A few of our favorite things

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I would like to thank everyone for the wonderful responses to my request for your favorite stores. It was tough to pick, but Cynthia from Oak Bluffs just raved so much about PIKNIK Art & Apparel in Oak Bluffs, I was compelled to highlight them this week. This extraordinary gallery and shop in the Oak Bluffs Arts District is owned and operated, for the past 15 years, by Michael Hunter who himself is a fashion stylist. Michael has designed a space where you can, as the tag line says, “expect anything.”

Women will find apparel from such greats as Contrarian and Beatrez. A fashionista can even top off her new outfit with a hat from Tracy Watts. Men are not left out in the cold here, with a fabulous selection of apparel from Woolrich Woolen Mills, KZO, Armand Basi, and many more. Accessories are also bountiful with choices ranging from Morgan Grays’ wallets and bags to men’s shoes, hats, and ladies’ hats. Miriam Haskell offers her amazing talents as a jewelry maker, and what outfit doesn’t feel complete with a Bakelite bracelet?

On the more unusual side, acrylic walking sticks might be what you need or possibly a jar of Garlic Dill or Spicy McClure’s Pickles. To snuggle down for the upcoming colder weather, a Pendleton Blanket, a Rigaud Candle, and a special book from PIKNIK’s shelves will be sure to give you hours of comfortable enjoyment.

Soon to arrive are fall and winter coats by Vivian Westwood and Byron Lars, amazing Wendi Reed sweaters that are made from pieces of other sweaters, and knee-high boots from the Timberland Boot Company of England.

If you are like me, several visits will be needed to peruse their ever-changing selection of antiques. Mr. Hunter is quite right in touting that their antique selection is full of the “unexpected.”

While you have so many shopping choices, if you just kept to the aforementioned items, you could still walk home with a slew of must-haves. This could be doubled when you take a first hand look at their wonderful and eclectic selections.

Not to be discounted is the fact that it is also a fabulous art gallery. With the amazing display of Max Decker’s landscape oil paintings, including many of the Island where he was born and raised, you will be transported to a place of bliss. Also currently showing with Mr. Decker in the studio annex is another local favorite, Traeger diPietro. Finally, new to PIKNIK is the abstract work of Marjorie Mason. With these artists and the other 30 plus artists currently on display, you will be able to stay busy viewing some of the best art on the Island.

Fall hours: PIKNIK is still open seven days a week through Columbus Day, and afterward it will be open Thursday through Sunday. For more information, visit piknikmv.com.