The flatbush Chronicles pt. 1

Today, I set out on a mission after spending a Friday night in, writing out positive affirmations and sticking them all over the walls.  I had 3 goals. 

1. Go to Prospect Park and exercise (run, squat, star jumps, whatever) 
2. Find a community centre or dance studio I can set up class in
3. Find an Op-Shop/ 2nd hand / Consignment Store with Vintage Dresses

I walked about 2 hours up the length of Flatbush Avenue, discovering new things, stumbling upon some "hood" stores Mr Jays (pretty cool street wear) , Relly (super fun party outfits) and the usual 6 stores around here: Fried Chicken, Nails, Hair Salon, 99c Stores, Delis, Liquor Stores and High Fructose Corn Syrup Supermarkets (C-Town, Associated, Met). 

I went to all 3 places that I thought would be able to fulfill my goals, but none of them happened. Prospect Park was entirely my own fault for wearing a leotard, heat-tech long sleeved top, and a jacket, so I was inappropriately dressed (and secretly more excited about Vintage Shopping).   

The Rosebud Vintage Store turned out to be a gem of a Boutique, with beautiful one-of-a-kind vintage dresses, but catered to taller and wider 50's and 60's styles rather than 40's pin-up girl.  Their shop assistant was superbly knowledgable and passionate about vintage styles and eras. Impressed! 

The community centre I found just looked like a house.  It was called "Flatbush Freakshow" on Google Maps, thinking I could be teaching dance to "freaks" didn't phase me, I just want to teach somewhere. But there was no sign, no activity, it was just a modest 2-story house with an unkempt garden on a residential street.  Maybe they just wanna be left alone.

I returned with a new New York City T-shirt for just $2 (that I intend to cut up) and a belly stuffed with delicious Jerk Chicken from Fisherman's Cove. I met Israel from Installation Boutique on Franklin Ave which was a fantastic little store with hand-selected pieces including a LOVE necklace to die for, all made by local Brooklyn artists. 

So now, I'm spending Saturday night in - I wanted to make plans but as always I'm last minute and everyone else already has something planned - I'll keep dancing on my own (in heels, working on stretchi

Until next time,
xo
K