Brimfield was fantastic. We spent a lot of time browsing and exploring and only managed to see a fraction of the market. It was pretty overwhelming for a gal like me (=can't make up her mind) but after keeping a little log of all the stuff we loved, the one thing (when G asked as we deliberated) that I knew I would regret not getting was this little unsigned oil painting:
I kind of love her in all her anonymous glory. We also got some old typesetting letters and an old spinning postcard rack and a hefty, nicely seasoned cast iron pan. Productive hunting/gathering with some money left over for soft pretzels and fruit smoothies. (Sorry, Andrea, no Footloose cassette. I think I may have my own in the basement, though, if you're interested. It got some serious playtime in 1985, let me tell you.)
I will confess, though, that I am the world's sorriest haggler. Is it the amount I suggest? the way I say it? my nervousness? my rookie status stamped on my forehead? I need lessons.
Speaking of lessons, here's what I learned, should you be interested:
- wear comfortable shoes
- bring a wagon or a cart or (what we did) at least some canvas shopping bags
- bring cash, some of the vendors take checks but all prefer cash
- don't pay asking price (so they say. I brought one guy down about 10% and another one less than that. Pathetic?)
- be willing to walk away
- keep a little notebook of the things you like & the booth number/location & maybe even take a photo with your phone. Don't buy the first time around, you might find it cheaper or better elsewhere (except if it's a one-of-a-kind that you absolutely adore--then by all means, go for it.)
- go early (we didn't but saw some great items with "sold" tags)
- go! it's really fun
- what I missing, all you brimfield veterans?
. . .
Listen: Regina Spektor ~ Folding Chair