gone fishin'

ok, not really, since the idea of putting a hook in something makes me squirm, but i'm leaving tomorrow morning for a much needed summer vacation. ac and i are heading to my family's house in virginia beach until next tuesday. so, d*s will be closing shop and coming back on wednesday morning. sorry i didn't post much of anything today, my posts for apartment therapy took more time than i thought. plus i'm running things at work solo for the next week or two so i've been bogged down more than i normally am. anyway, i hope everyone has a wonderful fourth of july! i'll see you all on wednesday. have a safe and happy holiday. xoxo, d*s

more cupcakes for everyone....

ever felt wasteful using paper cupcake tin liners? well, kaiser bakeware has the solution- resuable (up to 1,000 times) cupcake tin liners! available in a pack of 6 for $10, they make baking a little bit more earth friendly. although, i really do love all those fun patterned cupcake liners...available online right here.

precidio objects

ok, i admittedly had nothing to do with finding these guys, although i wish i had. i swear, i'm always one step behind the coolness that is velocity art and design. john of velocity mentioned these guys and i've been trying to track them down ever since. they're going to be up on velocity's online store soon (correct me if i'm wrong, john!), but until then, you can get some more info on them right here...

precidio objects is an ontario based distributor of modern housewares. i'm wild about their "sum" line by helen kerr. "sum" is a series of vessels and containers that have about a gazillion different uses. made of materials like melamine, acrylic and silicone, the line has lids that can serve as plates, and vessels that can double as vases, bowls, pencil-holders, do-dads containers and and endless amount of other options. The range costs anywhere from $3-$24, so it's certainly not hard to bring "sum" modern style into your home (har har). you can get more information and retail details right here (i'll let you know when they're up on velocity's site).

perry lancaster

perry lancaster is a british artist now based in the sunny south of france who makes the most beautiful small scale sculptures. his work is so beautiful i really want the pictures to speak for themselves. you can see the full collection and find more info on his work right here. [thanks, claire!]

ornament and crime

it's been way too long since i posted something on rena tom. i can't believe it, what was i thinking? i've been guest posting over at apartment therapy all week so it must have drained some brain power. anyway, time's up and here comes the "ornament and crime" (fall 2005) collection from my favorite jewelry-makin brooklynite, ms. rena tom.

rena's fall collection is full of trusty standbys (delicate flower beading themes and great big chunks of wood and onyx with dangly strings of gold), but makes a great big gorgeous leap into engraved and patterned metalwork. her "honeycomb" pieces are simply gorgeous and mark a wonderful new direction for ms. tom. i'm always a huge fan of her simple wood pieces (love love love the duchess necklace), but these new metal pieces add a great sense of progression to her collection- it's so fun to watch rena try out new materials and methods.

you can browse and shop rena's new "ornament and crime" collection online right here.

coasters

the boys of variegated passed these fantastic coasters on to me this weekend...thanks so much, guys. dinner-ware is a fantastic little design studio that makes coasters (marble and cork), trivets and tables. there is a series of 12 patterns that you can choose to put on one of the above products. i'm keen on the cork coasters in the abstract, animal and split flowers patterns. super cute and fairly affordable ($30 for 4 coasters, $25 for a trivet). available online at dinner-ware.com.

pen and paper

i love line drawings. i'm sort of nuts about them. it was the one thing i couldn't do well as an art major, so of course, i love me a good line drawing. ac and i currently sleep under a framed one by sleepy cow's kate sutton (love her work to pieces). these pieces are by chris bettig of the mountain label. i posted about his show last week, which i hear is going smashingly, so i wanted to share some pieces he did for it. these are called "animals and minerals". anyway, just wanted to share...

cover it up

i like these padded laptop covers at kate's paperie. yes, they lack the strap that would make them really useful and handy, but if you're just looking for something to prevent your laptop from being scratched by crazy cats (like me) or getting spilled on, these are the ticket. cute, poppy colors and patterns at $40 a pop. yes, not the most practical thing in the world (no strap to carry), but it's fun to look at. available in an ipod form too ($30)...but i'll have to say, i've been ok with not having to talk about or be attacked by massive amounts of ipod covers lately...

beach bunnies

ac and i just got back from ocean grove, nj last night and i just wanted to thank everyone for their suggestions and tips! we had a WONDERFUL time and couldn't have enjoyed our weekend getaway more if we tried. we stayed at the majestic, which was fanastic (karen and les were a trip), and ate at both captain jack's (loved it) and moonstruck (our food was just so-so there). we drove home tanned and rested and just wanted to thank everyone for suggesting places to eat, shop (LOVED kitch n kaboodle, i bought a super cool old milk bottle to use as a carafe) and stay. xo, d*s

ooh! don't forget!

beach bum

so, ac and i are off to ocean grove, nj this weekend to try and get some much needed sun. hopefully we'll do nothing but bake in the sun on bright beach towels all day and eat ice cream until we're forced to move to the pool to cool down. i'll be back on monday morning- hope you all have a wonderful weekend. thank you again for all the new jersey shore suggestions, they were a huge help! xo, d*s

animal lover

oops, i missed these in the "new" section at velocity. salvor, designers of those super cute animal pillows, now make kids t-shirts to match. my favorites are the squirrel, pidgeon and fawn. and what kid doesn't like animal shirts? $32 bucks a pop at velocity online.

whats new, velocity?

i'm the biggest velocity fan (happy late birthday velocitygirl!), so i always love checking their "what's new" section...this week they added a great set of area tables including a bedside table with drawer, a high bench and a long low table. each one is made of curved plywood with an oiled walnut veneer and ranges from $280-$330. available online at velocity art and design.

mono y mono

mono's filio collection is really great tea service series. consisting of a teapot, warmer, cup and sugar/creamer set, it's a great way to add a little modernity to your morning brew. the components start at about $100 and go up to $130 for the teapot itself, but i think it's a nice piece worth investing in if tea is really your thing. myself? i'm a molo tea lantern girl, but this might be just right for someone out there. available at the magazine online.

roll with it baby

i love the rollwagen from mueller moebel. not exactly cheap ($300+), but man do i love anything in hot pink and red. i'd actually prefer a model in rubber rather than solid painted steel, but this one would do mighty fine if i could find the dough. available at the magazine.

tableware

i'm becoming sort of a cooking and tableware freak, so i was psyched to check out the magazine's tableware collection. among my favorites: oven, dishwasher and microwave safe origo bowls (love the colorful stripes, so summery); asta servingware, rosendahl flatware and the colorful stelton vacuum jugs. too cute. more info here.

van gregory + norton

i love this finial from van gregory + norton (it reminds me of white coral), a brooklyn-based curtain hardware design studio. their work is carried in showrooms across the country, and if you're in atlanta, try jerry pair fine furnishings, san francisco try shears and window and in ny, carlton v at the d&d building.

marvelous molo

the innovative design team of stephanie forsythe and todd macallen, also known as molo design, is at it again with some great new additions to their existing lines...

after receiving requests from people who wanted to use their paper softwall at work or for exhibits, molo is in the process of perfecting a process by which things can be hung off of the softwall, for mulitple purporses. they are also beginning to have their first successes at making a textile softwall – made from a water-resistant and tear-resistant non-woven textile. neither are completely finished, but when they are, look out! these guys are unstoppable and i'm so thrilled that the industry has such innovative players like molo.

not content to stop at updating the softwall, molo has added two new pieces to their award-winning float line: a gorgeous martini glass and a small version of their elegant tea lantern. the float martini glasses preserve the classic shape of the martini bowl while harmonizing beautifully with the aesthetics of the full line of float barware. like all of molo's pieces, the martini glasses are handcrafted from the highest quality german borosilicate glass. the small tea latern, like it's larger cousin, is a beautifully innovative way to enjoy your relaxing cup of tea in style. both will be in stock and ready to sell next week. you can contact molo for purchasing information.

faces faces everywhere

i love these little vases, they remind of a game i used to play where each person had a little stand with people on it and you had to guess who each person had by saying things like, "does your person have red hair? brown eyes? a hat?" (does anyone remember what this was called??). anyway, these "genetic tale" vases are an older piece from alessi that are currently carried at the magazine. i know they're not new, but they're oh so cute. each one is a small porcelain flower vase decorated with tiny blue vases. i just like the idea of a whole town of people taking care of my flowers. $45 at the magazine.

georgie boy

i'm a huge fan of george nelson. it's hard not to be when you work in the industry i do. he designed this gorgeous line of mini cabinets (i love the stands) in 1952 that are now manufactured by herman miller (not who i work for). they're available at the magazine and i'm determined to save up for one, though it may take some time (they start at $1,000).

nelson was totally into all things japanese, so you can definitely see it in these pieces. according to the magazine these pieces are, "reminiscent of tansu (traditional japanese cabinetry)." made of teak, these pieces are offered in a variety of sizes and drawer configurations and use environmentally friendly rosewood stain to replace the original rosewood drawer fronts. available right here.

hable haute couture

i love hable construction, always have, always will. their designs are just so friendly and fun. while most of their line is within my price range, these are a bit above it...most are above $200. these are what i like to call, "hable haute couture" and they're all available at the magazine online.

each felted wool pillow is hand-made in hungary using traditional hammer and chisel cutting and applique techniques. the patterns are gorgeous and plafyul as always, and the subject matter is undeniably happy. while these may be a bit too child-like for some people (i often hear the complaint that hable patterns look like little kid stuff), i think, used in the right capacity, these could fit well into any home. they're certainly not cheap, but for me, these pieces are just gorgeous to look at. the whole line is available right here, at the magazine.

oh, walter...

raised wall art has been all the rage (along with wallpaper) this year, so why not try out some affordable wall art from walter? these cute little sunbursts are a more affordable way to do that mid-century star burst look, without splurging on that gorgeous mirror that inspired it. available at the magazine.

i know i know....

i'm supposed to be dropping the bird thing...so consider this its last gasp (at least i'll try to make it the last gasp). these wool blend felt "rest" bird pillows at sprout home are too cute. i just love bird sillhouettes- shoot me. available for $40 at sprout home online.

eva solo

super cool eva solo bbq grill at the magazine- pricey ($560 and up, but aren't grills expensive anyway?), but so, sooo cool. the eva solo bbq collection is a complete bbq collection that covers every angle of outdoor living. it includes: a barrel grill, completely made in stainless steel, practical with a portable coal bucket, a flat protective flat lid, tongs, skewers, spatula and more! you can find it all online, right here.

if you've got $2,430 to spare....

you can buy those nutso GIANT (79" h) lamps that cappellini showed at the milan furniture fair 2005. i know, kind of crazy all around, but fun to look at nonetheless. you can buy them online at the magazine.

that's right, i'm a princess

my old governor's school (and then college) roommate, ariel, used to call me a "beach princess" (i used to dress up a lot, and at smart kid summer camp, that looks like you're trying too hard), while i found it to be a rather inaccurate description of me, i thought it would be a great lead-in to a post on the princess vase from serralunga (debuted at this year's milan furniture fair). while it's wildly expensive (over $500, ahh!), it's still nice to look at. such nice, soft curves and subtle leaf patterns. details: oversized vase made from a lightweight thermoplastic that is weather and UV resistant and virtually unbreakable. more info here.

itchy and scratchy

i love this garden piece- it looks like some weird animated back scratcher plant from a cartoon show. but, it's actually "ramo", a garden ladder, meant to double as an architectural element you can leave outside, leaning against a wall or even lying down. it's also apparently quite helpul when trying to reach the highest branches of a tree or to hold your jacket on a hot summer day. available at the magazine online ($186).

the magazine

i have NO idea how i haven't posted on the magazine before. i am a huge, huge advocate of online design stores, and these guys are a great resource for design lovers all over. carrying everything from eames to hable, the magazine provides a wonderfully well organized resource for those interested in design-conscious gifts.

based in berkeley, the magazine was founded in 1990 and continues to have a presence as a great online store. carrying predominantly imported pieces (italy, holland, germany), but certainly not limited to them, the magazine also carries some gorgeous pillows from hable construction (think of them as their couture line, super pricey) that have beautiful felt patterns sewn into them. if they weren't so pricey i'd scoop them up toot sweet (i just wanted to say toot sweet, actually).

while the magazine does carry some pieces that are so expensive i wanna cry, they have a GREAT gift guide that lets you chose products from under $50 to above $1000. it's really well put together and provides a wonderful resource to those with little time and lots to do.

d*s highlights of the collection are: mamanonmama wooden mirrors, mono collection hanging holders, great modern doormat, gorgeous baba planter/vases. more great magazine goods here (and to follow above!)

i love these so, so much

praise be to our good friends, missy and alden (and their dog, roosevelt) for their fabulous design taste. they have had these fabulous coasters ever since i've known them and i've always forgotten to ask who made them. designed by bogdan co. in california, these stainless steel star coasters have rubber tips on them to prevent scratching and thermal damage on your table surface. although, missy points out (in the midst of searching for new coasters), when your drink gets all sweaty the water can drip down on the table. not good. but, if you're using them somewhere that won't cause drink sweat and doesn't matter if it gets wet, go ahead! you can contact bogdan co. right here to see where they sell them near you, or you can get them online right here!

drawing exhibit

because i love busy-being and christopher bettig...

Drawing Exhibit: Blank Gallery / Busy-Being bring you new drawings by : Christopher Bettig, Carolina Chaves, Ben Loiz, Timothy Reed and Albert Reyes.

Opening: Saturday June 25th, 2005. Exhibition Dates: 6.25.05- 7.25.05

Location: Blank Gallery 1202 Alvarado Street. Echo Park, California 90026. http://www.blank-echopark.com

bbb+at

starting today i'll be doing some guest posts over at apartment therapy. maxwell and co. will be traveling to france so i'm helping out with a post a day for the next week or so. today i'm adding some info about jonathan adler's collection at bed bath and beyond...but these caught my eye too....

i looove these striped oval tubs (only $10 a piece!) they're such a cheerful way to store drinks outside for picnics, beach parties, etc. and while you're at it, why not grab some of these (sort of cheesy, but hey, it's summer backyard fun) flower candles for the table. everyone loves to eat by candlelight ($10 for a pack of 6).

focus: student design

i really like these two seating systems from korean design student, duck young kong. he sent them to me, and although they're not yet available in america, i thought they were definitely worth sharing. i think it's so important to showcase and support the generation of young designers out there contributing such great ideas to the industry.

born in korea, duck young kong is a student at the cranbrook academy of art, getting an mfa in 3d design. his work shows a wonderful balance between form and function and creativity and practicality. his "my zone part 1" and "my zone part 2" pieces show a clear awareness of what is required from a client or user and how to infuse that with an artistic vision that brings both fun and function to the project.

both "my zone 1" and "my zone 2" play with the idea of personal space and the changing demands on seating situations. both systems allow for two people to either increase or decrease the amount of space between them, making each system ideal for both professional and personal use. "my zone part 1", the sliding chair system, seems ideal for an office/waiting room setting, allowing those in the waiting area to either sit close together (ie: perhaps a hospital setting where families want to sit close together) or further apart (ie: guests waiting who don't know each other). the second system has a bit more whimsy and would probably need to be slightly adapted for production, but i love its use of felt and the idea of creating a number of different sitting areas. it allows the user to determine any number of ways they would feel more comfortable using the system. seems like it would be cute for a school, child's room or something involving kids that might like little cubby corners to talk, read, play in. all in all, i think these two pieces show a ton of design smarts and the potential for a great career in 3d design. best of luck to duck young kong and many thanks for sending along your work!

lost city of vases

these gorgeous vases are from artist sara paloma. their beautiful shapes remind me of graceful landscapes and towering city lines. sara's work is so stunning that i just had to post it. you can find her work all over the internet, here are a few choices: show lifestyle, relish, artisance, propeller and space downtown (starting in august). some of these you might have to visit in person for specific pieces, but each one should have her work in stock. thanks, sara!

new joisey

does anyone know any good towns in the jersey shore? preferably something reasonably close to nyc? north shore towns? something beachy, not too crazy..if that's possible. thank you so much! xo, d*s

UPDATE- we're staying in ocean grove, thanks everyone!

improved crockery

i like the word crockery. it has such a nice sound to it, crockery. makes me want to say it again and again. anyway, before you think i've gone mental, let me explain why i'm murmuring "crockery" over and over in my head like a mad woman...clio home just added a great new plate and tea set to their collection called "improved crockery"- they're designer silk screened images of men and women on vintage crockery pieces. they're oh so sarah cihat. they're not dishwasher safe, but these aren't really everyday pieces- i guess they'd be funny to use to serve tea and biscuits on or something. the line ranges from $37-$130 and must be ordered via phone, as their online stock is out. you can contact clio home at 212.966.8991. enjoy!

relish

whenever i hear the word relish i think of this really obnoxious waitress at relish diner in williamsburg. she once spilled coffee on ac's plate and the table and then said, "oh...that's a drag." ahhh, williamsburg service. anyway, back to the other relish...

relish::modern objects ("because design matters") is a cool little online boutique that carries some nifty tableware and home accessories. most are down right affordable, but there are a few super pricey items. but for the most part, you can shop happy and shop well at relish without doing too much damage to your visa.

my favorites? their fantastic verre ny glass pieces (ac gave me a gorgeous verre red glass necklace for our anniversary last year), a super cute candle holder collection (i normally don't care for candle things, but these are cool), really fun, colorful "love" plates and bowls, moya bowls, lsa tumblers and last but not least, some elegant vases. take a look around and i'm sure you'll find something...have fun!

summer!

i love things that scream SUMMER and BACKYARD..hence, i'm feeling the need to revisit some magis classics, the bird table by jasper morrison and pipe dreams by jerszy seymour.

both ooze summer and running around in the yard with your bare feet. seymour's funny little watering can, pipe dreams, comes in a wide range of bright, fun, summery colors, while morrison's bird table (it's a bird bath) comes in a great grassy green that blends nicely with a summery backyard. both are available from magis. hooray for summer!

ultralite table

i love this table from california based urbana design. urbana makes those bent ply vases that everyone snatched up last year. i'm totally feeling this table because it's available in a great range of colors and finishes. ultralite can be used as a coffee, side or end table and consists of a core of expanded polypropylene foam and surface of wood veneer or high-gloss clear resin over woven fabric or graphic print with an exposed foam edge. tres cool. available from $350-$750 right here.

elsewares newbies

i always love getting my "new at elsewares" email. this summer they've added two great pieces that i just LOVE: coasters made from recyled newspapers and magazines (by ROOST, could i love them any more?) and bowls made from tickets by california designer brian jewitt.

roost used recycled magazines and newspapers from all over the world to make their cute coasters. the only catch is- although they have a resin coating, they may not be entirely waterproof (elsewares suggests you "shouldn't throw them in the pool." they seem like they'd be ok used indoors, but on a hot summer day outside where drinks tend to drip, i'd use a different set of coasters. they still look cool though and at $12 for a set of 6, they won't break the bank.

brian jewitt's ticket bowls have been around for awhile, or at least i've seen some like them all over the place, but since they're new to elsewares i thought i'd throw em on here too. the bowls come in 4 different color combos at $60 a pop (a bit high in my opinion)- they're made from real tickets, bound and coated with polyurethane. they can hold just about anything solid — keys, loose change, even popcorn (but no soup or cereal, please). click here for more info.

help? please?

so, ac and i invested in zip car and we love it. we're planning to make a run for it and get out of town next weekend for a friday to sunday thing. we wanted to go somewhere beachy, but have no idea where to go or where to stay. we were going to go upstate to hike but it's all booked up. anyone know of nice places to go (with a beach) that are a decent drive from the city (i know there will be miserable traffic on both friday and sunday)? i've never been to the hamptons, and i know it'll be full and crazy pricey, but does anyone have suggestions? we'd love to spend less than $200 a night if possible. anywhere on long island? jersey shore? thanks for any suggestions...we need to get sun. it's my mission to avoid the nyc pale-face this summer. xoxo, d*s

love it

this little chalkboard necklace from virgin threads is too cool. a bit pricey ($77), but a cool idea nonetheless. available right here.

elūm!

i can't believe i forgot about elūm too! [thanks natalie!] they are another FANTASTIC letterpress company (based in cardiff-by-the-sea, california, how cute is that?) that makes seriously gorgeous card and stationery sets (i love their gift tags and social greeting cards, to die for) . i've sent these to ac many a time. they come with gorgeous envelopes too. i've chosen a smathering to post here, but you can see the whole shabang online. hooray elūm!

carrot & stick press

these guys make GORGEOUS cards. i mean gorgeous. i would frame every single one of these. especially the one above, which is the most fabulous yellow color (could yellow be any hotter right now??). based in oakland, california (doesn't it seem like all of the great letterpress people are there?), carrot & stick press is run by susie gelbron and julie walker. susie, the "carrot", studied art history and photography at princeton. julie, the "stick", graduated from the college of creative Studies at uc santa barbara. she has worked as a letterpress instructor at the san francisco center for the book for the past five years. "carrot" and "stick" met in graduate school at the california college of arts and crafts where they both earned masters degrees in fine arts. they founded carrot & stick press in 2000.

carrot & stick make lovely pre-printed cards and stationery, but they also do adorable custom work too. i fell in love with their hand-drawn maps- there's seriously nothing cuter. i love the one with the golden gate bridge surrounded by clouds. too fantastic. if i ever get married i'm totally calling these guys. although i bet my super cool friend missy could do something equally awesome (hi, missy!). anyway, check out carrot & stick and see what all the fuss is about. [you can buy their cards online, right here]

snow & graham

everyone knows i'm a pillow and card freak, hence my obsession with letterpress greeting cards. i've always loved snow and graham, but i don't think i've posted about them yet. how i let this slide, i have no idea. because they're amazing.

snow & graham is a chicago-based letterpress that makes the most elegant, beautiful greeting cards and stationery sets. i buy them at my favorite local store, loom, but you can buy them in most nice accessory or stationery stores (you can also buy them online, or click here for retail lists). i'm a huge fan of their simple floral designs, as well as their architectural looking thank you cards. with designs this strong, you just can't go wrong. click here for more info.

thanks again to lauren...

for reminding me about the gorgeous (but pricey) tableware at tart online. we both love their nason and moretti 'high society' collection (seen above). it's ultra modern and ultra expensive, but i'm not someone who has seen the need to invest in pricey stemware yet (i know i'll just break it), so perhaps my opinions are slightly skewed. but, the collection is still lovely (sets of six are around $220-$350, ouch!).

i also love the lambert water goblets (set of 6 from $204-$228, seen above). super cool. more info on tart right here. [thanks again, lauren!]

henry and lulu

[thanks to lauren for this post!] henry and lulu is a great little online boutique that carries all sorts of cute home and personal wares. most of the site is more traditional than what i normally like, but i found a few cute things i wanted to share as i celebrate friday and rock out to the bravery at my desk

i LOVE janet torelli's martini spikes. they're a whopping $94 a pair (good god!), but they're so, so slick. they seem like things that tragically hip martini connoisseurs would have. i just like the design. sometimes you need something cooler than a little plastic sword (although i do love those too).

moving from martini spikes to wine accessories, henry and lulu carries a classy wine accessories kit from rosendahl ($184), again, connoisseur price, but certainly something worth looking at. it's ultra modern and would make any sideways fan swoon.

and last but not least, super cute little spanish pecking hen toys. i love stuff like this. if only i had a young niece or nephew to give one to...although at $75 a pair, that'll never happen. ahaha. anyway, more info on henry and lulu here. [thanks, lauren!]

programma 8

i'm a sucker for compartmentalization. these new serving dishes (available at unica online) are so cool. they're way too expensive for me, but i'm now on the hunt for an affordable version. maybe someone out there has suggestions? i love the idea, but not the price. unica describes the pieces like this:

"the seventies: franco sargiani and eija helander designed "programma 8" for alessi. this systematic and comprehensive project of small modular and stackable household items was based on the very same methodological premise of the "international-style" architecture of the period: the theory of open-system meta-design ideal for the free composition of unlimited living and formal models." i don't know about all that, but i know i like the way it looks. now to find a version i can afford...

plushpod

plushpod is an LA based online design retailer that i thought i'd check out. they carry some of the greatest hits of contemporary and modern design, along with a few other cool things thrown in. my picks of the collection are: umbra bookworm ($9), hive wall shelving ($129-$160), arling magazine rack ($56, a bit pricey in my opinion) and a slick silver kitchen rail ($30). all available at plushpod online.

innermost

innermost is a uk design company that is most famous for putting out the ghost candelabra that was everywhere last year. they just put out some cute placemats this year...thought i'd put em up. waiting on retail info...will post asap. (if anyone knows, please fill us in!)

serenity

this cool blue glass vase at the moma design store online just looks so...peaceful. ($68 online)

a little urban

just a reminder that sometimes urban outfitters can be a great online source for those of us who like design but can't afford high prices. they have some great nesting tables (4 tables for $110), cool sheets ($36-$50) and a slick lucite table on sale for $79. each piece is sure to add a little fun to your place, and they'll go pretty easy on the purse as well. click here for more urban outfitters home.

this just in....

urban oasis (plant island) from julian lwin of lwin design. made of a fully recyclable durable steel frame & spun aluminum pots (with powder coated steel color options- pink or white), the urban oasis stands apx 5 feet tall. julian adds, "plants are the lungs of the earth: they produce oxygen that makes life possible, add precious moisture, and filter toxins. houseplants are the best filters of common pollutants like ammonia, formaldehyde & benzene." lwindesign’s urban oasis will ship with a list of the best air purifying household plants. more info on lwindesign right here.

marisaal

marisaal is a textile design collective that produces design-oriented cushions for the home. i found some of their work at auto nyc, but found the full collection online (i love the robots series). their irreverent take on traditional patterns and notions about pillows is playful and fun without taking away from the beautiful colors and fabrics they use. (don't worry, they aren't too irreverent that you wouldn't want to actually put them in your home). you can contact marisaal right here for info on pricing and purchasing.

melissa joy manning

quick jewelry detour...i received a GORGEOUS pair of melissa joy manning earrings (see above) for my birthday from my wonderful ac (wearing them right now) so i thought i'd do a bit on her work....

[ed. note: her pieces are a bit pricey, but the designs are so unique and stunning that they may be worth the splurge/save-up for those looking for really one-of-a-kind jewelry.] in 1997, melissa joy manning was wondering whether she should dive wholeheartedly into her fledgling jewelry design business. though she'd had some early success, she wanted a more definitive sign that jewelry was her calling. while flipping through tv channels she stopped at, "just shoot me", and saw one of the show's many guest supermodels sauntering across the screen wearing one of her necklaces. "it was the ultimate sign; it showed me that the business was meant to be," melissa says. "i believe everything happens for a reason, and if you pay attention, there are signs everywhere. i've been thankful ever since that i had the courage to pursue it, because i love what i do."

melissa's designs combine beautiful materials with unique shapes and designs. i really love her square hoop look she's doing now, it's a nice twist on the traditional hoop earring thing. you can find more of her work online or purchase it online at neiman marcus right here. for additional styles and retailers, click here. enjoy!

dwell!

i know i'm not the only one, but i love dwell bedding- especially their new line. i'd grown rather weary of the stripes and squares in their earlier collection, so it was GREAT to see their new pattern, "silhouette" at icff. it's finally in stores (and at velocity art and design online) so check it out (there are also new patterns called "hexagon" and "trellis", cute but the pattern above is my fav)! duvets run from $120 to $206, sheets from $102-$176 and pillows will run you from $36 to $60. all available right here.

oh, isamu

hooray for noguchi and hooray for velocity art and design! they're having a fabulous noguchi show at their seattle showroom, so if you're in the area, please check it out! i'm going to bogart lara's lovely text to describe the show...

"in celebration of the noguchi exhibit at the seattle art museum, velocity is having an installation of the furniture, accessory, and lighting design work of isamu noguchi. the exhibit will highlight the ways in which the renowned sculptor sought to make sculpture useful in everyday life through his designs for interiors. during the 1940s and 1950s, noguchi created furniture, lighting, and interiors that reflected the biomorphic imagery of his contemporary sculpture. after his death in 1988, noguchi’s influence continues to impact modern design, and his designs---most notably the free form sofa and the akari lighting---have never been more popular."

all items from the exhibit are available for purchase at velocity online and in their seattle showroom. hooray!

silly things at silly prices

it's funny when the craziness of prices matches the craziness of an object. like this giant flower mug available from thorsten van elten. (apx $270 for the cup and saucer, ouch!). i do like these gloriously clear shelves though...i could never afford them, but they're cute. a good place to draw inspiration from...if you're good at working with acrylic or something like that. more from mr. van elten right here.

thank you

i just wanted to send a little thank you post to everyone out there. thank you all of you out there in blog world for stopping by and being part of this little website. and thank you especially to those who have supported me through the little spongey ads on the left hand column. it's because of you that i'm allowed to get out occasionally and cover new design in different places. so please, say hi to the adverts and check out their websites, i really appreciate their support and yours. so thank you, thank you thank you to everyone.

ps: the image above is from a tennis anyone? card.

hiveminddesign

i finally found some better pictures of the pieces hiveminddesign showed at brooklyn designs 05. while i'm starting to feel less than enamored of the whole deer/hunting aesthetic (seen all over williamsburg right now), i still love all of hivemind's work.

hivemind's stag mirror is elegant and makes a nice design statement without taking too much away from it's original purpose- to be a mirror. the rune series (consisting of a table and bed) is solid, heavy, beautiful wooden furniture. a bit big for my tastes, but great nonetheless. i also really love the rose bench- it'd be nice to see this in a museum instead of the standard black leather variety you see everywhere these days. the rose is such a nice detail. you can find more info on hiveminddesign right here (and be sure to check out their cute "genuine" magnet board. simple and cute- i have one and i love it.

glassybaby

i'm a bit torn with this post. i don't often like to introduce topics i know might be potentially nuts- you know, lots of people fighting in the comments section (mostly about how awful and wrong i am), and i hate to seem like i don't respect the craft and time it takes to make certain objects (because i don't), but...my post on glassybaby products is going to be a little well, less than perky.

glassybaby is a woman-run glass studio in seattle that makes beautiful glass votive containers/vases. now, i think the collection is lovely- each piece is handmade in a beautiful array of colors with fun names like robin hood and wet dog....but i have some issues with the pricing. lord knows i've put up expensive things before, and i know a lot of design is overpriced. but here's the thing- a collection of seven glassybabies is $245. that's $35 per tiny votive. now, maybe it's just the heat getting to me, but i have a slight problem with that price. i know, it probably seems nuts to have a problem with this price over others and the last thing i want to do is harsh on a woman-run business, but doesn't $245 seem like a lot for glass votives (each is roughly 4x3 inches)?

i don't know, maybe i just feel especially cheap today...who knows. i'm gonna take a chance and open this up. how much is too much? i know that there is a lot of craft and skill involved in glasswork...but doesn't almost $300 seem like too much for 7 tiny votives? i mean i guess if they had a name like karim rashid or frank gehry tied to them people wouldn't flinch...maybe i'm finally waking up to the absurdity of design pricing. who knows...either way, i really do love the pieces, it's just a shame that i couldn't afford more than 2 (the picture below would cost almost $800 to create). and really, they looks so much cuter in a big bunch. oh well. more info on glassybaby here.

editor's note: i took off the comments for this one. i've learned my lesson not to ask for opinions because, regardless of whether or not i asked about my own site, it comes down to me and how something about me SUCKS. so, no more comments on this one. i'm sick of mean people. seriously, what gives people the right to get so pissed off about a DESIGN BLOG? come on now.

z gallerie

not a store i frequent too often, but i thought i'd see how their web presence was going. california-based z gallerie has outlets nationwide that provide affordable home design. i'm not always their biggest fan, but i thought, hmm...you never know. and lo and behold, they have some cool pillows (and a super cute summer bag). i dig the bright orchid pillows, fan palm pillows and with the aruba pillows that come in a number of different colors (all affordable). they also carry a cute polka-dotted summer bag that's perfect for a quick weekend getaway. more info right here.

pillow orgy

after lunch, gorging myself on pillow deals at west elm. most are on sale. all featured range from $11- $65. click right here for more info on west elm pillow madness. i love pillows and i love color.

patina stores

this is kitsch heavy post, so, please be warned. sometimes kitsch gets the better of me and i feel the need to purge it from my system in the form of a super silly post.

all of these silly little pieces are totally affordable, fun pieces available at patina stores online. from silly little deer and gnome planter spikes (featured in budget living this month, yay!) to great little monkey book markers, patina is your place for fun pieces to add a little fun to your design world. most of these pieces should def be added to your collection with care- too many of these and your house might start to look like a little kid's room, but added in playfully, they can add a little whimsy to your nest. (they'd work well in an actual kids room too).

the bulls*&% stamp is perfect for days when you feel like saying just that to whomever just handed you a stack of busywork to do; the desktop garden is perfect for those who favor real gardens over zen sand boxes. and then of course, i've gotta throw in a pillow for good taste. you can find everything at patina stores online. have fun!

lillian vernon

that's right i said it, lillian vernon. i know, sort of the last thing i'd expect to put on my website, but hey, sometimes you can find fun, affordable design in the most unlikely of places.

coming from the hometown of a HUGE lillian vernon factory outlet (where everyone gets a seasonal job with them), it's hard to forget this company that seemed to cram our mailbox with an absurd amoung of mailers every week (the likes of which not seen until the days of garnet hill....three catalogs a week is TOO MUCH, gh!). but after checking my bank account and realizing my summer design budget was a bit more, well, budgeted than i thought, i figured i should try to find some pieces that would be kind to my wee sponge budget.

most of the finds from lillian and vernon came from their dining section. i'm sort of a freak about colored plastic, so i was in cheap fun design girl heaven. they have millions of affordable plastic goodies just asking to be bagged and shipped. for the table? great colored plastic goblets (12 for $25), colorful melamine mixing bowls (6 for $30), super cool colored plastic mini icecube trays (perfect for kitties' water bowl in summer, 2 for $10) and some lovely plastic food containers ($6). none of this is you know, super high design, but i've always thought simple and functional deserved just as much attention as pricier pieces. so, check out the goods at lillian vernon- your home for affordable, colorful, plastic tableware. woohoo!

the KING

super cute and oh so target. the el-vis screw stool (sounds kinda dirty) is available at the target red hot shop this week. everything in the shop is available for a limited time only so hurry if you want one. for $80 you can grab one of these super cute stools that doubles as an occasional table and opens to reveal hidden storage space (also unscrews for a taller seat). available online in half white and half green, red, pink, orange or black at target's red hot shop. hooray for affordable design!

hafazim

i found this cool israeli site via budget living (one of my fav mags, despite the fact that i can't stand their new image. i liked the old funkier funnier image. it was more in line with cheap goods.). they deliver to the us and their delivery rates are, for the most part, quite reasonable (they also have a store in vancouver). isn't the internet cool? you can order goods from an israeli home goods store. too cool.

hafazim is an israeli company that produces and markets home accessories. their name comes from the hebrew word, "hafatzim" that has two divergent branches of meaning: one is "objects," "things" or "belongings"; the other is "wishes" or "desires."

my favorites from the site are some beautiful cast iron cookware pieces (pricey, but not overwhelmingly pricey. love the chartreuse), cute yellow trash cans that could be used in any number of ways (trash cans, laundry bins, funky outdoor planters, toy containers...) and a great cherry lounger that budget living featured (in canada only at the moment). most of the pieces are affordable (although obviously shipping will add a fair amount to the bill) and well designed, so click on by and take a look. it's always fun when the internet brings far away places a little bit closer.

time out ny KIDS

i am bubbling over with joy this morning for several reasons. first, i got to spend the weekend with my wonderful, wonderful parents to celebrate my birthday (i miss you and love you so much!). second, i scored a goal in our hockey game this week (take that, pork fried rice!). and last but not least, my piece for time out ny kids is out!! it looks FAN-TAS-TIC. i could not have had more fun working on a piece. ever. it was seriously the most fun i've had working with a magazine yet. their writers and art directors were unbelievably friendly and helpful and as enthusiastic about the piece as i was. the piece "spongeworthy" is featured in the july/august issue of time out ny kids and featured 4 pages of wonderful kids design. i am just so excited. if you can check out a copy, please do- this is just so exciting for me. thanks again to lana and the time out ny kids crew for taking a chance on this little sponge. i had so much fun.

the big 2-4

today is my birthday so posting will be light (see below), sorry. i'm at work but plan to take time to get a pedicure and manicure and celebrate being almost in my mid-twenties. my parents are coming in tomorrow so i won't be posting on friday. i hope you all have a wonderful weekend and thank you again for all your sweet notes about the passing of my cat, muffin. xo, d*s

update: my wonderful ac took me out to dinner last night at the super delicious "the grocery" in carroll gardens. it was beyond wonderful. and to top it off he bought me a beautiful, beautiful pair of earrings by melissa joy manning. but the real gift was being with him.

sun in my eyes

i'm listening to my hockey teammate mark mcadam's cd and thinking of the beach. it's just one of those days when i feel the need to revel in all things calm and peaceful. so, designs that reflect the serenity and beauty of nature are on my mind...

vivavi is a great "city hippy" store that carries all sorts of eco-minded items from companies like roost, nature girl and scrapile. my favorites are from the excellent roost collection: beachy, worn-in kiri picture frames, earthy tatami floor pillows and wonderfully shiny aluminum flower buckets. each one perfect for a day on the sun porch, enjoying the summer weather.

vivavi also carries this funny little island table set that is especially beachy in my opinion. reminds me of water and sand and all things island-y. (made of sustainable wood, and super pricey). you can find more info on all things earthy and wonderful at vivavi right here. enjoy.

ona

i love these bowls. i love the carved texture of the exterior and the playful design on the inside. made by aida dirse, this hand-built whiteware is decorated with pigments and transparent glaze. (food safe. hand wash). $39 at ona online.

salt water blues

even though i've been in brooklyn for awhile now, it's still weird not to be able to have my birthday on the beach. i miss sandy feet, salt water hair and that hot drive in the car back to the house. so, in lieu of my beachy home town, i'll celebrate with these beachy products from velocity art and design: glass coral ($33) and glass urchin vases ($9-13) from roost, followed by "sea" scented candles from ergo ($25). ah...the beach.

super luxe

these pillows are gorgeous. yes, super pricey (upwards of $100 a piece), but they are made from luxurious silks that scream elegance and refinement. a little grown-up for me, but one day when i have a house that i know is free from cats that tear things and people that spill things (ie: me), i'll invest in things like this. but if that person is you already, check out the beautiful work of michele varian. it's simply stunning. more info on michele here.

two graces in a pod

praise be to grace jeffers and her excellent taste in seating. after we both fawned all over the flight stool for pantone at icff (from barber osgerby), she found it online. it's a limited edition piece, but you can click here for more info on purchase. the collection consists of 8 different color sets with 6 different gradations of color in each set. too cute. would look awesome in an art room/classroom, children's room, grade school...

pantone also has a line of stationery and office supplies available at the conran shop in ny. if you're a color freak like me, this is happy news. no info on pricing, but i'll find it asap.

paper monkey press

i really like paper monkey press. i just framed one of their cards last night. it's a cute little chartreuse bird print that says "crush(ed)". it looks oh so cute in our "hallway". paper monkey has some great little card sets for sale on their site ($10 for 7 cards) including these cute thank you cards. available right here.

sprout home

cream of the "new" crop at sprout home: tear vases ($14-$33), vintage bird pillows ($66), new garden belts ($60) and egglings ($8.95)- (all of these can be found in the "new arrivals" section at sprout home online).

i'm a huge fan of some of their existing pieces as well- namely the standing log lamps ($70-80). super cute.

you can see sprout's full collection right here. enjoy, see you tomorrow.

on the lookout...

mixko's new "1st class rug" is cute and clearly created by people with a sense of humor. it's not available yet, but keep an eye out- they're looking for a manufacturer and i'm sure they'll find one...i'll update with prices and locations when they do.

cool commercial

wonderful d*s reader, margaret passed on this sweet ad to me. yes, it's an ad, but sometimes it's just too cute to pass up (and i'm an ad freak). watch the short clip, it's really worth it. (see above, people making people) if only to add a little smile to your day. [thanks, margaret!]

boygirlparty

i love these little handmade pouches from boygirlparty. they're $14 a piece and available online right here. you can also check out boygirlparty at the renegade craft fair this month!

stained glass

i never really thought i liked stained glass, accept in an art history way, you know, churches, cathedrals, next slide, next slide...but i actually really like this contemporary stained glass available (pre-made or commission) at annabuilt.com (i like the colorgrids).

it's part mondrian, part modern. i love the colors and the idea of having a tiny corner of my room filled with beautiful squares of colored light. pricing is available via email, but i think it's a really cool idea if you're in the market for a way to add some color to your apt or house. i know stained glass isn't new, but i like this contemporary take on it. and in a design industry that seems hell bent on putting out more bent ply and "ironic talking pieces" in your home (lookin at you, philippe starck), this is a wonderfully cheery, colorful and un-ironic piece that will add happiness for years to come. more info at annabuilt.com (annabuilt will be at renegade craft fair, too!)

jewelry 101

i love this jewelry, it's from 101 jewelry design, a rhode island based design studio that will be a vendor at this year's renegade craft fest (go!). fairly affordable (pieces run from about $50 to $150) and definitely beautiful, these pieces are one of a kind and have a sort of fun spunky-ness to that that i can't get enough of. buy online (and find more info) right here.

renegade craft fair!!

hear ye, hear ye, one and all- i have a wonderfully exciting announcement to make: the third annual renegade craft fair is almost here!! hooray! the renegade craft fair is an edgy D.I.Y. event showcasing a ton of the coolest crafts from all over the country. sue blatt and kathleen habbley came up with this event after searching for venues to sell our own stuff. they couldn't find anything that appealed to them...other fairs seemed too stuffy...so theyjust decided to start their own. now they're in their third year and touring to other cities.

this year's (ny) fair will be held in brooklyn on saturday + sunday, june 25 + 26 from 10:30 am - 5:00 pm, in mccarren park (which is located at n. 12th st and bedford ave). ( there's also a fair in chicago this fall, sept 24 and 25 in wicker park!)

why should you go and what will be there? well, first, diy, independent design is fantastic- there are a TON of amazing designers out there who deserve some recognition. what can you find? well, you'll see all sorts of cool crafty stuff...knitting, jewelry, sewn items, paper goods, silkscreened items, woodworking, comics, zines, cosmetics...you name it! can't beat it!

so, check out the renegade craft fair online for more info. hooray for diy, indie design!

pop pop fizz fizz

sometimes baths are a nice way to calm down and let go of some stress. in my case, i'm a lush geek, totally fond of their bath bombs. but, i also love this packaging- rx bath cubes available at wishingfish. $6.50 a piece in 6 different varieties.

push pull

cute drawer pulls from nest. not brand new, but definitely cute. $5 a pop. perfect way to cheer up a kids room.

suzanne myers

thanks everyone for your support yesterday. it was a long day, but i guess it's good to know that muffin isn't in any pain anymore. still, it's just so sad. so, posts might be a little light today, but i wanted to share some beautiful jewelry from suzanne myers. ms. myer's website is still a work in progress, but you can find her work at the online boutique, public I.

suzanne's work is elegant and modern with subtle touches of earthy stones and shimmery silver. it's simple but is still able to make a statement, which is my kinda jewelry. it's a bit on the pricier side of (my) jewelry budget ($80-140), but is beautiful enough to splurge on. so, if you're in the market for some new summer jewelry, cruise on by public I and check out suzanne's work.

sad day

my childhood pet, muffin, a beautiful tabby cat, is being put to sleep today. she was 15. no posts for awhile today, need some time to just think.

matches and mints

for those of you who hate to carry around tacky mint or gum containers (clearly not a serious matter, but you know, sometimes it's nice if wrappers are cute)- fred flare's cute mint and matchbox sets. affordable and perfect for adding a little design dash to the inside of your bag.

from the files of....

"if only i had more money". i am sickeningly obsessed with this table from brooklyn's own brave space design. i've been a huge fan of their work since i first stumbled upon it not so long ago, but i just saw this table in person at a GREAT new home store on my street (brooklyn FLAT on lorimer and ainslie in williamsburg) and fell in love. it's sadly way way above my price range, but not for some of you i'm sure (i think it's around 4k).

the bamboo slide table is painfully cool. it slides and morphs into all different types of space saving configurations. some of you may be like, morphing table, big deal. but really, you have to see it in action to appreciate it's full amazing-ness. it's just badass. that's right, badass. it's perfect for a kitchen island or additional surface room those of us with limited space. it has a bottle rack, a cutting board (in one of the hidden sliding drawers), and slides out to become longer and well, it does a million other super awesome things. you'll just have to see it in person. so, check out brave space's website and drop em a line to see if they're anywhere near you. if you're in brooklyn i highly suggest dropping by brooklyn FLAT on my street. it rules. as does this table.

placesandspaces

i love placesandspaces- great little online boutique based in the uk. they carry some great home accessories (although a little light on the pillows for this pillow lover) and designs by local artists that are definitely worth checking out.

i cruised by their "what's new" section and found these guys: cream of the "new" crop in my opinion (new to p&s, not the market nec.): great chandy from flos and decanter by citterio.

not new but still cool: cork stools for moooi by jasper morrison (i'm loving cork right now) and the super cool snowdrift carpet from amazed (it has a tire track imprint in what looks like a "snow" carpet. click here for more from placesandspaces.

absolute zero degrees

had to share this- new wallpaper designs ("bees" and "dandelions") from uk design group absolute zero degrees. available at placesandspaces. it's a little hard to see the patterns well, but i love these pictures.

because i love chocolate

sometimes it just happens to work out that i get to celebrate a product for two reasons. in this case it's because i a) love chocolate to death and b)love great packaging design. mariebelle chocolates are elegant, well-packaged and have a distinct look to them that is utter mariebelle. even the chocolates themselves are decorated with tiny patterns and scenes. they're pure decadence. i just wanted to start friday with a shout out to gorgeous chocolate and the lovely packaging it comes in. [thanks mark for the inspiration!]

a fortes design

busy-being is a great little online boutique, through which i've discovered a ton of great designers. this time, busy-being brought a fortes design to me- via an email from ms. a fortes herself, janessa bautista.

janessa's work is simple, graphic and has a wonderfully organic line to it (ala lotta jansdotter). her pieces are playful and elegant at the same time- each pattern (there are four to choose from) uses basic lines and simple designs to create an overall effect that is earthy but still decidedly urban.

when she's not creating gorgeous pillows (yes, i know i have a major pillow fetish), janessa is riding her bike around new york, enjoying the sunny summer weather. this summer she'll be teaching a course on natural dyeing at the university of oregon, where she graduated with a degree in textile design. more info on a fortes design right here.

bleach

bleach is a portuguese design firm that carries some pretty cool products. i'm not sure if they're carried in the states yet (anyone know?), but i'm trying to find out (i think the cork stool might be at matter in brooklyn). so, until i hear more, this is for you- d*s readers in portugal....

bleach is riding the cork wave with two new pieces made from the earthy material (one of my favs): a cute little stool (similar to one made by one of our clients) and a vase i LOVE. i don't know prices, but i'm sure they're up there. but this is just a sorta "hey, this is cool looking!" post.

one side note: the website says that "your life will be changed once you know these objects"- not sure about that, but it's worth checking out (be sure to turn the music off, it's kinda annoying).

artsy cards

gorgeous cards from tall cow design, a new jersey based design company that makes beautiful cards in two sizes- each is hand silk-screened on premier paper (they make lovely framed works of art as well). available at stores all over, click here for locations.

area home

area home is a wonderful nyc based bedding company that produces beautiful modern linens for the home. a more subdued alternative to dwell (although i do love dwell), area provides the same modern look, but with slightly more subtle patterns. don't get me wrong, my favorite patterns from area are their bright, graphic ones, but they do provide a beautiful range of more elegant, traditional linens that are perfect for those wary of a bed that screams "I'M MODERN!" too loudly.

area introduced some lovely new colors and patterns this spring, and i'm mad about their lilac and turqouise "flow" pattern. it's big, bold and bright, but, paired with solid linens it adds just the right amount of PUNCH to a room.

area also also carries some more traditional patterns like laika and nova that add a wonderful sense of serenity to your bedroom. all in all, you can't go wrong with any of their choices, so check them out and see if you find something for your home. enjoy!

cute summer finds

more fun stuff from wishing fish...

great summer picnic basket for when the crappy weather finally lets up and you can escape to the park for some wine and cheese. (and for only $24, why not?)

also, super cute french napkins (ala french touche) for only $26 bucks! i'm signing up for those right now. more info at wishing fish.

clio home: update

i always like to check in with my favorite stores to see what's new. soho sweethearts, clio home, have a few new pieces that i just had to share.

the black forest tableware series is simple and elegant enough to make a wonderful design statement on any table. made in germany from fine bone china, the series consists of a platter, small and large serving bowl, dinner, salad and soup plate, small bowl, cup and saucer and some gorgeous vases. a bit on the pricey side, but they are simple and sophisticated enough to be pieces that will last you through the years.

clio home also added a cute glass bird vase (i know, enough with the birds) made in brooklyn. it's $125 bucks, but if you're in the market for a nice bird vase, clio's got you covered. more info on all things clio home right here.

last minute must have...

great new wallpapers from mibo- available at velocity art and design online. not super cheap, but definitely super cool.

sweet tooth

it's a sunny day, i'm headed to lush and all is right with the world. and to top it off fast company mentioned me in their "more intelligent design" feature. yes, they did call me over-enthusiastic and sugary, but hey, i've been called worse. hope you all have a lovely afternoon and i'll see you in the morning. just an aside, i don't actually work at vitra, just a firm that does their pr consulting. common misunderstanding.

kelly kelly kelly

i love this kelly green ipod case from fred flare. a bit on the pricey side ($75) in my opinion, but i love the color and efficiency of it all. i hate wallets and purses, so i love the idea that this at least combines the wallet/ipod case thing into one less contraption. available at fred flare, right here.

french touche

thank goodness for airports. sometimes i'm so bored while waiting for a flight that i'll buy upwards of 5 or 6 shelter/gossip/fashion magazines (that's right, i have no shame, i buy us weekly) to pass the time. thank goodness our flight was long, because it inspired me to pick up lucky (i usually stick to domino when it comes to conde nast shopping glossies). lucky profiled the most fantastic french online boutique (you know me an my obsession with all things french) that ships internationally. hooray! so...here goes. [thank you, lucky!]

editor's note: although don'tcha know- now that i'm picking things out, some are available in store only- so if anyone lives in france, please drop me a line, i will seriously pay you to send me some of these things. i HAVE to have some of this stuff. please? pretty please? save this sad sad sponge.

french touche carries a gorgeous selection of delicate porcelain tabletop accessories- be sure to check out the tiny bowls and salt cellars (well, im assuming that's what they are, that's what i'd use them for). they could also be used for jewelry or something i guess. either way, they're painfully cute (i love the insect, clover and feather pieces). i love the insect motif. so summery.

in addition to cute ceramics, check our their gorgeous lamp/lamp shade collection- so elegant and so worth the shipping costs. i love the japenese inspired wall lamp- one of my "must haves" that i will give my first born to have sent to me from france (ok, not my first born...).

ok, is it insane to consider going to paris for one store...? anyway, more info on french touche here. be sure to click "maison" or cut to the chase and select the english version on the top right. hooray for intl shipping of fantastic french design!

hippity hop

super cute bunny mobile, new at modernseed. super affordable and super cute, since we're talking about babies...

posh babies

i don't have a baby, but if you do, this site might be of some help. joining the likes of sparkability, cocoa crayon and modernseed comes honey for the bear- a cute little children's boutique online. specializing more in clothing than furniture and toys like the others, honey for the bear carries some cute, design-conscious baby products that won't put you out of house and home. my favorite? the "posh baby" changing towel and blanket ($30 and $44, respectively). check out more honey for the bear right here.

summer in the city

i produced a "must haves" section for city magazine's summer 2005 issue. picnic theme. you can tell which pieces are mine...think cheap and that will help. here's the link (it's up now). if you're at a magazine stand, check out the summer 2005 issue. their redesign has been pretty successful.

cuckoo

passed to me by a very nice d*s reader, this site carries italian clocks and home accessories. my favorite of the lot is this unique take on a cuckoo clock. very basic, but very cute. the prices are high (there is a $75 handling fee??) as they are being sent from italy to the us, but perhaps this piece could serve as inspiration for some home-spun versions? i bet someone out there could make a great piece inspired by this one. anyway, be back soon!