A W
Fine Jewelry intern combs through two of Manhattan’s best outdoor
flea markets in search of ageless treasures.
Last weekend, I unearthed these beautiful vintage Dooney & Burke
handbags
(above) at the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market. The leatherwork is
impeccable, and the classic structure makes them enduring closet
staples.
In a little booth lined with purses I found this beautifully beaded
Whiting & Davis evening handbag
(above). Diane, the owner of this stand, told me
that it was made in the early 1950s. “I believe that one was made right
here in the U.S.,” she said.
At Yoli’s Designer Boutique at the uptown Green Flea Market, I found
these vintage Chanel pumps
(above). The stand also had impeccably maintained
garments from YSL and Alexander McQueen. “Making designer merchandise
more accessible is my goal,” Yoli told me. “It makes women happy when
they score a deal.”
These Christian Dior frames
(above) immediately caught my eye. The two-toned
detail adds character and quirk to these oversize sunnies. Esther
Harris, the owner of Vintage Eyeware, informed me that they’ve never
been worn and are in mint-condition. When asked where she sources her
impressive inventory of frames, Harris replied, “I only deal with two
sellers who are my longtime friends.” You can choose between clear
frames or tinted.
The Silver Lady booth was on a blue streak. Judith Rotenburg, the Silver
Lady herself, told me a bit about this gold textured ring with blue
gemstones
(above): “It’s solid gold and imported from Israel. I’m not sure what
kind of gem that it, but isn’t it beautiful?”
