In the (Neighbor)Hood

I'm a firm believer that a home is never officially "complete." I for one, am always on the lookout for home items that I simply can't live without. Rather that purchasing random items from huge chain stores, I'd much rather stumble across an unexpected gem which will add some personality and character to my apartment. Case in point - the fabulous antique floor mirror that I found at the Hells Kitchen Flea Market last summer (See "Flea-ing to the Market" from July 2010). It's not that I was looking for a floor mirror on that day per se, but I loved what I saw and the price was right. I highly recommend always being "on" - that one perfect item you spot in a store window when you're not even looking may add some much needed pizzaz to your home. My most recent fantastic find comes by way of the Upper East Side-based home/art store Uptown Artworks. I was introduced to the store via the members only online home discount site, One Kings Lane. The store's website stocks chic and stylish pillows that correspond to different neighborhoods across the country. In New York, you can snatch up Brooklyn, Central Park West, West Village, etc. while those who live elsewhere can choose from Beverly Hills, Washington DC, Philadelphia, New Orleans, etc. You can even have a custom pillow created based on the landmark places or streets in your city or neighborhood - such a fun idea! My pillow arrived this past weekend and I couldn't be happier - it adds some much needed pizzaz to the chaise in front of my window.