Im a sucker for flea markets. I really think I was a hoarder in a past life, because my eyes light up when I see nice old things. Some people can’t stand the thought of buying something that has been used, worn, or just been sitting in a warehouse for decades on end, but the sound of this is magic to my ears. When in Paris, I find myself hawk-eyed in many weekend flea markets where I scour for French provincial tableware, vintage advertisements in print, meat mincers from the 60s, and great-granddaddy watches. The mountains of clothes that show up at these markets are not to be feared either… A good sort through will reward you with things like 2 Euro, barely worn YSL blazers, bags of RL oxford shirts, and the most wonderfully colourful African textiles. I also like to take myself to army surplus stores for my enamel cups, bowls, and dishes, as well as old linen textiles and heavy woollen blankets in those natural army tones. If you’re into peacoats, military bags, camping gear, and sailor shirts, this is where you need to go.

I found this really well curated and not-so-badly priced surplus store in one of the largest vintage markets in Paris. Marche aux Puces is where to go if you are hunting for antiques, old theatre costumes, vinyls, and beautiful carpentry. Lucky my plane ticket home gives me a luxurious 30kg luggage, because I’ve found myself with an oversized woollen throw amongst all the other crockery and kitchenware that I’ve collected!