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Executive Gift Guide I
Southern Connecticut's most distinctive shops for the discriminating consumer
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Business New Haven
12/10/2001
By:
BNH
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For all those busy business people who don? know where to go for holiday gifts and haven? the time conduct to research, BNH provides a list of just a few of the many quality shops in New Haven and eastern Fairfield counties.
APPAREL
Furs by Prezioso
Furs by Prezioso Ltd. specialize in furs, leathers and shearlings. Mink coats or jackets, sheared minks, beaver and sheared beaver and raccoon are just a few of the possibilities. If you?e shopping for your significant other and aren? sure what to buy, the Prezioso staff will explain the different styles and furs to you. Leather coats lined with fur or elegant full-length fur coats ?there? plenty to choose from. The shop also does remodeling and repairs and sells some pre-owned coats, including mink and fox.
Furs by Prezioso Ltd., 2989 Whitney Avenue, Hamden (203-230-4847). Open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily, Thurs to 6 p.m., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat, noon-4 p.m. Sun until Christmas.
J. Press
The J. Press label is recognizable everywhere. With stores in New York, Cambridge, Washington and, of course, New Haven, J. Press sells timeless men? clothing from suits to jackets to trousers in styles and fabrics that never have and never will go out of style ?tweed, wool, cotton, flannel. The York Street fixture also carries a line of accessories, from braces to neckties, to rival that of much larger stores. On-premises tailoring makes the J. Press man? suit look like it was made for him.
J. Press, 262 York Street, New Haven (203-772-1310). Open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily except Sun.
Bottega Giuliana
The greatly expanded Bottega Guiliana carries shoes and boots for both casual and dress as well as American comfort lines and European comfort shoes. The more than 25 lines the shop carries include Franco Sarto, Dansko, Noat, Bacco Bucci for men, Doc Martens for men and women and Bcbg, to name a few. The forward fashion line now includes children? shoes and clothing for both men and women. The shop has also carries gourmet food products as well as its own line of ?iuliana? of New Haven?sauces and condiments.
Bottega Giuliana, 954 Chapel Street, New Haven (203-562-8027, www.bottegagiuliana.com). Holiday hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, until 8 p.m. Thurs, noon-5 p.m. Sun.
Tamar
Tamar (which means palm tree in Hebrew) carries a full range of American and European designers that you won? find at department stores, in sizes from 4 to 18. It stocks everything from clothes for a luncheon to beaded ball gowns. Of course, you can? step out in that finery without the necessary accessories. Tamar has a display case filled with sparkling earrings, rhinestone necklaces and hair clips, beaded necklaces and bracelets. There? also a collection of evening purses in velvets and beads, silks and satins. The silk, velvet, satin and beaded shawls and capes are exquisite. Don? forget the Stuart Weitzman shoes to make your wardrobe complete. The store also offers free alterations.
Tamar, 43 Elm Street, Old Saybrook (860-395-0722). Open 10 to 5:30 p.m. daily except Sun.
Reichbind Furs
Reichbind Furs is the place to go if leather or fur coats are on that Christmas list. In addition to coats for men and women, the shop carries muffs, scarves and an extensive selection of hard-to-find fur hats. Some leather coats are fur-trimmed ?how about a fur-lined raincoat? Shearling coats are a popular item. Something very new is woven fur, which feels a lot like a baby? blanket ?extra soft. Reichbind does a great deal of custom work, so don? throw that old fur coat away ?it might be the perfect lining for a new leather coat. Reichbind has an extensive inventory and full-service on-site cold storage.
Reichbind Furs, 1770 Boston Post Road, Milford (203-874-0100). Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, until 8 p.m. Thurs-Fri, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.Reichbind's store hours Thurs, 10 a.m. -5 p.m. Sat, noon -4 p.m. Sun.
DelMonico Hatters
DelMonico Hatters has a history nearly as rich as the city it calls home. The business was founded in 1908, and in the ensuing 91 years has made hats for seemingly nearly every well-appointed gentleman in Connecticut and beyond. DelMonico carries almost every style and brand name of men? hats available. Its owner is famed as the oldest hat retailer in the state, and the only one left in New Haven. DelMonico Hatters also provides restoration services for vintage hats and family heirlooms. Shoppers will marvel at the history and quality workmanship of an old-world craftsman.
DelMonico Hatters, 47 Elm Street, New Haven (203-787-4086). Open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.
Harper? of Fairfield
For 60 years Harper? of Fairfield has met the fashion needs of discerning women. Family-owned and -operated, Harper's features a complete and extensive collection of furs, shearlings, specialty outerwear, men? and women? leathers, better sportswear, mother-of-the-bridge, evening wear, special occasion and accessories. Brands include Louis Feraud, Gian Franco Ferre, Vito Nacci, Sinclair Pelle, Gregg Ruth, Judith Jack, Daymor and Chris Kole. Diamonds, 14- and 18K rings, necklaces and bracelets, pearls, precious stones and sterling silver are displayed in the jewelry department.
Harper? of Fairfield, 2246 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield (203-333-7700) and 236 Boston Post Road, Orange (203-795-3077), www.harpersoffairfield.com. Open 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily, until 8 p.m. Thurs. for holidays only, Sun noon-4. (Until 8 p.m. week before Christmas.)
ART
Merwin? Art Shop
Merwin? Art Shop offers museum-quality framing for the rare or special work of art that needs not only a dazzling visual context, but also protection to preserve it for future generations. Acid-free mats and backings are used for museum framing along with a selection of other framing options. An extensive selection of framing molding is available. For those looking for artwork as a gift, Merwin? specializes in antique Japanese wood-block prints and offers a number of Japanese triptychs. Unusual prints of older New Haven and Yale views are hard-to-find specialties, as well as modern posters and prints.
Merwin? Art Shop, 286 York Street, New Haven (203-865-3721). Open 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thurs, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.
BOOKS, MUSIC, VIDEO
R.J. Julia Booksellers
R.J. Julia Booksellers is a warm and comfortable place to take your time picking out the perfect book for a gift. If you don? know what you want, the highly literate staff is up to the challenge. Plan to spend time and take a break in the shop? caf?. For grandparents, the shop offers the perfect solution: R.J. Julia will pick a book each month and send it off to your grandchild for you (it will also do the same thing for adult readers). Another specialty is helping businesses pick appropriate corporate gifts: Business books are an R.J. Julia specialty. And the shop? newsletter keeps clients appraised regarding current selections.
R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Road, Madison (203-245-3959, www.rjjulia.com). Open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon-Thurs, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri-Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.
Clinton? Pianos
Giving a loved one a gleaming new six-foot baby grand piano makes a statement quite unlike any other. And Clinton? Pianos, a fixture of lower Whitney Avenue, has been helping clients make such musical statements since 1894. Not only is Clinton? a factory-authorized dealer for Baldwin, Young, Chang, Yamaha, Kohler & Campbell, Chickering, Wurlizter, Schimmel and Schulze Pollman pianos; it also carries Disklavier, Kurzwell, Van Koevering and Clavinova digital keyboards ?to say nothing of restored Steinways. The family-owned and -operated business has endured for more than a century by forging lasting relationships with customers and their instruments. Second-generation craftsmen specialize in restorations, rebuilding and refinishing. They move pianos, too.
Clinton? Pianos, 60 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, (203-562-2166). Open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon, Wed, Fri; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Tues, Thurs; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.
Cutler? Records & Tapes
Right up at the top of the endangered-species list is the independent record store. Now that all CD retail outlets look like interglactic fueling stations, first-time explorers of Cutler? will feel they?e passed through a time warp into the 1950s. Cutler? hires real music mavens ?the kind who can find it if you can hum it. And they?e got a terrific classical section, too.
Cutler? Records & Tapes, 27 Broadway, New Haven (203-777-6271). Open 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. daily, 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun.
CHILDRENS MERCHANDISE
Evan? Toys, Jesse? Toys
If you are overwhelmed by the number of toys on the market and could use some personal service, these twin stores, named after the owner? sons, are the place to go. The small shops are crammed with educational and creative toys and the help will spend whatever time is needed to answer questions and make thoughtful suggestions. The shops carry a complete line of the popular Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends, including many engines and a variety of tracks. Also, youll find the Carnegie Institute dinosaur collection by Safari, string and hand puppets, creative games, books and tapes. The shops also have an extensive collection of costumes. The Rokenbok System, compatible with Lego, comes with high-tech radio-controlled vehicles ?a great toy for children to share with envious parents.
Evan? Toys, 1647 Whitney Avenue, Hamden (203-230-2840) and Jesse? Toys, 185 Boston Post Road, Orange (203-799-1301), www.jessestoys.com. Holiday hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays, until 5:30 Sat, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.
A Star Is Born
If you have a little girl on your shopping list ?whether she be two months or 12 years old ?you must visit A Star Is Born. This place can help make every little girl? dress-up fantasy come true. The atmosphere of the store is evoked perfectly by the shelf full of cone-shaped birthday party hats that greet customers as they walk through the door. The hats are pastel-colored, with fur trim, and on them are the words ?irthday Princess.?Every nook and cranny of A Star Is Born is full to bursting with party dresses and accessories in all size ranges. Mary Janes are available in red, silver or iridescent white glitter. Dozens of different styles of ruffled anklets (trimmed with lace, pearls, ribbon, and more) accessorize the shoes on display. Hair ornaments, hats and purses are also in an abundant supply. While the store specializes in special-occasion clothes for girls, there is also a small selection of dolls, everyday girls?clothes, and dress clothes for boys.
A Star Is Born, 258 College Street, New Haven (203-865-0774). Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, 1-5 p.m. Sun (until 7:30 p.m. on Shubert performance nights).
ELECTRONIC & PHOTO EQUIPMENT
Milford Camera
Founded in 1952, Milford camera sells a full line of cameras and camera equipment with most major brands available and plenty of advice to go along with the equipment. The ever-expanding computer industry has made Milford Camera? high-end digital cameras a popular item. If a new camera isn? in the budget, the shop carries good quality second-hand cameras, all serviced before being sold. The shop carries camera bags, tripods and other camera equipment. And don? forget the frames and scrapbooks or specialty cards with your own picture inserted.
Milford Camera, 9 River Street, Milford (203-878-0156). Holiday hours: Mon -Wed 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon-Wed, Thurs until 7 p.m., Fri until 8 p.m., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.
FLOWERS & GARDEN
Glen Terrace
Founded in 1915, Glen Terrace specializes in green and flowering plants, which include basket gardens and elegant orchids. The biggest part of Glen Terrace? business is flower arrangements. To get you in the holiday spirit, one entire room is filled with poinsettias in all sizes and colors. Holiday wreaths and hundreds of ornaments displayed on trees throughout the shop are a seasonal favorite. If live plants and flowers aren? your thing, the shop carries silk centerpieces. A wide array of gift items range from crystal vases to candlesticks, picture frames and Colonial candles. The gift shop also carries paper goods by Caspari and has just started carrying Boyd? Bears.
Glen Terrace, 1960 Whitney Avenue, Hamden (203-288-3511). Open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily except Sun.
Sullivan? Flower Shop
With more than 65 years of experience in the Bridgeport area, Sullivan? always has a large selection of traditional and unusual varieties of cut flowers. With distinctive designs, the shop specializes in custom dried and silk arrangements, unique European basket gardens and fruit and gourmet baskets. Sign up for Sullivan? mailing list and the staff will keep track of your important dates for you.
Sullivan? Flower Shop Ltd., 25 South Benson Road, Fairfield (800-339-7888), www.sullivansflowershopltd.com. Open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekdays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat.
FOOD
More Than Nuts
More Than Nuts is true to its promise ?it? a lot more than nuts. Always seeking out the unusual, More Than Nuts?made-to-order gift baskets can be ordered for any occasion. Besides the obvious nuts, the shop also carries dried fruits, candy and gourmet chocolates, including a large selection of candy for diabetics. There are plenty of gift items available that can be included in a gift basket or as an individual gift. Party favors, Beanie Babies and a wide selection of gourmet foods are just a few of the other items youll find at More Than Nuts.
More Than Nuts, 60 Skiff Street, Hamden (203-248-6887). Holiday hours: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun.
Corey? Gift Baskets
Family-owned and -operated since 1914, Corey? carries fruit baskets laden with delectable fruits in and out of season. Many selections come with gourmet treats, imported chocolates, cheese, preserves, coffee, tea, cookies, biscuits, jams, scones mix and other goodies.
Corey? Gift Baskets, 77 Field Street, Waterbury (203-756-7088, www.coreysgifts.com). Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat.
FURNISHINGS
English Furniture
English Furniture is housed in a ten-room home that has the feeling of an historic abode, with interior rooms painted in Williamsburg colors for a peaceful and easy shopping experience. Upholstered and wooden pieces are arrayed throughout the building. The shop focuses on service, providing interior-design input. In addition to furniture, the shop carries a large collection of lamps in vase, urn and tea-caddy shapes, as well as the classic candlestick shape and sideboard lamps. Gift ideas range from brass sconces and candlesticks to tall secretary desks or yew wood bowfront chests, Willliamsburg crystal hurricane shades over brass candlesticks or perhaps a mahogany deed box.
English Furniture, 2620 Whitney Avenue, Hamden (203-248-9160). Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.
Kebabian? Oriental Rugs
Kebabian? Oriental Rugs is not only New Haven? oldest Oriental rug dealer ?it? one of the city? oldest extant stores, period. Opened in 1882, the showroom houses an extensive collection of all-natural, vegetable-dyed, handmade rugs. Shoppers will find an endless selection of colors and styles of Persian, Indian, Chinese, Pakistani, Turkish, Caucasian, ibetan and Turkman rugs. Whether you are looking for a traditional style or a more contemporary and colorful look, the experts at Kebabian? can suggest the perfect foundation for any d?cor scheme. Kebabian? not only sells fine rugs, but also provides cleaning and restoration service to keep heirlooms looking like new. The store also will buy old Orientals.
Kebabian? Oriental Rugs, 73 Elm Street, New Haven (800-865-7847). Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except Sun.
Farm River Antiques
Since 1983 a restored firehouse has served as home to this extensive collection of original, unaltered 19th-century American furniture of the highest quality. Whether you seek an individual investment piece, decorative accessories or complete room furnishing, the knowledgeable Farm River staff is there to help. The main showrooms are spacious, allowing customers to inspect the furniture from all sides.
Farm River Antiques, 26 Broadway, North Haven (203-239-2434, www.farmriver.com). Open daily except Sun. (call for hours as staff may be out on house appointments).
Saybrook Country Barn
Here youll find room after room of traditional and country furniture, curtain, reproduction hardware and lighting displayed in this captain? house, built in 1799. Wander through the old keeping room and up the narrow staircase to the bath shop. History combined with exquisitely decorated rooms offer a classic New England shopping experience.
Saybrook Country Barn, 2 Main Street, Old Saybrook (860-388-0891, www.saybrookcountrybarn.com). Open 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tues-Sat, until 8 p.m. Fri, noon-5:30 p.m. Sun.
GIFTS
The Connecticut Store
?ade in Connecticut?is the theme of this shop. Weather vanes, Bovano sculptures, Woodbury pewter, Waterbury buttons, Wiffle Balls, Pez candy, Liberty candles and Alynn neckwear are just a few of the Connecticut products found at the Connecticut Store
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The Connecticut Store, 120-140 Bank Street, Waterbury (800-474-6728, www.theconnecticutstore.com). Open 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues -Sat.
East of West
Seven years ago Bonita Stringari drove across the country looking for new and unusual work by artists and craftspeople. The result of her journey was this distinctive gift shop on the Post Road in downtown Fairfield, devoted primarily to the work of American artisans. She also carries works by some South American artists. East of West has many items made by Native American artists, including dream catchers, drums, pottery and exquisite silver jewelry. Stringari? selection is more extensive than that of the gift shops on many western Indian reservations. The shop also has a wide range of items made by other American crafters and artists. There is an adorable collection of stuffed animal puppets for children, and uite a number of striking colored glass pieces ?vases, tree ornaments, bangle bracelets ?as well as carved wood items such as boxes and game boards, children? toys and other items.
East of West, 1603 Boston Post Road, Fairfield (203-256-8298). Open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, noon-5 p.m. Sun.
Yale Center for British Art Museum Shop
The Yale Center for British Art museum shop carries items made, of course, in Great Britain. Cards and postcards are reproductions of artworks in the museum collection. Numerous prints as well as reproductions from the collection of works by artists such as George Stubbs and Turner & Constable can be purchased framed. A number of prints reflect British sporting art (tally ho!). Toys, from the classic Paddington Bear or Beatrix Potter to the more contemporary Flower Fairies by Cicely Mary Barker and the new Wallace & Gromit, occupy a corner of the shop also stocked with handmade toys made in England. Many items in the shop are reasonably priced ?from the unusual sporting art mouse pads to the more elegant picnic baskets for four. The shop also carries leather goods, burl wood frames and clocks and jewelry. Contemporary handmade glass and pottery is another shop specialty along with books that reflect the museum? collections.
Yale Center for British Art Museum Shop, 1080 Chapel Street, New Haven (203-432-2828, www.yale.edu/ycba/shop/index.htm). Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues-Sat, noon-5 p.m. Sun.
Guilford Handcraft Center
The Guilford Handcraft Center is holding its annual Artistry 2001 holiday sale, featuring works by more than 300 craft artisans from across the country, with a particular emphasis on Connecticut artists. This not-to-be-missed exhibition of some of the best artists to be found anywhere provides an opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind items. Work in both functional and sculptural glass, pottery including raku, wood, fiber, quilts, jewelry and wood makes shopping a delightful challenge. For the little ones on your list, the shop carries handmade children? hats and fleece pullovers. Hand-painted scarves are the perfect gift for the hard-to-buy-for. Jewelry comes in silver and gold, set with both precious and semi-precious stones, with a large quantity of high-end 14K gold.
Guilford Handcraft Center, Route 77, Guilford (203-453-5947, www.handcraftcenter.org). Holiday hours 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon, Wed, Sat, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thurs, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat, noon-5 p.m. Sun.
Eclection
Eclection is a Branford gallery/boutique offering an unusual selection of artwork and gifts for nearly every occasion and pocketbook size. Shoppers can savor gourmet goodies from Le Cordon Bleu and from California? Napa Valley, Tiffany-style lamps, French table linens in the colors of Matisse, flowers blooming in decorative pots, hand-crafted furniture and creative home accessories. Doubling as the home of Lisa Newman Interiors, Eclection offers personalized decorating services as well as distinctive furniture, textiles, window treatments and wall coverings. Monthly artist salons, decorating workshops and vintage treasures attract shoppers in search of the out-of-the-ordinary. The store also serves as a fine-art gallery offering monthly exhibitions.
Eclection, 197 South Montowese Street, Branford (203-315-4870, eclectiononline.com). Open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wed-Fri, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat, noon-5 p.m. Sun.
The Canvas Patch
It? Christmas year-round at the Canvas Patch. In addition to a large selection of ornaments, the shop carries dozens of matryoshkas (Russian stacking dolls) as well as other Russian art and pins. Local artists are represented with paintings and other unusual decorative pieces. The bright, airy space is filled with an eclectic assortment of gift items such as pocketbooks, out-of-the-ordinary pottery some sculpture pieces as well as functional pieces. You never know what you are going to find in the Canvas Patch ?it could be anything from a painted rock to a piece of art that represents a Milford scene.
The Canvas Patch, 5 River Road, Milford (203-878-7505). 10 a.m.-8 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun.
Celebration of American Crafts at the Creative Arts Workshop
The 33rd annual Celebration of American Crafts is a spectacular exhibition and sale of contemporary crafts by more than 450 artisans from throughout the U.S. The six-week event transforms New Haven? Creative Arts Workshop into an elegant, spacious display area showcasing handcrafted items, from classic to the cutting edge, priced from less than $5 to $5,000 and up. One of this year? themes is American crafts ?a rich heritage that explores the variety of cultural influences and the ever-changing face of American crafts. From one-of-a-kind bowls to jewelry to jackets, fiber to furniture, pottery to playthings, the Celebration of American Crafts can rightly boast to having something for every taste and budget.
Celebration of American Crafts at the Creative Arts Workshop, 80 Audubon Street, New Haven (203-562-4927, www.creativeartsworkshop.org). Open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (until 8 p.m. Thurs), 1-5 p.m. Sun through Dec. 24.
Coynes at the Red Barn
Coynes at the Red Barn prides itself on being one-stop shopping, offering a wide selection of children? items, gifts, Christmas items, party goods, cards and hard-to-find music boxes and clothing A new addition is jewelry and fashion accessories as well as Dale of Norway sweaters for men and women. The Christmas Shop, open year-round, offers decorations such as Christopher Radko ornaments and Byers Choice Carolers. Elegant tree skirts are another specialty, along with creative and educational children? toys. Upstairs offers a wide selection of children? books. The store also creates gift baskets with gourmet foods and gourmet candy, including Joseph Schmidt chocolate from California.
Coynes at the Red Barn, 378 Amity Road, Woodbridge (203-389-2910). Open 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. daily, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun.
J.C. Glassworks
Traveling to the back roads from coast to coast is one way J.C. Glassworks stocks items that are out of the ordinary. Handcrafted items include mouth blown glass and ornaments. Over 70 artists are represented in the shop? handcrafted jewelry line. Wood, clocks, mechanical games, wind chimes, lots of oil lamps, thermometers, kaleidoscopes, mirrors, mobiles, candles, garden accessories ?the list goes on and on. If you?e looking for some wild reading glasses, J.C. Glassworks is the place to go. If you can? find stocking stuffers for that person with a sense of humor, try one of the shop? coffee mugs. One has Henry VIII and all six wives pictured on it. The wives disappear when you pour the coffee. The shop also carries clothing, sweaters, scarves and other accessories.
J.C. Glassworks, 1098 Main Street, Branford (203-488-6615). Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily (Thurs to 7 p.m.), 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.
London Limited
Come and discover gifts for the holidays and everyday at this cozy shop. Handmade quilts are made on the premises and can be ordered to the customer? specifications. Handmade fabric creations such as hats, scarves, handbags, designer jewelry, chocolates, pottery, candles and soaps are in a wide variety at reasonable prices. Many Christmas ornaments, including hand-blown glass ornaments, make this shop a fun trip.
London Limited, 1209 Chapel Street, New Haven (203-787-4496). Open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, noon-5 p.m. Sun.
Pottery Plus
A gift store with an eclectic assortment of wares, Pottery Plus specializes in handcrafted items made in America. Glass trays and other pieces by Peggy Karr feature hand-painted flowers and other designs. Designer jewelry is another specialty, with many handcrafted silver pieces as well as gold, some set with semi-precious stones. A broad selection of Vera Bradley handbags covers an entire wall. Pottery items include bowls, pitchers, platters and vases. Other items include wooden salad bowls, boxes and trays, candles, some clothing, Crabtree & Evelyn products, greeting cards and soap by the inch in numerous patterns.
Pottery Plus, 185 Boston Post Road, Orange (203-795-0527). Open 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily, until 8 p.m. Thurs, noon-5 p.m. Sun.
Ten Thousand Villages, Gifts
Ten Thousand Villages is a nonprofit trading organization that provides fair income to Third Worlders by selling their handicrafts and telling their stories in North America. TTV works with an estimated 50,000 artisans worldwide who would otherwise be un- or under-employed. TTV stores throughout North America are typically low-overhead affairs staffed by volunteers. TTV sells handcrafted folk art from cultures around the world. The artists draw inspiration from the natural world around them ?religion, village life, family and the cycles of birth and death. Styles may range from realistic Kenyan woodcarvings of giraffes and zebras to more abstract Haitian papier-m?ch? and cut-metal sculptures. In Peru, TTV has helped to preserve culture by creating a market for weaving and ceramics dating back 2,000 years. Carvers of soapstone and shesham wood in India earn a livelihood while continuing ancient art traditions. In Cameroon, the instruments sold by TTV help keep real musicians alive. But the best reason to visit TTV is for the eye-popping array of folk art not to be found under one roof elsewhere.
Ten Thousand Villages, 1054 Chapel Street, New Haven (203-776-0854, www.tenthousandvillages.com). Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon-Wed, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs-Sat.
Wave Gallery
Wave features handmade items by some of the finest craftspeople in North America. The assortment of gift items in this high-end shop include many one-of-a-kind pieces such as handblown bowls, vases and goblets and boldly painted furniture. Other objets de fun include jewelry, a variety of wood items, candlesticks, perfume bottles, specialty books and an extensive collection of candles.
Wave, 1046 Chapel Street and 9 Whitney Avenue, New Haven (888-928-3462, www.wavegallery.com). Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, noon-5 p.m. Sun.
JEWELRY
Derek Simpson
Derek Simpson specializes in custom-made jewelry and design. Approximately 90 percent of the jewelry was designed by Simpson himself, a graduate of the Royal College of Art in London, and created on the premises. The shop carries sterling silver jewelry and gold set with precious stones in prices ranging from $20 to $10,000 ?with plenty in between. Sterling silver baby items such as picture frames and cups occupy one display case. Simpson also carries pearls and several styles of fine wristwatches.
Derek Simpson, 1094 Chapel Street, New Haven (203-787-2498). Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily except Sun.
Sorella?
Sorella? features one-of-a-kind jewelry that is anything but common. Connecticut artist Amy Kahn Russell creates exceptional limited-edition pieces such as pins and pendants. The Wilton artist employs exotic stones in most of her pieces. Sorella? carries a little bit of everything, from exotic designer-oriented pieces to some diamond and contemporary gold and silver. The shop does some custom-designed pieces and carries beads that can be combined with the pendants and pins. Shop owner Mary Jane Panebianco likes to show people how to be creative with jewelry and how to have fun with it. She favors classic design and versatility. Other lines include pieces by Haggai from New York in 14K and 18K with colored gemstones.
Sorella?, 55 Main Street, Essex (860-767-0287). Open 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues-Fri, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat, noon-5 p.m. Sun. (Call for extended hours for holidays.)
Peter Indorf Jeweler
Known as a specialty jewelry designer, Peter Indorf has spent three decades creating contemporary jewelry, primarily in 18K gold and platinum. His shop carries a broad selection of rings set with diamonds, colored gemstones and pearls, all with that contemporary Indorf look. And if you are looking for a new setting for that antique piece buried in your jewelry box, Indorf has a predilection for designing pieces that fit the client. If a diamond ring isn? in the budget, the shop carries sterling silver pins and earrings, pearls and other contemporary jewelry.
Peter Indorf Jeweler, 1022 Chapel Street, New Haven (203-776-4833, 800-597-0503), 703 Boston Post Road, Madison (203-245-3320), www.peterindorf.com. Open 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tues-Fri, until 7 p.m. Thurs, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.
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