Sterling Place

Spent part of the weekend walking to and from Target, where I was yet again underwhelmed. Why is it that Targets are so much better in other cities. It is a mystery. However, on my way back from the land of plastic and paper and Michael Graves, I happened upon Sterling Place at 363  Atlantic Avenue. The store, filled with furniture, curiosities, stationery, vases, barware, and just a lot of cool stuff that looked world traveled but not weary. And the prices, while not cheap, were reasonable given the quality of the merchandise. The husband and wife owners started the store as a web-based business, at Sterlingplace.com, and opened the physical store over Memorial Day. The website doesn't have the selection the store has--plus this is one of those rare stores where browsing is a pleasure. At left is a leather jewelry box I fell in love with, also on the site. Maybe it's better that Brooklyn's Target sucks, all the more reason to enjoy stores like this.