Portland Flea
In the mood for treasure hunting? My tangerine tote and I made our way to SE Portland to find hidden gems and capture images from this month’s Portland Flea market. Portland Flea is open year round (rain or shine); every third Sunday of the month (click here for the 2013 schedule) at Union/Pine: 525 SE Pine St from 10am – 4pm. I was fortunate enough to meet and chat with Kate Keefe Sullivan, the owner and founder of the Portland Flea.
Kate initially came up with the Portland Flea after her experience of living overseas in London. During her time abroad, Kate loved visiting local flea and vintage markets. Once she moved back to Portland in 2011, Kate wanted to furnish her house with vintage items from a local flea market. However, such a thing didn’t exist at the time. Kate was impressed by Portland’s Craigslist and vintage culture and she wanted to organize a place for everyone to come together. She knew there were other vintage and flea market hunters like herself in the Portland area, so why not start an organization where buyers and sellers can be in the same place at the same time?
Since opening its doors in 2011, the Portland Flea has over 20 vendors. Each vendor is different yet they all have different varieties of antique and repurpose furniture, vintage clothing and accessories, and old collectables. Check out some of the vendors I captured below. Hopefully you will get inspired to visit the Portland Flea.
Portland Flea at Union/Pine
Portland Flea + Union/Pine entrance: 525 SE Pine St.
vintage treasure
This was one of the first things I saw when I walked into the Portland Flea. My readers know how much a love sequins and jewelry. I love how this mannequin is dressed. Its great to see all the vintage jewelry draped into one modern look. Take a look at the costume jewelry pieces below.
vintage jewelry
Union/Pine is a split level building. Once you walk inside, you can see all the different vendors based on what they are selling and their booth logos.
REMNANT: mid century goods
Jasper Vintage
Canned Ham Collective’s card on vintage buttons
I spent most of my day at the Canned Ham Collectables booth. This booth is managed by my godmother, Lisa Miller. It was great helping her sell her collectables and meet the kind of people who love to buy these vintage goods. My mother, Stephanie, was also visiting Portland and helping Lisa, her best friend, at the Portland Flea. We had a wonderful time laughing and selling to happy customers who looked like they scored the jackpot once they found these unique collectables. I can’t wait to come back and help Lisa again. Check out Canned Ham Collectables’ Facebook, Twitter, and website.
knitting needles at the Canned Ham Collectables
vintage hats from Canned Ham Collectables
Vintalier vintage clothes
I loved chatting with Ellen from Vintalier. She was so organized and sweet and mentioned that Vintalier is opening it’s first store! I can’t wait to see what her new store is going to look like, especially after seeing her impressive selection of vintage clothing, accessories and shoes. Ellen told me I can feature her and her store once it opens. I can’t wait!
For the time being, have a look through her impressive Etsy store here and her Facebook page here. I can’t wait to step foot inside Vintalier’s new store.
vintage belts from Vintalier
vintage jewelry at Vitalair
Vintalier shoe collection
I love how each vendor is different but all of them have to fit into the guidelines of the Portland Flea. The number one criteria is selling “re-used” items. Check out this old map below that the vendor next to Vintalier was selling. Beautiful.
old maps
treasure hunting
recycled earrings made out of cymbals
vintage scarfs – favorite find: vintage Christian Dior silk scarf
My Portland Flea $5.00 purchase and new addition Christian Dior silk scarf was just perfect. I knew the moment I saw it, that I had found my treasure for the day.
more vintage jewels
I love that costume jewelry is modern and chic. Don’t some of these pieces of vintage jewelry look like they can be sold at Nordsrom or J. Crew? I love adding broaches to headbands or chunky necklaces to sweaters. The Portland Flea is a great place to get inspired and update your wardrobe. Old is the new, new.
old cameras from One House Vintage
Mochi was quite a hit at the Portland Flea. We had fun hanging out at Canned Ham Collectables and walking around meeting local vendors. I definitely recommend anyone and everyone to check out this Portland local flea market. I felt like everyone had a story and all the items sold and feature here get a second chance with a new owner. The Portland Flea is always looking for new vendors. I asked Kate if she was looking for anyone in particular and she mentioned she was looking for someone who sell vintage records and a vintage book seller. Maybe you or you know someone in Portland? If you do, apply on Portland Flea’s website here. Next month, come see for yourself and experience the culture at Portland Flea.
Portland Flea:
Located: UNIONPINE 525 SE Pine St.
Hours: 10am – 4pm (click here for schedule)
Website: www.pdxflea.com
Facebook: Porland Flea
Twitter: @PortlandFlea
Instagram: @PortlandFlea