he crown jewel of rare midcentury furniture is the Eames lounge chair. So when I saw one perched in the window of Abodeon, I couldn't believe my luck. The dark wood base and shiny, cracked black leather were unmistakable. My eyes searched for a price tag ... An Eames lounge and ottoman for only $560?

Although the stretch of Massachusetts Avenue between Harvard and Porter squares can sometimes seem average, Abodeon is anything but. The space is carefully curated and a passion for quality design is clear in the arrangement of Marimekko umbrellas, vintage lamps, and midcentury furniture. It was not my first visit here; a few weeks earlier I'd bought a handy stainless-steel card case and charming Lucite owl wall hanging. I'm a total sucker for old-fashioned drink sets and kitchen gadgets like the Ice Orb, "the world's first vertical ice tray," or a vintage fondue. And this shop is full of such temptations, as if it were a combination cool museum store and random antiques fair.

Are you wondering if I bought the Eames chair? It turns out it was from 1957, and the cracked leather only added to the value. I'd missed a zero, and the chair was $5,600. So, no, it didn't come home with me. But it was still for sale this weekend!

I'm no expert when it comes to interior design, given my fondness for shiny, metallic items and shag carpet. But I do know that when I step into Abodeon I'm in good hands. Even if the Lucite owl, which I gave away as a gift, was relegated to a dark corner and then "accidentally" fell off the wall and smashed into pieces. I guess there's always some risk in combining modern with kitsch.

Off the Rack

When I want a stylish and effortless outfit, I always look to Isabel Marant. The often-affordable Paris-based label is arriving soon at Looc in the South End. Thanks to my friends at New Brahmin for giving me a heads up. I've been saving my pennies for weeks!

Luna Boston is leaving its digs at 205 Newbury St., but don't fret. Your favorite Treesje, Rebecca Minkoff, and Lauren Merkin handbags will continue to be sold online and by special appointment at the showroom in Charlestown.