While we were on Cape Cod this weekend, we stopped by the Harwich Antiques Center in Harwich, Massachusetts. If you’re still on vacation, or are planning a trip to the Cape in the near future, you should definitely stop in. You’ll find over 100 different antiques dealers in this location, and they all have a sharp eye for really special collectibles. Lauren always heads straight for the the vintage jewelry collections when we arrive, because she inevitably finds some exceptional pieces at great prices. The blue necklace below immediately caught her eye–she had to be convinced to step away from the display.And below, these necklaces are both rare and in perfect condition. Vintage jewelry prices are pretty reasonable–especially if you consider how much retail stores are charging for faux vintage jewelry these days.One collector has amassed quite a large collection of white Ironstone. It’s all in perfect condition. We love how these pieces in tints and shades of white look displayed together. We pick them up piece by piece when the price is right, but we really admire collections of this size. The vegetable tureen on the bottom shelf is a very special piece because it has an engraved design, and the top and the handles are very detailed. A piece like this is a true family heirloom. It was selling for $225.We stopped to admire this carved wood mantelpiece for its originality. Switching out a boring mantlepiece for one like this is a terrific way to start a home redecoration. You’d be adding instant character to any room.We love blue milk glass. These pieces would look absolutely gorgeous hung in an arrangement on a crisp white wall. If you see them for under $10, grab them. Keep watching, we’re out there searching for great pieces to share every day.- S & L

If you’ve ever been to Door County, Wisconsin, you’ll surely recognize the storefront of Wilson’s Restaurant. Wilson’s Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor has been located in the heart of Ephraim since 1906. It’s a classic Door County landmark, and as far as we’re concerned, it’s an antique worth mentioning. We had lunch here last week surrounded by happy vacationers from across the county, many of whom stop here as they tour the small towns looking for pottery and vintage pieces to take home with them.

Door County is also somewhat of a destination for antique seekers particularly coming from the Milwaukee and Chicago area. We were quite amazed to see how many antique stores there were in this magical summertime resort area. Many of the pieces were of the highest quality, and, in fact, many were collections of very important pieces made in England–and transported to the mid-west over the years. Below, an impressive collection of flow blue plates and a platter hung quite decoratively on the wallpapered interior of Chelsea Antique store on the outskirts of Ephraim.

Inside this converted barn, was a collection of amazing antique English porcelain pieces many of which were rare, and in perfect condition. Above, these flow blue platters date back to 1825. Who knew?

Even the flower beds in front of the barn were inspired by English gardens. It was a sunny summer afternoon, so everything looked so lush. If you’re in the area, definitely take a look inside.

Later that day, we drove back to Milwaukee and stopped at one of our favorite consignment stores, Legacies, Ltd on Port Washington Road. The vintage outdoor furniture in front of the building drew us in. Don’t you just love these round iron chairs? They would look fabulous with a fresh coat of paint on just about any patio or outdoor space. Any found metal table would complete the set.

Our most inspired find was this collection of gold painted mirrors found tucked inside the seat of an upholstered chair. Talk about a needle in a haystack! There were about eight of these decorative mirrors stacked on top of each other. The were  being sold for $15 a piece. They were all slightly different from each other.

We held this one up to show you how dense and heavy they were. These are the perfect beginning to a wonderful arrangement of similar, but not matching artistic pieces for above a sofa, a bed, or a hall table.  If they hadn’t been so heavy, we would have carried them back to New York with us. This is a perfect example of a great consigned find that could easily, and cheaply transform any room.  We’ll do more antiquing on Cape Cod this weekend.  So stay tuned. – S & L

Twice a year, the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) is the place to see the largest display of the world’s best best home, gift and lifestyle resources. It takes place at the Javits Center, and Piers 92 & 94. We attended on Monday and came away inspired by so much of what we saw. Trends? Not surprisingly: color. Gone are the organic, neutral color schemes. It’s clear that Americans are looking for a little bit of brightness in what has been a pretty difficult period in the word of home design and construction. We’re happy about that because we’re big fans of confident color both in interiors and fashion. Below, millworks, a newcomer to NYIGF, displayed a fabulous new collection of silk screen patterned pillows.

We saw these pillows from a mile a way– literally. The business has not been existence since 1972, that’s just a nod to the period they wink back at. Chocolate brown dominated here, but mixed with a wonderful cobalt blue, and a mustard yellow, and even orange–this was a true departure from typical color combinations. Wonderful. For a closer look, go to themillworkgroup.com.

The team from OOMPH, now exactly a year old and thriving in their new business were in attendance with several new pieces.We had borrowed one of their terrific coffee tables for our Good Housekeeping shoot. They’ve introduced this new console table and the mirror above it for their fall 2010 collection. The color is new, too. While we wouldn’t like to see these pieces together in a room, we’d take either one in a heartbeat and pair it with something vintage.

This crazy back-to-back two seater chair is adorable. Upholstered in a gorgeous dark brown velvet, it stole the show. We love white piping on any upholstered piece. It’s a detail that lasts.

Ooomph sells the most versatile “tini” side tables in a variety of clever shapes–perfect for small apartments and tight spaces. They’re reasonably priced, too. You can find pricing at ooomphonline.com.

This is a new nesting table combination, painted in the palest blue lacquer finish. So feminine and pretty. You’d have a hard time finding anything else like this, and that’s exactly what makes their line great.

We stopped by Jamie Young lamps, one of our favorite vendors, and found several new items. We’re huge Ikat textile fans, so we were drawn to this new lampshade. A lampshade like this can be the inspiration for an entire room, and it might just become that–so stay tuned.

Jamie Young has always sold wonderful mercury glass lamps, but this fall they’re introducing this slightly distressed version. Very cool looking. We like.

Lauren in particular went crazy over the new Sachin + Babi for Ankasa pillow and bed linen collection. These pillows are decorated in the most luxurious fashion, but in the most tasteful way. We saw other vendors trying to create a similar lavish look, but no one does so as well as Ankasa.

These pillows are absolutely works of art. All you would need is one, maybe two, to make a big difference in any bedroom.

Our last stop was at Barbara Cosgrove lighting. They’ve come out with a new collection of hammered alumininum hanging pieces that caught our eye. We really liked the bronzed copper color pair in the background here.

This combination of exquisite pedestal form (we actually own a vintage piece exactly like this one ) with a subtle taupe colored shade was elegant. Keep your eyes peeled for vintage lamps like this. – S & L

Our friend Jodi Kahn published her second book today. Jodi is one of the craftiest people in the entire universe. Her craft projects are really, truly, easy to do. Many of the projects in her book are made from accessible, recycled or repurposed materials. For example, the Wonder-ful Apron shown on the cover above uses recycled Wonder Bread wrappers. No kidding. All of her gift ideas begin with a simple idea, and then she takes them to another level of creativity. Jodi’s not an old fashioned girl, in fact, she’s incredibly chic. She can do more with a black cashmere sweater and red lipstick than most women do with a lot more than that. But there is something completely grounded about her–she really believes that it’s important to show people that you care about them by giving them something handmade. According to Jodi, ” when someone makes something especially for you, it feels like you’re getting a little piece of that person along with the gift. So when you’re looking to give something special, what better way than to make it yourself.” Here is a sampling of some of the high-style, low-sew projects that fill the pages of this beautiful book.
Below, Jodi flexes her creative muscles with gift-wrapping ideas.
These slippers are made of dishtowels. They’d make a wonderful hostess gift. Honestly, Jodi made these in an afternoon. Her daughter, Hannah, is quite the crafter, too.
These his (and hers) washroom bags are completely original. Jodi decorated them with an iron-on transfer of the classic “Men’s Room” icon. What a wonderful engagement or anniversary present.

Lauren modeled for Jodi’s book. But it’s this amazing patchwork inspired quilt made from old and new napkins that catches your eye.

You can purchase Jodi’s book on amazon.com. It’s called “Simply Sublime Gifts: High-Style, Low-Sew Projects to Make in a Snap.” Check it out. – S and L.

All of the photos for” Simply Sublime Gifts” were taken by Scott Jones.

My friend Diana, always up on the best beauty products of the moment, came to visit me in New York City last weekend. As usual, she was toting around the latest lip stuff–Fresh’s Sugar Plum lip balm. Fresh’s new version of their wildly popular balm is the perfect combination of a super light tint (so natural it looks like it might actually be your real lip color ) and the moisturizing and SPF benefits of a real balm. After stealing hers all weekend long, I headed to the nearest Sephora (where the plum color is sold exclusively right now) to get my own.

$22.50 at Sephora stores and online. Soon to be carried in Fresh stores. Get yours. – L

Just got back from vacation in Italy and have lots of great treasures to share with you all. This year, I had the pleasure of being guided around Milan center by two true Milanese (thank you, Valentina and Gian Carlo). Below, a silly picture of me at the Gallery Vittorio Emanuelle II accross from the Duomo (the largest and most intricate Gothic Cathedral in Italy). According to folklore, dancing on this spot can bring one good luck for an entire year. Lauren insisted I post this picture for the fashion as well–I’m wearing this amazing Michael Kors dress she found for me on Consignment!

In Milan, I visited some of my favorite home design shops including a store called A67 Home. They have a beautifully edited collection of accessories for the home, including tablecloths, candles and soaps. This tablesetting shows how easy it is to make an impression using just two colors, white and lavender. Notice the square plastic napkin rings. We saw lots of colorful plastic accessories this trip, including cake servers and salad utensils. So practical, and fun.


Below, a collection of clear glass vases, cake platters, decanters and glassware from LSA International. Just about anything you put in these containers will look delicious. On the bottom shelf, a collection from Henriette Italy, hand-painted with delicate flowers and butterflies.

I visited High Tech housewares for the first time, tucked away near Corso Como. High Tech has three floors chock full of absolutely everything you desire for the home, from sheets, towels, bedding, to accessories, wedding gifts, and even an expansive tea room. Many of these colorful drinking glasses are made in Murano, Italy. Later I noticed many of these same shapes and colors in restaurants serving bubbly water alongside traditional clear-stemmed wine glasses. So chic.

These fabulous coffee tea mugs caught my eye as they each represent a Pantene color. I admit to bringing home four of them. They’re so full of life! Perfect for the morning hours.

Setting the table with these vibrant utensils, made by Bugatti, changes everything.

I also visited the latest in Italian kitchen design at Val Cucine. The kitchens were streamlined and modern, and amazing. This long rectangular dining table and chairs, all made of reclaimed ash-colored wood, are a perfect example of using new materials to create something long lasting. The chairs are sturdy, but incredibly lightweight. -S