Parabola Chair by Carlo Aiello

First time I saw this chair I was like what is that thing?  Looks like a piece of sculpture or something....  Upon further investigation, I realized it's a chair!  According to the creator: "The design intention of the Parabola Chair was to create a simple and porous yet highly sculptural chair. The challenge was to achieve a single surface that serves as seating, armrest, and backrest supported by a minimal structure. Although the chair exhibits curvatures in two directions (hyperbolic paraboloid) all its components are straight and easy to manufacture. In order to achieve perfect comfort both curvatures were carefully calibrated to hold the body in the best position."  Find out more at his website. 

And the winner of my Missoni headband/ scarf giveaway is......

Congrats to Natasha S!  Please send me your address within one week and your sparkly Missoni goodie will be on its way!  Thank you everyone for entering.  Mark your Calendar for November 13 of this month, I may just have another giveaway....

Manresa Restaurant in Los Gatos

I don't venture much down to Los Gatos usually, but for a two Michelin star restaurant, any time.  There are only 2 two-Michelin star restaurants on the San Francisco peninsula.  One was Baume which I have covered before.  The other one is Manresa.  Both are really quite good.  For restaurant setting, Manresa definitely has Baume beaten hands down.  Food wise, I think Baume was slightly more consistent.  But of course this is all very subjective since both are just wonderful.  In either case, let's just say I would not mind to dine at Manresa nightly.  Everything I had was done expertly and precisely.  Presentation was on point and nothing I had cause me to think what were they thinking.  I even got my frozen pea ice cream dessert that is reminiscent of the one I had at Meadowood Restaurant that I loved so much.  All in all it was delectable meal that I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone who's traveling to or live around San Jose (or for that matter, SF bay area).   

Sons & Daughters Restaurant in San Francisco

Sons & Daughters restaurant is one of those restaurant in SF that's unassuming, reasonably priced (seven dishes for $98 so that's $14 per dish), and delicious.  Presentation of the food was pretty.  I thought every single dish I had was quite delicious and balanced.  The proportion of the dishes were correct so I didn't feel like to bow over and throw up at the end of the dinner from too much rich food.  Some of the ingredients were rather special.  For example, my dessert was geranium ice cream with white chocolate and alpine strawberry.  I mean I don't recall the last time I had geranium ice cream!  Check it out.  It may be one of those neighborhoody restaurant that you wish you had discovered earlier.  One Michelin star.

San Francisco Asian Art Museum's Korean Art during Joseon Dynasty

If you have not been to SF Asian Art Museum for awhile, you should really go.  They have been doing block buster exhibitions one after another.  The latest one is Korean Art from Joseon Dynasty.  Most of the stuff are loaned by National Museums from Korea and everything is fabulous!  I went to the gala dinner yesterday and had the privilege to see this exhibition first hand.  I have seen some Korean art before but it's nice to see the best stuff from national museums in Korea.  My favorite things were the seals.  I'm not sure why but all the seals are top by turtles sculptures.  My guess is turtle symbolizes long health?     

Van Cleef & Arpels Watches

While I'm not a jewelry person, I do appreciate gorgeous designs when I see them.  I have to say among thousands and thousands of watch designs out there, I probably love Van Cleef & Arpels watch design for ladies the best.  They are absolutely magical and whimsical.  I love the care and details they have for each creation.  Everything just look so meticulously put together. No wonder when Prince Rainier of Monaco decided to give Princess Grace Kelly an engagement set in 1956, he commissioned it from Van Cleef & Arpels.

Can't see Stars in NYC? Check this out!

Who says you can't see stars in NYC?  Cooper Joseph Studio made sure they change that with a light installation (picture taken by Eduard Hueber).  According to their website:

Starlight activates the space in which it sits.  Designed with a precisely uniform e-dimensional grid pattern, the geometry seemingly changes as the viewer ascends the stairs. Bursts of star pattern change your perception forming perforated veils to the classical architecture.  Each pixel is constructed from a double-sided circuit board, on which LEDs are mounted above and below.  They are held at the center of a 3-strand stainless steel wire assembly.

So next time you wish you can wish upon a star in NYC, pop on by Museum of the City of New York.  Your wish may just come true.

Missoni Headband/ Scarf Giveaway

 
As we get closer and closer to the holiday season, it's time to bring out the sparkles!  For this giveaway, we have a beautiful Missoni headband/ scarf.  This made in Italy 100" long beauty has metallic threads incorporated into the weave to give you that extra shine every girl deserves to have!  Wear it as a headband or as a scarf, this Missoni piece will certainly give you an extra oomph to any outfit you put on.   

Please note: apologies to my international friends - I wish I could extend these giveaways to you but legal restrictions prevent it. Thanks for understanding.

Michael Taylor and the Alchemy of Design: The Diana Dollar Knowles Collection

 
Probably the most famous Californian interior designer ever lived, Michael Taylor exemplified what California living is all about.  He is mostly known for white over-sized furniture that your parents had that perhaps you hated.  Love him or despise him, he definitely had a look to his design which was extremely influential even to today. 

On October 22, 2013, Christie's auction house will auction off Diana Dollar Knowles collection.  This collection was put together by Michael Taylor for Mrs Knowles who is a San Franciscan socialite of the bygone era.    She is known to be a generous supporter of Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, San Francisco Ballet, and San Francisco Opera. 

Mrs. Knowles was a generous supporter of the arts in San Francisco, especially the San Francisco Opera, the San Francisco Ballet and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sfgate/obituary.aspx?pid=163524080#sthash.V5mYsJs8.dpuf

Mrs. Knowles was a generous supporter of the arts in San Francisco, especially the San Francisco Opera, the San Francisco Ballet and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sfgate/obituary.aspx?pid=163524080#sthash.V5mYsJs8.dpuf

Mrs. Knowles was a generous supporter of the arts in San Francisco, especially the San Francisco Opera, the San Francisco Ballet and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sfgate/obituary.aspx?pid=163524080#sthash.V5mYsJs8.dpuf√

Mrs. Knowles was a generous supporter of the arts in San Francisco, especially the San Francisco Opera, the San Francisco Ballet and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sfgate/obituary.aspx?pid=163524080#sthash.V5mYsJs8.dpuf

Mrs. Knowles was a generous supporter of the arts in San Francisco, especially the San Francisco Opera, the San Francisco Ballet and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sfgate/obituary.aspx?pid=163524080#sthash.V5mYsJs8.dpuf

Raise the pagoda lanterns

I have always been fascinated with Chinoiserie.  While some may find it demeaning, I actually think the style is delightful.  Europeans have always been curious about the Far East Asia and during 17th and 18th century, trades with China, Japan, and India blossomed.  Lacquer techniques, ceramic, and anything mildly Asian shape is wholeheartedly celebrated in Europe.  Obviously with internet connecting the whole world in 21st century, Far East Asia no longer mystify anyone who has access to google.  But I still find lanterns like these, an imitation to past relic, charming.  I think with the right light bulbs, they may be a perfect pair for a powder room or a long hallway.    

Skies and Beyond box by Bottega Veneta Home

If you are in the market for exquisite boxes, then look no further and head straight to Bottega Veneta's website.  They are collaborating with Nancy Lorenz, who's known for her abstract paintings, to produce great object d'art.  This particular box is made of moon gold leaf, silver leaf, resin, suede, and brown mother of pearl on wooden panel.  If an decorative object can be call delicious, well this is it. 

How do you make a soft and flowy building?

Just ask architect Zaha Hadid!  She gives a masterclass to architectural students on how to take a Mobius strip/ Klein bottle shape and turn it into a real functional building.  Once again, her architecture is beyond inspiring.  Heydar Aliyev cultural center looks like a gentle waterfall from the sky.  The ceiling structure seems like a handkerchief dripping down on some kind of ridgid structure and enveloping it in the process.  A building manages to look soft while it's inherent quality is rigid.

Review of Saint Laurent Paris Menswear Fall/ Winter 2013

How gorge is the SLP men's fall/winter 2013 collection?  It's so yummy I can't stand it!!!  LOL.  IMO these are the must haves from this collection:

1. Black and red striped mohair Krueger scarf.  It's all about the long scarves this season.  It's a must have accessory for any look you want to put on.

2. Zipped nappa biker trousers.  OMG.  These leather pants are just ahhhmazing!!!  Love love love the knee zippers.  If you can afford them, get them!!  If not, I think a pair of skinny black jeans would do.

3. Zip off leather hood sweatshirt.  Yes please!  Someone sign me up for one!  When was the last time you saw a hood sweatshirt this delectable?  

4. Black biker jacket.  When did biker jacket went out of style?  Like never.  Ger yourself one that you love.  It doesn't have to be SLP (although it never hurt to have one) but buy the one you love and you are set for life!   

A pair of "Pan" table lamps by Marc Lalique

 
This is one of my favorite piece by Marc Lalique; Pan table lamp.  Marc is the son of Rene Lalique, the founder of Lalique Crystal.  Interestingly, during Rene's lifetime, technically he did not produce crystal.  Under the French law, he produced demi cristal.  It was not until he passed away and Marc took over the company that Lalique factory doubled the amount of lead oxide to 24% which qualified it to be called cristal.  Higher lead content means Lalique crystal is brighter, clearer, and heavier when compare to its own production pre-1945.  This also help Rene Lalique collectors to differentiate pre-1945 and post- 1945 pieces as many of Rene Lalique's designed were continued to be produced long after he died in 1945.  More information about Rene Lalique can be found on my previous post.

Arbiters of Style: The Collection of Anthony Hail & Charles Posey

On October 8, Christie's auction house will auction off belonging from Anthony Hail and Charles Posey.  Anthony Hail is a San Francisco interior designer of the bygone era.  He epitomizes decorator as stylemaker.  His style is traditional and exact which is perfect for his era.  He understood how A-list San Franciscan high society moved and he provided them with perfect backdrops. 

This sale comprise furnishing from Anthony Hail and his partner Charles Posey.  As one can imagine, the offering is eclectic to say the least.  According to Christie's auction house "European furniture, spectacular Russian chandeliers, Chinese works of art, Lamps from Billy Baldwin and Old Master paintings among other things. Each lot within the sale was meticulously chosen by Posey and Hail to fill and form their home, demonstrating the timeless aesthetic of a well-informed combination of styles and time periods."   

The winner for a Mini Yellow Satchel by Phillip Lim for Target raffle is.......

Congratulations!  The winner for my mini yellow satchel by Phillip Lim for Target raffle is Rebecca P.  Please contact me with your shipping address within a week.  All other entrants thank you for entering.  Please check back often for other giveaways.  You never know... the next one may just be around the corner! 

Gary Hume 1000 windows

 
When was the last time you purchased an original artwork by a known artist for less than $300?  Well, here's your opportunity.  You can purchase one by Gary Hume on Tate Museum's website.  There are one thousand of them in existence.  Each are individually painted, signed, and numbered.  This particular work is derived from a painting he did in 2000.  According to NYT:

“Yellow Window,” from 2000, a black canvas with bright yellow outlining the window panes, is “about van Gogh and Duchamp,” he said, “because I like to look at the world through their eyes.” Then there’s “Baby,” from 1994-95, in which red eyes and a white mouth peek out from an otherwise dark canvas. He made it that way because, “When they arrive they’re real and totally alien,” he said, recalling when his son, who is now 26, was born. “I’m drawn to vulnerability and ugliness,” Mr. Hume went on. “As a kid growing up in Kent I was the ugly duckling.”

Gary Hume is part of the Young British Artists (YBA) group.  His work was included in the infamous Sensation exhibition (artwork owned by Charles Saatchi) that toured Royal Academy of Art in London, Berlin, and New York (Brooklyn Museum).  Yes, this was the exhibition that then mayor Rudolph Giuliani tried to shut down.  Since that exhibition, many of its artists have gone on and become extremely famous.  The most famous ones are arguably Damien Hirst (shark in a tank with formaldehyde) and Chris Ofili (the one who painted black Madonna with elephant dung that gave Giuliani fits).

Gary Hume's work is vastly undervalued in my opinion.  His exhibition at Tate Britain is closed now but you can purchase the exhibition catalogue on Tate Museum's website.   

The Crocodile King

Many of you have heard of Nancy Gonzalez, you know, the crocodile queen.  Her luxurious crocodile bags are own by celebrities such as Blake Lively and Sofia Vergara.  If you are looking for a beautifully crafted hand bag, look no further.  Luckily for men, her son Santiago Gonzalez have decided to launch men's precious skin accessories line.  There are duffels, wallets, card holders, computer cases, etc.   Each one meticulous put together.  With plethora of colors, I'm sure you can find something that satisfy your needs.  You can find Santiago's creation at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Mr Porter.

It's the knobs that make the difference

The best way to make a kitchen or bathroom look high end is install beautiful knobs.  They are not only functional, but whatever the choice you made also says a lot about you.  Therefore, one must choose one's knobs carefully.  I recently came across Baronne doorknob by Murano House.  They are absolutely gorgeous!  These are handmade with Murano Glass.  The best part about them is each glass is infused with either 24ct Gold Leaf or 925 Silver Leaf!  How luxurious is that?!  Even if you are just renting, I would get them because when you move, you can easily twist these knobs off and install them at your next place.  Changing out knobs is the easiest way to update your kitchen or bath.  Naturally with something as fabulous as these knobs, they don't come cheap.   But if you use them daily, they may be a lot cheaper per use if you compare them to that pair of Louboutin shoes you just got last week!  They can be found here.   

Bottega Veneta double twill wool cashmere coat

It's been awhile since I saw a coat that took my breathe away but this is definitely one of them.  I love the clean line of the coat and the fastening neck strap detail just absolutely makes this coat for me.  So in love!  It's not out yet but check regularly with Bottega Veneta regularly for its availability.

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Yellow Mini Satchel with Gusset Giveaway

For those fashionistas in the know, no doubt you were waiting in line bright and early on Sunday morning to grab those delicious Phillip Lim bags.  Some of you were even up late Saturday night waiting for Target's website go live!  Well, after all the dust had settled, Phillip Lim for Target mini satchels were all gone.  But fear not, I had a friend grab one for me from her local Target store so I can giveaway this impossibly hard to find bag to one of my readers!  I don't need to go into details about this bag because I'm sure you are more than familiar with it.  Good luck everyone and may you be the lucky gal to call this bag yours!

Please note: apologies to my international friends - I wish I could extend these giveaways to you but legal restrictions prevent it. Thanks for understanding.

Phillip Lim x Target collaboration Men's collection review

I had a chance to hop to a few Target stores in the SF bay area on Sunday (9/15).  Didn't see the whole collection.  Quite a few of the pieces were online only.  So I guess I shall see them when I finally get everything I ordered (one can only hope.  It's Target.com after all so you never know).  I did try on few pieces and touch few others.  Here's my take:

The Blazers.

These run one size bigger than normal.  So if you are a typical EU 50 like me, you would need a M not a L.  The M actually fits quite well on me.  Sadly I feel the proportion of the jacket is off.  The length of the jacket, IMO should be an inch shorter (you can clearly see in their model picture above that the sports coat is too long).  If you are looking for fashion type of sports jacket, you should not get this unless you are willing to take it to a tailor (or if you are good at DIY) to have it shortened by an inch.  But as one may have guessed, it will cost the same as the jacket if I were to take it to my local tailor so the sports jacket was a thumb down for me.  The blazer is partially lined.  

The Trench coats.

I only got to try on the khaki color ones.  The black ones are online only.  Again, the sizing is on the large side.  But of course that depends on if you wear a suit underneath or not.  If you are looking to wear this trench with a long sleeve shirt or a t-shirt, then you should take a size smaller than your normal suit size.  For me, that would mean getting a M instead of L.  The coat is not lined but at $80, I don't expect it to be.  The fabric feels nice and solid not flimsy.  I am also getting the black version which I feel looks more chic than the typical Inspector Gadget trench coat color.

Addendum (9/16): I did finally find a S to try on.  I can still fit in it but it's more on the snug size.  If you are into slim cut and if you are slim, then S is definitely the way to go.  I suspect if you normally wear a M but with a slim body, you may find even S is a bit too big.

The Camo / Color Block sweatershirts.

I ordered both in L online last night.  Of course both are terribly oversized as I try them on in person this morning.  Again, if you are a typical L, you will need a M.  There were so much room when I tried on the color block L sweatshirt.  So if you have a large beer gut, then go with the L if you typically wear a L.  If you are on the trimmer side or slim, you should definitely take a size down.  The construction on the camo sweatshirt feels better than the color block one.  The seam where black meets gray looks a bit funny in person.  But that's just personal opinion.  I do wonder since these are not yet washed, perhaps hot water plus dryer can make a L into a M???  Will have to test that out.

Addendum (9/16): I thought black/gray color block sweatshirt and camo sweatshirt is cut the same.  Not so.  I compared size M for both.  The camo is 2" shorter in body length and 1" shorter in arm length.  Not sure if that's because maybe my camo M was mislabeled or they are just differently.  When my online order gets here, I will be better able to confirm this.  Color block M sweatshirt is still rather large on me.  But I would call it roomy I guess.  The camo M is what I would call slim cut.

The Cotton Pants

The pants sizing was correct.  At least for me.  It's a normal waist pants (ie. the pants button closure hits right below your naval).  I've not worn such a high waisted pants for awhile.  But I suppose it's not technically high waisted since that would mean the pants closure would be at naval or higher.  The fabrication is nice.  I ended up buying the navy one in person even though it was not on my to buy list.  And I also ordered a khaki one online.

The Color Block pocket t-shirt

I didn't get one as I feel it's very Marni-esque.  It also looks kinda flimsy in person. Not my thing. 

The Sweaters/ Cardigans

Honestly, they were too plain for me.  I have something similar already so I only touched them and didn't try them on.  They were fairly soft and not scratchy as one may think they can be.  I don't buy sweaters anymore as I seldom wear them.  I do buy cardigans but I only buy cashmere cardigans so I passed on these.  But for someone who doesn't have basic cardigans and doesn't need it to be cashmere/wool, then I think these are good alternatives.

The Leather Jacket

I didn't try it on as by the time I found them, there were only XL left.  I just figure what's the point of trying them on?  They don't look cheap to me in person but I would not use the word luxurious either.

The Shoes

Again, I have too many pairs of shoes to bother with these.  They looked too plain for me.  I think people have enough basics already.  We need shoes that make statements!

The Bags

Unfortunately I did not see any bags during my foray this morning to Targets.  I'm sure they were fought over by my local bay area residents and then some.  I shudder to think what actually happened at my stores when they first open.  But I did get mine online last night so let's hope those get shipped soon!

The Sweat pants

I picked up the zodiac night one.  It's nice and soft.  I also picked up a heather gray one with zippers without trying it on.  I just figure it look about the same size as the zodiac night one.  But later when I got home, I was trying everything on again and when I looked over what's still available online, I realized that the gray one is actually for women.  There are few subtle differences between the men's sweat pants and women's.  First the men's sweat pants has a drop crotch design.  But IMO it didn't drop low enough.  You see drop crotch pants was repopularized (in early 1990s, it was MC Hammer) by Rick Owens few years ago.  I almost feel that Phillip wanted to do a drop crotch sweat pants but refrained from it as it won't sell very well so we get this kinda drop crotch but not really drop crotch sweat pants....The women's sweat pants isn't as soft and doesn't have a drop crotch but it does have zipper pockets which I like because things won't fall out if you zip those pockets up.  In terms of sizing, surprisingly the women's large is the exact same size as men's large at the waist.  Another difference is length.  The women one is shorter but not by a lot.. about 3".  I'm 5'10" and the length of the gray one was fine on me.  However, because men's sweat pants is softer, I'll return the heather gray one and try to find the dark gray sweat pants.

I think this is a good effort by Target to give men some nice options for these designer collabs.  I feel there were a lot more options for men this time (compare to when Target collaborated with Missoni).  Obviously with Prabal and Wu, men were left out.  I'm glad we are included this time around.  In addition, I think Target controlled their inventory quite well.... so far anyway.  I believe the leather jacket for men is only available in SF Target store in the whole bay area (so said my tracker on Saturday afternoon).  I was hoping to get it at a discount when they go on sale but I'm doubtful if I can even find one in my size in person or online now without discount!  How was your shopping trip at Target this past Sunday?

      

 

3.1 Phillip Lim sunglasses winner is.....

Thank you all for entering the 3.1 Phillip Lim sunglasses giveaway!  After two weeks, we have a winner!  The winner is Entry #467 Jackee K!!  Congrats and please don't forget to email me your shipping address within a week.  To everyone else, please come back and visit often as another fabulous giveaway may just be right around the corner!  In the mean time, are you ready for the Phillip Lim x Target this coming Sunday???  Make sure your alarm clock is working as I predict it may be another mayhem like Missoni!

Rimowa + Moncler = ?

 
When these two companies get together, fireworks is bound to happen.  In this case, Rimowa took what Moncler is known for, padded down jackets, and translate it into their luggage collection. 

For those of you who's not too familiar with Rimowa, here's the 411.  Basically the company was found in 1898.  It manufactured luggage but not the metal type that Rimowa is known for.  In 1950, Rimowa built the first structural suitcase and that proves to be extremely popular with the jet set crowds.  In 2000, Rimowa start to make polycarbonate shell suitcases.  This material is impact-resistant, lightweight, and nearly indestructible polycarbonate shell returns to its original shape after pressure has been released.  Since then, this German company's suitcases have become popular with celebrities such as Bradley Cooper, Jessica Alba, and Liev Schreiber.

You can get your special edition Rimowa at US Moncler website or the German one.  I noticed that the German website is definitely cheaper than US...... I wonder why?

Who knew a lamp full of cobwebs can cost you a fortune!

 
Who knew a cobweb table lamp can cost millions of dollars?!  Well, if it is stamped with Tiffany Studios, it can be.  The rarest of all Tiffany studio lamp is the cobweb lamp.  There are only seven made because it was so costly to produce.  The price in 1906 was $500!  To give you context, the average wage is 22 cents an hour at that time.  This means even after working for a full year without eating and paying rent, one still can't afford this lamp.  It was costly to produce because most of the Tiffany lamps have bronze base with glass shades, this particular model has glass mosaic base.   This lamp, more so than any other Tiffany studio lamp design, has an unified thematic composition from top to bottom.  Since this is the ultimate Tiffany lamp, you can pretty much only find it come up occasionally at Christie's or Sotheby's although one did come up for auction at Michaan's auctions in California last year.  You can also buy reproduction of this particular lamp from Frontgate.  But frankly I would not get it from them.  If you seen and touch the real Tiffany lamp, you would not buy reproductions.  The quality difference is night and day.  It's like buying a real Birkin versus buying one from a street vendor in china town in NYC...  

Diamonds are a girl's best friend!

 
While I'm not very big on jewelry, I came across this today: Sotheby's is auctioning off an egg size diamond in October in their Hong Kong sales office.  Yes, you read that right, egg size diamond.  The said diamond is 118 carats and flawless colored.  Apparently the diamond was 299 carats before being cut into its current shape.  The winning bidder gets to name this gigantic rock.  I wonder what the name would be? 

Oct 7 update... this diamond was sold for $30.8 million dollars.  This is the highest price for a white diamond at auction ever.  I wonder what Marilyn Monroe would say?

Chef's hat lamp

 
Recently I came across a lamp that resembles a chef's hat so I'm just going to call it a chef's hat lamp!  LOL.  This table lamp comes in two sizes and there is a hanging version as well.  This lamp has a nice Zen quality about it.  Besides the unique look, the price isn't too bad either!  You can order one from Moustache. 

3.1 Phillip Lim sunglasses giveaway Round 2!

For those of you who entered for a pair of 3.1 Phillip Lim sunglasses couple weeks ago on this site and did not win, well, here is another chance!  This time I'm giving away the brown version of the same sunnies.  In about two weeks (September 15), Phillip Lim x Target collection will be unleashed.  There will be tons of accessories to choose from!  However, one of the accessory that was left out of the collection is sunglasses!  Fear not my readers, I'm giving away a pair of 3.1 Phillip Lim sunnies!  It's true that these are not from the Phillip Lim x Target collection, but can I say they are just as fabulous if not more because they are from his main collection line.

Please note: apologies to my international friends - I wish I could extend these giveaways to you but legal restrictions prevent it. Thanks for understanding. 

Spill Side Table

What can I say about Blackman Cruz boutique on Highland Avenue in Los Angeles?  The word brilliant comes into mind.  Eccentric, weird, strange, amazing are other words I would use for the furniture in this showroom.  The owners always manage to find things that are off the beaten path that may not always be your cup of tea but never fail to intrigue you.  

One of the thing that intrigued me when I visited the shop last time was Stefan Bishop's spill side table.  I have never seen anything like it.  It is just so odd and yet mesmerizing at the same time.  It's one of those statement piece that I certainly would not mind having in my home.   

Versatile Fornasetti tiles

 
When you need something to give your kitchen or powder room a punch, look no further than Fornasetti tiles.  These are designed by Piero's daughter Barnaba Fornasetti.  She used her father's extensive design vocabulary and came up with these brilliant hand-painted 8" square tiles.  They came in a matte or glossy finish and are perfect for giving that powder room a bit of a va-va-voom. One can also frame these up as a wall decoration for a long hallway or use them as coasters (add felt circles under to prevent scratches to tables).  I'm sure you can think of gazillion ways of put these tiles to good use.  What would you use them for? 

And the winner for this pair of 3.1 Phillip Lim sunnies is:

Congrats to Angela S. for winning this fabulous pair of sunglasses!  I'm sure you will look great with it and possibly even better if you pair it with the new Phillip Lim x Target collection coming this fall.  Please send me your address and your sunnies are on their way.  Thank you everyone for entering.  Until next time!

Julius Eberhardt's collection of Ancient Chinese Bronze

I always find that an interior is most successful if owners inject themselves into the space; be it family photographs or things they collect.  Luckily for connoisseurs who collect ancient Chinese bronze, they will have a chance to add to their collections by bidding at Sotheby's this fall.  Of course the biggest pitfall for buying ancient Chinese Bronze has always been either fakes or they had been illegally dug up recently. But fear not, this collection has an impeccable provenance that you won't have to worry about any of these!

Contemporary Silver: A Selling Exhibition by Christie's Auction House

Christie's auction house is currently doing a small exhibition on Contemporary British Silversmiths in their London King Street premise this summer.  61 British craftsman made 186 pieces (some were made specifically for this exhibition) to exhibit their range. Some used traditional method such as hammering to make their ware while others resort to use computer-aided techniques.    There are some amazing pieces in this selling exhibition.  I particularly like the Arc 4 Jug by Martyn Pugh.  The line of the jug is simple and elegant; goes perfectly with that B&B Italia table you just bought.

Not your grandma's doily

Who knew that doily can be so out and yet so in?  Crochet chair by Marcel Wanders struck the perfect balance of looking back and looking forward at the same time!  The shape is not extraordinary nor is doily, but the combination of the two makes it so irresistible!  This chair is perfect for adding a twist to your sleek modern interior. 

The 3.1 Phillip Lim Spectacle/ Sunnies giveaway!

 
In about a month (September 15), Phillip Lim x Target collection will be unleashed.  There will be tons of accessories to choose from!  However, one of the accessory that was left out of the collection is sunglasses!  Fear not my readers, I'm giving away a pair of 3.1 Phillip Lim sunnies!  It's true that these are not from the Phillip Lim x Target collection, but can I say they are just as fabulous if not more because they are from his main collection line.

Please note: apologies to my international friends - I wish I could extend these giveaways to you but legal restrictions prevent it. Thanks for understanding. 

Esterel sconces

 
There are gazillion sconces out there, but none as unique looking as Esterel sconces by Pagani Studio.  I like the rock crystal rectangles that stagger on top of each other.  The effect reminds me of Mondrian and cubist paintings.  I think this particular design looks elegant and sublime.  They are perfect for that long hallway or powder room.  These scones are great example of designs that are interesting looking without screaming look at me! 

Reed & Barton's Denmark coffee and tea set

 
I have a fascination with tea services.  I'm always looking for interesting shapes be it art deco, contemporary, rococo, or mid century modern.  I must have came across an article several years ago about American mid century modern silverware.  One of the design that caught my eyes is Reed & Barton's Denmark line.

This line was designed by John Prip in 1958.  After his gig at Reed & Barton, Prip went back to teach at School of Museum of Fine Arts in Boston as well as Rhode Island School of Design.  He actually did several clean modern lines for Reed & Barton.  For some reason, the Denmark line tends to come up on Ebay often with reasonable prices.  I've seen this set sold for just couple hundred dollars in the past.  In fact, currently there is a set comprise of coffee, sugar and cream for $80!  Denmark line also have flatware and comes in silver plated finishes.  Interestingly, the coffee and tea service comes in two different types of finishes: silver plated or pewter.  Pewter sets usually sells for less than $100 on Ebay.  The set is currently in the Museum of Arts and Design in NYC.

Fashion genius Valentino's favorite place to eat tiramisu?

 
Next time when you are at The Eternal City a.k.a. Rome, stop by Felice Restaurant.  Every single pasta dish in this trattoria is cooked to perfection but you must have their Cacio e pepe.  This Roman dish essentially consists of pasta (usually Spaghetti but at Felice they use homemade tonnarelli) with freshly shaved pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, emulsified with pasta water and olive oil.  When I was there, my waiter tossed it next to my table until the shaved cheese completely melted into pasta.  The result was a creamy pungent dish that is so simple but yet perfect.  Anyone who cooks regularly knows that cooking a great simple dish is the hardest task because there is no place to hide from imperfection.  Let's just say Felice's Cacio e pepe defines perfection.  Oh and just so you think you are done, don't forget to order their tiramisu.  It is said that it's one of fashion designer Valentino's favorite place to take in his tiramisu.  And frankly if it's good enough for Valentino, it's good enough for me.  Just saying...       

Chippendale in 18th century!

 
No, I'm not talking about Chippendales that one can find in Las Vegas.  I'm talking about Thomas Chippendale, the genius cabinet maker in 18th century in England.  This particular table was offered by Sotheby's auction house last month.  It originally came from Harewood House in Leeds, Yorkshire.  Don't let the word 'house' mislead you as this house is probably as big as your local library!  Harewood is rather significant as the interior was designed by famed architect Robert Adam, the furnishing was done by Thomas Chippendale (the largest commission of his lifetime), and the landscape was laid out by the most famous 18th century landscape architect in England Capability Brown.

But enough about the house, let's talk about the this magnificent George III fruitwood, tulipwood, marquetry and giltwood pier table.  In case you don't know what a pier table is, it is basically a low table that sits between two windows and typically there would be pier glass above the table.  I just love the color of the table.  It feels very warm and inviting.  I can see it sitting in front of a deep gray colored wall in the entrance area of a 5th avenue apartment.  I would just love to have this neoclassical pier table greet me daily as I walk into my apartment!  Unfortunately I do not have the budget to acquire this museum worthy furniture (the mate to this table is still at Harewood)....it was last sold for close to 600k to a lucky bidder!
  

Madera restaurant in Menlo Park

 
There are a handful of one Michelin Star restaurants on San Francisco peninsula.  Madera is one of them.  The location of the restaurant could not be more perfect.  It is right on Sand Hill Road where all the tech venture capitalists are at.  I went there to grab lunch and saw two types of lunch crowds: ladies who do lunch and VCs.  Being that it is one of the few restaurant on peninsula that has a Michelin star, I had high expectations.  Sure, it's not going to be as good as Baume restaurant in Palo Alto (two Michelin stars), but surely it should match up to Acquerello or Quince in the city right?

Well, it really depends on what you are looking for.  Quality of the ingredients was very high.  I had Fresh Rock Shrimp Tempura with Spicy Chili and Sesame Aioli.  It was very good.  The shrimp was definitely NOT overcooked.  It was very juicy and tender.  I guess I'm so used to eating turbo fried tempura shrimps at my local Japanese restaurants that I forgot what a well fried shrimp tempura should taste like.  Next I had a Crab and Shrimp cake.  They were delicious.  The crab and shrimp cake was 75% crab and shrimp and 25% filling.  Too often one orders crab cakes and you ended up with a lot of "cake" but not too much crab.  This one is the opposite.  The curry emulsion goes perfectly with the cake and mint leaves made a pan fried dish light.  Who knew mint leaves does that? 

All in all, I enjoyed the food here.  I just wish the presentation of the food is more on par with Acquerello or Quince.  With that said, perhaps their lunch presentation is more casual than the dinner one?  I guess I will have to go back and check it out again.  BTW, I was there for a birthday lunch and their freebie raspberry cake definitely leaves much to be desired.  It felt more like something that Rosewood Sand Hill hotel (where the Madera is at) would leave at their customers' rooms as a welcome gift than the same kitchen that just served me expertly fried shrimp tempura.