I recently relocated to Los Angeles for a job and I’m just starting to explore the city. Coming from Texas, one of the things I’m most excited about is the flea markets. Flea markets in Austin were either sadly small or way, way out of town. So, my first weekend out was to the Melrose Trading Post. It’s a market that opens in a school parking lot on Melrose every Sunday at 9AM. Vendors were peddling vintage clothing, handmade purses and home furnishings.While I found the prices a bit high (and most vendors don’t have written tags, which bugs me), people were open to bargaining. But if you are really serious about finding furniture, this probably isn’t the best place to go. Most stalls specialized in smalls or clothing. On the other hand, if you need a really unique vintage purse (and are willing to pay retail), this is a great place to try. Vintage clothing was hit or miss (a lot of t-shirts and well worn button downs with the occasional dress or jacket).  Entry is a reasonable $2, which, in my opinion, is a small price to pay for a few hours of treasure hunting.

Browsing Pinterest, I just ran across a link to a Pottery Barn Lookalikes, a blog that specializes in finding less-expensive versions of Pottery Barn Products. Bookmark this blog – such a great resource. Above, PB’s entry way storage system, $649 each (two shown).

Wayfair’s Hartland Utility Closet, $355.

The holidays are sneaking up on us and that means it’s time to start thinking about gifts, crafts and holiday cards. Sites like Martha Stewart Living have tons of great ideas for homemade gifts like beautifully labeled homemade candies and jams. If you are looking to create your own labels, cards, or newsletters, you may be looking for some pretty fonts. Here are a few resources for freebies. Happy crafting.

Ribbon, Wisdom Script and Nelma from Lost Type Co-op are for sale – but it’s name your own price and you can input $0.

Learning Curve, Channel and Allura are via Nicole’s Classes.

West Elm is doing something amazingly smart and cool. Not only are they featuring items from their favorite Etsy sellers in their catalogs, they have partnered with Etsy to curate their own collection of Etsy favorites. You can see their picks here. This is a great way to make handmade a little more accessible for those who don’t have the time or inclination to sort through the oodles of things out there.

A new iPhone app lets you try your new furniture before you buy. Simply take a photo of the space you plan to fill and use the app to superimpose a piece. The app features finds from Pier 1, CB2, Stacks & Stacks, CSN Stores, Crate & Barrel and more. Kind of brilliant.

Photos via Curbly.

The new holiday issue of Sweet Paul magazine is up online. It includes some really fantastic, elegant wrapping ideas as well as recipes and tips for making the holidays painless.

Two fantastic discoveries today:

1) Sweet Paul. He’s got a blog and an online magazine with amazing decorating ideas and recipes.

2) White Halloween! The googly eye photographs slay me.

Via Shelterrific

If you’re looking for some inspiration for rainy-day crafting, this is the perfect blog for you. P.S. – I Made This features easy DIY projects, like the faux porcelain vases above (they’re made with puff paint). It also has a lot of fun, easy DIY fashion.

Via @design_sponge

Another great Etsy find – the Vintage Supply Co. It’s just what it claims – a fantastic store that stocks 1940s-1970s furniture, housewares and clothing.

Orange Ceramic Swag Lamp, $250

Lucite Candle Sticks, $375

Mod 60s Scooter Dress, $75

I recently discovered a furniture store here in Dallas that I had no idea existed. It’s called IO Metro and has some very reasonable prices. They’re sort of like a Pier One, selling imports from around the world.

Not everything is a home run. But, they’ve got some really stylish pieces that are totally affordable. So, how can we complain?

Sadly, IO Metro doesn’t sell online. But they’ve got locations across running through the Bible Belt. Hopefully one near you.

Madison Key West chair, $599

Seagrass Coffee Table, $199

Via Another Shade of Grey