Flair Friendly Gift Guide, Part 2

As you can see, there are lots of creative knickknacks out there- from monogrammed tennis briefs to color coded tooth brushes. Hopefully these guides prove useful for those of you last minute shoppers who’ve let your lists slide to the very end of the month. Stay tuned though, as we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled programming soon…

16. Andre for Quicksilver Surfboards, Price upon request

17. Bjorn Borg Boxer Briefs, $28

18. Sunshine and Shadow Woven Belt, $105

19. AnOther & Colette x Peter Pilotto Mismo Bag, $450

20. Vivienne Westwood Graphic Orb Scarf, $132

December 16, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Flair Friendly Gift Guide, Part 1

Today we continue with our gift recs, as Chanukah is already upon us and Christmas is quickly approaching. This is part 1 of our creative-minded gift guide. The majority of these items are gender free and just require a bit of flair and good taste on the receiving end. Have a look, get inspired and watch out for Part 2.

1. Honey Stripe Baggu Bag, $8

2. All I Want, single by Sarah Blasko, $1.85

3. Jeremy Scott Puffer Jacket for Adidas, $872

4. The Brain Shower Cap, $23

5. Pixelized Christmas Tree, $32

6. Military Themed Silk Screen Pillow by Julia Rothman, $95

7. Vibrant + Sustainable Miro Baskets from Swaziland, $32 and up

8. Camo Needlepoint Weekender Bag from Stubbs and Wootton, $750

9. James Jean Limited Edition Bone China, $56 and up

10. Eco-Friendly Posters by Prism Pop, $25

11. Japanese Striped Masking Tape, $22

12. Pheromone: Insect Artwork by Christopher Marley, $75

13. Recycled Circuit Board Coasters, $21.50

14. 2010 Bubble Calendar, $20.10

15. Cubic Switch Plate, $8

16. Repurposed Seatbelt Pillows, $95

17. Snuggle Bundle: 2 Pillows, Organic Linen and Down Insert, $98

18. Illustrated Converse by Bruno Levy, $174

19. Postalco for Opening Ceremony, $35

20. Joker, Playing Card Deck, $9.50

December 15, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Print: Giving in Style

In our world, packaging is just as important as the product. Megan Herbert, illustrator and artist extraordinaire from Reykjavik, Iceland gets that. She’s just upped the gift giving-ante with her newly released collection of wrapping paper. Each design is printed on reclaimed deadstock and represents the elements we all share as humans, be it blood coursing through our veins (Circulation), bones enabling us to stand (Skeletal), food that nourishes us (Digestion), oxygen for our lungs (Respiration), or shapes that define our history (Snowflakes). The colors range from a deep red and rich green to a soft teal and warm biscuity brown. This limited edition collection is available for sale online at meganherbert.com.

December 4, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Mexican Masks

Whether you’re a fan of Santogold, Santigold or La Lucha Libre, knowing who any of these characters are means you’re clued into the Mexican wrestling scene (or you’re just a fan of good music). Variety acts such as these are joining the nightlife ranks, proving America’s fascination with Mexican culture is moving well beyond the menu. Hola Mexico, a Mexican film festival, made the rounds this past summer, gaining support from corporate sponsors such as American Airlines, Chipotle, Dos Equis and Taco Bell. Proving this trend is beginning to penetrate more traditional female markets, home good stores, such as Propeller Modern in San Francisco, are filling their shelves with Mexican inspired knickknacks. This glitter-lined tiger-striped piggy bank is just one creative take on this trend, proving the commercial fascination is just getting started.

December 1, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Offtrack Stitching

Imagine a world without the delete button. As humans, we’re programmed to color within the lines and erase when necessary. Rarely are we applauded for revealing mistakes along the way. Today we’re showcasing two works that defy this train of thought and prove true beauty is a never ending stream of consciousness. In a recent collaboration with the home decor company, Maharam, Hella Jongerius of the Netherlands, has stitched this intricate and unpredictable pillow cover. Using a similar technique, Jessica Rankin, of Sydney, Australia incorporates obscured language into her creative studies. Be it pattern, dialect or unconventional theory, we’re excited to see future works from both Jongerius and Rankin, as their experimental formulas are a breath of fresh air when considering the pace of today’s production lines.

November 24, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Puzzling Ecosystems by Trey Speegle

This Holiday season marks the debut of Trey Speegle‘s exclusive line of home products for Anthropologie. The collection spans everything from pillows and plates to wallpaper and puzzles. This paint-by-number reproduction recently caught our eye, as it’s complexity is masked by clean lines and familiar shapes. While more expensive than your average lock and key table challenge, it’s worth every penny if you’re in the market for a nature inspired challenge. Innovation’s not cheap when executed artfully and Speegle’s new line adds a refreshing spin to familiar family fun.

November 17, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik