Everybody, Flea!

Two years ago I enjoyed a wondrous afternoon in Brooklyn with my friend Cathie. We spent a few hours getting lost amidst the splendor of crafts, clothes, jewels, vintage eyewear and antique furniture at Brooklyn Flea's Fort Greene location. When we were all shopped out we sat on the stairs overlooking the market, drinking in the sights and sounds while savoring fresh fruit ice pops. Almost as soon as we walked out of the gates I wanted to go back and experience it all again. Unfortunately, I haven't been back to Brooklyn since that sunshiney day in August. 

Imagine my delight when, earlier this year, I found out that Providence would be getting its very own upscale flea market! Providence Flea kicked off yesterday, and I was not at all disappointed. This rain or shine event will take place on Sundays from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm through August 25th. Although this market is Brooklyn Flea inspired, it is wonderfully and uniquely Providence: from its location along the city's riverfront at South Water Street, to the dedication to including local charities and under-represented Rhode Island artists amongst the high quality vintage and antique vendors.

I parked on South Main Street and cut down to South Water Street via the stairs at Mile and a Quarter restaurant. I was thrilled to spot Jodega at the front of the line of food trucks, and decided to start my Flea experience by grabbing an iced coffee. I meandered in and out of the assortment of tents, sipped on my cold cup of joe, and enjoyed the sunshine in a sea of happy Rhode Islanders.

I also did a fair amount of shopping, of course. Archetype Vintage was set up across the green from Jodega, and was, therefore, one of the first vendors I visited. I don't typically have much luck with vintage clothing finds, but I could not pass up the chance to own a vintage homemade flamingo wrap skirt. The fit isn't perfect yet, but it gives me something to work towards as I contemplate a return to the gym!

I'm not quite sure which vendor had this gem for sale, but if I find it at the next Providence Flea I will have to snap it up.

Olive Spoon Studio sells simply gorgeous re-purposed vintage flatware. While I loved their bracelets, rings and necklaces, I walked away with two of their very reasonably priced, hand stamped spoons. One of the spoons is going to be a gift, so I can't show you a picture of my specific purchases.

I spotted this fun and funky, yellow, polka dot purse pretty early in the afternoon, but did not purchase it right away.

I walked around some more, took some photos, sipped coffee in the sun. When I passed the RetroStitch tent again as I was leaving the Flea, I saw that my purse was still there. That's right, "my" purse. RetroStitch fashions eyeglass cases, a variety of handbags, and coin purses out of thrifted fabrics. Brandie Leach is the talented designer behind RetroStitch, and she was kind enough to switch out the original purse strap with one of the chunkier chains that she had with her.

With three purchases under my belt, it was time for me to flee the Providence Flea. Before heading to my car I stopped to take some photos of my new purse. I guess I bent over in a strange way because I managed to tweak my back in the process. Luckily my RetroStitch purchase came with a lavender sachet/heating pad; I'm bedridden at the moment, and this heating pad is providing some welcomed relief.

I can't wait to return to Providence Flea again and again this summer. A big thanks goes out to the event's organizers and vendors for making this flea market a reality.