The Brimfield Diaries: A Vintage Fashion Reporter's Daily Log

4 days hanging with 5,000 vintage dealers at the largest and oldest outdoor vintage market in the U.S.

I am three coffees deep on the Metro North train, and so our Brimfield journey begins.

I traveled 1,000 miles to get to Brimfield — the largest vintage treasure trove in the U.S. — where, for the next week, I get to hang out with 20,000 dealers, collectors (and one very tired, 15-year-old chihuahua…) in the fields. Full of vintage.

In a few days, I would be watching Bode’s vintage pickers sift through antiques, I’d be slingin’ clothes myself during the 7am rush into Heart-o-the-Mart, and listening to everyone's Jennifer Coolidge-spotting stories. I’d even be caught in a downpour!

Today, two weeks post-Brim, my diaries tells the story of these triumphs and tribulations, of vintage scores and juicy stories... and of a woman completely and utterly hooked on the beautiful chaos of the greatest antique market this world has ever seen.

My step count logged 22,800 steps a day, and I still didn't see everything — but, that’s the fun of it! There’s always something to go back for.

Don’t fret, I kept a diary of every single moment of the madness. So, step backstage with me — this is your Brimfield Field Guide from a vintage fashion reporter!

2025 Brimfield Diary Monday, May 12th: