Pull Yourself Together: Helpful,
Direction-Providing Rugs December 19th, 2011 By

Home is where the heart is. Unless you live in my home, in which case, home is where the resentment is. Given that’s the case, I may as well make that home look appealing on the outside, for the inside (meaning emotionally) has gone to shit during the holidays. One way to distract from such emotions is by having a statement piece in your soul-less living room…Like a great rug. I’m a huge fan of these Fleche Rugs that I found while “surfing the internet” (as my aunt would say), which provided a great excuse to avoid yet another holiday party. I love the shape, the style, the pattern, all of it. Now, they’re not cheap. And yes, I realize that I’m a blogger and not a Rockefeller. But, they’re so great it might be worth the investment.  I also like that they point somewhere (which is why I assume they were given the name “Fleche,” which is French for “Arrow”), rather than just lie there like regular rugs. They provide a home with direction—like, to the nearest bathroom or to the liquor cabinet.

FLECHE RUG II BY SAMARE, $3,990.00, Matter.

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Put This On. Now.:
Shady Business December 15th, 2011 By

Before I stumbled upon Sons + Daughters, the idea of kids wearing sunglasses rubbed me the same way as dogs in sweaters. That is to say, just slightly wrong. (Sorry, Missy). But this mini-shade collection out of Canada is too cute to scoff at. Hitting the market in a couple of months, they’re stylish without being silly, and, they’re actually functional. The frames are available in prescription format and they protect little peepers from mean UVA rays. (Anyone who finds themselves strolling a miserable, squinting child beneath the bright L.A. sun or driving West around sunset knows how mean they can be.) It’s hard to say which ones are my favorite but if I had to choose, I’d say Henry would look pretty rascally in a pair of black Ferris shades. And, come on, who doesn’t love the Lola hearts for a baby starlet?

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Introducing…
Andrea Arria-Devoe December 15th, 2011 By

So I haven’t known Andrea all that long: She was one of my first blind friend dates when I moved to Venice a few months ago, namely because she lives down the street, and a mutual friend in San Francisco thought we might get a long. At that first dinner at the newly re-opened, Heath Ceramics-clad Axe, we discovered that we know about 800 people in common (well, maybe nine), and most bondingly, are both married to men who have a real, unadulterated passion for the Rangers. I might know more than Andrea about hockey (when Rob and I were wooing each other, I decided I needed to embrace the team in order to really earn his affection), but Andrea beats me handily, since her three-year-old son’s middle name is, in fact, Ranger.

But that’s not where the love story end. Like me, Andrea has a shopping past, though it angles more towards kids and home: She was the LA Kids editor at DailyCandy, and writes for indie home magazines like the way-too-hard-to-find-on-newsstands Anthology (please make it more available!). And most importantly, she just has great taste, both when it comes to the things she wears (like these awesome Vena Cava for Ten Over Six heels) and the things that she buys for her soon-to-be-hockey-obsessed son, Henry. In the next few weeks, you’ll see her picks on the Beso homepage, but in the interim, she’ll be piping up on the blog too. Her column is called: “Put this On. Now.”—Ah,  mom humor.

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There’s Not A Lot,
But It’s All Good December 9th, 2011 By

As someone who spends her days looking at things to buy online, sometimes it’s quite a relief to click on over to a site like Commune’s, just to look at 20 or 30 exquisite products. Heath Ceramics? Check. (In a stellar ahead-of-the-curve moment, my parents bought Heath ceramics back in the ’70s, so I grew up with it.) These plaid napkins are pretty rad, and I think it’s finally time that I spring for a Claire Vivier laptop pouch. Just putting it out there. And those Super Choc-o-Foods? The very same ones featured in our Foodie-centric gift guide.

clockwise, l-r: CLAIRE VIVIER LAPTOP POUCH, $159.00, Commune; HEATH CERAMICS NUDE “RIM” DINNER PLATE, $55.64, Commune; VALERIE CONFECTIONS FOR COMMUNE SUPER CHOC-O-FOOD BARS, $60.00 for three, Commune;  GREEN PLAID TABLE LINENS, $112.00 for four, Commune.

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Holy Smokes, I Just Scored
An Awesome Deal! December 9th, 2011 By

I bought an Eames Molded Plastic Rocker for incredibly cheap on a flash sales site called The Foundary. Like, can’t-believe-it-just-happened, cheap. I mean, the pants I’m wearing right now now cost more. A chair this great deserves to have friends, and since I scored some deep savings, I’m thinking about getting pretty things with the money I saved. I love the collapsable bronze stars: They would be so fun to play with while watching really bad reality tv (who needs a stress ball). The bud vase is beautiful, organic, and timeless, while the Wabi-Sabi book will sit on my coffee table and be a good reminder of the Wabi-Sabi mentality: To find beauty in imperfect things.

Eames Molded Plastic Armchair RockerBronze StarsWabi Sabi For Artists, Poets, Designers, & PhilosophersWhite Ceramic Bud Vasean awesome deal, clockwise l-r: EAMES MOLDED PLASTIC ROCKER, $407.15, available at Modern Seed; BRONZE STARS, $22.00, available at Canoe; WABI-SABI: FOR ARTISTS, POETS, DESIGNERS, & PHILOSOPHERS, $14.95, available at Canoe, WHITE CERAMIC BUD VASE, $29.00, available at Amazon Marketplace.

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Bookmark This Now:
Magpie & Rye December 3rd, 2011 By

I’m not sure how Magpie & Rye passed me by: Not only do I want everything on the site, but I think I need to book a ticket to San Francisco to see it in person, too. (It’s part of the Prairie Collective, which is a trio of businesses sharing a space in the Western Addition.) Samma jewelry, embroidered pillows by Coral & Tusk, porcelain coyote skulls. Totally smitten. Can’t you understand why? Below, the pieces I’ll likely have bought by the end of the week. (There are tons of great gifts here for under $100, too.)

clockwise, l-r: CORAL & TUSK EMBROIDERED FEATHER PILLOW, $89.00, Magpie & Rye; MOCIUN GOLD & TURQUOISE STUDS, $315.00, Magpie & Rye;  MARIANNE DIEMER TRIBE PILLOW, $129.00, Magpie & Rye; MARKET WEAVE ZIP POUCH, $23.00, Magpie & Rye.

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Pillow Talk.
Of the Less Sexy Variety. December 2nd, 2011 By

I’m trying to figure out what to get for my mom for Christmas, and it occurs to me that I’ve bought her exercise gear for the past three years (she’s an avid biker and hiker). So lame, and such a cop-out for me. This year, I think I’m going to go more sentimental (read: guilt-driven) with these custom pillows from k studio. I mean, how cute is the family pillow? It’s a more special version of getting her a framed picture of our family, and I know she’ll appreciate it as the kids leave home. And the face pillow? I’m going to get it because it both frightens and delights me. And I just need that in my life.

pillow talk, l-r: FAMILY SERIES PILLOW, $152.00; ROUND FACE PILLOW, $124.00, both available at K Studio.

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The Midas Touch: Putting
Gold on Everything December 1st, 2011 By

I get all Donald Trump around the holidays and want to gild everything. It doesn’t help that sometimes (okay, most of the time) I wish I was born a J.Lo/Beyonce/Rihanna hybrid with huge hair and smoky eyes as soon as I wake up. Don’t judge me. Alas, my normal day-to-day sensibilities hold me back, but don’t think that’ll stop me from throwing gold onto everything, including the walls. Yes, gold makes me feel better—and is totally my way to get my diva on.

French American WallpaperManor Small Deruta Posata Utensil Holder

ferm LIVING Fairy FlowerLarge Gold Paper Bowl

the midas touch: FRENCH AMERICAN WALLPAPER, $305.00, available at Modern Karibou; MANOR SMALL DERUTA POSATA UTENSIL HOLDER, $81.00, available at Manor; LARGE GOLD PAPER BOWL, $68.00, available at Gretel; FERM LIVING FAIRY FLOWER WALLPAPER, $110.00, available at fjorn scandinavian.

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Perfect Holiday Activity:
Shaker Chair Kits November 26th, 2011 By

I’ve had a longtime crush on Shaker furniture: Particularly the cherry wood, colorful tape combinations. And specifically, I’ve had a longtime crush on the idea of building said piece of furniture from a kit. Years and years ago, I photographed Shaker Workshops, located just outside of Boston for a story, and pretty much fell in love with everything there. It’s all sturdy, streamlined, practical—and really pretty, but in a way that just screams home.

Since Rob and I haven’t even started talking about doing something for the holidays, I’m guessing we’re going to be staying home, which means the perfect window of opportunity for really crafting it out in front of past seasons of Arrested Development. We have space for a settee or a bench (I wish it were a tiny bit longer), but I’ve always wanted a low back chair, too. Have any of you guys ever tried to make one of these guys from scratch? (You can always order the pieces pre-assembled, too.)

clockwise, l-r: MT. LEBANON SHAKER SETTEE, $392.50 (kit) or $785.00 (built), Shaker Workshops; LEBANON BENCH, $230.00 (kit) or $460.00 (built), Shaker Workshops; SHAKER LOW BACK CHAIR, $130.00 (kit) or $260.00 (built), Shaker Workshops; NO. 5 TAPE BACK SHAKER ARM CHAIR, $258.75 (kit) or $517.70 (built), Shaker Workshops.

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Pull Yourself Together:
Poochclub November 22nd, 2011 By

I understand people’s love of dogs. Dogs are like kids. You nurture them, you teach them tricks, you pick up their poop.  That kind of responsibility gives me anxiety, though, so it’s no wonder I chose to have the pet that is least likely to thank you. I’m talking about cats, of course. Cats are like a terrible boyfriend you cling to, even though he doesn’t really pay you much attention and only comes around when he needs something. At the end of the day, you’re willing to put up with it just to snuggle up to something warm. But, back to dogs. Dogs are sincere and loyal and no one appreciates them more then Poochclub. The brainchild of animal lover and luxury brand strategist, Bridget De Socio, Poochclub caters to people who want to give their pets the very best, which makes for some pretty incredible new and vintage items. There’s stuff for owners, too, as well as an impressive food section. (They’re pioneers in the certified organic dog food market.) I’m kind of obsessed with this stuff (all while I sit here getting the side-eye from a tabby).

clockwise, l-r: PETIT PRINCE STERLING SILVER TAG, $185.00, Poochclub; ENDLESS SUMMER BEACH BALL BED, $145.00, Poochclub; BOSTON TERRIER CARD, $14.00, Poochclub; VINTAGE 1970′s NEEDLEPOINT PILLOW, $175.00, Poochclub.

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Wanderlusting Hardcore:
Dreaming About Morocco November 11th, 2011 By

One of my first big vacations was to Morocco: I stayed a week, shuffling between Marrakech and Essaouira (a small fishing and surfing community on the coast) taking in the incredible sounds, sights, smells, and tastes. We spent our days riding camels and our evenings in the most beautiful riads (or sketchiest hostels depending on which night) sipping sweet mint tea. I’ve traveled quite a bit, but no place has struck me quite like the bustling Djemaa el Fna Square at dusk. And thus born my obsession with all things related. I can’t wait to get my hands on a Moroccan wedding blanket: It’ll be the perfect way to satiate the travel bug.

moroccan wedding blanket2

Round Moroccan Style LanternAdler + Co. Moroccan Tea Glasses

wanderlusting hardcore: dreaming about moracco, l-r: ADLER + CO. MOROCCAN TEA GLASSES, $8.00, available at Adler + Co.; ROUND MOROCCAN STYLE LANTERN, $171.66, available at Bellacor.

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Finally online: Smith & Chang
(less homesick already) November 8th, 2011 By

So you know those stores that do a specific aesthetic so well that you want to just subscribe to it wholesale? And maybe just move right in? One such place is Jersey City’s Smith & Chang, which manages to marry beautiful, one-off vintage finds, well-designed, handmade-feeling new things (lots from Roost and Beekman 1802), and awesome prices. When Rob and I were living in Jersey City (sniffle), we used to stop by Smith & Chang all the time, just because we wouldn’t want to miss anything from the owner’s latest flea market escapades. And for gifts? It’s tops. Everything automatically feels thoughtful. It’s so good that I took Florence Welch on a shopping escapade there for Lucky Magazine: Click here to hear her thoughts about buying things on the road (and to see Smith & Chang in the background).

clockwise, l-r: ANTIQUE CHEMIST SET, $99.00, SMITH & CHANG; ANNETTE ANDRES PIN, $85,00, SMITH & CHANG; RED LAGUIOLE CHEESE KNIVES, $35.00 for three, SMITH & CHANG; LARGE CAGE LAMP, $135.00, SMITH & CHANG.

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