Second Hand Trend...

Fashion magazines, talk shows, celebrities, basically the media, imparts to us what the up and coming crazes are or will be.  Oddly enough, we attribute attraction to objects that are brand new; but, in this time of economic instability and penny pinching, antiques and vintage items are, quite literally, taking over the market and a fast growing past time for most Americans.  So, with the holidays barreling towards us, let's take a look at some of the items that are quickly becoming hot items in the flea market world...

1.  Interesting and Unusual Time Pieces-

We're not just talking about Dad's old watch...time pieces are all the rage right now.  Yes, you can use your phone to tell time; but, a time piece says something about you.  There was a time that everyone wore or carried this useful jewelry.  Now, you can pick up a pocket watch or vintage Timex for half the cost, and, if you really want to make it special, you can have it engraved.  A band can be replaced with colorful ribbon or sharp chain can be added to jazz it up.  These make amazing gifts for a man or woman, especially if you really want them to know that you know what makes them tick.

2.  Contemporary or Modern Art-

There is artwork available for anyone's budget.  Obviously, if you want to start your own collection, I would highly recommend some research and shopping around for advice; but, if you are just looking to decorate your walls, what this trend is saying is, don't be afraid to mix modern with what you already own.  For many, downsizing has become a way of life, so wall art is a way of saying volumes without hauling tons of furniture from place to place.  It would be wonderful to have the cash to swoop up a signed painting or lithograph; but, we can't all afford that indulgence.  A cool twist might be finding an unusual frame and a print from a magazine or coffee table book and hang them in a grouping on a wall that cries out to stand out from the other corners of your home or apartment.  Remember, someone else's art becomes your creation on an empty wall...that is timeless.

3.  Refurbished Wood Furniture-

Enough cannot be said about this trend.  True wood furniture will beat out fabricated pieces, no matter how much the commercials say you need brand new.  A refurbished wood piece has lasted a long time and will continue to last, if you care for it.  It seems that every booth has painted, refinished or shabby chic-ed furniture.  Retail for a new piece can run you into the thousands; but, that same thousand could become a new look for one room or an entire house, depending on your choices.  Keep in mind, that mixing is always fun and interesting.  A solid wood dining table could sport six chairs, all from different vendors, but with complementing looks.  A small dresser could become a great entertainment center, with drawers for all those cords, DVDs and the nineteen remotes that your significant other cannot part with.  If there is a choice between pressed, fabricated furniture and a refurbished piece, I would always choose wood.

4.  China

I know you are thinking this couldn't possibly be true; but, it is undeniably on the rise.  Let's face it, most of us never received more than three place settings for our wedding, and if we were to complete the set, it would take a huge bite out of our wallet.  Having said this, we still like to entertain, and in the South, we value making a get together as a defining moment.  There isn't a flea market that doesn't have multiple sets, often complete, of fine, bone, or vintage china.  For those of you who are looking to spend even less, do what I do, I mix patterned china with colored glass pieces.  You can scoop up one set of china and combine it with another.  Pair it with interesting wine glasses or iced tea tumblers and your guests will be talking about you in front of you, instead of behind your back.

These are just a few of the things that you will see people flocking to, as we cross the threshold of 2014.  Really, what goes out of fashion will return with a vengeance.  So, your treasure goes through multiple changes over the years.  The reason items are in the flea market is because they last, and that is what we are hoping for, something that lasts.  Different or unusual is a good thing...march to the beat of your own drum.  No matter what the craze is now, your discerning taste has the ability to create the next...second hand trend...

What to Do...What to Do...

I tend to speak metaphorically...in my writing...but I thought...it might be helpful to just speak in a straightforward way for this piece...a bit of helpful advice...

You stroll around...booth to booth...finding glimmering treasures...small items...a dish here...a tablecloth...a beer stein...maybe an end table...or a chair...but nothing complete...not one whole set of...whatever...and so you think...well...maybe today isn't my day...I didn't find anything...and you may be right...or...you may not be seeing the possibilities...sometimes we get caught up in a "must be a whole package" mentality...and it's understandable...so here are some ideas...or at least thoughts...

A full set of dishes is amazing...but sometimes one dish catches your eye...many of  the same would be a dream...but when there is only one...what do you do?...Things to consider...this beautiful dish becomes the resting place of your jewelry...or the spot that a scented candle burns...or it has all the colors that bring together an eclectic room...so...you hang it on the wall...in a collection of brilliant frames...

A couple of etched glasses catch your eye...well...it's not a set of eight...but then...your cousin...or boyfriend...or dad has a present day coming up (birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, promotion)...those sparkling items...along with their favorite beverage...can make a non traditional gift...that stands out in a special "wow...you really know me" sort of way...

You take a turn down an aisle with furniture pieces galore...and in the midst you see "it"...whatever "it" is...end table...buffet...sideboard...dresser...cupboard...whatever "it" is to you...you may say...well it doesn't go with everything else I have...but what if...that piece became the defining piece of a room...there is the possibility of a piece...becoming the conversation piece...that your guests talk about long after the evening is over...

I mean...if you fall in love with someone...don't you make adjustments of your life around them...in a good way...I think you do...I know I do...we all do it...The wonderful aspect of shopping second hand...is that someone loved this piece once...they tired of it...and you get to breath life into it again...make it your own...in a special way...make your imprint...and how wonderful is that?...to change an object's life...while it changes yours...

Maybe this all sounds simplistic...but it's really quite deep...I'm looking at my stack of decorating books bedside table...and my vintage necklace that I will wear tomorrow...or the collage of vintage mismatched frames over my computer...and the English tea dish with deep purple painted edging that holds my sandalwood candle...and I think...there is a fine line between fear and excitement...when I ponder...

What to do...what to do...

Dealers Speak...

No matter the weather...no matter the day...flea markets are a wonderful way to fritter away your time.  The larger the market...the more time you can spend searching for that just right item or the thing that tames your craving just right now.  As a reformed shy and quiet individual...I would spend my hours digging, sifting, rummaging through displayed wares and vintage clothing...I found things...wonderful surprises...but it wasn't until I gathered my courage and spoke to the individuals who manned the booths that I truly brought home treasure.

Now wait a minute, you say...the person looming in the small space that has sparked my interest...is intimidating...what if they try to talk me into a purchase that I don't want to make.  I understand...I hear you...The truth is dealers are there for the same reason you are...we love...love...love finding treasure.  The only difference is that we have turned treasure hunting into a way of life...at the very least funding for our habit.  But...most important...we dealers...we know things...about lots of things...

We have been up to our elbows in other people's toss aways...some of us have ventured across the ocean to bring back loot from other lands...We travel far...We talk with everyone...We read up and internet search...We are a fountain of knowledge...We can tell you things about wood...that would make others nod off to sleep...We can touch fabric and tell you the type and sometimes the designer...Some of us know art...some comics and memorabilia...coins...silver...gold...and vintage hats...We do this 24/7...and we are dying to share info about our wares...

You know that thing you purchased...that time...and you called your friend and gushed about the cashmere sweater...or had your buddies over for game night and turned on your vintage beer sign...or you simply folded your child's clothes and put them in your old/new dresser...the dealer you purchased from could have told you the ply on that sweater that makes you feel like a million...or how to carefully turn off and on your sign so that it doesn't break...or why the dovetailed drawers will keep that dresser in the family for years to come...We don't just want you to take interest in what drives us...everywhere...We want you to treasure your new treasure...So that we can run to another dealer's booth and have our own giddy moments...

Talking and sharing information is a waning art in our tech savvy society...but a flea market is all about talking...It's all about discovery and scoring the ungettable get...for everyone.  I think you might be surprised the doors that can open for you...if you risk it all and talk to the person that you'll have to pass anyway...The worst thing that can happen is that you learn the difference between Victorian and Early American furniture...and the best...you make a contact who can help you find future ungettable gets...

Talking is vital...and it's free...We...the dealers..are going to talk anyway...We have so much random information knocking around in our heads...My guess is that some of that just might help you out...it's all about connections...exchanges...questions...do it enough...you might become one of us...you just might end up talking like us...and it all starts with you talking to us...don't worry...

...dealers speak...

Never Pass Up Your Heart's Desire....

Since I was 10 years old...I have loved flea markets...buildings filled with antique furniture that has passed from hand to hand...through the years...vintage glass in every color under the rainbow...the smells of the cozy cafe and music drifting through the aisles...that cause a you to sway...while moving from booth to booth...in search of perfection...that incredible piece of history...or that artsy creation...that you just can't do without...

Over the years, I have discovered many things...My taste has changed and I have redefined myself through the magical artifacts I have found...and connected with my past...or the past of others...But, of all the things that have revealed themselves to me through my flea market experiences...one bit of wisdom has become the core of my treasure hunting philosophy...if you love it...if you like it...pick it up and don't put it down...because if you do...there's a great chance you with lose it...

Something amazing happens when you touch an item in a flea market...You can act coy...or nonchalant...You can pretend that you only have a passing fancy for the item of your interest...But, the moment you lay a finger on any item...you send a signal out...like a lighthouse in a port...and others will come a runnin'...Walk away from that jewel...and someone else will swoop it up...

I can't tell you how many gorgeous items I have lost over the years, because I decided to walk around and "think about it"...What usually happens is that I forget where the booth is...if I'm lucky...Mostly, I come back and the beauty is gone...I don't know why this is...but...if you are interested in something...and show your interest... crazy vibes go out into the market universe...and I swear...someone will walk in right behind you and buy it...immediately...

So what do you do?...You can certainly risk losing out on the item you desire...but why...when there are many options.  You can talk with the dealer...ask them if they will hold the piece...Now, be realistic...the dealers are there to make money...some will say no...but a lot of them will accept your request and hold the piece for an hour...until the end of the day...or maybe 24 hours...You could ask about layaway...if it's a large item...say a dresser or cupboard...the dealer might be interested in setting that up...Just remember...if you never come back to complete the transaction...the dealer may have terms that forfeit your ability to get your money back...so, be certain to discuss and commit to memory all the terms of the transaction...Lastly...if you really  are drawn to an item...haggle the price...quickly check your budget...and just buy it...Take it home and love it....

Flea markets are not like retail...no booth carries duplicates of anything...You might get lucky and the item will wait for you to decide...But, the odds are that the golden fairy dust you leave behind...by touching something...will call to others walking by...and while you are walking around...trying to decide...they'll be more decisive...and will end up walking out with it...

It's up to you...you can spend the rest of your days with a fantastic find at The Flea Market...in Flowood...or you can wave goodbye...as it goes home with someone else...Your touch may be so magical that all will work out...My advice...take it from me...

Never pass up your heart's desire...