Those who buy antiques and collectibles often wonder about their value.

Sure, the pieces are admired for their beauty and history — but how much are they worth?

Of course, those dollar figures are the “big bang” of Antiques Roadshow, the long-running PBS hit.

I’m off Monday — so just wanted to remind you in advance that the first of three new episodes of the show will air at 8 p.m. that evening on Channel 13.

These shows were taped in Milwaukee, with potential treasures to include a 1952 Fender guitar, a ruby-and-diamond bracelet and a Persian carpet.

Check out to see what they are all worth… (and expect to see one very happy guitar owner).

I am working on a story, to run in early November, about stores that have stood “the test of time.”

These are shops that have managed to keep their merchandise fresh, retain and add to their customer base and remain forces in their communities — for decades.

For the story, I spent some time with Maria Luisa Whittingham, who is marking the 20th anniversary of the Maria Luisa Boutique in Nyack. As we spoke, she mentioned that she had trained at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

I have to admit that I have a special affection for FIT. One of my sisters went there, and ever since I found The Museum at FIT, I’ve been hooked.

It’s one of my favorite museums — they have such a flair for presentation and I mean come on, who wouldn’t love a museum devoted to all things fashionable?

Over the years, I’ve lusted over shoes there, giggled at vintage ads, admired the cut of 1930s evening coats and daydreamed of wearing the 19th-century ball gowns. It’s not just a visual treat, though, as they put the fashions of the day (any day in history) in context.

I always make a point to check out their exhibitions (often there are several at a time, filling each of their gallery spaces).

Last week, I went to my first lecture at FIT — something you should really look into. It was a free event, held in the evening in an auditorium on campus.

Wonder what caught my attention? How about an evening devoted to accessories!

Yes, Clare Sauro, assistant curator of accessories at The Museum at FIT, was to speak about something that fascinates me, to be sure. I mean even the simple description in a mailer from FIT had me ready to go:

“From ‘it’ bags to designer stilettos, accessories have become the driving force behind contemporary fashion.”

Hmm… something I’d agree with.

And Sauro certainly knows her stuff. For a little more than an hour, she offered a wonderful walk through history — as seen through the museum’s accessories collection. She touched on bonnets and Chanel suits, Fendi bags and Balenciaga booties, Lily Daché hats and tulle-wrapped pearls from Lanvin.

As someone known to have once gotten off a bus to run back to look at a pocketbook spied from the window, I was loving this presentation. She spoke about the dependence of fashion houses on the success of their accessory lines; of the way society “rules” dictated fashion in the past; on the ability of accessories to change the feel of an entire outfit… and so much more.

And among her final thoughts?
“We can be certain accessories will continue to play a very active role in fashion and a very active way in how we present ourselves to the world.”

Sounds good to me!

For more details on upcoming events at FIT and the museum’s exhibits, stop by the Web site. (I had a chance to re-visit “Luxury,” which continues through Nov. 10 — and to see “Chic Chicago: Couture Treasures from the Chicago History Museum,” which is on through Jan. 5. You’ll want to catch both!).

I have a weakness for magazines.

I was thinking about that again last night as I felt badly rushing past Hudson News at Grand Central in favor of catching the express train home.

Another sign? I was near-giddy when I heard about the return of Victoria magazine. My first copy has arrived; I’m planning to savor it over the weekend and give you an update next week.

For now, though, I’d just like to talk about a trio of new publications that have come my way:

They are all from Action Pursuit Group, the California-based publisher of two (more) of my favorite magazines, Romantic Homes and Victorian Homes.

The publicist for Cottages & Bungalows had actually asked if she could send a sample copy… you know I said yes.

And I was pleased to get her package and see that it also included premiere issues of two more, Lodges and Lofts.

Even though they address very different kinds of living spaces, the magazines share a certain sensibility.

There are great photographs, some really interesting features — and dozens and dozens of ideas of things to buy for your own home.

What more could you ask for?

I’ve written several times over the years about Liora Manné, the New York-based designer who also has a home in Katonah.

Do you remember back in May, when I gave you a look at the new retail space within her Chelsea showroom/headquarters?

Anyway, I’ve now learned that she has yet another new product — and here’s a sneak peek.

Following up on the success of her Dimensions collection, the Marais companion purse is about to make its debut.

The bag, which uses Manné’s patented Lamontage fabric as the base, is a felt-like and funky take on a most practical item.

The bag’s standard rectangular shape and zippered top get a nice shaking up with a field of intricate cut-outs that allow the interior color to be seen.

Shades are to include onyx, tomato, citron, charcoal, graphite, jade and turqouise.

Aren’t they fun?

For more details, visit the Web site.

I have to change over my closet this weekend.

You know, pull out the winter clothes and finally put away all the summer stuff.

I think we’re safe now… right?

All I know is today is the first day I am wearing both boots and a sweater.

Which has got me thinking about clothes for the next few months — and reminded me of an event this weekend that will feature some cool-weather fashions.

Ellie Kimelman of The Eclectic Collector in Katonah is holding a trunk show and sale, one featuring the wearable-art creations of Chris Triola, a Michigan artist.

I just took at look at Triola’s Web site, and it’s filled with some pretty unique pieces — including a wealth of beautiful jackets, shawls and scarves.

A preview is set for 5 to 8 p.m. tomorrow, with the trunk show continuing from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

And stopping by the store will likely give you some ideas for holiday gifts.

I was in the shop a few weeks ago, talking to Kimelman about White Plains glass artist David Licata (whose work she was then starting to carry).

I have to say I was amazed at the shop’s collection — creations by more than 400 artists in glass, folk art, jewelry, dolls, journals and Judaica.

(And FYI, the shop has also set the date for its holiday opening — 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 15).

It’s at 215 Katonah Ave. Call 914-232-8700.

I was in Bronxville earlier this afternoon, which gave me the chance to stop by Citrine.

It’s a sweet little jewelry boutique that’s marking its second anniversary — and gearing up for its third holiday season.

Owners Willis O’Brien and Sarah Reynolds had invited me to stop by and see what they’re all about.

And I think you’ll agree, it’s pretty interesting.

The women seem to really be carving out quite a niche, offering work by designers hand-picked from around the world.

The focus is on colored-stone jewelry, primarily created by up-and-coming designers.

No matter where you look, you’ll see pieces featuring citrine and sapphire, amethyst and topaz (and yes, diamonds and pearls).

The pieces are distinctive or as O’Brien said, “traditional but different.”

It has to be like things you don’t see everywhere — but also has to be beautiful and wearable.

“We didn’t want it to sit on the dresser,” O’Brien added.

The shop’s mission is to provide all this at a variety of price points, so pieces can range anywhere from around $150 to $8,000.

Most of the work is in 22-karat gold, though there are selections in white gold and a few in sterling.

They have a great way of displaying things — you know there’s a lot to see but it’s not at all overwhelming.

Instead, moonstone-and-gold earrings by Lauren Harper or a burst-of-color Corona pendant by Joseph Murray get their time to shine.

Other designers — and the list continues to grow — include Ray Griffiths (known for his “crown” motif), Suzy Landa, Stephanie Albertson, Barbara Heinrich and Petra Class.

The shop is also known for its special events and services.

There is a wish list, to help for gift giving.

Customers are also encouraged to think beyond what they see. They might like a piece but wish for a different stone — the relationship the owners have with the designer often results in a satisfied customer, one with their own, unique piece.

Right now, O’Brien says, most customers are from Bronxville, though the shop also draws from Riverdale, Pelham, Eastchester and Scarsdale.

For now.

“We would love to be known as a destination,” she said.

And the service they offer will likely help them reach that goal.

As Reynolds said, after working with customers for most of my visit, there is no push to buy.

Customers can browse for as long as they like, weighing their options and trying on pieces.

“They can come in five times if they want,” Reynolds said. “It’s really very custom and very personal.”

Trunk shows are another way to reach out to both regulars (the mailing list is some 1,300 strong) and newcomers.

Earlier this month, Citrine hosted Robin Koffler of Sleepy Hollow, who was showcasing her “modern classics” in 18-karat gold.

Later this week, they will show the work of Emma Villedrouin. Stop by from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Check the Web site for the full schedule of events.

Oh, and one other thing that really got me daydreaming?

I noticed that both O’Brien and Reynolds were wearing pieces from the shop.

I asked O’Brien if she got to pick out whatever she wanted to wear?

“Every day,” she said. “Isn’t that nice?”

I’ll say!

Here are Reynolds (left) and O’Brien. Stop by and say hello —

Citrine is at 22 Park Place. Call 914-337-2062.

Sometimes, word of mouth can lead you to the best shopping opportunities.

See, I was in Suffern earlier this month and had stopped in to see Ilana Perles.

She and her husband, Lenny, own Transformation By Design Interiors and Antiques on Lafayette Avenue. It’s a treasure trove of decorative objects and fine antiques, complemented by all kinds of design services.

Well, as we chatted, Perles asked if I had yet been to one of her neighboring shops — Village Gallery & Framery.

I had not, though I had heard of the business before.

Perles told me about a great exhibition they were going to be having — and that they had already set up some of the works.

She took me over to the gallery — and I was amazed from the very moment I stepped inside.

Owners Mickey Fried and Connie Gilmore have put together the quirkiest exhibition of work I’ve seen in ages.

The artist is Josephine Plaszewski, who also operates Fitzwilliam Antiques in New Hampshire.

You have to love her Web address, which is “I Sell Dead Peoples’ Stuff.�

And indeed, she does.

In fact, the artist’s paintings are just part of her creations.

She also takes discarded items — from dented teapots to old wind chimes — to create all kinds of pieces, ranging from lamps to fountains.

She calls it “the art of recycling” — I thought it looked pretty funky.

Here’s a small glimpse:

And don’t you love the way they have displayed these ballet paintings, interspersed with tutus and ballet slippers?

For more, stop by the gallery during its regular hours — or visit this Saturday, when an artist’s reception is set for 5 to 8 p.m.

The gallery is at 8 Lafayette Ave. Call 845-357-0520.

The White House Thrift Shoppe of St. Gregory the Enlightener Church in White Plains is holding a one-day tag sale later this week.

Shoppers can expect new and gently used household items, jewelry, books, lamps, rugs and a children’s room that includes furniture, toys and costumes.

The sale hours will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday.

The shop is at 1131 North St., across from Maple Moor Golf Course.

For more details, call 914-428-4163.

Came in today to find an update from Hip Chik.

I always love to see that “return address,” as it’s usually news about a fun event or great sale.

This time, sad to say, it was notice that the Nyack boutique is closing after three years.

Owner Anne Beneville says “Times change, and I have made the difficult decision to close Hip Chik.”

I’ve bought some great tops there — and loved how she billed her stylish shop as “a gathering place for hip chiks of every size and shape.”

Now, it’s time for the “Going Out of Business Sale,” which opens to the public on Wednesday.

Turns out that there will be a lot of new merchandise featured, since many shipments could not be stopped once the decision to close was made.

So, shoppers will find discounts of 25 percent or more off everything in the store, from tops, sweaters and jackets to pants, handbags, scarves and jewelry.

The store is at 5 S. Broadway. Call 845-353-3644.

Looking for that … you just don’t know what?

Then head to Croton Point Park tomorrow, because there’s going to be a little bit of everything.

The Journal News is holding its second annual Giant Garage Sale, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

So far, more than 80 vendors are lined up — along with organizations such as The Salvation Army, The American Red Cross and our own Newspaper in Education fund — to offer gently used items of all kinds.

Admission and parking are free, so you can spend your money on shopping!