STYLISH SHOPPING IN THE SUN: C. BELL IN WEST PALM

My recent trip down to Palm Beach was filled with fun in the sun, and of course, shopping! There is never enough time to hit all the great spots along Dixie Highway in West Palm, so I try and make a beeline to my favorites, that include C. Bell, Mecox Gardens, Lars Bolander, and closer to the bridge, Circa Who. Let's take a whirl around C.Bell, where the vivacious and fun Christine Bell has culled an exciting collection of bright accessories and vintage finds finished in glossy white with new upholstery at 4906 South Dixie Highway. It's Palm Beach Revival, ready to go.

This new bench with a cane back is a good piece for an entry.

Citrus hues and lime green pop against the white finishes with the mix of 1960's and 1970's finds.

Coordinating discoveries and repro, Christine's well edited selection makes shopping a breeze.

A little zebra looks just right with all white.

An endless trove of pieces to perk up an apartment or an entire house.

The sunny colors are irresistible.

A new desk is waiting for you.

In a room Christine as painted black as night, she hangs elaborate mirrors finished in white and the effect is dazzling.


Antlers lamps add a bit of fun.

Lattice backs and shells abound...

CIRCA WHO? WEST PALM BEACH DESIGN FINDS

Tracy DeRamus, a design aficionado, has a fondness for Old Florida furniture and accessories. Six years ago she opened a shop Circa Who in West Palm Beach to sell all her great vintage finds she was hording in her warehouse. Little did she know what she loved would soon be taking the design world by storm. From Regency to Chinese Chippendale, she has a ton of great stuff. Follow the striped awnings on the yellow building! Her amazing collection of pieces is ever changing, depending on what she comes across in her estate sale travels. The South Dixie shopping area in West Palm Beach has become the destination for vintage treasures, you can spend the day visiting a host of shops and come out with a whole house worth of goodies.

Some of Tracy's covetable finds:

Bamboo Table and Chairs just need a fresh coat of paint and a new cushion and voila, an adorable garden seating area is born.

The Tole Pineapple Chandelier is the ultimate welcome sign for a guest bedroom.

The Vintage Drop Front Desk would look great in turquoise lacquer....

The Chippendale Headboard in a shiny red would look fantastic.

A Starburst Mirror with a wonderful patina.

Tracy shared how she became involved in the vintage resale business:

"I started this as a hobby--I have always had a passion for the hunt --I get so excited when I spot that fabulous piece amongst a room full of ordinary things. My hobby began to take over my husbands warehouse so he encouraged me to open a shop. I came up with the name Circa Who for two reasons. First, because when I would go out buying dealers would say something like, "that is circa 1970 Karl Springer" and I would say, "Circa Who?!" Second, because I don't buy a piece because of when it is made or who made--I buy it because I LOVE IT!! I look for things other then ordinary. Fabulous things that can be used as found or can be refurbished to perfection. If I don't love it though, I won't buy it--There are so many fabulous things out there with so much life left! I find the pieces in my shop all over South Florida-- I shop everywhere one would shop to find a fabulous pieces from the past-- From yard sales to estate sales, from second hand stores to consignment shops, you name it, I am there.

I found when I would go out buying and would find things that were marked sold with Dawn DeCeasere's name on it. So, one day I left a note on a great set of brown faux bamboo chairs to call me if she wanted to sell them. Well, she called and I purchased the chairs and many other items over the next few months, and we decided to join forces."