So here it is ladies and gents, my very first post on my very newborn blog! It seems kind of like a lot of pressure seeing as it's A) the first one and B) the ONLY one (so far), however I do feel confident that you may enjoy it thoroughly if you are anything like me and enjoy all things antique-y and vintage.
This past Saturday was one of my 2 most cherished days of the year, where I plug the dates into my iphone as soon as they're announced and continue to check my calender like a child looking forward to Christmas morning. It is, friends, called the Christie's Antique show, and it happens only twice a year. The show is the largest of it's kind in Canada, attracting over 300 vendors, and spanning approximately 10 acres across the Conservation area.
To me, visiting the show is like stepping into a magical world of nostalgia, where each year these treasures become older and more valuable and consequently make me want to snatch them all up before they become what I like to call, extinct. It's a day spent rummaging through bins and boxes, discovering items you may never thought you would ever see in person (let alone get to touch!) and getting lost in time warps of the early 1900's - the 1970's. All the while battling the scorching heat and herds of people which kind of reminds me of going to Wonderland, but with less screaming children and lineups.
Thus, I thought I should share a few tips in the form of DO vs. DON'T do, to help you survive your next trip to the antique or flea market successfully.
DO get there super super early, this is when all of the most sought after items are going to get picked up, and also when you have to pretend you're 75 years old getting the early bird special, but trust me, it is worth the early rise!
DO dress less than amazing, you will get dirty, you will be bending, digging, lifting and carrying items that may compromise the integrity of your white pants and high heels. Not to mention sweating, which is my segwey into...
DO dress with the heat in mind (if it is unseasonable temperatures like this past weekend.) There will likely be zero shade, and 100% sun beating down on your head, so wear a hat, runners, and stock up on that SPF 30-60 or 15 in my case, let's be honest.
DON'T be afraid to wear a fanny pack. The more hands free you can be, the better your opportunity to snag that (insert awesome thing on your wish-list here.)
DO be respectful of vendors, these are folks with a lot of knowledge about the items they're selling and possibly even something you are desperately on the hunt for, so treat them with respect when negotiating, remember that this is not a garage sale.
DON'T be afraid to negotiate, but like I said, be fair. If you're going to barter, ask them how much wiggle room they may have on a particular item and never never say things like, "are you kidding? THAT much?!"
DO Remember they may not have brought their entire collection with them that particular day, so don't be afraid to ask for what you're looking for.
DO take the business cards or contact info of vendors who are selling things that appeal to your style or design sense. They may be located an hour or more away, but they are buying and selling new treasures all the time.
Lastly, DO enjoy yourself! I saw many a fellow antique lover having a picnic in the shade with friends. Jealous!
I went there in hopes of collectiing a few items as props for parties, weddings and photo shoots however I did not find what I was looking for this year. A few "trends" I did see this year, and by trends I mean collections of things that I fell in love with that are almost always on my list of must sees:
Anything nautical (think sailboats, life-preservers, sail boat weathervanes)
Scientific items such as globes and measurement tools
Hats
Luggage (I LOVEEEE vintage luggage, I was lucky enough to acquire some good pieces from my Grandparents house.)
Swiss ammunition baskets. You.will.see.everyone.with.one.
Pop and beer signs
Vignettes of old Halloween decorations
Christmas decorations
Things I did not find that I need:
Bird cages
Old love letters still in envelopes
On that note, I must attempt to make a half decent dinner before my boyfriend actually follows through and sends me to "wife school" as he jokingly threatens seeing as I fail at even steaming vegetables...
Ta Ta!
Now I should mention, The Dessy Group has partnered with Pantone and the fantastic ladies at the Wedding Chicks to bring you various portions of their website. They have an entire wedding planning section, even allowing you to create your very own wedding website derived from your theme and colour palette! As I mentioned previously, the colour forecast for 2010 showcases the colour...drum roll please... turquoise! Pantone and the Dessy Group have banned together to come up with the most amazing thing that I have seen in recent history...the PANTONE wedding colour fanguide which showcases the 2010 wedding forecast all in one trusty little FAN DECK! Yes, ladies (and gents) you are now able to tote around this clever little fan deck and discard your paint chips, magazine clippings and fabric swatches from the depths of your purse. You may purchase the fan deck online at www.dessy.com
This past Saturday was one of my 2 most cherished days of the year, where I plug the dates into my iphone as soon as they're announced and continue to check my calender like a child looking forward to Christmas morning. It is, friends, called the Christie's Antique show, and it happens only twice a year. The show is the largest of it's kind in Canada, attracting over 300 vendors, and spanning approximately 10 acres across the Conservation area. 
To me, visiting the show is like stepping into a magical world of nostalgia, where each year these treasures become older and more valuable and consequently make me want to snatch them all up before they become what I like to call, extinct. It's a day spent rummaging through bins and boxes, discovering items you may never thought you would ever see in person (let alone get to touch!) and getting lost in time warps of the early 1900's - the 1970's. All the while battling the scorching heat and herds of people which kind of reminds me of going to Wonderland, but with less screaming children and lineups. 
Thus, I thought I should share a few tips in the form of DO vs. DON'T do, to help you survive your next trip to the antique or flea market successfully.
