The Brooklyn Flea

Saturday afternoon was beautiful! Originally, I had plans to go to a little birthday party in CT but a sudden change of plans landed me at the Brooklyn Flea in Fort Greene. The neighborhood was really pretty from the architecture to the landscaping. I enjoyed a nice walk to the flea market and was starved by the time I made it there. When I walked in my nose led me right to the back of the market where all the food carts were. Do you ever have big eyes & and even bigger stomach? I decided to go for corn tortillas with shredded chicken & veggies......so good! I arrived towards the end of the market day & missed out on the handmade popsicles & fresh watermelon juice. There's always next time!

With a nice full belly, I started to make the rounds. Wow, so many interesting dealers. I spotted several beautiful sun dresses, really cool hats, & some of the most unique jewelry. Everything seemed to be vintage or handmade. It was like walking around inside of etsy only with music from the 60s playing in the background (my favorite). Oh, I'm already planning my next trip!
One of my favorite friends told me about the Brooklyn Flea & how much it offers. Boy, she was right! Next time I will follow her advice & get there early. What a great new resource.

I also wanted to share with you a rainbow that popped out Saturday evening after a sun shower. Hope you had a wonderful weekend!


little peach

Umbrellas in full bloom!

photos: rainy day girl: sketch by me!

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg movie

Well, it looks like rain up here in the New York area for as far as the forecast extends. Instead of being jealous of all y'all with sunshine and summery weather, I think I'll look to a good movie for inspiration. It may seem just a little obvious to go right for Les Parapluies de Cherbourg (The Umbrellas of Cherbourg), but I couldn't quit thinking about how much I'd love to have a cool vintage umbrella right about now. How about you? For me, old films are like time travel. You can pop one on and suddenly your immersed in another era completely. It's like digging into a history book without having to reread every other line. In The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, it's hard not to appreciate the contrast between the bright cheerful wardrobe and scenery of the '50s to the melancholy tone of the music and the story. I think the contrast is what makes the vivid candy colors bearable without being too precious or sweet. Catherine Deneuve, who plays Genevieve is simply stunning in every scene. Don't you agree? Her lovely dresses and tailored trench coats seem to match her surroundings flawlessly. If you haven't seen this movie yet, I recommend you netflix it soon. It'll get you through these rainy days while your hiding inside or at least make you appreciate the sunshine if your fortunate enough to have some. You may just find yourself craving a summery peach party dress or a bubble gum pink cardigan. I know I am! Until the sun decides to beam again I think I'll tuck myself away with an earl grey & a classic movie.

little peach

Fountain of Youth on Hudson Street?

photos: lady in Victorian dress- Fahion Design 1850-1895 by Dorine van den Beukel

Victorian undergarments- Fashion Design 1850-1895 by Dorine van den Beukel

Fountain of youth tree- photo by me

On my walk home yesterday I happened to look down and found this tree that appeared to have a little basin to the side of it like the fountain of youth in the novel Tuck Everlasting. Maybe that's why everyone in the village seems so young or seems to live forever. When I stopped to take a photo I started thinking about the Victorian era and starched cotton blouses and skirts. By the time I made it home found myself on etsy searching for pretty feminine tops. I came across a little peplum top that I'm not sure I can live without from a seller in France (of course). It has beautiful openwork detail around the collar and I think it was actually lingerie. It's funny how undergarments from that time period expose much less than a regular top from today. I just realized I like my blouses just like a good potato chip (my other recent addiction), thin and crisp.

Aloha Weekend

Longing to be seaside, I could not help but gravitate toward beachy pieces on my Wednesday thrift shop crawl. I found this awesome sun dress in a corner rack & was not able to resist the classic Hawaiian print. When I slipped it on I realized how special a piece this was in the beautiful fit and the option to criss cross the straps. So cute! I'd love to pair it up with this vintage french ivory hat and simple gold thong flats. The only other things I'd bring on my pretend weekend beach trip are a pair of shades & this cool and simple woven tote my Mom bought for me at a Sunday flea market. Now, I better go find a conch shell so I can hear the ocean to keep the dream going!

little peach

Birthday Picnic

photos: birthday cake watercolor drawing by me!

gingham party dress from arthritis thrift shop nyc

cherry cake photo from Apples for Jam by Tessa Kiros

white wicker purse from UWS flea market

Jacques Torres dark chocolate mix

I always seem to forget how much celebration goes on once June arrives! Between all of the weddings, anniversaries, graduations, & birthdays I'm feeling especially festive!! My little sister is here from Georgia during her birthday & I want to take advantage and do something sweet for her since it's rare I see her on the actual day anymore. I'm thinking Central Park near the reservoir right off fifth avenue. I found two little picnic tables tucked away on the bridle path one day while I was running in the snow & made a mental note to use them for a special occasion when summer hit. I'll bring a tablecloth & a mix of some blue & white china I've been collecting from thrift shops for setting the table along with some pretty pink peonies. I just came across this photo of the cherry cake in a cook book called Apples for Jam by Tessa Kiros that will be my inspiration for the party! Last week I was in a thrift shop on third avenue and found this gingham embroidered 50's cotton party dress. It'll be perfect for the birthday girl to wear with this pop color cherry beaded vintage bracelet I found in Jersey City at my favorite vintage shop. For a gift I'm thinking this wicker basket purse and a box of dark chocolates from Jacques Torres in Tribeca (If I can restrain myself). For the meal I think we will keep it easy & just bring take out so it still has the casualness of a picnic. I'm such a dork that I get so spastic over this kind of stuff.....I just love it! Happy Birthday Sarah!