THE PINK SQUARE

presents perfect: guys

2006-12-19T13:55:00.000-05:00

I love the way The Art of Shaving Sandalwood Essential Oil gift set smells. The handsome boxed set includes a sandalwood scented cologne and shaving cream, and is $40.

Bushnell has combined the distance-viewing abilities of regular binoculars and the image-capturing abilities of a digital camera in to one shiny gadget! The ImageView binoculars lets you capture and save any sight you see through the magnification lense, and an LCD screen so you can view your images. And at $89, it's a total steal.

Trusted and true, the MUJI Screwdriver set is one of the most useful gifts you could ever give a guy (or a girl!). No more rummaging around for the right-size tool when you're hanging pictures or tightening a screw. This pocket-sized set includes one handle and eight magnetic bits in a plastic storage case, and is only $14 at MoMA Store.

If his blank walls need some dressing, the Allard Car stretched canvas by artist Kiddo Smith may be the perfect gift. The black on silver piece is stretched over a gallery frame and is ready to hang. It's $60 for a 26"x26" canvas.

Yes, it's karaoke. And yes, he will love it! When connected, Griffin's iKaraoke sends the music from your iPod to your stereo without the lead vocals. A great gift for only $50.

Ah, cuff links. You can never go wrong with buying him a pair of good links. But if you don't want to drop serious cash on a set that may not suit his style, try these cute Knot cuff links from Brooks Brothers for only $9 a set (or four sets for $20). Pick out a handful from their stock of 40 colors and patterns to dress his every mood.

If he's doing the cooking, let him really put his mark on dinner! These monogrammed steak brands can be personalized with any two- or three-letter combos for $40. So cute!

— xxx —

presents perfect

2006-12-18T17:48:00.000-05:00

These colorful, plastic salad hands from Sur La Table are great stocking stuffers for your friends who love to entertain. They come in four colors (red, yellow, orange and green) and are only $8 a pair. Toss that around for size!

— xxx —

2006-12-18T17:35:00.000-05:00

Now, who wouldn't love to get one of these beautiful holiday floral arrangements from Flowerbud? They're so colorful and festive, and a nice departure from the traditional holly and poinsettias. And the best part? The blooms will last extra long (probably past the new year!) because they all arrive in bud form and will open up within a few days of delivery. Prices range from $60 and up.

— xxx —

2006-12-18T17:20:00.000-05:00

These glass chocolate and pewter coasters are so pretty! The ultra hip damask wallpaper design is covered by a thin layer of glass, protecting your coffee table and these pretty pieces from water. They're $18 for a set of four.

— xxx —

2006-12-18T17:12:00.000-05:00

These bitten gingerbread cookie cutters are the perfect gift for the baker with a sense of humor! Each little cutter has tiny "chew" marks in the mold, so the cookies will bake up with curious bite-shapes missing. Love it! They're $10 for three different appendage-less guys.

— xxx —

2006-12-18T17:01:00.000-05:00

Your gift-ee may think this hand-made, screen printed Atelier Lzc Matriochka Dishcloth is too pretty to use! The pink, orange and red winding tree branches, decorated eggs and Matriochka doll designs are really striking. It's $16 for a 20" x 26" cloth.

— xxx —

2006-12-18T16:33:00.000-05:00

Susie Mendive for SUM Design has taken her beautiful wallpaper designs and reinterpreted the graphics on different objects, including this great black plywood printed tray. It's $40 and also comes in brown and green.

— xxx —

jolly holiday!

2006-12-18T13:51:00.000-05:00

Hey, guys! I'm so so sorry for being such a bad MIA-blogger for the last few weeks! Between the hectic holidays, work deadlines, business trips, blah, blah, blah ... you get it. Things have been busy. Anyway, I'm jumping right back on to the blogging bandwagon starting today, and I couldn't be happier to be back! :)

All this week, I'll be posting some last-minute gift ideas ... so stay tuned! But until then, here are my absolute favorite holiday cards of the year. Happy holidays!

— xxx —

the next best ring

2006-11-16T18:41:00.000-05:00

These wood veneer napkins rings by Sarah Finn are really great. They look delicate, although they're quite sturdy. Finn uses very thin veneer in mahogany or white maple, and laser cuts them into two patterns of stars or small "s" incisions. I love the way they look wrapped around a while or cream napkin. For Thanksgiving dinner, perhaps?

— xxx —

bloom service

2006-11-16T15:34:00.000-05:00

I love instant, give-them-as-they-are presents. That's why I love these Bloemox gift boxes. Each mini hatbox comes with strips of biodegradable, plantable seed ribbons to grow your own flower garden. The silk flowers atop the box are replicas of the blooms that will grow from those seeds. They are also available in bulb and satchel kits. Not ready to start a garden in the middle of winter? No problem— the seeds will last until the season is right for planting.

— xxx —

feather weight

2006-11-15T11:04:00.000-05:00

I love the intricate and rich designs of Tiffani Taylor's ceramic pieces—the table lamp and tea set are quite striking. Taylor, a former student at the Savannah School of Art and Design, paints scenes of flowers and nature and intermingles it with her poetry. And since each piece is made to order and hand-painted by Taylor, it's like getting an original, one-of-a-kind work of art. Her collection is sold through the SCAD shop.

— xxx —

hanging around

2006-11-15T09:57:00.000-05:00

Hable Construction's holiday wool felt holiday boxes and stockings are really adorable. I'm always a fan of their Hable-esque floral patterns, but I also think their winter character designs of snowmen and reindeer are cute too. (They even have pet stockings so you won't have to leave Fido out of the design fun!)

— xxx —

colin home

2006-11-14T17:59:00.000-05:00

I have to say, I'm really impressed with Colin Cowie's new gift line at Wal-Mart. (Yes! Wal-Mart!) Not only are the pieces chic and sleek, but also amazingly priced. Most of the items are below $25, but look far more expensive. The collection includes everything from silver ice buckets and hammered metal serving platters to 12-piece cheese sets and acrylic napkin rings. It'll be interesting to see how Wal-Mart shoppers respond to this line—hopefully really well. Fingers crossed!

— xxx —

dry goods

2006-11-14T17:17:00.000-05:00

These Language face and hand towels from Kate's Paperie are so cute—perfect for the guest bathroom or as a gift for the foreign language student. They come in French, Spanish and English sets for $48.

— xxx —

knit knacks

2006-11-13T12:03:00.000-05:00

I don't know why, but I'm totally smitten with these cable-knit pillows and throws from Williams-Sonoma Home. Maybe it's the cute buttons on the front, the soft silk/cashmere blend or just the cozy, cuddly feeling it gives me. Either way, I'm a fan!
— xxx —

letter perfect

2006-11-13T11:41:00.000-05:00

It's like the Where's Waldo of monograms. If you look closely, you'll see the subtlest of letters adorning these trays, pen cup holder, journal and cards from Superdeluxe. (From top: "R", "K", "T", "C" and "A.") I love the cool, graphic effect of the manipulated letters—perfect for the gal like me that's obsessed with anything personalized. You can pick from over 18 monogram designs and letters. (Sorry to all you, Frank's and Olivia's. Looks like "F" and "O" didn't make the cut.)

— xxx —

tray chic

2006-11-13T11:29:00.000-05:00

These decoupage rectangular trays by John Derian are truly lovely. He hand-paints borders over really old ledgers and letters, combines them into collages, and reprints them under layers under glass. They're each 10" x 13" and about $180 each. Stunning!

— xxx —

when nature calls

2006-11-10T16:03:00.000-05:00

As much as I love color, we all know that food just looks the best on a good ol' white plate. So why not give your thanksgiving pumpkin pie as much tah-dah presentation it deserves by serving in on West Elm's pretty Branch dessert plates and platter. Each organically-shaped plate is delicately embossed with designs of winter branches and leaves. Complement the set with matching glassware—elegant tumblers and wine glasses etched with branch patterns.

— xxx —

mood lighting

2006-11-10T15:53:00.000-05:00

The crackly, antique look of these mercury glass votive holders from Z Gallerie is so festive for the holidays. Just casually cluster a few around the room or table, and voila—instant holiday glamour! And for $5 a pop, they're really a steal.

xxx

a little birdie told me ...

2006-11-10T15:42:00.000-05:00

THIS IS THE CUTEST THING EVER.

That is all.

xxx

light brights

2006-11-10T14:20:00.000-05:00

Pier 1 has come so far from their "I just got back from my safari" days! Case in point, these chic silver links table and floor lamps, that totally capture that contemporary-retro combo that we all love so much. It's a fun take on the gourd lamp look of last season, but with a funkier approach. And they're affordable too—$75-$135.

xxx

true blue

2006-11-10T14:01:00.000-05:00

I love the different ornamental patterns on the White Snow Blue porcelain dinnerware collection from driade kosmo. The contrasting circle and line designs play off each piece so nicely. And although it comes in a five-piece place-setting, it would equally be chic to sub one (or more) of the pieces with your everyday white dinnerware.

xxx

oh, christmas tree

2006-11-09T16:51:00.000-05:00

I'm totally into these sleek mercury glass trees from CB2 ($5-$15). The minimal design and bold colors work so well together. I'd love to fill my chocolate bookshelves with a bunch of these guys in all different colors and sizes ... and not a pine needle in sight!

xxx

spice girls

2006-11-09T16:20:00.000-05:00

I flipped (natch!) for Trudeau's super clever battery-operated, self-grinding Graviti pepper mill. Thanks to this little gadget, there will be no more awkward wrist-twisting or two-hand maneuvering to get a few dashes of fresh ground pepper. Simply turn the bottle over and the mill grinds itself. Genius! No buttons, no fuss. It can also be used with sea salt crystals. It's $25, and comes in six colors, including stainless and brushed steel.

xxx

flower power

2006-11-09T14:18:00.000-05:00

I first saw these Design Ideas paper wall flowers at the New York Gift Show earlier this year, and immediately loved their bright colors and cheery designs. They'd be perfect for dressing up a nursery or children's play room, or even a family sunroom. Plus, they come in all sizes and shapes so you can mix and match the pieces to create the flower garden of your dreams.

xxx

holiday greetings

2006-11-08T16:48:00.000-05:00

One of the first "welcome to New York" gifts I received when I moved to the city was a set of R. Nichols city-girl notecards. I loved them so much that I hoarded the set for years before actually sending one out. But since then, I've become his number one fan and pick a set up every few months. And this month, he has unveiled his new holiday card designs, and they're as lovable as ever!

The New York line is available exclusively at Kate's Paperie, but the other holiday designs are sold nationwide.

xxx

black beauties

2006-11-08T15:54:00.000-05:00

Black is the new blue for Nigella Lawson, who is moving her Living Kitchen line to the dark side. Up until this month, she's been sticking to the sweet, baby colors of powder blue and cream for her pieces, so this black line is quite a different path for her. The new extensions, which include measuring cups, salad plates, sugar bowls, etc., are all made of heavy ceramic with a licorice matte coating outside and a glossy finish inside. So chic!

xxx

coming up roses

2006-11-08T15:39:00.000-05:00

The funky rose designs on John Lewis' Tesica cushions could bring any bland couch to life. (It totally appeals to the girlie side of me that secretly loves anything with bows or flowers.) And since it's made of felt, they're durable for placing in high-traffic sitting spots.

xxx

head hunter

2006-11-07T16:20:00.000-05:00

Keeping with the steed-theme I seem to be obsessing over right now, I am over the moon for Vlaemsch's wood deer, stag and moose heads. How cute are they?! These takes on the old hunting trophies are made of plywood from sustainable forests, so your conscience can rest easy about mounting this little buddy in your home. They're perfect for hanging over the bed or even the fireplace to welcome Santa and Rudolph!

xxx

hanging around

2006-11-07T16:04:00.000-05:00

Flocking is so the new tinsel! I love the pretty patterns and deep jewel tone colors of these holiday ornament discs from Paperchase. They'd look great hanging from a silver or white tree, or even an ordinary green one. (Oh, and since it's the only time when I can let my steed-fetish run wild, I'm really into the modern reindeer ornaments too.)

xxx

center peace

2006-11-07T15:22:00.000-05:00

These glass gourd and pumpkin candle holders from Smith & Hawken are a chic way to dress up your Thanksgiving table, without sacrificing precious turkey platter space. Apparently, it takes up to five glass artisans to produce just one piece so each one is unique. It has a round, camo'd opening at the back to allow you to slip a candle inside, and a tiny slit at the top to release the heat. They're usually $14-$28, but they're on sale right now ($9-$19) just in time for the big dinner!

xxx

sticks and stones

2006-11-06T15:25:00.000-05:00

These voodoo-it-yourself toothpick holders just make me laugh. No reason you can't combine functionality with a little self-indulgent hexing. They're $10 each.

xxx

city sidewalks

2006-11-06T14:34:00.000-05:00

Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer for the New Yorker on your list? MUJI's New York in a Bag comes with several wooden NYC structures and cars to build a personal mini-skyline anywhere you'd like. It includes the Chrysler Building, Statue of Liberty, Guggenheim and MoMA's original 1939 building. And it's only $14.

Also at the MoMA store, is this adorable clear glass snowman shaker, which gives the illusion that it's melting away as the sugar inside gets used up. It's $40.

xxx

the scratching "post"

2006-11-06T14:15:00.000-05:00

These scratch-and-sniff cards from Jack and Lulu are too cute, and remind me of my elementary school sticker-obsession days. They come in four yummy scents—bubblegum, ice cream, peppermint and chocolate. Pick up a couple from Fred Flare ($8 for two) and scratch away, my friend!

xxx

deck the walls

2006-11-06T10:14:00.000-05:00

I love blik's new line of holiday wall decals, especially the great Christmas tree set—perfect for those of us who live in small spaces with no room for a real tree. (And how cute are the reindeer flying over the fireplace?!) And since the self-adhesive decals are removeable, you can just peel them off after the holidays and save them for next year.

xxx

shower song

2006-11-06T09:55:00.000-05:00

Missing the presence of CBGB in your life? Well, now you can turn your bathroom into the ultimate club shrine by picking up a CBGB shower curtain at Urban Outfitters for $29. The vinyl curtain is covered in prints of old show fliers from the shows played at the club. Rock on!

xxx

paper trails

2006-11-03T16:43:00.000-05:00

I'm a sucker for wrapping paper of all kinds, and eieio studio's new holiday designs are some of my favorites so far this season. The prints have the appearance of lush, silk-screened fabric— too-cute-to-tear for sure. I especially love the textural feel and deep, saturated chocolate, blue and cream tones, which would easily work for wrapping presents all year round. Hopefully the gifts I buy will live up to the wrapping around them!

xxx

mad for plaid

2006-11-03T16:25:00.000-05:00

Oh my god, how cute is this green plaid pea coat from Fred Flare? It looks perfect for wearing over a pair of jeans on cold city days. And are you ready for this—it's only $36! (I know!) Just throw in these crocheted pink arm warmers and you're style-set for winter. Love it!

xxx

wall to wall

2006-11-03T14:32:00.000-05:00

I have a big, blank wall in my apartment that has been the source of much debate in my head. It's about 12-feet long, and just aching for some design TLC. But with so many options out there for dressing up empty wall space, I'm stuck in the land of the indecisive decorator. (Drat!) But there's one idea that's high on my list of possibilities—instead of going the framed artwork or stretched fabric route, I love the idea of adding subtle texture to the space with Mio's three-dimensional wallpaper ($28/12 pack). I can create my own pattern and shapes by rotating the tiles or painting them to match my accessories. And if I hate the look? No problem—they can be installed temporarily with double stick tape or permanently with wallpaper paste. Love it!

xxx

glass act

2006-11-02T11:37:00.000-05:00

Hey, all! Sorry I've been MIA the past few days—I hate when work gets in the way of my blog-time! Anyway another tabletop market is finally over (phew!), and there are lots of fun new designs and products coming our way this spring. One of my favorites from the show was the Riedel/Spiegelau/Nachtmann trifecta showroom.

Riedel, whose O glass still has my vote for the ONLY stemless glass worth owning, is now offering drink sets complete with a decanter and two or four O glasses. They're starting with sake (shown below) and merlot, which make perfect engagement presents or shower gifts. They also are introducing some sleek new decanter designs, which I swoon over.

Spiegelau, whose wine glasses are used in restaurants all over the world including NYC's Babbo and TK, produces high quality artisan glass pieces at really affordable prices. But all that aside, it's still the little things that wow me. I'm obsessed with their new chip-and-dip/cake stand marvel (shown below). One one side, it's a beautiful cut-glass cake stand. Great. But flip the buddy over and voila—the pedestal of the cake stand becomes a dip bowl and the flat surface holds chips or crudite. Genius, I tell you.

I'm not really a coffee drinker (I get my caffeine cold, thank you very much) but the adorable cut glass espresso cups from Nachtmann have a certain effect on me. Each cup and saucer has a unique geometric design, and feel amazing in your hand. And the same goes for their intricate-cut glass tumblers and vases. If I had the display room, these guys would definitely have a spot on my mantle.

More from tabletop to come soon!

xxx

market values

2006-10-30T10:54:00.000-05:00

It's amazing how many new ways there are to design a fork! And so another tabletop market continues, and so far the real ooo-ahhh debut from the show is Marc Jacobs' new tabletop line with Waterford. (Gorgeous!) The collection includes fine china, glassware, flatware, barware, stemware and crystal and glass objects. And given Marc's love of the understated don't look for anything to over-the-top. All of the designs are elegantly modern, with an eye on lasting style. My favorites include the Misia (gold leaf border), Elizabeth (colored clovers and flowers) and Jean (art deco lines and dots). And to really make the collection personal, he named the patterns of his collection after his closest friends.

xxx

to market we will go ...

2006-10-26T16:15:00.000-04:00

I'll be off the blogging map the next few days to cover the New York Tabletop market (It's Fashion Week for tables, as my friend describes it). It's four days full of gorgeous china and stemware and flatware, oh my! I'll be posting some of the highlights from the market next week. So until then, have a great weekend!

xxx

red hot shop

2006-10-26T13:39:00.000-04:00

Tord Boontje's holiday tabletop collection at Target is so pretty and, as to be expected, really affordable! A few of the pieces are already available online, but the rest of the products (including the chic wine glasses and striking serving platter) will be rolling out in the next few weeks.

xxx

puddle jumper

2006-10-26T13:16:00.000-04:00

These cute Mary Jane rain boots from Uncommon Goods just make me smile! They're the perfect gift for the little girl on your list who loves her shiny party shoes, and refuses to wear anything else. They're available with pink or white "tights" for $30.

xxx

clean as new

2006-10-25T15:44:00.000-04:00

Today, I attended a wonderful lunch event to celebrate the release of chef Charlie Palmer's new cookbook Charlie Palmer's Practical Guide to the New American Kitchen. As to be expected, the book is filled with really easy, delicious recipes (definitely try the shrimp tempura and tuna tartare!) and beautiful food photography--but the truly cool part is that the entire cookbook is completely waterproof. It's made from a material known as DuraBook, which feels just like regular paper but it's stainproof; it can be wiped clean if you turn a page with, say, chocolate or chorizo on your fingers. And at this lunch, we all reverted back into toddler finger painters as we dropped dollops of ketchup, avacado relish and lemon tarte all over the pages and smeared them around. And after a quick swipe of the napkin across the pages, the mess was gone and our cookbooks returned to new. I also tried ripping and tearing the paper (obviously had a lot of pent up frustration to get out) but it wouldn't give. Charlie said that the cookbooks could even be put through the dishwasher and they would come out just fine. Now if I could only get myself a dishwasher ...

xxx

french revival

2006-10-24T15:06:00.000-04:00

I seem to be in a Paris state of mind lately (maybe it's all the Marie Antoinette mania going around). So once again let's take a culinary walk down French memory lane. In addition to my heavenly stop at Fauchon while visiting Paris a few years ago, my best friend and I also took a delicious afternoon break at the must-visit teahouse Ladurée. Favorite of favorites, Ladurée's macaroons are what makes them so very famous: crisp discs of ground almonds with a soft middle, sandwiched together with flavored cream. They're served festooned with raspberries, pistachio cream and other good things. I developed an obsession for their bitter chocolate macaroons and, of course, the ambiance and decadent decor. The years have passed and Ladurée and those macaroons still take up valuable space in my memory!

Well, it seems only right that while planning for the film "Marie Antoinette," Sofia Coppola asked Ladurée to be the movie's exclusive pastry consultants, where their beautiful creations feature prominently in many scenes. Ladurée fits in perfectly with the themes of decadence, excess and pleasure which so characterize Marie Antoinette's legacy.

xxx

all swept up

2006-10-24T12:53:00.000-04:00

Karim Rashid must love a clean floor—first it was the Dirt Devil Kone hand-vac, and now he's designed this fun Onda broom and dustpan set that looks more like a work of art than the grungy stick you stash behind the door. Love it!

And while on the topic of Karim Rashid, I still covet his bookshelves with convex curves. What a great way to make as much of statement with your shelving as with the items you're displaying.

xxx

soft landing

2006-10-24T11:06:00.000-04:00

I first saw these pretty felt-weave wool pillows from Mogwaii Design at the New York Gift Show earlier this year, and immediately loved their simple yet elegant tactile style. Recently, Mogwaii designer Sarah Campbell launched a fashion collection called Tickle that translates and incorporates the style of her home collection into scarves, cushions, throws, tablewear and bags. I especially love her chic take on polkadot throws.

xxx

bosom buddies

2006-10-23T16:42:00.000-04:00

These wool Buddy Throws designed by La Tete Au Cube make me laugh! They're so simple and yet brilliantly cheeky. Le sigh.

xxx

let there be light

2006-10-23T15:02:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday, Hindus around the world celebrated the holiday of Diwali, known as The Festival of Lights. During Diwali, the Goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth) is believed to visit all homes that are well lit, so families light hundreds of candles and place them in windows to guide her to them. People also decorate the ground entrance to their homes with elaborate, intricate geometrical patterns called Rangoli as a sign of warmth and hospitality for the many guests that will be stopping by with homemade sweets and new year greetings. The beautiful rangoli designs are created using all edible items like rice flour, pulse and leaves, with a powder dye used to fill in the design. Most of the designs are circular symbolizing a sense of endlessness of time. Happy Diwali, everyone!

xxx

under foot

2006-10-23T12:36:00.000-04:00

Oscar de la Renta's new rug designs are really beautiful. The rugs are available in many colors, or in a custom color your dream up. The Dhurrie collection starts at $30 per square foot, and the Tibetans start at $80 per square foot, and are sold through elson & company.

xxx

sweet treat

2006-10-23T11:05:00.000-04:00

Mmm ... how cute are these Krispy Kreme doughnuts all decked out for Halloween? They're the classic yeast-raised doughnuts that Krispy Kreme is known for, but are cut into pumpkin shapes, coated with creamy orange icing and stamped with a jack-o-lantern face. Adorable, and no doubt delicious!

xxx

birds of a feather

2006-10-20T15:35:00.001-04:00

As much as I look forward to seeing jack-o-lanterns and glowing skulls decorating homes on Halloween, there's something so chic and Goth about these Angel Wreaths ($39). They're made from hundreds of colorful, soft feathers, making it endlessly pet-able. I really like the orange and black tipped wreath, but also love the simple style of the single-tone ones. They're family-friendly enough to place on your door for welcoming trick-or-treaters and modern enough for vamping up the inside of your home for more mature celebrations.

xxx

not-so-far east

2006-10-20T14:34:00.000-04:00

I never make a plan to visit the Pearl River store. But whenever I find myself downtown, I make a point to pop in to the crazy store and do a little shelf digging. And I'm rarely disappointed. Pearl River is one of those great New York shops on the fringes of Chinatown, that is filled with unique Asian home and body products at i-can't-believe-it's-so-cheap prices (everything would cost you five times the price at a SoHo boutique). It's the perfect spot for finding chic hostess and birthday gifts—and no one will ever be the wiser that you probably spent less than $20. On my gift list right now are the gold ceramic bowls ($25.50 for four); bamboo dusk placemats ($15 for four); and coral print plate ($5.50) sold in red, green and black. I gave the boxed floral rice bowls ($16.50 for a boxed set of five) as a house warming gift last month, and my friend still won't stop talking about them.

xxx

touch of glass

2006-10-19T17:29:00.000-04:00

The distinct designs on Emmanuel Babled's hand-blown patterned tumblers are so elegant that they'd be great for everyday use or for your next party——also helpful so people will remember which glass is theirs. They're $98 for six at the MoMA Design Store.

xxx

suck it up

2006-10-19T15:27:00.000-04:00

Although this device may look like a pimped out super soaker or a body-busting relic from the Terminator movies, it's actually Dyson's new Root 6 hand vacuum. (Hasta la vista, Dust Buster!) I tested a pre-release model a few months ago, and it definitely performs better than the average hand-vac (powerful cyclone technology, never losing suction, blah, blah), but honestly ... is this really necessary? I mean, just look at this thing. It looks like it's designed for warfare and combat rather than picking up bread crumbs in my kitchen. Granted it is ergonomic, easy to use and can get into narrow corners with the angled brush tip. And I guess it's handy for those people with cars or who live in small spaces. And for $150, it's a heck of a lot cheaper than the regular ol' Dyson upright. Okay, so maybe this guy makes sense after all.

xxx

letter perfect

2006-10-19T15:07:00.000-04:00

I am over the moon for these Scrabble letter pillows—gimme, gimme, gimme—that soften up the cool break room in the London offices of Bloomberg financial services. I would have endless fun arranging them to display my mood (or fave word) for the day. Like today, it would most definitely spell out "GO METS!"

(Thanks, Design-Milk)

xxx

walk on, buy

2006-10-19T11:46:00.000-04:00

As the saying goes, one person's junk is another one's treasure. For the current Home Design issue of Time Out New York, the editors had two decorators round up discarded furniture on the streets of the city and refurbish and redesign the pieces for a special catalogue. Those jazzed-up items are being sold in an online auction, proceeds to benefit Housing Works.

BRITNEY FOOTSTOOL. It's amazing how many people throw out a perfectly good piece of furniture just because the don't like the fabric. The designers replaced the ratty upholstery from this bench cushion with a small piece of vintage fabric. Voila—better than new! Bidding will start at $25.

CONDI COUCH. I love how they turned this traditional sofa into a modern beauty by lifting the base a few inches and adding chrome-looking legs (which are actually made from lumber and adhesive silver paper). Bidding will start at $50.

(Thanks for the tip, DC!)

xxx

face time

2006-10-18T14:34:00.001-04:00

Ever lost your cell phone and then worried about someone making calls on your dime, viewing the address book or reading your steamy text messages? Fear not, oh paranoid one, the new Sharp SH903i has this fancy facial recognition software, using its 3MP camera, that allows access to the keypad and data only once the phone recognizes your face. For those truly obsessed about privacy, the phone also has a privacy filter so that no one can see your screen from the sides. It looks like it's only sold in Japan (for now) but look for it to come stateside very soon.

xxx

haute chocolate

2006-10-18T10:50:00.000-04:00

While vacationing in Paris two years ago, my friend and I popped into the Fauchon boutique for some yummy ooohing and aahhing. While swooning indecisively over which macaroons I would be treating myself to that day, a woman walked up beside me and ordered a Megève cake, which could only be described as a Shirley Temple explosion—a beautiful round cake piled high with hundreds of intricately crafted milky, chocolate curls. It looked almost too beautiful to eat (although, believe me, I would have). The man behind the counter told me it has been the best selling item in the store for 80 years. (Oh, man, it had to be good.) It was made of white vanilla meringue, layered with chocolate mousse and chocolate ganache, topped with a chocolate glaze and covered with chocolate curls, and finally dusted with powdered sugar. Sacré bleu! But since we were in tourist mode, trekking around the city all day, buying the cake for myself was out of the question. So when I returned home, I hit our local Fauchon to buy a Megève for myself only to find out it was only sold in the Paris location. Well, be still my chocolate-loving heart, because the NYC Fauchon has finally started offering the cake (for $70), and also offers home delivery. Vive le Megève!

designer series

2006-10-17T13:20:00.000-04:00

Fitzsu Grand Prix, an LA-based tabletop and home accessories store, invited their favorite designers from different mediums to create their own interpretation of the original PLAYSAM streamliner toy car for charity. (Adorable!!) Some of the famous names who have designed one include Karim Rashid, Mark Mothersbaugh, Michael Graves, Sebastian Knorr and Eva Eisler. There are about 40 different cars in the collection, and each of the one-of-a-kind toys will be auctioned off on Oct. 19th to benefit the World Childhood Foundation. (Thanks for the tip, Swiss Miss!)

xxx

say cheese whiz!

2006-10-17T13:04:00.000-04:00

What a cute idea to add photos to everyday grocery cans and bottles——a can of beans never looked so good! It would make a fun gift or perfect for displaying on open shelving. Click here to see Photojojo's step-by-step instructions for making your own personalized pantry, and all it takes is any ol' can or bottle, some glue, a photo and 15 minutes. Voila——real pop art!

xxx

flavor of mexico

2006-10-16T16:01:00.000-04:00

Ahhh ... what a glorious week in paradise! My vacation in Cabo was amazing -- from the perfectly sunny days to my comfy lounge chair on the beach to the deliciously spicy food -- it was exactly the break-from-reality I needed. I'll be posting some of our pictures from the trip very soon. So many highlights to tell you all about!

Since today has been a crazy, catch-up day (it's taken me hours just to get through my e-mails!), here's my big culinary discovery from the week -- Mexican Salsa.

Awww, yeah, is this stuff good! I'm forever saying adios to the bottled, saucy salsas from my local grocery store, and hola to the fresh, chunky stuff that I plan to make every chance I get. Each restaurant we visited had a different take on their salsa, some more about the tomatoes, some kicking in a few extra jalapenos, some going wild with garlic. And at each meal, I tried to pick apart the recipe to identify the ingredients that made their version so yummy. So after eating my body weight in salsa, here's the recipe I think is most authentic and simple.

4 large tomatoes, seeded
2 jalapenos, finely chopped with seeds
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
2 heaping tablespoons fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
Juice of 1 lime
Kosher salt
Freshly cracked black pepper

Combine tomatoes, jalapenos, onion, cilantro and lime juice in a bowl, and mix. Add salt and pepper to taste, and serve with tortilla chips.

Enjoy!

xxx

adeeeeyos!

2006-10-06T15:50:00.000-04:00

Let the vacation begin! I'll be away in Cabo San Lucas all next week, but expect regular posts to start up again when I return. Hope you all have a wonderful week! Ole!

xxx

china pearl

2006-10-06T14:15:00.000-04:00

I love the gorgeous cherry-red, robins egg blue and goldleaf accents on these porcelain pieces from Sieger's Emperor's Garden collection. The simple, modern floral designs are so elegant that I'd love to just display them on their own. Add it to my "if I win the lottery" list.

xxx

travel bug

2006-10-05T12:57:00.000-04:00

Only two more days until I'm officially on vacation -- Cabo, here I come! And as they say, the journey is half the adventure. So since I can't seem to think about anything else but getting the heck out of dodge and plunking myself down on a warm, sandy beach, here are some of my favorite accessories to make the travel experience as fun as possible.

Like most people, I too own a big black suitcase. I always curse my conservative luggage choice when that baggage conveyor belt starts moving and all those black bags tumble down the chute--shocker, every one of them looks the same. (Why, oh, why didn't I tie a colorful ribbon around the handle or paste a duct tape X-marks-the-spot on the front?) That's why I'm a fan of anything that makes a suitcase stand apart in a sea of black, like these eye-catching Tepper Jackson luggage tags from Plum Party. They're so colorful and are made of a textured PVC plastic so they won't tear while in transit. I especially love the "Arrivederci" and "Par Avion" designs. They're $13 each.

Tickets never seem to fit neatly into any of my ordinary wallets, so I keep all my important travel documents in this Mary Jane oilcloth document holder from Flight 001. Not only is it large enough for stashing tickets, but it also has pockets to hold passports, IDs and credit cards. It's $25, and comes in a bunch of fun patterns and colors, including floral, toile and lace.

Blech, do you hate using the airplane-supplied pillows and blankets as much as I do? (Cooties, galore!) But since I'm the always-freezing girl, I need to wrap myself in something warm to get me through a flight. Enter PB's 1st Class Travel Package set, which includes a plush blanket, eyemask and disposable pillowcase. The set comes in four bright colors, and is $18. Small price to pay for germ-free travel, methinks.

Before the new TSA rules went into effect, I was all about cramming as much as possible into my carry-on bag. (I couldn't face a week without my straightening iron if my luggage was lost!) And Murval's cute and roomy straw bag with leather handles and gingham lining is the perfect place to stash your getaway musthaves. It comes in orange, green and pink, and is super affordable! (Seriously.) The small is $25, and large is $39, at Purdy Girl, 212-787-1964.

I admit it, I'm not the most entertaining person to travel with because I'm a sleeper. Yup, from the minute I buckle myself in to almost the moment we land, I'm passed out. (Road trips in the car aren't any better, sadly.) But if I am awake, I need something to keep me occupied before my next wave of slumber hits me. So on my last trip to Italy, I happily spent my precious awake-time buried in Where to Wear travel shopping guides, which are filled with insiders' tips on finding the best stores and beauty spots around the world. They're great for finding retail inspiration (or decadent window shopping!).

A friend of mine swears by this little gadget, but I'm still on the fence. The Plane Clean Air Filter is said to remove 99.5% of all allergens, bacteria and viruses from your cabin's air stream, keeping you from breathing contaminated air particles. You simply mount the unit to your overhead air nozzle and point the purified air stream onto your face. Here's how it's supposed to work:

In this day and age of airline travel, I don't think I'm prepared to be the girl attaching an odd-looking device to the air filter of a plane, but it's a nice idea for $20 and sounds perfect for those uber-germ phobes out there (or those sitting next to a passenger with a bad case of the sniffles.).

Happy travels!

xxx

prints charming

2006-10-04T11:09:00.000-04:00

After a decade of decorating in muted colors and textures (as my friend says, "Everyone's house is brown!"), the big trend in home design today is pattern, and tons of it! It's all about layering -- pattern piled upon pattern. And it was never more evident than a party last night to celebrate the release of designer Tricia Guild's new book Pattern, which is filled with photos of beautifully decorated rooms done up with classic and modern moshes of toiles, botanicals, Chinoiserie, Provencal, geometric, retro and more, and helpful design ideas for recreating the look in your home. Even the cover is flocked in black velvet! (How pattern-progressive of her!)

Tricia, a London style-setter and founder of Designers Guild, is known for her vivid textiles, papers and paints. And as she told me while we both waited patiently for another glass of Prosecco, "Many people find pattern frightening because it takes a certain amount of courage to trust your instincts. What will the visual outcome will be? Will it clash, will it look too busy?" So, where should a pattern-phobic person like me start? (I didn't mention that I am a proud owner of a very beige couch.) "I say don't be afraid to mix it up. Pick things that you simply like, and combine those several patterns by using one common thread as your guide, like perhaps linking everything by color. I call it eclectic layering and it almost always works."

xxx

throw down

2006-10-03T15:28:00.000-04:00

Move over, cashmere! Just one touch of West Elm's bamboo cotton throw and you'll probably be petting it the rest of the day. The cuddly throws are super soft and feel like a silky cloud against the skin. They're available in ivory, jadeite (pale blue), cinnibar and espresso, and are $49 each.

Up until a few months ago, I'd never heard of soft fabrics made from bamboo. I'd only seen bamboo used for rigid, hard items like furniture. But it turns out that fabric woven with bamboo yarn is actually a great, comfy alternative to cotton and wool -- it's actually light, almost translucent, and softer than cotton. And it's showing up on everything from throws and bedsheets to workout clothes and baby duds. It has a natural sheen that feels like silk or cashmere, and is naturally absorbent and antibacterial. Bamboo is also the most sustainable of the natural fibers. It is fast-growing -- the type used for making fabric, commonly known as Moso, can be harvested many times over and it will grow again and again. And because of it's natural antibacterial properties, it needs no pesticides.

xxx

the pink (ribbon!) square

2006-10-01T15:46:00.000-04:00

Pink is the new charity! As you can probably tell from the name of this blog, I'm a sucker for anything pink. And it never hurts if my shopping good-deed benefits a good cause. (Well, besides me, of course.) So in honor of October Breast Cancer Awareness month, here are a few pink ribbon goodies that benefit women's charities.

I love the cute floral and bug designs on Eleni's Benevolent Bouquet ($58.50). Half of the proceeds will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

I have a regular ol' silver Pioneer inno and I love it. (Seriously, can't live without it.) But check out XM Radio's new girlie pink Pioneer Inno ($350). It gives you access to hundreds of cool satellite radio stations and allows you to record music and download mp3s. Genius. Thirty dollars per radio sold will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Karen Neuberger pink lounge socks ($15) feel buttery soft. I could just pet them all day long. Proceeds benefit the BCRF.

White House | Black Market's Hope umbrella ($44) is quite stylish and "just" pink enough to carry any time of the year. All net proceeds will be donated to the Living Beyond Breast Cancer

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am obsessed with anything (anything!) with my name or initials on it. So you know that I'm a fan of Red Envelope's Think Pink monogrammed soaps ($30). All proceeds go to the Entertainment Industry Foundation's Women's Cancer Research Fund

I'm a steamer girl myself (who has the patience to iron these days!) but after trying Rowenta's pink iron ($80) at an event a few months ago, I may be willing to move over to the dark, er, sharp creased side. All profits will be donated to BCRF

Doing mundane DIY jobs around the apartment would be so much tolerable if I was using Tomboy Tools' Hammer Out breast cancer hammer ($15). Six dollars from each sold will go to the Komen Foundation.

Yes, I may end up killing every plant that I've ever owned, but I think Smith & Hawken's Haws pink watering can ($50) is great even for those of us with black thumbs and good intentions. Ten percent of the retail price will go to the Komen Foundation.

Panera's Pink Ribbon bagel ($1) looks more like a pretzel than a bagel, but I'm sure it's delish. A portion of sales will go to the Komen Foundation and Y-ME Organization.

I love the old-timey look of Typhoon's Vintage Pink small canisters ($40/3). Ten percent of profits go to a variety of breast cancer charities.

I never thought much about the aesthetic value of a vacuum until Dyson came along and now, for some reason, looks matter. Although it's still quite a financial investment for a vacuum, I think pink DC07 ($399) is a grand improvement over the school-bus yellow of the regular model. Forty dollars from the sale of each unit will be donated to the BCRF.

The Laundress' pink scented squares ($28/3) smell like lavender and are perfect for slipping in a drawer or suitcase. Twenty percent of profits will go to the Y-Me Foundation.

If you don't have room for a pink stand mixer, KitchenAid's Cook for the Cure hand mixer ($80) is the next best thing. Seven dollars from every mixer purchased will go to the Komen Foundation.

xxx

straight and narrow

2006-09-29T13:35:00.000-04:00

You all know that I love me some good sales, especially when something I've been coveting unexpectedly appears on the discount rack. My rainy-day Friday was immediately happier when I popped into CB2's sale section and saw that the Avenue console table I've been eyeing for weeks was finally on sale. (Normally $169, is now only $129). I love the clean, modern lines of the table and it's the perfect height and length to place behind my couch. But the best part? It's incredibly narrow (only 8" wide), made for apartment dwellers like me who want a display console but need the floor space even more. So just as I was pulling out my credit card to seal the retail deal, I realized CB2 has only lowered the price of the light wood table ... d'oh! I'm a chocolate wood gal at the moment, but here's hoping the espresso version goes on sale soon! I'll certainly be watching for it.

xxx

bubble trouble

2006-09-28T16:04:00.000-04:00

So, I have a holiday trip coming up soon! That's right, kids, just one more week to go until I leave for the sandy beaches of Cabo San Lucas. (Wooo!) To make my transportation-life easier in light of all the TSA restrictions on liquids, I've decided to rethink my beauty must-have's for the week. By now you know the deal -- you can only carry on minimal quantities of liquids, creams, lotions, lip gloss, whatever. All this banning business (and even worse, throwing out business!) makes this girl a tad nervous. One solution that I found? Lush's sweet-smelling solid shampoos and conditioners are TSA-friendly because they are actually solid (just like a bar of soap). They lather when mixed with water, and dry nicely to pack back up for the flight home. And they work! They're really sudsy (for the diva in me that won't leave the shower until I've seen adequate bubble-action) and smell so great. Voila -- one less thing to worry about!

xxx

good eats

2006-09-28T10:36:00.000-04:00

I have been on a restaurant tear the last few weeks. (It's one of the best perks about living in NYC!) Like most New Yorkers, I've been keeping a mental, and sometimes hand-written, list of my must-eat-at restaurants around the city. They range from the five-star special occasion places (I know someone wants to treat me to a meal at Masa!) to the small neighborhood joints that friends have glowingly recommended. And now, I can happily check three more yummy accomplishments off the list.

Last week, we made the delicious decision to go to Cookshop on Tenth Ave. in Chelsea. Not only was the food very good, but chef and owner Marc Meyer only uses humanely raised, growth-hormone-free products from local farmers and artisans, that somehow makes the dishes taste even better! Or maybe I just felt better eating it. (For the record, get the spit-roasted rabbit with sage and garlic. It's cooked on a wood-burning rotisserie that you can see from your table and it's to die-for.) But aside from the tasty grub, I really loved the casual design of the space -- a spare but cozy, comfy place to hang out for a couple of hours, where as much thought was placed on the integrity of the interior as in the quality of their food. The tables, for example, are made of a type of oak that were chosen over less expensive woods because the cheaper ones come from endangered forests. The menus, tawny and matte, are made from recycled paper.

If you're a cheese head, then the Upper West Side's Picholine is like the mother ship calling you home. It was cheese, cheese and more cheese at our table that night! And even though I'm usually not the first one to attack a cheese plate at a party (I'm more likely to be the punk plucking the grapes off the tray), I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed tasting all the different types, on their own and incorporated into interesting French dishes. My favorite was a blue cheese terrine appetizer made with pungent blue cheese, sour cream, walnuts and apples. Mmm ... Our waiter told us that the space was recently renovated and redesigned. Looking at the main dining room, it's no surprise that opera fans make up the bulk of their customers (the Metropolitan Opera House is a few steps away) but they've done a nice job of livening up the joint by decorating with graceful lavender, silver and gray, without turning off their core audience.

And this week, I had the pleasure of having dinner at chef Tom Colicchio's Craftsteak with a new friend. Holy cow (cough, cough), this place is amazing! They got everything right, from the great interior design to the we-are-the-ultimate-kings-of-beef menu. (And for the record, men outnumber women in this restaurant by at least four to one. I'm just saying ...) When you look at the menu for the first time, prepare to be initially overwhelmed by the choices because the steaks are divided into "aged" categories, including those sitting around for 28, 35, 42, 49 and 56 days. (Can anyone really tell the different between a 35 and 42 day steak? Not I. We went with the 35 day-old buddy.) Plus, all the steaks have gone through "beef provenance," which means they know the lineage of each piece of beef that ends up on your plate, based on breed, where the cow grew up, how it's been fed, and its family lineage. Our waiter said that cow family trees are provided upon request -- wonder how many people actually ask for those family details. By time we got around to eating, I probably knew more about my steak than I did about my last boyfriend.

The space design is as impressive as the food. When you walk in, you immediately notice the striking, two-story glass wine tower which divides the front lounge from the dining area (a huge, high-ceilinged room with chocolate wood walls, butter-colored banquettes and a large wall mural of Manhattan). I especially loved the modern, masculine hanging lamps which created a soft, romantic glow all around the room.

xxx

let there be light

2006-09-27T16:11:00.000-04:00

I've been thinking about my ceiling a lot lately. (Weird, I know.) But it seems to be the one part of my apartment that doesn't get very much attention, but has the most potential. A few weeks ago, I hung West Elm's capiz circles pendant lamp over my bed and it feels like a whole new room! And since it's hanging from the ceiling, it lifts the eyes up, making my apartment seem a little bigger. Ain't design great? Well, now I'm on a pendant lamp kick! I'm thinking that a pendant in the kitchen would look fab, and also break up the monotony of the boring cabinets and appliances. Ooooh, project!

Fucsia pendant lamp

Meridian pendant lamp

Smokebush linen pendant lamp

Alpha pendant lamp

xxx

under foot

2006-09-26T11:31:00.000-04:00

I'm a big fan of Interface FLOR carpet tiles (modular pieces that allow you to create your own unique area rug), and was excited to see their first step into the world of curves. Their new Button tiles are a fun addition to their right-angle, square stock. Each button-circle is made up of four pieces (think "pizza"), which you can join together in solid or alternating color combinations (if you buy more than one circle pattern in different colors, naturally). It doesn't look like the rounded pieces can be connected with any of FLOR's square tiles (which hopefully will be their next design leap) but I like the direction they're moving in.

Another new step for FLOR appears to be carpets with borders, which I love! (The old checkerboard look is a little too dorm room chic for me.) The borders of the Lily Pad and Renaissance make the puzzle carpet look like an actual one-piece area rug -- but you still get the flexibility of creating your own size and shape.

xxx

print + pattern

2006-09-25T14:20:00.000-04:00

I really love Marimekko's new Fall 2006 designs -- the colors are deep and saturated, and both classic and modern at the same time. The Kookos design (above) has beautiful orange, tan and yellow ornamental shapes in vertical rows that would look great incorporated into a room or framed on its own. The Fandango (next) appears more formal with its ornate floral pattern in berry red on brown, while the Pihapuu (bottom) has a serene, zen-like quality with its brown tree branches and green leaves on a sky blue background.

For smaller projects, designer fabrics are a great choice because they make such a large statement on their own -- they're perfect for stretched canvas art, framing and covering pillows. But if you have a bigger project in mind, like reupholstering furniture or making draperies, the cost of posh fabric can definitely add up. (You'll need several yards just to upholster a few dining chair seats.) Luckily, the designer aesthetic has gone mainstream and now it's easy to find fabrics with trendy modern patterns at almost every price level.

Pink Flower ($9)

Lumimarja Pink ($38)

Floral Jubilee ($8.50)

Moss Etsuko Flower ($17)

Powder Etsuko Dots ($4.50)

Flea Market Red Leaves ($9)

Ladybug Etsuko Rust ($17)

xxx

moving on up

2006-09-22T15:02:00.000-04:00

Well it looks like we're moving up in the world, and into bigger digs! It's official -- on Monday, Sept. 25th, The Pink Square is moving to our new place on the web. Our new address will be thepinksquare.blogspot.com so please continue checking us out!

See you all soon!

xxx

red rover

2006-09-21T15:04:00.000-04:00

I am always on the hunt for the perfect area rug for my living room. So while killing time before meeting friends for dinner this week, I popped into the DWR store on Broadway for some ooohing and ahhhing and a quick peek at their rugs. They have some great new styles, including Angela Adam's Gato rug, which is more serene and far less geometric than her other "traditional" designs. But my favorite find was Nani Marquina's new Roses rug, which looks like a lush blanket of fallen petals.

I bet the felted petals feel really great when you walk on them (not that I would let anyone actually step on it!) and add great texture to a room. I'm not quite sure how you maintain and vacuum the rug -- it looks like once dirt falls beneath the surface, it's staying there for good -- but I love its striking yet pet-able quality. The rug comes in red and ivory and retails for $3,000.

xxx

to the extreme

2006-09-20T14:51:00.000-04:00

I have a new boyfriend. His name is Elmo. And he's awesome!

Seriously, guys, this new Tickle Me Elmo TMX -- which is apparently sold out nationwide -- is totally rocking my Wednesday-world. (Ahem, the TMX cheekily stands for Tickle Me eXtreme. Click here for a clip of him getting his serious tickle on.) He's just so funny to me -- not only does the doll talk in the third person and giggle, Elmo basically has a crazy laughing fit, slapping his knee, falling on his back and convulsing, getting back up, falling on his side, rolling to his front, slapping the floor, getting back up. (As a ridiculously ticklish person myself, I totally relate to his lack of physical control.) I HAVE to laugh every time I watch the video! His giggling is just too contagious. I must admit, it kind of looks like he's hit the bottle too hard, teetering and falling back to the floor over and over again, but maybe that will go unnoticed by the 6-and-under crowd.

But honestly, forget about the kids who can't possibly appreciate the many levels of hilarity captured in this little guy - this is definitely what I'm getting everyone for their birthdays. Well, if I can ever get my hands on one, that is. Who am I kidding? If I find one, I'm keeping it. Or selling it. But probably keeping it.

xxx

wick envy

2006-09-20T10:33:00.000-04:00

I have just seen the coolest candle ever made. (Thank you Designers' Block for the great find!) In this unique candle, Van Boemmel Studio has embedded their wicks in hexagon-like patterns throughout the wax, where one flame lights another until the whole candle has disappeared -- kind of like a smooth relay race. It's mesmerizing to watch the flames run through the maze of twists and turns. (Check out the way it burns by clicking here. The music is quite hypnotic too, I must warn.) I'm not sure how much it costs (prices are a little vague on the site) but it looks like would fall on the expensive side. It's perfect for the person with money to burn (natch!)!

xxx

victorian secret

2006-09-19T14:21:00.000-04:00

Be still my design-beating heart! Designer Lisa Versacio, who launched the wildly successful West Elm brand for Williams-Sonoma, has started a new home furnishings and accessories company for Restoration Hardware called Brocade Home. And trust me on this -- it's absolutely fabulous! Long live Victorian Modern!

As you can see, Brocade looks a lot like Anthropologie with some modern West Elm flair thrown in -- the winning combination, in my opinion. (As much as I love Anthropologie, the style can be a little too flea market-girlie for my taste. And even my personal fave West Elm sometimes appears too cold and empty for real life.) The Brocade launch line looks feminine and romantic, with deep muted colors and ornate furniture that still feels modern and young. There are enough crystal chandeliers, satin coverlets, pink crushed-velvet pillows and sexy boudoir tables to channel Carrie Bradshaw! I am in love with the hand carved curve back chair with peony vine jacquard upholstery ($299) and the velvet burnout curtain panels ($109).

Prices generally range from $200 to $600 for lighting and chandeliers, $40 to $50 for pillows, $1,500 to $1,700 for sofas, and $50 to $130 for curtain panels. Still pricey but not completely out of reach. Right now, it's a catalog-only but they're planning to open stores and set up an e-commerce site soon. Start saving room on those credit cards now!

xxx

for eva and eva

2006-09-18T15:21:00.000-04:00

Sigh, I love chic, clean design. And one of the masters of industrial design (and one of my personal favorites!) Eva Zeisel, is turning 100 this year -- and, believe it or not, she's still designing! (So much for taking it easy when you get older.) While you may not have heard of Eva, you've probably seen and used her curvy creations before. Her tea service, dinner plates and serving bowls have graced tables around the world for more than half a century. She is known for her sculptural ceramic pieces with rounded curves, arches, teardrops and wave motifs, which never seem to go out of style. (Take note, Todd Oldham!)

But for her birthday, it looks likes Eva is celebrating in grand centennial style by introducing her first tea kettle design for Chantal (appropriately called the Eva Kettle) and reissuing her classic, swoon-worthy 1950's Pinnacle Tea Set. As usual her design is ergonomic, graceful and functional. The stainless steel kettle features a wide base to decrease boiling time, a tilted and curved stay-cool silicone handle and a seam free body. The first 550 tea kettles will be numbered -- so fun!

The Pinnacle Tea Set is as chic today as it was when it was created more than 50 years ago. Curvy, sensual and refined, it's available in classic white and, for the first time, in black. The Eva Kettle and Pinnacle Tea Set are sold exclusively at Bloomingdale's. The kettle is $80, tea pot $40, and the sugar and creamer set are $30.

You may have seen some of her 1952 reissued designs at your local Crate & Barrel, who has carried her Classic Century tabletop collection for the past year. The salt and pepper shakers ($35), sauce boat ($45) and teapot ($65) are my favorites, although the rest of the line is sublime. Hope they're around for a long time!

Last year, I bought the salt and pepper shakers she designed for Nambe for a friend's wedding ... and it was so hard having to part with them when the actual gift giving time arrived. I just love the graceful lines and go-with-anything style.

And most exciting, Klein Reid teamed with Eva in 1999 to design a line exclusive to their company. The collection includes porcelain and hand-blown crystal pieces. I would be one happy girl with blue crystal centerpiece vase collection.

Granted, I wouldn't be able to pay my mortgage that month (it's about $1,200 for the entire set), but in some weird galaxy, it sounds like a sacrifice worth making.

xxx

the prep squad

2006-09-15T16:06:00.000-04:00

This weekend, I'm off to the Hamptons with a friend -- Wooo! The weather report looks promising (even though it's dark and gloomy outside right now. Bah!). But in honor of my trip to the land of the rich and grosgrained, here's my Friday Picture of the Day. While the argyle sweater-look is a bit too preppy for me to rock, I have to say it looks darn good on a pretty pooch. Collar up, boy!

Have a great weekend!!

xxx

rock the plank

2006-09-15T12:47:00.000-04:00

My tiny kitchen has seen a lot of good days and some very, very bad days. (Serves me right for trying to cook while watching a Project Runway marathon!) But despite a few disastrous meals, I don't let it stop me from tackling new recipes or just blindly creating a new one on the spot. On my way home from work, I love stopping by the grocery store and picking up whatever looks fresh or interesting that day (even if I don't have a clue how it tastes or even how to prepare it!). And by hook or by crook, I usually end up with something interesting (well, at least edible) that I may or may not ever attempt again.

But my new culinary obsession promises that there will be fewer cooking catastrophes in my future -- the almost idiot-proof wood grill plank. Where has this guy been all my life?? I made salmon filets with an asparagus side last week that were so delicious, I'm still having dreams about them. Yum!! Seriously, with no fuss and very little seasoning, you end up with moist and flavorful food that tastes like it's been marinating for days! While traditionally the plank is used on outdoor grills, I've been using it in my oven to grand results. You just may want to place it on a cookie sheet to catch all the char that burns off.

Remember to soak the plank in water for about a hour before putting it on the heat. (Wood burns. Duh.) But after that, it's smooth sailing. Just lay your stuff (fish, meat, veggies) flat on the plank, season with a little olive oil, salt and pepper (to taste) and stick it in the oven. The food will roast in its own juices and soak up the fragrant wood smoke from the plank. Next time, I'm going to try soaking the planks in beer or wine -- hopefully it will have a totally new flavor!

I'm a fan of Fire & Flavor's planks, which come in cedar, alder and maple varieties. And they're really affordable too -- about $8 for three. Williams-Sonoma has one with a fish-shaped, cast metal holder so you can transfer the plank easily. You could even pick up a generic plank for pennies at the hardware store. Just make sure that it's completely untreated -- if there are any chemicals on the board, they'll end up in your food.

While at a food media event earlier this year, I was introduced to Callison's Seasoned Skewers, which borrow from the concept of wood plank cooking but take it to a whole new level. The wood skewers have already been seasoned with different flavors and natural-oils so marinating is done automatically from the inside! No salt, pepper or anything needed. Genius! And they come in great flavors, from mango curry and coconut lime to garlic herb and Mexican fiesta. Just a few weeks ago, my salad was looking quite sad, so I popped some shrimp on a citrus-rosemary skewer, seared it quickly in a pan and added it to my greens. Awww, yeah! It was out of this world, and I basically did nothing to it. Best meal I've ever made in 30 seconds!

xxx

pantone on tone

2006-09-14T14:02:00.000-04:00

If you've been having a hard time choosing the right shade of green to paint your bedroom, your work just got a lot harder! Because Pantone just announced a new line of indoor and exterior paints based on its amazing color system. They have teamed up with Fine Paints of Europe to create a line of colors that, they say, matches the paint card hue almost exactly. And the scary but amazingly cool part? There are OVER 3,000 paint colors to choose from! Egads! You could spend hours, days, weeks going through that inventory! (Scary thought for an indecisive soul like me!) Unfortunately, that much choice comes at a price. Each can is running at about $160/gallon. For those budget-minded folks like me, they're also selling affordable sample-size pots which can be used for tackling smaller projects, like repainting some cheap vases, lamp bases, a side table or some picture frames.

I'm happy to see Pantone branding itself as THE color authority in the retail world. I've been a big fan of the Pantone dinnerware collection for a while -- they're the perfect gift for anyone interested in graphic design or just loves color. Fishs Eddy has been carrying the line for years, but Gracious Home has recently picked up the collection and run with it.

xxx

runway to the hallway: heavy metals

2006-09-13T14:15:00.000-04:00

Get your shine on because gold, silver and bronze pieces are bringing back the bling this fall in fashion and home accessories. As you can imagine, the less-is-more approach is the best way to make this trend work in the real world. Mixing gold and silver jewelry is very chic right now, so I'm sure they would look fab together in a living room -- balancing the weight and texture, of course, so it doesn't look too Liberace-esque.

Waterford Gold Connoisseur glassware ($99)

Brushed Gold Mr. Ice Bucket ($30)

Vera Wang Lace Gold dinnerware ($20 and up)

Athena Tray ($22)

Gold Acrylic Tumblers ($15)

Tord Boontje Vase Cover ($34)

West Elm Hammered Metal Serveware ($5-$24)

CB2 Cayman Melamine Dinnerware ($2-$5)

Chiasso Shimmer Ottoman ($148)

Art Deco Candlestick ($39)

Gump's Brass Charger ($95)

Umbra Metalla Trashcan ($15)

Z Gallerie Midas Bronze Pillow ($30)

West Elm Tall Cylinder Lamp ($129)

Jenn-Air Toaster ($259)

Waterworks Burnished Bronze Tissue Holder ($65)

nano nano

2006-09-12T17:41:00.001-04:00

Awww, yeah! Have you seen the new iPods that Apple just announced? First, I'm totally crushing on the new iPod nano.

THEY
ARE
SO
CUTE

Here's the nitty gritty info: It's made out of aluminum, and even THINNER than the first generation. (I don't know how that's even possible!) Justin may be bringing Sexy Back, but Apple is bringing color back (like the mini). It looks similar to the Mini, actually. Battery life increased from 15 to 24 hours, gapless playback, instant search like the big iPod, quick scrolling and it comes with the new headphones. There are three models -- 2GB model in silver ($149), 4GB in silver, pink, green, blue ($199), and 8GB in black ($249).

I kind of miss the rounded edges of the older version, but they've more than made up for it with the new vibrant colors (very 80's-esque). The Mini's of yesteryear were a bit more muted (which was also cute) but these seem to really pop in a look-at-me kind of way.

Secondly, the new square iPod shuffle is SO SO tiny and compact that it may be smaller than your earphones. It's only a cubic inch in volume, weighs just half an ounce and features a stunning all-new aluminum design. And so it doesn't get lost in the blackhole purse we all carry, it has a clip-on feature so you can just attach it to your pocket or bag strap. Genius! It contains one gigabyte of flash memory, which holds up to 240 songs, and is only $79 ($20 cheaper than the old generation). It won't be available until October, but Apple is already taking orders for the unit.

Even though I'm not in the market for a new iPod right now, knowing these guys are out there just makes me happy!

xxx

now hear this

2006-09-12T14:26:00.000-04:00

In NYC, it's always ridiculously noisy. Honking cabs, constant construction, loud cellphone talkers -- sometimes, it can be complete sensory overload! Every New Yorker has his/her own way of blocking out the noise of the city, from earplugs to iPods. Me? I grab my portable Pioneer inno XM Radio and pop in my super-small but VERY powerful Shure noise-isolating headphones and I'm off. Seriously, it's almost magical! Nearly every single noise (short of a jackhammer pounding away a few feet away from me) is completely muffled by these little buds. I don't know how these guys do it ... and I don't know what I would do without them! Sometimes, they block out so much noise that I worry about not being able to hear the sound of a speeding truck about to barrel into me. Lucky for me, no such run-ins to report. The downside? Unfortunately, they're a bit pricey for headphones (around $200), but I think they're completely worth it. Once you try them, you'll never be able to go back to those ordinary white iPod buds again.

Need something even more powerful (or just not hot on the in-ear variety)? For longer trips or airplane travel, I switch out the Shure's for my Bose QuietComfort 3 noise-cancelling headphones. Talk about headphone luxury!

They're a bit smaller than the older Bose QC2 model and a lot more comfortable. (They have a soft, cushiony material around the ear pieces which cradles your ear in grand smushiness.) And much like the Shures, they dramatically reduce jet engine roar but with more accuracy. Of course, these guys aren't much better in the price department (around $350), but they're also worth the investment if you're a traveler. Also, they are a lot bigger and bulkier than the buds so it's not as easy to shove them into your purse after a walk around the park. But the sound quality and sound-busting quality can't be beat.

xxx

moving right along

2006-09-11T16:06:00.000-04:00

On this anniversary of Sept. 11th, even though we're surrounded by so much sadness and mourning here in NYC, I'd like to celebrate the progress and innovation (at least in the world of design!) that's come about during the last five years. Yesterday, CBS Sunday Morning did a wonderful segment about the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and his unique and beautiful plans for the downtown PATH train station, which will be part of the new World Trade Center complex. And I'm in utter architectural love!

The new station, which will be the main artery for trains connecting New Jersey to Manhattan, looks like an oval of glass and steel with wings rising from its spine, which Calavatra says was inspired by a sketch he made of a pair of children's hands releasing a bird into the air. (How appropriate.) I can only imagine how amazing this will look in the midst of all the straight-laced skyscrapers downtown.

The steel, concrete and glass pavilion at ground level is essentially a skylight for the station's lower levels, allowing daylight to travel 60 feet straight down to the tracks below. By creating covered areas around the station, the block-long, 150 foot-tall wings serve to protect visitors from wind and rain. But the best part of the whole design? The roof retracts (wooo!) kind of like a train-station-skydome that opens the station to fresh air! Awesome!

Wonder if this station will actually make me want to take a trip to New Jersey? Eh, highly doubtful.

xxx

runway to the hallway: jewels of the trade

2006-09-07T11:27:00.000-04:00

Another Fashion Week has descended upon New York. (It's nothing but skinny models, spotlight-seeking celebrities and frazzled fashion editors running around the city these days!) And while I'm a far cry from a fashionista (the devil wears Old Navy, in my case), I do love seeing the gorgeous collections AND pulling out the specific trends of the season -- not because my wardrobe will be changing dramatically, but because those very same trends are usually echoed in the world of home design. One of my favorites this fall? Jewel Tones.

Deep teal, ruby, fuchsia and amethyst are appearing on everything from vases and curtains to tiles and kitchen appliances. In my experience, jewel tones work best with other jewel tonesÂpastels and earth tones tend to look muddy when mixed in. But if done right (and with a certain amount of moderation), the colors look beautifully rich together and make a room look very warm and inviting.

Shimmer Vases ($45-$70)

Velvet Floor Cushion ($100)

Drum Lamp ($50)

Taryn Ottoman ($300)

Tempo Velvet Pillows ($33)

Chinese Red Mirror ($150)

Organza Dinner Napkins ($22)

Sari Patchwork Pillows ($20)

Dyson DC15 ($599)

Plum Glassware ($30-$40)

xxx

ghost improved

2006-09-06T12:22:00.000-04:00

For my birthday, my lovely, dear friends took me out for dinner and drinks at the totally cute and chic Planet Thailand 212 (aka PT212) in Gramercy. Not only is the food delicious and reasonably priced, the restaurant itself is so hip that I was making mental design notes the entire time.

The huge dining roomÂs green floors are hand-painted with pink lotus flowers and lily pads. Hanging lamps covered in twisted bamboo spheres resemble Buckminster Fuller domes. The kitchen is behind glass but on display so you can kinda see your meal being prepared. And as we were leaving, we noticed the interactive video art installation by Jon Kessler, which captures diners inside cut-out scenes. So cool -- it was like being in a trendy house of mirrors.

But my favorite design element of the entire restaurant? The swoon-worthy, Philippe Starck-designed orange Ghost chairs grouped around striped square tables throughout the space.

Sigh, add these chairs to my "if I win the lottery" list because each of these bad boys is about $250 each. Although Umbra's OH chairs are definitely more budget-friendly, I can't help but long for a dining table surrounded by these little guys. I may just have to pick up a lotto ticket on my way home tonight. I'm feeling lucky!

xxx

rainy day hues

2006-09-05T16:43:00.001-04:00

It's another dark, rainy day in NYC. Blech! And while there aren't many positive things to say about the wet-dog hairstyle I'm currently sporting, my sopping wet purse and my general anger towards people who wield umbrellas like weapons ... rainy days like this one are perfect for pulling out my favorite wellies -- Burberry's Nova Check rain boot in pink, which I proudly bought off eBay a few months ago for a steal.

And now everywhere I look, cute and colorful rain boots are brightly popping up in a sea of rainy gray ... and at prices to meet almost every budget.

Jeffrey Campbell ($50)

Pucci ($150)

L.L. Bean ($49)

Kate Spade ($125)

Target ($20)

When it rains, it pours. May as well look cute through it all!

xxx

you've been served

2006-09-03T11:30:00.000-04:00

We had so much fun at the US Open! It turned out to be a beautiful weather night -- no rain and plenty of clear, twinkling starry skies. And the matches ended up being better than I thought for first-round play.

And while the actual tennis was definitely fun to watch, I was also mesmerized by the amazing food options at the tennis center. Forget about those soggy hot dogs and imitation cheese nachos over at Shea! The on-site dining options in the US Open Village represent most of the globe. (Try and name another sporting event where you can choose among sushi, ouzo-marinated shrimp, carne asada, chicken tikka masala and lobster salad!) Everyone from the famed Carnegie Deli to Fulton Seafood Market to Baluchi's Indian cuisine had a booth, which was almost too much choice for an indecisive soul like me. (FYI, I went with Barilla pizza. Not the most adventurous choice, but it was easily portable and sure hit the spot.) Mind you, it ain't cheap to eat. There was basically nothing below $8, except for pretzels and popcorn for about $6 each ... but it's all part of the fun so I parted with my money quite happily. Hope I can get back to a match next week!

xxx

all up in my grill

2006-09-02T16:27:00.001-04:00

It's the battle of the indoor grills in my kitchen this week. In this corner, my trusty ol' George Foreman grill that introduced me to life with grill marks and perfectly cooked chicken breasts every time. And in that corner, my shiny new Breville indoor grill, which is about twice the size of George but can open flat to form side-by-side griddle and grill panels (just in case I'm channeling my inner Gladys Knight and decide to cook up some chicken & waffles at the same time!)

So what's a girl to do? Although George is older, certainly not as fancy and a total pain to clean, I'm not ready to break up with him yet. Just last week, he and I grilled up some delish steak au poivre burgers from Whole Foods in a mouth-watering snap. But why keep a jalopy around when you've got a Porsche sitting in the driveway? The Breville has more surface area, adjustable grill plates and temperature control (so I can actually choose how I want to cook my food instead of just hitting the "on" button and hoping for the best). But, it's definitely heavier and clunkier than George and takes a lot more effort to lug out of the cabinet for a dinner-for-one grilling night. So for now, I guess they're both sticking around ... waiting to battle another day.

xxx

dining fever

2006-08-30T13:19:00.000-04:00

Every year around my birthday, I am hit with two different, yet equally strong urges. One is to down a couple of margaritas ... stat! The other is to redecorate my apartment. Ever since moving into my itty-bitty Manhattan studio last year, I've been riding the bell-shaped curve of decorating enthusiasm and now, with yet another birthday come and gone, I'm back on the design bandwagon. This month's obsession? My blah dining table and chairs. Right now, I have a mission-style, Crate & Barrel extension table and two matching chairs that my old roommate and I bought years ago while living in Brooklyn. Loved it then. Loathe it now! For one thing, it's just not my style. (Too traditional and the wood is a couple shades too light.) And second, the two-chair handicap means that dinner parties are out of the question. And why buy more chairs for a table set I hate anyway? So, I'm thinking about getting a couple of uber-cute Umbra OH chairs to go around the table! Sigh, I love that Karim Rashid. Even his Dirt Devil Kone vacuum design is cute! (Okay, yes, it looks a little like a dunce cap, but I'm still swooning.)

But back to the chairs ... I am in love with the color and shape and think they'll add some modern flair to the traditional table. Plus, they're oh-so comfy for plastic and pretty affordable -- only $49 at the Container Store. (FYI, I'm cheap.) And the best part? They're stackable -- perfect for the space-deprived New Yorker. I've been wanting to add some pink elements into the space, so I'm thinking two light pink and two fuchsia chairs ought to do the trick. I'll have to measure to make sure they fit around the table, and that they're high enough to actually eat comfortably, but I'm loving the look for now. Fingers crossed!

Tonight, I'm going to the US Open with some friends -- can't wait! It's my favorite sporting event in NYC and I wait for it every year! We're supposed to see Andy Roddick and Maria Sharapova play, so it should be a fun night. Stay tuned!

xxx