http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inbuMpP3z5o

While a mob had formed inside the Barneys Warehouse Sale over the weekend, a different kind of crowd was checking out the wares at the Ralph Lauren Home sale a few blocks away in Chelsea.  I waited in line next to three older women in fur coats on Saturday.  [...]]]>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inbuMpP3z5o

While a mob had formed inside the Barneys Warehouse Sale over the weekend, a different kind of crowd was checking out the wares at the Ralph Lauren Home sale a few blocks away in Chelsea.  I waited in line next to three older women in fur coats on Saturday.  It didn’t appear that they were looking for anything in particular – just something that caught their eye.  One woman was looking for throw pillows.  This was the place to find them:  monogrammed, embroidered, patchwork, cashmere cabled and more (starting at $50).  Also on offer:  sofas, chairs, bed posts and frames, armoires, lamps and more.  The lamps were popular.  Many people were snatching them up. I considered an industrial copper floor lamp for $250.  As for the furniture, I spotted a nice brown leather sofa for $5,999.  A Japanese-style screen was going for $9,000.  Not everything was that pricey.  I did spot some vintage wooden chairs for $25 and an Arts & Crafts style chair for $75.  If you’re not looking for furniture, there were also tons of gifts, including candles, frames, desk clocks and more (starting at $20).

When I walked into the large space, I headed straight for the vintage goods section where I found some nice jewelry (handmade bamboo bracelets for $9, turquoise necklaces starting at $100, a leather strap bracelet with a silver butterfly buckle for $190), sterling silver boxes and flasks for $200 and more.  Unlike me, many of the shoppers here were serious.  Some of them were prepared, leaving their SUVs double-parked outside and ready for loading.  For anyone buying furniture, they do offer a service to deliver to your home.  Sale ends this Tuesday.

Where/When: North Metropolitan Pavillion, 110 W 19th St between 6th and 7th Aves. Thru Tuesday, Mar 2nd. Mon (9—6p), Tues (9—5p).  Credit Cards Only.