Irrationally Obsessed:
Emma Bridgewater Pottery September 26th, 2011 By

Many years ago, I did a guide to shopping Atlanta, and found myself spending an inordinate amount of time at Star Provisions, which is hands-down, one of the first spots I would ever want to transport to my neighborhood. Part sandwich shop, part candy store, part butcher, part cheese shop, part gift boutique, and part restaurant (in fact there are many different restaurant franchises), I ate, all in, six meals here (in about four days). I also spent a lot of money on home goods: It’s like the greatest hits of table-centric wonders, all arranged in otherworldly displays. There’s Heath Ceramics, there’s Lotta Jansdotter, and there’s Emma Bridgewater.

Oh, Emma Bridgewater. The ceramics-heavy line is based in the UK, which means there isn’t nearly enough of her stuff available here. Do you guys see why I love it so much? Particularly, the bird-centric mugs. I want all of them (and this coming from a person who has 25+ mugs…I know this, because I just had to take inventory for our move across the country).

clockwise l-r: EMMA BRIDGEWATER PUFFIN MUG, $33.50, Distinctive-Decor.com;  EMMA BRIDGEWATER BLUE TIT MUG $33.50, Dragonfly Dry Goods; EMMA BRIDGEWATER PEACHES & APPLES MUG, $45.99, Joanna Hudson Basics; EMMA BRIDGEWATER TINS, $41.24 (set of three), Joanna Hudson Basics.

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Instant Collection:
Enamel Travel Charms September 23rd, 2011 By

Many years ago, while visiting a lowkey flea market near Aix-en-Provence, I found a small bucket of enameled charms, each bearing the name of a French region. Obviously, because I tend to buy in bulk particularly when I travel (you’ll never find the items again!), I bought all of them (they were a Euro each, and because I bought him out, the kind gentleman gave me an extra-good deal). I still wear a couple of them—mixed in with other similarly-sourced charms—nearly every day, and the rest I gifted to friends. Enameled travel charms aren’t particularly difficult to find on eBay, it’s true, but there’s something about finding them in situ that made them feel hard-won.

Anyway, these enameled travel charms have lived quietly around my neck for years: And somehow, I’ve never seen anyone else wearing them. Until now: Yellow Owl Workshops, purveyors of adorable stamp kits and stationery, are doing their own variation on the theme, namely this California-centric pendant. Cute, right? Seems like a good time to start adding to my collection. (Admission: While writing up this post, I found a Montana charm on eBay and bought it.)


clockwise l-r: VINTAGE ENAMEL TRAVEL CHARM, $29.95, eBay; VINTAGE ENAMEL TRAVEL CHARM, $29.95, eBay; CALIFORNIA PENDANT, $44.00, Yellow Owl Workshop; AIR/WATER PENDANT, $44.00, Yellow Owl Workshop.

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A note about these
Carriere Freres Candles September 23rd, 2011 By

So we have a little item on Carrieres Freres Candles over on our newly redesigned home landing page (like it?), and I just wanted to give them some more context, because these are hands-down, the prettiest candles I’ve ever seen in person and I cannot believe that they’re not ubiquitous over here in the states. Get them now before they are so that you can impress all of your friends! (And if any boutique owners are reading, shove aside that basket of Hanky Panky thongs at your cash wrap and sell these instead!)

To give credit where credit is due, I saw these for the first time at the very beautifully conceived and executed Old Faithful Store in Vancouver’s Gastown, which felt a lot like London’s famed Labour & Wait. They both specialize in gorgeous renditions of everyday items. If you’re ever kicking around Vancouver, check it out: There’s a ton of excellent nearby shopping, too.

clockwise l-r: CARRIERE FRERES GARDENIA CANDLE, $45.00, Candleluxury.com; CARRIERE FRERES FIG TREE CANDLE, $45.00, Candleluxury.com; WIRE BASKET, $25.00, Old Faithful Shop; TWINE STAND WITH SCISSORS, $20.95, Old Faithful Shop.

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What’s your shopping
Achilles’ Heel? September 23rd, 2011 By

My husband and I often find ourselves meandering the aisles at our nearby Target Greatlands every Sunday: For, you know, kitty litter, John Freida Brilliant Brunette shampoo, and Archer Farms pita chips and roasted almonds (their house brand rocks!). Invariably, we keep wandering (PlayStation games! Notebooks! Jewelry Cleaner!) until we’ve amassed at least $150 worth of stuff. Without fail. Lately, the same thing seems to be happening at Lululemon (where, granted, you can hit that mark with just two or three things). Everytime I go in, or click around on their site, I end up with some new cropped tights (I own EIGHT pairs already, and these things don’t seem to wear out), and a jewel-toned top. Rob buys Core shorts faster than I can wash them, and will now only wear Lululemon No Show Socks, because they don’t slip. Know what’s also awesome about Lululemon (besides the fact that their tights are super slimming and flattering)? Shipping is always free. So, spill: What’s your shopping Achilles’ heel?

Lululemon, clockwise l-r: LULULEMON ATHLETICA X-LONG RACERBACK TANK, $48.00, Lululemon Athletica; LULULEMON ATHLETICA DEEP BREATH TANK, $58.00, Lululemon Athletica; LULULEMON ATHLETICA RUN: INSPIRE CROP, $86.00, Lululemon Athletica; LULULEMON ATHLETICA CORE SHORTS, $58.00, Lululemon Athletica.

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My long, complicated love affair
with Pendleton September 21st, 2011 By

Growing up in Montana, Pendleton blankets were just part of the natural fabric of life: After all, the ages-old (1863) company was just a stone’s throw away over in Oregon (where they have the last two mills on American soil…true fact!). You see, when I was a kid, we didn’t even have a Gap (nearest location was three-hours away in Spokane, Washington, to which we made a twice-yearly pilgrimage). Real shopping missions happened in Seattle or Portland or via the J.Crew catalogue (which explains my life-long addiction to catalogues, something we’ll get into later). It’s pretty crazy how dramatically the shopping scape has changed, huh? I mean, I’m not that old! But I digress: I’ve had pretty mixed feelings watching the fashion crowd embrace Pendleton these past few years (Opening Ceremony, Lindsey Thornburg…), since I used to feel like it was one of my little secrets. But, the shapes get better and better. Case in point, the Pendleton Portland Collection, which is just hitting stores this fall: The company partnered with three local Portland designers (Nathaniel Crissman, Rachel Turk and John Blasioli), and they’ve turned out some pretty kick-ass ponchos, dresses, and jackets. In stores soon (but this poncho is available at Wink now).

And speaking of my catalogue addiction: Pendleton’s ranks as one of my favorites. I will be ordering these Chief Joseph plates (own the blanket), this non-Pendleton looking, but still rad ikat lamp (can’t get enough ikat).

pendleton l-r: CHIEF JOSEPH SALAD PLATE: $76.00 (set of four); PETITE PARO TABLE LAMP AND IKAT SHADE: $238.00, available at Pendleton.

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If I Buy Only One Thing This Week…
It’ll be a Marañón Necklace September 20th, 2011 By

I was wandering around Chicago last year, scouting out its best shops, when I stumbled into Asrai Garden, a floral-centric shop that I had somehow missed in all my previous visits to the city. Shocking, because Asrai Garden is exactly the sort of store I love to shop best: Gorgeously, lush arrangements (no, not plane ride appropriate), Santa Maria Novella beauty products, impeccably cluttered walls full of flea market finds (no, impeccably cluttered is not an oxymoron!), and all sorts of strange, otherworldly gifts. One such discovery: Embroidered necklaces made by a Cuban born woman named Lorena Marañón, who lives in Colorado.

 

I have a deep soft-spot for embroidery anything, it’s true, but these pieces were so graphic and fractal-like, they barely looked like they derived from an old-world craft. I bought one of her simpler necklaces; and then recently tracked her down to find that she’s doing far more intricate takes, like the Guajira and the Gestapal. And yes, I think another—or two. They’re totally rad, and unlike anything else I’ve ever seen.

necklacess l-r: GUAJIRA: $105.00, Marañón; GESTAPAL $91.00, Marañón.

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Under $100 Favorite:
Fancy French Cologne September 16th, 2011 By

When you spend as much time as I do shopping around online, many things become apparently: Namely, how hard it can be to find independent online boutiques that do the under $100 category really, really well. One of the spots that does, in my opinion, is Fancy French Cologne, a little shop out of San Francisco.

I like the quirky/feminine sensibility, and I love the fact that everything looks far more expensive than it actually is. Case in point: This super pretty lace Tulle blouse, which looks great on its own with jeans, but would look equally spot-on tucked into a pencil skirt for work (same goes for this sleeveless crochet version). And for more from Tulle on Beso, click here.

lace tops l-r: HIGH TEA TOP: $42.00, Tulle; ANTIQUE LACE TOP $48.00, Tulle.

 

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Store Spotlight:
Eden Home September 15th, 2011 By

My baby brother (who just turned three) deserves the best and safest stuff there is, and I’m determined that organic is the way to go. Eden Home is one of the sweetest websites I’ve found, and they impressively stick to “organic, all natural and eco-friendly products for your home and life”. And though I love the earthy, organic look, I also totally appreciate that Eden Home has BPA-free plastic dump trucks and other classic toys that I used to play with before the organic lifestyle was so easily accessible.

Organic Blueberry Stripe RompeBPA-Free Dump Truck

All-Natural Baby PowderOrganic Monkey Stacker

Store Spotlight l-f: ORGANIC BLUEBERRY STRIPE ROMPER: $19.50; BPA-FREE DUMP TRUCK: $9.75; ALL-NATURAL BABY POWDER: $7.48; ORGANIC MONKEY STACKER: $23.40 all available at Eden Home.

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Are you obsessed with paper-thin towels, too? 40% off. Never happens. September 13th, 2011 By

So generally, there seem to be two camps of people: Those who love super, super plush robes and towels, and those who prefer the Turkish variety. The latter, which are hyper-thin (but arguably just as absorbent), don’t get any prettier than the offerings at Kara Weaves, an online store that supports various hand-weaving communities in Kerala, India. Personally, I stock up on guest towels—and at 40% off, the already reasonably priced variations are suddenly even thriftier.

HAND TOWELS SET: $30.00 for 10, available at Kara Weaves.

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Just In:
White Crow September 13th, 2011 By

This independent online boutique got its start the old fashioned way. A girl from Toronto who wanted to open a store that sold trendy clothing, with limited quantity (to avoid doppelganger sightings), and offered great price points. Behold – White Crow offers all that and more. Below are a few of our favorites.

white crow l-f: CIRCLE STRIPE TEE: $24.00; MINI STRIPE SHOULDER BAG: $34.00; MUSTARD SEED PLEATED TROUSER: $44.00, GREEN WITH ENVY SIMPLY SAFFRON TASSEL BELT: $29.00, all available at White Crow.

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The Best Thing I Bought
Last Month: Native Shoes September 9th, 2011 By

So at last count, I own about five pairs of Sperry Topsiders: Orange patent, lime green patent, basic brown, subtle metallic, etc. And I easily own just as many articles of footwear that intend to keep the water out: Duck boots, Hunter wellies, et al. So you can imagine my glee when I was wandering through the shops of Vancouver a few weeks ago and stumbled upon a Canadian-born hybrid: Native Shoes.

I bought the Corrado, which is like an incredibly comfortable, rubberized boat shoe, but they also turn out a pretty adorable Keds-like version, too, called the Jericho. Commuting to work in the rain has suddenly became infinitely less bulky: After all, there’s no need to stash an extra pair of shoes in my already encumbered bag, or to leave my rainboots behind at the office when the weather changes only to be stuck without at the next thunderstorm. Brilliant.

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Am I the last to the
Bauble Bar party? September 8th, 2011 By

So bear with us if we’re the last to this party, but how did the launch of Bauble Bar completely pass us by? In fact, I would still be in the dark about this incredibly well-conceived and wildly well-priced costume jewelry site were it not for Cynthia Kling—of Domino fame (as the author of “The Adventuress” column, she’s the one who constructed her own pre-fab home and meditated on important topics like clutter)—who mentioned it in passing, during a conversation about the art of packing. Her tone wasn’t all out accusatory when she asked me how I, of all people, didn’t know about the site, but it was definitely amused. Apparently, she owns so many things from Bauble Bar that she gifts them from her own neck at cocktail parties. That said, she has yet to bequeath anything to me.

No bother, though, because most things tend to register in at less than $100 (many for under $25, true story). Sold. What other awesome web launches have I somehow missed? Spill on your favorites, please…

bauble bar l-f: DUO ENAMEL CUFF: $30.00; IMPERIAL CLIPS: $78.00 all available at Bauble Bar.

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