Tag Archives: antique

Impressive, Beautiful Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Isabella Stewart Gardner was an heiress and something of a black sheep of late-19th- and early-20th-century Boston society: She was a rabid Red Sox and horse-racing fan. Funded by a $1.75 million inheritance, Gardner personally designed this four-story building, modeled on a Venetian palazzo, to house her extensive collection of art and antiquities.

The collection includes 15th-century Flemish tapestries, a first edition of Dante’s Divine Comedy, inscrutable documents like the one signed by Marie Antoinette, and paintings by Monet, Sargent, Holbein, Whistler, Rembrandt, Matisse, Michelangelo, and Titian. A visit to the museum is like meandering through a treasure chest of a wealthy, if eccentric, great aunt.

Visit gardnermuseum.org to see the latest exhibits and schedules.

Randolph Street Market: Vintage cool, amazing deals and entertainment!

The Randolph Street Market Festival is home to the world-renowned Chicago Antique Market, Indie Designer Market, Modern Vintage Chicago and the Holiday Market. As seen in Travel & Leisure, the NY Times, Lucky Magazine and featured on TV news shows and web casts, the Randolph Street Market Festival is considered “a mecca of cool”, “the best hot spot for antiquing”, “the best Chicago venue for people watching”, and “the Barney’s of Vintage”. Celebrity designer Nate Berkus says, “I love this market…the quality is incredible!” As one of Chicago’s most happening monthly parties, Randolph Street Market has become the summer destination!

This European-style, indoor-outdoor urban antique market in the historic West Loop neighborhood features 200 select purveyors of high quality, amazingly priced “finds”, offering unlimited creative inspiration and hours of fun. Shoppers can find furnishings, vintage clothing, jewelry, collectibles, etc. Visit randolphstreetmarket.com for more information.

Stunning, vintage jewelery joins modern styles at LuLu’s!

Hello, and welcome to the world of LuLu’s, a beautiful and elegant vintage boutique located in Chicago. LuLu’s world is one of sophistication, whimsy and glamor. We specialize in extraordinary jewelry, couture gowns and party dresses, glamorous furs, and an amazing selection of vintage bridal gowns! So let me offer you a glass of champagne while you enter into the beautiful world of being a girl…

LuLu’s is located at 3862 N Lincoln, Chicago, IL 60613. Click here for more information.

The Not So Tiny Tiny Jewel Box

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Looking for some sparkle? The Tiny Jewel Box offers three floors of precious gemstones, one-of-a-kind engagement rings, and designer jewelry from the likes of David Yurman and John Hardy. With DC’s largest collection of antique and vintage jewelry collection, it lives up to its motto of, “If it’s not special, it’s not here.”

While the first two floors are clearly female focused with wedding rings and designer names everywhere, an entire third floor is dedicated to men and their affinity toward watches. Everyone can come out a winner at Tiny Jewel Box, although we’ll bet the majority of the time will be spent on different floors!

4. Original Miami Beach Antique Show 1/21 – 1/25/10

Just can’t get rid of your great-grandmother’s marble vase for fear it’s worth more than 5 dollars at a yard sale? Dust off all your old trinkets and take them down to Miami Beach Convention Center because the original Miami Beach Antique Road Show is making a stop in its hometown for a 5-day show. Internationally recognized experts will be on site to provide appraisals. Don’t miss the chance to find out just how much your favorite treasure is really worth.

5. Treasures at the Washington Antique Show 1/8-1/10

The Washington Antique Show, benefiting children and families through the Thrift Shop Charities, showcases 44 of the best antique dealers from across the U.S. and Europe. With this year’s theme, Flights of Fancy, the array of treasures in decorative art, vintage jewelry, porcelain, ceramic and more are to be exquisite and beautiful. It’s one of the longest running antique shows in the U.S. and has consequently earned a reputation of quality and prestige.

For those looking to complete a collection or pick up something that makes them smile, the 55th Annual Washington Antique Show is a great place to go.

Everything But the Kitchen Sink at Capitol Hill’s Eastern Market

It’s time to set that alarm, and this time, fortunately, not for another dreaded workday. Plan an early weekend outing to Eastern Market, DC’s oldest standing farmer’s market, located in the heart of Capitol Hill. Be sure to hit the ATM on the way – this quintessential open market is literally brimming with picture-perfect produce, antiques, and anything else you could possible want or need. Eccentric, yet personable vendors will definitely have you leaving with more than you came for!

Cooks and foodies should be sure to wander indoors to South Hall for some real gourmet treats. Local vendors showcase their best offerings: flawless filets, gorgeous lamb chops, and perfectly aged cheeses will definitely put your local grocer to shame. For those who are ready to shop, head outside where artists, designers, and furniture makers from all over the Mid-Atlantic are willing and ready with amazing deals on one-of-a-kind pieces.

Bottom line – this isn’t your average market, and it certainly won’t be an average Sunday after visiting this District hidden gem!

Insider Tip: Be sure to get to the market early (between 9:00-10:00 AM) before it gets picked over. Then head to Market Lunch, Eastern Market’s restaurant counter located in South Hall – the line out the door is testament alone to their famous crab cakes!

John Gidding Loves It To Pieces

When designer John Gidding from HGTV’s “Designed to Sell” recommends a furniture store, you know it’s something special. Pieces in Atlanta is a one-of-a-kind store that garners major attention from Atlanta-based, design television stars and national press alike.

Why does one shop receive so much praise? It’s because of owner and refurbishing queen Lee Kleinhelter.

Pieces is adorably designed where each room is a color-based vignette showing off Kleinhelter’s one-of-a-kind gems that are refurbished using her own hands. From pillows to wooden tables to antique chairs, Kleinhelter literally turns someone’s “trash” into absolute treasure.

While the antique and unique furniture tends to be pricey, you can get a completely unique accessory item for less than fifty bucks. The style is classic with a punch and the clean lines resonate well with buyers, landing Pieces in Lucky Magazine, Elle Décor, and even in the Best of Atlanta Magazine’s Hall of Fame.

When it comes to the home, John Gidding knows best with his amazing recommendation of Pieces.

**John Gidding is a host/designer on HGTV’s Atlanta-based “Designed to Sell” and founder of John Gidding Design. Gidding is also a Yale and Harvard graduate and former model. Visit piecesinc.com for more information.

Random Harvest’s Eclectic Mix of Old and New

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This beautifully edited furniture store in D.C. looks like a well designed home. At Random Harvest Antiques & Home Furnishings, you can find the perfect mix of antique, vintage and newly manufactured furniture to make your own abode look like it came out of a design show makeover. From elegant to rustic, formal to casual, each piece is of high quality and is refreshingly affordable.

Random Harvest is the perfect spot to find the one item you’re missing or to make your home unique and special. Random Harvest has four stores in the D.C. area, including this jewel in Georgetown.

Hunt for Vintage Treasures at the Georgetown Flea Market

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People from all over the D.C. area have been coming to this world famous flea market since 1972, from Diane Keaton to Pulitzer Prize-winning author Larry McMurtry. Previously holding space in Arlington, VA, Georgetown Flea Market has made it back to its hometown- trendy Georgetown!

Over 100 vendors bring their goods to the market on Sundays and are ready to bargain, so don’t be afraid to bring that price down. Prices range from cheap to expensive, but there are always great deals- and hidden treasures- to be found. Whether you are a collector or just looking for something interesting, it’s hard to go away empty handed. The lot also houses a Farmers Market on Saturdays, where you’ll find artisanal cheeses, organic meats, fresh produce, herbs and flowers, and delicious baked goods for your tasting pleasure.

With an extensive collection of antiques, collectibles, jewelry, vintage furnishings, glassware, artwork and vintage clothing, there’s something for every vintage junkie.

Fred Leighton

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Fred Leighton has draped countless red-carpet stars in diamonds, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Nicole Kidman, and Catherine Zeta-Jones (who was married in them). Explore this Madison Avenue boutique and find antique cushion-cut diamonds and estate brooches. Leighton also designs delicate diamond and platinum engagement rings for brides-to-be.