what i'm gifting today: birch mugs from rare device

wedding season is officially upon us. and if there's one thing i learned during my engagement, it's that there's a reason couples register. the world is full of terrible, horrible, no good, very bad wedding gifts. that said, i always hate buying off the registry...it just sucks the fun out of the gift-giving for me. fortunately, most of my friends trust me to select gifts they'll love.

if you have someone who trusts your taste saying their "i do"s this summer, surprise them with a set of these gorgeous birch mugs from rust designs. look closely - those beautiful birch trees have a special touch: a heart with initials carved inside, like something right out of any cheesy romantic movie you've ever loved. best of all, they'll customize each mug with the happy couple's initials inside that heart, so the effect is stylish, one-of-a-kind, and incredibly thoughtful, all at once. not bad for a gift under $50.

order at rare device, one of my favorite stops for thoughtful gifts of all shapes and sizes.

what i want today: ombre from vince

i've always been a sucker for ombre dyes on fabric, ever since i was a wee girl. now that they're back in vogue, i'm as giddy for them as i was back then. pieces from vince (one of my absolute favorite designers) fall collection are starting to trickle in, and the collection is packed with gorgeous ombre pieces i'm dying to own.


this shirred ombre silk top is so subtle, it will pass muster long after the ombre trend fades. the detail on the neckline is just fantastic, and that shade of blue is as chic as it gets (though the grey color it also comes in is equally fabulous). this summer, i'll pair it with shorts for a casual dinner out, but the grey version would look just as lovely with my black tuxedo trousers - now that's versatility i can get behind.


and i haven't quite figured out the fundage details, but i can pretty well assure you this gorgeous cashmere v-neck will be in my closet by the time the weather turns cool. i'm absolutely addicted to cashmere sweaters, and this one has so much style, i hardly know where to begin.


and i've been after this branch print shell since i saw it at a trunk show months ago. it was gorgeous then, and i love it just as much now. and, as always with vince, it's endlessly versatile. i can see it with cut-off denim shorts, and i can see it with a pencil skirt - ooh, and maybe some fantastic bright heels. a perfect summer/early fall piece, any way you accessorize it.

all are available at shopbop. also, neiman marcus is currently doing an online trunk show of the fall vince line (so fantastic, i've been forced to ask my dog to hold onto my american express card for temporary safekeeping...). both are well worth a look!

deal of the day: 25% off at sotto boutique

the lovely owner of sotto boutique emailed me yesterday to let me know that, in the spirit of helping us all dress well during a recession, she's taking 25% off her entire site! just use code relief at checkout, through june 15, and you can single-handedly help to restore our flailing economy.


sotto carries a fabulously well-edited selection of the most on-trend looks from this season. i adore this dusty blue silk "sunday blouse" from church & state - buttoned up, it's the perfect good-girl look for work, but drop those buttons down, and it becomes a flirty, sexy top perfect for evenings out. the options here are endless - belt it, layer it (under a sweater or over a tank), but don't miss out on it while it's marked down to $195.


while we're admiring that gorgeous shade of blue, i can't resist pointing out this lovely charlotte ronson cardigan. as usual, charlotte struts her stuff with impeccable design details that make a basic anything but. i adore those balloon sleeves, the two different knit styles, and the styling is as tailored as a cardigan gets, but the color keeps it relaxed. and if it feels too early for sweaters, this is a great summer "this air conditioning is positively freezing" addition to any ensemble, and will go from work to weekend seamlessly. nab it for $160 before the weather cools off!


and what a fantastic antidote to the bland gladiator sandal trend! these wedge sandals from devotte leelo are anything but neutral, and fabulous doesn't even begin to cover it. the purple suede and gold detailing are as decadent as it gets, but the styling keeps them ultra-wearable (and that slight wedge heel even makes them skirt-worthy). this is that pair of shoes you buy because you love them, even though it feels completely irrational, then realize you can wear them with absolutely everything in your closet. not a bad deal for $220.

check out all of the goods at sotto - i think you'll love just about everything they have to offer (and you will almost certainly, as i did, mourn the fact that those fantastic madison marcus leather jackets are already sold out). fortunately, there are plenty of other covetable items to distract you.

design redux: carrie's apartment remodel from sex and the city

as i gushed yesterday, i've been obsessed with the apartment makeover in SATC ever since i saw the movie. thank goodness for the internet - one of my darling readers (thanks, j!) sent over this link to an interview on casasugar with jeremy conway, the production designer on the set - aka, the great mind behind the stylin' digs.


if you're into the hows and whys, definitely head over and check out the full interview - casasugar did a fantastic job! and i'll do you one better by suggesting the chicago tribune's interview with the set designers as well.

but if you're just in it for the gory details, here's what i know:

* that stunning paint color is benjamin moore's "electric blue".

* as for those lovely settees flanking that amazing shelving unit (above), well, you're out of luck - they were custom-designed. but the upholstery fabric you can have. it's called amanda lee, and can be yours for $110/yd from the silk trading co.

* the coffee table is vintage, so sourcing doesn't help. but i did just see a freakishly similar version in june's elle decor, which you can find here for $1,950. or, check out this knockoff version at horchow, for under $500, proving once again that sometimes close enough is okay. you could also go old-school and pick up the version from her original apartment, which you can find at room and board (actually designed by them to match the table in the series - how cool is that?).

* the lovely eggplant-and-cream rug in the center of the room comes to us courtesy of the rug company - the design is called overleaf, and it's by marni. pricing runs about $80/sf.

* update! that fab neutral rug in the seating area is also by the rug company - the design is called 'palazzo,' and it was created by one of their founders, suzanne sharp.

last, but most certainly not least: for J, who was kind enough to find me these stunning pics, i'll return the fave by granting her wish.

"After watching the Sex in the City movie, I am in LOVE with Carrie’s apt remodel. I know you saw the film & I am hoping you caught a glimpse of the amazing LOVE print she had framed and leaned against the wall at Charlotte’s baby shower. Can you suggest a version for my home?"

well, J, i can tell you that the "real" version from the movie is called "love too", by veteran design guru paul smith. it's handwoven wool and silk needlepoint, measures right around 3'x4'9", and retails for $2,550, and can be yours by contacting the rug company. if you're crushing on this piece as much as J is, do a search on the rug company's site for "paul smith," and you'll find loads of other needlepoint lovelies, plus all of his fantastic rugs.

and if you can't quite spring for the original, here are a few prints on etsy that might tide you over: from artsyschmartzie, bellabella and jennifer ramos.

so, that's what i know for now...naturally, i'll keep you all posted if more info comes my way.

(credit where credit is due: photos courtesy craig blankenhorn/new line cinema ©2008 via casasugar, the chicago tribune and the rug company.)

because everyone else is doing it...

i feel a bit remiss just completely ignoring the SATC premiere. but, on the other hand, i was sort of proud of being the only blogger in creation who hadn't mentioned it yet today :) then, i realized, the name of this blog being what it is, you all might want my two cents. or maybe not :)

in any case, my very NON-spoiler-like thoughts are that it was very well done - better than i expected, actually. for those haters that are annoyed it wasn't oscar worthy, i will only say: um, duh. it is sex and the city, not citizen kane.

and, i will add that i think it says something about where i am in my life right now that i was vastly (vastly) more enthralled with carrie's apartment makeover (is that a spoiler?) than any of the fashion...well, okay, except the wedding gown photo shoot (which i do not consider a spoiler, as it was on the cover of june vogue). if only i could find pictures...but i'm working on it.

other than that, i sort of refuse to deconstruct any movie, but especially one that's meant to be fun, light, and iconic in the best of ways.

(image credit to the daily mail...thanks, guys!)

what i want today: prismera jewelry

isn't that just stunning? i came across the artist, laura su, via decor8 (holly, the author of that fantastic site, is so my hero!), and as soon as i saw laura's work, i knew i had to share.

laura draws each piece herself, has them cut into the metal (stainless steel, because of its durability and eco-friendly status), then finishes each piece by hand. in this day and age of everything being mass-produced, it makes me so happy to buy something that's almost entirely handmade (hence the etsy obsession...).


my favorite is her 'flora and folium' collection, which she has just released in yellow gold (it was previously only available in sterling). her dogwood earrings are exactly what i've been searching for - the perfect daytime gold earring. i love the organic detail, and the size is just perfect to make them noticeable without being over the top. and at $50 (or $40 for stainless steel), they're all but impossible to pass up.


if you're looking for more of a statement piece, don't miss her mimosa earrings, which would be absolutely stunning for a night out.

laura even offers custom work, so if there's a flower that's particularly special to you (maybe those cherry blossoms from your wedding bouquet), drop her a line, and she can create something perfect. how amazing would a gift that special be?


oh and, as long as you're browsing, don't miss the gorgeous 'gilded flora' collection - laura just marked the entire collection 45% off! that means you can score that gorgeous beauty above for less than $50! most pieces from this collection are one of a kind, though, so move quickly, ladies!

what i want today: ekobo kitchenware

i'm in the process of decorating an entire house (in fact, stay tuned for a design week coming up soon!). let me tell you - it's not as fun as it sounds. there are so many choices out there, and i find something new i want every single day. i think decorating doesn't mesh with someone who spends her days shopping online, as you really need to have made a final decision when you order a $3,000 custom couch.

so, i'm reveling in the indecision and overbuying that comes with the territory in the "home accessories" world. items like these stunning (and, might i add, environmentally sound) kitchen accessories by ekobo, rock my design world without stripping my wallet.


the gorgeous bright lacquers make these the perfect showstopper for any dining table, but also make them incredibly functional. i love the teardrop-shaped "tempo" platter ($48), which is a perfect design for passing appetizers - not enough platters have edging, to save your perfect mini-quiches from the dreaded plate slide. or the gorgeous "sumo" bowl ($125), that has a fabulous, modern shape, but retains those thoughtful details, like the highly useful handles.

check out the entire line at ekobo's website, but hit up the conran shop to buy a few selected items. you might even be able to order in your favorite - it's always worth asking!

oh, and happy SATC premiere day!

the hubs surprised me with tickets to the movie tonight...now that's love! so, in honor of carrie and the gang, here's a worthy friday splurge for you!

i know those dior extreme gladiators have been absolutely everywhere lately, because of their notable appearance in the movie. but, well, as O would say..."me no likey" (and if you got that, you should definitely challenge your friends to a game of SATC trivia). i much prefer these gorgeous sandals from master manolo's spring runway collection. truly the ultimate "strappy sandal," they have that gladiator vibe, but aren't going to scream last season by the time the movie makes it to DVD.

if you're looking for a real SATC-worthy splurge, i highly recommend these bordeaux beauties...if you have one of those lifestyles in which you don't actually have to walk anywhere, you'll look absolutely stunning just standing still.

(PS...just a little tip from me to you: if you have any interest in seeing the movie, i'd do it this weekend...much as i despise crowds (and opening weekend, for that matter), the internet is going to positively ruin the movie by monday. so, see it before it's picked apart, overanalyzed and "spoiler alert"-ed to death.)

what i want today: menswear-inspired wrist watch

i don't normally go for the menswear-style watches...at least not for myself. love them on others, but i always feel the styling is off for me. but i ran into this max bill version over at velocity art and design, and it was love at first sight. the size is right for that menswear look, but the styling is so understated that it could easily be interpreted as feminine. plus, it has just the right touch of antique detailing - it looks exactly like something you picked up from your grandfather's dresser. i do so love to see classic pieces done exactly right, and this is a perfect example.

$580 at velocity, but lucky magazine was kind enough to score a 25% off coupon, sitewide (which, i'll be honest, i'm going a little crazy with). use code luckybreaks11 at checkout.

what i want today: fantastic art posters

every single one of these is better than the last. i don't think i can resist that toilet paper picture on the right for a bathroom i'm decorating. hard to read from here, but the scribble at the top says "always check". fitting that the site is called advice to sink in slowly.

some are funny, some are sweet, and some are just plain true. all are $10 - now that's taking "affordable art" to a whole new level!

deal of the day: shopbop designer sale

agh...my wallet is positively groaning. neiman, saks, bergdorf, nordstrom - everyone has started their spring sales, and my restraint is wearing thin. but i was doing pretty well until shopbop's designer sale started.

now, those gorgeous anya hindmarch silver woven d'orsay pumps (wow, that's a long description for a pair of shoes) i wanted a month ago have made their way from a worthy splurge down to a very responsible buy. same goes for that stunning chocolate brown woven elrod. and her stunningly beautiful grey studded shoulder bag.

and these fantastic gatsby pants by peter som do, in fact, remind me of an afternoon soiree circa f. scott fitzgerald. they were just featured in the june vogue, so it's a wonder they've already hit the sale rack. marked down to just under $500, they're still a splurge, but if you have the bod to carry off the volume (read: long and lean), they're a classic style that is well worth your next bonus. while you're at it, check out som's luscious take on the classic cardigan - long, lean and oh-so-stylish, it would definitely be a worthy addition to your wardrobe.

loads of other unmissable options to peruse, so head over and get your shop on!

what i want today: alexis bittar necklace

this necklace by alexis bittar would be a fantastic addition to just about any jewelry box. i'm hard-pressed to think of any work wardrobe that wouldn't be beautifully accented by this piece. it would work with nearly any neckline, and every ensemble from a suit to a gorgeous wrap dress.

the colors are perfect - a great mix of neutral tones, with just enough color to stand out. best of all, it's a pretty remarkable deal, especially considering that it's sold by saks. pick it up for $185, or check out my other favorite, another steal under $200. both are just dripping with style and attention to detail. and while you're at it, check out the rest of alexis bittar's designs, particularly her lucite pieces - they're all gorgeous, unique, and impossibly stylish.

shoppingsmycardio interviews: le train bleu

dear readers, today i'd like to introduce one of the true stylemakers: bria of le train bleu. her store (both the online site and the "real" version, located in portland, oregon) is positively notorious in the world of fashion for epitomizing that rare talent of mixing the best of upcoming trends with timeless, unique pieces. any true fashion addict has bria's gorgeous finds for le train bleu at the forefront of her fashion radar. bria was kind enough to offer to guide us through some of her favorite styles, trends, and advice, and i'm thrilled to share it with you.

shoppingsmycardio: i have to start by gushing a little – i just love le train bleu. you do such a great job of picking really wearable pieces that are still so unique, and i love that you manage to mix in vintage and a few key home accessories as well, without making the store feel disorganized at all. how did you come up with the concept for the store?

le train bleu: Ah, thanks - that totally makes my day. The homewares, apothecary, and vintage selections are fairly new and just stages in a long evolution. It’s a little known fact but Le Train Bleu actually started as an activewear store, albeit a very eclectic and eccentric one. I started out selling activewear as fashion. We had a lot of dancewear - high-fashion legwarmers (there was a terrific company called Dosty that we couldn’t keep in stock), cool dancewear imported from a company in Italy called Dimensione Danza. You can see a vestige of these roots on the site now if you look closely: we still sell leotards!

SMC: you have a knack for finding designs (and designers, for that matter) that really are “up and coming” – your shoppers get the high fashion look without necessarily the high fashion price tag. how do you decide what pieces and designers to stock?

LTB: It’s very instinctual—I buy whatever makes my heart race. I’ve gotten smarter about it though as I’ve gone along. I do make a concerted effort to have a range of prices. There are some surprises in regards to price though: my core customer is not very hampered by price and it’s not because they’re rolling in dough. It’s a very small niche market of people who are hard-core fashion collectors. They are the trendsetters and will scrimp and save and blow half their paycheck on a pair of high-waist jeans from Australia, because they just have to have them. This means that I can just as easily sell a $600 dress as a $60 pair of boots. It just has to be the right dress. The right boots too, for that matter.

SMC: tell me what trends you’re most excited about for fall ’08.

LTB: Midi hemlengths! I am shocked by how hard it is to find a skirt or dress that falls anywhere below the knee right now but for Fall we’ll have some more options: I’m very excited by the Tibi collection. And the color red—I can’t get enough.

SMC: what trends from last year are you counting on to stick around, and which pieces should we send to goodwill?

LTB: I guess I think more in terms of moods and stories than trends. I would be heartbroken to know that my customers were casting off things they had purchased one season earlier from Le Train Bleu—that runs totally contrary to what I feel about clothes. For me, clothes become dear friends and we might have periods in our lives where we fall in and out of each other’s lives (I do have some things in boxes that I’m not wearing right now, but I know in a year or two they’ll be back in my closet).

SMC: if a woman wanted to choose one special piece to update her wardrobe right now, what would you point her toward?

LTB: A trench coat is timeless and ageless and there’s one for everyone. I think a little structured tailoring is always cool and flattering.

SMC: what are your 3 favorite pieces in store right now?

LTB: On my shopping list right now would be the Speak Easy candle (vapors of gin, pipe tobacco and wood), The Vera Blouse from the Australian line Fleur Wood (very me - a slightly 1970s style via the 1940s in an amazing print and color), and the Bianca Dress from Heidi Merrick (her dresses are so well tailored).

SMC: what is your favorite piece of clothing (or accessory) that you’re wearing today?

LTB: Well, it’s morning and I’m still at home in my ritual of answering emails and drinking my coffee. I’m wearing my beloved cotton Thai fisherman’s trousers.

SMC: tell us about your favorite, never-fail outfit.

LTB: A wrap-around skirt, a very slim cut printed blouse (I love the 70s cut again, lean through the torso and cut high in the armhole) and a pair of heeled boots. If it’s cold, a really tailored great wool coat.

SMC: what one style secret do you wish you could teach every woman out there?

LTB: Relish the choices we have and when the marketplace offers up a style that is perfectly you, stock up. I haven’t worn a babydoll dress or a pair of skinny jeans in my life because they don’t suit me at all but I have been taking full advantage of the high-waist styles that have been offered in the last few years, because that style works well for my body type and my personal style, being a lover of the '70s silhouette.

bria, thank you so much! i know you've given me loads of new ideas for my wardrobe, and can't tell you how much i appreciate your taking the time to share your advice with all of us!

oh, and for those who are now lusting after everything on the le train bleu website, you might recall from my last le train bleu post that they currently have a lucky mag discount code for 25% off, good through june 1. use code luckybreaks1 at checkout!

deal of the day: loeffler randall dorritt sandal, 40% off

i admit - i wasn't in love with these loeffler randall sandals at first. but i recently saw them in person, and dear readers, they are fa-bu-lous. truly. that rose gold color is just the right blend of spark and sophistication. and the styling gives a deferential nod to the current gladiator trend, but these will be wearable long after those roman sandals have gone the way of caesar.

score them from our dear friends over at barefoot tess for 40% off their retail of $395, taking them down to less than $250 - just use code 40OFF. but this deal is only good through monday, so move fast!

(ps...if the loefflers aren't singing your song, it's also worth a look at their french sole selection...they're all 40% off too, with that same 40OFF code!)

designer 101: rozae nichols

i got an email from the lovely kate boutique yesterday, showcasing the newest brand into their fantastic boutique: rozae nichols. nicols is an LA native, but her pieces have such a worldly, ethnic vibe - i love the drape, the unique cuts and styling, and the fabrics, which might just be the best part of her collections.


this gorgeous dress ($488) is a perfect example - the cut is fantastic, and the styling is inherently flattering for just about every shape. but that fabric and sash really steal the show.


this yellow halter dress ($518) is the perfect summer addition. the styling is fantastic - i think halter dresses are tough to get right, but nichols has nailed it. the details are effortless (literally - the belt and gorgeous wooden button mean no accessorizing necessary). and that ikat-inspired fabric is incredibly of-the-moment, yet the rest of the dress doesn't scream trendy.


the dresses are perfection - but i even love her basics. take this jersey tank ($250), for example. proof that names can be deceiving - i would have no trouble wearing this simple "tank" to a dinner party, but it makes a perfect weekday work option, and a perfect denim companion as well.


ditto for this beautiful, seemingly classic black sweater. but take a closer look at those details - the neck tie makes this piece instantly sophisticated and effortlessly styled, and the chic neckline and contrast trim keep this piece unique, and well worth its $160 sale price (see that? you knew i'd have a sale piece in there somewhere...).

check out the full rozae nichols lines at kate boutique or over at shopjake - i've definitely found a new designer to love. hope i'm not the only one!