Vanity Quest

I mentioned in my Favorite Things 2006 post that I was looking for a vanity table. I've looked around a lot, and vanities are frankly hard to find. I guess they're old fashioned. But, in my opinion, seriously needed by beauty junkies!

Well, I found some inspiration. Have you seen the new Estee Lauder counter design? (It was installed in the Bloomingdale's at 59th St this fall and is also featured in their boutique in Manhasset, N.Y.) It's simply gorgeous - and the centerpiece is a mirrored table around which you can gather and try all their makeup.

Picture from ddi design center

And I thought, a mirrored vanity would be just the thing! Elegant, feminine, matches any decor... Starting from that idea, I found what I think would be the perfect vanity table at a great store called The Paris Apartment.

In addition to being mirrored and fabulous, it has seven drawers that can easily store all my stuff. One for eyes, one for lips, one for face... you get the picture. You can even get the drawers custom-lined with tufted silk or velvet padding to store jewelry. Is it not the height of fabulous!? Alas, it also comes with a corresponding price tag: $5400. A quick search on a great antique furniture website 1stDibs.com showed that this, sadly, is the going rate for such a fantastic piece. So for now, I'll keep looking.

Much less of a budget-breaker is this pretty piece called a Glamour Chest from Bombay, for $299. While it does not fulfill the requirements to be a vanity table, it could be a lovely little side table, bedside table or near-vanity storage piece.

The quest continues. Please post any leads or ideas in the comments!