Seasoned to Taste

Are you my new spring jacket?

2010-03-25T09:33:00.002-04:00

I need a present.

Too much money, at net-a-porter.com.

Full frontal

2010-01-12T12:42:00.005-05:00

Beautiful and plain, grandma-inspired aprons from Ice Milk Aprons come in rustic colors like oatmeal and toast.

Waist, $55. Full, $85; Images from icemilkaprons.com

Funny people

2010-01-10T16:51:00.004-05:00

For those who don't take themselves too seriously, illustrated calling cards from Rifle Paper Co...

Image courtesy from riflepaperco.com

Nice to see you again.

2010-01-10T16:46:00.003-05:00

Pretty eyechart pillow makes me long for a nap. Designed by Heather Lins.
$89. Photo from gnr8.biz.

Monsters, inc.

2009-03-12T12:51:00.004-04:00

This may be the cutest children's toy idea I've ever seen: the Make Your Own Monster kit from North American Bear Co. turns kids' monster doodles into the real thing.

Grow your kitchen

2009-03-12T12:33:00.006-04:00

A few reasons to check out the Living Plants in the Kitchen gallery on Apartment Therapy's the kitchn blog.

niblets

2009-03-06T17:01:00.003-05:00

Yummy-looking treats from chef Jamie Oliver's webshop.

Check out his new publication Jamie Magazine (sadly not yet available for purchase in the US) on issuu.com.

Next on my reading list..

2009-03-05T13:32:00.003-05:00

Call me crazy, but reading cookbooks is easily as good as reading regular books sometimes. I am putting Marion Cunningham's The Breakfast Book on my must-buy list after this rave review from Diane Abrams on Gourmet.com.

Homemade Honey-Roasted Peanut Butter

2009-03-01T00:22:00.005-05:00

Peanuts, salt and a little help from the food processor. Mm hmm.
Recipe at JoytheBaker.

if i ever get around to it...

2009-03-01T00:08:00.003-05:00

I'd love to transform an old, raggedy t-shirt with one of these Sukie Iron-ons (look left)—from the bound collection by Darrell and Julia Gibbs. Or get organized with the Sukie address book (look right).

::sale shopping::

2009-02-28T22:46:00.011-05:00

Amazing staples from the Gargyle site.

Clockwise from top left: Annet13 shoe by Bstore, WW Scarf by Wood Wood, Cream Zebra Sunglasses by Linda Farrow, Dinha shoe by United Bamboo, Lilly May 35 shoe from Bstore, Uneck Minidress by Plastic Island (center), Collar Dress by Mjolk, Waist Belt by Karen Walker.

I feel fluttery

2009-02-06T15:29:00.002-05:00

Lifestyle and still life photos from Ron Hamad.

message in a bottle

2009-02-03T23:33:00.009-05:00

I can't stop clicking away at this quirky site for Francis Ford Coppola Encyclopedia Wines (their first-ever screw tops). Their team traveled to five well-known wine regions and kicked down some educational tidbits. I love the lexicon and the calendar feature, which lists wine events around the country.

An Apple a Day

2009-02-03T21:46:00.007-05:00

Usually I find the stickers on my apples a little obnoxious. Somehow they always end up attached to the edge of the sink or the kitchen floor—or me. But V-i-k Design Studio's letterpress poster gives them a nifty home.

For sale at their Etsy shop. Photos from Etsy.com.

If money grew on trees..

2009-01-19T22:12:00.005-05:00

I'd have stopped eyeing this beauty of a bag from NYC-based designer Lucia Nenickova months ago. Taunting me, for $1300, on the auto website.

Photo from thisisauto.com.

Zoology

2008-12-08T15:06:00.002-05:00

Sadly I can hardly read anything on this Japanese site, but I am in love with these silhouette-style Animal Indexes.

Photo from shop.h-concept.jp/.

'Oh, the places you'll sew..'

2008-11-12T13:07:00.001-05:00

Spurn those corner store postcards. On your next travel adventure, send home these stiching notecards sold at UncommongGoods.com Made of paper and a pre-drawn map, they come with strings and needles for customizing a trail of where you've been.

.
Photo from uncommongoods.com.

On Layaway

2008-10-27T15:57:00.001-04:00

Sweet and cushy Layaway house shoe from eco brand Simple Shoes.. They're made with organic cotton and natural rubber.

Photo from simpleshoes.com.

happy softie fish

2008-10-26T22:36:00.001-04:00

Meet Alphonse and friends..
Can't even handle the sweetness of these little stuffed fish from the Flora Douville shop on Etsy. The description says they're one of a kind, made with vintage buttons and stuffed with organic British wool.

Photo from Etsy.com.

And speaking of trees..

2008-10-26T22:25:00.002-04:00

I'm adoring this Axe Silhouette and Tree Pin by another Canadian designer, Anneke van Bommel. From goodeggshop.com.

Photos from goodeggshop.com.

Loving these logs..

2008-10-26T22:12:00.001-04:00

These woodsy-meets-glossy Log Bowls would be amazing anywhere..

Never a dull day

2008-10-26T21:03:00.001-04:00

Just found these cute, colorful paper goods from the Etsy webshop Edesse Designs. Love that their pages are all made with recycled and reclaimed white, newsprint, graph and sketch papers.

Left to right: Fried egg book, 2009 Doughtnut Desktop Calendar, hand-stitched Meaty Book.

Photos from Etsy.com.

Business As Usual

2008-10-26T20:28:00.002-04:00

Untitled watercolor by artist Michele Bosak, who apparently also goes by 'Mimi.'

Photo from michelebosak.com.

Carried Away

2008-10-08T15:29:00.002-04:00

Take these little felt
pouches anywhere.
From the webshop
at Hable Construction.

Black and White

2008-10-08T15:22:00.000-04:00

...skeleton, fishnet, and deco cubes pillows from Ortolan Organic.

In the cards

2008-10-07T21:55:00.001-04:00

This colorful Matryoshka stationary has a touch of nostalgia. Spotted for sale at the Collected by Tas-ka webshop.

Playthings

2008-10-07T21:44:00.000-04:00

BlaBla cotton toys... for you or the kiddies.

From left to right: Dog doll, Andiamo; Cat doll, Sandwich; and Bear Doll, Bamboo, from Milkshop.

For my chickadees

2008-10-07T21:30:00.001-04:00

Pretty in pink wool scarf from Canadian designer Virginia Johnson.

From auto.

Leenie and Edmee, thanks for the boost.

Around the house

2008-04-14T16:12:00.001-04:00

Fuzzy Marimekko slippers from FinnStyle.com.

Pie time

2008-03-03T21:08:00.000-05:00

These mini apple pies are too cute! Recipe and pic from eggs on sunday.

Ficucia for you

2008-03-03T19:54:00.002-05:00

Magnetic vases and candleholders from Ficucia are something to play with when you get the itch to redecorate. From A+R Store.

Greetings

2008-03-02T11:14:00.000-05:00

Say hi to your foodie friends. Carrot card from YH Ltrpress.

From Paper Studio

Portfolio

2008-03-02T10:55:00.001-05:00

Gorgeous food photography and styling by Beatrice Peltre.

Clockwise from top left: #31, #41, #33.

Via Design*Sponge.

Art for sale

2008-02-29T09:45:00.000-05:00

Over the sofa work from shopscad.com.

Clockwise from left: Portrait of a Sparrow - Katie Runnels; Golden Poppy Trio - Tiffany Taylor; Little Girl - Tamara Garveyasp; They're Glowing - Lorie Jean Corbus

From Ferm

2008-02-27T21:58:00.000-05:00

It might not fit in in on my walls, but this graphic light bulb wall sticker from Ferm Living caught my eye.

Ladylike

2008-02-27T21:21:00.001-05:00

Loving this throw-back print from Built by Wendy.

Left: Garden Flower A-Line Skirt; Right: Garden Flower Boatneck Dress

little chill

2008-02-20T22:11:00.000-05:00

It really is easier to bear the cold when you embrace it. So relish your rosy cheeks and treat yourself to a big scoop of ice cream. I'm dying to try this matcha soy milk recipe from My cake wardrobe.

I was sleeping

2008-02-20T21:51:00.000-05:00

My hibernation is over. But if I could do it again, I might wrap up in PLOVER organic's 100% organic cotton sheets. Shown here in my favorite prints brown leaves and plover.

Fashion Week: Proenza Schouler

2007-02-08T14:33:00.000-05:00

Proenza Schouler's show is highly ranked among my Fall 07 favorites..

all pictures taken from style.com

Photo by Shimon and Tammar

2007-02-07T23:25:00.000-05:00

Just liked these liquid shots from Shimon and Tammar Photography..

Monique Lhuillier

2007-02-07T22:08:00.000-05:00

Taking a break from bridal design, Monique Lhuillier dazzled us today with a sharp, other-worldly evening wear collection that will definitely make its way all over the red carpet this year.. I love her use of metallics with touches of ruffle.

Spring Satchels

2007-02-07T21:44:00.000-05:00

I'm really loving the latest looks in satchels. From left to right, Chloe's Edith Pocket Bowler, Givenchy's Carabelle Boston, Valentino's Braided Shoulder Bag.

left to right: pictures from NeimanMarcus.com, Barneys.com, BergdorfGoodman.com

hot chocolate bars

2007-02-07T21:06:00.000-05:00

I could use all the fuss about Valentine's Day as an excuse, but who am I kidding -- I just love chocolate. I prefer dark to milk, which is why I think these insanely rich Aztec Hot Chocolate Bars from the famous MarieBelle New York would hit the spot: the solid hot cocoa bars come in Original, Dark or Cafe Negro.

Booksfree

2007-02-07T17:12:00.000-05:00

This month, O magazine (lay off, we get it at work) tipped me off to Booksfree.com, a website that's basically the book version of Netflix. It's pretty self-explanatory, although the name's a little misleading -- the most basic price plan costs $8.49 and lets you borrow two books at a time.

More Fashion Week highlights

2007-02-07T16:12:00.000-05:00

Betsey Johnson is another show-stopper you can always depend on. Some shots from her Fall 07 line..

all pics from http://www.nymag.com

DIY Sprout Salads

2007-02-05T23:15:00.000-05:00

Pretty sprout salad kits from smp lab are easy to grow and fun to eat. Choose from broccoli, rucola, gram, sesame, cabbage, and good old alfafa sprouts.

Expect the unexpected

2007-02-05T22:52:00.000-05:00

Typically, I'm not a huge fan of Vera Bradley's collections. But I was pleasantly surprised to see some of the ways the line is expanding. Pictured here, some especially modern selections from their Baekgaard Collection.

It's slim pickins at NY Fashion Week

2007-02-05T22:35:00.000-05:00

New York Fall Fashion Week 07 is in full swing, and I have to say... I'm a little bit bored. Thankfully, superstar Diane von Furstenberg keeps things interesting.

(all images from NYmag.com)

love these links

2007-01-31T00:31:00.000-05:00

So many ways to add to the fun of dressing up. These cufflinks from ACME Studio really pop...

Genevieve Gauckler

2007-01-31T00:08:00.000-05:00

According to her ProductOfGod gallery profile, illustrator and graphic designer Genevieve Gauckler's work has always been influenced by the colorful packaging on her favorite childhood cereals. One of her most recent projects includes commercial work for Beck's latest album and his website. This "Max and Jules" digital print is whimsical but puts me at ease.

hankie panky

2007-01-30T23:45:00.000-05:00

These cotton handkerchiefs from London-based Sukie are cute and edgy with playful themes. As hankies or scarves, I like their unisex appeal..

La la la..

2006-11-10T22:04:00.000-05:00

Recent doodlings from Spanish illustrator Alex Noriega's sketch-blog.

Say Ahh

2006-11-08T14:35:00.000-05:00

Flower waters have to be one of the most soothing and refreshing products in today's beauty market. These organic varieties by Chantecaille are made with invigorating essences like cooling Orange Blossom and spicy Mediterranean Rosemary, a major step up from the traditional rose.

Seeds of Change

2006-11-06T12:19:00.001-05:00

Birdseed Fall leaves from Smith & Hawken.

BYO

2006-11-06T12:19:00.000-05:00

Coffee in the morning, lunch to-go, trips to the market-- there are many parts of your weekly routine that produce unnecessary garbage. Replacing or reusing your bags, napkins and other items can be one of the easiest ways to reduce your impact on the environment. Here are some little things that will make a big difference...

Left to right, top to bottom: custimizable market tote from Timbuk2.com; collapsable European market tote from SurLaTable.com; plastic bag dryer from Greenfeet.com; hemp cone coffee filters from Greenfeet.com; lunch tote from BuiltNYC.com

Koziol

2006-10-09T22:01:00.000-04:00

When I read a Mocoloco.com entry about German design company Koziol, at the time I didn't even realize I already owned several of their products. Koziol's playful renditions of everyday items are so cute they're squeal-worthy.

Clockwise from top left: Audrey tea strainer; Coco cake knife; Oliver stirring spoon; Kai dental floss dispenser.

Barefoot Contessa Pantry

2006-09-27T22:33:00.000-04:00

Even the greatest bakers would cut an occasional corner--that is, if they didn't have to sacrifice on taste. These ready-made mixes from the Barefoot Contessa Pantry are literally too good to be true. Not only can you whip up a a fantastic breakfast, meal or dessert in no time, but you can finally try Ina Garten's signature dishes like her famous chocolate ganache.

I'm sorry, but...

2006-09-27T21:58:00.000-04:00

...don't you just love Fall!?!

Turkey Tealight from Sur La Table.

Wish List

2006-09-23T12:18:00.000-04:00

Recent infatuations from Intermix.

From Left: Chloe, Michael Kors, Delman.

Mini Prints

2006-09-23T11:56:00.000-04:00

Tiny artwork on sale at Jon Buonaccorsi and Shea'la Finch's Tiny Showcase online. All prints are sold in limited edition, a new one added to the site every week, and each can be purchased for around the unbelievably reasonable price of a CD.

From Left: "Rocking Us Gently" by Ric Stultz; "Submit to Danger or to Silence and Invisibility: one" by Kelley Mc Carthy; "A Boy with Wings" by deth sun.

Bark

2006-09-23T11:42:00.000-04:00

If I didn't just buy a new teapot, I would definitely get my hands on this adorable cast iron and enamel one from Bark. With a removable infuser for loose tea, you can use it to brew a batch or simply as a kettle.

In the Raw

2006-09-23T11:27:00.000-04:00

Apparently I'm a little late to jump on the bandwagon, but "raw" ice cream is becoming all the rage among health-conscious gourmet foodies. Available at One Lucky Duck, an alternative lifestyle website by Pure Food and Wine restauranteur Sarma Melngailis (say that five times fast), raw ice cream is a dream come true for the vegan with a sweet tooth. Made from a base of cashews and coconuts and sweetened with nothing but raw agave nectar, this dairy-free ice cream sacrifices nothing in taste to the traditional. In fact, with flavors like Vanilla Mint Raw Cacao Chip (that's one), Almond Buttercup, Honey-Fig, Blueberry and Chocolate Brownie, sounds like they may have one up on the competition.

Visit OneLuckyDuck.com or Call 212.982.1231

GT & CL

2006-09-14T20:41:00.000-04:00

The name is not the most creative one I've heard (initials of designers Genie Tang and Cindy Lam), but the new line of women's bags from GT & CL are definitely worth noticing. Their sophisticated wool and leather bags are feminine takes on the classic brief case and are the perfect size for books, magazines and papers.

Wild Child

2006-09-13T00:31:00.000-04:00

For the designer with racy taste.

Noir Wine Decanter by Vellum; White Ponyskin Bowl by Airedelsurl; Snake Platters by Kiln Enamel; Fur Vases by Edwina Hunt - all from Vivre.com.

I'm back!

2006-09-13T00:09:00.000-04:00

My apologies for the unannounced gap! (I've missed you, too.) But I'm happy to announce that I finally moved into Brooklyn at the beginning of the month and have been busy getting myself settled. The neighborhood is a dream and my apartment is like one big gorgeous antique! Of course, the decorating has begun (did you think I could wait!?). I am overwhelmingly inspired by the apartment's old wide-plank oak flooring and colossal windows, so as of now I've started with a mix of elegant country and flea market chic. More to come...

Mint Condition

2006-08-20T15:28:00.000-04:00

Inspired by vintage form, pattern and fit, Jodi Arnold's Mint Collection is flirty with a soft, boutique-y air. Clips from the Fall 06 collection that redefine femininity.

Oldies But Goodies

2006-08-11T20:33:00.000-04:00

Add depth and texture to a dull space with striking vintage wallpapers. Below: lively patterns from Secondhand Rose.

Simply Stated

2006-08-11T12:00:00.000-04:00

Basic but glamorous, Geren Ford's fall collection is seriously dreamy.

Verithé

2006-07-31T00:05:00.000-04:00

Fine tea producer Verithé brings something new to the table -- exciting ways to create your own tea-time rituals. Their tea candy lollipops, which combine the finest Asian teas and an organic rosemary stick, and their Japanese tea burners provide delightful new ways to enjoy the world's most popular beverage.

Perfect Pairs

2006-07-24T00:56:00.000-04:00

Two shoe posts in three days can only mean one thing: a shoe binge is coming...

Clockwise from top left: Seychelles from TheShoeHive.com, Lulu Guiness from TheShoeHive.com, the Carlen shoe in Ivory Patent from NineWest.com, Cynthia Rowely from TheShoeHive.com.

Be Jeweled

2006-07-24T00:25:00.000-04:00

Cover yourself in pretty little things from DeJarnette New Orleans.

Clockwise from top left: Brooch necklace, wrought iron earrings, Madame neclace, Ruffle Lace Earrings.

Foot Fetish

2006-07-21T15:33:00.000-04:00

So obsessed with shoes you think you've seen it all? These C-Label kicks from LA's Bleu Clothing are made to surprise and delight.

Bigger Baubles

2006-07-21T10:47:00.000-04:00

Although dainty is "in" in jewelry, there is still room for some ultra-refined chunkier pieces.

All from Anthropology.com.

The Space Between

2006-07-21T02:32:00.000-04:00

Even keeping to the simplest of shapes, innovative storage concepts are really stacking up in the design world.

It doesn't matter if you're...

2006-07-21T02:06:00.000-04:00

...classic or modern. Small twists on traditional designs from Philippe Starck (bottom) and Rodolfo Doroni turn chic modern pieces into instant classics.

En-light-ening

2006-07-21T01:33:00.000-04:00

Designers for San Francisco-based company Jadora turn international inspirations into universally lovable designs.

In Bloom

2006-07-05T17:30:00.000-04:00

(View from inside cup)

Hand sewing leaves into "blooming" teas is an ancient Chinese art form, or so they say at Adagio Teas. Their display teas, available in black and jasmine-infused green teas, unfurl to reveal gorgeous flowering designs.

Attention to Details

2006-06-30T10:29:00.000-04:00

You'll look forward to the little things with these quirky lifestyle accessories from Scandinavian Details.

Clockwise from top left: Iris Candlestick; Warm Short Walnut Teapot by Tony Alfstrom and Brian Keaney; Skull Sponge; Ole Juice Pitcher/Lemon Squeezer by Ole Jensen; Ultima Thule Cocktail Set by Tapio Wirkkala

It's Only Natural

2006-06-28T22:51:00.000-04:00

Don't jump to conclusions--this is not your average bar of soap. In fact, it's not a bar of soap at all. Natural skincare and cosmetic company J.Lynne wants you to know that "the benefits of all natural ingredients don't have to be limited to your skin!" Their shampoo bars are bursting with pure cleansers and conditioners in eight delicious fragrances. Above is the Sage and Sweetgrass shampoo, but other choices include Ginger Beer, Honey Almond and soothing Chamomile Citrus. All leave you with healthy, conditioned hair and no waste.

Off the Rocker

2006-06-26T22:30:00.000-04:00

These cushy modern rockers add a the right mix
of softness and pop to any room.

All from Ducduc available at http://www.designpublic.com/

Matter of Hat

2006-06-26T19:28:00.000-04:00

Colored, textured or simply straw, the floppy hat is a must-have accessory for summer.

From left to right: Lookout Hat, Harlequin Hat, Queen of the May Hat, Place in the Sun Hat - all from Anthropologie

Frau Liebe

2006-06-25T14:29:00.000-04:00

Vintage housewares and accessories from Frau Liebe are all "handmade and preloved" flea market treasures.

Clockwise from top left: Apple Mixing Pot; Bright Blue Coffee Pot; 80's Ear Clips; Veggie Plate.

Tamar Mogendorff

2006-06-25T14:16:00.000-04:00

Unique vintage fabric dolls from Tamar Mogendorff are made with love using antique buttons, beads, threads and wool in varied combinations with old linens and pashmina. Available at Seedhouse Showroom in NYC.

Angel Jackson

2006-06-04T22:41:00.000-04:00

Designer Angel Jackson brings something new to the table with a 1960's-inspired collection that's both everyday casual and strikingly glamorous.

Clockwise from top left: Bordeaux tote; Polanski Passport Cover and Luggage Label; The Jai in yellow; Quick Get Away weekend bag

Nice Shades

2006-05-30T20:13:00.000-04:00

To every style-conscious soul on the planet, warm weather means
more time to wear your shades. These sweet vintage aviators from
Screaming Mimi's will make a classic addition to your ever-growing
collection.

Clockwise from top left: 80's Oversized Shades, 70's Plastic Rim Aviators, 80's Straight Bar Aviators, 70's Mirrored Aviators.

Paul Smith World Cup Collection

2006-05-30T19:54:00.000-04:00

World Cup fever has begun, and London designer Paul Smith is no exception to the craze. His 100% leather and moc croc (middle) designer 'footballs' are not recommended for outdoor use but are a great way to kickoff the World Cup season.

Walk Like A Man

2006-05-23T23:21:00.000-04:00

When you can't stand the idea of a stuffy dress shoe this summer but you can't skimp on style, slip into something a little more comfortable. The subtle detailing and luxurious materials on these summer sneakers will make you want to strut your stuff.

Clockwise from top left: Alife NYC The Gator White Slip on Shoe from http://www.karmaloop.com/products.asp?ProductID=11092&VendorCode=ALI; Gravis LowdownSlip On from http://store.burton.com/gear/products.asp?productID=4530&shortMaterialNumber=G7052101; 96 Hours Fase footwear from http://store.puma.com/pumaUSStore/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=96hoursUS&category%5Fname=Men%27s+Footwear&product%5Fid=34303903&productType=&mainCategory=Men%27s+Footwear&shopBy=item&siteid=4; Alife NYC Everybody Low in Gator Tan from http://www.revolveclothing.com/productpages/ALIF-MZ7.jsp

Michelle DaRin

2006-05-20T18:00:00.000-04:00

It's easy to see that Michelle DaRin's necklaces are one-of-a-kind. In collaboration with her partner James DaRin, the artist creates unequaled fine jewelry meant to reflect her love of art, nature and music. Her semi-precious stone necklaces make for pieces that are well... precious.

Oui Oui

2006-05-19T09:33:00.000-04:00

We all know that Hermes has some seriously stunning men's and women's accessories. But who knew they carried such a great little line of tabletop goods with a European touch.

Sole, Sister

2006-05-17T23:47:00.000-04:00

You may not think you're the boating shoe type. But cute shoes are cute shoes. (Hey, did you ever think Keds would be the new thing again?) With some minor changes in material, shape and color, Keep Company has totally remade the classic Connecticut top-sider into a something of a fashion icon.

Worst Kept Secret

2006-05-14T14:24:00.000-04:00

Frank Warren leads a life filled with secrets. Not his own...the country's. What started out as a community art project has turned Warren into, as his publisher puts it, "the most trusted stranger in America." Each month thousands of Americans mail and email him their deepest secrets -- with a little artistic touch, of course. Warren has collected over 30,000 of these confessions, many of which he posts on his blog http://postsecret.blogspot.com/. Below are samples from his book PostSecret: Extraordinary Confessions from Ordinary Lives, published in 2005. It's no secret that America loves voyeurism.

Steeling the Show

2006-05-11T20:20:00.000-04:00

As far as decorating goes, I'm more of a country or vintage junky than a modern gal. But sometimes I feel like I'm missing the modern bandwagon. If you're not quite ready to go all-out modern, these mini-accents are a good (but small) way to get part of the action.

Clockwise from top left: Skeleton Chair from http://www.michaelaram.com, Cocktail shaker from Bauhaus Design at http://www.unicahome.com, Iron Globe from http://www.pier1.com, Coffix Thermo Espresso Cup by Blomus at http://www.unicahome.com.

Feeling Feminine

2006-05-10T23:25:00.000-04:00

These lavender sachets, ice pop makers and cute designs from UK lifestyle shop Plümo just make me feel girly.

Clockwise from top left: Vintage Lavender Birds, Black Wrap Dress, Anais Velvet Hair Band and Ice Lolly Makers.

Moyna Singh

2006-05-08T16:05:00.000-04:00

While her handcrafted bags and accessories are manufactured in India, Moyna Singh's stunning beaded and embroidered designs have developed undeniable universal appeal. Her adorable evening bags and beaded spring designs add the perfect amount of glam to your wardrobe.

Happy Birthday to me!

2006-05-08T14:19:00.002-04:00

This Saturday for my birthday, I had dinner at New York's Suba restaurant in the Lower East Side. We had a table in the intimate Grotto room, which seats diners above an illuminated pool. The menu by Chef Alex Urena (Blue Hill, Marseille) has contemporary Spanish influences but will really feel like home to the sophisticated New York palette. We devoured our appetizers-- the Tres Crudos, a mix of delicate tuna, salmon and scallop carpaccios with grapefruit, mint and chili lime sauces, and the Pulpo A La Gallega octopus salad. The layers of flavors from the citrus marinade, spicy tomato jam, and crunchy paprika potato crisps were a delightful surprise. We both had the lobster special, pan-roasted and served in-shell with a hearty paella cake on the side. And for dessert, fried chocolate-filled bunuelos with coconut sorbet was one of the best things I've ever put in my mouth. Wines by the glass, caraffe and bottle include a wealth of Spanish specialties as well as Spanish indigenous wines grown in other regions. Our friendly waitress recommended a scrumptious garnacha-syrah blend from the "Elegant and Balanced" section. Suba put the happy in my birthday. 109 Ludlow Street, NYC. 212.982.5714

Picture from http://www.nymetro.com by Olivia Boinet.

Scents of Design

2006-05-05T01:41:00.000-04:00

Designing for an impressive array of clients, Karim Rashid has had a total of over 2,000 objects in production. His talents range from interior design, to fashion, art and graphics, lighting and even DJ'ing. The above are samples of his packaging design for high profile perfumers.
Clockwise from top left: Issey Miyake Pour Hommes 2 in 1; Issey Miyake Women Summer Fragrance with Travel Case; Prescriptives Balance perfume; Estee Lauder perfume bottle.

Something to Talk About

2006-05-04T23:45:00.000-04:00

Here are a couple of bright ideas from design duo Chao-Hsien Kuo and Eero Hintsanen of Chao & Eero jewelry. The "Talk" and "Sign" collections, which blend playful icons with classic silver, take on a modern elegance that speaks for itself.

Clockwise from top left: Talk cufflinks, Talk tie clip, Smiling Face Sign Ring and Exclamation Sign Ring, all from http://www.chaoandeerojewel.com.

What a Hoot

2006-05-03T11:51:00.000-04:00

This winter I had the privelege of meeting and hanging out with Mike Gordon, and I swear it altered the nature of my dreams for weeks after. For those of you who don't know who Mike Gordon is, your life is about to change dramatically. And for those of you who do, prepare to wet yourself. The beloved bassist, who in his own words has pledged to live "a lifetime's journey of making things," has graced us with yet another opportunity to get inside his head. His newly launched website http://mikeHYPHENgordon.com contains brain-tickling archives of Mike's past film, art and musical projects as well as his recent news and tour dates. But, in traditional Mike Gordon style, the website goes sky high above and beyond the ordinary with goodies like a catalogue of some of Mike's most remarkable dreams, random "Factoids," anticipated lyrics and excerpts from his personal emails with buddies like the legendary Leo Kottke and Jon Fishman. It all makes me giddy, but Mike's timeline of his past haircuts and list of ideas that he managed to turn into realities actually makes me emotional. Don't miss out on calling the hotline number---the voice recording epitomizes Mike, and you can leave a message (within his hilarious guidelines, of course). I love this man.

Ticket to Ride

2006-05-03T00:59:00.000-04:00

All pessimism aside, there are always some drawbacks to the weather getting warmer. Pesky bugs and perma-sweat are the obvious ones for most, but for many the biggest bummer about summer is that it means the end of winter sports. Now, thanks to the Freebord, snowboarding can be a year-round sport. Freebord's outer edge wheels and swiveling center wheels are designed to mimick the omni-directional motion of a snowboard. In simple terms, the Freebord's built-in bindings and additional wheels allow you to edge, carve and slide to a stop on the street just like you would with your board on snow. Sound too good to be true? Check out the videos at http://freebord.com/main.html.

Sew Special

2006-04-29T12:47:00.000-04:00

Now that knitting is all the rage, it's going to take a little something extra to keep onlookers intrigued. These wooden knitting needles from The Needle Bird are hand-carved and painted and can be custom-made to the desired size, length and design. Now you can knit those stylish pieces in style.