Apparently Travel + Leisure has been reading our blog. I like to think we’ve been chronicling the “hipster” trend (though I seriously hate the term) since 2010. You’re welcome. Read the article that voted us #5 in America’s Best Cities for Hipsters.
Steven Rubin hitched a ride in 1982 to rural Somerset County in northwestern Maine and embarked on a project that would continue for more than 30 years and is on display at drkrm in Los Angeles from April 28 through May 26. View the project online here.
While roaming the streets on Tuesday night, halfheartedly paying attention to my surroundings as I gabbed away at the phone, I nearly ruined my new purple espadrilles by stepping in this:
I did not see any large dogs or horses around, but when I looked to my left, there was quite a big surprise in the parking lot next to me.
Maine kitsch round-up!
How do two folks that worked in film in Santa Monica decide to open a flea market in Maine?
Nathaniel: If I were to be philosophical about it I guess I’d say the common thread is that we love to mix the creative with the practical. There’s a lot of each in both mediums. If you want me to get real, I’d say I hated working in the entertainment industry and ran as far away from it as I could, to Maine. What drew me to the idea of opening a flea market was that I’ve been surrounded by antiques all of my life thanks to my folks, and we’ve always been up for spending a morning strolling the aisles of a local flea market. I knew what we had in mind was perfect for Portland. Of course, we wouldn’t be doing this if we didn’t think it was a good business idea.
Erin: I’m a hoarder. Well, not in the gross moldy-refrigerator way. I see potential in the most mundane, overlooked things, and find ways to use them. That’s really the heart of a flea market, isn’t it? Nathaniel’s mom was the first to suggest the idea of opening our own flea. At first we were like, “Suuuure.” But then it just started to click — like a marriage of so many things we care about: it’s local, green, artistic, social, and most of all, we knew we could make it our own.
Over the weekend, I stopped by Portland’s newest hot spot - Portland Flea-for-All - to catch up with owners Erin & Nathaniel. They let me inside a week before all the magic happens (opening day is April 14th) for a very special shop talk. Check back tomorrow for an exclusive Q&A including their expert tips for how to shop the flea, the vendors they’re excited about and why running a flea market could make them bankrupt (in a good way).
I hope to see you all at Victoria Mansion on First Friday as a kick-off to Victoria’s Wonderama - an incredible exhibit of eight local artists bringing steampunk to the mansion. Check out the exhibit for just $5 and have your photo taken by a giant paper moon set up for photos. This could be you:
If I don’t see you there, join me on the mansion lawn for some CROQUET (weather permitting) this Saturday from 11-4. I’ll be snapping away so be sure to wear your weekend finest! Some outfit inspiration after the jump:
Start searching your closets for that bridesmaid/prom/formal dress that you know (deep down) you’re never going to wear again. I took a Sunday drive up to Brunswick recently, to meet with two very young fashionistas, Lauren and Katie Umberhind. They’re the masterminds behind The Fairy Godmother’s Closet, a local drive to collect formal wear for prom-goers in Salem, Maine. Here’s how you can help:
Alex the Clam-digger, spotted on Ferry Beach.
I stopped to chat with these ladies on Exchange Street - in matching black pants and boots - true winter staples. They’re working in Portland for a month and were out “exploring the city”. Of course I told them to check out Fore Front Fashion in case they wanted to know where they should shop.
“If you want to handcraft shoes in America, you do it in Maine.” - Oak Street Bootmakers via Selectism
This Mainer was in town visiting his Mother for the weekend. Currently a student at Yale University, he’s got the Ivy League style down flat. Navy pea coat? Check. Backpack? Check. Ray Ban’s? Check. Ryan Gosling-esque coif? Double check. It might be time I tour college campuses again.
