OK, who wants an antique German exercise ball? Think I’m kidding? Take a look...

I’m not sure what I’d do with it, but the leather texture is so appealing I’m tempted to tote one home and decorate around it (or maybe channel Joseph Pilates for a little exercise inspiration).

Peek inside Blanche and Mimi, the new Old Port shop on Middle Street, and you’ll find a wealth of decorating temptations: vintage glass kitchen cannisters, crisp striped table runners, French soaps, shelves of shells...

Owner Hilary Sinauer opened her charming store three weeks ago after waiting months for just the right location. She spent 15 years in the food business and catering, and wanted to combine her love of antiques with the creativity of furnishing a home store.

Hilary's inventory ranges from antiques she collects to new and unique decorative items. Her goal is to offer shoppers interesting goods at affordable prices – which today ranged from $5 to $800.

One corner of the store is devoted to baby blankets, hooded towels and more from Duc Duc and Dwell Baby with graphics that remind me of Orla Kiely or Marimekko. Other finds: Buffalo horn picture frames (naturally shed horns, of course), plastic plates with ornate designs, little shell night lights, German stoneware that’s just the right weight – not too heavy, not too light.

So who are Blanche and Mimi? Take a peek behind the counter and you’ll find them looking over their granddaughter. Mimi was an interior decorator, says Hilary, and Blanche was a fabulous cook. Together they’ve inspired a shop that offers nothing you really need, perhaps, but everything you’ll want.

Blanche and Mimi owner Hilary Sinauer with framed photos of her grandmothers

Ornate plastic plates - perfect for a picnic

Buffalo-horn frames

Towels for the kitchen

German stoneware

Antique couch and table with rope ball decorations

Vintage shoe forms

Trunk show

Stiletto shoe store on Exchange Street (where I work on Sundays to support my shoe habit) will have a special showing of its new line of Michele watches 11 a.m. -5 p.m. Saturday, July 14. The watch line is noted for its fashionable watchbands owners can change to match their wardrobe. Refreshments will be served.

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