Brooklyn Flea is Coming to Philadelphia on June 2
When I lived in Brooklyn, I made it to the Flea once. There were bikes of all shades and colors, cool jewelry (I bought some Erica Weiner stuff), furniture that made me daydream of the budget and apartment I’d one day have, oh and food. And drink. Pretty sure I had a bangin’ pink lemonade. I never thought the spot was so organized that it could up and declare a new location. Like Philly. But on June 2nd, a Sunday, the Brooklyn Flea arrives at the Piazza. The five-year-old successful flea market will have its first weekend in the Jared Kushner-bought Bart Blatstein monstrosity in just a few short weeks.
Kushner’s the husband of Ivanka Trump, and he owns the New York Observer. He’s teamed up with Flea co-founder Jonathan Butler and Eric Demby to bring their model to a Philly space, their first moment of expansion. We’re hoping it’s a continuation of a trend; seems like New York’s finally seeing the beauty of our fair city. In the not-too-distant past we’ve seen stuff like 3rd Ward, SuitSupply, Joe Coffee and, wait, is that Uniglo coming to Philadelphia? Man, it’s awesome.
Here’s the rundown on the Philly Flea: It’s a curated shopping and food experience for your Sunday morning and afternoon in Northern Liberties, and it launches on June 2. There are limited spots, a fee, an application process, and the powers that be pick and choose to achieve a blissful mix of art, furniture, vintage, modern, crafty, handmade, prefab and mad food. (Among the vendors slated are Philadelphia Salvage, Three Potato Four, At Home Modern, Peg & Awl and Forage Haberdashery.) Brooklyn Flea’s been a fertile starting place for dozens of businesses looking to start small, build clientele and create a name for itself before moving into a brick-and-mortar location. No doubt that’ll happen in our Philly locale, and it’s exciting to see which startups will get the green light from the Philly Flea team.
The Piazza’s one weird space. But did you know that it can contain nearly 8,000 people? There’s no other space within a short radius of Center City that can so easily and professionally host such an excellent collection of vending tables and tents. There’ve been maybe a dozen businesses that have come and gone since Blatstein cut some deals for cheap rent in the piazza’s youth, a result of a number of factors, no doubt. Personally, I have no desire to dine at a place like Gunner’s Run (again). But when the Flea’s chosen food vendors populate the Brooklyn Philly Flea, they’ll pretty easily become the most solid eats outside of the dependable Bar Ferdinand and El Camino Real that will neighbor the flea (and benefit handily).
It’s just good all around: New York expanding to Philadelphia, sophistication in the form of curated shopping, a thing to do every weekend and a revitalization of one weird, underused space. Starting in June, you’ve got a good reason to head up, if nothing else for a good place to stroll with a coffee in hand and peruse high-to-low-end goods and art. Plus there’s like a 1000-percent guarantee that some cuties’ll be shoppin’ too.
Also, one quick note about the Flea’s June 2 opener: Since it’s the day after the sure-to-be-bangin’ Roots Picnic, call it the official “Roots Family Post Picnic Brunch,” ’cause according to insiders, Questlove and a slew of other dope local DJ are set to rock the Piazza stage.
What To Do This Weekend
SATURDAY
Crafty Balboa Holiday: With more than 60 local art vendors in attendance, everyone on your list should be covered. If you’re shopping for your sister or mom, check out Penelope Rakov’s colorful blown jewelry and the sophisticated yet quirky textiles and wares of Kaye Rachelle Designs. For the men in your life, consider one of Recycled Rowhouse’s revamped pieces of furniture or the folklore-inspired books and prints of Huldra Press. This year’s event will also feature two fun new additions: a holiday-themed photo booth and a live print-your-own-wrapping-paper demo from South Philly’s mobile art studio, ColorWheels. Be one of first 50 shoppers to arrive and you’ll even score a free goodie bag. 11am. Free. SS Neumann Goretti High School, 1736 S. Tenth St.
Holiday Second Saturday: Before and/or after you hit up Crafty Balboa, be sure to stick around and wander through the neighborhood, as there will be all sorts of festivities going down. From 1-3pm, follow the holly jolly tunes of strolling musicians as they make their way up and down East Passyunk Avenue and stop by the Alphabet Garden (1631 EPA) to get your photo taken with Santa. Meanwhile, Sermania Jewelry (1719 EPA) will be slashing prices on their selection of bling and from 6-10pm., Nice Things…Handmade (1731 EPA) will host its 3rd Annual Ornament Show. Last but not least, grab a beer at Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar (1200 EPA) where Traveling Wares will be presenting an art and craft show to help raise money for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. Various times and locations.
DIY Christmas Gift Workshop: Save yourself some cash and get a little crafty as a group of skilled artists and crafters show you how to make everything from ornaments and homemade vanilla extract to a homemade clock and wreath. Some gifts may cost a few bucks, others are free. 12-4pm. $0-$10. Circle of Hope, 1115 S. Broad St.
Book Paper Scissors: Put down your Kindles and iPad for one afternoon and join the Philadelphia Center for Books in celebrating both old-school and contemporary book arts, printmaking and paper crafts. An array of vendors will be setting up shop inside the Free Library for this annual book fair, selling hundreds of affordable paper-based creations—everything from zines and origami to paper sculpture and jewelry. Meanwhile, guests of all ages have a chance to explore these art forms themselves during one of two free workshops. 10am. Free. Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.
SUNDAY
Rejoice Craft Event: Tis the season to recycle and reuse! The skilled craftsmen (and craftsladies?) of Handmade Philly will be leading a workshop all afternoon, guiding the not-so-crafty in making their very own gifts and decoration. Not only will you be getting their advice and assistance free of charge, but all necessary supplies will be included. The Resource Center, a nonprofit center championing the creative reuse of various discarded materials, will have plenty of affordable, reclaimed materials for sale. Oh, and to top it all off, Philadelphia Brewing Co. will be bringing along some refreshments. 12-5pm. Free. The Resource Exchange, 2829 Cedar St.
Punk Rock Flea Market: Ah yes, the shopping event I’ve waited all year for. At this point, I probably don’t need to say very much about R5’s Productions’ annual shopping extravaganza considering how insane the turn out is. Though I swear they say this every year, supposedly this is going to be their “biggest one yet!” with over three hundred tables of anything and everything your heart could possibly desire. Personally, I find the best deals are with the miscellaneous personal vendors selling their unwanted items. Seriously, who sells a perfectly good pair of kitten heel shoes for $3? 10am-5pm. $3. The Punk Rock Flea Market-Dome, 461 N. Ninth St.
Sculpere Burn Workshop & Jewelry Sale: Looking to shed a few more lbs before Christmas, but still have some shopping to do? No worries, local designer and owner of Adorn Boutique, Sarah Lewis is going to help you kill two birds with one stone. Discover the Sculpere Burn, an intense full body workout that speeds up your heart rate ballet and slows it down with intervals of yoga, before heading downstairs and rewarding yourself with complimentary mimosas and 30 percent off the boutique’s amazing selection of handcrafted jewelry, accessories, clothing and gifts. 12-2pm. Free. Adorn Boutique, 1314 Frankford Ave.
Schuylkill Center’s Winterfest: Do a little shopping and a little crafting. A total of 25 local eco-artists will be onsite selling lovely gifts while other artists will be leading several different workshops throughout the day should you want to your own. Your options: a wreath, ornaments, cards/stationary, recycled art and jewelry. Starting at 6 p.m., you’ll even have a chance to do a little star gazing as you roast marshmallows on a campfire. 2-8pm. Free. Schuylkill Center, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road.
What To Do This Weekend
FRIDAY
Just follow the balloons down Fabric Row tonight as practically every business and boutique will be celebrating Fourth Friday with even more discounts, specials, snacks and booze than usual. Meet Lynn Bardowski, author of the new best-selling book “Success Secrets of a Million Dollar Party Girl” and enjoy a cocktail at Urban Princess Boutique (750 S. 4th St.) then play dress up at Lois A. Wigs (754 S. 4th St.). Meanwhile, fellas will definitely want to stop into BUS STOP (727 S. 4th St.) where they’ll be unveiling their new, bigger, badder and sexier selection of designer men’s shoes with ice-cold beer and a 15 percent off deal. Finally, hit Red Hook Coffee & Tea (765 S. 4th St.) for an after-party with beer and a new artist debut exhibit. 5-10pm. Free. Various locations along S. Fourth St.
As part of its Diamond 75th Anniversary celebration and coinciding with Penn’s Homecoming Weekend, the Women’s Committee of the Penn Museum is bringing back its annual jewelry extravaganza featuring a hand-picked selection of antique, estate, and high-end jewelry from over two dozen exhibitors. Who wouldn’t mind spending a few hours drooling over amazing bling? 11am-5pm. Through Sun/28. $15-$25. Penn Museum, 3260 South St.
SATURDAY
East Passyunk Avenue Fall Festival/Spooky Saturday
My favorite thing about this season: pumpkin lattes and the non-stop neighborhood fall festivals. In addition to various specials and autumn brews at the Avenue’s many beloved watering holes and restaurants, there will be live music throughout the day, a craft show at Nice Things…Handmade (1731 EPA), free drawing and art lessons by Young Rembrandts and a tightwire demo and circus performance by Charm City Movement Arts (11:15am-1:15pm). As part of Spooky Saturday, there will also be all sorts of family-friendly happenings, including kid’s costume contests, a pet costume contest, pumpkin decorating, trick or treating at the Singing Fountain and more cider and candy corn than you could possibly want. 11am-4pm. Free. Various locations along E. Passyunk Ave.
Whether you’re a mother of a little girl or you have a little niece, you definitely want to check out this insanely adorable line children’s of clothing and accessories for girls aged 3yrs-10yrs. Sarah Lewis will be showcasing Girl and a Mouse’s fall 2012 collection all day at her awesome Fishtown boutique. Not a bad idea to get started on your Christmas shopping. 11am-4pm. Free. Adorn Boutique, 1314 Frankford Ave.
The Friends of Vernon Park Inaugural Fall Flea Market
Hit the nearest ATM, withdraw $20 and see all the great stuff you can score at this first-ever Germanton flea market. Over 40 vendors will be in attendance selling items both new and old—from designer shoes, jewelry and furniture to garden tools, art and books. To top it all off, a few surprise local food trucks are expected to stop by. 9am-4pm. Free. Germantown Life Enrichment Center, 5722 Greene St.
SUNDAY
If you’ve been pondering a new do, book an appointment ASAP for this Sunday at Giovanni & Pileggi. Not only will the salon be offering a really sweet deal ($25 haircut, $20 blow dry), but 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit the Philly-based non-profit, Breast Health International. 12-4pm. $20-$25. Giovanni & Pileggi, 258 S. 11th St. 215.568.3040.
Philadelphia Collection 2012: Weekend Edition
As promised, here is your hand-dandy guide to some of this weekend’s most worthwhile Philadelphia Collection events.
Whatever you decide to go to, just keep in mind that come Monday, the Collection will really be kicking into full gear (i.e Phashion Phest, Rittenhouse Row Festival, Macy’s Fashion Show, ect.). In other words, take it easy on the free cocktails.
Check back on Monday to find out what the remaining days of the fashion and style extravaganza hold.
FRIDAY
To celebrate the opening of their new all-female exhibition, Paradigm Gallery is joining forces with the Collection as well as several neighboring shops along Fabric Row to host a night of fashion, art and well, all things ladylike. For more details about the exhibit and the individual reception events, read this PW’s art feature this week. 5-9:30pm. Various locations along Fourth St. between South & Queen Sts.
Cultured Couture will be opening its Olde City gallery’s doors, giving locals a unique and equally awesome shopping experience: designer vintage clothing for ladies and gentlemen, fine art and eclectic home furnishings will all be available. 5pm. Cultured Couture, 240 Church St.
Justin-Julius Santos Fashion Photography Exhibit
In addition to showcasing the stunning photographs of Justin-Julius Santos, there will be a trunk sale of men’s and women’s vintage designer fashion and mid-century/modern home décor. 7-10pm. Curated Goods, 421 Fairmount Ave.
Art in the Age Presents: The Brooklyn Circus
No, it’s not an actual circus. The super chic, vintage inspired men’s clothing brand will be setting up shop at Art in the Age all this weekend and tonight, guests will have a chance to meet and mingle with the visionaries behind the brand (who one can only assume are all Don Draper lookalikes). Fri., 6-8pm. Sat., 11am-7pm. Sun., 12-6pm. Art in the Age, 116 N. Third St.
SATURDAY
Join Rockers Closet as they showcase all sorts of amazing one-of-a-kind crafts and designs from a mix of local and international artists. All proceeds from the event will benefit Starr Garden. 1pm-dusk. Starr Garden, Sixth & Lombard Sts.
The tiny Rittenhouse gem, TownHome presents a special trunk show featuring the handcrafted beaded necklaces, earrings and “arm candy” from local designer Stephanie Newman’s line. Sky Jewels. Enjoy sweet treats and refreshments as you shop. 12-4pm. TownHome Jewlery & Boutique, 1616 Walnut St.
You can expect to be photographed quite a bit over the next week, so perhaps a facial in order. Meet one on one with one of L’Occitane’s skincare experts to find the perfect products for your skin and enjoy a free 20-minute mini-facial. Refreshments will be served and friends are welcomed but make sure to call and schedule an appointment to ensure there’s room. 12-5pm. L’Occitane, 1606 Walnut St.
The 611 Fall Trunk Show/Men’s Launch Party
Good news fellas: You can now officially shop new fall arrivals and classics from local clothing and accessory brand 611 at the iconic Rittenhouse boutique Joan Shepp. 10am-6pm. Joan Shepp, 1616 Walnut St.
A Styled Life: Fashion Careers 101
If you’ve been thinking of a career in the fashion industry, this is one event you do not want to miss. A panel of industry vets will discuss what skills and tools are needed for fashion executives to get a competitive edge as well as where they think the future of the fashion industry is headed and what this will mean in terms of the type of jobs available. RSVP is required to rsvp@skaibluemedia.com. 12-2pm. Macy’s Greek Hall, 1300 Market St.
SUNDAY
OK, so this may be the coolest Collection event this year. Backstory: in the early 60s, Mods and Rockers were two polar opposite British youth subcultures. Not surprising, rockers had a tough look (motorcycles, leather jackets) while the mods had a more sophisticated look (riding scooters, suits). What you probably didn’t know is that the two groups actually had running public battles, causing a media frenzy about the British youth. To finally decide which subculture is truly the most stylish, Scissor Candy is hosting an all-day battle that includes a scooter vs. motorcycle showdown, mod makeovers/rocker redos, battling DJs and a mod/rocker fashion show. There will also be vendors, drinks, food and a “Sexy Sixties Pinup Show.” 12-6pm. ScissorCandy, 1750 N. Front St.
Vintage Trunk Show at Tattooed Mom
Peruse the unique vintage finds from a baker’s dozen of the best local vintage vendors in town while enjoying the usual drink specials. Considering arriving early so you can make a sweet-ass dream-catcher as part of the bar’s Craft Sunday. 1-7pm. Tattooed Mom, 530 South St.
What To Do This Weekend…
Midtown Village Summer Sidewalk Sale
If you notice an usual amount of congestion this afternoon in Midtown Village it’s because all of the lovely neighborhood’s even lovelier boutiques and shops are rolling their merch out onto the sidewalk for this annual outdoor shopping block party. At Duross & Langel, customers will receive up to 50 percent off all soaps while both Open House and Verde will be taking up to 50 percent off summer items. Also, be sure to stop by Scarlet Fiorella where local jewelry designer Sultana Maria will be selling her cool, one-of-a-kind statement pieces. Shoppers are encouraged to BYOB (as in, bring-your-own-bag—not booze) and to hit up the shops early—thus ensuring more awesome items to choose from. Friday 11am-7pm. Free. @ Various Locations along 13th St. (between Sansom & Chestnut Sts.)
Sure, the First Friday festivities along Frankford Avenue are pretty great, but East Passyunk Avenue is offering locals a whole lot more than the usual free wine and cool art this Saturday. Hit up Ms. Goody Cupcake (1838 EPA) early and get yourself six cupcakes for just $10 before heading to The Bottle Shop (1837 EPA) for a free Widmer’s Beer Sampling from 6-8 p.m. Should you get any frosting or beer on your outfit, head over to Nicole Rae Styer Boutique (1822 EPA) where all summer items, including dresses, tanks and shorts will be 50 percent off between 5-9 p.m. Customers will also receive a free one-of-a-kind hair accessory with any purchase of $100 or more. As for the art openings, South Philly Comics (1840 EPA) will host a show by JoeHero with snacks and drinks from 5-10 p.m. while Nice Things Handmade (1731 EPA) will be showcasing limited edition hand drafted originals by local artist, Sara Selepouchin, creator of Girls Can Tell from 6-10 p.m. If you’ve never seen her line of super-cute diagram adorned housewares, be sure to check out her new South Philly boutique (1725 S. 12th St.). Saturday, 6-10pm. Free. @ Various locations along East Passyunk Ave.
As the saying goes, one man’s trash could very well be your treasure. So if you find yourself in West Philly on Saturday, you should definitely consider checking out The International Action Center’s massive annual garage sale. The plethora of awesome, gently used shit up for grabs includes clothing, jewelry, accessories, small furniture and home appliances, books, records, plants and toys. Proceeds from the event will help cover expenses for the IAC Solidarity Center office. Saturday, 10am-4pm. Free. @ Calvary Church (48th & Baltimore)
What To Do This Weekend…
Just in case you didn’t already know, NoLibs is certainly be the place to be this Sunday. Now in its fourth year, this supersized, all-day block party promises to be the biggest yet, equipped with a four music and event stages as well as all the workshops, art, food, beer and crafts you can imagine. As far as the line-up of vendors, several NoLibs boutiques, including Art Star, SWAG and Arcadia will be selling their goods outside in addition to over 150 awesome local crafters and designers—BreakawayINK Apparel, Duke & Winston, Wise Owl Shop, Birdie Jewelry, Snowbird Vintage, Gypsy Adornment and Buttercup Jewelry, just to name a few. Seriously, the entire list of expected vendors and performers is one of the most expansive I’ve seen to date. So, in other words, go! Sunday, 12-10pm. Free. @ N. 2nd St. between Germantown Ave. & Spring Garden St.
Old City First Friday
Starting tonight, Smak Parlour (219 Market St.) will no longer be celebrating “First Friday” as usual. Rather, they’ve decided to extend their monthly celebration two extra days, officially launching “First Weekends in Old City” (let’s hope it catches on). That said, now through Sunday, the boutique will be offering a buy-one-get-one-FREE deal on all sale items. Over at Moko Hair Studio (55 N. Third St.) however, they’ll be continuing the First Friday tradition with a special “Bangs, Braids, Brows” event tonight from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Guests will be treated to complimentary braiding, brow consultations and even free bang trims.
Handmade Market & Community Arts Project
For their annual art bazaar event, Paradigm Gallery has invited various local artists to come and sell their plethora of affordable, handmade goods—from artwork and prints to clothing and jewelry throughout the day. Meanwhile, guests will also have a chance to unleash their own creativity as Paradigmwill also be holding it’s third ever Community Art Project. The theme of this month’s event is wheat-pasting and as always, the gallery will provide any necessary materials. Saturday, 12-6pm. Free. @Paradigm Gallery (803 S. 4th St.)
If you live in West Philly, chances are you’re well familiar with this monthly flea market. And for those of you who aren’t normally inclined to venture beyond 40th and Baltimore, perhaps its time. As always, vendors will fill Clark Park selling a plethora of items—from antiques, furniture, records and books to jewelry, crafts, food and bikes. Saturday, 9am-5pm. Free. @Clark Park (43rd & Chester Ave.)
Three Potato Four Sale & Inventory
By now you’ve heard of the Three Potato Four sale this weekend with all the wonderful food trucks — including Pitruco Pizza – yum!– and we urge you to get into this big time. Three Potato Four has some of the coolest housewares and textiles around. But, what we didn’t know is that they have a web store! So,we decided to pick out a few things online before hitting up the sale, so we can make a beeline to all of our favorite things!
Faribault Woolen Mills Gray Military Blanket
Super Heavy Duty and industrial – this awesome blanket will be what you’re picnic-ing on all summer.
Carpenter Wood Letters & Numbers
How great are these? You could get a big WC for your bathroom or your initials, the possibilities are endless!
Glass Chickadee Vase
How adorable is this vase? And cheap even before the sale price at 14 bucks!