The owner of The Things I Love described her New City shop as setting trends.
“We have a tremendous amount of merchandise that reflects trends in industry,” said Sandra Szpicek-Leylegian.
The diversity of items in her colorful South Main Street shop span a multitude of categories from dinnerware, hostess gifts, jewelry, clothing, and artwork to accent pieces, clocks and Judaica along with interior design services.
One of the designers featured by Szpicek-Leylegian is Michael Aram.
Samantha Binger, an assistant designer at the store, explained his unique approach.
“He takes mixed metals and forms them with an organic aesthetic,” she said. “Hard and shiny becoming natural and having movement. There is real artistry to it.”
Most of Aram’s designs follow a nature theme and are silver, black, gold, white or wood toned so they fit with any home. Many pieces are multifunctional; a hand hammered silver toned vase could double as a pitcher.
Szpicek-Leylegian said she was most excited about Aram’s line of dinnerware, which she described as glamorous as well as an amazing concept.
“He completely broke the industry mode,” she said. “He is allowing his clients to make their own sets.”
Customers can select from a variety of patterns that complement each other and pair a salad plate of one design with a dinner plate from another series. The end result said Szpicek-Leylegian is an “artful table.” Black Orchid is the best selling pattern in the dinnerware, which is made out of Limoges porcelain that can go in the dishwasher and microwave and resists chipping.
A tabletop displayed gifts for men – carved stone liquor bottle holders and dispensers. And for when the glasses are filled, personalized Italian marble coasters
can be used. The coasters sold in sets of four display quotes, sports logos, love themes and landmarks or can be made to show off favorite photos.
“The images are done in a way they never fade off,” said Binger. “Each one is a little different in a theme.”
Szpicek-Leylegian said one of her newest items was a popular selection of brass knuckle clutches available in a variety of sizes and colors.
The Things I Love at 191 South Main Street is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and be reached at 845-639-6005.
