Yvette, our Assistant Editor for Decorating and Home and connoisseur of all things flea market, may already be a familiar face to you...she's been featured in several of my market adventures (here, here and here) and her Living Desk feature was just gorgeous. I was excited to see what she found, and even more excited to have her share those finds with you!
Checking out thrift stores and flea markets, both in New York City and beyond, is one of my pastimes. I’ve always lusted after all things vintage, and nothing makes me happier than coming across hidden treasures and trinkets from a different era.
One of my favorite spots is the 25th Street Flea Market, which runs on 25th Street between Broadway and 6th Avenue. Tons of vintage and antiques vendors set up shop in the outdoor market on Saturdays and Sundays, and on 25th between 6th and 7th is a garage that functions as a two-story flea market.
I brought along a camera with me on my last visit, and am happy to be able to share the beautiful colors and textures of the market with you. I hope you’re inspired enough to go shopping yourself. Just make sure to start early in the day, bring cash, and keep your eyes open!
1
2 I come to the market nearly ever weekend - it's addicting. This is the entrance to the antique garage, which has an upper and lower level. Both are packed with fabulous finds.
3 Here's the entrance to the lower level.
4 Look at this beautiful African headdress. I couldn't help but pine over the layered texture and vibrant colors.
5 The gorgeous colors continue.
6 Though the two feather pieces in the foreground caught my eye, I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer volume of masks behind.
7 I believe this is another, larger headdress, but I think it would work wonderfully as a sculptural piece for the home.
8 The detail of the handiwork in these is just incredible.
9 More beadwork. I love the traditional, native feel of this piece.
10 Again, such exquisite attention to detail. I wonder how long it took to create these patterns with the beads.
11 I so loved these earthy indigo textiles and thought maybe they could be used as a throw.
12 I came across a fabulous vendor of vintage textiles and antiques called "In With the Old," run by owner Courtney McCabe. You can find her on Etsy at "InWiththeOldVintage."
13 This trim came in such bright, vivid colors.
14 More trim and lace.
15 Love these!
16 Vintage fabrics. The exciting part of the market is that there's just so much.
17 Such pretty botanical prints.
18 More prints!
19 A few vintage linoleum samples...so many patterns to be inspired by here.
20 Neat, kitschy finds like this one are what make the market so fun.
21 Vintage apothecary drawers. So lovely!
22 I'll admit, I'm a sucker for antlers. That small painting in the background complements them beautifully.
23 Some simple lucite napkin holders. Rebecca Robertson, our Decorating Editor, would love these!
24 This is the upper level of the indoor garage.
25 Here's where the outdoor fun begins. This is the outer part of the 25th street parking lot between 6th and Broadway.
26 Aren't these little bottles charming?
27 I thought these old boxes would be perfect for storing little keepsakes and jewelry.
28 Another view of the lot and the adjacent church.
29 One of my favorite pieces that I regret not taking home.
30 The bracelet came in a set with this necklace. Just beautiful!
31 I love the nautical feel and bubble shape of these little clocks.
32 Another view of the outdoor lot.
33 There's really such a variety at these flea markets.
34 Again, loving the variety here. You can find whatever it is you're looking for, and then some.
35 A beautiful collection of vintage brushes.
36 This vendor had so many rugs to choose from!
37 The same vendor sold these pillow covers and other textiles.
38 Love the rustic feeling of this blanket.
Kevin Sharkey 
From: Rowaida Flayhan | 2/15/12 at 8:49 am
Hi Kevin,
Wow very interesting place with great finds. My daughter saw the photos she love vintage and the beadwork. Thank you for sharing.
Here in London an amazing place to visit Portobello Road http://www.portobelloroad.co.uk/