Jaithan and I are off to Chicago tomorrow, where on Saturday we'll be meeting up with readers and fellow flea market fanatics at Kane County in St. Charles, Illinois. Attendee Debra Phillips is even hosting a cocktail reception for Jaithan and me at her enchanting store Scentimental Gardens in nearby Geneva! How generous is that? Virtual friendships are amazing, but we're always thrilled at the chance to meet folks in person even more. This year, after brunch with Seleta, cocktails with the Vamp, and the house tour in Rye, virtual is becoming all the more real everyday. Speaking of, here's a quick recap of the fantastic time we had shopping in May with new friends from the city. Skies were overcast that day but the air warm and pleasant, perfect for a spin through the market. First up, reader Lindsey and her mother, caught in a picture perfect moment.
A recent graduate of Pratt, Lindsey works with the talented Celerie Kimble, whom I've known for years, ever since my days at House Beautiful. Lindsey's fun, stylish, and full of energy, just like Celerie! And when it comes to a day of power shopping, there's nothing like a mother-daughter duo, now is there? Our flea market trips are popular with them, especially down south, and we love it! Love, too, this retro studded brass fruit Lindsey picked up! I can see them as decorative objects on a desk or, better yet, atop a pile of books on a coffee table or bookshelf. I also imagine similar versions offered en masse here.
Cristy, another with our group, came to us on a mission: the next day, she was to host a brunch for twelve at her West Village apartment and needed several things for table. With a list full of china, silver, linens, and glass, it was certainly a tall order to fill, but leave it to our friend and favorite dealer RIch to have the goods. Here's Cristy with a gorgeous set of vintage glasses, perfect for wine, water, and, as I suggested, a Prosecco cocktail like this. Oh, and if her flair for the dramatic looks at all familiar…
here's why…
Cristy plays Nessarose in the magnificent "Wicked" on Broadway. Of course, Jaithan and I were beyond starstruck because we love the show so much. And get this: we might even be getting a behind-the-scenes tour soon, so stay tuned! Now, back to the flea market, this time to Heather—a.k.a. the bold, bawdy Countess of Nassau County. This Long Island Mom came ready to spend with a great eye for shopping vintage. Check out this super chic alabaster lamp! She bought it for the top of a baby grand piano, so for even more drama, I suggested a custom pagoda shade in all black silk from here.
Kristen, a frequent shopper of ours on Etsy, came looking for furnishings and accessories for a vacation house in Narragansett. At the Antiques Garage on 26th, from one of my favorite dealers of good, old silver, here's what she found.
It’s a beautiful samovar with a Bakelite handle, and while I’m not quite sure which of the two won it—Kristen or the dealer—what I do know is how perfect it’s going to be in her new house, especially around the holidays. I'd use it on a sideboard for hot mulled cider served in vintage glass mugs, each with a single stick of cinnamon. Next up, we have Sarah, a razor sharp banker with more willpower than I
could ever dream of, denying herself a single purchase until she'd seen
everything. But what she found really is stunning.
It's a set of four Chinoisserie plates in colors that are fresh, graphic, and beautiful. I'd group them on the wall, I told her, or use them for serving an elegant, like raspberry lemon tart with crème anglaise. And finally, for the last highlight of the day, a quick video on decorating with decoupage. In my experience, it's something that can go bad really fast, but if you stick to things that are similar like botanicals, Audubon prints, or in this case, beautiful vintage maps, you just might surprise yourself. Check it out!
For the full album of everyone's finds, click here. We're off to Chicago, everyone! Oh, and while we're there, does anyone have any favorite shops or restaurants we should know about?
Can’t wait to meet you at Debra’s event. It’s my birthday and I chose to spend it with you. So glad you could celebrate here in the windy city…
Must go to socca for dinner on clark street in lakeview/wrigleyville- my brother is the chef/owner….I hope if Nate eats here, it’s worthy. http://www.soccachicago.com Check it out. Ask for Roger.
Eddie, I have that exact same samovar! My mother and I found it at the back of an antique store while we were rummaging through boxes. The dealer (this was a good ol’ boy store in the middle of nowhere) actually gave it to us for free!
I love your cider idea. I confess to never having used it before!
I feel like you haven’t been posting as often – I do miss your cheer 🙂
The maps on a powder room wall, how fab. What a great bunch of finds as well as the fun everyone had.
Looking forward to your next shopping trip.
XO
Chicago! What a great town! We were fortunate to spend 5 weeks there a few summers ago. Our apartment looked over the river and lake…hard to beat! Be sure to hit the Brown Elephant thrift store. Also, The Rosebud is wonderful for dinner. Enjoy!
you have to hit Mia Francesca for the best Italian evvv- ah! I’ll be at scotts in Atlanta next Friday so I will miss you by one day– Have a great time-
Have fun this weekend but save some energy for next week’s shopping in Atlanta. I am all excited about my big road trip and meeting the two of you…can’t wait to see what we find!
Oh how I wish I lived back East, so I could have to the opportunity to go on one of these shopping trips with you guys! It looks like SO much fun! This post had some fun finds in it. Jealous of the whole “Wicked” backstage opportunity! I am going to try to score some good tickets to go see it with my daughter in San Francisco. Let me know when you are out this way again, so I can join you on one of your famous shopping trips! We have an incredible antiques fair in Alameda!
if you have time downton st.charles and geneva are filled with quaint antigue and specialty shops…both are on the fox river and have lots of charm- right down from sentimental gardens is 302 west – wonderful seafood and kind of fun and swanky with cool cocktails. the harrington is a cool boutique-type hotel in downtown geneva, also on the river with a great spa and great food! see you all saturday – can’t wait to meet you and jaithan!
how could i forget…les tissut colbert in downtown geneva – great, great french antiques and fabrics!
I didn’t find your wonderful blog until today via Style at Home Magazine, which has your great interview in the upcoming July issue. Hope to see you at the Christie Show!
Here’s a link with more information – 12,00 dealers there – I can’t wait!
http://antiqueshowscanada.com/christie-antiques-show/
What a great day!
I didn’t even see Lindsey score those apples, fantastic.
This is a great way to find some awesome deals. Too bad I just came across this today.
I hope you have a lovely time at the Kane County Market–it’s a good one–and that the weather holds out! If I wasn’t deeply entrenched in wedding plans this weekend, I’d try to come out. Have a good time!
What great finds, I love that alabaster lamp and you are right it would look perfect with a black silk shade.
I cant wait to see everything you find in Chicago! Have fun!
Oh, you’re having so much fun! I’m swooning over here just watching. Love the perfectly preppy glasses.
My favorite suburb in Chicago is Barrington. So lovely!
The Nearly New Shop by Oz Park in Lincoln Park is my favorite little thrift shop! It is tiny, but packed with good stuff! If you like Vietnamese, Simply It (on Lincoln)is delicious and light and just a block away! What could be better than shopping and eating!?
How much fun. I love good antique markets and get great vicarious pleasure from your posts! Ever visit the Round Top, Texas shows?
Hi Eddie!! Please tell me…..I was in NYC in Feb. 09 and went to the Antiques Garage (loved it!!!) but I was very disappointed with the Hell’s Kitchen one outdoors (looks like you are there in some of your pictures?). Was it the time of year? Would springtime be better? Give me you input pretty please as I would love to plan a girls trip there sometime and flea marketing is a must for us! And meeting you maybe too? We would treat you to a very nice dinner!
Looking forward to Saturday! We’ll have a BLAST “doing” Kane County Flea Market.
welcome eddie and jaithan, almost chicago time!
dining; if you like mexican food the best in chicagoland is ‘bien trucha’ 3 doors down from scentimental gardens in geneva. casual setting, gourmet mexican, best, very best margarita’s and mojitos anywhere, promise. hard to get in, oprah discovered them! when in town pick up ‘chicago’ magazine and ‘chicago home and garden’ for great recommendations .
try to get in some city time, chicago is amazing!
Alright J-Man! Great post!
You both have a safe trip, if you and Eddie were a meal you would be the Dessert in my life!
table 52 – Oprah’s chef opened it – fantastic
Looks as though your goal was met..fun had by all! Thanks for sharing great tips, food ideas, shopping sources and retail therapy with virtual friends.
Bette
Try Table 52 — fantastic. For a light lunch or glass of wine in the afternoon, Pierre Gourmet in The Penninsula (get a table outside). Bistro 110 right off the Mag Mile is also fab. enjoy.
My favorite find is the Chinoisserie plates!! They are gorgeous!! Everyone found great items!! Thanks for sharing it guys!
Today is the BIG day! Just packing up and heading to Geneva to meet up with Debra and the girls…then of to Kane County to meet up with you and Jaithan!
Exciting!!!
I love to see what you and your friends find!
So many great fun finds!
Hi Jaithan,
Wow, first time to talk a bit with you!
Great post too. Caio
Eddie,
Thanks for checking out the Kane County Flea Market on Saturday we appreciate the exposure. Hope you had a good time and were able to get that Ketchup stain out.
Leavey-Kane County Flea Market
Hi guys…
Had a ball- so fun meeting you at the most beautiful space in chicago, scentimental gardens. Really enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next adventure.
Until we meet again- holly
Oh, Eddie! What fun! As soon as I saw the wheelchair, I thought: Wicked! Hubby, daughter and I saw it here locally in May and it was fantastic. My daughter was lucky enough to see it again in NYC when an orchestra trip from her high school saw it there.
You guys are really inspiring me to check out some flea markets to fill my newlywed home! These are the exact kind of items I would love!
Eddie & Jaithan,
LOVE the pictures – a great reminder of a really fun day and great finds. I’m still thinking about decoupaging the bathroom with those old maps! Thanks again!
Kris Connell
Happened to see you on Celebrity Christmas Homes, Eddie. You and I are kin! Grew up in rural MS with a grandmother who dragged me “junkin'” on Saturdays when antique stores were only in large cities. I now live in the midWest among my family treasures and refurbs from my stint as a military wife and longstanding affair with flea markets- turn of the century barber cabinets as bedside tables, chicken coops as coffe table, etc. I’ve raided more old audubon books for gorgeous artwork than you can imagine. Love to meet you some day.
Eddie,
I love virtually shopping with you! I love the plates and think I would dig through the maps! Is the NY Flea Market the Annex on 18th Street, the Garage or Hell’s Kitchen? I live on LI and have no excuse not to go! I also hope to get to Elephant’s Trunk in CT that you mentioned in a past post.
~Nancy