melons).
4. Honey from California bees.
5. VK Food’s fresh soy milk.
6. Free-range eggs from Mill Road Orchard in Paso Robles.
7. San Francisco’s Sightglass Coffee.
8. Cookbook’s own olive oil (buy a bottle once, take it back for refills).
9. Dr. Bob’s seasonal ice cream.
10. Artisan brittle from Morning Glory Confections (we like the Bacon Spanish Paprika).
11. Fresh-cut, pesticide-free flowers (for good measure).

Need extra help? The collection of Marta Teegen’s favorite cookbooks for sale at the counter inspires the weekly prepared food menu provided by catering darlings Heirloom L.A., and the deli case stocks salads, sandwiches, fresh-baked breads, fruit galettes, and savory tarts to go. Much tastier than Fritos.

Cookbook, 1549 Echo Park Avenue, between Scott and Morton Avenues, Echo Park (213-250-1900 or cookbookla.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Cookbook

	We played fly-on-the-wall as nine of NYC’s most exciting indie designers sketched, kvetched, and dressed their way to the runway. Check out the action on our Fashion Week site and just try to resist retweeting it.

	Up to 60% off Lucky Lucky added loungewear to its denim repertoire with the same dedication to fit and style. In vibrant prints and flattering cuts, everything’s especially comfy at up to 60% off on Swirl.

Indie band Ra Ra Riot’s melodic, strings-driven new album The Orchard is just in time for the last road trip of the season. Their unique, orchestral sound has us wondering which late-summer tunes are on their playlist. Here’s what guitarist Milo Bonacci has to say.

“Midnight Lover,” by Kisses
“A warm summer night in SoCal.”

“Sabali,” by Amadou & Mariam
“Pleasingly simple. Plus, I’m a sucker for synthesizer arpeggios and old-school drum machines!”

“In Particular,” by Blonde Redhead
“I love the guitar work in their songs. There always seems to be something new the closer you look.”

“Collector,” by Here We Go Magic
“Fun and mesmerizing with a nice dynamic arc.”

“Siberian Breaks,” by Mgmt
“Its musical scenes are structured more like a movie than a typical pop song.”

“This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody),” by Talking Heads
“An all-time favorite song. Nearly perfect.”

“I Wanna Be Your Lover,” by Prince
“I love the rhythmic tension between the drums and keyboards.”

“Forever,” by Walter Meego
“They have a whole bunch of new material from a soon-to-be record. I’m curious and excited to hear what they put out next.”

“Tomboy,” by Panda Bear
“I really like the depth and audible space. It’s a trademark of Panda Bear’s music but captivating nonetheless.”

“Wind Chimes,” by The Beach Boys
“It’s not that it sounds like a cool summer night — it feels like a cool summer night.”

For more information and U.S. tour dates, go to rarariot.com. Download The Orchard online at itunes.com.

Photo: Doron Gild

	We played fly-on-the-wall as nine of NYC’s most exciting indie designers sketched, kvetched, and dressed their way to the runway. Check out the action on our Fashion Week site and just try to resist retweeting it.

	Up to 60% off Lucky Lucky added loungewear to its denim repertoire with the same dedication to fit and style. In vibrant prints and flattering cuts, everything’s especially comfy at up to 60% off on Swirl.

Like what you see in DailyCandy’s Fashion Week coverage? Visit the Swirl pop-up shop. Starting September 8, the site will be selling the F/W 2010 ready-to-wear pieces (everything you see in this video) from designers Ann Yee, Bodkin, Samantha Pleet, Tom Scott, and Whit. Our editors are already drooling over the merch. Still not a Swirl member? Join here.

Benz in his studio.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?
At my desk, sketching spring 2021.

What are you currently reading?
Role Models, by John Waters. I’m a die-hard fan, and have been my whole life. I’ve read everything he’s ever written, and Role Models doesn’t disappoint. Hilarious!

What’s your favorite under-the-radar spot in NYC?
Karavas on West Fourth, for its burgers and jukebox.

What’s the most embarrassing song on your iPod?
“If You Could Read My Mind,” by Gordon Lightfoot. I listen to it all the time.

What fashion trend will we never see Chris Benz design?
Never say never, but I don’t prefer a jegging.

What’s something we’d be surprised to know about you?
I eat cheeseburgers every day, but I hate French fries.

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Scott means business.  (But he’s really very nice.)

The next place I’d like to travel is …
Astoria. For Greek food.

It may sound distorted, but I collect old doll parts.

If I could be anyone from a TV show, I would be …
One of the women on the Mormon fundamentalist compound in the show Big Love. I’m obsessed with their style.

One of my favorite places in NYC is …
All the bike lanes.

When I was little, I wanted to be …
Greg Louganis.

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Don’t miss our top-seeded Deals.

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Swanepoel and cat at home.

When milliner Albertus Swanepoel was 7 years old in Pretoria, South Africa, he found a doll’s head, stuck a pencil where its neck had been, and draped it with fabric. Later, in his early 20s, he sold his beloved piano so he could afford fashion school.

Now, almost 30 years later, the CFDA winner’s elegant-yet-modern hats are featured in runway shows like Proenza Schouler, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Peter Som, Carolina Herrera, DVF, and Narciso Rodriguez. And he still makes every single cloche, fedora, turban, and boater in his Garment District studio. To see the charming Swanepoel in action, watch our video.

Read our Q&A with the designer

Take a virtual tour of his apartment

Lust after his previous designer collaborations

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Pozgay’s got the whole world in her hands.

Create your ideal breakfast: What would you eat, where, and with whom?
Quiet breakfast, sunny day, window seat, hueves con mole at Miranda’s in Williamsburg, with my boyfriend, Parker. They have amazing iced coffee and the sweetest staff of all time. It is a happy place.

The best/last art exhibit I saw was …
I went to the Creator’s Project at Milk Studios and was mesmerized by Muti Randolph’s Rubik’s Cube. It was this incredible cube made of thousands of spheres of light. You could walk through, and it was synced to music to change patterns.

Fill in the blank: It may sound old ladyish but I collect odd little trinkets like glass birds or old wooden toys.

What are some of your favorite movies and why?
Rushmore: It is clever, funny, the styling is insane, and the soundtrack is one of my favorites of all time. Every character is lovable in some way.
The Red Balloon: This is a short movie, but I am obsessed with it and have been since I was a little girl. It is such a beautiful little fantasy with a bittersweet ending. I love the contrast of the red balloon with the gray streets of Paris.

What are you currently reading?
Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky. But I think that I am going to stop. It makes me feel like I am reading someone’s personal mail or something.

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