June 2009

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June 30, 2009

BFF Of The Week: Alexandra

It's like I'm walking in the African grasslands and I spot a herd of beautiful zebra grazing nearby. And then my reverie is over and I realize it's just two hot chicks wearing the same dress at the Flea. As I was about to snap a shot of my prey, one turns around, armed with a taco, as if to say, "I know, right??!" It was the verbiage that got me. That and the dress. OK, and the taco. Meet Alexandra.

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So, what do you do?
I'm an environmental attorney. God that sounds lame.

What do you wish you could say?
Actually? I don't think I could really be doing anything cooler.

If you were a vendor at the Flea, what would you sell?
Organic Big Macs. Or compost heaps. One of the two.

What did you do this morning?
I woke up at 8 to go to work.

What are you doing later?
I'd really like to crash the MJ party someone was just talking about but I'm going to Floyd for beer and bocce.

What is your fondest memory of Michael Jackson?
What is that MJ record that when you unfolded the three panels, he was there laying down with like, a puma or a tiger, or something? When I was little, I would open it up in my bedroom and lie next to it and pretend he was my boyfriend. Sometimes we would make out a little bit. [Um, that was "Thriller!" --ed.]

Finish this sentence. Brooklyn is...
Brooklyn is better than yours.

Damn Alexandra. But thanks!

Finders/Keepers June 27/28

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Perfect scavenging weather at the Fleas, and the Hunt didn't last long (when does it anymore?). Earlybirds catch the Fleas!

Clockwise from upper left:
In a moment of clarity, Abby and Eric (right) from Crown Heights found the Boodles British Gin mirror at Sydney's Baxter's Bazaar booth in Fort Greene, where he unveils his treasure-seeking finds of the week. Sometimes it's giant metal cash registers, sometimes piles of century-old newspapers, sometimes vintage drinking tcotchkes. Eric and Abby "are gonna put it up," though they were slurring their words so it's hard to say really.

Reid and Karen (left) sauntered down to the Bridge from the East Village and promptly discovered the groovy lightbulb money clip in the always pretty Bonbon Oiseau booth. Deb (not pictured) makes gorgeous jewelry, money clips like this one, and hair adornments that fly out of her weekly FG and Bridge booths. C'est si bon!

Our Dumbo pal Rebecca (center) of Moontree Letterpress has branched out from her stationery base into these cute moss terrariums, which folks found Saturday and Sunday. She was a last-minute Hunt addition, so if you know the names of her winners feel free to pass 'em along.

Check back Friday at Noon for this week's items.

June 29, 2009

June 27/28 Slideshow

Just a stunning suite of Fleas this weekend--the way they were meant to be really. Thanks for comin' out!

June 26, 2009

Scavenger Hunt Items: June 27 + 28

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One for Saturday, two for Sunday (last-minute straggler wanted to join the fun).

When you find one of the items above, which can be hidden in any vendor booth, it's yours, absolutely free! Then we post your photo with the generous vendor here on the blog on Monday. Only one winner per calendar month. Items posted every Friday around Noon.

Happy hunting!

From left:
1. 1970s Boodles British Gin bar mirror. Vintage (Fort Greene/Saturday)

2. Money clip with lightbulb (cash not included!). New/handmade (Brooklyn Bridge/Sunday)

3. Moss terrarium with letterpressed care instructions. New/handmade (Brooklyn Bridge/Sunday)

June 25, 2009

WWD Flea

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Fashion bible Women's Wear Daily picked up the Flea+Madewell collaboration, cutely describing our hookup as a "summer share" in Soho and East Hampton. Thanks Rosemary! (Subscribers only on their website fyi.)

Frankly, the credit for this project goes to our smashing vintage-clothing vendors, who collect with reckless abandon every week just to clothe you in the coolest, most affordable duds. These folks literally criss-cross the country searching for the best stuff, which is the real reason why the Flea has become Fashion Central every weekend.

The list goes on and on: Jellyroll, White Dove, Used+Abused, Rough+Tumble, Papushka, Cherry Vintage, Rue St. Denis, Vintagepimps, Dulcinee, Joan Van Hees, Hairy Mary's, Angels+Warriors, Anodyne, Go Bang!, 3Free Design, Gentleman's Outfitters, Funky Fanny's, Estate of Art, Martine's Dream, Collecther, Marilyn Hitchcock, Kelsi Ammon...

Under the Brooklyn Bridge, Long Before The Flea

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Fleasters may be interested to see this photo of our new home under the Brooklyn Bridge which comes courtesy of our friends at the Fulton Ferry Landing Association. As you can see, it wasn't exactly a touristy hotspot back in the 1970s. The building you see in the spot where the market is now held was called the Purchase Building. Most recently it served as the headquarters for the Office of Emergency Management.

June 24, 2009

Bridge Flea's on a (Lobster) Roll

lobster%20roll.jpgThe Flea under the Brooklyn Bridge has hit the ground running, with 100+ vendors dealing mostly in nice vintage and antique items, plus your favorite handmade and jewelry folks from Fort Greene. It has a different feel somehow, you kinda have to see it to know it.

Anyhoo, starting this Sunday you'll have a foolproof reason to stroll down to the waterfront this summer. Namely, lobster rolls. Fresh from Maine. Mayo or butter. Grilled Nissen buns.

The folks from the new Red Hook Lobster Pound (284 Van Brunt St. at Verona Pl.) truck up to Maine every week and bring back tons of fresh lobsters for Brooklynites to steam, suck, butter, etc. Now, they're bringing lobster rolls to the masses at the Bridge Flea--and after Senor and Mr. B's office tasting last month we know you're in for a treat. The real deal as they say.

Prices will be based on the market that week, but will likely hover in the $13-15 range. They'll also be slingin' Jonah crab claws, ready for your cracking and snacking pleasure.

And--why not?--we're re-introducing Fort Greene faves Choice Market (doing sushi in addition to their perfect pastries) and, well, pupusas. Plus ya got yer Stumptown Coffee, People's Pops, McClure's Pickles, Rick's Picks, Fine + Raw Chocolate, and Blue Marble Ice Cream.

Um, yum!

June 23, 2009

Flea Markets Flopping in Coney, Threatened in Chelsea

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For those of you interested in keeping up with flea market gossip in the New York City area, today was a big news day: First, the NY Post ran an article about Thor Equities' failed attempt at starting a market in Coney Island: "Sitt's ads for his "Flea by the Sea" are a stretch even by propaganda standards, as the pictures on this page show. Sitt's tented flea market, shown as two rows of striped tents crammed with happy visitors, so far consists of a single, thinly-populated tent even though the "festival" started on May 15." Then The Observer broke the news that developer who bought the property that houses the Antiques Garage at 112 West 25th Street in Manhattan has recently filed plans for a 29-story hotel on the site. "It's news to me," said Alan Boss, whose lease requires that the developer give him three months notice before kicking him out. Interesting times in the flea market business.

Madewell + The Flea: We Match!

Flea%2BMadewell.jpgThe Flea is steppin' it up.

In perhaps our highest-profile collaboration to date, this week two Madewell shops in Soho and East Hampton will begin featuring a section of vintage clothing and accessories curated from Flea vendors. The Madewell gals scoured the market over the past month and handpicked pieces from our fabulous vintage vendors, and they'll be back to re-stock the sections throughout the summer. Each shop will display info about the Flea in the section, which in the Soho store will be located inside a funky wooden structure made of tree branches. (How Flea!)

The partnership will kick off with an in-store party at the Madewell Soho Broadway shop this Thursday evening (invite at right) featuring yummy Flea food vendors you know and love: Red Hook pupusas, Nunu Chocolates, Salvatore Bklyn cannolis and cheeses--and new Flea foodie (starting this Saturday) Brooklyn Brew Shop's "Madewell Microbrew" brewed specially for the event. Best of all, you're invited!

See you at the Flea (at Madewell)!

Brooklyn Flea + Madewell
Thursday, June 25
6-8pm
Madewell Soho, 486 Broadway (at Broome St.)
212.226.6954

Finders/Keepers June 20/21

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Rainy day didn't stop the Hunt--then again what would?

Diana, Juan, and Eduardo, all from Clinton Hill (woot!), found the amber glass candlesticks in the always pleasing City Owl booth. Proprietress Ashley isn't pictured (she's the shutterbug), but her melange of metal industrial stuff, tabletops, and urban salvage all in an 8x8 is one of our finest '09 additions. The Owl sleeps (or not) in E38 Saturdays; check the Friday layout for their spot under the Bridge Sundays.

This fine lady (her name's on the way) scored the balsam-fir pillow from the Old Village Hall booth, which made its debut on Sunday under the Bridge. Scott (right) and Erica live in the East Village and upstate, where they have two shops in Andes, NY, Old Village Hall and Delaware Trading Post. Scott designs and silkscreens fabrics for upholstering chairs and pillows (that's Myrna Loy from The Thin Man on the pillow above), also designs interiors for shops and restaurants. They're a great coupla folks, hope to have 'em back soon.

Peggy Ram is her name, and she was at the Flea from New Jersey with her two daughters from Manhattan. (Thanks Kyle!)

Check back Friday at Noon for this week's items.

June 22, 2009

June 20/21 Slideshow

Lil' rain can't stop no Flea no way no how. Just pics from Fort Greene this week, as Senor celebrated his first Father's Day on Sunday. Shopping in a drizzle is mighty fine, try it sometime.

June 21, 2009

Nice n' Purty Under the Bridge

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About half-full at the Flea today--i.e., bargains galore. Furniture, salvage, summer frocks, lamps, jewelry, bikes (incl. Recycle-a-Bicycle kids models), Stumptown Coffee, and a gorgeous 48-star hand-stitched American flag.

Come on down!

June 19, 2009

Scavenger Hunt Items: June 20+21

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Remember, we're now doing the Hunt at both markets every weekend: Fort Greene on Saturdays, Brooklyn Bridge on Sundays.

When you find one of the items above, which can be hidden in any vendor booth, it's yours, absolutely free! Then we post your photo with the generous vendor here on the blog on Monday. Only one winner per calendar month. Items posted every Friday around Noon.

Happy hunting!

From left:
1. Pair of amber-colored glass candlesticks. Vintage (Fort Greene/Saturday)

2. Black T-shirt featuring artwork from the upcoming documentary Soul Power, about "Zaire '74" a 3-day music festival that revolved around the famous "Rumble in the Jungle" boxing match in Kinshasa, Zaire. New/handmade (Fort Greene/Saturday)

3. Silkscreened-fabric pillow stuffed with balsam-fir tips. New/handmade (Brooklyn Bridge/Sunday)

June 18, 2009

Antiquinaires Extraordinaire

Ceramic twin cats, antique tin airplanes, turn-of-the-century French wicker potties (seriously--with a flap to cover the hole), all in one glorious and sunny spot in the yard at Fort Greene, hosted by Karen and Albert of Antiquinaires.

Partners in marriage and in business for more than 30 years, they know how to make it shine. He upholsters by day, she writes, their passion for the collectibles stems from a need to educate the masses about investment in antiques and art and how to incorporate these objects into your homes. Sign me up!

Karen and Al come in every Saturday from Long Island, and sometimes they bring their sons Ethan (14, budding designer) and Angus (19, merchandising master on his way to the Navy!).

In addition to finding and collecting and selling and fleaing, Karen and Al just expanded their Long Island gallery to a larger space in Baldwin where they rep emerging artists, hold events and sell their goods. You can also peep them on their new Antiquinaires website, where soon you can participate in online auctions.

Oh, AND they loan and sell props to films and theaters, shop for estate sales to keep the business flowing, and strategically donate much of what they buy to local non-profits and shelters. I'm tired just reading this. Check the slide show and check Antiquinaires every Saturday at the Flea in W16.

June 17, 2009

June 13/14 Slideshow

If you didn't make it to the gorgeous double-dip in Fort Greene and under the Brooklyn Bridge, relive the memories through this virtual slideshow! Pics galore of setup, the view, and action under the Bridge, including our bullhorn-fueled press conference with Marty!

Time Out + Boys + Girls Club

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So the Time Out Curated Corner was a massive success under the Bridge on Sunday.

Selling items donated by a dozen-plus designers and collectors, Erin (above) and crew raised $3000 for the Madison Square Boys + Girls Club's Navy Yard location's cultural programs. Holy cannoli!

Job well-done all-around, thanks to all for participating--and shopping!

June 16, 2009

Finders/Keepers June 13/14

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The Hunt sprawled to both Fleas this weekend, but neither location took long to produce a winner. Scavenging knows no bounds!

Left to right:
Michaela is not only a Scavenger, she's also a vendor, having sold at the Flea a handful of times. As a Fleaster, she loves the tacos and Christina Stankard's delicate handmade jewelry. Here's Michaela (left), who calls the Chelsea Hotel home, with Christina and her new gorgeous freshwater pearl necklace. Christina's in E30 in Fort Greene every Saturday, and I39 under the Bridge on Sundays.

Lisa made her first trek to the Flea from Hoboken on Saturday, and around 1pm she discovered the polka-dot clutch in FunkyFanny's booth (where everything was $10 last week). Here's Lisa (left) with Funky Serci and Lisa's pal Brian from Jersey City. Lisa "likes winning." Simple. Serci Fanny moves around on Saturdays, but she's often near W5 or 6.

The inaugural Bridge Flea was a huge smash, and Maureen from Hopelawn, NJ, was feeling the vibe when she spotted the Ice-O-Mat hand crusher in Les and Loretta's Sarsaparilla booth. Here's Maureen with lovely Loretta. Maureen's daughter likes flea markets and found the Flea online. Les and Loretta will be back soon.

Check back Friday at noon for this week's items.

June 15, 2009

Metromix Slideshow on the Brooklyn Bridge Flea Launch

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Metromix has posted a great slide show from the debut of The Flea under the Brooklyn Bridge yesterday. Check it out here. By the way, the comments should be working again so don't be a stranger.

June 12, 2009

Scavenger Hunt Items: June 13+14

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The Hunt is back, long live the Hunt! Senor couldn't get his act together last week--something about a bambina delivered by the Flea stork?

We'll be doing the Hunt at both markets from now on: Fort Greene on Saturdays, Brooklyn Bridge on Sundays. Just one special item this Sunday to kick the Scavenging up a notch. Bam!

When you find one of the items above, which can be hidden in any vendor booth, it's yours, absolutely free! Then we post your photo with the generous vendor here on the blog on Monday. Only one winner per calendar month. Items posted every Friday around Noon.

Happy hunting!

Saturday/Fort Greene, top:
From left:
1. Genuine chrysophrase and white freshwater pearl necklace, hand-knotted. New/handmade

2. 1980s white + royal polka-dot clutch. Vintage

Sunday/Brooklyn Bridge, bottom:
1. 1950s Ice-O-Mat hand-crank ice-crusher. Vintage

Time Out in the "Curated Corner" @ the Bridge

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This Sunday under the Bridge only, the Flea has partnered with Time Out NY for a Curated Corner with a twist--all the proceeds from sales at its booth of donated items will benefit the local Madison Square Boys + Girls Club's cultural programs. (The Club is located near the Brooklyn Navy Yard and is popular with kids from nearby public housing.)

Time Out's stylish editors have curated a plethora of new and vintage items from rad designers and cool collectors--with nothing over $100! Check out this list:

Twinkle by Wenlan; J.Crew; Cheap Monday; Clu; James Coviello; Tracy Reese; Pegleg; Matt Bernson; Jackson, Johnston & Roe; Ashley Watson; Cri de Coeur; Bahar Shahpar; Heather Huey; Madewell; By Robert James; vintage wares from Treasures and Pleasures; quirky housewares from Kiosk; gear and decor from Smith + Butler; surf-themed threads from Tauk; and much, much more.

You can check out a preview of items that will be sale here, with their deep-cut prices too.

Thanks a zillion to everyone who donated items. And thank you for Fleaing for a cause!

June 11, 2009

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Brooklyn Bridge Flea is Finally Here!

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The Flea in Fort Greene will always be our first love. But now she's got a Sunday sister, in a breathtaking location under the Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO, right on the waterfront with spectacular skyline and waterfront views.

Here's the new Flea mantra:
Fort Greene, Saturdays (10am-5pm)
Brooklyn Bridge, Sundays (11am-6pm)

What can you expect under the Bridge? The same snazzy mix of vintage/antiques, a smattering of up-and-coming artists and artisans, and a little bit o' yummy for your tummy. You'll some familiar Fort Greene faces and some newcomers, and in general the stuff for sale will be a little nicer under the Bridge--a real collectors' market.

We got lobster rolls from the new Red Hook Lobster Pound (starting June 28), Stumptown Coffee (!), and Flea foodie faves like McClure's Pickles, Blue Marble Ice Cream, People's Pops, and more to come soon.

Map and directions here. The Bridge Flea is right next to River Cafe, and you can use 22 Water St. for GPS and online maps. Take the A/C to High St., 2/3 to Clark St., or F to York St.

June 9, 2009

BFF Of The Week: Gugulethu Zikalala

Look at this freaking firecracker! How could I not? I almost brought her home to meet ma! I saw her from across the yard, helping herself to a healthy dose of Jamie Xmas (W11) who's got you in vintage clothes and various oddball items. I recommend!

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What's your day job?
Environmental engineer.
Good timing.

Where are you from?
South Africa.
Like, now?
Now, I'm in Clinton Hill, for the last 6, 7 years.

What are you doing after the Flea?
Go home, unload everything I bought and organize my house.

What are you going to do with the jacket and suit you just bought?
I'm sending gifts to my sister in South Africa! The suit's for me.
Do you have to dress for work?
No, I like to dress formal though.

Do you come to the Flea often?
Yes. I don't buy anything new anymore.

Complete this sentence: Brooklyn is...
Brooklyn is diversity, community, and fun without too many crowds.

Need I say more? Thanks Gugulethu!

GQ Gee Whiz!

Alan%20Richman%20GQ.jpgThe hits just keep coming!

Unbeknownst to the Flea, one of America's top food critics, Mr.
Alan Richman of GQ, made the rounds at the market recently--and he left satiated and, apparently, inspired. For longtime Flea foodies this is unsurprising of course, but if you see a new breed of Fleaster exploring the yard in the next few weeks, now you know why.

Here's his delish diatribe. Thanks Alan!

In case you're wondering, we'll also have tasty treats at the new Brooklyn Bridge Flea starting this Sunday (11a-6p)--come see what we have in store that's yummy for your tummy!

Lucky Us!

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The new July issue of Lucky is out, and on p. 52 there's a cool feature on designer Rachel Comey's favorite vintage finds in Brooklyn, where she apparently resides. In addition to the Flea (duh), she taps Kill Devil Hill in Greenpoint (who we love), Luddite on Broadway in Williamsburg (who Senor has been courting), and Fluke on Wythe--girl's got serious taste, unsurprisingly.

We feel grateful to be included in such a snazzy list (thanks Heather)--and lucky!

June 6 Slideshow

Yet another primo day for a Flea on Saturday--the karma from last year is really kicking in for '09. And can the "stuff" get any better? So many amazing booths, displays, and things to gaze at...and buy.

And just think, starting this weekend you have TWO Fleas to enjoy! More news soon...

June 4, 2009

This Weekend and Next at the Flea

Just a quick note on our schedule for the rest of the season.

For this weekend only:
The Fort Greene Flea will be open, on Saturday as usual. The DUMBO indoor markets at 76 + 81 Front St. are closed for the year, so there will be no Flea this Sunday, June 7.

Starting next weekend, June 13/14, we will be operating two outdoor markets: Saturdays in Fort Greene (10am-5pm) and Sundays under the Brooklyn Bridge (11am-6pm). This will be our schedule until further notice.

More news on the Bridge Flea over the next few days--it's gonna be great!

See you at the Fleas.

June 3, 2009

Put a Little Birdhouse in Your Flea

If you have been to the Flea even once, you have probably seen Birdhouse because they are there every weekend. Amy Lapierre runs it with her husband Alen, sharing the design duties and the booth-manning responsibilities: it's a beauty of a partnership. Prior to running their own business, Amy and Alen both worked on 47th Street, the jeweler's mecca, doing sourcing, production and freelance. They travel from College Point every Saturday and Sunday where they also share a workshop out of their home on the water. And smart entrepreneurs they are. Their experience in the industry, coupled with low overhead allows them to keep their prices so low that I guarantee you will find it hard to buy just one piece when you're in their booth.

Amy loves the Flea mostly because she thinks of it as a partnership between the vendors and El Senor and his trusty team, both working towards providing "an awesome addition to the NYC public space slash retail experience."

Amy and Alen do custom jobs (as they did for fellow Flea vendor, Lotus Jayne) and also sell through their website. Take a tour of Birdhouse in this mini slide show and check them out this Saturday in Fort Greene.

June 2, 2009

BFF Of The Week: Stephanie Levin

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What do you do? I teach legal studies at Hampshire College. I'm a lawyer.
Where are you from? North Hampton Massachusetts but I'm in Brooklyn this weekend visiting my daughter in Park Slope.
Why are you here? I'm in heaven. I thought it would be a perfect day for a walk.
If you were a vendor, what would you sell? Probably all the things I have bought from other flea markets.
Why'd you buy those? Because they were such a great deal!

Thanks Stephanie!

June 1, 2009

Finders/Keepers May 30

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The vendors keep putting 'em out and the shoppers keep on getting 'em. Scavenger Hunt items that is! Check out these successful detectives!

Left to right:
Rob from Crown Heights visits this website religiously for Flea updates and for the newest Scavenger Hunt. Looks like the hard work paid off because Rob is now the proud owner of a Box of Venus watercolor pencils, made by the American Lead Pencil Co., compliments of Grace Napoleon. Thanks Grace!

Mikeala (right), also a Flea regular, says she likes Matta dresses the very best. Luckily for her, she knew where to find the goods. Now she can strut her stuff in her new cotton print dress from India next week. See you there, Mikeala!

Check back Friday at noon for this week's items.

May 30th Slideshow

Check out the gorgeousness and tell us what you think in the comments below.

LXTV Clip

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Our little piece showed on LXTV's 1st Look on Channel 4 over the weekend. You can check it out here.

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