This past weekend, I hit the P.S. 321 Flea Market in my hood. Shopping a flea market is similar to shopping a thrift store in that it requires a discerning eye and a ruthless intolerance for bullshit. Alas, fleas offer a surplus of junk; finding anything decent can be an exhausting endeavor. To ensure that I always score something, I rely on the following techniques.
Pre-Flea Preparations
Have some moolah on you – fleas don’t take debit cards, doy. I’d recommend $100 in cash; while jewelry and clothes run uber cheap, $50 can often net you a legit JAPtastic bags and/or pair of shoes. The time it takes you to run to the ATM is the difference between these Bruno Magli and/or Miu Miu shoes being yours or someone else’s. Also, wear something thin/skimpy enough so you can try things on over your clothes – dressing rooms not included.
Reconnaissance First
Survey the flea scene before blowing your load on anything you have lukewarm feelings about. Do a lap, reassess, then go back for whatever you can’t stop thinking about. Conversely, if you see something you absolutely must must have, buy it on the spot. I found a kickass black, woven leather belt ($25) I intended on buying post-browsing. When I returned to the vendor ten minutes later, some hippie chick had already snagged it. Bollacks!
Be Picky…Very Picky
The organized vendors are the best vendors; if a table is a hodgepodge of books, teacups, sunglasses and pins, it’s not worth your time. Slowly back away, and move on to the spaces that are easier on the eyes. Unless you happen to have seven hours to kill, in which case, dawdle away.
Check Your Goods
Anything damaged isn’t worth your money, no matter how cheap it is. Check the clasps on necklaces, make sure the earrings have backs, take a walk in those shoes and see if the insoles are in tact. Those $20 cowboy boots with the busted heel might be supercute, but are you really going to spend double at your cobbler to have them fixed? Negs.
Mind the Weirdos
I bought a necklace and a belt from one vendor; her response to my purchase was as follows: “You see? God wanted you to have these things.” Yes, I’m sure God had a lot to do with my snagging a $5 belt and a $3 necklace. Just smile and nod.
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