a few “flea finds”

I’ve been to the Brooklyn Flea a few times already this summer, which makes me very happy! I’m so excited to share my latest finds; you know I’m always “on the hunt” for the handmade, well-designed and unusual.

First up? This great tote from Flux Productions:

flux productions

I’ve been a fan since my very first Flea visit years ago. Ryan Greer designs really lovely silkscreened dresses, tops and scarves, but on this trip I had my eye on one of his amazing bags. I LOVE Ryan’s bags and have been coveting one for quite some time. He uses unusual materials like cork and felt, the bags are roomy without being bulky, and they have just enough adornment to keep things interesting without being over the top.

Like this tote. It’s made of waxed cotton with a cork base, making the bag naturally water-resistant and easy to clean (both essential for me as I am not easy on my bags). And the details! The studs look cool, but also act as closures – which addresses one of my biggest issues with  totes in that they are just so…open. This detail keeps the bag neatly closed, without adding any bulk.

flux productions

flux productions

But this is my favorite detail:

flux productions

flux productions

The detachable cork wallet – it’s right at the top for small-ish items, and makes for an adorable little clutch all on its own. Check out Ryan at the Flea or on his Etsy store.

This bag: susannah thompson bags

I bought last year – you may remember it from my “bag in a bag” post. But I couldn’t track the designer down for contact info, so I was reluctant to post about it here. But there she was at the Flea!

We had a lovely talk and yes, her bags are available for purchase. I love the rustic materials, roomy shapes and muted colors. The cute use of upholstery webbing for the straps is great and people always stop to ask me about it. My only quibble is that there are no pockets (her other styles have them). But I couldn’t resist, and so I use my handy clutch for loose items. You can find Susannah at the Flea, or on her website.

Okay – my last find wasn’t technically a Flea purchase but I had to share it. On the same day that we were in Fort Greene a friend of Chelsea’s told us about the Renegade Craft Fair – in New York (in Brooklyn!) just for that weekend. It was located in Williamsburg, not far from where we were (in fact, right next door to Smorgasburg), so we drove over.

I loved the vibe of this fair – but it was quite hot by the time we arrived, and my shopping mojo was beginning to wane.

And then I found Rebe.

Oh, the dresses! Chelsea took one look and knew that I was going to be a while. Me? I didn’t know which to grab first. Debra and Hillery are the most stylish mom/daughter team, and they couldn’t have been nicer. It was about a bajillion degrees out, so I wasn’t so much into trying things on, but with Hillery’s help I was able to narrow down the five dresses (not kidding) I had in my hands to this one:

rebe

Do you love it? I was a little nervous about making such a final purchase without trying it on first but I’m happy to report that it was even cuter on! The cut is fitted without being too-tight (thanks to a drawstring in the back), and the overall design straddles that dressed-up/dressed-down look that I love so much. Rebe’s online shop has lots to choose from, and you should definitely take a look – you will NOT see yourself coming and going in any of her dresses!

rebe

rebe

Another great day – with the usual required purchases of a lobster roll and mason jars, of course.

red hook lobster pound, brooklyn flea

brooklyn flea

And one MORE vendor that I’m determined to spend more time with on my next visit:

martines dream, brooklyn flea

Martine’s Dream has the prettiest blouses, tunics and “Betty Draper” shirtwaist dresses – and her prices are great. Some items are only available to view at the Flea but seriously, do I need to give you yet another reason to go??

11 Comments

  1. Melanie on July 11, 2012 at 3:14 pm

    Love love love that dress! It’s gorgeous! One day I will Flea with you. I really want to go there. xo

  2. Sandra on July 11, 2012 at 4:09 pm

    That is a great dress – why weren’t they at Williamsburg??!!! I’ll be there next month so may have to stay over for part of the weekend…

  3. Lisa on July 11, 2012 at 7:33 pm

    Oh, what beautiful finds! Sheri, I think the dress is absolutely lovely! And the tote bag – how awesome is that detachable cork wallet? LOVE!

  4. sherisilver on July 11, 2012 at 8:03 pm

    Yay! Great finds, right? Sandra, the dress was at the Renegade Craft Fair, not the Flea – check out her web site in the link above! 🙂

  5. Jennifer Cullen on July 11, 2012 at 10:18 pm

    Looks like they’re only open on the weekend. Bummer. Because I have loved everything you’ve written about. Maybe in the fall…

    • sherisilver on July 12, 2012 at 8:37 am

      Yes – I know! Next time; I do have some fun ideas for us though, fear not! xo

  6. Sara on July 12, 2012 at 6:40 am

    I want one of everything, please! And Leo and I want to tag along on your next visit. You always find the best things!

  7. Debbie Martine on March 4, 2013 at 5:24 pm

    Hi Sheri,I was just surfing and came upon your blog…very cool!I got so excited when I saw that you had included my Martine’s Dream dresses …. yeah!Thank you so much!! I love Ryan too…I too am coveting one of those amazing Flux totes.
    One love!Be well!

    • sherisilver on March 5, 2013 at 5:26 pm

      You are SO welcome! I’m a Brooklyn girl, born and bred and have been going to “the Flea” since day ONE! I’ll introduce myself when I’m back in the spring (I’m in Westchester now but get there as often as I can!) xo

      • Debbie Martine on April 26, 2013 at 6:06 pm

        Great looking forward to it! Be well Sheri!
        Happy Spring!!!

        • sherisilver on April 26, 2013 at 7:28 pm

          You too – hey, I’ll actually be there on May 4th for the New York Food Bloggers Bake Sale – will you be there?

Leave a Comment





sheri silver headshot

Hi! I'm Sheri!

Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!