hell's kitchen flea, part 1: hey ladies

i haven't bought or dressed vintage in about 10 years, but was drawn to the hell's kitchen flea market out of curiosity (i.e. photo ops) and proximity. it was good summer day to stay in the city--a warm, but not burning sun, no humidity, a bit of breeze. spirits were sure to be lifted and, in any case, it would be an easy walk across town.

the hk flea is markedly different from the bk flea (where the delicious foodstuff is the point, for me) in that it is 90%, if not 95%,vintage, and reasonably priced. (i didn't think it was possible to find quality vintage at proper cost in this town any more? rumor is the legendary antiques garage in chelsea will be closing soon, and the vendors moving to hk. the garage always tested my patience--poorly lit, cramped and a bit dirty-- too hardcore vintage for me ). and it looks like a food truck is on the way (you knew it, right?). will be interesting to see how much the vibe at the hk flea changes, as it grows.

BUT there is a wonderful showroom, on the north side of west 39th, between 9th and 10th where small designers sell new and pretty things...

i met anna, a charming designer from northern spain who sells the lolos lolas lolitos line of shoes, bags, and tshirts at the market every weekend.

i am a bottoms up girl--i see shoes first and best. anna was offering cute thong sandals for $40, espadrilles for $50--if memory serves, bright summer colors (pinks and primaries), bold stripes, lace prints, tie-ups...i was distracted by these: wedges, with a buckle. see the stitching? handmade. love it. and the fabric--a silvery, but not flashy, metallic. cotton/canvas/comfortable.

i also had a wonderful time chatting with sally tseng, a designer whose line of well-tailored, sleek, and feminine pieces has been a hit with the young hollywood set.

she gently talked me through my issues with silk and short skirts (i generally avoid both) and got me to try on this simple, elegant racer-back number. within a minute--and for a song-- i'd doubled my summer dress collection. (now i just need somewhere to go? but no rush, i guess--this one is classic, perfect for summer, or layering in the spring or fall.)

she's working on her next collection, but in the meantime, find her--and anna-- at the flea. you will be happy you did...

all photos © anita aguilar

vintage new york: hecht sewing machine & motor company

just as i had the thought that i'd seen everything of possible interest on 38th street, i walked by this window display (between 8th and 9th avenues):


the hecht sewing machine & motor company is a new york garment district institution--and a family one. first opened in 1920 by morris hecht, an immigrant from gowarzów, poland, it remains a thriving business under the direction of his grandson, steven (his parents, thomas and anita, still work at the store, too).

the store offers sewing machine sales, service and rentals, but it is perhaps their collection of vintage items (sewing machines, cutting instruments, and one-of-a-kind knickknacks) that has ensured this small business' survival for the last nine decades--it is the definitive resource for theater companies, including lincoln center, and film and tv set designers in search of period pieces. and many items have been sold at auction.




i especially like these items and the old wooden boxes...

all photos © anita aguilar