What I Didn't Buy at the Famous Waldo Flea Market, A Shangri-La of Vintage Junk

The entrance to a small antique store part of the market. The real thing was MUCH LARGER but I can't get those photos out of my phone to establish scale. Boo. Real Camera coming next time...

I love taking US Highway 301 on rare drives from North to South Florida. Highway 301 is a snapshot of small town Florida, where decaying Mid Century Modern souvenir shops and fruit stands were erected during the glory days of 1950s road tripping, like a Tacky Tourist Florida post card. There are also rustic trailer yard sales and thrift shop stops along the way. I am definitely going to make a project out of beautifully documenting every single one of these fascinating stands and junk stops. The past Sunday my mom and I made a random journey to the most epic one, the famous Waldo Flea  Market.

Mixed in with straight-up Sanford and Son style junk displays (which I also LOVE, don't get me wrong) where some vendors with all the beautiful Mid Century Modern I seek I wanted that amazing lamp shade/lamp but it was $60ish. He had great stuff.

I also throughly enjoyed exotic animal galore. If you're wondering why this Husky is so large and brown-eyed, it's because it's not a Husky but a WOLF. She was a gentle and playful.

Edit: I don't advise having a wolf for a pet at all what-so-ever. Just letting it be known. Nor do I celebrate the treatment of this wolf as a chained pet. Simply reporting on what I saw while flea market shopping.

Beside wolfie where some Hispanic-style paintings that resonated with mom and I but they were too damaged. My mom's got a nice collection of Mexican/Puerto Rican art in her kitchen.

Tins are another fetish of mine, my inner graphic designer loves that typography! Very nice collection of vintage in this part of the market

Had a nice chat with this guy about profitable estates he's bought-out in New York and pristine vintage he's' sold off for the big bucks. He had a lot of pop culture toys I wanted but didn't take a risk on with little knowledge on what the pieces sold for. Inspires me to take more risks and hunt at more estate sales.

I love Avon Decanters but I leave them behind now, slow sellers.

This guy had the biggest collection I'd ever seen in one place. In retrospect should have looked more at the gun one. I do always sell those.

This guy had two very beautifully staged stalls. We chatted about art/design aesthetic, most vendors at Waldo were so friendly. I wanted to buy several unique mod items from but didn't risk it. Maybe next time. The ones I really wanted were all in the $20-$40 range but were the type of conversation pieces that sell for much more.

These rocks are likely vintage, no? The child-me would have died for this set-up. I loved collecting rocks.

This antique Microscope set's interior was messy but wow, glorious thing to behold. More stuff more my past amateur scientist to drool over. Gorgeous design on the label and interesting color choice, too.

More beguiling 50s-60s breakables to behold. Great collection, all expensive.

A close-up of estate-sale-guy's wares, he had so much to behold! Lots of random bits from his buying adventures.

I enjoyed these deliciously gaudy handmade/painted cement pieces, she had great prices on them too and I came home with one you'll see next week.

I wish I had photos to show of the outside right now, still trying to retrieve shots of this adventure from my phone. (Expect a follow-up!) but here's an example of the junky areas. Many piles of junk, many goats, chickens, and bunnies to pet.

But my favorite was this ring tailed lemur, bred in South Florida as a pet. Very well behaved, the body fur was soft like a chinchilla. Such an beautiful creature! I've seen a bush baby and huge exotic birds while yard saling and flea marketing but the lemur was the most enchanting exotic creature sighting for me yet.

Edit: While it's legal to have a ring-tailed lemur and other exotics as a pet in Florida if you go through the expense/time to earn a wildlife license it's difficult on both the owner and animal to have an exotic pet. Not advised.

Except maybe this bobcat! Just kidding, he's shed his mortal coil. How dare you tell me not to touch, sign, that's all I want to do looking at this regal hyde.

The dream! Seems like everyone wants a retro trailer for a pop-up shop these days.

You can sense the history of this place, the outdoor vendor's stalls had a look of being there (and decaying) for a LONG TIME. A nice example of Southern junking culture.

In the end I came home with a lot of glorious retro goodies and have made a tidy profit selling some of the pieces from my trip already. Will definitely make my way back and try to fit in more travel trips. And more hunting in general. My inventory needs fresh blood.

What would you have bought? What have you been leaving behind lately? More to come, there's a LOT you haven't seen yet...

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What I Didn't Buy: The Cleanest Flea Market You'll Ever See in Okinawa, Japan

A couple of years ago I embarked on the trip of a lifetime to Okinawa, Japan. I thought I'd lost all of my photos from the trip with a computer crash but I recently found an SD memory card where I'd backed up a couple thousand photos from my trip! Looking through these photos are incredibly inspiring, they're a riot of color, Japan is such a stimulating environment for the creative/designer's brain! We tried to hunt down places to thrift but the only place I encountered was this small flea market by the sea shore in a large shopping center.

I still remember the cloudy November day I set foot in my first Japanese Flea Market, which, as you can see, is immaculate and quite empty. It was probably an "off" day for the market.

There was no vintage as far as I could tell, just a random assortment of things to buy, many things for 100 yen. (About $1.00.)

This may remind you of flea markets domestically where vendors sell "Made in China" wares they ordered in bulk from overseas. A couple of tables where selling lightly-used clothing and housewares, too.

I still love this Dragon Ball Z poster and display of belts folded inside of coffee mugs. So tidy!

There were a couple of stalls where vendors set up more permanent shop, this children's clothing booth was popular.

Here's the view of the flea market from the upper level of a cafe where I sat with my friends, falling asleep into my matcha late from jet lag. ALL of the cars in Okinawa were of that soft-cornered cube variety. See that cube to the left entryway of the flea market? That was my favorite stall, it was loaded with merchandise and incredibly well organized.

I even loved the contrasting woods grain textures going on inside, I took so many pictures in just this one stall.

 I'm still in awe of all they fit into the small space efficiently everything beautifully displayed. Lessons I need to take to my own home-built displays for art shows and stores.

All the merchandise had its on packaging and a nice assortment of color. As you can see a well-curated modern version of shabby chic was popular at the time I was visiting. Not my style at all but I loved looking at it all.

 I'm thoroughly enjoying looking back at these photos from my trips to Japan, can't wait to share more of them! I always feel refreshed and inspired, I'll definitely be back to explore more of the country someday. Time to earn more and save up for it!

/Comments Off: I'm playing with having comments off on certain posts depending on my work load, the day of the week, and the type of post. Today is my one work day at "Shakti", a local raw vegan caterer and I want to work on getting ahead on posts before my shift (and bike orders to the post office!) so comments will be off today. Send me an e-mail or Instagram/Facebook/Twitter message if you have anything to say or wanna say "Hi!"

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

10 Secret Second-Hand Treasure Hunting Tactics: For The Shameless Collector

Last week we discussed the unfortunate reality that a supply of second-hand, desirable housewares/necessities (vintage or otherwise) is not universally ample at thrift stores. I don't rely on Thrift Stores for my stock and I never run out of suppliers. Here are 10 unconventional tactics I've learned for finding my desired thrifty quarry:

1. Get Numbers: Notice someone has what you want at a sale? Get their number so you can buy more later.
2. Post Ads: Post ads about buying vintage on street corners, craigslist, and shop bulletins. Everywhere!
3. Curbsides: Always keep one eye on the curb, you never know what you'll find!
4. Dumpsters: Dumpsters require balls of adamantium, time, and patience, but can be fruitful.
5. Friends & Family: Ask friends and family if they have stuff they don't want. Go clean 'em out!
6. Antique Malls: Many antique mall prices are low and competitive these days.
7. Attend Auctions: Bid on lots of goodies, great way to get quality vintage/antiques as a reseller.
8. Yard/Church Sales: A classic, VERY low-cost way to yield housewares.
9. Estate Sales: Look up the ads online and in papers, go early, and attack!
10. Home Cleaning Service: Advertise a home clearing/cleaning service, keep what they're tossing. Ask to buy if there's something you want they don't seem to be using.

It pays to be a brazen crazy soul when you're on the hunt. The thrift store front may seem uncertain and other rural areas may have very few to choose from, these tactics will help you think outside the thrift when hunting to be successful.

What other ways to you hunt for merchandise to sell, second-hand housewares, and necessities?

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Lara Croft's Haggling Hints: Flea Market Scores on a Dime

This weekend's flea market hunting outfit was inspired by Tomb Raider's luscious Lara Croft, she's a professional badass and the ultimate antique hunter! It's like the costume was good luck, I scored a huge haul and kept finding Lara Croft-like accessories!

Summoning a Lara Croft approach, I haggled and came home with a great haul of vintage goodies for the best prices. Actually, I always do, silly "costume" or not. Here are my top Haggling Hints that will help you get the Lowest Prices at the Flea Market, too!

1. Have Change and Organize it Wisely

Bring plenty of cash because you never know if you'll have a block buster weekend, you could run out of funds before you know it! Keep ones and quarters accessible (perhaps in your pocket, front pocket of your purse, or in a fanny/side pack) and keep fives and bigger bills in your wallet or in another pocket. It's tricky to haggle when you pull out your cash and the vendor sees you have a wad of twenties!

2. Never Pay The Asking Price and Befriend Your Vendors...

 These two vendors are the SWEETEST! They had so much positive energy.

If you don't think the asking price is fair, don't pay it. Ask if they'll take a lower price. This is easier when you befriend your vendors. My favorite vendors give me free or discounted merchandise all the time, it's fun to give merchandise to people you make heart-to-heart connections with; I do it all the time!

3. ...Yet Don't Complain About the Price!

I don't like it when people complain about my "high prices" to me, you wouldn't like it if someone did that to you, so don't do it to the flea market vendors. You never know if what they're selling is a priceless family heirloom that's close to their hearts. There's no universal set of ethics for pricing and you don't have to pay their price. Just move on the next find. 

4. Don't Be THAT GUY....A Dick!

And remember, don't  be a dick! It's hard not to be a dick when you see a price you think is obscene at the flea market. Don't exclaim things like, "No way I'm paying $50 for that junk!" and be polite when your lower offer is refused. Walk out of earshot, THEN turn your friend and dish about the high prices, if you must ;)

5. SMILE! Have fun and make it a game

I love to laugh at the flea market. I also LOVE rabbits!

Haggling is fun. The vendors love the thrill of it as much as you do. Engage them, and have fun. When you're having fun you'll find the best vintage treasures and receive the best deals in return as a reward for your positive attitude. 

Now Get Thee to a Flea Market, Fellow Thrifty Tomb Raiders!
What are your favorite Flea Market Haggling Hints? Dish!

Also see: Top 5 Flea Market Shopping Tips for Florida and Beyond 

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Top 5 Flea Market Shopping Tips For Florida and Beyond

I've taken my vintage hunt beyond the comfort of air conditioned thrift stores to the Hot-as-Hades heat of Florida flea markets and hole-in-the wall thrifts this summer. Many others are staying inside the avoid the heat stroke. That's fine, that means more goodies for us! 

If you're brave enough to risk the elements, you'll be rewarded with vintage treasures. Here are some tips for vintage hunting at the flea market!

1. Market Carts Come in Handy 

If you're lucky you'll find so many vintage goodies for cheap that you'll need a flea market cart. You won't be able to juggle all those finds in your arms, trust me.

Don't be a fool like me, line those carts. I lost a couple of items last week (2 Demeter perfumes, bargained and got 'em for free, but still!) because they fell out of a bag and the cart had no liner.

2. Cash and Change, You'll Need It

Break out the fanny packs, change purses, and wrislets, you want your cash accessible so you can pay quickly and easily, then move on to more vintage finds. Keep plenty of small bills quarters, nickels, and dimes on hand. Isn't it nice to buy things for nickels and dimes again? Good times...

3. Haggle, It's the Name of the Game

I rarely pay the asking price. Always ask for deals and discounts. Don't be shy, they'll just say "no," if it's no-deal and you just move on to the next score or swallow their price. Don't worry, they almost always say "yes!" They want the sale!

4. Pack Sturdy Boxes, Newspaper, Water, Hand Sanitizer, and Handkerchiefs...

Sturdy boxes and newspaper in your cars to keep your finds safe on the ride home. Water to keep yourself hydrated outside in the heat, hand sanitizer and handkerchiefs 'cause you're going to get sweaty and dirty. (You're not hunting right if you don't get dirty.) If you're hitting multiple fleas, you might want to pack snacks or a lunch, too.

5. Wear Something Comfortable for the Hunt

Dress appropriately for the weather since you're outdoors. Dress in layers in the cooler months, dress in thin clothes in the summer. Wear things you won't mind getting dirty and don't forget sunblock, sunglasses, and hats to protect yourself from the brutal sun.

Bring your camera, bring your friends, and have fun! The flea market is full of unique items (Hello Golden Vagina!) to amuse you, like a wunderkammer outdoor museum of awesome. Just make sure to only bring willing victims with you. Other vintage-nuts will hunt with the same rapture you do and make the trip funner!

What are your flea market hunting tips?

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.