Sunday, May 23

Sunday morning, praise the dawning

I've got a restless feeling. Looking for Elements? Your favorite vintage furnishings store has moved uptown, taking Butler Street's best-kept secret with it.

There's nothing like Sundays. Brunch at Coca, then browsing at Elements. But did you take a last sip of your latte this morning and leave Coca only to find that Elements was gone? Don't worry, it's not gone. It's just up Butler Street.
5171 Butler, to be exact. Opposite the Obama office. You can't miss it.

And you don't want to miss it. It's definitely worth the walk -- or a bike ride or hop in the car -- to see Elements' new space. Besides, Elements has something special to show you: summer's happiest accessory.

Not too long ago, I trekked through L'Ville on a gloomy, rainy day searching for something to cheer myself up. I had my heart set on a colorful, playful handbag for spring and summer. And to my surprise, I found the best selection of must-have summer bags at Elements. Who knew!?

Created by Rags and Bags, these handcrafted purses are made using vintage, uh, elements -- either vintage fabric or vintage handles. They range in price from about $40 to $60. These bags are a good size. Really. You'll have plenty of room for your BlackBerry or iPhone, and wallet and makeup bag, and the other assorted items that seem to gravitate into the black hole known as the handbag.

Shhh. Don't tell. But the bag that's loopy for fruit is on sale for $30.

Do you have a favorite vintage fabric? Rags and Bags can make a bag to order too.

And this vintage straw clutch. Ahh. That sure packs a lot of pizazz for a neutral. $16!

Of course, Elements has plenty of other stuff to please the eye. The items that we all know and have grown to love: The vintage cameras. Vintage trinkets. Vintage housewares. And Elements' new space gives owner Shelly Maiese more room for the vignettes that she likes to create in her store. She even has a warehouse space in back where she plans to display more furniture.

But you won't have to wander to the back of the store to spy her latest, fabbest furniture find: a pair of ice cream chairs Shelly covered in 1960s/70s fabric that's positively orange julius. Only $60 for the pair. Yummy!

LoLa's loss is UpLa's gain.

Besides, there's nothing like a leisurely stroll on a Sunday to help you work off the Challa French Toast at Coca Cafe.

Elements will be open Wednesday through Friday from 11 to 6, and on the weekends from 11 to 4. Its new phone number is 412-408-3907. 

6 comments:

  1. This is a great shop! Haven't been in since the move, but looking forward to stopping in soon.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love the new location! Very bright and fun inside.

    ReplyDelete
  3. throw in a visit there with lunch at pusadee's down the street- yum

    ReplyDelete
  4. Agree with Rick: Pusedee's never disappoints!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Elements - ShellyMay 26, 2010 at 2:56 PM

    Thank you all for the kind words!!! I hope everyone can make it Up To Lawrenceville - This area is a hidden treasure!!!! Store hours are Wed. 11-4, Thur & Fri 11-6, Sat & Sun 11-4. NEW STORE NUMBER 412.408.3907.

    Hope to see all of you soon!

    XOXO Elements

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love, love, love Elements! Check out my Retro WW Cooking Blog, and you will see many treasures from this FABULOUS store. I must go back soon for more!

    www.theskinnyjeansproject.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete