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Small is the New Big and Antiques Can Get Us There

Bigger is not Better

When I think about decorating a space, I consider proportion. Will the décor and furniture “fit.” Rarely do I buy new. American furniture tends to be too big and aesthetically underwhelming (ever been to Ashley’s)? It’s big because it needs to occupy a Mac Mansion, in a big way. Funny thing though, the average American household has declined to 3.1 people in 1970 to 2.6, according the US Census Bureau.

Flea markets — or second hand markets in general – are more my size. They tend to suit my design aesthetic too, not only because Antiques Are Green but because the pieces are usually a better fit and more in scale with the size of the home and the people in it, so bigger is not better. Bigger is not

Bigger is not Sustainable

When the planet contained a billion people, the earth’s ecosystem could sustain that population. The sun rose and set and the seasons and the cycles of farming could feed and care for the people that needed all it could provide. Now, with four billion people, we’ve got some serious sustainability issues. The food we produce is not made in harmony with the earth. It’s is produced artificially and in mass quantities so that we can satiate an ever increasing middle class around the world that is both hungry, and hungry for something better.

Whether it’s furniture size or the size in the earth’s population, we are out of proportion with our real hunger — which may be hard to visualize – which I believe is personal satisfaction and being in harmony with our planet.

Less is Better

Take a look at this Infographic about the evolution of the car which illustrates my point. Yes, they have gotten bigger to us, but have they gotten better for us? Do they do anything better than drive, really?

According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) report on life satisfaction in the western industrialized nations the happiest people on earth are the Danes. They live in a tiny country where the most personal happiness and contentment is characterized by small living spaces. So how is it that Denmark tops the list with the most satisfied citizens? Perhaps it’s because of the high employment rate of 73% and a low percentage of 1.92% of employees working long hours contribute to high satisfaction levels. But I can’t help wonder, do they “get” that less is more?

Could it be that in the US of A (which failed to make the top 10) that if we decreased our yen for all things big like furniture and houses and cars, and increased our personal happiness by cutting back on a consumptive mindset we would be happier? What would it be like if we didn’t have to work so much? If we spent more time with family? Or just did what the French call being a flaneur (people watcher).

Could we steer the happiness needle to the other end of the meter, and away from the consumptive, dinosaur economy that drives it, so to speak?

The Happiest Countries in the World – 24/7 Wall St

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Flea Market Do’s and Don’ts Insider Shopping Tips

Yes, for some, “doing the fleas” is a treasure hunt. It is no doubt a far cry from a trip to the mall, because, like I always say, you never know what you’ll find. So, to stay one step ahead of this fun and unpredictable shopping experience, here are a few tips from the one and only, “Flea Market Fanatic.”

Do arrive early. If it opens at 8:00am, be there. Especially if you’re shopping for something in particular. Inevitably, it’s there, somewhere. And if you strike up a nice rapport with the vendor, you may get a price break. You can even ask for it to be held if you want it bad enough, and a $10 bill will do the trick. Walk around, enjoy the rest of the market place, then pick up your items at the end of the day, so you don‘t have to carry them around.

Do bring your own beverage and a snack. Unless I am at the Brooklyn Flea where I know the truck food is going to be good and interesting, American flea food isn’t worth eating. It tends to be what I call “sugar fried salt” food. Bring a nice Fage Yoghurt and Honey or a veggie wrap. You’ll feel better.

Do buy something you must have, but for a specific reason. Is this purchase practical? Like lighting, or accessorizing elements of a room?

Do haggle but if you really think that tchotchke is not worth $30 and you can buy the same thing cheaper at Target, new, walk away. I love flea markets more than anyone, but use your head.

Do know your style. Buying an antique phonograph sounds romantic, but if your home is all about Mid–Century Modern, for heaven’s sake, put it back.

Do look for interesting or unusual fabric and textiles that catch your eye for color or texture. Brocade and silks are my weakness. Chances are you won’t see anything like it new. Sadly, the craftsmanship is just not there. If you have a yen for glass and door knobs, colored drawer pulls, dusty chandeliers, vintage table cloths, really old maps, or vintage brooches like I do, there is never a shortage of what you can do to repurpose these types of flea market finds. They never fail to add just the right touch to any room. Unintentional charm. You will achieve a greater decorating flair with the less is more approach of casual charm and elegance when you add one of these elements about the house.

Do pack your Flea Market Checklist

Do restore, recycle, and repurpose, but only if you love working with your hands. I know if you had suggested DIY projects even five years ago, I would have balked. I wasn’t ready or interested. These types of projects have got to be a labor of love. It is a lot of research, creativity, elbow grease, and experience of trial and error to get “it” right. So my advice is leave the DIY and restoration to the experts, until you are really ready.

Do shop what I call the “outliers.” Get out, way out, beyond the main are and where the crowds are. I like to start at the end then work my way back. It’s often these outer areas that are not only less crowded, but they very often have terrific antique and vintage pieces. Perfect locations for bargain hunters!

Do take cash, and although a lot of small bills are a good idea, many indoor fleas and antique shows or vintage cooperatives have a central pay station to run any kind of transaction. What’s more, yes there are ATM’s, but I am finding more and more sellers like myself, who can swipe debit and credit cards right on their smart phone. Worse comes to worse, if you’re low on cash, ask if they’ll take a check (most do) or send your payment to them through PayPal.

Do wear comfortable walking shoes. I get sore feet easily. I love my Tory Birch flip flops in good weather. They are a little pricey but they are sturdy. One pair in 4 years! When it’s cold, I wear the pair of raspberry colored Uggs I bought in 2005. Nothing else will do. Don’t have to wear socks either. Yes, both are new. I personally don’t like second hand shoes. But I would never pay full price! Can you say www.Overstock.com or www.Zappos.com?

Do wear layers, but even on the coldest New Jersey day, I leave most everything behind and opt for less. I don’t want to be weighted down by heavy coats or scarves and gloves. With so many people generating body heat, I’ve learned my lesson.

Don’t buy something because you think it’s a collectable item. Antiques Roadshow Twins, most of are not. I tell my clients, the last thing you want your home to look like is a garage sale. Less is more, put it back unless you absolutely need it. Resist consuming impulses. A bargain is no longer cheap when you’ve bought ten of them, or it’s going to sit in your closet.

Don’t take a folding cart with wheels. Too much jostling and crowds. I don’t want to tow that barge. For me, I want to enjoy the day. Leave the heavy day handbag at home, and simply take an over the shoulder flea bag like this with your iPhone and wallet.

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A Moveable Flea Market Feast at Barneys New York

BARNEYS NEW YORK: THE PARIS FLEA MARKET RECREATED AT MANHATTAN FLAGSHIP‏

Unless you’ve been living in a cave lately, you know the fleas are trending not just for the vintage style but because they’re affordable. Today September 18, 2012, it’s official. According to this article in today’s Architectural Digest [REPRINTED FROM Text by Elizabeth Stamp | Photography by Tom Sibley the flea market style trend of vintage has officially moved from “The Shops at Target” on Main Street to Barney’s on Fashion Avenue. It bears reprinting because, in a sense, when Fashion Avenue references you, you have arrived.

What worries me, is that one, as soon as a cultural trend becomes legitimized by the commercial retail establishment, the charm and sub culture of them begins to fade (because our culture has the attention of a gnat). Secondly, Americans somehow think that if they see the Barney’s display, they’ve fulfilled their cultural experience in much the same way they will tell you they’ve “seen” Europe in Las Vegas. Not.

Read for yourself in the excerpt below and share your comments!

The Marché aux Puces St. Ouen de Clignancourt—the legendary flea market in Paris’s 18th arrondissement—has long attracted a fashionable set, with Coco Chanel and Christian Dior its frequent browsers in their day. Stateside flea fanatics can get their fix thanks to Barneys New York. The Chelsea Passage on the flagship’s ninth floor is currently host to “Marché aux Puces,” a special installation featuring incredible finds from the City of Light’s best-known treasure trove that is designed to recreate the experience of shopping there—without the airfare or shipping fees.

The shop is based on the stalls at Marché Paul Bert, a section of les puces that specializes in antiques and home furnishings. Dark gray canvas and sisal floors frame a wide array of items culled from numerous trips to the French capital over the past year.

“For an individual, to buy at the flea market in Paris is not easy,” says Barneys New York creative director Dennis Freedman. “It’s one thing to buy something, it’s another to arrange a shipment to America, deal with customs, and go from the port to your apartment. I’ve done that for the last ten years, and I know what’s involved. We’re eliminating all of that.” And to that we say merci beaucoup.

The eclectic assortment includes furniture, art, and one-of-a-kind decorative objects. A red 1970s Maison Barbier lamp mingles with two stone mile markers (used when the Romans were settling in Gaul), a plaster frieze, and sputnik-style light fixtures. “It’s a very big range of objects,” says Freedman, “from the 20th to the 19th century, Napoleon III pieces, big pieces, small pieces.”

Items will be added regularly through mid-November, and just like any flea market, great finds won’t last. There is one person, though, whom shoppers don’t need to worry about competing with. “I’ll be honest,” admits Freedman, “there were a number of things that I wanted to buy for myself and had to be told I couldn’t.”

Original Source

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Plan B: Budget Under $300 for a His and Hers New Bedroom

How is it, I thought, that of all the rooms in the house, our master bedroom still looks like an afterthought? I realized it was because I hadn’t found the right style, color, or pieces that would satisfy the demands of both a “His & Hers” aesthetic. It had to be beautiful enough for me, yet masculine enough that my husband wouldn’t think he was sleeping in a Rachel Ashwell room. What I really wanted, naturally was way to expensive (ah, if only I’d been born rich instead of beautiful!). The white rosette bedspread from Anthropologie. You know the one, right? It was about $300 and I would already be over budget – see below.

But, my budget hovered around $300 (not $3,000!) for Cal King size bedding (always more expensive). Six window panels for three windows, king size sheets, accent pillows, the right mirror, oh, and that pesky pink, white and green striped headboard (On sale at Overstock for $25 each. I put two twins together to equal a King size headboard) that I had yet to cover. So here’s how I got an A+ bedroom we can both live with:

Vintage French Mirror: Tony’s Second Hand Shop, Newark NJ $20
French Grey Window Panels (6): Marburn Curtain Warehouse $16.99/pair = $51
Accent Pillow: Target on sale $7.99
White “Rivulets” Duvet Cover + 2 Euro Shams : Target $69
Silk French Grey & Crème runner: Home Goods$59
Flokati Rug Round: Borrowed from another room.
Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic French Gray Sheets: Target $62
TOTAL = $262

Bedroom Bliss

So far I was at $262, I had everything I wanted, except the headboard slipcover. I dreaded sewing that one! But then I got an idea, I picked up two French Grey shower curtains at Marburn warehouse for about $20 each in a gorgeous silk with rosettes. This would be the headboard slipcover. I placed it on the headboard, folded it over like wrapping a package, and then used a light upholstery stapler to fasten it in place. And, voila! Pretty pretty, right?

Showered Headboard

This is a little French picture I found at a flea market. I repainted the frame with a few strokes from the Benjamin Moore Blue Lapis sample I had laying around.

French, Touched

Perhaps the most fun I had came when I wrapped the brown and crème lampshade in an exptra curtain panel and then secured it by tying it up in a pretty bow. Kinda like my marriage to Michael. Gosh, I love that guy and I was happy to give our bedroom the happy ending it deserved. We now sleep contentedly and peacefully in these calming surroundings.

Drama Drape

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Sustainable Fashion Night Out Montclair – The Designers

Montclair, NJ – Sustainable Fashion Night Out – Thursday September 6th 2012

Introducing the Designers

Born Again Vintage

Born Again Vintage, a clothing line by designer B. Artise is the future of women’s apparel. It is comprised of garments produced from vintage clothing, recycled clothing, and recyclable fabric. Born Again Vintage is a pioneering force in sustainable fashion with designs being sold in boutiques from Soho to Tokyo. Born Again Vintage has appeared on top reality show Jerseylicious and has an A-list clientele including names like Sheryl Crow and Vivica Fox. B. Artise teaches a vintage class at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and her book “Born Again Vintage: 25 Ways to Deconstruct, Reinvent and Recycle Your Wardrobe” (Crown Publishing) has been reviewed in over 50 different publications such as Nylon and Teen Vogue. The New York Times brands her as a “Vintage Expert”.

Patoise by Sherieka Anglin provides many services in the areas of styling, personal shopping, designing, event coordinating, and costume design. Our team of seasoned fashion and business professionals has experience working with companies such as A&F, Liz Claiborne Inc., & Ebony Fashion Fair. Patoise will be one of the many talented designers featured in Born Again Vintage starting fall 2012; stop by to preview our stylish catalog of carefully selected jewelry and handbags!

Rewynd Vintage began in January of 2009 and is co founded by Schnia Roseberry and Tiffany Smith. We specialize in eclectic vintage pieces for the fashion savvy client. Our vintage clothing and accessories are for individuals that aren’t conformed to society trends and seeking a unique profile. We believe in “having expensive taste without the expense.”

Corinthia Peoples

An elegant, wearable art jewelry collection that inspires and adorns women’s inner and outer sprits with unique one-of-a-kind/limited edition semi-precious gemstones and sterling silver jewelry. The collection speaks to the art enthusiast and to women who revel in being authentic and rare yet classy & passionate. Corinthia Peoples Designs has currently launched its first apparel collection of custom original cuts and fabrics that are enriched with African motifs and textures with a modern day jazz.

Beautymarks Boutique

The ‘go-to source’ for short and long evening wear styles including cocktail dresses, homecoming dresses, prom gowns, holiday party dresses, bridal party dresses and other special occasions. For more than 15 years Lorraine Morgan’s Beautymarks Boutique has been renowned in fashion for image and pioneering style. Beautymarks Boutique – The Image You Want.

The D-list

By Yolonda Sheffa, is a fun and quirky t-shirt company that believes in not creating drama but wearing it! The D-List offers screen printed shirts, vintage finds, and unique accessories. Sooner or later everyone will want to be on The D-List!

BANJO and BONE

Established by NJ native Allison Snedikeri 2011 as a brand reflective of her love for the art of handcrafting, history and culture. Each Banjo and Bone item has been designed and handcrafted by Allison, using combinations of worldly and recycled materials (ex: Sandalwood beads she picked up on a trip to Tibet and vintage 1970′s brass chains). The name is derived from her Hound dog, Banjo and his bone.

Old World Living Designs

Lisa La Valle-Finan is a sustainable home furnishings company that captures the essence of European style on a flea market budget. Known playfully as the original “flea market fanatic” she decorates using original, vintage, and found pieces that support the sustainable, frugal and wise lifestyle. The host of affordable flea market shopping trips to Europe throughout the year, she not only guides her clients through the fleas but shares her knowledge about local culture at the same time with a handy background in cultural anthropology. You can purchase all of her items for your home at Born Again Vintage and her Etsy Shop, Creative Converzens

Metal Taboo

An NYC based line of socially deviant metal art that displays and celebrates our arrogance, sexuality, vulgarity, frustrations, and angst. Know thyself.

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Sustainable Couture Shop Re-launches in Montclair, NJ

Born Again Vintage Re-launches Sustainable Couture Shop in Celebration of Fashion’s Night Out

Born Again Vintage is hosting a fashion show event for the re-launch of eco-friendly vintage couture shop in celebration of Fashion’s Night Out on Thursday, September 6th from 6-9pm. The Flea Market Fanatic, Lisa La Valle-Finan, designed and merchandized the store.

A private media hour will be held from 6-7pm for a meet and greet with owner, Bridgett Artise. Guests will be invited to preview Born Again Vintage’s newly revamped store and clothing line, produced from

vintage and recycled clothing and recyclable fabric while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, champagne, and a live DJ.

The night will commence with an exclusive fashion show beginning at 8pm featuring the latest sustainable fall fashion from Born Again Vintage, as well as showcases from Corinthia People Designs, D-List, BANJO and BONE, Beautymarks Boutique, Patoise, Marigold Boutique, STAY by Stacey Angela and Rewynd Vintage with an Art Exhibit by Christine Soccio.

Prior to attending, guests will be asked to fill out a carbon footprint survey at http://www.nature.org/greenliving/carboncalculator/index.htm. The person with the smallest carbon foot print will receive a surprise giveaway from Born Again Vintage. Guests are asked to email results in with their RSVP.

“Sustainable Fashion is as important as recycling. You can help the environment and stay fashionable,” says Bridgett Artise. “Born Again Vintage is the meeting of two eras, the past and the future. In bringing the worlds of yesterday and today together into a unique form of fashion, this line is where classic meets funky, sophisticated meets urban and timeless meets now.”

Bridgett Artise is the founder of Born Again Vintage in Montclair, NJ and former partner of Altier 516, who won Best Couture Shop of Essex County by Morris | Essex Health and Life Magazine in 2012.

About Born Again Vintage
Born Again Vintage, a clothing line by designer B. Artise is the future of women’s apparel. It is comprised of garments produced from vintage clothing, recycled clothing, and recyclable fabric. Born Again Vintage is a pioneering force in sustainable fashion with designs being sold in boutiques from Soho to Tokyo. Born Again Vintage has appeared on top reality show Jerseylicious and has an A-list clientele including names like Sheryl Crow and Vivica Fox. B. Artise teaches a vintage class at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and her book “Born Again Vintage: 25 Ways to Deconstruct, Reinvent and Recycle Your Wardrobe” (Crown Publishing) has been reviewed in over 50 different publications such as Nylon and Teen Vogue. The New York Times brands her as a “Vintage Expert”.

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Back to Basics: More Than a Flea Market

Some would say the resurgence and popularity of flea market shopping may be rooted – for Americans at least – in the Great Recession because of the reasonable prices. A lot of people are realizing that they’re a small business owners dream; little investment capital required to sell new or second hand goods to massive consumer audience.

If the Recession hit American’s in the wallet where they hear best, it is without joy that some also predicted a similar fate for climate change: no question about their importance of either, problem was, how could leaders change the American mindset of consumption, waste, and the negative effect on the planet? Until now, even in these tough times there seemed to be little reason for belt tightening, much less going green. It was as if the air we breathe seemed inconsequential until “sustainability” was born and the hook for the fleas? Vintage. Followed less it’s even less sexy counterparts: frugal and green.

According to cultural anthropologists the real message in vintage is nostalgia. Not a hard sell. But frugal and green are another story because they are at odds with the American character culturally. Americans are at odds with frugal. They are comfortable with debt and risk which can be short term assets for entrepreneurs, but long term drawbacks for sustained economic health. And as for green, this runs counter to a “disposable culture”. Eventually, many of us have had our come to Jesus moment, and acquiesced to the realities of our low bank accounts and polluted planet whether we like it or not.

Still, around the world for thousands of years, people still regard the fleas and open air markets as a permanent fixture for the daily getting and spending; no gimmicks required. No marketing, no hooks. From Souk to bazaar; emporium to exposition with every fair, plaza, rialto, and shopping mall in between, this is simply how the rest of the world shops. Sure, the fleas have been around for a couple of centuries in the U.S., but it’s hard not to notice that they’re legit with reality shows like American Pickers, Junk Gypsies, Cash and Cari, and Market Warriors; books like I Brake For Yard Sales; magazines like Vintage Style and Flea Market Style; not to mention a useful Flea Market apps, most notably by TagSellIt.com.

If you can list more, post your replies below and the best list wins a FREE sample of Old World Living Milk Paint!

Yes, fleas are popular but some say they’re also the last bastion of opportunity available for free enterprise we have because the banks aren’t lending to small business owners. Nowhere will an entrepreneur find a more receptive environment to do business than at fleas (LaFarge, 1998). No long term commitments. No capital required. Even the humblest entrepreneur can rent space for as little as $10 to set up shop and sell for profit.

The fleas, as we experience them now in the United States, are about getting back to basics but they’re also a valuable glimpse into how much of the world still shops on “market days”. Just maybe, as we see American flea markets taking a more prominent (respected?) place in retail, we can also take advantage of a tremendous hidden benefit: experiencing how the rest of the world shops; openly, socially, unpredictably and joyfully.

Whether it’s the ancient Greek agora, which was (and still is) a central gathering place; the Forum in ancient Rome, or les puces in France, it still means the “shops” or “market day”. With more than 5,000 flea markets and counting in the States, a million vendors and a hundred million shoppers, looks like we’ve taken one step toward getting back to basics and one giant leap to better living.

Lisa La Valle-Finan is the owner of Old World Living Designs, a home furnishings company that captures the essence of European style on a flea market budget. Known playfully as the original “flea market fanatic” she decorates using “original, vintage, and found pieces’. The host of affordable flea market shopping trips to Europe throughout the year, she not only guides her clients through the fleas but shares her knowledge about local culture at the same time with a handy background in cultural anthropology. You can purchase all of her items for your home at her Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/CREATiVECONVERZeNS. and now at Born Again Vintage in Montclair, NJ. To learn more email her directly at LLFinan@live.com.

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Wildwood Flea Market

If you’re at a loss for flea markets in Wildwood, let the flamboyant mid-century modern hotels guide you. This open-air museum of Jerseyliciousness is punctuated by plastic palm trees and neon boomerang signs called Googie style architecture, characterized by anti-gravity roofs, flirtatious starbursts, acute angles, and tail fin cut outs. Dick Clark hosted American Bandstand here back in 1957, making it truly original, vintage, and found (as in “hard to miss”). Not exactly Old World Living but authentic and well-preserved Americana. A Jersey Shore that used to be us.

CHECKLIST
• READY: Celebrating the Wildwood Centennial
• SET: Garden State Parkway South to Exit 4B.
• GO: Parking meters are $1.25 per hour, or 12 minutes per quarter.

QUIET CORNERS: The beach after six.
LOCAL EATS: Fear deep-fried-Twinkies on the Boards. Befriend Tony’s Farmers Market 6312 New Jersey Ave, Wildwood, NJ 08260.

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Decorating on a Dime: The Standallier

Today’s “Decorating on a Dime” series continues with some pretty awesome Flea Market finds, yard sale finds and side of the road deals from Flea Market Fanatic, Lisa La Valle-Finan Etsy Shop Owner of Old World Living.

Restoration Hardware -- $995.00

Old World Living -- $250.00

I love chandeliers, don’t you? There’s only one wrinkle, not everyone can afford one. Take a look at this wooden number from Restoration Hardware. It’s a whopping $995! And as we all know that’s an average price for chandeliers. Plus, not everyone knows how to install it! Let’s say you a young professional renting in Manhattan (I remember what that was like), the Super is not going to be happy about you changing the lighting fixtures or redecorating, but why should that stop you from glamming up your “first place?” I think my creation is the answer, and I hope you will too.

It’s not a candelabra because I fashion the chandelier to hang like a real chandelier. And each Standallier is unique because I hand pick the chandelier and the base to match (custom orders welcome)! This one has a real vintage brass base paired with a charming wood chandelier, both from the 40′s. Each one comes with brand new wiring and switches, all you have to do is plug it in and say, “oooh, how lovely!”

I make them in three sizes or styles:

Standallier™ – The size of your average floor or reading lamp $250
Lampalllier™ – Suitable as a table lamp $50
Candallier™ – Non-electric floor or reading lamp size $150

Be sure to visit Creative Converzens to see all my items, ready for your home!

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Golden Nugget Flea Market

Location: Lambertville, NJ

Lisa La Valle-Finan shares her recent Flea Market adventure with us, visiting the Golden Nugget Flea Market in New Jersey!

Click to enlarge photo

This Flea Market is good size, a walkable flea with a rich history named for gold rush pioneer James W. Marshall of Lambertville. Remains one of the undisputed best in the area for flea market fanatics and day trippers alike since 1967 with about 150 or so odd antique dealers of furniture, collectibles, crafts, and produce. Lambertville, once a wealthy hub between New York and Philly (and crossing point for General George Washington) though arguably gentrified, is a vibrant outpost in west Jersey horsey country. Home to a vibrant LGBT friendly community it is strewn with Victorian and Federal row houses and a respectable restaurant and gallery scene.

Some Notes:

ATM often runs out of cash, bring plenty.
READY: Wed, Sat, Sun 6 am – 4 pm.
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor shops open daily; outside weekend flea market.
SET: 1850 River Rd, 08530.Rte. 29, 2 m. south of Lambertville.
GO: Muni lots, street.

OLD WORLD LIVING RECOMMENDS
QUIET CORNER: Church in the main square.
LOCAL EATS: Manon Restaurant. Like Provence, the first Roman province beyond the Alps (Provincia Romana), it’s the best if only Provençal restaurant this side of the Hudson. If you’re not bewitched by the blue and yellow dining room, you will be by the elegant peasant fare.

Follow Lisa on Twitter, @FleaMktFanatic