For Your Listening Pleasure: Paulo's Choice

Editor's Note: Inspired by the daily complements we receive regarding our store soundtrack, FYLP is an ongoing series in which we highlight a current favorite shuffling through the iPod.

If you work in a retail environment long enough you'll come to know the store's soundtrack by heart . . . and if you work there a bit longer, you'll discover all the songs your coworkers love—and loathe—to hear. Paulo's been with us for over three years now, so that's how we know that when these memorable lines are shouted over the speakers, somewhere in the store (or window) his heart is dancing a joyful jig.

So, grab a chair and fill your platter and dig, dig, dig right in—to Paulo's favorite Vintage Thrift song, that is. Summer's finally here!

New Auction Window: The Carving Block

The stately carved dragon chair and surrounding 1940s bark cloth curtain panels set the stage for this trove of ornately carved treasures. Inside you'll find a wooden box, striking red vase, and several traditional theater masks, including the Korean "Mokjeong" disguise. 

Be sure not to overlook the jewel tone pendant lamp (shown above) or set of printing blocks—two of our favorite items. 

On the other hand, this framed calligraphy by Wu Changshuo is lovely as well.

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Auction ends Tuesday, May 31 at 8pm. Bids may be placed in person or by phone (212-871-0777) on the auction clipboard near the register.

Happy bidding!

Spring Preview: Our Best Designer and Vintage Bags (and Shoes!)

Last season's handbag preview went over so swimmingly that we knew we had to do it again for spring. So, like hibernating squirrels, we've been saving up the goodies all winter long. Now that the fear of frost is finally over (did we mention it's May?), it's the perfect time to get springy with your wardrobe--and we're here to help.

Beginning this Friday, May 13th, over 100 of our very best vintage and designer handbags will be available for purchase, first come first served, until supplies run out. As an even sweeter treat, we're adding shoes to the mix. Glorious designer shoes! 

Below, a sampling of some of our favorite trends of the season. 

Clockwise from left: vintage stripe clutch, pebbled vintage tote, tassled knit bag, Missoni  emerald clutch, Marc by Marc Jacobs chambray sandals

Disco Hippie: For both spring and fall 2011, designers were falling for the retro 70s vibe, and hard. With platform sandals, ethnic prints, and boldly colored clutches leading the pack, either get down and get disco or go haute and hippie with it.

Clockwise from left: Dooney & Bourke nylon and leather tote, vintage cognac frame purse, Coach black sling bag,  Dooney & Bourke red mini satchel

The Classics: Deemed so because they truly never go out of style, the classic leather and canvas stylings of American brands Coach and Dooney & Bourke are especially popular this year. 

From left: white gold Oscar de la Renta sandals, Manolo Blahnik slippers, vintage carpet bag, metallic woven handbag, Oscar de la Renta red slippers

 Streets of Marrakesh: This year's surprise home run hitter, the decorative loafer, will surely translate into slipper styles for It girls everywhere as they head out on the town.  Which is great, because these 6-inch warrior sandals are killing our feet.

From left: vintage woven clutch, Louboutin sandals, vintage woven satchel, Manolo Blahnik raffia mules

Tribal nights: Rich textures, like these snake skin Louboutins, rule summer days in the city or elegant dining near the shore. Grab an over-sized straw clutch and let your feet do the talking with beaded embellishments, patterns, and platforms.

Items in photographs will be available at the preview.

New Auction Window: Tom-foolery

While the cats are away, the mice will play! (New Yorkers, you know what we're talking about.) Introducing this charming window display, loosely inspired by the hijinx of one Tom cat and one Jerry mouse.

.Why look at that one there! Scaling the refrigerator with our supper in tow. Do you think he'll make it?

All joking aside, you'll find some lovely kitchenware to bid on including the stylish Le Creuset and Copco enameled cookware and the heavy duty Wagnerware roasting pans. The yellow canisters (with Bakelite knobs) and sweet cookie jars add a decorative touch. Oh, and that ice blue 1950's Crosley refrigerator? It works!

Auction ends Tuesday, May 10 at 8pm. Bids may be placed in person or over the phone (212-871-0777) on the auction clipboard near the register.

Happy Bidding!