Guest Blog: August Flea Recap with Dina Younis of Dina's Days
Every so often we find a friend who has a way with words. Maybe they've got a blog of their own, or perhaps they're a closeted comedian. Who would we be if we didn't give them a shot to stretch their wings and write? So, in that supportive way we know so well, please give a warm welcome to this month's guest blogger, Akron's own Dina Younis! Honestly, this lady knows how to thrift! Her pointers are golden. Take note, treasure hunters: Dina is proof that the Flea can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. It's all in the list!
Hi, friends! Dina here from Dina's Days, a little space where I've been documenting my thrifty lifestyle with the world for the last several years.
Before I share how I shopped the August Flea, I'd d like to thank all of the vendors for allowing me to use your merchandise to fan myself in between stops on that sweltering Saturday afternoon. I'd also like to apologize for the excessive amount of time I spent in your shops due to my squirrel-like decision making skills. I'm looking at you Jodi Lynn's Emporium of Doodles, where I spent nearly twenty minutes trying to decide between a Yas Kween illustration and a cat balancing cupcakes on its sweet little head.
Anytime I'm thrifting or fleaing (new word?) I start with a comfy outfit. It was really hot that day, so I went with a breezy, vintage maxi that I thrifted for $1 and a muscle tank. I opted for a backpack purse for treasures and a hands-free shopping experience.
As I'm getting ready, I set a budget in my mind and make note of the things on my Flea Wishlist. This helps me stay on track and not get distracted. Here's my Flea list:
- $50 budget
- Handmade cards for graduations, weddings, and new babies
- A newborn onesie
- A hanging plant
- One unique antique item
- Vintage hangers
- Illustrations
The Cleveland Flea has done an incredible job curating the market with interesting finds and kind vendors. Everyone was so friendly and passionate about what they do. I bet you didn't know that the Flea is the unofficial Instagram meet up location? I lost count of the number of the Instafriends I ran into and met in person for the first time at the Flea.
Back to shopping. My first purchase was at the aforementioned Jodi Lynn's Emporium of Doodles where I picked up three beautiful handmade cards for $10. The succulent print made up for the fact that I didn't go home with a hanging plant as planned. (Shout out to Lakewood Plant Company for selling out of the plant I wanted. I ain't mad at ya!)
Next, I made my way down the row, saying hi to my girl Genna and admiring her boss-like sunglasses from Re/Dress and so I made a note to snag a pair along my route.
As a lifelong thrifter, I'm instantly drawn to clearance or sale bins, bowls, boxes - you name it. I made a beeline to the $5 bowl at Souls Repurpose and bought the last pair of heart shaped earrings.
I was starting to get hungry but didn't want to interrupt my Flea Flow. I had two more rows left to explore! Here's a quick snapshot of what happened next:
- I died inside when I met Valerie Mayen from Yellowcake Shop and her friendly, welcoming smile. I caressed all of her handmade pieces while she told me about the upcoming Hullaballo fashion show.
- I met the super cool and fellow Akronite, Jason from Birchwood Supply Co. and then creepily took a photo of him from behind.
- Made it over to RE/Dress where I bought bubble gum pink cat-eye sunglasses for $15 and wore them for the rest of the Flea like a kid with a new toy.
At this point, I was borderline delirious from heat and hunger. I always save the food and drink for last (although this is proving to be a somewhat dangerous strategy). However, on my way to the food trucks, I was sidetracked by Stash Style and their boxes of letters and symbols. Really, the $5 price tag stopped me in my tracks. "Unique antique item" successfully crossed off the Flea Wishlist.
I finally wrapped up my day bouncing from food truck to food truck trying to decide what I had a taste for. I settled on Wholly Frijoles food truck with just enough time to inhale and Instagram my taco salad before the storm hit.
I officially have flea fever and the only cure is the September 10 Flea.
Follow along for my next flea adventure!