This past Saturday, my sister and I went to Southeast DC to visit the District Flea Market.
http://districtflea.com/
The day was sunny but the air was crisp with a windy autumn bite. I wore my Freddies of Pinewood classic indigo jeans, a 50s camp shirt, and a red 49er jacket. I thought about wearing a housedress with tights but jeans seemed like a better, more logical (and warmer) choice.
As we grabbed a hot coffee, we browsed several booths containing vintage records, hi-fis, books, prints, art, clothes (mostly 60s-80s but I did spot a cute 50s patio set with gold ric rac but it had holes), jewelry, wall scones, lighting, mirrors, melmac, shabby chic furniture, vintage eyewear, and mid-century furniture. In addition to the shopping vendors, the District Flea also boasts food vendors.
Now, I admit that I went to this market with a few doubts. I was not expecting to walk away with anything. I was hoping to see the vintage eyewear booth and maybe stumble upon some bakelite, but my hopes were reserved. However, my doubts were soon proven wrong when I found two Lane two-tiered end tables in gorgeous condition. I was floored. The tables only had minor stratches (nothing Scott's Liquid Gold couldn't fix!) and the seller wanted $250 for the pair. I recently spotted similar tables on eBay for $500 or so. I took notice of the tables and decided to think about it. After a few sips of coffee and some brief hemming and hawing, I went back and told the gentleman, "You have a deal."
While I was coming down from my "end table high," my sister and I found the vintage eyewear booth. I was in total acetate, cateye, and aluminum heaven. I tried on a few pairs of various colors and styles and then found the pair I wanted: a 50s silver aluminum modified cateye frame for $55. The hinges needed to be cleaned but overall, they were perfect.
I already own four pairs of vintage frames that have been fit with my prescription: a solid black cateye, a clear acetate and soft gold cateye, a pale blue and clear acetate cateye, and lastly a black, brushed silver, and clear acetate cateye. In addition, I have three pairs of vintage sunglasses also fitted with my near-sighted/astigmatism prescription. I am addicted to vintage frames. Yes, it's true. I am not ashamed.
Here are my new frames:
So, overall, this weekend was a huge success! I got some pretty new frames to wear and my home is continuing to be updated in proper, mid-century style!
What are your newest vintage treasures?
I've been meaning to check out District Flea! I've heard it's pretty fun.
ReplyDeleteThe event is fun! I love the crowd too! Despite the fact I was the only one in vintage, I felt very much at home! The mid-century furniture and clothing guy was very nice and his selection was fab! The vintage eyewear booth was total vintage heaven! I wanted so many pairs! The District Flea ends on Nov. 30!
DeleteBeautiful tables! What a score! Those frames are gorgeous as well! I would love more vintage frames but have the hardest time finding ones that are not too small for my face and giant head! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI am very happy with my new tables! I wanted the whole set but the car could only hold so much! I needed a Uhaul! Lol! I loved the vintage eyewear booth! I literally wanted everything. Maybe the Allyn Scura booth at Viva will have something for you! Their selection is wonderful!
DeleteWhat great finds! We need a new (to us)couch. I'd love something mid century but I haven't had much luck out here.
ReplyDeleteI recently ran across a pair of vintage glasses but they were too small. They were a decent price too but my hubby wanted to go home and relax. I did buy three 1950s sewing patterns at $1 a piece.
Ikea, interestingly enough, has some great vintage-looking, MCM furniture. I love their catalog! There are even a few lamps and chandeliers of theirs I want.
DeleteAs for the eyewear, I recently posted a link on how to measure for vintage eyewear. Maybe it can help you find your eyewear treasure!
Nevertheless, great score with the patterns! I wish I could sew better! My MIL gave me some vintage patterns a few years ago but I need to learn more before I even attempt anything!