bitten by a flea named style

Fleastyle comes to Dallas twice a year, and it helps me cope with Christmas only coming around once every year. This market has gotten better and better each year, starting out in a medium sized convention center downtown and now filling up the automobile building at the Texas State Fair.

Fleastyle's founder, Brittany Cobb, has done a remarkable job fostering and growing this market of local goods while still maintaining its integrity. Every booth you encounter, every kind face you meet is truly local. I don't know how she does it, truly I don't, but she finds the most remarkable gems of small businesses. She sets the standard high, and every single booth rises to the occasion. She literally thought of everything. They even have a place for your beau to go hang out while you shop. Intentionality, people, it's what sets you apart!

I managed to walk away this year without leaving too big of a dent in my credit card bill, but I saw many a thing that would have been more than welcome to come home with me. If nothing else, I've got plethora of wonderful local creatives to shop with for all of my gifts and special occasions this year, and you better believe I will. Might even snag myself an early birthday present.

There were so many unique and heartfelt vendors represented at this years flea style and while I wish I had the capacity to give every single one a shoutout, I'd love to share some of my favorites with you. So I've broken down my favorites into two categories:

S C O R E S // vendors i purchased from

&

W I S H E S // vendors i wanted to purchase from

S C O R E S

vendors i purchased from

// Uptown Country //

Jenny Grumbles (owner and artist) used to have her storefront in Snider Plaza by SMU. I remember buying my bedding from her when I was in middle school (*squeal!*) While she had to close the storefront, she maintained the business and retails locally out of her booth in Richardson Mercantile. Once she moved out of Snider Plaza, quite earnestly she dropped off my radar, until I saw her booth at the Flea and fell in love all over again. She has a wonderful blend of rustic country with refined chic - hence the perfect name of Uptown Country. I love her style, but recognize that it is a bit more farmhouse than what I prefer in my home. What I didn't know though was that she is also an abstract painter. I was immediately drawn into her booth because of the paintings she had scattered around and was positively floored by her talent. I'm moving apartments this summer and you better believe one of her paintings is going to make its way into my new home.

What I purchased: gold and white "do it now" letter organizer, to force me into paying my bills on time :)

I wanted to purchase that frame on the left so. badly.

// Innerglow Art //

Sarah quit her job three weeks ago to pursue Innerglow full-time, and I for one am thrilled that she did. Her work immediately spoke to me and reeled me into her booth and into a sweet conversation with her as well. She is passionate about her art, lovingly hand crafting each one with care and genuine thought. Behind (figuratively + literally) each painting is a Bible Verse that she writes on the back of the canvas for the buyer to be lovingly reminded of. She had so many wonderful pieces that it was hard for me to choose just one (which I did), but I have no doubt I'll make my way back to purchasing from her again, whether for myself or for a friend.

What I purchased: the black based painting second from the top left, inscribed with the Philippians 3:14

W I S H E S

vendors i wanted to purchase from

// Freckled Pottery //

Gosh, I fell for this place hard. These beautifully handcrafted vases, mugs, and cups had me at hello. The delicate freckling on the soft white background intertwined with that luminous gold trim? Excuse me while I wipe the drool off of my keyboard. You better believe this is first and foremost on my list of follow up purchases. I've been stalking the online shop, waiting for some of these beauties to get re-stocked!

// Ophelia Ruth //

I have seen one other company similar to the niche market that Ophelia Ruth has discovered, but this was the first time I had the luck of seeing their products in person! Ophelia Ruth is a curated gift box company that creates custom and themed artisan gift boxes made to order. They had a wonderfully wide range of options - cocktail (pictured above) pampering, travel, home, birthday, etc. Each one looked just as luxurious as the last and I'm sure any of your friends would be as thrilled as I would to receive one of these in the mail. I am definitely keeping this on my list for upcoming birthdays of my long-distance friends! (You know who you are!) They offer boxes that target a range of interests and my personal favorite - a range of budgets. Pssssttt....sign up for their newsletter and receive 10% off your first purchase!

// Tucker Ink //

I had seen painted globes once before, but had not opportunity to purchase one. But then I found Tucker Ink. The couple who runs the company is sweet as sugar and they were so kind in telling me about their pieces. They do much more than just globes - prints and photographs too! - but their globes were definitely what caught my attention. And best of all, they can do custom orders! So whatever that favorite quote of yours is, you can now have it beautifully hand-lettered onto a globe!

// Hearth & Hovel //

Air plants, air plants, air plants. They are my new love! So sweet, delicate, and modern. H&H had them in an array of displays - all the way from modern stone and copper to whimsical teacups. Definitely worth a glance if your looking to get more green in your home! (And did you know that air plants are a breeze to ship? Making them perfect for our online-shopping culture!)

// Sabon Home //

Admittedly not the best pictures, I know. But I just couldn't pass up sharing this one. Sabon Home had an overall eclectic vibe (possibly a little too eclectic for my taste), but their shelves were peppered with the most beautiful blue and white china pieces. I am earnestly kicking myself for not picking up one. Or two. Or three. Because you just can beat the effect of having one of those beauties on your shelf.

Pssst...If you made it this far you deserve to know - the next Dallas Fleastyle is scheduled for December 1st - 2nd. Mark your calendars now and stay up to date with all the happenings over at Fleastyle's website! (Did I mention that tickets are just $5 at the door?!) And until then, remember, Be Not Bland!