Sharing shopping stories is always fun.

I got an e-mail from my friend (and former colleague) Gayle Williams that got me smiling – and remembering a story I once shared about one of my own great scores… “the $1.97 pants.”

But this time, I may have been beaten, as you’ll soon see.

Gayle had actually called to tell me about her score when it happened. I agreed it was pretty impressive.

Fans of casual dress will want to know about the expanded offerings of Fanwear.

I visited the Bedford Hills shop back in March for our “shop of the week” feature — and a posting here on the blog.

The shop is filled with all kinds of sports apparel along with a strong selection of casual clothing from companies such as Life is good and “performance wear” from Under Armour.

Just heard from Robin Litwin — she and husband, Bob, own the shop — that they are now carrying Life is good footwear for men and women. In addition, they’ve just received a whole new batch of designs in the company’s T-shirts.

Sounds like a great place to do some Mother’s Day shopping.

Anyone else hoping for better weather as the week goes on?

I really don’t mind the rain — it’s just that I’d prefer it be a bit dry on Friday.

That’s when I’m going to be checking out Spring Crafts at Lyndhurst, working on an “opening-day” report for this ol’ blog.

I can still remember the beautiful and unusual gifts and accessories I saw when I visited Parviz Batliwala for a story a little more than a year ago.

The Port Chester woman runs Echo Exclusive Designs Handcrafted in India, a company through which she imports accessories, home goods and gifts from her native country.

She sells these both online and through a home-based showroom, which is traditionally open by appointment.

Young designers who dream of people one day buying their work might want to check out a program run through the New York International Gift Fair.

The mega-trade show, held twice a year at the Javits center in Manhattan, has launched “A+: The Young Designer’s Platform.”

This division is being called an “incubator” exhibit area, housed within the Accent on Design portion of the show.

Students, recent graduates and new companies (those in business for one year or less) are invited to participate, with their work being showcased during the next Gift Fair, in August.

It will give them a chance to present concepts, prototypes and finished products to the wholesale market.

The application deadline is June 1. Visit the event Web site for details.

If you’re looking for some Mother’s Day gift ideas with a decidedly French appeal, you might want to check out the offerings of Quel Objet.

I’ve written about the Web site before, as it’s run by Susan Sears of Briarcliff Manor.

She has cultivated a network of sources in the French countryside, tiny factories or family-run businesses that offer distinctive gifts, home accessories and fashions.

Those who like to seek out unique jewelry may want to plan a trip to Larchmont this week.

The Mamaroneck Artists’ Guild is holding its first-ever Jewelry Trunk Show at the Guild’s new space, at 126 Larchmont Ave. in Larchmont.

Six artist will be showcasing their work from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with an Opening Reception scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

For more details, visit the Guild Web site or call 914-834-1117.

Hope you had a good weekend.

I was out of the area, visiting friends in Massachusetts for a few days.

Didn’t do a lot of shopping — I know, you can gasp… ha ha.

But on the ride up, we did manage to stop off at the Stratford Antique Center in Stratford, Conn.

Some shops have something that catches your eye.

Others have nearly everything you want — and those are some of the most fun ones to visit.

That’s how I felt when I stepped into ML Gifts & Accessories in Nyack last week.

The Armonk Antiques Show’s 30th edition is being held this weekend.

That’s a pretty big deal.

But it’s still young when you consider the show will be filled with hundreds of years of history, some of its wares dating back to the 1700s… or earlier.