The ShOptimist: casaBAN

The holidays are here, and what better way to spend them than shopping!

In this economy, however, it's easy to feel a bit guility-- irresponsible even -- to spend money on anything unless it has utitlity, is affordable, and is simply too good to pass up.

Bed-Stuy Patch knows you're busy, so we've done the window shopping for you, keeping in mind those three important qualities: utility, affordabilty and irresistibility!

This week, we're featuring , a furniture store located at 397 Tompkins Avenue (on the corner of Jefferson Avenue) that features classic, vintage furniture and other very rare finds.

The store's owner, BAN Leow, certainly has an eye. His inventory is rather small, but he's quite selective, so from anywhere you stand in his store, you can appreciate almost everything around you.

Leow's casaBAN recently was featured in the New York Times for the store's growing reputation of carrying exceptional rare finds at insanely affordable prices. In fact, a buyer from Cartier (yes, the Cartier) most recently purchased an exquisite, one-of-a-kind glass coffee table from casaBAN. Cartier plans to use the table to display product for an upcoming launch party introducing a new brand of perfume.

Feel free to peruse the casaBAN photo gallery for that special household item or one-of-a-kind gift.

Go ahead: Be a ShOptimist, and support local Bed-Stuy businesses.