14 Comments
Oct 25Liked by Theresa Conroy

Another terrific post, Theresa. My mother feared germs, too, but my father was on the local library board, so a prohibition against library books never arose in my home.

When I have traveled to Europe, I have often devoted a day or two to flea markets and the like--London, Amsterdam, Paris. Yet, it was during college that I really began my devotion to vintage clothing. I bought tons of outfits from the 1940s and 1950s from Opportunity Christ Shop in Georgetown (alas they no longer sell clothing--maybe your mother got to them, Theresa!). In fact, I wore what I call my Jackie O suit to an event I hosted the other day. I had several wonderful suits from the 40s--and a great linen skirt with two kick pleats in the back (went to mid calf). And the books! I lucked out more than a few times in that realm I too hope you find your fringe jacket!

Expand full comment
author

Wow! Those vintage clothes sound fabulous, and they are match your style.

Expand full comment

Thanks! I have two Jackie O suits left--and one suit jacket from the 1940s-- but its skirt and the other 1940s suit finally fell apart.

Expand full comment
Oct 25Liked by Theresa Conroy

So when we come to visit, no need to pack clothes. Good to know.😉

Expand full comment

I love this. I think one of the main reasons that we settled where we did is because there is so much support for repairing stuff. It took me a little while to figure out the vocabulary for the many types of fleas and thrifts here, but it's been useful. And I've seen a few garage sales, even! But they're a kind of new thing and I don't know if they've got the hang of it yet.

Expand full comment
author

I have never seen so many and such a variety of sales. My mother-in-law was a huge garage sale customer. We often got some priceless and wonderful Christmas gifts from her. When we asked her where she bought it, she'd answer with the name of the street the garage sale was on.

Expand full comment
Oct 27Liked by Theresa Conroy

We moved to the northeast of France this summer and other than the brand new bed & sofa, have furnished much of our flat at monthly sales and neighborhood flea markets (my French is not good enough to parse the different words for each just yet) and the local Emmaüs. Such treasures we have found!

Expand full comment
author

I've heard about shopping in Emmaus! Sounds great. I hope all is going well with the move.

Expand full comment
Oct 26Liked by Theresa Conroy

Love reading your blogs. I love a French market but keep getting warned by hubby that we only live on a 10 metre boat so not to bring home any more ‘tat’ 🤣

Expand full comment
Oct 26Liked by Theresa Conroy

Ooooh, I adore repair cafes, as I am a devoted mender and repairer.

Expand full comment
author

I never knew they existed before we moved here. In France, the government will even give grants to people to repair their appliances instead of buying new!

Expand full comment
Oct 25Liked by Theresa Conroy

We love when we come across a brocante in France! I think more recycling of goods is happening in the US too, but through much more impersonal ways like Facebook marketplace and neighborhood buy/sell/trade. Many times you never even meet the person you are dealing with. Miss that fun interaction!

Expand full comment
Oct 25Liked by Theresa Conroy

I will pray to the Hippie gods in hope that the fringe jacket surfaces.

Expand full comment

Another terrific post, Theresa. My mother feared germs, too, but my father was on the local library board, so a prohibition against library books never arose in my home.

When I have traveled to Europe, I have often devoted a day or two to flea markets and the like--London, Amsterdam, Paris. Yet, it was during college that I really began my devotion to vintage clothing. I bought tons of outfits from the 1940s and 1950s from Opportunity Christ Shop in Georgetown (alas they no longer sell clothing--maybe your mother got to them, Theresa!). In fact, I wore what I call my Jackie O suit to an event I hosted the other day. I had several wonderful suits from the 40s--and a great linen skirt with two kick pleats in the back (went to mid calf). And the books! I lucked out more than a few times in that realm I too hope you find your fringe jacket!

Expand full comment