gift idea #4

the nutcracker in natural wood holding a little present is the best nutcracker i've come across.  it is unpretentious and refreshing.  that's the way i would imagine the original nutcracker to be.  available at west elm for $24.  part of proceeds will be donated to st jude's children hospital.  plus free shipping.  doesn't get much better than that.

1st street, little tokyo

little tokyo hasn't changed much since i first moved to LA in the early nineties.  some of the 24-hour restaurants are still intact.  there's a sense of nostalgia walking down 1st street.  i never cease to marvel at the brass/bronze inlays on the sidewalk.  the text is poetic, the isometric view of the crate with brass/bronze outline inlaid in the red terrazzo is bizarre and beautiful...  in the mini mall across the street, if you get lucky, you'll find this japanese cowboy performing pop/rock using all parts of his body on the strangest equipments assembled from everyday life.  he is quite an entertainer and will surely kick up some fun mocking you.  as you can see, he's been featured on jimmy kimmel live, etc.  and while you're in the neighborhood, go get in line for the best ramen in town - Daikokuya, literally translated as the Big, Black House.

franklin at vine

i love the graffiti underneath the freeway here.  it's a city icon, represents old hollywood glam, shows the artistry of the creator and is at the same time functional - it shows you where the storage entrance is!

trash or treasure?

trashy and regal, bohemian and aristrocratic.  i dig this sacai silk vest.

only $1235 at barney's.

more designers from down-under

ARNSDORF i believe is based in australia.  her latest collection is architectural, sculptural and inspiring.  here's a good write up.

"Arnsdorf´s latest SS10/11 collection, "Opticks" - as seen at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week.

"Opticks" was born from designer Jade Arnott´s fascination with Sir Isaac Newtons book of the same name. This study on reflections and refractions has been translated into fantastic prints and precise angular paneling complemented by Arnsdorf´s signature ladylike tailored silhouette."

i find the outfit romantic, complex and beautiful.

karen walker

if you don't know karen walker, you probably should.  i was first attracted to her work with the Etiquette collection of summer 2000.  it was cool, easy and witty.  she has since evolved to become more carefree and fun.  here's a good description of her work.

"Karen Walker collections are high casual with one foot in tailoring and the other in street wear. The reoccurring theme is taking extremes and pushing them together — masculine and feminine, tailored and street, luxury and non luxury, dark and super-cute."

here in the US, her clothes are less known than her accessories especially eyewear.  check out her website.  the number 1 and number 2 frames are cute with the big arrows and are worn by the heavy-weights such as rihanna and alexa chung.

walker is based in new zealand.

vanishing act

in case you haven't had time to read the email from this morning, OPENING CEREMONY is offering an additional 30% off sale items before all online sales are gone for good this sunday.  enter promo code VANISHINGACT at checkout.  go splurge at one of my favorite stores in town!

Robin's Song Peep-Toes

i dig the colors, the design, the heels.  only if my feet could fit into a 37-1/2..

on sale for $99.95 at anthropologie.

Sit-A-Spell

interesting necklace of bold braids of cotton.

on sale for $79.95 at anthropologie

marimekko

another classic, simple and bold pattern by marimekko.

$79.95 from crate and barrel.

Lanvin (hearts) H&M

yes, i love Lanvin too.  even more so at these H&M prices.  fellow fashionistas, get your tents ready for the launch of Lanvin (hearts) H&M hiver 2010 on november 20. can you imagine the crazy lines around the blocks?

gift idea #3

cash is the best gift.  second to that, gift cards are always welcomed.  here are some fun little containers for your x'mas gift cards.  the plastic holders at the top are 99-cents each.  the paper holders on the bottom are two for 99-cents.  all from the lovely 99-cent store.

decoration idea #2

more wonderful surprises from 99-cent store.  the peace sign is such a classic.  the blue of the blue star is an iridescent indigo, a beautiful rich color.  the tree is just funny!  everything 99-cents of course.

gift idea #2

everybody loves these app magnets.  they are relevant, funny and functional.  available at urban outfitters for $16.  cheaper at the manufacturer's website, JailBreak Collective, for $12.99 (currently out of stock).  or on sale at Think Geek for $9.99.  

gift idea #1

i wouldn't mind getting a white elephant of these stone buildings (house, temple, condo).  simple and quirky, they seem to have jumped right out of john hejduk's drawings.  $14.95 each from CB2.

x'mas a-coming - decoration idea #1

after halloween, the rest of year will just fly by.  before you know it, x'mas will be here.  i am starting to look at the tree and gift possibilities.  this seems like an wonderful alternative to chopping down a fresh tree.  taken from CB2 website.

dress forms of my dream

someone tell me where to find these pleeeeease!!

urban sculpture

urth caffe

when my little girl whispered in my ears "there's a bear and a dog in their coffee.." (referring to the table below us), i didn't expect to actually see them!

the downtown LA location is in an old brick building with beautiful tile work.  there's seating inside overlooking an open kitchen (through a glass wall) and a semi-private room that opens out to a nice, raised patio.  good service, pet friendly.

"pumpkin tree"?

or a chinese painting of a rare species of cherry blossom?  a beautiful plant nonetheless.  from Trader Joe's, $6.99