Friday, May 23, 2008

Alternative Shopping

I have to admit... since I started wedding planning I've become an online shopping junkie. All thanks to Etsy... and all the other great vendors with fabulous shipping and return polices. I can't remember the last time I stepped into a brick and mortar store (aside from grocery shopping and the local drugstore) to purchase something, particularly for the wedding.

But with summer rolling around and the onslaught of craft fairs and flea markets, I should get my butt outside and get my serotonin going in the sunshine!

I find flea markets and craft fairs are a great place to discover folks with great talent, but not yet ready to open a physical shop. Here are a few New York City places to check out if you're shopping for wedding things like stationery, bridesmaid's gifts or just looking for indie or alternative vendors.

Renegade Craft Fair (also with locations in Chicago and San Francisco!)

Brooklyn Flea
  • Featuring wedding favorites like Bonbon Oiseau (for hairpieces and jewelry) and Foxy and Winston (great stationery)
  • Details: Takes place every Sunday from 10am to 5pm—rain or shine—at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, on Lafayette Ave. between Clermont and Vanderbilt Avenues.

Tri County Flea Market
  • Though I've never been here personally (Mr. Canary and I were going to go to look at wedding bands, but I ended up purchasing them in Hong Kong instead), but I've heard many rave reviews about couples getting great deals on wedding bands and finding some beautiful designs
  • Details: Open Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Thursday and Friday, 12 a.m. - 9 p.m. at 3041 Hempstead Turnpike, Levittown, NY 11756
Do you shop at flea markets and craft fairs? Any additional suggestions for the New York area?

No comments: