Flea Market Sunday!

When I found myself with a free morning this Sunday I decided to bundle up and venture out to two of New York City's infamous outdoor flea markets. My first stop was at the West 25th flea market (between Broadway and 6th Avenue). I arrived around 10:30 am and found that most of the vendors were set up and ready to assist potential buyers, only a few vendors were still pulling their wares out of storage bins and arranging them on their tables.












Equip with my new Canon EOS Rebel T1i (thanks to my BF Steve!), I took my time perusing the multitude of tables, leisurely photo documenting as I went. No one seemed to mind that I was snapping photos, so I felt fairly uninhibited. After checking out racks of vintage clothes and coats (faux and real fur), tables of old photographs mostly of models (clothed and nude), glassware, jewelry, shoes/boots, books, knik-knaks and bags, I decided there was nothing that I absolutely had to have, so I moved on to the next flea market in Hell's Kitchen (West 39th between 9th and 10th Avenues). You can find more info on the markets here: http://www.hellskitchenfleamarket.com/home/


In Hell's Kitchen, I found more of the same type of items as before. At both locations, the majority of the displays were very well organized and easy to navigate. As an example, clothing was often hung on racks instead of piled on tables or in bins. I did make a few purchases here, I found a beautiful vintage blond-colored faux fur peacoat for only $20 and a leather belt complete with an ornate Middle Eastern-ish buckle for $10. I thought the prices were reasonable, so I didn't try to barter, although I have been known to do so in the past! Regarding the low prices, I overheard a vendor say that they have to keep the prices down during the post-holiday season otherwise people will not buy.

Overall, it was a fun and successful day at the market! Although I was impressed with the vendor turnout (approximately 10-15 tables present at each location), I'm betting there will be even more sellers during warmer months...so I guess I'll have to check back and see!

Until next time..Happy Hunting!

xo -Rebecca

Photo credits - all photos taken by Rebecca Leese: first 4 photos captured at the West 25th street flea market (coats, iron gates, jewelry, purple chaise) -last 2 photos taken at Hell's Kitchen flea market (trunk and bags)