So Who Needs Retail?

	- filed September 7, 2001 So Who Needs Retail? Black, military coats, capes, riding jackets, fur hats, fur scarves, fur tails, mod furs, shearlings, and gusty belts. This list not only describes the season's 'must have' clothing and accessory items which are featured prominently in the fashion magazines these days, and are currently available in stores around town, but it also describes much of what I found (at delectably low prices!) on a recent trip to the 26th street flea market.
	Although I took somewhat of a break from my almost weekly treks to the flea market during the long hot summer, preferring to shop on Ebay in the cool comfort of my air-conditioned apartment, I rediscovered the joys being 'lord of the fleas' once again.
	Don't get me wrong, I still recommend Ebay as an alternative to retail, but nothing beats the 'serendipity' factor of shopping at the famed lots on 6th Avenue, where you never know what you're going to find, can almost always bargain down, and more importantly, you actually get to touch and try on the merchandise before making the purchase (one of the biggest drawbacks of the Ebay experience).
	On my most recent excursion to this vintage/bargain shopper's paradise, I revisited my favorite, most consistent* dealers -- (some of whom I have previously reviewed in past stories), and discovered some new ones along the way, which, for me, is always the best part!
	*Just a note: shopping at the flea market definitely takes time, patience, and perseverance- there will be days when everything just seems like junk. But if you keep coming back, your efforts will be rewarded!
	At the lot located between 24th and 25th streets on the west side of 6th Avenue, Eve can be found virtually every Sunday. This flamboyant and entertaining woman single-handedly sums up the whole flea market experience, with her always-eclectic assortment on view in her booth. In fact, she recently had an antique claw foot tub on display, along with traditional evening gowns, a 'mod' knit jumpsuit, Manolo Blahnik 'look-alike' pumps, a pair of authentic black velvet riding helmets, and a mink trimmed red 'riding' suit.
	Pat Haber, is unquestionably the 'queen of the furs'. Although her tremendous booth always displays a dizzying mix of items, including faux leather and python coats, vintage bags, and assorted hand knit scarves and ponchos, it is her selection of furs- ranging in price from about $125- $375- which always catch my eye (and that of other customers as well).
	Eleanor, a veteran who is there on both Saturdays and Sundays, was recently selling a faux leopard cape with handsome buckle trim for $65, a fox hat for $25, a caramel mink jacket with decorative buttons for $275, and a fake gigantic Louis Vuitton suitcase (that could have passed for the real McCoy).
	Miriam, who shows up on Saturdays only, has a large selection of vintage furs (fur coats, fur trims, fur scarves, and shearlings), selling between $100 and $500.
	Hairy Mary's had an interesting assortment of fur trimmed coats- a cognac leather belted ž length coat with fox trimmed collar and cuffs, a black Persian lamb coat with white mink trim (both under $150), and a very 'Jean Paul Gaultier' oriental short coat with faux fur trim.
	Leslie Goldin is never hard to find because of her wildly 'chaotic' space, always crammed with designer as well as non- designer items for both men and women. On my last trip, I spotted a very timely black Anne Klein pea coat from the 60's (price, negotiable), and in the past I have found collectibles like traditional Burberry trench coats as well as a Ralph Lauren Polo short navy military coat for $25.
	Sandra & Richard caught my eye with their real cheetah hat and matching bag display, and an authentic Fendi bag and Louis Vuitton wallet (each for $50).
	Jackie, who specializes in costume jewelry, boasted a dizzying array of pins, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, but the standouts were her 1950's mink sweater pins, which would make a perfect gift for someone who has everything!
	Sonny Chapman Designs had a sporty and hip chocolate brown suede short bomber jacket trimmed with pale rabbit for $65.
	Across the street, on the east side of 6th Avenue between 25th and 26th street- where admission is $1.00 - I found Debbie with her cache of well-priced logo mania: hats, bags, luggage, umbrellas, and some clothing items all bearing the familiar symbols of Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Fendi, and Dior (some authentic, some knock-offs), which were selling for well under $300! When I inquired about the possibility of getting the near impossible Stephen Sprouse graffiti Louis Vuitton bag, she said she could, but added that even the knock-off would be pricey -around $300!
	Bart Bellantoni, who normally sets up shop at 'The Garage' (just off 6th Avenue at 25th street) had a very chic booth where I spotted a beautiful structured black patent Ronay purse with distinctive gold hardware and chain ($50), and a very 'Jackie O' fur trimmed black ottoman suit ($100).
	Lauren, who shows up every weekend at the flea market, (though she recently opened a shop at 154 Orchard street), specializes mainly in furs, fur trim, and shearlings priced from about $100 to $400. One standout was her pale fox and rust suede short 'mod' coat, selling for about $250.
	Sara Daha, (who I did a feature about awhile back- on her great selection of coats) was displaying her $45 jean skirt bags (for which she was given special mention in the Sunday 'Style' section of the New York Times), and a large assortment of handsome brass trimmed Moroccan belts selling for about $35!
	Karen, who always has interesting bags (particularly great straw ones for the summertime), was displaying a very 'Michael Kors' equestrian saddle bag complete with traditional hardware horse bit trim ($50).
	And at the Grand Bazaar, the lot located on 25th street between 5th and 6th Avenue, I spotted a dealer (who preferred to remain nameless) who was selling several fox scarves with heads and tails attached- (for those who are unafraid of Peta protesters) selling for a mere $25, as well as a cute raccoon fur hood. So who needs retail?
	In the Market Report:The Lion's Roar