FleaSpeech

With Bobbi & the Strays, everybody wins!

Saturday was a beautiful day, and the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market was bursting at the seams.  Packed with vendors and customers alike, HKFM welcomed Bobbi & the Strays.  B&TS was started in 1998 by Roberta “Bobbi” Giordano.  North Shore Animal League, with its cooperative adoption program in partnership with Bobbi & the Strays were able to find homes for close to a dozen dogs and cats.  NSAL loans Bobbi & the Strays their adoption van at least once a month in order to bring the pets to the people.  At a cost of $100.00 per adoption, these canines and felines are all spayed or neutered, with current shots (according to age) and treated with either Frontline or Advantage for flea prevention. 

Bobbi & the Strays Mission Statement:

Bobbi and the Strays believes that animals deserve our love, compassion, and respect. Our purpose is to undertake rescue operations and to provide essential care for orphaned, stray, abused and special needs cats and dogs. Through rehabilitation, socialization and adoption, we endeavor to provide a humane service to all animals that come into our care. Additionally we generate awareness in the community about the prevention of animal abuse and neglect as well as spay/neuter programs and their important effect on the dog and cat overpopulation crisis in New York City.

Visit their website at:  www.bobbi&thestrays.com.

Accessories, Accessories, Accessories...visit Karen Trivelli at HKFM!

When it comes to accessories, Karen Trivelli knows her stuff.  From glasses to handbags, Karen’s has a flawless eye for great finds.  First, let me tell you about her eyewear.  Boasting famous designer from the U. S. and abroad, browse through racks and racks of eyewear and sunglasses, most with original tags.  Her collection included designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Pucci and Christian Dior.  Starting from $20.00, you are sure to find a pair that fits your face and your budget.

What better accessory is there than the right handbag?  With over 100 bags, you are sure to find the perfect one.  Ranging from canvas to leather, clutches to totes, Karen has an unparalleled assemblage of designer bags.  Labels include Christian Dior and Gucci. Handbags priced from $75.00-$500.00. 

Don't forget, Karen accepts credit cards.

Bobbi & the Strays Pet Adoption visit Hell's Kitchen Flea Market, Sat., Sept. 26, 2009

HELL’S KITCHEN FLEA MARKET OPENS
HEART & HOME TO BOBBI & THE STRAYS
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 10AM-4PM
  
NEW YORK, NY (August 2009)– Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market, rich in treasures from around the world, is proud to support the rescue of stray and abused animals by opening its doors on September 26,, 2009 for a pet adoption drive.  Bobbi and the Strays will bring homeless cats and dogs to the flea from 10AM to 4PM, hoping to find new loving families and homes for these abandoned animals.

Bobbi and the Strays is 100% non-profit no-kill animal organization, owned by Bobbi Giordano who quit her job in the Fashion District to create an organization that is dedicated to not only saving animals but keeping them healthy and obedient. Actress Glenn Close, of the television series Damages, has become a supporter of Bobbi and the Strays after paying a visit to their facility and witnessing the passion Bobbi and her team have for the treatment and care of the animals.

 “Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market is happy to support Bobbi and the Strays! Organizations committed to finding homes for unwanted pets are doing a great service for both the community and the animals. Helping those who cannot help themselves gives these pets the chance to be the givers of love to those who love them.”–Alan Boss

Named one of the Top Ten Shopping Streets in the World by National Geographic, Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market sets the standard for distinctive vendors, where the fashion éclat, collectors and top-notch hagglers still delight at fine old things, memorabilia, original art & antique. Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market is open year-round, running the block of West 39th Street between 9th   & 10th Avenues, every Saturday & Sunday from 10am- 6pm. For media contact STATE Public Relations, at 646.714.2520 or email kristina@statepr.com

About Alan Boss “Lord of the Fleas”
Started in 1976 as “penny-jar” investment on an estranged corner lot in Chelsea, entrepreneur Alan Boss marshaled 11 vendors to single-handedly shape the outdoor mecca that became known by treasure hunters worldwide as The Annex Antiques Fair & Flea Market. In 2006, after almost 30 years of outdoor commerce-delight and top-notch haggling, The Annex was displaced by a high-rise residential building.

Foreseeing the fate of the market Boss had already planned for a new location. After almost four years of discussions Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market opened in May 2003.  In 2006, The Annex moved to Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market. Boss also owns the famed Antiques Garage on 25th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues.

Armed with street smarts, an economics degree from City College, and a pioneering spirit, Bronx-born urbanite Alan Boss has been described by Empire Magazine as “a remarkable entrepreneur who built a retail empire without any bricks or nails.” A son of a grocer, Boss cultivated his readiness to experiment with just about anything to make money, from hauling furniture to managing a fruit and vegetable stand. Boss reinvented himself many times over before trailblazing his career in 1976 one early Sunday with the birth of The Annex Antiques & Flea Market. As Founder and President of Metropolitan Pavilion, one might say that Alan Boss is in the business of filling empty spaces.

NY Times visits HKFM!

Check out this artice:  NY Times on HKFM

Vintage 40's Fringed Skirt at HKFM!

HKFM veteran vendor Karen Trivelli is always keeping us coming back to her booth for her great vintage finds.  A perfect example is this great 1940’s black fringed skirt with ornate closure.  Worn over a slip or leggings, you can turn your look from day to evening, in seconds.  Don’t delay, her inventory moves quick!

 

$75.00

 

BTW…Karen is one of HKFM’s vendors who accepts credit cards. 

Unique Finds From the Congo & Benin

Made completely from iron, this Beninese Herbalists staff is most commonly place in front of the herbalist’s house in order to protect them against witches.  Price:  $250.00.

In the words of the character, Crocodile Dundee; “That’s not a knife.  This is a knife”, even the Australian Dundee has met his match here.  This throw knife, direct from the Congo will surely do it job.  With spears on three sides, it’s hard to miss what you’re aiming for.  Check out Kojo Volta’s African collectable.  Three knives in one:  $450.00.  

Used to “Fuel the Fire”, this Congolese bellow was used as a blacksmith’s tool to make not only weapons, but jewelry as well.  By pumping air downward, oxygen would charge the flames and create the appropriate temperature to heat metal.  $650.00.

Tribal Fine Arts from Sudan at HKFM!

One of Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market’s regulars is Kojo Volta.  He comes to Hell’s Kitchen all the way from Sudan.  Kojo, proud of his roots, shares “Dinka” culture with New York.  The first in this week’s HKFM posts is this ceremonial wedding dress.  Made up of hundreds, if not thousands of beads, this dress is traditionally worn by both men and women.  Don’t worry, its one size fits all, and is adjustable with a metal wire (covered by a leather cord) in the back.  Making several trips throughout the year back to his native Sudan, this dress is 100% authentic, and surely one of a kind.  The only other person who may have the same dress as you here in NYC, may be Dinka supermodel Alek Wek.   

City Chic's has you covered from head to toe!

Before making their appearance on the fashion runways of the world, riding boots debuted in the riding arena.  Functionality first, and these boots were designed to assist the rider.  High enough to prevent the leathers of the saddle from pinching the inner leg of the rider, a distinct heel to prevent the rider’s foot from sliding through the stirrup, and a strong toe to protect the rider’s foot, just incase.   On the fashion runway, they serve a different purpose.  Using softer, finer leathers or even vinyl, and intricate stitching, designers are able to dress up the boots and make them not only functional but almost a must have in any fall wardrobe.   Paired with jeans or a skirt, day or evening, these boots are a hit!

City Chic’s boots starting at $45.00.

Forever in Style...Check Out Vintage Trenches at HKFM!!

In 1901, Thomas Burberry, submitted a design for an army officer’s raincoat to the United Kingdom War Office.  Later, the trench became an optional item of dress by the British Army.  These coats were optional to the uniform and were made available to officers and Warrant Officers Class I, by purchase only.  Many veterans returning to civilian life kept the coats that became fashionable for both men and women. 

Trench coats have remained in fashion in the decades following the Second World War.  Businessmen often associated the coats with the respectability given to army officers.  Also keeping these fashion coats in style where characters such as Dick Tracy and Rick Blaine from Casablanca.

Today, this timeless must-have coat is still very much in style.  City Chic’s Grace knows that better than anyone, and has an eye for great finds.  Stop by her booth and check out this great trench, and many other great coats.  By “Suburban Hertitage”, this tan leather trench will not be on her rack long. 

Priced to move, her coats start at just $45.00.

HKFM Welcomes Bobbi & the Strays Pet Adoption, Saturday, September 26, 2009

Bobbi & the Strays Pet Adoption

Come down on Saturday, September 26, between 11A-4P, and rescue a dog or cat!

A Walk Through Fashion's Memory Lane with Vintage at HKFM!

One of NY’s most famous flea markets to buy vintage clothing is HKFM!  With over twenty vintage clothes vendors, your search almost always ends on West 39th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues.  Fashion from the 1920’s – 1980 is considered vintage.  Even though there has always been a strong demand for second-hand clothing, the acceptance, demand and awareness of these items has gone up dramatically since the late 1980’s.  The abundance of interested is often attributed to celebrities.  Going green has also played a role in the popularity of vintage clothing, although not as much as lets say Julia Roberts and Kate Moss.  Other reasons that people want vintage is because often times the garments are more unique.  As time goes on, the less likely chance that your friends will have the same item.  Additionally, clothing from the “vintage” era were made of robust materials, well cut and made, with generous seam allowances and hems which allow for easy alterations.  Vintage garments designed by the following designers are particularly sought after – Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, Hubert de Givenchy, Cristobal Balenciaga, Yves Saint-Laurent and Halston.

Come to Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market and find your own “piece” of history to wear!!

Great Souvenirs from NY's Most Famous Flea Market...HKFM!

Great Souvenirs from HKFM!

Alicia B. Designs Shops the HKFM!

Alicia B. Designs finds great stuff at HKFM!

By George, He's Got It! Victorian Hardware that is! Visit George's Collectable at HKFM!

America’s Industrial Revolution let to an explosion of new hardware styles and techniques.  Brass and bronze were used extensively.  Common household hardware included the mortise lock, cabinet knobs and bin pulls, entry doorsets with plate and latch combined and offset hinges. 

Come down to HKFM and check out George’s Collectables collection of 1870’s Victorian hardware.  With quite a collection, you are sure to find the perfect doorset or cabinet knob to use in redecorating your home.  Priced between $15.00 & $40.00, you can’t go wrong!

Rain or Shine...Great Finds at the HKFM!

Great Finds at HKFM!