GREAT SALES AND GOOD STORIES...

Great sales and good stories made up my first show at the Brooklyn Flea. Despite the forecasts for rain on Sunday, the weather held out and it was a beautiful, sunny day in Williamsburg.

We had traffic in the booth from the moment we started setting up. Many people stopped back again once they had scoured the flea. Compliments on the items and booth definitely made my day.

Bright fabrics and vintage photos from a local NYC photographer helped draw people in...

The set-ups in the front were ever changing as things sold and were replaced with other objects. We had one guy squeal with delight and run over this leather liquor travel set...

In the beginning we put out all the glassware and the tables looked full and overcrowded. Careful editing is always key and we ended up putting some of it away until later in the day. 

As a suggestion from my friend Tara of The Prippy Handbook, team Octavia & Brown sported brand new uniforms for the show. We gave out the "uniform discount" to anyone wearing a striped shirt later in the day...

Over all the show was fantastic. Thanks to everyone who came out to check out the booth. Can't wait to try it all again on August, 21...

GOING MARIMEKKO BOLD

The last few days, I've been working on the set-ups for the show this weekend. Looking for some inspiration, I headed over to the Marimekko shop at Crate & Barrel, where I picked up this gorgeous, bold fabric for the tables.

The colors on screen, do not do it nearly enough justice. Here's what it looks like in person...

While at Crate & Barrel I also spotted these fantastic lamps. The bright cord is a perfect accent. I already plotting to get two of these for my bedside tables.

 Mack w/ Cord Lamp

SPOTTED IT...

I love seeing items that I sell on O&B show up in the pages of interior design magazines. The latest are these fabulous glasses that the team from Lonny Magazine styled in a portable bar for stylist, Lisa Stasiulewicz. 

Image courtesy of Lonny Magazine July/ August 2011 issue 

I found this set at an estate sale in Massachusetts. Love them!

Set of six silver rimmed glasses

GETTING READY...

This week, I'm in full prep mode for my first outdoor show on Sunday at the Williamsburg Flea. I've been playing around the set-ups this afternoon, trying to figure out what to bring and what to leave. While I'd love to bring everything, I don't want the booth to look too cluttered.

Here's where I am so far...

 I'm thinking about color blocking everything...

This one still needs a little more work. I think I need to add more height...

If anyone has any tips on setting up a great display, I would love to hear!

CLASSIC COCKTAILS...

Image courtesy of Time Out New York

There was a great article in Time Out New York last week about summer cocktails getting out of tiki bowls and into classic pitchers, carafes and cocktail shakers at bars around the city. I couldn't be more excited about this. There's something immensely satisifying about drinking a classic cocktail out of a perfectly portioned glass.

Here are some of my favorite 1960s bar sets and shakers that are going to be showing up at the Williamsburg Flea this Sunday (Aug 7th)...

 Roly Poly Glass and Pitcher Set

Silver Rimmed Glass and Pitcher Set

Vintage Punch Bowl

Etched Dot Glass and Pitcher Set

Vintage Chrome and Glass Shaker

Takin' It To The Streets...

 Image via Brooklyn Flea

I have some exciting news! Octavia & Brown is taking it to the streets! I'm going to doing my first outdoor show at the Williamsburg Flea on Sunday, August 7th. I'll be bringing glassware, 60's barware, lamps, signage and some larger furniture pieces not previously seen on the site. If anyone wants to stop by and say hello,  I'll be there rain or shine from 10am- 5pm. 

Thanks for speading the word and hope to see you there!

CLASSIC DESIGN ALWAYS IN STYLE

I was sad when I sold my last pair of Abingdon Pottery Horsehead bookends on Octavia & Brown.

Imagine my delight when I spotted these fun horsehead bookends at West Elm. At $39, they're a steal.