Paris Flea Market Shopping: The Mad Men Edition

Paris Flea Market Treasures Photos by Theadora Brack

What would Peggy do?

By Theadora Brack

Blame it on the return of springtime and the critically acclaimed “Mad Men” television series, but suddenly I’ve got a strong hankering for cocktails, vintage duds and heady scents, along with some good old-fashioned toe-tapping, finger snapping, bodice riffing jazz. For the love of swanky-panky, what would Don Draper do?

Slipping on my snug-as-a-bug Peggy Olson thinking cap, I’ve decide to celebrate Mad Men’s fifth coming with an old-fashioned slide show. As a nod to the glamorous advertising and packaging of days gone by, it features my recent swagnificent scores from the Paris flea markets. In case you can’t tell, I’ve a groovy kind of love for the classic French apéritif Suze and its undefinable taste!

In the wise words of Don Draper, “Nostalgia – its delicate, but potent. . . .it’s a twinge in your heart far more powerful than memory alone. . . . it takes us to a place where we ache to go again . . . it lets us travel the way a child travels – around and around, and back home again, to a place where we know are loved.”

Pinching from Draper again, “So live like there’s no tomorrow, just in case there isn’t one.” Mais oui, Mr. Draper! Zou, Bisou, Bisou! Hit the lights, Pete Campbell. We’re off to the puces!

Tags: Drinks, Fashion, Flea Markets, Food, Fragrance, Mad Men, Paris, Shopping, Suze, Theadora Brack, Travel, Vintage

43 thoughts on “Paris Flea Market Shopping: The Mad Men Edition”

anitajohorton on 25/03/2012 at at said:

Fabulous post, my dear! And simply lovely photos! You’re making me ache for Paris…just two more months of school for me then maybe? Eager for your next post! Have a wonderful week. . .

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- Theadora Brack on 26/03/2012 at at said:
  
  Thanks, Anita! You’ll love Paris! Theadora (The Paris fleas and brocantes are chock-full of vintage dolls!)
  
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belocchio on 25/03/2012 at at said:

Theodora what a fabulous post. Mad Men is an amazing show. That was my time in television and advertising and it took me home again. Your photographs are superb. What a wonderful start to my Sunday. V.

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- Theadora Brack on 26/03/2012 at at said:
  
  Merci! Whenever I’m blue or in need a little inspiration, I watch a “Mad Men” episode or three. Does the trick every time. The writing is flawless and the episodes are seamless! Theadora (I bet you have stories!)
  
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Sisyphus47 on 25/03/2012 at at said:

Vice les Puces! Another charming post, stylish and original: well done 🙂

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- Theadora Brack on 26/03/2012 at at said:
  
  Wow! What kind words! Thank you! Yes, I dig the puces and brocantes. It’s how I spend every weekend. The collections are ecelectic and the prices are always affordable. Especially at the Porte de Vanves Flea Market! Theadora
  
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grandfathersky on 25/03/2012 at at said:

Beau catcher! A classic…

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- Theadora Brack on 26/03/2012 at at said:
  
  Mais Oui! “Beau Catcher” was quite popular back in its heyday day. I love the shape of the bottle. It was launched in Paris in 1942 by Vigny. Interesting timing! Theadora
  
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  - grandfathersky on 26/03/2012 at at said:
    
    Very interesting indeed ! Great post … Thanks again
    
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  - Theadora Brack on 26/03/2012 at at said:
    
    Enjoy the week! T.
    
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  - grandfathersky on 26/03/2012 at at said:
    
    Merci … toi aussi
    
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daedre1 on 25/03/2012 at at said:

Your photos are fantastic…wish I was in Paris.

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- Theadora Brack on 26/03/2012 at at said:
  
  Thanks!! I love Paris in the springtime and summertime.’Tis the season of the vide-greniers (neighborhood-wide yard sales) and brocantes. One is able go treasure hunting the entire weekend. With soda pop breaks along the way, of course! Theadora
  
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jessnj on 25/03/2012 at at said:

Love it!

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- Theadora Brack on 26/03/2012 at at said:
  
  Thanks, Jess!
  
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Paris Paul P on 25/03/2012 at at said:

Awesome!

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- Theadora Brack on 26/03/2012 at at said:
  
  Merci, Paul! By the way, I recently tried the Suze-Cassis combo. I liked it! In fact, it was a dinner party hit. Thanks for the tip! T.
  
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kristaspurr on 25/03/2012 at at said:

Like X 1m! After travel, my next love is Mad Men – I’m totally swooning over the Lanvin bottle.

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- Theadora Brack on 26/03/2012 at at said:
  
  Thanks, Krista! Lanvin’s Mon Péché (My Sin) has always been one of my favorites. Released in 1924, it was created by Madame Zed. You’d love the print advertisements. One campaign featured a wonderful cat. It’s very “Bewitched.” T.
  
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Black Dahlia on 25/03/2012 at at said:

Wow, that compact is amazing. What a find Theadora! Just gorgeous. Great post! I really need to get over there….to SHOP and EXPLORE!
X
BD

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- Theadora Brack on 26/03/2012 at at said:
  
  B.D.! You’d love the Paris flea markets, brocantes and vide-greniers! Thinking of your recent FAB nod to the apron, I’ve been able to score quite a few aprons for just a few euros. Whenever I spot one, my heart starts racing! T.
  
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Tales and Travels of the Tin Man on 25/03/2012 at at said:

I LOVE the compact and “eau my sin” perhaps my new vanity license plate!!!! I have soooooooooo many fun things from the Paris flea markets. I ALWAYS stop at the vintage clothing and dress up and entertain the other shoppers! Your post warmed my heart and made me wish for the charm of your beautiful city. Thanks for sharing, wish I had been with you!

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- Theadora Brack on 26/03/2012 at at said:
  
  Again, your words made me smile! I bet you are the perfect shopping companion!! Oh, la la. Yes, Lanvin’s Mon Péché (My Sin) is a great name. My other Lanvin favorites are “Scandale” in 1931, “Rumeur” in 1934 and “Prétexte” in 1937. And speaking of drama, I recently served an artichoke dip at a little shindig. I thought of you. I’m looking forward to your next lush plant tale! T.
  
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Brigitte on 25/03/2012 at at said:

Ooh, what gorgeous goodies. I love yesteryear’s treasures and visiting vintage venues. Inspires me to do a day trip into one of the little villages that are near me.

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- Theadora Brack on 26/03/2012 at at said:
  
  Dear Brigitte, I love the village brocantes! A few years ago, I spent the summer working in the south of France. We spent most of our weekend days fossil hunting and brocante hopping. Pure bliss! Theadora
  
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designmuse on 26/03/2012 at at said:

love Mad Men… just watched season premiere now! great post 🙂

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- Theadora Brack on 26/03/2012 at at said:
  
  Thanks for popping by! I am also a true blue MM fan. It’s going to be a week-long celebration here at my flat. Maybe I’ll prepare a casserole. . . Enjoy the week! Theadora
  
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nadel&gabel on 26/03/2012 at at said:

I love Suze as well! What cute finds of you!

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- Theadora Brack on 26/03/2012 at at said:
  
  Merci! I also dig Suze and its swanky collection of vintage barware. It’s also very easy to spot at the fleas! Love the mellow yellow! Theadora
  
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Martino on 26/03/2012 at at said:

You are the hippest! Unfortunately we don’t have cable so we can’t see Mad Men until this season comes out on DVD, but I am sure you’re already the pace-setter. By the way is that you in the hair net? What a complexion!

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- Theadora Brack on 26/03/2012 at at said:
  
  Blushing, here! I love your wit, Martino. (Yes, I have a few classic French beauty secrets up my 3/4 polyester sleeve!) Theadora
  
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gordonmichaelsutton on 26/03/2012 at at said:

Beautiful. Great eye for detail. Reeks of Paris .. in a good way, of course!

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- Theadora Brack on 26/03/2012 at at said:
  
  Thank you, Gordon! By the way, I’ve been enjoying your eye for detail. I love your Red Hibiscus site. Your work is exquisite. I’m still thinking about your spring sunshine series. And the shot of the detail shot of the classic Underwood typewriter keys. Gorgeous! Theadora (And the red door!)
  
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  - gordonmichaelsutton on 29/03/2012 at at said:
    
    I’ve awarded myself a day off today and what a thrill to read your comments. So nice to be appreciated. I actually run my own education consultancy, so Red Hibiscus is my personal creative space. I’m going to be posting another Spring post shortly .. shots from my local park. I hope you like. Enjoy your day. Thanks once again! Gordon
    
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London Caller on 26/03/2012 at at said:

I have never been to any flea market in Paris before!
This is like a new experience for me.
But you know what?
I probably need to learn some useful words how to haggle in French! 😉

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- Theadora Brack on 27/03/2012 at at said:
  
  AH! What a FAB idea for a story. It’s helpful knowing a few key phrases, along with the numbers. At least up to twenty! Thank you, London Caller! T.
  
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Malou on 27/03/2012 at at said:

Great post, Theadora! These old perfume bottles must be collector’s items now. I love them. One day, I’d come to Paris and just scour the flea markets and pretend to be a regular Parisian rather than a tourist. 😉

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Gilly Gee on 28/03/2012 at at said:

Fabulous, i do love to stroll around a flea market and Paris has some great ones!

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Shira on 29/03/2012 at at said:

This is just the BEST post! I adore flea markets … and what kitschy and amazing items!!! I just love your blog and everything about it!

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printandpattern on 29/03/2012 at at said:

OMG! this ones are completely beautiful, I’ve always loved cologne bottles, and the vintage fashion is really cool. Great Post ! Love you 🙂

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- Theadora Brack on 29/03/2012 at at said:
  
  Merci, P&P! Thinking of your recent lipstick post, I also have a mad penchant for collecting vintage lipsticks. Back in the day, Coty and Revlon launched some fabulous little numbers. With rhinestones and pearls! Theadora
  
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jennysserendipity on 21/04/2012 at at said:

Enjoyed the post, making me want to go to Paris right now. Unfortunately that would have to wait. Anyways, thanks for the following. Will try my best to stop by from time to time. All the best…

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- Theadora Brack on 24/04/2012 at at said:
  
  Thanks!! I appreciate your kind, kind words. If at all possible, do add Paris to your list. It’s worth the trek! Theadora
  
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