d3

Conran Shop Collector's Series: Picasso pitcher

This isn't particularly modern but I'm captivated anyhow.

It's got a good story behind it, and it's so lovely and sculptural. Read all about it here...

Picasso Jug, $110, Conran Shop

Great Modern Art/Design/Wine Gifts for Under $50

Okay, the theme isn't new. But I'm short on time (and sleepy) so you'll just have to appreciate my attempt to give you some gift-giving options that are fun, creative, and cheap - all under $50. I hope to keep rolling more out as the week goes on...we'll see how I do. In the meantime, you should be able to get your hands on any of the following in time for Xmas...

2009 Pentagram Typographical Calendar (12"x18") - I gave this calendar, pictured at right, to a friend of mine (and myself) a month or two ago...it's gorgeous and functional. $32 (includes ground shipping!) at kenknight.com

I saw another gorgeous calendar at Etsy...this one is quite small, but printed with very modern images of nature on premium, heavyweight matte paper, and sold with a clear clip that mounts to the wall...brilliant.

While we're on paper - I just saw this poster at our cool friends Tom & Leah's house last week. It's fantastic. And $22! My favorite is the LA version, but most major US cities are represented...find your here.

Other quickies...there's still time...how 'bout a cute fake tree? A 3' version from Urban Outfitters is just $28. Or an unusual bottle of sparkling wine (a $20 Gamay from the Loire Valley - bubbles are v. modern, you know...)?

A gift that's really useful but that you're unlikely to buy for yourself is the best kind (well, second best, after a gift that's fabulously UNuseful, of course). This recycled carafe & glass set, $22, certainly fits the bill.

One last quickie before bed - long time readers of d3 (that's you, Mom!) kno I'm obsessed with 20x200.com. If you aren't too, you should be. Anyhow, my latest love on this fanw thattastic art site is this image by artist Jane Mount. It's a gorgeous way to give the gift of art (it's hard to see here...do check it out, it's incredible - and $50).

More to come. Merry, merry!

Oooh...teak wine rack

This teak wine rack is so gorgeous. I hope my friend Jill buys it.

 

Teak wine rack, current high bid $41.00, eBay.com

I never even considered Urban Outfitters...

Then something, somewhere caught my eye. It was well-designed, it was well-priced, and it was from UO. So I went and dug around and found a few little things...

Like 8.5" ceramic plates in great designs (my favorite at left), at 4 for $15! In fact, they have a bunch of kitchen stuff at 4 for $15, and you can mix and match any of it. Some great graphic ceramic bowls are a part of that deal, too...

I've also always wanted one of these fab French chairs, but they're always in bad shape or too expensive when I try on eBay. But here's Urban Outfitters to the rescue with the De La Tour chair. $160! They don't specify that it could be used outdoors (actually, they're probably never supposed to be used outdoors, that's why all the ones on eBay look like rusted-out crap). Whatever. Throw a cushion on it, ignore the rust and revel in your great deal.

I'll end with this mid-century style sofa. Who knows if it's at all comfortable, but it's got such nice simple lines, and the armlessness means it can fit into that one space you've been struggling with (it is 75"l, not so small). Covers are made of polyester, which is probably gross but easily enough replaced for minimal cost. At $480, can you resist? In charcoal and red, too.

Anyhow, the lesson is not to be a snob, I guess. I thought of UO as a store full of poorly made super-faddish clothing for teenagers, but clearly it's worth a look for more than that. Would love feedback on the quality of their stuff - my review comes entirely based on perusal of their website...

Ceramic plates, 4 for $15, Urban Outfitters
De La Tour Chair, $160, Urban Outfitters
Mid-Century Sofa - Natural, $480, Urban Outfitters

Stainless steel pitcher: sleek and chill

I dig this. I'm tired and don't have a lot more to say about it. Maybe just that you'll be cooler if you get one?

Stainless steel pitcher, $29.95, cb2.com

A little birdie told me

I've ranted before about the sheer delight you can give and receive in offering a hostess gift that is just a bit more thoughtful than a bottle of wine.

Today I present you with a perfect option - this cream & sugar set. So fantastic.

They're "faux bois" and microwave/dishwasher safe. Please don't microwave the sugar. Just get me a set - if, of course, I invite you.

Bird cream + sugar set by Jeremie, $32, ShowLifestyle.com

Wine design update

A few weeks ago I complained about ugly wine bags.

Today, I'm happy to report that I've laid eyes on a cute new solution from Murge Designs & Domaine547.com. I don't think the picture represents them nearly as well as they could; you'll have to trust me when I tell you these are really, really fantastic in person. Everyone at book club gasped in total girly excitement when they saw these last week.

There are two styles - the one you see to the left, which also comes in a pink design, and an upright style, right, which is more traditionally designed (vertical and cinches at the top) except that the cinching at the top is accomplished by a chic silver ring.

The clutch style is definitely the breakthrough. It's perfectly sized for a bottle of wine, but would work as a cute day clutch for the giftee as well.

They're $15/each at Domaine547.com, which is also offering free shipping through the holidays...

L.A. independent designers' sale

I do love me some independent designers, maybe even as much as I love me some amazing wine.

Conveniently, the two are coming together for a holiday sale here in LA this Sunday next Sunday (December 2nd). Who's delivering the goods?

Robin Murge of Murge Designs, designer of adorable but hip baby & home goods

Trish Flynn of T. Flynn Jewelry, creator of pretty, holiday-perfect necklaces & earrings

Something Wicked Candles, purveyors of candles made from 100% soy wax, organic hemp & highest quality oils

Jill Bernheimer of Domaine 547, home of some of the most interesting, undiscovered wines to lift your holiday spirits (and some gorgeous wine furnishings, like this rack. No idea if it will be included in the sale but I thought it was worth mentioning after my other recent wine rack write-up).

These fab four will be offering terrific, gift-giver friendly deals on their wares. Jill will even let you taste some of her wines while you shop and enjoy the art - the event will be hosted at the swank Paul Kopeikin Gallery, so you'll be surrounded by stunning Lukas Roth photographs. And best of all, a portion of the proceeds will benefit CoachArt, a charity we've long known and loved.

I love it when a plan comes together!

Fabulous holiday sale to benefit CoachArt, Sunday December 2, 1-5 pm, at the Paul Kopeikin Gallery, 6150 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90048

Wine design

I had dinner recently with some of my lady friends, among them Jill, who is a wine genius and entrepreneur.

As we sat in her newly expanded neighborhood Italian place, drinking great Italian wine, our conversation went to wine bag design. And how awful it is.

You know those little wine gift bags. Why is it that you put such a thing on a great bottle of wine, instantly transforming it from a thoughtful, well-chosen gift meant to be imbibed in a spirit of celebration and friendship to a cheesy, often shiny display of cheesiness? And does anyone really think that a leopard print is appropriate for such a gift? Ugh.

To each their own and all that, but I'm happy to report that you'll soon see fabulous, truly stylish alternatives from my friends at Domaine 547. I'll spare you from going into another rant about bottle/label design. Girl Meets Grape already handled that one.

In the meantime, at least you can present your own wines beautifully. This stainless wine storage rack is so light and direct. It's like furniture on legs; the first row of wine sits a few inches up from the bottom of the rack, creating great space.

The kitchen counter gets so cluttered so quickly, it's nice to see storage that is small enough to fit there but light enough that it won't add bulk.

As for the wine, I'd be tempted to only put bottles of white in clear glass on this. It would just look so synced with the pale yellow glass tile in my kitchen...but alas, at some point I have to cave to palate over form. You'll see this in my kitchen with everything from Justin's Isosceles to Adobe Guadalupe's Kerubiel to 2-Buck Chuck in no time, I'm sure.

So please, put down the cheesy bags and just invite your friends to come drink wine at your house. They'll be much more pleased to pull a bottle from this glamorous piece than from a shiny organza bag.

Wine + cheese = good. Wine & cheesy, not so much.

9 bottle wine storage, about $47, unbeatablesale.com

I had dinner recently with some of my lady friends, among them Jill, who is a wine genius and entrepreneur.

As we sat in her newly expanded neighborhood Italian place, drinking great Italian wine, our conversation went to wine bag design. And how awful it is.

You know those little wine gift bags. Why is it that you put such a thing on a great bottle of wine, instantly transforming it from a thoughtful, well-chosen gift meant to be imbibed in a spirit of celebration and friendship to a cheesy, often shiny display of cheesiness? And does anyone really think that a leopard print is appropriate for such a gift? Ugh.

To each their own and all that, but I'm happy to report that you'll soon see fabulous, truly stylish alternatives from my friends at Domaine 547. I'll spare you from going into another rant about bottle/label design. Girl Meets Grape already handled that one.

In the meantime, at least you can present your own wines beautifully. This stainless wine storage rack is so light and direct. It's like furniture on legs; the first row of wine sits a few inches up from the bottom of the rack, creating great space.

The kitchen counter gets so cluttered so quickly, it's nice to see storage that is small enough to fit there but light enough that it won't add bulk.

As for the wine, I'd be tempted to only put bottles of white in clear glass on this. It would just look so synced with the pale yellow glass tile in my kitchen...but alas, at some point I have to cave to palate over form. You'll see this in my kitchen with everything from Justin's Isosceles to Adobe Guadalupe's Kerubiel to 2-Buck Chuck in no time, I'm sure.

So please, put down the cheesy bags and just invite your friends to come drink wine at your house. They'll be much more pleased to pull a bottle from this glamorous piece than from a shiny organza bag.

Wine + cheese = good. Wine & cheesy, not so much.

9 bottle wine storage, about $47, unbeatablesale.com