SWAP MAINE IS BACK! (cue the stadium cheer)
When? June 10th, 10-2
Where? Portland Flea-for-All
Details to come for clothing drop-off times and other goodies we have in the works.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Two fellas with great style spotted in Monument Square. I really love when men opt for layers for warmth rather than bulky coats. Here, a nice oxford shirt, red cardigan and a wool blazer (pocket square and all) is all that was needed on a Sunday afternoon. And of course Jacket, a Jack Russell/Whippet mix, looked equally handsome.
I finally watched the documentary on Bill Cunningham over the weekend. From a very young age, I was fascinated by street style. Every Sunday morning when the Times would hit our family’s driveway, I would rush out to grab the Style section before my Father could get to it. Bill Cunningham’s column was my absolute favorite thing to read.
This should bring a nice boom to our local businesses. AARP Mag has crowned us their number one vacation destination! Come to us baby boomers! Come to us!
