Vintage Shopping at Sturbridge and Brimfield

Sturbridge Antique & Vintage Clothing Show

 Sturbridge Show occurs three times annually and features over ninety dealers from across the country and the UK, offering vintage textiles and linens, antique and vintage clothes, trims, buttons, jewelry of all kinds. More info here.

I opted to stay at the Sturbridge Hotel where the show is hosted and, boy, was that a great idea! Essentially a1982 time capsule, this place had an indoor pool, curved glass atrium, and lattice wonderland! Add in the "exercise room" and arcade, it just kept getting weirder. I wouldn't call this spot overly upscale but it is pet friendly and has a stocked fishing pond, canoes and a liquor store next door. What more could we ask?

The Sturbridge Antique and Vintage Clothing show was retail pricing++ but certainly offered lovely items showcased by the kindest vendors. Everyone  was a professional, and even though there were only around 20 vendors for this July show (I’m told it is MUCH larger for the other months), there were plenty treasures, although nothing I personally couldn’t leave behind except for some 1940s feather hat trims. I was in and out in around an hour. I took my son and his girlfriend, both 16 years old, and they, too, left empty handed. 

My review:

1. I think admission was around $10-$20 per person. As it was sort of slow when I was there, I think this show should provide free admission for its best turnout.
   
   
2. Don't go looking for a deal here! Absolutely no bargains anywhere, but fair pricing. Think Etsy pricing. Not a haggling vibe here with lots of damaged items still asking top dollar. 
   
   
3. Definitely worth going to check for special items. I recommend going the first day as the item I was on the hunt for got snatched up by another vendor right before I saw it!
   
   
4. Interesting highlights: 1950s satin dance costume with 3D and handpainted roses, $395. Good amount of 1930s to 1950s day dresses priced $120-$388. Generally very well curated with some great pieces for another buyer!

Brimfield Antique Flea Market

Much like Sturbridge, The Brimfield Antique Flea Markets run three times a year: May, July and September. More info here.

I can’t believe I’ve never made it this one, a show that has been going on longer than I’ve even been wearing vintage!

FYI: My review and thoughts may be a bit cloudy because the heat was BRUTAL! I was covered in sweat the whole time and left with a major sunburn. I don’t think this is normal as there was a heat advisory most every day. Basically, think New Orleans summer hot! 

I attended Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, although I could have skipped Sunday. If you want to dig deep, I recommend attending for at least 3 days! I was there by around 9am everyday but most were open at sunrise (around 5:30am!!!). I was out by 2 or 3 everyday even though it went on longer. There were thousands of vendors so there was a real mixed bag of merchandise featuring everything from classic antique furniture store goods and art to thrift shop curation.

My Review:

1. The basics: Most fields are free, but a couple charged. Generally worth the $5 admission if they charged. $10 easily accessible parking. Cash was good to have: Not every vendor accepts cards or venmo. Manageable crowds without a line in sight. Bonus: Lots of food and beverage choice – even specialty coffee and vegan! 

1. The dress code: Well. I wore my favorite cotton vintage or Trashy Diva dresses and unfortunately didn’t bring sunscreen or a hat the first day. I was lucky enough to snag a couple $10 vintage hats that worked great for the following days. I also broke my favorite pair of red BAIT super high platforms (RIP) and had to change shoes another day. Don't end up like me: Expect gravel and grass! I learned my lesson and I might rethink the footwear next time but it was worth dressing up in the end as I got to chat with more people and perhaps snagged a few deals!
   
   
2. BARGAIN with the vendors! Every vendor I met offered me a deal. I didn’t go crazy on people, but I do love a good price: If I got 3 - 4 things, I asked for $5 - $10 off each item for purchasing multiples. If they were garage sale setups, I asked for a bulk price on a pile (30% off or more). Not a lot of merchandise was priced which is frustrating and I probably would have purchased more if everyone put their prices on items over $50. Even racks by price range would have been great, too, as vendors range from $1 an item to high-end pricing. 
   
   
3. What did I buy? Pics to come! But for our vintage locations, The Vintage Market at 1920 Magazine and French Quarter Vintage at 733 Royal New Orleans, here's what you can look forward to hitting our racks...
   
   Edwardian lace trimmed underskirts, 1920s lace dress, 1920s 3pc silk embroidered PJ set,  multiple 30s little girls dresses,  1930s evening gown in lace with satin under slip, 1930s crepe dress with balloon sleeves, 1930s/40s dragon robe, velvet opera coats, Dior NOS 1980s robes and panties, 1990s silk bias gowns, 3 Vanity Fair leopard pieces, 5 or 6 1940s dresses and jackets, including some novelty prints, 10-ish 1950s pieces, 4 or 5 1960s/70s pieces, sequin 70s pieces, 70s mink and fox coat, stacks of gold 80s jewels and handbags galore!
   
   I shipped back around 100lbs of clothing and accessories which is honestly a little less than normal for this much shopping, but it was pretty overwhelming in quantity of items to look through!
   
   What didn’t I buy? Lots and lots of jewelry that I couldn't dig through, but I know it was good. Loads of 1940s and 1950s classic staple items and basic 1960s Hawaiian pieces that were just not quite great enough to make the cut for me that day. Plus, several great 1920s and 30s items that were over $250 and just couldn’t be resold. Finally, many items were ‘as found’ with questionable condition and a bit too much damage or way too small.
   
   
4. What did everyone else get? Truly, there is something for EVERYONE if you like old things. I went three times with teenagers, plus one time with my husband. My sixteen year old son Jackson found great t-shirts and denim. He didn't buy a thing over $15 and left with quite a haul! He loved the rummage piles. My husband JR left with only a forty-five dollar vintage knife but enjoyed the full experience.
   
   Looks like the next Sturbridge is coming up this October! Let's go!