I have never been a huge online shopper; maybe it’s because of my age, but I think likely it has more to do with the fact that I truly enjoy the ‘thrill of the hunt’ and searching for things in person. There is nothing like seeking out and finding those special treasures; that makes journeying to antiques fairs and flea markets all the more worthwhile. Seeing pieces in person is ever more revealing of an object’s scale and tactile quality than scrolling on-screen, that’s for sure! Those of you who are familiar with my work and who follow me on social media know that I take my clients on shopping expeditions to the Paris Flea Markets several times a year. Oftentimes, I have to convince my clients to join me; believe it or not, the enticing trip to Paris is sometimes not enough to get them excited. But once they’ve taken the plunge, I have found that they always thank me for pushing them to come along. For it’s not only the thrill of discovering the perfect pieces, but also the anecdotal dividends that you inevitably take along with you—a fun banter negotiation with a characteristic vendor, or a newfound favorite expression; that perfect furniture piece will always connect you with that exquisite memory.
Hands down, my favorite place to shop for furniture pieces is at the Paris Flea Market, specifically the indoor and adjoining outdoor furniture markets, Serpette and Paul Bert, respectively, at the Porte de Clignancourt. (See the attached link for a recent episode of ‘Shopping the Paris Flea Markets’ where the popular blog Homeworthy shadowed me on one of my recent shopping expeditions.
I am now also organizing shopping expeditions that people can sign up for, where I will accompany you and show you how it’s done. (Message me on Instagram @Garrowkdesigns for more information.)
In addition to the Paris Flea Markets, some of my favorite shopping destinations are the annual antiques fairs, which I try to travel to as often as possible. The Olympia Antiques Fair in London is not to be missed; it happens a few times a year, once in the spring (usually in June) and once before the holiday season (usually in mid-November). Another excellent antiques fair is the TEFAF in Maastricht (which usually happens in March), and of course, more locally for us here in New York, The Winter Show, as well as the antiques fairs in Brimfield (which typically take place in May, July, and/or September). There is also the Round Top Texas Antique Fair, which happens in the spring and fall as well.
And of course, if you are a neurotic shopaholic like me, the late-at-night or early-morning insomnia hours are also always happily filled surfing through some of our favorite online sources. Chairish is my favorite online source for fabulous furniture and antiques—but if you get out there and pound the pavement, that’s my recommendation!
