Dad Day Dilemmas? Simple Solutions.

The way I see it there are two kinds of dads in this world. Sure, within those two categories lie countless subcategories and divisions of dad differentiation, but essentially they fall into one of two categories.

Variety no. 1: The Traditional Dad; characterized by a need to grill, offer sage advice, smoke cigars, fish, golf, or boat. This dad may or may not be found in a den furnished with stuffed leather chairs, illustrations of boats and quails, a globe that opens to become a bar, and paperweights.

Variety no. 2: The Hip Artsy Dad; characterized by an interest in technology, design, and an ability to dress with a modern fashion sense without looking completely ridiculous. This variety of dad might be found at the Apple genius bar, sipping espresso from tiny cups, riding really fast bicycles, sporting wacky hair and glasses, or showing off his latest youtube discovery from his iPhone.

So, this begs the question: What kind of dad have you got and what are you going to get him for Father’s Day?

I, like a growing number of Americans, have a slightly different question to ask myself. What am I going to get my two dads for Father’s Day? My completely-opposite-in-every-way two dads? Dads are hard. Dads have everything they need and when it comes down to it I am much better at shopping for my hip graphic designer dad than I am for my traditional meat-and-potatoes dad. I don’t mean to pick favorites, but sometimes shopping can feel like a dad showdown.

In the blue corner at 4 feet 2 inches tall seated in his favorite Herman Miller chair, with a penchant for German design, a murse on his shoulder, and a PowerBook under the other, fresh from the autoban iiiiiiit’s Hip Designer Dad! And in the red corner, he’ll build you a deck and grill you a burger- just don’t ask him for a tofu dog, the NRA sport’n, truck-drive’n man with a plan, iiiiiiiit’s Traditional Dad!

I want to feel like I put equal effort into both gifts without putting too much effort into either. So, what’s a girl to do?

For some inspiration I’ve turned my sights to the oft overlooked Gents section at Bestow, where I am constantly stumbling upon the perfect gift for any of the men in my life. So, here’s what I’ve come up with for my dad dilemma.

The designing dad will appreciate anything beautiful, offbeat, simple yet thoughtful, and especially functional (functionality is appreciated by dads of all kinds).  Let’s see, clocks are certainly functional and this reissue of Angelo Mangiarotti’s classic 1956 maritime clock would certainly find a permanent place on his desk. If you’re hip dad digs sleek 60’s design and has a thing for 007 help him deck out his rumpus room with this gold finish clock, flashlight, or calculator from Theo Williams’ Lexon collection. For the drinking dad with a sense of whimsy I’m particularly fond of these moose and bull shot glasses and drinker or not any hip dad would love to sit down with Soul i-D, a visual anthology of ideas from some of today’s most creative minds. My hip dad was once a hippie dad and since he’s always been a lover not a fighter he never racked up many trophies, so maybe this year it’s time I changed that with this über cool glazed ceramic “hero” trophy vase from Kuhn Keramik.

For the classically dad dad it’s best to stick with classically functional manly objects. You can never go wrong with boyscout basics (with a  twist, of course) like this horn handled pocket knife or  brass compas with charmingly behind-the-times sundial feature. If your pop’s a puffer he’ll surely make use of these classically cool Sarome lighters (I can’t stop playing with the snazzy side flint wheel on the slimmer lighter), perhaps while flipping through the pages of Chapman’s Car Compendium. Please the master mixologist dad with this bartender tote and The Ultimate Bar Book. If he’s in desperate need of decking out his den there’s a great collection of hunt club themed decor on sale, classic globe paperweights, and leather boxes for tucking away coins, watches or TV remotes.

New Traditions: Throwing a Tasteful Bachelorette Party

We’ve all seen them, those pub crawls masquerading as bachelorette parties, the bride-to-be neck deep in gag gifts and humiliation trying to put on a brave happy face for the passersby as if maybe we won’t notice that she’s wearing a toilet paper sash and drugstore tiara. I think we can all agree it’s time for a bachelorette party intervention. I’m going to give these women the benefit of the doubt and assume that they all live tasteful charmed lives but have simply been so swept up in the hoopla and expectations of what a bachelorette party is supposed to be that they have simply forgotten themselves. That said, lets collectively agree to forget what a bachelorette party is “supposed to be” and focus on creating a modern tradition we can all enjoy and make our own.

More and more people are throwing out the tired old expecteds that come with getting married in favor of celebrations that reflect the individuals involved. There’s no reason the bachelorette party should be left out of the makeover fun. At the core the bachelorette party is meant to be the ultimate girls’ night out, so get inventive, be imaginative, plan something creative not just silly and you know you’ll have a good time.

If her friends are spread all over the world why not plan a girls getaway to someplace she’s always wanted to go? Surfing in Costa Rica? Spa treatments at the Dead Sea? Lazy cabana life in Baja? It can be nearly impossible to gather your far flung friends for a wedding and all of the events leading up to it, but you might find that if you plan early enough in advance you can find a time when you can all sneak away for a weekend and meet for an exotic last hurrah. Pack cozy comfort gifts that center around the travel theme like travel cases, trashy magazines, a silk robe and slippers, or satiny nightgowns.

If the bride’s a foodie let the event center around her passion. Plan a tasting dinner at her favorite restaurant- chef’s choice. Bring the girls to a vineyard for a wine tasting or your go-to wine bar where the sommeliers can impart a little knowledge. Does she love food, but have a hard time boiling water? Spend a night learning your way around the kitchen at a culinary class (many of them do wine pairings so you can drink while you learn- I know that’s always worked out well for me in the past). If she’s more of a homebody plan a dinner in and you can all cook together. Suggest everyone pitch in on one special gift like a night out at a high-end restaurant, one of a kind serving pieces perfect for entertaining, or a big decadent version of a household staple like the love jug.

If she’s a lady who lunches plan a chic afternoon of mimosas and finger sandwiches for just the girls at her favorite brunch spot. Make it a lingerie luncheon and ask all the guests to bring a silky something for the bride to be. Specify no gag gifts, please (they’ll clash with the peonies). Come bearing gifts of classically beautiful French silk lingerie from Fifi Chachnil, elegant luxury by Kumi Kookoon, or get a little funky with Betsy Johnson Intimates.

If you just have to have a little bridal branding go for creative and interesting over silly and throw-away. Get everyone one of these cool and easily rewearable bridal T’s printed on soft American Apparel T-shirts and bring the bling with these fun diamond ring coasters. If you’re into silly sentiments let the bride know how you feel on these Note to the Bride panties.

Because you can’t get away with another turdy handmade ashtray

Ah, Mother’s Day. There once was a time when a little glitter-glue and some poor penmanship would make your mom melt. Then you got a little older, made a little more money, bought her French perfumes, designer wallets and Sharper Image footbaths, but her reaction was decidedly less melty. “Oh, that’s nice” or “I hope you didn’t spend too much on this” aren’t very encouraging sentiments. Maybe this year it’s time to revive that DIY spirit and put a little more heart and soul into your Mom’s Day gift.
That’s not to say you have to go out and build her a footbath from twigs and leaves or hand-forge some gimmicky mom themed jewelry. You can still go shopping like a responsible American, but wouldn’t it be nice to add a little personal touch? This year I’m thinking goofy childhood photos in elegant frames. I can’t count how many times my mom has insisted that she doesn’t have any pictures of me (although that died off a bit around the time I started piercing things and making a ridiculous mess of my hair).  So why not put that to rest with some beautifully framed shots of delightfully candid moments from the time when finger paintings were acceptable currency.

If your mom’s got a sense of humor (and you’ve got some horrific old photos of yourself) why not pick up a side-by-side frame and display your transformation from adorable little mop top to raunchy scary teenager for all to see.  Mine would look something like this:
Aren’t arts and crafts fun? I think the black and white lends the image a certain timelessness. Mom would be so proud. Of course, if you made more classic style choices in your formative years I’m sure those photos would be much appreciated too.

Earth Day Musings from A Design Snob

I have to admit, I am totally not into anything ‘groovy’ or ‘hippie’. Dream catchers and twirly Indian skirts with jingly bell trims make me want to douse myself in expensive perfume (preferably a wicked, edgy one of MOR’s fragrances from bestowboutique.com) and flee to the nearest glass encased sky scraper. I recently met a woman named Pam who hailed from an area in the Northwest US famous for it’s bohemian attitude, and I am a New Yorker, who has cynicism and snark running through her veins. Needless to say, she and I were like oil and water. (I’d like to think that I was an Italian olive oil in a vintage glass bottle, and perhaps she was pure, unfiltered river water poured into recycled plastic.) But we did find a common ground—we care about the Earth—it’s just that we see this eco movement from different perspectives.

Don’t get me wrong—I, too, hate litter (hear that, Pam?) and I can’t even think about that 70s TV commercial starring the Native American who is standing in the garbage heap with a teardrop rolling down his cheek without choking up myself. But I am attracted to this movement when it’s taking on a modern, cool, visual perspective. In Tokyo, I saw these eco, recycled trash bags decorated with naïve little cartoonish flowers. They made me smile. They were cute and fun, and still eco conscious. I know that Native American guys tear would dry up instantly if he saw them, too.

In Cambodia, there’s this amazing NGO, Osmose, working with the local women who live on the Tonle Sap Lake, which happens to be getting choked by overgrowth of water hyacinths. While they sure look pretty, these waterborne flowers, the bummer is they’re killing off the sea life, which is in turn keeping the men in this floating village from fishing and earning a living. So they’ve figured out a way to pull up these stalks, dry them in the relentless heat of the noonday Cambodian sun, and weave them into the chicest, most divine floor mats, storage baskets, straight-out-of-the-most-expensive-spa-on-the-planet slippers and beautiful, oversized market totes (very, very South of France, actually).

This is eco without the ‘loving hands at home’ DIY mess normally associated (by me) of such things. But what’s truly “Earth Day” about the whole concept is that it’s about the Earth and ALL of its inhabitants—the fish, the people, the community’s future. It’s a total Earthy package without the guilt, without the doom and gloom, without the stinky patchouli oil. It’s happy, not hippie. Check it out on www.osmosetonlesap.net. (Pam would approve.)

On bestowboutique.com, I am obsessing over this glass water bottle and glass set, designed exactly to spec to look like one of those quart size plastic bottles of Evian and those dinky Dixie cups. It’s insanely, amazingly chic but eco at the same time. I think this would be a smart, get-on-board-with-the-rest-of-the-universe gift for a fellow cynic/design snob who thinks eco=ugly. (Pam, my birthday is coming up.).

For the picnics we’re all certain to have as summer nears (and of course, we won’t be using charcoal, as it is a pollutant), bestowboutique.com again offers an alternative to the groovy, woodsy, I-like-camping-and-not-showering-for-a-week picnicwear we are now seeing in recyclable bamboo. (Okay, I confess. I do kinda like camping now, and I did buy those plates made by Bambu at Whole Foods. But I like showers, too.) Anyway, designed to look like sterling silver, with it’s filagree patterns and heavy weight, this cutlery set is made from plastic, to be used again and again and stored away in a little picnic basket (from Osmose, maybe?) for your next romp on the pesticide free grass with tofu and foie gras. Just do me a favor and don’t use one of those hemp picnic blankets, okay? Sorry, Pam, but they’re hideous

Move Over Grandma, There’s New China in Town

Do people still pick out china patterns? Silver patterns? Cookware patterns? OK, maybe the cookware pattern was just a trend my mom jumped on in the 70’s, but that’s an awful lot of stuffy department store housewares shopping for my taste. Of course I could go the new traditional route and register for bread makers and juicers, high-end toasters and any other piece of kitchen technology I’ve somehow managed to live my entire life without. Call me old fashioned, but I’d rather have the china- only I’d rather have my kind of china. Usable china, decorative porcelain, ceramics with a sense of humor.

More and more I’m realizing I’m not alone in wishing for a china renaissance- the proof is in the ironic porcelain pudding cup. There’s a new wave of artists and designers who look at once stuffy materials like porcelain, glass, and ceramic and see more than just grandma-ware.  They see uncharted territory ripe with opportunity to be the new form of Modernist expression.  Chocked full of ironic depictions of figures, kitsch and the Romantic, this china is more my speed. For an interesting read on the subject check out “Fragiles” a coffee table book on the new school of ceramic, glass, and porcelain (that’s where we located the pictures to the left and below).

These rebellious young ceramicists aren’t just making trendy mantle pieces to entertain your guests, they’re creating modern heirlooms. By mixing heritage and innovation they create museum quality pieces that are both relevant and functional. Some of my personal favorites are the hodge-podgey porcelain Vika Mitrichenka pieces above. (Note the gorilla head atop the sugar bowl- it reminds me of tea parties spent with Stretch Armstrong and headless Barbies). In keeping with my love of all things boudoir I couldn’t possibly write a post about the new ceramics movement without mentioning this incredible porcelain vase by Lighten Up. They actually cast a cloth corset to make the mold for this piece.

For a cheekier take on the erotic theme there’s anything by Undergrowth (like this tempting little sugar bath with leggy spoon or fun dessert tower) or if subtlty is more your thing check out these lip print teacups by Reiko.

Getting married? Having a hard time finding cake toppers that aren’t entirely hideous? You’re not alone.  Luckily someone with some real talent and a little clay discovered this problem and came up with some charming little solutions in the form of ceramic bunny and poodle couples. Thank God for the good people at Melbo.

For that Angelina Jolie/Billy Bob Thorton kind of love there’s German ceramicists Kuhn Keramik who make all kinds of declarative pieces like this “Forever” box perfect for storing viles of blood and hair clippings. Or, if you’re  not bizarre beyond belief you could use it to store old photos and postcards.  Or you could let this powerful fist of love from Jonathan Adler Designs declare your feelings for you.

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The guys over at Jonathan Adler, never ones to pass up an opporunity to make a very specific container (the Container Store’s got nothing on them) have created a series of “Vice” containers to keep all your bad habits neat and organized. I’m partial to the Quaaludes container myself- specificity is always funny. It’s that kind of taboo-meets-classic humor that distinguishes so many of today’s ceramics from those lining the walls of Bloomingdales and I think it’s about time. China can be fun too.

–rachel oh!

Barack Obama + Medieval Times + Fall 09 Runway Shows = Knights in Shining Armor

Heraldry is hot. Heraldry is strangely sexy; it speaks to this chivalrous vision we all had/have about (our) knights in shining armor being the epitome of romance, strength, safety, valor and nobility.  They’re badass, they’re secretive, they’re ready to rock & roll at any minute, these knights we imagine. They’re our protectors, our saviors, our sentries.

In the current state of the world, it makes perfect sense to me that suddenly fairy-tale-ish notions of times past seem to take over our everyday thoughts. (Note that many of the Fall/Winter 09 fashion collections featured corsets, velvet, muffs and ruffs galloping down the runways.) We escape into memories—the amorous crescendos from the soundtrack of “Camelot” scratching away on a record player in my parents New York Times strewn living room on a Sunday afternoon circa 1972 comes to mind here—to comfort us, make us feel good and safe and secure. Like our very own knight is looking out for us.

While the idea of wearing a crinoline ruff walking down Broadway makes me think the designer who created it drank one too many pewter cups of grog, little trinkets and nods to this sense of security seems apt and appropriate. I saw in a recent edition of Teen Vogue a colorful spread of coats-of-arms pins cutely attached to a sweater and heraldic belts wrapped around some pretty lady-in-waiting type wearable chiffon dresses. The lion shield brooch on bestowboutique.com looks real enough to be vintage, but without the Sotheby’s price tag. It’s updated and funny, and I want to wear it attached to my last-year’s Balenciaga purse. I like the idea of shielding my wallet in times like these.

We’ve all been talking about eating at home more now; instead of making reservations, we’re actually making dinner. I think a themed party would be just the thing, using the coat of arms, the ultimate symbol of pomp & ceremony, safety & connection, as a guide. (Although there are some comic/tragic memories of a birthday party long ago at that ridiculously schlocky place The Medievel Times, the Red Knight took my breath away, that could be tapped into for ironic decorations for said dinner party. Everyone’s got those memories, right?)  I saw these coat of arms porcelain trays on bestowboutique.com that I thought would be cool holding oven roasted nuts and dried fruits as centerpieces for the party. I think everyone should wear golden paper crowns, eat a leg of lamb, drink some mulled wine, and celebrate the safety, and the warmth of the family we create. We are safe amongst our very own knights.

Family crests. Shields. Knights. Obama. Safety. Security. Perfect words for imperfect times.

Bridal Daydreams – Ideas For The Big Day & Night

I’m not afraid to admit that despite being 26, I still daydream about my big day. You know, the one where I dress in white and invite all of my friends and family to witness as I become one with the love of my life. Not having found that love hasn’t stopped me from planning what the day might be like. Of course, those plans change frequently. Here’s a smattering of ideas for where my head, heart and daydreams are right now.

First, I’d select the dress. It’s all about the dress, right? Well, I see myself in a strapless silhouette, seamed and form fitting in the bodice but with a bit of volume in the skirt. A dress that is classic, clean and simple. Then, I can let my accessories do the talking. What better way to start a great conversation than with long fiendishly flapperish pearl & skull lucite necklaces by Tarina Tarantino. Did I mention that my colors would be blush and bashful? Pink and pink.

Secondly, speaking of accessories, have you seen the new wedding tiara’s popping up in wedding magazines and on bridal blogs? Headbands crowned in jeweled glory, embellished with flowers and feathers then finished with lace or tulle mini-veils. From shocking to stunning, this new trend in bridal hair is sure to offer up a selection that will suit just about anyone. For me,  I have my heart set on the Ivory Rosetta Flower Bridal Headband.  A deliciously sweet concoction.

My next order of business would be practical. I’d have my best lady or another trusted friend stash a pair of luxurious silk slippers at the reception site. While I can’t imagine picking shoes that would hurt my feet, I also don’t want to miss out on the dance party I have planned. So better to be safe than sorry and keep a just-in-case shoe nearby.

The last task and the one that puts a smug smile on my face, would be picking out my wedding night lingerie. I don’t care if my friends tell me getting married is the most exhausting day and I’ll just want to collapse into a heap at the end of it all. I’ve still got my hopelessly romantic notions and a fabulous wedding night is one of them. So, I think I’d juxtapose all of that white and pink with something seductive, suggestive and perhaps surprising? Like, the sheer silk nightgown in black. We’ve heard from our customers that it’s extremely flattering. Oui, oui!

Don’t miss my next post where I’ll be talking about being a bridesmaid and the changes I’d make if I could do it all over again.

Bigger Bolder Better

A necklace from the Lanvin Spring/Summer 09 collection

I had to make a few cutbacks this year. First went the frequent eating-out, then I committed to a smaller clothing budget and drug store make-up, but it was an especially sad day when I made the switch to single ply TP.  It’s times like these when I like to remind myself to look to the little things to keep the pep in my step. This season, however it seems “little” is hard to come by.

Oversized crystal necklace by Martine Wester

Perhaps it’s a sign of the times that while bank accounts are shrinking accessories just keep getting bigger. And why not? What better pick me up than a big glittery bauble around your neck, a frilly feathered hat, or a bejeweled evening bag? Fashionable women throughout history have shown us that when times get tough the tough get glam– be it costume jewelry, fringe or a snappy new hair cut.

Oversized accessories look and feel opulent, but don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. They can transform an old outfit, lift your spirits and always make a statement.  I prefer to draw attention to my impeccable taste (rather than last season’s wardrobe) with big fun faux jewels.

There is something so luxurious about oversized accessories both on your body and in your home. It’s easy to feel indulgent without feeling guilty with oversized comforts like DL & Co candles (especially when they’re on sale) and if you’re looking to make a good scent last you’ll appreciate this beautiful box of oversized matches (perfect for getting every last usable light from your candles).

-rachel oh!

Spring Into Stationery – A Primer On What To Write Now

It’s 60 degrees and rising here in New York City. Spring is on the horizon. There’s a freshness in the air. After a winter of hibernation, it’s time to reconnect. While I’m dreaming of lunches in the park (hello, shake shack!) and cocktails on outdoor patios, I also realize it’s time to say hello to friends I might not have talked to recently. In honor of Spring, I offer up a few pieces of advice to help you stay in touch with yourself and others.

First, never underestimate the power of a paper journal. It’s not the same as blogging and sure it takes longer for many of us to write by hand instead of typing. However, some thoughts should remain private. Carry a journal in your purse and carve out some time each day to write down your personal reflections. Make it an indulgent affair – check in with yourself while sipping a glass of wine or enjoying the beautiful weather in a park.

Be prepared. Keep an assortment of postcards on hand. These will double for quick hello’s and as gift tags. Top a present with an artful postcard and include your best wishes on the back. Simple, beautiful and time saving. What will you do with the time you reclaim for strolling up and down greeting card aisles? May I suggest these gorgeous postcards in a tin by Papaya Art? Once the postcards are stashed away, the tin will look beautiful holding pens (or maybe flowers?) on my desk. Certainly, a welcome spring addition to any home or work space.

Lastly, the most sincere way to say thanks is with a handwritten note. Be gracious. Emily Post and Miss. Manners would agree, don’t reserve thank you notes just for holidays and wedding gifts. Thank your friends and family for their love, support or advice and do it often. In my opinion, there’s nothing like receiving a handwritten note – knowing that someone took the time and energy to write me. Don’t limit yourself to picking a notecard that explicitly says “thanks.” Find stationery that suits you and your style and then customize your personal message inside to express thanks. Personally, I’m drawn to the skull notecards by DL & Co, which are a little bit bad but also handsome.

Black Is The New Black

Yves Saint Laurent Fall 08 Ready to Wear

Technically, black is not a color. I like to think of it as a mood instead; a visual enhancer of a feeling. It says so much, this non-color color. I read once somewhere: “style is an easy way of saying complicated things.” I love this, because when I read it, I thought “black”. When I wear black, I am announcing to the world that I feel sexy, I feel strong, I feel creative, I feel mysterious, I just feel something–often times, very contrasting things. It expresses so much, this “nothing” of a color. It speaks its very own language; it is almost like it deserves its own dictionary– if you looked up “black”, there would be hundreds of thousands of explanations for its meaning. It is really that deep, really that wide. Really.

I surround myself with trinkets of black things, little items that drive some macabre/seductive/exciting and excitable sensibility into my space, my closet, my bathroom, my makeup case. I have this bizarre but cool black plastic apple that I bought in some random store in Tokyo. It doesn’t do anything but sit on the dresser, gathering dust, but I like it. It’s rather wicked, but at the same time, it’s naive.

I wear little lingerie pieces in black. I like the way they make me feel like Catherine Deneuve in Belle du Jour—sexy in a covert way, a little “bad” underneath the good girl exterior. The set from Bestow Boutique is my favorite, especially since it’s trimmed in pink (good vs evil, maybe?).

Mor Fruits of Cornucopia Soap

I have a set of black soaps that my friend Elyn gave me, and I don’t want to use them because I just like looking at them. (Will black soap possibly wash away my sins? Or are they sinful in and of themselves?)

I just got the new black lipgloss from YSL. It’s sick, but in a good way. It’s sort of goth, but it’s ridiculously chic. It’s shiny and looks like patent leather. It’s heaven. (Or is it hell?)

Thorn Apple Diffuser

My prized possession, however, is the DL & Co black crystal diffuser. It looks like it should hold some home brewed love poison–a potion of madness, of lust, of desire. It says “I feel” all over it. Its scent is called “Thorn Apple”—an oxymoron of epic proportions—a sweet fruit covered in sharp, macabre needles. Yes. Now that is emotional… that is bitter; that is sweet; that is the definition of “black”. —Elizabeth

Other inspired black basics: Lock & Key Necklace by Dogeared, Swarovski Crystal & Lace Flower Hair or Lapel Clip by Tarina Tarantino, Black Licorice Shampoo by Philosophy, Black Lip Gloss by YSL, Shoe by Christian Loubotin and iconic black nail polish by Chanel.