Top Shelf Flea Market: It's a Wrap!

I am pleased to officially announce that the Top Shelf Flea Market was nothing short of a roaring success! The vendors all had a good day, and the shoppers stayed long and had a good time too by all accounts. I suppose it helped that it was 90 degrees outside, and there was a water ban on, and that we had plenty of cold beer and ice cold 1950s old lady style air conditioning...but still. I figured it would be a good time, but I never could have asked for the turnout we had. My most humble thanks to the vendors, Pat and the good folks at the Dilboy VFW, and most of all everyone who stopped to shop or even just catch a beer and chat. I may have made a few phone calls and such, but the success of this thing lies entirely with all of you.

photo: Christine of N'East Style

This shot says it all. We were jamming from before we opened until about 4:30. At least, that's the first chance I got to step out from behind my booth. Again, I'm humbled.

photo: Christine of Carmen & Ginger

Here I am at my booth, in a real madras sports coat and the new "Giuseppe" bow tie from the lovely Ellie LaVeer Stager, fashioned of an old pair of Nantucket Reds. (before one of you wise guys says it, I know I'm showing a bit much square and I really need a hair cut. Oh well.)

My little corner of the world. A special thanks to the old guys at Simon's for teaching me how to set up a men's shop.
A goofy picture of my shingle. Note the tape measure around the neck. That would have been a dismiss-able offense at Simon's, well out of my rank. But hell, I was the man in charge that day, right?

My, ahem, desk. Complete with pins, cigar box and beer. I can't tell you how many people wanted that plastic record player. Sorry, not for sale. Can't believe nobody bit on that USA made Sero plaid shirt...maybe next time.

Paper bags courtesy of the wine shop (thanks, Chris), all part of the grand art project this thing was for me.

A picture of Francesco, aka Nonno Frank: father, grandfather, soldier, barber and custom tailor. If it weren't for him, I might never have developed my love of clothing. I brought him along for luck...guess it worked.

Kerry and Rachael of Raspberry Beret in Cambridge. These two really know what they're doing. Ladies, pay them a visit soon.

The impressive "double wide" booth shared by Michelle of the Red Velvet Shoe and Christine over at Carmen & Ginger. More cool stuff than you could handle. Well done!

The booth of the incomparable Bobby from Boston, 'neath the watchful eye of the man himself, local war hero George Dilboy. Extra points to Bobby for representing the synthetic Hawaiian shirt on this sweltering day.

Nimco and Rob, and everything you need for a real swinging kitchen. I almost bought the Shriner's hat, but no one was selling a miniature motor cycle to go with it.

Ladies shopping for lady-wear at the Artifaktori booth.

Hip records at Doc & Gam's table.

Longwings, neckties and vintage flannel galore courtesy of Zach de Luca.

James (in the knit tie) and Zoe of Swamp Rabbit Books. First editions? Signed copies? Never thought you'd find that book? Talk to these two.

Eddie over at Sunshine Lucy's really brought it with the creatively refinished furniture. My apologies for not snapping a good photo, but you can make him out in the foreground of the first photo.

My personal favorite moment of the day: as I tend my booth, a young hipster couple peruses my selection of neck wear.

girl: There's a lot of good stuff here.

guy: I know, and the best part is that there's nothing ironic about any of this. These people are all for real.

I will gladly take that as a compliment, thank you very much.

Once again, my undying gratitude to everyone who made this possible. Look for Top Shelf II in the Fall.

p.s. if you're the guy who bought three pairs of pants from me, you forgot your brown Brooks Brothers chinos. Drop me a line and I'll see that you get them.