On a snowy trip to the Big Apple this winter, my lovely friends who live in the Brooklyn area took us to their local flea market (they know of my love of vintage bargains). Not only was it cosy and warm inside, but JAM-PACKED with amazing stuff. I loved how each store was operated by a total hipster who had styled up their stand individually.
Founded in April 2008, Brooklyn Flea has grown into one of New York City’s top attractions, operating flea markets every weekend of the year that features hundreds of top vendors of furniture, vintage clothing, collectables and antiques, as well as a tightly curated selection of jewellery, art, and crafts by local artisans and designers, plus delicious fresh food. Apparently, it’s also one of the top pick-up stops in New York 😉
Each stall had its own personality, full of takeaway ideas for your own home.
My Top Tips And Finds:
The clothes. Now, this is where I came into my own. Not too expensive, but excellent quality vintage. Just wish I had packed my credit card.
I’m always on the hunt for my perfect bag that will hold EVERYTHING. And these all fit the bill.
Made from vintage blankets from Ralph Lauren or Old Navy and woven fabric tape, these simple lined bags were very cool. The $80 price tag put me off, but I reckon I can talk my sister into sewing me one very similar.
I loved this rustic table with the succulents on them. I’m a big fan of these types of plants as they need little TLC, but they look seriously cool.
Might try and copy this idea for my dining table, and pop a step ladder in my garden filled with plants.
This store had made art from old records. I love the melted vinyl made into shelved that trimmed their stall. I wouldn’t have it my own home, mind you, but it is still a neat idea (said with a bad American accent).
The girl who drew the art on these tea towels was seriously talented, but they are far too pretty to use.
Looking back, I wish I had bought one and then had it made up into a cushion. The best ideas often come with hindsight!
Now, I did buy something from this stall – a reproduction circus poster. It’s very bright, in tones of orange and yellow. It’s going to go on my gallery wall in my new home. Love these letters too.
I already make a point of collecting glass bottle from every country I go to. I have a Star Pop one from Burma, and a soda water one from Thailand.
I got a brown bottle from this trip to New York, which the boyfriend had a local beer served in. It’s taking pride of place in my kitchen.
A simple way to recycle all those spare keys that you have no clue which door they unlock! 
Such a pretty display. I have an eBay search set up for little oil paintings.
Yet more amazing tea towels.
REPEAT: You can never have enough tea towels.
Crazy dog lady shot – there is always one at every market, isn’t there?
And finally, brunch. We went to this organic, vegetarian underground bistro. Beautifully decorated. And I loved this simple display. Going to do this with twigs next winter. It was a gorgeous end to a perfect shopping morning.
Brooklyn Flea is on Saturdays and Sundays. It moves location depending on the season, but it’s worth making a trip for. Visit www.brooklynflea.com for more info.