Vintage and antique items, outside of lucky finds at thrift stores, usually out-price shoppers on budgets. Libby Alexander and Katherine Raz—bloggers who met with a shared idea that vintage was just too pricey—are pooling their efforts to change that. The Vintage Bazaar, now with its second pop-up market, is bringing the idea of an urban flea market together with vintage and antique items.
“You can’t even find something to take away for twenty bucks sometimes, so we wanted to provide both ends of the spectrum and focus also on vendors who have not really done shows before, as well as veterans,” Alexander says.
Set in the vintage-friendly Congress Theater, the space is larger this time around, allowing for more vendors, increasing the list to sixty-five.
“Congress is one of our favorite options because of the way it looks and it’s a prime location,” Alexander says. “People were happy that it wasn’t in a suburb or downtown that’s difficult to get to.”
The first bazaar popped up this past February and they hope to hold four more in 2011. The variety in vendors allows for a unique and affordable experience for those who are enamored by, say, “Saved By the Bell” trading cards, or perhaps more sophisticated and expensive pieces. But the feel of the event is laid back and fun.
“You can just shop, enjoy yourself and have a beer with friends,” Alexander says. (Lindsey Kratochwill)
August 22 at the Congress Theater, 2135 North Milwaukee, noon-7pm. Free.
