NOW THAT IT'S finally spring, we're all about brightening up our apartment with fresh flowers. (No, we don't wait for someone to buy them for us - we'll get 'em ourselves, thankyouverymuch.) And when it comes to a vessel for our new blooms, we're far too colorful for clear glass. Instead, we're devotees of Fringe Studio's vases ($34 to $85), carried at the North End's pretty Shake the Tree (67 Salem Street, Boston, 617.742.0484). The California-based company kiln-fires decals onto their vases - birds, flowers, and other botanical patterns are common elements - lending vibrancy to each piece. The vases are true showpieces whether empty or full, which means they're great for those weeks when we feel compelled to put our flower budget toward something with a little more staying power. @
