The term Flea Market is actually a French word, and you all know how I adore the French. Marche aux Puces, technically translates to Outdoor Bazaar, and of course a bazaar is a market in a Middle Eastern country. In all instances, goods for sale abound. If the pandemic broke anything, it was my connection to the Parisien Marche aux Puces, which I try to visit at least every three years. I was there last in 2018 when I bought my Italian Sputnik style chandelier around the last bend, after a long day in the dusty market with my good friend Tiffany. Three years – that’s right. It’s time for me to be there again, but Paris isn’t having it. At least not yet, and the longing is strong.
This weekend my nephew graduated from high school and he’ll be leaving for school in the fall, and my sister is taking the opportunity to give her Lower East Side two bed an overhaul. I love an overhaul almost as much as I love Paris. It feeds the soul. Creation is so satisfying, don’t you think? Well I do, and Mary Beth does too, so we two skipped on out of the city to Stamford, CT, which is not really a place that I want to be, except for the fact that they have transported a Marche aux Puces style in door palace of an antique center to this center of nowhere, and when I tell you that it’s where it’s at, I am not exaggerating.
I was in a total state of flow, immersed in a world of furnishings and accents, cement urns and obelisks, a wall of mirrors, a blue and white chinoiserie paradise, a mid-century modern moment, and a Palm Springs paradise. I so wanted to carry home with me a coral lacquered game table, and a pair of bamboo palm covered occasional chairs that screamed Golden Girls. There were Zebra covered suitcases – not faux – fabulously real. There were red leather Chesterfield sofas, and velvet cognac x benches. There was a sublime mahogany wine cooler lined in lead, that I would have turned into a stunning black and white leather finished marble topped coffee table. If a statement piece is what you are after – you are likely to find it at The Antique and Artisan Gallery. If you are looking for a tiny gift, or a set of lamps that will light up your world – shocking, Stanford, CT is going to be the place for you.
Book a hotel across the street. Increase your credit card limit. Rent a U-Haul, and get prepared to be delighted. You don’t need to leave with everything, but you’ll want to leave with something, and that something is likely to be pretty special.