Lauren outside the Band of Outsider’s show. Photographed by The Sartorialist’s Scott Schuman for style.com.

Lauren’s been covering the Fall/Autumn ’09 shows in New York City this weekend. Here’s a shot of her taken by The Sartorialist’s Scott Schuman at the United Bamboo show wearing a Gryphon coat that we bought at a consignment store.

Snapped by french street fashion site Garance Dore outside of Cushnie and Ochs.

This week’s 5 great pieces is all about transitional items (clothing and accessories that take you easily from winter to spring). Wear them now, and later. -L

1. Marni Medium-Size Leather Tote – This bag is fabulous year-round. While its price tag is quite steep, this tote will never go out of style. It’s extremely versatile as a result of its greyish hue as well as really functionable for day-to-day with its cross-body strap. Buy

2. Madewell Zip Crop Jean – For winter, these are perfect for tucking into your boots to create a seamless line—we hate it when our jeans are bunching at our knees! Come spring, they’ll look adorable with a simple ballet flat or sandal. Buy

3. Rag and Bone Double-Breasted Jersey Blazer – The magic of this blazer lies in its length: worn with tight skinny jeans or narrow black pants, it covers just the right amount of your backside. It will also be easy to wear in the spring over a short, feminine dress or skirt, and even in the summer months on a chilly night (it’s made out of jersey material). Buy

4. St. James T-Shirt – So so chic! There is nothing more classic than a blue and white striped shirt and St. James makes them the best. These ones are nice and thick. Buy

5. Pierre Hardy for Gap Sandal – Catch them while you can! These strappy sandals are part of renowned shoe designer Pierre Hardy’s second installation of shoes for Gap. These shoes are IT. And at $98, they are even more IT. Buy

The Winter Antiques Show, one of the most high-end shows of the year, took place at the Armory in New York City last week. From American folk art-style tables and chairs to vintage diamond rings and classic first edition books, there was more than 300 million dollars worth of rare art, antiques, and jewelry up for grabs. Below are some photos of our favorite sightings.

N.B.: While these pieces may just be eye candy for mere mortals like us, you can learn so much from admiring the beautiful forms of these historical pieces.

English Center-Hall Table

Probably our favorite piece from the entire show was this center-hall table belonging to gallery owner John A. Levitties of John Alexander Ltd. His booth had such a beautiful selection of English Arts and Crafts and Aesthetic pieces (1860-1920). He has exquisite taste and this unique table speaks for itself. You can learn more about his gallery at www.johnalexanderltd.com.

Gothic “Lace-Back” Windsor Chair

Buckinghamshire, England, circa 1820, set of 6. We both have an obsession for chairs. Well, actually, it’s mostly Suzanne (Lauren leans more towards shoes when it comes to her collector’s passion). But seriously, we really like examining the details of chairs, like these unusual “laced-back,” carved-out Windsor chairs, and the wonderful coloration of the yellow-painted Windsor chair featured below.

Paint-Decorated Child’s Step-Down Windsor Side Chair

From Berks County, Pennsylvania, circa 1830.

Lone Star Quilt

From Lancaster, Pennsylvania circa 4th qt. 19th c., measures 82″ x 84″. This star-print quilt caught our eye —and how could it not? Its colors are incredibly vibrant considering its age. It’s always a wonder to see hand-crafted objects like these remain in such impeccable condition.

Set of Wine Glasses

From Corning, New York, T.G. Hawkes and Company, circa 1889-1990, blown and cut glass. These exquisite goblets were part of a special Corning Glass Works (now Corning Incorporated) exhibition marking its centennial. Can you imagine decorating a dining room table with these? Or setting this collection up at a bar? Sherry anyone?

First Edition Books

Seeing so many classic first edition books in the flesh—from Ulysses to the children’s favorite Peter Rabbit— had us getting in touch with our inner bibliophiles. Many of the books are signed, making them even more rare. A signed copy of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Tender is the Night? A cool $75, 000. We told you this show was serious.

Framed Letter from Jackie O

Another great vendor was selling framed letters and important notes written by famous politicians, musicians, actresses and the like. A particularly touching thank you letter that Jacqueline Kennedy wrote at the time of her marriage to John was on display. What a neat thing to own.