Archive for December, 2017

The GOACA guide: Ten gifts from museum shops

I love checking out museum shops—I won’t lie, they’re probably my favorite part about visiting museums—and they are excellent resources for unique, unexpected gifts. I am especially taken with this snow globe by artists Nora Ligorano and Marshall Reese.

A truly mini, totally portable espresso maker.

The Eames house bird is such a classic, and would look at home in pretty much any residence.

I have this measuring tape somewhere—it’s small and handy and a really satisfying shape to hold in your hand.

Tea towels from the great Yayoi Kusama.

Everyone needs a copy of this handy in these tricky times.

I am so tempted by this big ball.

 

The logo on this tote was designed by Alexander Girard, who was the director of design for Herman Miller’s textile department for over 20 years.

These Louise Bourgeois coasters are utterly gorgeous.

The coolest drying rack I’ve ever seen (and one I wish I’d known about it when I did this post).

The GOACA guide: 20 gifts under $50

All sorts of inexpensive gift excitement, starting with this classic Stendig calendar, which I’d love to own. It’s as of-the-moment now as it was in when it was designed by the great Massimo Vignelli back in 1966.

Soap & Paper Factory has such pretty packaging that you scarcely have to wrap your gifts—and this lotion is really good, and smells brilliantly of neroli.

This ceramic tumbler by Helen Levi is just so pretty and handmade-looking.

This wee Le Creuset espresso mug couldn’t be much cuter, and it’s cheap enough that you can buy a whole set.

A really quite elegant small vase.

The differently-colored handles on these steak knives are so graphically appealing.

A poppy red duffel is unexpected and fun.

A stainless steel flask that comes with a canvas carrier: so streamlined and elegant.

This universal five-in-one adaptor may not be the sexiest gift, but I own it and can attest to its brilliance. Plus, it’s cute.

I feel like a bread basket is a very civilized thing to own, and aspire to such things.

These bright gloves are an instant good mood.

Just the simplest brass cuff—but so chic, especially in a stack.

These Minnetonka slippers just ooze coziness.

This graphite feather is so arresting in black.

I got this book, a look back at the iconic brand behind many a GOACA’s adolescent fashion obsession, a while back and am so enjoying it. It’s got posters in the back, which is a fun bonus, and will add a lively graphic punch to any coffee table it’s placed on.

A compact, space-age clock from the MoMa design store.

This beanie comes in New York, Paris, and London versions, too.

This passport case looks fancier than it is.

I can’t help it, and am not certain why, but I love this tumbler so damn much.

Such a stunning Georg Jensen wine stopper.

 

Top 5 of the week: Some very pretty candles

I have no idea what the scent of any of these is like; I chose them on the basis of aesthetics alone. And I just think this is sweet.

This is from Astier de Villatte, and boy is it not cheap, but it is too gorgeous.

A dramatic and at the same time quite subdued choice.

 

This comes in a variety of colors, but the poppy red really appeals.

A subtly elegant option.

 

Bags to carry to parties

I have way too many bags in my life (I just did a major purge and still have too many). But I possess nothing in the way of a fun, not-too-big (but not inconveniently small) bag to carry to parties, I think because of my aversion to little bags. But I am game to find one, and believe that this is the kind of  item you can have a little fun with by, say, going for metallics or embroidery or a touch of fluff. I like the idea of one that’s on the loud side, which is why this bright orange shearling from Clare V appeals.

I have wanted this bag for a while now: the shape and the color are both absolutely perfect.

Here’s a cute (and not small) leopard clutch.

This wristlet is such a cool and also sophisticated option. (And here it is in silver metallic.)

The product description says this is velvet, but it looks much furrier—and is so adorable.

Here’s something that’s furrier still.

The chevron print here makes this choice a standout, as does the chain strap.

Oh, this just struck me as pretty sweet, what with the flowers and stars.

A gold metallic evening bag is a classic—and it can not be said enough: metallics are neutrals. This would go with everything.

 

And finally: this is just a hoot.

What I am packing for vacation

 

I’m going to Mexico on Christmas day—a small town about an hour’s flight and then another hour’s drive from Mexico City called San Miguel, have any of you been?— and am aiming to fit everything into a carry-on. This is usually pretty easy when packing for a warm climate. But apparently it gets cold in the evenings there this time of year, which creates a challenge. So I’m only bringing with me items I know I’ll want to wear repeatedly. And I am dreaming of purchasing these Nili Lotan Jenna pants, in navy, with the most adorable ribbon trim. They’ll look cute cuffed when it’s warmer out, and are so damn comfortable and flattering.

On the plane, I’ll wear these R-13 jeans, which I have owned forever.

 

And whatever the thickest sweater I’m bringing is.

Even though I know they’ll get wrinkled, I’ll bring a couple of button-downs (and maybe, if there’s room, this wee travel steamer will come along too).

I own a couple of Maria Cornejo jersey dresses, and they are so good for travel because they pack down to nothing.

I can’t imagine not bringing a striped long-sleeved tee, most likely in simple, graphic black and white because it’s so versatile, and a little punk rock.

To walk around everywhere, I will bring these clogs, even though they’re clunky to pack.

For lounging about, I’ll put an ancient Emerson Fry caftan in the suitcase, but I dream of bringing this stunner.

A lightweight cotton cardigan is a particularly good layering piece.

And finally, I know I risk boring you by going on about about Chan Luu scarves again, but they really are the best for travel. Lightweight, but super-warm too.  This is so fun in the leopard print, no?

 

 

 

It is officially hat season

I very much like hiding under a hat this time of year, especially on those daily early morning dog runs, when my hair is wild and bed-heady, and the notion of covering a sizable portion of my puffy, pre-makeup face under something wooly has a distinct appeal too. And I am crazy for Mischa Lampert’s splurgetastic hats; the combination of oversized pom-pom and thick wool is so winning—they’re warm as all get-out—and I think there’s something lively and unexpected about this color combination.

I have a faux fur beanie much like this one and it is in near-constant rotation; it’s one of those rare items that I’m pretty sure makes me cuter.

The red and grey here really works.

The striped pom-pom is a fun touch.

Pretty well-priced for Missoni.

This hood is stupidly pricey but so very genius.

I love a fisherman’s cap; it’s very cool French girl.  (Here is one in black.)

Just a good solid basic black.

Super-graphic and statement-y without being too much.