The Philadelphia Antiques Show is in town!

In a little bit I'll be headed off to the 51st year of the Philadelphia Antiques Show, where collectors are showing their wares, grabbing up new pieces and feasting their eyes on the best examples of fine design the past few centuries have to offer. 

Let's all have a collective sigh over how gorgeous this--a clothes press from the Eastern Shore of Virginia. It's the esthetic I try to emulate in my home, but this is a real deal Holyfield. No repro here. For the record, that's the original paint color from the 1790s. Let the drooling begin.

I'm also very into this dresser, which is officially known as a Queen Anne Highboy. Fancy sounding, huh? That's maple and pine veneer working together that creates such a unique look. This is one of those pieces that I'm expecting to absolutely take my breath away.

 This gorgeous weathervane makes my heart gallop. From the 1800s, this copper beauty is as stylish as it is useful--probably more so on the former, unless you're a sailor, or really interested in wind patterns. While I'm no budding meterologist, I can appreciate all this gorgeous gal has to offer. She's on my Must See list.

Some of my absolute favorite pieces are baskets. I don't know what it is--the functionality, the beauty, the craftsmanship--but I'm drawn to these hand-made pieces. I feel a connection to the artisan who created it. In this case, that's an 1890s Kawaiisu tribe member from California. Impressive huh?

I'll share my finds with you when I get back! That said, don't count on me bringing anything but photos home.

And if you want to check it out yourself, you have until Tuesday to get to the Philadelphia Convention Center. You can get more information here.