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Dress second hand

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Flea Market Style Review!

Flea Market Style: Decorating + Displaying + Collecting by Better Homes and Gardens HMH, 2017.

Rating: 5 prize geese for an excellent book!

Here we have a super enjoyable read on a great approach to interior design: fleaing! Flea markets aren’t new, most histories dating the term back to the 1860’s, where marketplaces in the slums of Paris, called marché aux puces, would sell second-hand items, those which perhaps might be occupied by pests. Flea market shopping has grown increasingly popular, both for the aesthetic value of vintage patinas and one-of-a-kind finds, as well as for those trying to save a buck in their design journey. Another contributor to the flea crowds are those of us trying to buy already-made objects so as to not contribute to the tremendous over-production of disposable goods across the world. (Why buy a matching set of glasses from a big-box store where employees and laborers aren’t paid well, when you can spend your money on a local trader, and snatch an eye-catching, retro, mis-matched set?) Fleas are where it’s at!

The book succeeds for me firstly because it is exactly what it says it is. The book is carefully divided into sections and repeating subsections, each with a clear focus, allowing every detail to shine. The first pages are dedicated to introducing the reader to the market, related etiquette and terminology, and actual tips for your trips. Amazing exposition, priming even experienced thrifters for the rest of the book. The pages aren’t abstract beauty tips, but grounded in the actual experience of finding your own treasures, treating all parties with respect and training your creative eye in a fun way.

The rest of the book is split by style, which I think is an appropriate choice for the aims of the book. These sections are: Bohemian, Cottage, Country, Romantic and Modern. With content that truly guides the reader through decorating, displaying, and collecting, photos and testimonials divided by style helps the reader see everything come together through multiple examples. The goal is expressing one’s own personal style, not just a clutter of old things.

Chapters includes three testimonials of three homes and concludes with suggestions for objects to collect according to theme. The testimonials achieve a fine balance of providing shining examples while still incorporating the human element of each person’s story. These aren’t out-of-reach, bougie magazine pages of what you ought to be. Yes, the people featured in this book have impressive homes that most of us wouldn’t have ourselves, but the presentation is relatable and personal, a warm welcome into each home. The testimonials, with text of brief interviews and chock full of photos, hope that readers are inspired in decorating their own homes.

Each style concludes with suggestions for objects to collect on theme. For example, cottage homes often have pretty porcelain plates, or country homes feature wood pieces and accents. I appreciate that specific brands aren’t pointed out to purchase, nor are there links to any particular item. A featured home might showcase a table someone had given them, or share a funny story of hauling lots of tchotchkes home in a small car. There are only the names of markets for you to visit and explore. Because it’s not about having what they have, it’s about your own style, decorating, displaying, and collecting objects that are meaningful and special to you. The final chapter describes projects for readers to try. They are, again, not overly specific, respecting the creativity of the reader.

Finally, there are lots of beautiful photos! The square dimensions of the glossy pages are wide enough to display lots of colorful detail without becoming a massive, heavy coffee table book that you never want to lift up. I’ll be honest, the pages are nice and full, at times almost over-stimulating, but this comes with the territory. Flea markets themselves involve lots of different shapes and colors and textures alongside each other, with part of your job being to scan wisely for hidden treasures. Therefore I don’t consider this a negative quality about the book; if anything, it’s preparation for the real deal!

Flea Market Style is awarded with 5 joyful geese. Unfortunately, the lack of diversity in the individuals whose homes are showcased prevents a perfect score. However, interior design is not just for well-off, middle-aged, white women. I consider this seriously in my ranking, a part of a philosophy which believes that the material aesthetics of any person’s home can be made to provide joy. Let’s make an anthology with all kinds of homes with thiccq chapters, or even separate books for different styles!

With loving curiosity, DesignMod