I’ve always adored vintage finds. My love for flea markets and estate sales has only grown as I’ve spent more time in Palms Springs. A few years ago I came across a fabulously curated shop in the desert, Pink Cactus. The store owner, Julie Exley, has the most unique eye for vintage treasures. She is incredibly knowledgeable in shopping estate sales (so much so that she started her own estate sale business in Palm Springs). And she has simply the most fabulous taste! We’ve become close friends over the years, texting each other treasures we’ve found from Paris to Texas to LA.
This month Julie and I got together to host J. McLaughlin for a pop-up shop and dinner party in Palm Springs. We met with fellow design enthusiasts, Michael Ostrow and Roger Stoker from Grace Home Furnishings and enjoyed dinner at the Holiday House with friends of the brand. While we were there we chatted about all things flea markets and estate sales!
Flea Market vs. Estate Sale
Flea markets are typically organized sales where there are multiple vendors selling a variety of used goods; vintage, antique or junk (as they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!). They usually happen on a schedule—once a month or a few times a year—in a dedicated space (think Brimfield, MA, The Rosebowl in Pasadena, CA, the Palm Springs Vintage Market). Whereas an estate sale takes place inside a home where the owner has DDD (died, divorced, downsized) and a company has been engaged to sell the contents of the home. Estate sales take place once, usually over a period of 2-3 days.
Estate sales are a different ballgame. Many sales are filled with high-quality items that have withstood the test of time and are built to last. They can be a source of many a cherished item, from interior decor to clothes and jewelry. You can also find household cleaning supplies like vacuums, appliances, tools, complete furniture sets, larger pieces of art, rugs, draperies, collections, china, even cars and golf carts! Buyers can often purchase items—sometimes barely used—for a fraction of what they might cost new.
One tool you will need is the estatesales.net app. This is a must. You can view estate sales in your area, browse photos up to a week ahead and determine if the sale is worth your time. If you see an item of interest, get there early! Details for the sale (time, location, sign-up sheets or numbers) are always posted. You will be responsible for taking your items that day or by the end of the sale. Don’t buy anything you can’t fit in your car or be prepared to pay a mover to pick it up for you.
How to Prepare to Shop
Being prepared for both types of sales will keep you on track and on budget. Of course it’s always fun to just go and poke around with a few dollars in your pocket—you never know what you might find!
“I always keep a budget in mind. With electronic payments it can be easy to overspend! For flea market shopping, I typically make a list or have a focus—it allows me to stay on track and have fun looking at that same time. I have a running list on my phone for wanted items (e.g. brass, clams, Mexican vintage) I check before each sale. If you are hunting for something larger (art, furniture), take a tape measurer. Make sure your phone is charged if you plan to use Venmo, Zelle or Apple Pay. I always take cash as vendors typically prefer cash, it seems to work better for negotiating and it really keeps you on track. No more cash = time to go and save for the next sale!” says Julie.
At the end of the day, it’s most important that you collect and cherish things that appeal to your individual sense of aesthetics. You should you buy what you like. After all, you have to live with it. So bring it home if you love it!
Shopping tips:
- Prepare your budget and payment methods. Charge up your phone. Cash is always best.
- Some flea markets may charge an entrance fee (usually $15-20 a person)
- Download estatesales.net app.
- Make a list and educate yourself on what the item should cost and how to recognize a dupe.
- Be an early bird. Flea market vendors and estate sale companies are usually prepared days ahead with everything out by the opening bell. If that’s not for you, go towards the end of the day when people are more likely to be bargained with. There will still be great items for sale.
- If you are looking for larger pieces (mirrors, art, furniture) for a specific space measure beforehand and bring a measuring tape.
- Get ready for a fun few hours & bring snacks. No-one likes shopping when they’re hangry.
Follow @roadrunnerestatesales for the best sales in the Palm Springs area!
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Julie Exley started her career at Sotheby’s New York in the 1980s, where she first began evaluating and appraising collectibles. Julie holds a Master’s in Interior Architecture + Design, is an Allied member of ASID, past President of the SF chapter, and currently sits on the board of the Interior Design Council of California. “My first job at Sotheby’s NY gave me an education in scale, proportion, and quality. It influenced how I combine textures and patterns and my propensity to mix high and low pieces. It also got me started at a very early age finding deals under rocks! I love sourcing at flea markets, estate sales, and auctions and refurbishing diamonds in the rough.” Julie currently manages several design projects, has a shop, Pink Cactus, in Palm Springs, and an estate sale business.
Mary began collecting vintage furniture and homewares in 2020 during the midst of the pandemic. Having spent so much time at home in LA and in Palm Springs, she longed for dinner parties, events and festivities and used vintage shopping as a creative outlet. She quickly learned how to find and refinish the best pieces of furniture with an appreciation for color, quality and character. She enjoys styling her vintage finds, decorating her home with colorful painted pieces, and setting tablescapes with unique glassware. She shares her lens on life, motherhood, and finding joy in the everyday on maryandcrew.com and @maryandcrew.
