Wednesday 9 November 2016

Lady of the Fleas

On Saturday it finally was flea market time again. We hadn't been to any since the last - and disappointing - outdoor one a couple of weeks ago, and frankly speaking we were both getting withdrawal symptoms.

It was quite chilly, so I dressed warmly, and I was glad I did so, as it wasn't very warm inside the venue either.



I chose a black and white polyester dress in a flowery pattern, to which I added a  red vinyl belt and some red and black beads.



I topped it with a red cardigan, to which I pinned a wooden brooch featuring red and blue flowers on a black background, bought at an outdoor flea market in September.






My trusted red woollen jacket came out of the wardrobe and, as it's that time of the year again, I wore a poppy at my collar. It's hard to make out with all the red going on, but believe me: it's there.















The suede boots, with elasticated panels and front buckles, are a favourite pair, charity shopped last year. The black furry beret was another one of my € 2 finds at Think Twice.

Right, that's that, back to the business at hand.


This is by far our favourite indoor flea market. It's held every month except in July and August.


The best months to visit are the two months leading up to Christmas (there, I've said the dreaded word!) and indeed the general quality of the stalls was even better than last month.


There was already a lot of Christmas stuff about, which, not really being  a Christmas person at the best of times, I only gave a cursory glance. I will probably not get into the spirit - if at all - until well into December ...



In spite of the many tempting stalls, it took us until the end of the first aisle to make our first purchase. Or rather, purchases. Two ladies were selling a veritable jumble of costume jewellery, which I spent a happy time rummaging through. I came away with a satisfying haul of ten brooches and a chunky plastic ring!



The brooch in the bottom left photo is pretty special, as it's a "Liberation brooch", with the typical clover leaves in the colours of the Belgian flag, made to celebrate the Liberation of Belgium which started in September 1944. I paid less than € 5 for it, which is quite a steal! I don't think those two ladies knew what it was ...









This enamelware Côte d'Or bucket, again featuring the iconic elephant the Belgian chocolate brand is famous for, was our next find.













We were pleased to see Fanny, formerly of Blender Vintage Shop, had a stall too, which made us feel quite nostalgic for our monthly visits to her wonderful shop.


We had a  little catch-up, and bought this 1970s jewellery box ...












.. and this cute little dog jug.















The jewellery box will be used for storing a selection of brooches to choose from each day. As you may know, my brooches are stored in a series of empty cutlery boxes, but while they are a very neat storage solution, it makes choosing brooches to wear on a daily basis quite an ordeal.


After waving goodbye to Fanny, we went to have a much needed car picnic during which the sun, which had been playing hide and seek all morning, made a short-lived appearance.

Back inside, we ooh'd and aah'd over the many wonderful items on sale, but we somehow seemed to have lost our momentum.


Jos was happy to find this Expo 58 tiepin for his collection. Now, if he'd only wear a tie once in while ...


My final purchase was this cute bamboo handbag. Yes, I know! I have run out of space to store them. And it's not even very practical. But seriously, how could I leave this pretty thing behind?

I guess I will have to have a good clear out soon, and get rid of the less interesting ones, though I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you ...

20 comments:

  1. Those boots are unique! I love them.

    That was a nice haul of brooches, and it was interesting to learn about the liberation pin.

    With a child at home I couldn't escape Christmas if I tried. I enjoy baking, which helps, but I get rather tired of glace fruit by January. This year, everything is getting extra whisky baked in-we need it.

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    1. I actually do not escape Christmas altogether. I even put up a tree, even if only to display my vintage ornaments. xxx

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  2. of cause you had to by that pretty bag! :-)

    great black&red look! this little boots are to cute!
    you find the beautifulest brooches - i guess you got much more in your collection then i´v seen all the years here...... fleamarket envy ;-)
    x-mas - not my cup of tea too. hard to escape if one can´t travel to non-christian places..... even then.
    anyway - happy weekend and stay warm! we had some snow this night :-) xxxxxx

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    1. It's getting cold here but - thank heavens - no snow yet. The only time I don't mind a bit of snow is at Christmas time (isn't it ironic?), if only because I'm at home then, and it doesn't mess up my commute ... xxx

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  3. So much to admire! I love the groovy 1970s jewellery box and your super cool ankle boots and, of course you had to have that handbag.
    I'd have been tempted with that apple green rotary dial phone - even though we've got far too many of them - the girl & boy head wall plaques and the swallow in flight.
    We're at Vintage Village on Sunday, there's so much good stuff there I rarely buy anything, too much choice! xxx

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    1. I was almost tempted by that phone too, but wouldn't have known where to display it. We do have two 1950s black Bakelite phones, and a very old wooden Bell telephone. We also have a threesome of swallows in flight, which we still have to put up ... xxx

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  4. That looks like an excellent flea market - the Liberation brooch is fascinating, I'd never heard of those, but it makes sense that people would celebrate liberation.

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    1. I know about Liberation jewellery through a great French vintage blog (Tutti Frutti Vintage, it's in my reading list). If you think I find some great things, then you'll be bowled over. I'd never seen a Belgian one, though. xxx

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  5. You are absolutely right, there is no way you could have possible left without that last handbag!
    Another elephant purchase for me to envy. x

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    1. I automatically thought of you when I saw that Côte d'Or bucket, Gisela! xxx

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  6. I'd be in seventh heaven at that flea market, so many wonderful things. Your liberation brooch is a lovely find and the jewellery box and handbag too. Pleased to see the delightful Phoebe making an appearance again.x

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    1. Thanks Fiona! We love going to that flea market. I won't tell the little monster (Phoebe) that you find her delightful, though ;-) xxx

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  7. A liberation brooch, how fascinating. Gosh, it must have been such a big deal, to be occupied and then to be free. Makes you think. Yes to the handbag! Of course! You seem to have the perfect outfit for every occasion. Do you decide in advance or open the wardrobe and wait for inspiration? Xxx

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    1. Usually, I put together a couple of outfits on Sunday, to choose from during the week. Which doesn't mean I sometimes pull out something else at the last moment. In the weekend, when I have more time, I do open the wardrobe and wait for inspiration to strike ... xxx

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  8. What a great haul of treasures you got and admired. We are at Stockport on Sunday with Vix so know doubt we will come with all sorts as well.
    Keep warm Anne
    Lynn xx

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    1. I can't wait to see what you find at Stockport, Lynn. Lucky you, I wish I wasn't so far away. But who knows, maybe one day? xxx

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  9. what absolutely fabulous stuff boy I wish I could go flea market shopping with you. I adore the dog brooches and that bucket! I also love your bright red tights a great way to be warm and stay bright and cheerful

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    1. Thanks Kate! I already wore the big dog brooch to work this week! xxx

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  10. Oh what a wonderful flea! I do like a good rummage. Can I ask what those Rouge Rodier boxes were? They look intriguing. I love that bamboo bag, that would be lovely in the summer with pretty, floaty dresses. xx

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    1. Nothing better than a good rummage! The Rouge Rodier boxes were lipsticks! I was tempted to buy one, but I didn't want to "upset" the display box. xxx

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