Silent Butler is witty nonetheless when attached to this conversation piece of a pitcher ($175) by noted Australian pewter artisan Carrol Boyes. Water Jug Man is part of her collection of serveware at The Wright Look, 533 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota (941) 330-1807.

Blown Away by art glass? Three artisans worked on this mouth-blown Flore pitcher by Juliska ($155). One artist shapes the form; a second drops on dots of molten glass and a third fashions them into flowers. Write-On Sarasota, 1423 First St., Sarasota (941) 953-2800.

On a mission for 20th-century treasures? Jack Vinales’ trove of art pottery pitchers includes this 1920s Mission Swirl ewer ($600) by Niloak. The Arkansas firm’s name is "kaolin" (a substance in clay) spelled backwards. Jack Vinales Antiques, 539 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota (941) 957-0002.

Dragon of Deruta The classic Raffaellesco (dragon) pattern inspired by Raphael’s 16th-century Vatican frescoes is steeped in legends promising good luck. It adorns imported Deruta pitchers ($50 for the half-liter size) at Florentine Ceramics, 1405 First St., Sarasota, (941) 365-8783.

Who’s In Store?
Marcia Boyle whipped up couture window fashions for friends and family long before they convinced her to take her talents public. And while her luxury home furnishings boutique sits on Main Street for all to peruse, the concept behind Parker Robinson is exclusivity for one and all.

"Expensive, stylish things are easier to find than high-quality, beautiful things that are inexpensive," says Boyle, who made it her mission to provide the best of both worlds at retail. "I couldn’t find the designer looks I wanted in stores, and I figured there were other people like me."

Parker Robinson was an instant hit, selling draperies that average $425 per panel from the same workrooms as designers’ $1,000 custom panels. "That equates to a bargain, exclusivity and instant gratification all in one," Boyle says.

The store quickly morphed into a total decorating source with everything from bed linens, accessories and accent pieces to custom furniture. "It’s everything I love," Boyle concludes. "I call it traditional with a twist."

Can’t Live Without "Draperies and fabrics; they’re my passion, and I can’t imagine a home without them." Boyle chose an antique silk to customize this pillow ($800).

Personal Style "I’m very traditional, but I’m not a clutterbug." She likes rooms that "breathe" and clean-lined classics like this bergere ($6,495) from Grande Arredo, updated with glossy white leather.

Thrill of the Hunt "We just added a back room that satisfies the need to plunder." Appropriately called Portobello Road, it’s filled with tiny treasures like hard-to-come-by antique salt spoons ($15) and salt cellars ($16 to $22).

Shop Talk

She’s a Card At Judy Krohngold’s new card and gift shop, the jokes are free and service is as stellar as the funky wares. With background music and candles wafting, visitors linger over witticisms on everything from soaps to hand-picked cards. "We’re pet-and-people-friendly," Krohngold says, as Charlie the Shoodle (her Shih Tzu and poodle mutt) beguiles. Shop du Jour, 536 S. Orange Ave., Sarasota (941) 323-8750.

Italian Convertible Chic, sleek and surprisingly affordable, this marvel of Italian engineering ($899) converts from coffee table to 60-inch dining table in seconds. "It’s great for small condos, but customers love it as an extra holiday dining table for the kids," says Rhonda Keller, owner of this brand-new Gulf Gate home store. Contemporary Home Accents, 6544 Superior Ave., Sarasota (941) 934-9605.

Flea Market Find This new take on the Paris flea market sofa is exquisitely proportioned, decked out in a mélange of leather, plaid and toile and incredibly priced at $2,650. European Traditions, 5201 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (941) 921-5616.

Haute Totes
Spring just got springier with these hot little purses.

By Jill Obrochta Dambro

Queen Bee You’ll create quite a buzz with this stately clutch. Straw paired with silk creates a luxurious finish. And a Swarovski crystal-encrusted bee makes this pouch fit for royalty. Eliza Gray. $310. Saks Fifth Avenue, Sarasota (941) 364-5300.

License to Love. Crafted with recycled license plates, hubcaps and real tires (only a woman could turn a hubcap into a fashion statement), and set ablaze with Swarovski crystals. A true heartthrob. Little Earth, Road Flair. $250. The Perfect Pair, 8131 Lakewood Main St. No. 105, Lakewood Ranch (941) 907-1552.

The Perfect Hideaway Tuck your essentials in this sweet little leatherette. Feminine flowers and fringed tassels add the right amount of allure. Neutral colors of pink and bone make for a versatile, tiny take-along. Violette Nozierrs. $228. L. Boutique, 610 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota (941) 906-1350.

Gold Rush Pack your treasures away for safe keeping in this roomy satchel. Gold foil leather embossed vault with a sleek golden metal bamboo handgrip holds a lot of coins, Miss Moneybags! Trina Turk. $358. L. Boutique, 610 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota (941) 906-1350.