July 2009

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July 31, 2009

Scavenger Hunt Items: August 1

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Cool stuff this week, with a bit of mystery. Turns out that both items are for Saturday this week, so no DUMBO/Bridge Hunt Sunday.

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. Wooden nutcracker figure (works), from former West Germany/GDR. Vintage (Fort Greene/Saturday)

2. Wrapped box with ribbon. What could it possibly be inside? (Fort Greene/Saturday)

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What's New?

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Some great folks set sail upon the good ship Flea this weekend. Do your best to welcome them aboard warmly!

You may have noticed some experimentation among this summer's crop of new vendors, as we try to keep things fresh and test the limits of the concept of Flea. To wit: Diaperkind is a new NYC cloth-diaper/delivery service, and what with all the new babies (and their poop) and parents (and their eco-guilt) about town, their timing is certainly prescient. Liz will be there both talking up and selling cloth diapers and giving parents the straight poop. Bombs away! E21/FG, Sat

Electric Literature should spark interest among the Brooklyn literati with their booth representing local indie presses and literary mags. They're a cool anthology of short fiction, as well as a new node for all those good Brooklyn words. Say hi to Andy. E14/FG, Sat

Boland Studio is artist Ben's storefront on Atlantic Ave. + Washington, where he displays and sells his ceramics, paintings, and wall sculptures, all of which run a gamut of modern styles. Check out a sampling and meet ze artiste. L13/FG, Sat

We mean this in the nicest possible way, seriously. We dipped our toes into the realm of the unknown with Cool Gadget, based largely on an email response from a pre-registered vendor named Yilih, who wrote, "the animal keychain look like a simple animal keychain but when you put off the animal head it's a pen. Second example, the big bun is exactly smell and look like a real bread but exactly it is not is a keychain or arm rest. Another thing i'll selling are pet accessories." Senor was skeptical, but Rob couldn't resist the bread part so we said what the hey. W24/FG, Sat

Deluxa.jpgKristen runs Deluxa (right), over on Degraw between Henry and Hicks (where pioneering Fleasters Go Fish! once called home), displaying her mostly mid-century taste in furniture, clothing, housewares, and decoratives. She worked at Martha Stewart, does styling, will likely have great stuff, folks! F-42/Bridge, Sun

Speaking of mid-century, the fact that Michael of CooCooU is coming down from Buffalo is kind of a big deal for us. He's a big-deal dealer in serious modern furniture and antiques, and he's bringing down a truckload to dazzle us jaded New Yawkers. Collectors, start your engines! I-4/Bridge, Sun

Diana called us last night because the nice flea on 17th St. + 6th Ave. in the city is having difficulties right now. (We wish them the best.) Her biz is TZ Light Design, with vintage furniture and lighting, and of course a little bit of everything. Give her a nice Brooklyn how-dee-doo. C5/FG, Sat

Terrell is studying fashion at FIT, interned at Flaunt, and got his start in a New Orleans thrift joint. He's dubbed his vintage clothing and accessories biz JQ Vintage, and he's serious about making the fashionistas happy, so look out! C14/FG, Sat

Alex Agranov works in technology by day, collects gadgets by night. He said he's got "typewriters, collectibles, floral arrangements (faux), childrens toys, videos, original paintings by my talented wife, you name it." How could we resist? L14/FG, Sat

Sinead%20Corwin%20chair.jpgSinead Corwin has three kinds of items to sell this weekend, and she's got a few dozen of each: vintage metal factory stools, chairs (right), and work tables. Come 'n git it! B1+2/FG, Sat

Connie and Dominic have just launched Greenpoint Vintage, a combination blog/furniture-sales site, which is morphing into a storefront in, er, Greenpoint at 15 Monitor St. this weekend. They figured they'd co-launch at the Flea too to get the word out. Their stuff (top) is right up Fleasters' alley: modern, clean, reasonable, and utilitarian. C2/FG, Sat

According to their email, here's a smattering of Bill and Jim's stuff: antique furniture, decorator items, art, dish sets, glass and bric-a-brac, fine china and silverware patterns, antique tools, locks and blacksmith-made items, musical instruments, LPs and 45s, a dozen or so nice turntables and other audio equipment, radio/audio tubes, optics and opto-mechanics. May or may not have a sound-proofed generator with them, presumably for the opto-mechanics. B7/FG, Sat

Hudson%20Valley%20Living%20globe.jpgRanae sounds awesome. She describes her aesthetic as "Audrey Hepburn meets today's rockabilly/burlesque scene," and she seems really psyched to Flea tomorrow! She's old-school too. B20/FG, Sat

Hudson Valley Living is Eben's vaguely country-style collection of lamps, furniture, silver, and other slightly upscale items. (Love the globe at right.) They've heard good things about the Flea upstate, so prove 'em right. W3/FG, Sat

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Shout Shimmy, Jellyroll And A Whole Lot More

When you're waiting for your Blue Marble ice cream inside the Lafayette entrance, you probably find yourself bopping your head to some old-school soul and funk, maybe a smattering of Latin and reggae. That's 'cause Larry of Shout Shimmy, in tandem with Jellyroll Vintage, is tempting you to purchase his $5, hand-selected, meticulously-sequenced mix-CDs. If the infectious music doesn't get ya, the cover art will, as it's all culled from items Larry (aka DJ Einstein Q Rockafeller aka member of Anyday Parade) finds at the Flea.

So now you're lured in. Then you realize you're in a whole throwback environment that Larry and better half Amy have curated. After growing up in and on thrift stores, Amy realized she had a talent for buying, and now her regulars have her hunt for them. (Did you know Flea vendors were so pro?) Her eye tends to the colorful, flowery, well-preserved, and always affordable for the everyday gal. (Larry always proffers a keen-eye rack of guys vintage too.)

Since Amy's education (and other passion) is in painting and framing, she recently had the bright idea to sell vintage arts and crafts supplies. Now in addition to stocking your iPod and your closet at Jellyroll, you can pick up vintage textiles, knitting needles, dyes, spools, patterns, craft guides--anything you can find at Joanne's Fabric except way way more stylish and a fraction of the price. Such great stuff, and an oft-requested element from Fleasters.

Been readying your Readymade or Craft magazine and got the handmade bug? Join the club. Now knock the style factor up a notch and make it vintage.

Jellyroll + Shout Shimmy are in B16/17 Fort Greene every Saturday, and I-5 under the Bridge every Sunday.

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July 30, 2009

BFF Of The Week: Mark

So I'm chilling at FDR to JFK, chatting with Paula, thinking about getting a vintage apron, when I notice this dude scrutinizing all the goods. He makes me wonder: Is he a dealer? Is he an artist? Is he an obsessive compulsive? I must find out.

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So Mark, where ya from?
I'm from Houston, Texas.
Are you visiting?
I have been a neighbor of the Flea for a year now.
Why'd you come?
I came for a woman.

Have you been to the Flea before?
I come as often as I can.

So, what do you do?
I'm a consultant in crisis management, investigation research, and international intelligence.
Um, wow. OK.

So, what do you have there?
I just bought this here. See, my girlfriend is turning 29 years old. And the 29th element on the Periodic Table of Elements is copper. So, I'm buying a selection of copper items to present to her in August. We will also do things on her birthday that relate to copper, like go to the Statue of Liberty, and things like that.

Wow, that is damn sweet. Romance lives. Good luck!

Thanks Mark!

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July 29, 2009

In the News

Urban%20A%2BA.jpgGo to the Flea any Saturday or Sunday morning and you'll see tons of photographers snapping away closeups of all kinds of tchotchkes, necklaces, coffee tables, etc. (If vendors had a dime for every snapshot of their merch....) These folks, it's become clear, are known as bloggers, and they seem to write about the Flea on a daily basis. We love them for this, and will be rounding up fun posts every week from now on. (Have we created regular features and abandoned them in the past? Possibly.)

Here are some of our faves from the past few days:

Those Extra 4 Inches (provocative name, fawns over Pierre Cardin dress find)

Yummy in the City (loves Choncho's fish tacos, no-brainer)

Urban Art + Antiques (hails Flea as "new breed" of market, attracting next generation of collector--i.e., you--likes Divine Chair Co. (right) and John Murphy (on cell in background))

Where the Style Things Are (nice bargaining tips)

Going Back to Brooklyn (good eye for nice pieces in their snapshots)

July 28, 2009

Finders/Keepers July 25/26

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We left it to the vendors to photograph themselves with the winners and interrogate them—with mixed results.

From left:
Ashley from Williamsburg found the cool knit earrings in her second visit to the Flea, this time with her parents visiting from Akron, Ohio. Here she is with Melody of Melody's Addiction, who's gone from the non-profit world to full-time jewelry-maker. Courageous! Melody grew up in the same rural Central Maine community as Senor Flea--she's from Creep City, Senor from South Solon--and we're proud as punch that her work is starting to get the notice it deserves, as in this recent Nostrand Park blog post. She's in W46 in Fort Greene every other Saturday.

Yoko of YOVA Design creates the gorgeous, delicate earrings of Japanese kimono paper, she's a keeper in the style department. Unfortunately Yoko lost the details on her winner, so if anyone knows this fine young lady, please let us know. Yoko will be back Sept. 26 in Fort Greene.

The lucky lady was Jacqueline Leung, a resident of Dyker Heights. Thanks to hubby Michael for writing in! This was their first time at the Flea--what a warm welcome!

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

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July 27, 2009

Slideshow July 25/26

Finer days for Fleaing are few and far between. F that!

Lots of new vendors and shoppers, facepainting, Balinese Sea Salt, found-object chariot assemblages, hippo pillows, ricotta+granola, sugar plum+tarragon popsicles, some damn fine furniture, a vintage print showing the Dumbo site as "City Dump," and more.

(Sunday pics coming soon.)

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July 24, 2009

What's New?

Facepaint.jpgWe feel bad that this informative weekly nugget of a post has fallen through the cracks since Senor become a papi. But it's back, and hopefully back for good. The Flea crew (and it is a crew now) works hard to keep our markets fresh for every visitor--first-timer and veteran Fleaster alike.

Without further ado, a peek at some of the new Flea faces this weekend.

At long last, the Flea will be home to a weekly facepainting booth (above). If the hipsters can get dressed up every weekend, why can't the youngsters? Gwen and Magin of NYC Facepaint have done the Fort Greene Park Halloween party, and can trace their painting history back to Tanglewood when they were teens themselves. Note to vendors: yes, you can paint your face too. E32, Fort Greene/Sat.

Armoire%20NYC.jpgBack on the conventional front, Daniel's new business Armoire Furnishings makes their own classy furniture from mostly reclaimed wood, most of it with a nice matte white finish that's as versatile as White Dove. Pieces like the sideboard (right) have a vintagey feel, and he's also got these cool picture frames made from reclaimed door frames and ceiling tin. Very, um, Flea. F-23, Bridge/Sun.

The most common shopper refrain is "more furniture." (Now go buy some!) Hudson Goods is Karl's online-only (until now) furniture shop, designed by Karl himself and finished to appear distressed (i.e., vintage). All solid wood, all a little bit country and a little bit R+R (rest + relaxation that is). Karl also runs a home-decor blog that highlights items he digs and digs for, including a visit to the Flea last Saturday. He'll be augmenting his furniture with some of those tasteful finds tomorrow. L3, Fort Greene/Sat.

Big Tree Farms started in Bali as Ben's
artisanal local food biz, purveying everything from sea salt and "long" peppers to raw jungle honeys, coconut palm sugar, and raw cacao. Sustainable/direct trade/organic, all the foodie ducks in a row. Sample and ye shall find... E3, Fort Greene/Sat.

2nd%20Soul%20Chariot.jpgSuprina has a studio on the Navy Yard where she's up to something special: 2ndsouls are her assemblages of found objects (right) that are both figurative and narrative. They're also really cool. If you like Suprina's aesthetic, she'll also be debuting her new line of frames, shelves, mirrors, boxes, and more made from repurposed materials. Groovy! L16, Fort Greene/Sat.

Lana writes and photographs in Astoria, and she's been collecting glass, ceramics, prints, books, and textiles for 25 years. She's doing the Flea for the first time Saturday, and we just have this really good feeling about her stuff. B1, Fort Greene/Sat.

Manny is from Jersey, and he's one of those vendors who doesn't do the email, just the phone. These folks are virtually without fail the kind of old-school dealer you imagine when you think "Flea," and Manny's description of his all-over-the-map antiques sound straight up the peruser's alley. Formerly of 26th St, etc. W38, Fort Greene/Sat.

Kitchen%20dress.jpgWhile some of our regulars are on summer hiatus, some new blood is giving the Flea a whirl, especially in Fort Greene. Enter Jennifer and Kayla are FerrFerr and Little Tuna, respectively, Pratt design grads who do the vintage clothing+accessories thang. They've got stylish garb for the masses, like the snazzy '80s dress at right. Come one come all! E17, Fort Greene/Sat.

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Scavenger Hunt Items: July 25/26

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For da ladies this week. Yo. Couple pairs of distinctive earrings, one for each day of the Flea, each handmade by the seller themselves. Go forth and adorn--and Hunt!

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. White lace earrings with brass Bastille charm. New/Handmade (Fort Greene/Saturday)

2. Earrings made with Japanese kimono-patterned paper. New/Handmade (Brooklyn Bridge/Sunday)

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July 23, 2009

Vendor of the Week - 3Free Design

In addition to being one of the most stylish dudes at the Flea, Cornelius Byrd has also been the co-owner and designer of the clothing label 3Free Design. When designing, his mission is to create duds that are comfortable, with classic fits and, in his words, "not too trendy." His tunics, made mostly with soft cotton and all natural materials, sell for $20 to $40.

Corn, along with a partner, also owns an awesome shop on East 13 St. (btw. 3+4 Ave.) called Apt 141, where you can cop mostly 3Free Designs as well as nice jewelry and a sharply curated vintage selection. Apt also offers their stock on consignment to shops around the country, which is one way Cornelius connects to the community. The other way is via the Flea, the only place where he sells 3Free outside the shop. "It's a great time for the Flea," he says, "considering the changes in NY, and the shift in the world."

Some cool things are coming down the pike for 3Free Design, including the launch of full-figured sizes, which you can find next season, and a website. For now, find him in Fort Greene in E21, and under the Bridge in I-49, every damn week.

July 21, 2009

BFF Of The Week: Christoph Gerozissis

While the Flea generally had a constant flow of shoppers this past weekend, there seemed to be a particular crowd around record sellers. Is it because music is as alive as ever? Or because the numerous music festivals and concerts around the city are inspiring people to turn off the boob tube and play more at home? Maybe it's because vinyl is still just way cooler than MP3s. Either way, I wanted to talk with one of these diggers over at Unbreakable Records. Meet Christoph.

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Whatcha got there?
I have two records, The Steel Band and Willie Alexander & The Boom Boom Band.
Wow. I never heard of that before.

Are you a DJ?
No. This is for home.

Where is home?
I live in Prospect Heights.

Do you come to the Flea, like, every Saturday?
This is my first this season.
Wha?!
I work on Saturdays. And my summer season has just started.

What do you do?
I work at a gallery. Anton Kern Gallery.
Huh. Do you know James?!
No.
K.

Alright. One more. Finish this sentence. Brooklyn is...
Brooklyn is better than ever.

Aight. Thanks Christoph!

July 20, 2009

July 18/19 Slideshow

Actually just Fort Greene/Saturday in this week's slideshow. Chock full o'crowd scenes and vibe this week. Thanks for more great Fleas!

July 18, 2009

Scavenger Hunt Items: July 18/19

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A little late to the party this week, our apologies. Fleas are hard!

Glassy and classy this week. You can still find the first one today!

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. Green glass decanter. Vintage (Fort Greene/Saturday)

2. Leaning Tower of Pisa glass figurine. Vintage (Brooklyn Bridge/Sunday)

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July 16, 2009

News Week

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It's like we looked up after a year and a half with our heads down in the Flea trenches, and suddenly we're, like, established. The last couple weeks have seen a cascade of legitimacy 'round these parts: Vogue/Style.com, foodies in the Times and New York, and now a sort of trifecta of big news:

On Monday evening, Mr. B and Senor waded into Manhattan (which is near Brooklyn) to receive one of the Municipal Art Society's annual awards, for a private venture in the public service that has activated/galvanized a community space. MAS has been around for 116 years, and is the granddaddy of NYC civic/urban planning groups, very much in the Jane Jacobs (a longtime member), neighborhood-centric mold. So for the Flea to be recognized by such a prestigious organization as such a young business--well, we're humbled.

Time Out's roundup of the city's best fleas nicely names the (big F) Flea, also flattering. They say lobster rolls are the big draw at the Bridge, but we think it's the unstoppable force of the 100 best vintage/antiques/jewelry/handmade/art vendors in the region. Objectively of course.

And in a tale of the tape in the NY Post this week (above), we essentially knocked out the much-touted Flea by the Sea in Coney Island. In 2009 the Flea has been often imitated but never duplicated--and we thank you for keeping it great.

July 15, 2009

Finders/Keepers July 11/12

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Great days for Hunting, which is why the game was up within an hour at both markets. Fun while it lasted...

From left:
Mike found the cute Chibi Warrior stamp set in sharp designer Isabel Roxas' booth at 10:50am in Fort Greene. The stamps show the Warrior in 5 different poses, all of which display Isabel's sort of anime/artiste take on illustration and design. Mike works for a record label (remember those?), is a frequent Fleaster, and thought the stamps would make a good present for a pal. "Snooze you lose" was his advice for future Hunters, and he's right.

Dory from Brooklyn Heights (a native no less) made her first Flea trek the Sunday before, realized we do the Hunt, and spotted the Paste T-Shirts "NYCKnife T" across the yard while perusing some vintage dresses. She liked it on the website, loved it in person, and at 11:51am it was all hers. Here she is with Paste honcho Jason, who does the Sat/Sun Fort Greene/Bridge thing every weekend, to much hoopla.

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

Flea Bites

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It's getting hard to keep up with the various media appearances of our vendors, especially the foodies. Here's a quick wrap-up.

Stephen and Erica's (above) spanking brand new Brooklyn Brew Shop makes a big beer splash on p. 35 of Time Out's new Cheap Eats issue. If only every startup came out the box with such gusto--cheers! (W35 in FG, I-9 at the Bridge, every week.)

Dave's molto bene Pizza Moto mobile brick-oven pizzeria is (deservedly) lauded by New York mag gurus Rob and Robin in their Neapolitan Pizza Revolution roundup and countdown. Mille grazie R+R, and well-deserved Signore David! (F1 every Sat. in FG.)

Early Bird Granola gets the worm, snagging an awesome mini-profile and recipe in last week's Times Dining section. Read about Neki's irrepressible penchant for olive oil (even in her granola), which is heart-healthy and happy-happy. Salty sweet yum! (E6 in FG, I-34 at the Bridge, weekly.)

Our pals at Whimsy + Spice have their deelish homemade marshmallows featured in Martha Stewart Weddings this month, which is a big ole coup. If you haven't tried their new passionfruit mint limeade at the Flea, you cannot honestly call yourself refreshed. (E10 in FG, I-30s at the Bridge, most weekends.)

Oh, did we mention the fabulous Red Hook lobster rolls from Maine make their Saturday debut in Fort Greene this Saturday? An embarrassment of riches and fishes. (Their long lines are fixed btw.)

Photo: Time Out NY/Roxana Marroquin

BFF Of The Week: James Walton

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This past Saturday was crammed with vendors and shoppers alike, so finding a BFF was like shooting fish in a barrel. But in a way, when you have so many options, that makes it harder, right? Or so I thought. I was standing by Blue Marble, woofing my second ice cream of the day, when I spotted this gent carrying almost the same dark wood compartmented drawer thing I had bought for my own apartment! After that, I knew it was kismet.

What's your name?
James Walton.

Do you come here often?
I live in the neighborhood but this is my first time this season!

Why?
Because I work on Saturdays.

You know, you can check out The Flea on Sundays in DUMBO. What do you do that keeps you working on Saturdays?
I'm an art handler at a gallery.

Which gallery is that?
Matthew Marks. I'm an artist too.

Ooh. What kind of art do you make?
I make collages.

And what are they about?
They are autobiographical with religious undertones.

Do you have a website I can check out?
I do. Blankland.com.

And what did you buy there? Are you going to use it in your art?
Nah. But I got both these things from the booth in the back (we figured out it was from Anodyne--ed.). This framed picture is my favorite.

Sweet. And finally, finish this sentence. Brooklyn is...
Brooklyn is better than I thought it would be. I moved here from Manhattan 8 months ago because of the economy.

Thanks James!

July 13, 2009

CB2 Funny

CB2.jpgSo like half of all of you, we're flipping through the CB2 catalog while quieting the baby and look what shows up on p. 69 on the "3 in 1 Board" ($19.95)? A dainty little Flea postcard.

What exactly this signifies about CB2 or the Flea isn't clear--or terribly important either--it basically just is. So we'll just take this opportunity to shout out our designers extraordinaire, Camden and Noel, for designing and drawing such a kick-ass piece o'promo. Thanks gals!

Slideshow July 11/12

Thousands of Fleasters--more than 10,000 total--came to the weekend of Fleas, for which Senor and the Flea Staff are truly grateful. Mouths were stuffed, vendor pockets were lined, and Fleasters were saddled with goods on their way home to points unknown. A good time had by all!

July 10, 2009

Scavenger Hunt Items: July 18/19

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Doubling down on the Hunt fun this weekend at both markets. Summer Scavenge go!

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!

Clockwise from top left:

1. Green glass decanter. Vintage (Fort Greene/Saturday)

2. "Chibi Warrior" 5 piece rubber-stamp set. New/handmade (Fort Greene/Saturday)

July 9, 2009

Walk Like An Egyptian

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Treasures + Pleasures, which Fleasters may know better as George and Raf's trove of gorgeous dangles, bangles, bracelets, and jewelry of all kinds from every era for every pocketbook, is taking it to the next level.

Now, Senor is no jeweler, but he knows an unmined ore of cool when he sees one. Egyptian Revival. Chunky, ornate, classy, distinctive, and truly precious. T+P have everything from an insane Di Orios pectoral with an Egyptian eye (left) to a Miriam Haskell gold mesh bracelet to a Czech glass necklace that would make Cleopatra swoon (right).

This is serious stuff, the kind that drags collectors out of bed and into a cab to Brooklyn, the kind that smart buyers gobble up before it shows up in glossy mags and stylish films. Always Adorned's Elisa, the trailblazing jewelry and accessories blogger (and Flea regular, thank god), was first to the Egyptian Revival, but she won't be the last.

T+P launches the Revival this weekend at the Flea, don't sleep like a sphinx and miss it! (They're in L8 in Fort Greene and F4 under the Bridge, every weekend.)

Check out our slideshow for more pics, or go to T+P's Flickr page.

Woof!

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A big hearty congrats to the Asia Dog kids for making the Times Dining Section yesterday--well-deserved of course. Steve and Mel hold it down every Sat. at the Flea, and the love for their dawgs only grows.

Also in Flea News land, Jordana posted this wundebar love letter to the Flea's food and vintage vendors on New York Social Diary earlier this week, complete with pretty colorful pics. A delight. So if you see a pack of ladies who lunch perusing the wares this weekend, now you know why.

BFFs Of The Week: Kristen Fitzpatrick + Diana Morrow

Who doesn't like kittens?! I do! Which is why I spotted this painting in the hands of these lovely ladies across the entire yard. The painting comes from Harry Cooker (V5 in Fort Greene, F27 at the Bridge). I ran my ass over there to see if he had anymore, but alas, it was a unique piece. I will have to settle with this.

But even with YouTube, there was still a gap in my lonely heart. I knew I needed a BFF so I thought who better than a fellow felineophile.

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Where are you from?
K: I've been in Fort Greene for 9 years.
D: I've been in Brooklyn for 20.

Have you been to The Flea before?
D: We come every Saturday.
K: I collect portraits of cats, dogs, people. Mostly dead people.

You might want to check out [vintage camera and photo vendor] Focused Vintage then.

What are y'all doing later?
K: We are going to a BBQ at a friend's house.

What were you doing yesterday?
D: We took a Zipcar to Lambertville, Jersey to the Golden Nugget Antique Market.
Looking for more portraits?
K: Yep!

Does the Fourth of July mean anything to either of you?
K: On a national level? No. But it indicates BBQ and Beer!
D: Always. It means birthday time because mine is on July 2nd.

Cheers women! Have fun with your portraits.

July 8, 2009

Vendor of the Week: Alyssa Ettinger

Originally from The Jerz, Alyssa Ettinger is now a Park Slope resident. But it's in her studio in Industry City, the former factory buildings on the Sunset Park waterfront, where the magic happens. Her window faces an industrial graveyard and an unused tunnel which used to shuttle workers between the buildings. She finds her quiet there, which allows her to make her signature hand-cast plaster molds.

Alyssa makes three distinct lines of porcelain pottery: Knitware, which simulates the look of a comfy sweater in slender vases, stout teacups, and cute coasters; Milk, which turns old-fashioned milk bottles into the classiest little vases you've ever seen; and Mieko's elegant gloss and matte dinnerware. Her recently launched Glow line is awesome: Mason jars cast to create soft-light lanterns in red, white, and blue. So pretty. (The New York Social Diary Flea post today loved her.)

Alyssa also sells online and at several stores across the country, including Cog + Pearl in Park Slope. Plus, of course, most Saturdays in B18 in Fort Greene. Ask about her book, The eBay Home Makeover, from her past life as an interiors magazine editor.

In college (Bennington) Alyssa got herself a double degree in creative writing and ceramics--it was always her thing, see, but four years ago, she took a go at turning that passion into a business. When I asked her why the move, she replied "I couldn't not do it."

July 7, 2009

C'mon, Vogue!

Boulevard St.-Germain, Melrose, Prince+Mott, Notting Hill, the Flea.

What do all these places have in common? Style.com, Vogue's website, has featured them in its Style Studio "The Intersection" video profile as fashion focus points. You knew there were some serious looks flouncing by at the market every weekend, but who knew they were Vogue serious?

Of course you can still roll out of bed and wander over to the Flea in the afternoon--just make sure you've tussled your hair in an appropriately fashionable manner first OK?

Smile!

Here's the link.

July 4/5 Slideshow

Just banner Flea days last weekend, thanks to all who joined the holiday fun. Check out our pics of both veteran and rookie vendors.

July 6, 2009

Finders/Keepers July 4

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So the Hunt ended up happening on Saturday not Sunday, much to Senor's surprise. We'll be back on track this weekend!

Kate found the wooden owl in the Jarontiques booth, manned with aplomb by none other than Jaron. Jaron left his job in the music industry to Flea full-time--a noble pursuit if there ever was one--and last weekend was his return to the fold, unveiling scores of gorgeous glass colored vases, cool mid-century clocks, wooden figures and lamps (like the owl), and other "smalls" for the sophisticated Fleaster. That Jaron's a good egg, go crack him! V6 in Fort Greene, F22 under the Bridge, weekly.

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

July 4, 2009

Scavenger Hunt Item: July 5

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Just one item this week, for Sunday under the Bridge, but it's a doozy. Sorry for the delay this week, folks.

When you find the item 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 (normally) posted every Friday around Noon.

Happy hunting!

1. Monkey Pod hand-carved wood owl from Honolulu. Vintage (Brooklyn Bridge/Sunday)

July 3, 2009

Open for Biz

In case you're wondering: YES, both Fleas are open as usual this weekend. We take our independence very seriously, and have a sense that some fireworks of the shopping and noshing variety are on tap in Fort Greene and under the Bridge.

Happy 4th!

July 2, 2009

Flea Bites

Some nice new munchies are on their way to the Flea in the next few weeks. Figured we'd let you know about 'em on a slow week.

Brooklyn Brew Shop is Stephen and Erica's new beer homebrew-kit biz, which they're in essence launching at the Flea this Sunday under the Bridge (booth I1). They served up some tasty suds at the Madewell/Flea bash last week, with style and panache to boot. Looking for a well-designed, simple, compact way to brew your own beer at home in NYC (Brooklyn preferably of course)? Voila.

Green%20Pirate.jpgThis Sunday also marks the Flea debut of the Green Pirate Community Juice Truck (right), which runs on biodiesel, serves up dee-lish fresh fruit and vegi juices, and generally has good vibes. Deborah and crew will be parked at Water + New Dock Street to greet you upon entering ze Flea--slurp.

Next Saturday (July 11) in Fort Greene you'll find Gerald Jerky in our food pod (the ricotta/chocolate/cupcake/cheese zone) for the first time. Already noticed by the Times dining blog at the Unfancy Food Show last week, cutie Rachel gets her grassfed beef from Dickson's Farmstand Meats upstate, dries it, and adds her own peppery blend to create morsel of dried yumminess. Artisanal beef jerky--who knew?

Then next Sunday (July 12) under the Bridge we continue our seaside food theme, adding Forrest's beer-battered fish tacos to the lobster roll-ice cream-popsicle-Choice Market equation. By our calculations, homemade guacamole + fresh-ground corn tortillas + sustainably fished cod = a nice addition to your Sunday shopping stroll. (We just checked our math, and we're correct!)

See you at the Flea you spoiled foodie.

Found by Susan Walker's Finds

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Our vendors are wacky, in the best way possible--that's Flea Allure 101.

Our pal Susan Walker ("sparklysusan" by email) is one such kook. She first did the Flea at the Dumbo Winter Pop-Up, and it stuck, as she's become a regular with one of the best mish-mashes of stuff--furniture, lamps, objects, jewelry, clothes, a bit of everything. New York magazine even took notice in their urban-hippie round-up this week, although they mentioned some other market she does sometimes. (The writeup does include equally worthy Flea staple Val's Kings County Salvage, to be fair.)

So Susan wanted to take us behind the scenes of a typical week in the life of a vendor. That stuff they setup for you doesn't just appear at the Flea every weekend; each vendor scours our Independent Nation day in-day out in search of things they love that they know you'll love too. It's an addiction for most of them, a huge bonus for Fleasters. Quite simple really.

Here's a visual tour through one of Susan's recent treasure hunts, at a church sale in Rhode Island (where she's also a Roller Derby gal), with the end result at the Flea. For those keeping score at home, she sold the printing trays, the white shelf, the needlepoints, the bed, and 5 pairs of lace curtains. Still got the drying rack, unicycle, small white chest, and pink nightstand. The ram horns, apparently, are not for sale.

Susan is under the Bridge pretty much every Sunday, including this weekend, normally in I10. You can also check out her eBay site.

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July 1, 2009

Go Fetch Me An Asia Dog

If there is one thing we've learned from the Flea, it's that we've got a set of real creative go-getters on our hands. And that's just the type of thing to make me wanna eat a dog. Asia Dog, that is.

Steve (left brain) and Melanie (right brain) make up what we know as Asia Dog. AD unintentionally started when Steve and Mel hosted a BBQ at their friend's bar (Trophy Bar) in Williamsburg. Turns out the BBQ was so delicious that they were asked back to do another. And the people came and they ate and they drank and they had a merry old time and now, they've done it every Tuesday since. Thee end. But not. Cause now we have them at the Flea.

When Steve isn't doing freelance visual production and display and when Melanie isn't doing kids fashion stuff, they're busy making their delicious toppings in preparation for the next day's Asia Dog extravaganza. The Friday night before the Flea, you can catch them up as late as 5 putting the finishing touches on their kimchi apples, Japanese curry, or Thai-style mango relish. Put these golden morsels on your choice of organic meat or veggie dogs. Mmm.

The last Tuesday in July, Asia Dog will celebrate their one-year anniversary at their inaugural joint at Trophy Bar. Go check them 'cause Steve will be unveiling some new recipes he has been working on. I would like to tell you it's our little secret and you will find out there, but Steve wouldn't tell me, so I guess WE will find out there. And hopefully that following Saturday at their usual spot in Fort Greene. (You can also get them to cater a party as Conde Nast is having them do. La Di Da.) Check it.

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