Top Shops in Pasadena's Vintage Vault

Mad Men set decorator Amy Wells once told the Los Angeles Times that "Pasadena has the crème de la crème of used furniture stores on this part of the planet," touting the sprawling two-story Pasadena Antique Mall at Paseo as one of her regular stops. This family-run business has everything from whimsical collectibles to retro clothing and period furnishings. Expect affordable prices and a huge selection. If you can't find something specific that you're looking for, their "Wish List" feature allows you to connect with their dealers' directly to dig deeper into their selections stored off-site.

The internationally renowned Rose Bowl Flea Market is a mecca for vintage lovers and interior decorators. The legendary market takes place the second Sunday of every month at Rose Bowl Stadium. More than 2,500 vendors are spread out around the grounds selling vintage clothing, midcentury modern furniture, African textiles, Moroccan rugs, Chinese antiques, jewelry and so much more. The people watching is just as compelling as the epic selection of goods for sale—and the celebrity sighting potential is very high. Early entrance tickets can be purchased to get first dibs on the merchandise before the doors open to the general public at 9:00 a.m.

Pasadena's antique district runs along South Fair Oaks Avenue from Bellevue Drive to East California Boulevard. This hidden hub of well-curated antique stores is where top Hollywood set designers and globally recognized interior designers are among the loyal clientele. Revival Antiques (1 W. California Blvd. # 611) is filled with restored lighting fixtures, antique furniture and vintage tiles. Pasadena Antiques & Design (330 S. Fair Oaks Ave.) is a sizable multi-dealer shop meticulously arranged with fine art and furnishings, pottery, ceramics and other artifacts. The massive Pasadena Antique Center & Annex (480 S. Fair Oaks Ave.) spans two-buildings housing furniture, jewelry, art and rare books sourced from 130 professional antique dealers. T.L. Gurley Antiques (512 S. Fair Oaks Ave.) may be the smallest of this bunch, but they pack a lot of quality and character into their tightly edited selection of rugs, furniture, art and garden décor.

On the first Sunday of each month, Pasadena City College Flea Market (1570 E. Colorado Blvd.) attracts hundreds of vendors selling antiques, collectibles and records. This flea market is a go-to for music fans in particular. More than 50 record collectors and used music vendors set up shop in a dedicated area where they showcase their vinyl, CDs and memorabilia. The market runs 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. around the campus's East and West parking lots and admission is free.

Luxury lovers frequent Clothes Heaven (111 E. Union St.) to scour their glittering racks for designer handbags, clothing, shoes and accessories. With more than three decades in business, Clothes Heaven is a trusted resource for iconic brands like Gucci, Prada, Chanel and Louis Vuitton—to name just a few of their big name labels. Couture gowns, fur coats, Chanel purses, Christian Louboutin heels and much more await bargain-hunters, fashion fans and stylists alike.

Founded in 1956, Canterbury Records (805 E. Colorado Blvd.) is LA's oldest surviving record shop. The family-owned, independent store has long catered to music lovers of all genres. When it comes to their extensive vinyl selection, they sell both used and new records.

Poo-Bah Records (2636 E. Colorado Blvd.) opened in 1971 and has been a staple of the LA music scene since. The avant-garde Los Angeles Free Music Society made it a regular gathering place in the 70s, cementing Poo-Bah's status as a destination for music makers and appreciators alike. Today the vinyl selection remains one of the best in the region. The listening lounge is a good excuse to linger long after you've finished browsing.

If you're in the market for salvaged items to suit a specific era or style, Pasadena Architectural Salvage (2600 E. Foothill Blvd.) sells reclaimed doors, cabinets, windows, plumbing and lighting fixtures spanning the decades between 1880 and 1940. They also have a wide range of wrought iron elements and striking stained and leaded antique glass windows.