BJR Visits BK Flea Record Fair in Brooklyn

I haven't been very social or available because I constantly need breaks to get through. I am happy to say that I am making art, and I am grateful to have a bit of inspiration. Although I haven't been really posting much of the new works in progress, I will say I am getting organized and reflecting has put me in a different place.

I finally had a chance to go to the BK Flea, the one that is indoors in the off season. I have been to the one in Dumbo a few times in the summer, so it was exciting to see some of the familiar booths inside. The building was huge and even though I have been in the area countless times, I had never been in this particular building.

Got some vegan food asap- it's surprisingly hard to find affordable, and delicious vegan stuff around here. Yes, I know, it's NYC but for some reason it's just not as prevalent as you would think (compared to the stories you hear on the interwebs). We got some vegan chili with cheese and sour cream. The delicious Immposibao dumplings were warm and soft and chewy and I wanted like 10 more. LOL Those donuts are not vegan but if they are wrong for me, I don't want to be right because what's there not to love about a Cafe Au Lait donut? Not pictured: fresh mulled apple cider too hot to sip. Delish.

The Record Fair is new and was really exciting to see all in one place. We got a few records and I did purchase two postcards, one for the inspiration board and one to send to a friend. They even had a coat check which was the cherry on top because it was so cold outside but hot as hell inside on the top of the building! Hopefully, spring will be here sooner than later and I can get back to the one outside- because I miss it! I am super glad I went before the off-season is over. Totally worth a visit if you ever come to NY. One hundred percent recommend. Went to the other Artists & Fleas but it was busy and hot and I didn’t take any pics.

Tracey, 26

“I’m wearing Acne Studios blazer, second hand Sacai blouse and Tabi ankle strap heels. My style is influenced by people around me like my friends. I also care a lot about functionality within each piece so they can layer with other pieces in my wardrobe and last for more than just a seasonal fad.“

Hee Eun, 21

“I'm wearing all thrifted clothes from Depop, Greenpoint Flea Market, and from a burlesque’s closet. My style is currently inspired by cottage-core and spy movie themes.”

Yufei, 27

“My top and sweater are from Unif, shorts are from Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, leg warmers are from Prada, shoes are from Dr Martens. I usually just throw things on me and see if they look good together. I’m inspired by my current mood and people watching.”

Cherry, 27

“I am wearing my husband’s 90’s DKNY sunglasses, my staple 70’s boy’s tee, 70’s patchwork-print dungarees, and some beaten up Nike Cortez’s. An inspiration I find specifically in vintage, is that each garment has so much personality, and that it can lend that personality to the wearer even if it’s not their most apparent self. I’ve always had a difficult time feeling inspired in my own sense of style, as I never was really able to find a balance between my tattoos and what I wear. It always seems to be clashing. That sort of counteracted into me gravitating towards super overstimulating visuals - wild textures, prints, and colors, which could somehow balance each other out.”

Andrew, 60

“I'm wearing a custom beaver fur hat, a vintage German coal miners shirt, a goat skin bag, a Tlinget bolo tie, and Paul Harnden panda vintage boots. I'm inspired by early 20th century working class clothing based on practicality and simplicity.”

Zigg, 29

“I'm wearing a white lace vintage dress with a white and red kimono jacket from Brooklyn Flea, a straw hat from Marché, and a pink corset. I wanted to match the vibe that I was feeling and I was feeling hopeless romantic. End of summer always makes me feel like falling in love. I wanted to wear light colors to make my kimono jacket stand out. The hat is one of my favorite pieces in my closet.”