Browsing Antiques? Go Vintage.

The Stephen P. Cabot and Archer Harman Jr. Ice Center at St. George's School will be transformed into the island's finest antique store this weekend.

Now in its fourth year, the Newport Antiques Show has evolved into a favorite event among antique dealers, historians, and collectors of curiosities from throughout New England, and across the United States.

With more than 40 fine antiques dealers showcasing their best-of-show items, the event is expected to draw 2,500+ visitors to Middletown's south shore this weekend.

Proceeds from the Newport Antiques Show benefit The Newport Historical Society and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Newport County.

It all begins Friday night with a preview reception from 6 to 9 p.m., when guests will be given a special first look at this year's offerings. Tickets to the preview party are offered at various levels of sponsorship ranging from $100 to $500. Those who purchase the $250 or $500 ticket will be admitted to the preview party at 5 p.m. and will receive unlimited admission to the show throughout the weekend.

If you're planning to attend this opening night event, then be sure to stand out just as much as the collections you're perusing.

What better to wear, then, than a few fabulous vintage finds?

Patch recently visited Wish, a high-end consignment boutique at the end of lower Thames Street, to find just the right outfit.

Wish co-owner Courteney Sarro helped us pick out a look that's sure to impress those with a keen eye for all things old and unique.

We started with a custom-made vintage gold floral-stitched dress (size 4, $20). The dress has a certain timeless look to it, with its neutral color serving as the perfect base for our outfit. 

When accesorizing, we decided to complement that gold with more gold and go with a pair of extra large vintage stud earrings, available for $10. We then paired that with a vintage Judith Leiber evening minaudiere purse ($350) to add yet another a touch of elegance to the ensemble.

Finally, for a dash of color, and a little extra height, look for heels with a little color. At Wish, we found a nice pair of J. Crew Rose Juliet patent leather heels (size 9, $60) to complete the outfit.

"This outfit is fun, flirty and perfect for a cocktail party," Sarro noted. "I love the high end and fun, inexpensive vintage items all pulled together."

If you miss the opening party on Friday night, you've still got all weekend to browse this collection of the area's finest antiques. The show will continue on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission tickets for one day are $12 per person.

Several lectures and special talks are also planned for the weekend.

On Saturday beginning at 11 a.m., the Newport Historical Society will host a special "Tooth and Bone" loan exhibit from the society's collections, featuring 18th and 19th century scrimshaw and miniature paintings on ivory. Most pieces have a Newport connection, according to society curators. Leading scrimshaw expert Dr. Stuart Frank will discuss the unique nature of the scrimshaw and ivory pieces in Tooth and Bone and will be available to answer questions afterwards. Frank is senior curator of the New Bedford Whaling Museum, director emeritus of the Kendall Whaling Museum and founder/director of the Scrimshaw Forensics Laboratory.

Also Saturday morning, beginning at 9:30 a.m., Design New England Magazine will host a lecture on designing with and caring for antiques. Mally Skok, of Mally Skok Design, will discuss mixing and matching old with new, while Dan Paquette, of Woodmeister Master Builders, will speak about the latest technologies available to protect valuable antique investments.

New to the Newport Antiques Show program this year are the series of "booth talks" to take place throughout the weekend at different dealer booths and on various collector topics.

Diana Bittel manages the 2010 Newport Antiques Show, with William Vareika Fine Arts of Newport as the presenting sponsor. Anne Hamilton, of Newport and Philadelphia, is the 2010 event chair. Honorary Chairs include Samuel M.V. Hamilton, Robert H. Charles and John R. Donnell.

For more information about the Newport Antiques Show, go to www.newportantiqueshow.com.

Participating dealers at the 2010 Newport Antiques Show include:

Antique American Wicker
Diana H. Bittel
Priscilla Boyd Antiques
Alfred Bullard, Inc.
Carlson & Stevenson
Dawn Hill Antiques
Douglas Constant Inc.
Cooley Gallery Inc.
Cunha-St. John Antiques
Essex Antiquarians
Roberto Freitas American Antiques
James Gallagher
Georgian Manor Antiques
Jerry Hayes Fine Majolica
Hirschl & Adler Galleries, Inc.
Imperial Books
Roger King
King-Thomasson Antiques, Inc.
Kelly Kinzle
James M. Labaugh Antiques
Leatherwood Antiques
Danielle Ann Millican, Inc.
Mongenas Antiques
Hilary and Paulette Nolan
Oriental Rugs, Ltd.
Elinor Penna
Charles Edwin Puckett
Quester Gallery
Sallea Antiques
Rick Scott
Thomas Schwenke
Silver Plus
Philip Suval, Inc.
Three Golden Apples
Earle D. Vandekar of Knightsbridge
William Vareika Fine Arts, Ltd.
Village Briader
Walker-Cunningham Fine Art
Washington Square Gallery, Ltd.
Taylor B. Williams Antiques
Williams & Solliday