FIND OF THE DAY: DROP CLOTHS

I expanded my booth this weekend at the Brooklyn Flea. While I would have loved to cover all the tables in this fabulous Marimekko fabric, it was a little out of my budget. To cover the extra tables, I picked up these painter's drop cloths from Home Depot.

They've got a great natural canvas color and they're hemmed. I chose the  6 x 9 ft for my tables, but you can get them in different sizes and the best part is at $10 a piece, you can easily replace them if they get stained, etc.

Here they are in action...

Celebrities, Videos and More at the FLEA

This past Sunday was a great day at the Brooklyn Flea! So many things happened, it's hard to know where to start. First, Jessica Biel (yes, that Jessica Biel) stopped by the booth and bought a beautiful set of crystal glasses. She was very sweet and chatted for a little while. Before she left, she also picked up a travel decanter set as a man-gift for J (as in JT?) I hope so! Her friend bought this great sign...

Then the producers from the new ABC talk show, The Chew (it's the one with Mario Batali and Clinton Kelly) came around and did some video taping at the booth. They were interested in this vintage egg crate and ended up purchasing it for the show. Stay tuned starting Sept 26, to see how they use it...

 

I talked to a number of amazing people at the flea and I always love hearing how someone is going to use an item from O&B. One customer bought these Sears oil cans to use as display in his Brooklyn-based pet food store. How cool!

Overall, it was a very successful, wonderful day at the Flea. Can't wait to go back again on August 28. If you're in town stop by and say hello!

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...

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!

STAYCATION- PART 2 FOODIE HEAVEN

I heart Brooklyn. It was my second home during my staycation weekend. Sat, I ventured over the bridge to Williamsburg to partake in the brand-spanking new outdoor food event, Smorgasburg.

Started by the folks behind Brooklyn Flea, there are over 50 vendors, small (I8NY, Porchetta) and large (Momofuku Milk Bar, Red Hook Lobster Pound) serving delicious organically grown and locally sourced food. I'm convinced I've died and found foodie heaven by the East River. 

A finger-lickin' good sandwich by I8NY, roasted chicken with pickled green tomatoes and salsa verde.

A local fav, People's Pops were serving shaved ice from a huge ice block.

Frozen banana spiltz, yum! 

Wouldn't be Brooklyn without a slew of bikes chained to the fence.

If you're in NYC (or planning to visit), get to this market soon!  Once word gets out about this foodie haven, it won't be long before the lines start wrapping around the block. 

Saturdays, 9am-5pm, Rain or Shine, East River Waterfront, Williamsburg (btw. North 6 + 7 St.)

STAYCATION- PART 1

This weekend instead of beating the heat and getting out of NYC, I embraced my city and did a little Staycation. On Sat, I headed over the bridge to Brooklyn, where I checked out two of my favorite design stores, A&G Merch and The Future Perfect. Chock full of great home accessories,  I can't help but feel inspired in these stores.

Good news for those not living in NYC, items are available online.

 Farmyard glasses, A&G Merch

Carnival Letter, A&G Merch

Whale Pillow, A&G Merch

White Wolf w/ Gold Tooth, The Future Perfect

Puzzle Tray, The Future Perfect

Brooklyn Flea Market

On Saturday, I piled on the sunscreen and ventured over to Brooklyn to go to the Brooklyn Flea. Known for the eceltic mix of vintage clothing, housewares, furniture and jewelry, this market also sells kits to make your own beer, mini cupcakes and silk screened T's among other things...

Some of the more unusual finds at the flea...

One of the best things about the flea is the fresh, local food. It's hard to decide between the grilled cheese sandwiches on homemade bread, pizza fired in a portable wood oven, or the tacos filled with meat and fresh cilantro.  I loaded up on some Salvadoran pupusas filled with cheese and jalapenos and piled high with pickled cabbage.

 Photo: Me So Hungry

After a day of hunting, I ended up a chrome and glass martini shaker from the 1960s, a box of flower glasses and brass mirrored vanity tray. Be sure to check on Facebook for sneak peeks...