Shabby chic seems to be the rage these days. For those who don’t know, shabby chic is a form of interior design where furnishings and furniture are either chosen for their appearance of signs of wear and tear or where new items are “distressed” to give the appearance of being old.

Some of the best places to find vintage pieces are flea markets, but they can be tricky to navigate and getting the best deal takes planning and patience. Here are a few tips.

• Know before you go.  If you are looking for a particular item or piece of furniture, do your homework first. Research sources to find out prices. This way you’ll know what a decent asking price is and you’ll be able to bargain better with a dealer. Paying in cash can also be an incentive for some dealers to give you a better price.
• Take the time to look.  If you really love an item but the price is too high, keep looking around. You might find a cheaper version elsewhere and if you come back to the same dealer, he or she might be willing to bargain. Don’t hesitate to roll up your sleeves and dig through the boxes of junk – they can be the best places to find hidden treasure.
• Go against the flow.  Meaning start at the back of the flea market where not as many people will have been to yet. You just might get first dibs on better finds.

Related links
10 Ways to Get Shabby Chic Style: Style at Home: www.styleathome.com
Shabby Chic Décor: Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture: www.shabbychic.com

St. Petersburg Flea Markets
Wagon Wheel Flea Market – 7801 Park Blvd N., Pinellas Park FL 33781
Brocante | Vintage Market: www.brocantemarket.com