The Five Questions I Always Get Asked at Markets
If I had a nickel for every time someone asked one of these questions, I’d have enough to buy back all the vintage tees I regret selling. Markets are a blast—but they’re also full of curious shoppers, unexpected compliments, and a lot of repeat questions. So let’s break down the five I hear the most—and what I really want you to know.
1. “Who makes all the handbags and leather stuff?”
That would be me—hi, I’m Lauren.
I handmake every bag, wallet, beverage carrier, and small leather good you see at my booth. I was trained in shoemaking and leatherwork (yes, really), and I design every piece with durability, function, and old-school craftsmanship in mind. I work with premium leather and I try to upcycle materials (like fire hose and wool) for some of my pieces.
Every item is cut, stitched, and finished in upstate New York. It’s not mass-produced. It’s made with purpose.
2. “Is this for a dog?” (while pointing at my beverage carrier)
No, but I should take custom orders for every time I hear that question.
This little leather gem is a beverage carrier that you can use on the top tube/frame of your bike. It can hold a six pack or two big bottles while you ride in style. But I get it—it does kind of look like a bougie harness for a pup to carry your treats!
To confirm:
It’s for drinks, not dogs, but that may change in the future!
3. “Handbags made from hoses? Like… pantyhose?”
No, but wow, what a mental image.
My upcycled “hose” bags are made from real, retired fire hose—the kind that’s seen action in the field. These hoses are water-resistant, strong as heck, and full of history. I clean, cut, and sew them into durable, structured handbags that are ready for their next adventure.
So yeah—definitely not pantyhose. Unless your pantyhose can put out fires.
4. “Will you take [insert lower price] for this vintage piece?”
Ah yes, the Market Haggle Classic.
Look, I get it—bargaining at flea markets is a tale as old as time. But here’s the deal: I price my vintage based on quality, condition, rarity, and the hours I spend sourcing, cleaning, mending, and sometimes reworking each piece. I don’t just find a piece and hang it up to sell. And the markets I do are not flea markets…they’re curated vintage markets…two totally different things!
You’re not just buying a denim jacket. You’re investing in a slow fashion lifestyle, a small business, and a piece of American-made history. That $100 Levi’s vintage jacket? It’s not from a fast fashion rack. It has probably seen dozens of bands you can only dream of seeing in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
5. “Where do you find all your boots?”
Very carefully. And obsessively.
The boots in my booth are all handpicked, all made in USA, mostly vintage, and cleaned up/conditioned to be ready for their second life. I find a lot online and source all over the country.
If it’s in my booth, I believe in it—and I'd probably wear it myself if it fit.
Final Word from the Booth
Markets are more than just sales—they’re storytelling. Whether you’re asking if my fire hose bags are fireproof (they’re not), or offering $20 for a $50 vintage Pendleton shirt (respectfully, no)—every question sparks a connection. So keep ‘em coming.
And if you ever want to chat handmade leather, slow fashion, or which 90s song I have playing on repeat while I sew. I’ll be under the canopy with a fan going full blast, quoting The Simpsons, and living that handmade hustle.