Better late than never, here are a few random gift suggestions. Happy belated Chanukah, early Christmas, or whatever holiday you might celebrate!
FOR HER
Thomas Mason Blue Tuxedo Shirt (J.Crew). $150.
Volume Pull with Extended Collar from Amsterdam fashion brand Scotch & Soda. 119 Euros. They ship internationally, but be forewarned, you have to seriously spend to do so.
I never thought anything from The Bay would hit my list. But their re-branding seems to be working. The stores have a LONG way to go, but they’ve got me thinking about good ol’ pointe blankets.
Chemex handblown coffeemaker from Kaufmann Mercantile. $65.90. Thank you Design&Sponge.
Let me take a break for a moment from talking about house stuff to tell you about my weekend. We travelled to the most unlikely spot for a family wedding – Nashville. Yup, Nashville. I really didn’t know what to expect, but I certainly didn’t think I’d discover so many inspiring finds.
Imogene + Willie ranks at the top of my list. I guess you could call it a jean store – but that wouldn’t do it justice. Set in a 1950’s converted gas station, this place got my heart racing from the moment I pulled up. A hand-scripted logo, charcoal painted exposed-beam ceilings paired with an orange chandelier, spools of colourful thread lining the walls, ladders, dogs, vintage boots, and ridiculously amazing denim. What’s not to love?
Owners Matt and Carrie Eddmenson have an innate sense of style that’s touched every corner of this store. It’s authentic, charming, and works in a completely relaxed way. As a designer and entrepreneur, I left not only with a pair of jeans that I can’t wait to break in, but a head full of ideas. Amazing.
For a little taste of what I’m talking about, check out this John Moessner produced video and photos below:
I’m going to digress for a sec about talking about home stuff. It’s a rainy Sunday and I just spotted the perfect rain boots (and more) for my daughter. We have lots of striped clothing in this household and I’m a fan of unisex stuff, so it’s no great surprise that Swedish company Polarn O. Pyret caught my eye.
Now, there is one minor catch. The company doesn’t seem to ship to Canada – but I’m working on that. They do sell in the US. With a vacation States-bound next week, I might just be in luck.
I just got inspired by a simple tote bag. Just when I thought my everyday staple couldn’t be reinvented, I discovered LA designer Clare Vivier. I absolutely love her La Tropezienne line. What a great reminder that you can always add your own twist to something classic.
I’m Katherine Yaphe, the founder and designer behind Oliver Yaphe, Inc. This business was an idea in my mind for a long time. I knew that I wanted to build something, I just didn’t know how. I worked in the corporate world dreaming of what to do next. Then one day I decided to just start. I launched with rugs. Branched off to artwork. Paper came next. We’ll see what’s to come. What I do know, is there will be more.
Oliver Yaphe Blog
I love being inspired to create. It doesn’t matter how big or small the undertaking, it’s more about this feeling that drives so much of what I do. This blog is my space to instill a bit of that energy to my readers. It’s a lofty goal. I might fail horribly. But every once in a while, something might click (or at least I hope so).
Maine seashore
Fresh cut grass
Vermont air
Wooden tennis racquets (a la Bjorn Borg)
B&W photographs. Real photographs
The Brooklyn bridge
Central Park Roller disco
Picasso Museum in Barcelona
Moleskin notebooks
Rhodia orange writing pads
Globes
Magnum Photo
Letterpress stationery
Coffee table books
Farmers markets
Great packaging
Typography
