ARCHIVES

The stuff you need to buy and hate to spend on: high-end bedding, solid-pine furniture, and haute Japanese eyewear.

Men (and women) of the cloth: Delicate silks at Kalima, sturdy wool kilims at Hayko's, and almost everything in between at Rothschild & Smythe.

The season of warehouse sales: To Boot's kicky styles; net returns at Mason's Tennis Mart; and the event that's the chic grandfather of them all.

Sparkle plenty: Tableware at Tuscan Square, Andrea Renee's delicate crystal flower rings, and artisans' bowls you wouldn't dare fill with cereal.

Know thy purveyor: Georgette Klinger's summer sale, Roberta's lingerie specials, Sam Cagnina's award-winning massages, and Harry Rothman's family business.

Child portrait photography that's miles from Sears; pinafores and short pants (new and outgrown) -- and Pumpkin's maternitywear, in case one's on the way.

Advice for stabilizing those shaky finances; a sale on those thank-you notes you've really been meaning to send; and even a chance to replace those tattered underthings.

Black tie for Dad, bathing suits for Mom, a photographer for the kids, and a vacation package for the whole crew.

Have yourself a blast: Tati's Parisian bridalwear; boutique registry through Maxwell-Silver -- and maternity clothes for next June.

It’s azure thing: Ad Hoc’s platters, Donna Karan’s annual extravaganza of sample suits, and Margo Manhattan’s topaz for your fingers.