Go Seek Antiques probably intended for their candelabra to become a nice interior highlight, but Martina and Eric have other ideas. Oh, and let's hope someone else gets a chance at the lobster rolls before these two come again. Meet our BFFs of the week, Martina and Eric!

What do you have here?
Eric: Protection! For walking down the street!
Martina: No! We bought a a candelabra.
E: Yeah, because we are trying to save on energy. Electricity is very expensive. So this is us becoming greener and greener.

Is that true?
M: No. Ha. We need something tall for the table that really sticks out. So it's perfect.
E: But we both like a lot of candlelight.
M: We'll put candles in here—this is not something for just decor.
E: And use it for holiday parties.
M: Yeah, holiday parties.

When's your next holiday party?
M: I'm from Italy so we always have friends coming over in December and January.
E: We are also going to have 120 people over for a Brooklyn Youth Chorus Parent Party.

That's a lot!
M: Yes, we have a lot of people all the time, very informal though.

Do you live in the area?
M: Yes, we live up the hill over there [ed.: the Heights].

Do you come to the Flea often?
M: This is his first time, but I have come several times. I have been to the Fort Greene one too, and when it was inside in DUMBO.
E: We are also friends with the lobster roll people.

Red Hook Lobster Pound?
E: Yes, I had a lobster roll today! They are fabulous. It's all lobster, hardly any mayonnaise, the bread is very light. So you can eat like 3 or 4 of them!
M: I already had 2 today!

Thanks guys!

Posted by JessicaBK at 4:00 PM | Comments (0)
Categories: BFF, blog

Who knows where you'll find inspiration for your art or your coffee table—either way, ze Flea got the goods, as our new BFF Aaron knows.

What do you have there?
It's an old children's block set and you can use these modules to make your own letters. They call it "victory" colors which I guess means faded yellow, blue and grey. The vendor has a whole bunch of antique blocks for kids. [Ed. note: She sure does: Blue Jet Toys has all kinds.]

What are you going to do with your new purchase?
I'm going to use them for some projects. I have a website called Friends of Type where I do a lot of lettering and this is going to become work instead of fun. Haha.

What's the website all about?
It's a blog my friends and I have where we just challenge each other with different lettering and type design, sketches, you know.

So do you come to the Flea to find stuff for your projects?
Sometimes that. Sometimes just to see what's going on. As an alternative to a bar or something.

Are you a local Brooklynite?
Yeah, we aren't too far from here. We've been in Prospect Heights for the last 5 years.
Michigan before that. We are graphic designers and there are more opportunities for us in New York.

Thanks Aaron!

Posted by JessicaBK at 10:10 AM | Comments (0)
Categories: BFF, blog

Amidst the ghouls and goblins at the Flea on Halloween, a scarved lass by the name of Rebecca appeared prancing through Rue St. Denis, rummaging through a huge bin of pretty things.

Is this your first time at the Flea?
No, it is not.
Do you come often?
Yeah, I live in the neighborhood so I try to check it out when I can.

What did you buy today?
I bought many scarves.
For?
I use them when I dance. I'm in a dance company and I use them to tie my hair back.
What kind of dance do you do?
Ballet and modern.

So you you're not going to use them in your Halloween costume tonight?
Unfortunately, I have to work for Halloween—so no costume.
Where are you working?
I also wait tables because I dance in a dance company. Haha.
You can't dress up while you wait tables? Not even as a dancer? I bet your customers would love that.
I wish!

Alright, thanks for talking to us, Rebecca! Happy Halloween.

Posted by JessicaBK at 5:00 PM | Comments (0)
Categories: BFF, blog

Last Sunday the Flea's snazzy Design Co-op switched to Sunday to impress Miss M with their craft-tastic wares. We caught up with one lass purchasing some notecards from Maptote. Welcome Alice.

Where are you from?
California, Orange County.

And you're here visiting?
Yeah, just for the weekend.

Are you staying in Brooklyn?
Uh, we're staying in Times Square.

Did you not know that Brooklyn was the place to be before you booked?
Ha ha. No I didn't. I love this place!

So how did you find out about the Flea?
A bunch of friends told me about it.

What did you buy here?
I got a got a couple of map notes. Of Paris and Manhattan.

What are you going to do with them?
I'm probably going to frame them and put them in my house.

Did you know that Martha Stewart is here today?
Yes I know! I took lots of pictures of her.

What was the last crafty thing you did, the last thing that would make Martha Stewart proud?
Oh, I made a bunch of birthday cards using ink stamps and yarn.
Good one!

Do you think you'll be coming back to Brooklyn anytime soon?
I'll be in Connecticut for the next couple months working, so yeah, I'll probably come back to the Flea as much as I can.

Then we'll see you again! Thanks Alice!

Posted by JessicaBK at 2:00 PM | Comments (1)
Categories: BFF, blog

Don't call me a third wheel. Who wouldn't approach a hot pair, looking all in love, to be their bestie? Welcome Jamie and Jeff!

So, what did you buy here?
Jamie (right): We bought an awesome dresser from a store called My Little India. They actually have a store but they just closed down. And then we got this chandelier.

Did you also get that from My Little India?
Jamie: Oh, yes.

What are you going to do with it?
Jamie: We just moved in together, so the dresser is going in the bedroom to replace the Ikea furniture--you know, movin' on up. This is going over our soon-to-be-purchased dining room table.

Cool, where are you getting your table from, somewhere at the Flea? I hear Long Island Eddie makes a mean table.
Hopefully.

Have you been to the Flea before?
Jeff: Yes, I have.
Jamie: I haven't.

So you guys are making that big step together?
Jamie: Yeah, we are.

Did you move in the neighborhood?
Jamie: No, Greenwich Village, about a block away from where we live.

How are you getting your dresser home?
Jamie: Those awesome moving guys are going to help us. (Ed. note: Word up, Eddie Rock.)
Cool, well enjoy the love nest, and come back for some plates and picture frames and stuff.
Jamie: OK Thanks!

Think I'll get invited to the housewarming? I would totally bring something awesome like a grapevine from Groundworks or maybe a clock made out of vinyl from Wecords By Monkey (hint hint). Thanks Jamie and Jeff!

Posted by JessicaBK at 2:00 PM | Comments (0)

Who doesn't like some good political discourse with a BFF? When I saw dude checking out a book at Nick Kass-Johnson's table, holding a camera and what seemed like an awesome motorcycle switch knife (no, he wasn't holding up the place, he had just bought it, too), I thought, He looks fun: book, camera, knife, and all! Welcome Mikey.

Have you been to the Flea before?
No, this is my first time, actually.

Is that 'cause you're always home reading?
No, I came here to get a book. I'm a computer nerd, so I'm usually at home on the computer during the weekends. I want to read more. That's why I'm here.

And where is home?
About a block away. You see that building there? That's me.

You live that close to the Flea and this is your first time? Wow.
Yeah, I thought I should finally come and experience it, and experience the neighborhood.

Damn right. So, what'cha got there?
I bought this book [Aristotle's Politics] because of the sad state of affairs now--I guess I wanted to read about what it was like before now. Or, I guess, before government! Before the Sarah Palins of the world. Ugh. I just can't understand what some people believe in these days. Anyway....

So are you going to go home and read then?
Actually I'm going home for a dinner party. Potluck style! We'll probably have roast chicken, pasta, a really good salad.

Sounds delish! Can I come over? After I eat the fish taco, I mean.
Sure!

I never actually made it over for din, but felt like I created a solid bond with my BFF anyway. Thanks Mikey!

Posted by JessicaBK at 10:21 AM | Comments (0)
Categories: BFF, blog

As is customary on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, I was thinking about what was going to fill the belly when I saw two words I didn't understand together: Goober and Pea. I thought this nice chick could help me out. Meet Adriana.

Where ya from, Adriana?
I'm originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, but I've been living in Greenpoint for 6-1/2 years.

What do you do?
I'm an interior designer.

Have you been to the Flea before?
No.

No?! I would think as an interior designer that this would be your thing!
I know, I know. I went to Pratt so I really should be going to the Fort Greene one.
Mmm hmm.

So, have you heard of Goober Peas before?
Yeah! I'm from Tennessee! But I wasn't expecting to see them here. So, it was a nice surprise.

People might not know that a Goober Pea is a boiled peanut and think it's something weird or gross. What is the weirdest or grossest thing you ever ate?
Um, I guess a whole prawn. It's not that terrible, but with the head and everything? Yeah, gross.

And what is your favorite food?
Pasta.

Pasta? I thought you were going to say some awesome BBQ or something.
Being a good southern girl of course I love southern food, but pasta is amazing and there is so much good pasta in New York.

Good point. Guess we need a pasta vendor.

There ya have it, the culinary surprises of a southern transplant. Thanks Adriana!

Posted by JessicaBK at 10:16 PM | Comments (0)
Categories: BFF, blog

Apparently Long Island Eddie got hated on by his women when he bought these two chairs to sell at the Flea. But he got his retribution when they both sold within the first couple hours. I tracked down one of the buyers to see how she felt about the debated chair. Turns out, the buyer was such BFF material, I asked Rei to be our BFF this week!

Do you come to the Flea often?
This is my first time. To Brooklyn.

Wow. Where do you live?
Manhattan. West Harlem.

And what do you do?
I work in advertising. I'm an art director. [Ed. note: two points for Eddie and the chair.]

So if you've never been to the Flea, what brought you out? You think the chair was calling?
I saw it in an ad in my local Japanese paper. I had always been curious.

Why did you buy this chair? What are you going to do with it?
I fell in love with this chair as soon as I saw it. [Another point for Eddie.] I'm going to put it in my bedroom and read in it.

Did you get anything else?
And I bought a little dress from Aissatou. [She runs Tessan Boutique.]

Where are you going to wear your dress?
I haven't thought about that yet. Only about my chair.

Damn, you love that chair. Alright, I'm going to take your picture.
Alright, let me look like the queen I am.

Yes, ma'am. Nothing like a woman in her chair who knows she's queen. Thanks Rei!

Posted by JessicaBK at 1:50 PM | Comments (2)
Categories: BFF, blog

You know when you just know? Like, the moment you lay eyes on you future husband or wife, or the first time you see that 1984 something or other for which you've been saving all your paper route money? Yeah. This was how it was for me when I saw these two gals getting two bikes from Hudson City Antiques debut booth at the Flea. Twas love at first sight. Meet Andrea and Tracy.

Where are you from?
A: We are from Minnesota. But originally Arizona. Woo-hoo! AZ!

Alright. And what do you do?
A: I'm a marketing consultant.
T: I work in buying and planning for Macy's.
A: And I also work for Uptown magazine doing marketing.

And where are you going to go on your new bikes?
A: Right now, we are going to stop by a block party and later we are going to a boxing party/BBQ.
T: We'll also use the bikes for errands around our neighborhood.
A: Oh! But first, first, we are going straight home to take pictures of our new bikes to send to our parents and other sister to make her jealous!!

Good one.

Enthusiastic, bike-riding, Flea-going, jealousy-producing, hot sisters. You see why I come here? Thanks Andrea and Tracy!

Posted by JessicaBK at 1:50 PM | Comments (3)
Categories: BFF, blog

Records everywhere and tunes aplenty, you better believe the vibe at last week's Record Fair was packed with coolin'-out happy folk. No doubt the sun, the vintage duds, the smell of Pizza Moto wafting and People's Pops dripping down the faces of babes all contributed to make this a fair to be reckoned with. Found this dude would agree. Meet Lee Rubenstein.

Will you be my BFF?
Sure! I subscribe to the blog and I came all the way from Harlem for this.

Cool! What do you do?
I'm an internet guy. I maintain a website for an e-commerce company. I recently fell in love with vinyl. My roommates thought I was crazy for coming all this way. I go around the city looking for vinyl but no place has as many records as this.

What are you going to do with your new records?
I'm going to clean 'em first, then I'm going to listen to them, then I'm going to digitally archive them.

Song of the summer?
This summer? This summer is all about Michael Jackson. I hear it everywhere--in cabs, in stores, on the street, especially in Harlem. Harlem and MJ have a special relationship.

And what's your favorite record of all time?
Weezer. The Blue Album. It's a perfect record.

That didn't take you long to answer.
No. It's a perfect record.

Word, Lee. Enjoy your music and thanks for the chat!

Posted by JessicaBK at 1:52 PM | Comments (0)
Categories: BFF, blog

At first I was afraid. I mean, the pitchfork they were carrying was taller than both of them. I saw Carter Anderson was selling a mess of them. But I had to find out more about the people that were buying. Welcome Athena (left) and Anna.

Hey guys. So thanks for taking the time to talk to me. What are you doing at the Flea today?
Anna: We come often. Athena will be selling soon. She makes bracelets, hats and sock puppets. She donates the money to different charities.

That's awesome! What is the charity you are currently donating to?
Athena: I am doing the Brooklyn Breast Cancer walk on October 16th.

Have you been doing this for a long time?
Athena: Yes.

Where have you been selling?
Athena: Just to friends.

Do you want to be a designer when you grow up?
Athena: I don't know yet.

How old are you?
Athena: I'll be 12 soon.

Where do you guys live?
Anna: We live in Bay Ridge.

Do you come to the Flea often?
Anna: Oh yes, since last summer. And we also got this painting from Dustin. He made an owl because Athena was represented as an owl in Greek mythology.

Nice. You learn something new every week with the BFF. Pitchfork-wielding, charity-giving BFFs. Thanks Athena and Anna!

Posted by JessicaBK at 4:00 PM | Comments (0)
Categories: BFF, blog

As usual, you could barely see into the booth of Flux Productions, what with all the shoppers copping their soft and stylish wares. But one emerged from the crowd, looking satisfied as hell, and I thought, he looks like a happy man. And what more do you want for your BFF than happiness? That, and maybe a Flux Productions T-shirt. Meet Tariq.

What do you do, Tariq?
I'm an artist.

What's your medium?
Music. Hip-hop. I also own a clothing store in Massachusetts called B.xclusive.

Is that where you're from?
Yeah, I have a house out there and also in Atlanta, Georgia. But I'm originally from Mass.

So, what are you doing in New York?
I have a music conference at Club Torch.

Are you going to wear your new shirt?
Nah, I'm going to save it for a later date. I love the material.

There you have it people. A man on the move. Thanks Tariq!

Posted by JessicaBK at 10:00 AM | Comments (0)
Categories: BFF, blog

As I was strolling, I noticed a woman carrying a Blue Marble Ice Cream in one hand, and in the other, a very large painting of a tiger with some people dramatically and painfully draped over a rock in the middle of violent waters. I was a little bit scared and very much intrigued. I also wanted to know which vendor was bringing the goods. Meet Sheba.

Where did you get that painting? Might want to pick up one for myself.
It's mine. I brought it here.

Oh! Are you selling it here?
No. I'm taking it out for a walk. I was in my studio and I wanted to get out and talk with people - get a response or some feedback on the painting.

Wow. Ok, well you caught my attention. Is your studio close to the Flea?
It's where I live, in the Upper East Side.

So, you left your studio, with your painting, with the intention of taking it on a walk at the Flea?
Yes. And I met an amazing artist on the train on the way here. He showed me a painting he made and it is incredible. You never know who you are going to meet. I'm thinking about getting a t-shirt made that says "Meet The Artist" so when I walk around with my art, people know I'm the artist and they can ask me about it.

That's a good idea. What is this painting?
It's a painting of Gustav Dore's Deluge, which is his illustration of the bible.

So there you have it folks. A roving art gallery, from Flea shopper Sheba Ross Delaney.

Posted by JessicaBK at 1:40 PM | Comments (8)
Categories: BFF, blog

I approached this chick because of her fly hat. Turns out she's BFF-worthy for so much more. Meet Emily.

Is this your first time at the Flea?
No, I come on and off.
What are you doing when you aren't here?
Exploring. Or working.

What do you do?
I do a variety of things.

Tell me some of them.
There is ShopWellWithYou.org, which is a not-for-profit resource for women with cancer. We focus on helping women to use clothing as a wellness tool in order to improve their self-image and quality of life.

And I have a blog called Sentimental Value. I collect stories people leave on eBay about the clothes they are selling. I'm interested in the history behind clothes and accessories.

And I am the director of a start-up that focuses on social innovators and creative changers called dowser.org.

What's a dowser?
A dowser is a tool used to locate water underground.
Ooh. I get it.

So have you bought any vintage clothes here today? What do you have there?
Not yet. I was just asking my mom what I should do to keep my hat from flying off my head and she said to get a hat pin. I turn around, and they are being sold right next to me! I tried to buy it but the woman gave it to me for free!

That's Carolina at Humble Beginnings [kids furniture]. That's nice of her.
I know!

Dudes, just goes to show y'all, you get what you give in this world. After talking with Emily, it's pretty clear why she's our BFF this week, isn't it. Thanks Emily!

Posted by JessicaBK at 9:30 AM | Comments (0)
Categories: BFF, blog