Holiday Gift Guide: 2010

Dec 10 2010

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.

Moop Tote in gunmetal grey. $89.

Standard canvas fold weekender in grey by Makr. $120

Wild Cuff by Rebecca Norman. Available at Calypso. $135.

Clothbound Penguin Classics (Available at Anthropologie). $25 each.

I have been pining after a pair of Loeffler Randal Matilde boots for ages. Maybe this will be my year. Hint hint. Available at Augustina.

FOR HIM (or Her!)
Ugmonk And Then I Woke Up Tee. $24.

Parka from Scotch & Soda. 219 Euros.

Patagonia Men’s Down Sweater Full Zip Hoody in Autumn Leaf. $250.

iPad Attache Sleeve by Makr. $240.

Filson Original Briefcase Bag in Otter Green

FOR THE HOME:
Paul Smith Stelton Tea Pot. Available at the Scandinavian Design Center. 159 Euros.

Vitra Wooden Dolls Set by Alexander Girard. I think these are fabulous and would add the perfect touch of quirk to my bookshelves. $160.

Single Pocket Maple Cheese Board from Stinson Studios. $32.

House Industries Slab Blocks. $60.

E15 stool available at Klaus

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.

Alex Taylor’s Antlers Coat Hanger

Housewares: Mortar & Pestles by Tahir Mahmood

Nov 22 2010

Mortar & pestles are about as traditional a kitchen item as you can find. Who would even think of giving them a modern edge? Thankfully, Tahir Mahmood did. This Toronto based designer has taken this age old object and transformed them into very cool household wares that you won’t want to keep hidden.

Housewares: Utility objects done right

Nov 19 2010

Years ago, I seriously contemplated becoming an industrial designer. I’d recently moved to New York, took my first product design course, even moonlighted for a small studio. I can’t even remember why I didn’t keep going, to be honest. All that I know is I get strangely excited by beautifully designed everyday stuff.

So, yes, I look at the step ladder below and crave it for my home. The Cycloc bike storage unit gave me goose bumps. Ah, how brilliant. And a simple coat rack that will solve my organizational nightmares. Sold.

Below: Step stool by Design House Stockholm. Nice enough not to keep in the closet. $295.

Below: Cycloc bike storage unit. $100 at YLiving.

Below: Arthur Coat Rack by Wintercheck Factory. $295 in solid walnut.