I've never had the budget for the gorgeous upscale antiques at Les Puces, but it's an experience just to wander the aisles and look at all the amazing pieces. After spending some time "lèche-vitrines" (French for window shopping; literal translation "licking windows"!), I love rummaging through the inexpensive bits and bobs to find a treasure or two to take home.
Here's what I came away with today:
This is a funny little thing. It is a medal from an agricultural competition in 1955, awarded to the 1st place "taureax sans dents" - bull without teeth! The vendor selling them must have had hundreds of them, but the color and the seemingly strange award category made me get out my wallet for this one. I can't wait to hang it on a wall in my home - it's definitely a conversation starter!
The vendor who sells these has literally THOUSANDS of postcards and tables with long benches for you to sit down and peruse at your leisure. I could spend hours looking through these beauties, and I always walk away with a handful. The ones that catch my eye usually have stamps, postmarks and interesting messages on the back.
My favorite from this batch reads "Gros baisers pour tous" - big kisses for all.
It might not be in the best shape, but this picture of a group of people rowing on the Lac du Bourget caught my eye. The people in the photo may be gone, but I like the idea that their relaxing summer day on the lake lives on.
I was eying up this tiny religious medallion, and my mom, ever the savvy shopper, got the vendor to throw it in for free with her purchase. Score!
I think it'll look great on a simple gold chain or charm bracelet. Or maybe it'll just be another trinket for my jewelry box, a reminder of Paris when I'm at home.
This little beauty is destined to become a pillow for my living room sofa. I've been looking for fabrics in this pretty light orchid color forever, and this one is even better because it come with a story.
The pièce de résistance? This amazing beaded collar. How gorgeous is she? Yes, it's a "she". Don't judge.
The beading is so intricate, with itty bitty lilac-colored seed beads, lines of fine brass chain, and shiny gold studs down the center.
I just couldn't walk away from this one-of-a-kind piece, and I can't wait to show it off at home.
What do you think of my finds? Have you ever scored big at a flea market? Share your stories in the comments.