pearl river

If you're visiting (or living in) Manhattan, you must go to Pearl River, an emporium for all beautiful Oriental things. Inventory runs the gamut from delicate dishes for less than a dollar to hand-painted cabinets for $1,350, so there's something for everyone. Right now, Pearl River is offering these 1/2-inch Slate Bamboo Blinds ($38.15, reduced from $54.50) for 30 percent off, as well as a few other blinds on sale. This is a great price for bamboo blinds, and I love their rich, brown color. No, they're not fancy schmancy window treatments like the ones from The Shade Store, but a good deal if you need to keep the neighbors from peeping.

Since I'm on the hunt for the perfect lacquer tray to set atop my Nelson Platform Bench (coffee table), I thought I'd share with you my top picks, in case you're in the market too. I was originally hoping for two white-square lacquer trays, but now I'm thinking that a little color couldn't hurt. Here are the ones in the running:

Good: West Elm's Square Trays ($19–$24) are colorful "catch-alls for jewels, watches, pencils, and whatnots." They currently come in red, antique gold, and a black-graffiti print, but I've seem them for sale in other colors during different seasons. I love the perfect square shape and round handles, but I'd have to hold out for something that goes with my color scheme.



Better:
These Two Tone Lacquer Serving Tray ($44.50) comes in orange, white, red, aqua, or copper with a brown trim, or fuschia or blue with a green trim. They're very similar in shape to West Elm's but have a better color selection.


Best: These wooden Lacquer Trays (price unlisted) were designed by Todd Oldham for La-Z-Boy. I love the varying sizes and the cool green color tones. They would go perfectly in my living room. That is, if I could track them down.
*Unfortunately, these trays were recently removed from La-Z-Boy's site, so if any of you can find them, be sure to comment about where I can get my hands on them.

This Foldable Wooden Camp Stool ($12.50) is topped with a fun, peony printed oilcloth that would brighten up any blah corner, and it comes in four different color choices. It might not be the most comfortable stool on the block, but it would be adorable topped with a small tray or some cheeky coffee table books. No need to try match it to your current décor: just embrace the bold pattern as is.

My all-time fave designer Marc Jacobs came out with his own version of the red plaid nylon shopping bag earlier in the year. But did you know he was most probably inspired by the original $2 Chinatown nylon plaid shopping bags? Needless to say, Marc is the one who made it cool to carry one of these puppies to the grocery store, or on your coffee run. But is it really worth paying a fortune for a nylon bag when you can get it for under $5?


To see the look for less, read more