What do they wear: The Melrose Trading Post

June 7, 11:47 PMLA Fashion Scene ExaminerRossana Woo

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Credit: Rossana Woo

Where there’s fashion finds, there’s fashionistas.

And what better place to scope out the LA fashion scene than by visiting the Melrose Trading Post, located on Fairfax and Melrose at Fairfax High School.

Here at this sprawling flea market one can find great fashion finds ranging from vintage dresses, jewelry, and shoes, as well as random artwork and novelties.

But another great thing the MTP offers is a look at some of the hottest trends going on in Los Angeles.

I’m talking about the young trendsetters of LA who rummage the racks and scour the spreads looking for the best pair of distressed jeans, vintage-style lace-up boots, and Chanel-inspired shoulder bags – without breaking the bank.

15-year-old Jordan hails from Santa Monica, but is willing to travel just about anywhere to find exactly what she’s looking for.
And she found it at the MTP: a pair of acid-washed high-wasted jeans, for a grand total of $10.

“I’ve been flipping through magazines and looking through other people’s blogs because I’ve wanted acid wash jeans for the longest time,” she said. “I found these and was in love with them.”

As for 21-year-old Alexia, some of her best finds are from her mother’s closet.

She was decked out in a pair of her mother’s black combat boots, which was a lovely contrast to her sheer ivory tunic with a lace bow.

Not new to the flea market scene, Alexia says she loves how at flea markets you can find “a mix of everything, from the colors to the pieces.”

Another stylista who also loves to mix it up is 22-year-old recent college graduate Alexandra.

Her outfit consisted of a plain white t-shirt from Wal-mart, a pair of Urban Outfitters booties, and of course, a Dooney & Bourke-inspired handbag unearthed from a flea market.

Why does she love shopping at flea markets?

It’s simple: “A, it’s cheaper; and B, it’s much less likely that people will be wearing the same thing you’re wearing.”

Excellent reasons if you ask me.

19-year-old Orlando is a fashion student who most definitely won’t find another guy wearing the same thing he is.

He came to the MTP wearing a pair of women’s Levi skinny jeans and a necklace from Forever 21.

“I’m very versatile when it comes to style,” Orlando said. “I don’t really have style.”

It may have been Orlando’s first time to the MTP, but he has high hopes he’ll find something good.

“I just saw this pair of shoes that are really cute, but I don’t have any cash on me! I wish they had those little swipies. But they don’t.”

So here’s a tip if you’re planning on going to the Melrose Trading Post: bring lots of cash and don’t be afraid to dress up in your most fashion-forward outfit.

For more info: greenwayarts.org/tradingpost.htm