Marc Jacobs Electronic Tablet Sleeve Giveaway!

Let's see what is the occasion this time....?  How about just because!  I'm giving away a green Marc Jacobs Electronic Tablet Sleeve.  As it states elegantly on the packaging:

This Marc by Marc Jacobs electronic tablet sleeve is the ultimate home away from home for your electronic tablet.  The form fitting construction is lined with faux fur to keep your baby safe, secure and oh-so-scratch-free.  The Marc by Marc Jacobs custom styling shows the world you know how to let loose, even when you play it safe. 

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

A little Bedazzling never hurts

It never hurts to add a little bit of bling into your interior as long as it's not over the top.  I came across this wallpaper company called Meystyle the other day and I just have to share it with you.  Founder Maria and Ekaterina Yaschuk are a perfect combination for this endeavor; one is a textile artist while the other one is a spatial designer.  Together, the sisters started this company that produces wallpaper bedazzled with Swarvoski crystals!  While their wallpaper can be a bit overwhelming with tons of patterns, I think they are perfect for small areas like powder rooms or statement walls like behind master beds or entries of boutique hotel lobbies. 

Lucite Chic

Who knew Lucite can be so chic?!  Italian firm Silia knew.... They are transforming ordinary lucite blocks into sexy table lamps.  This Fume lamp has overlapping rectangular shapes encased within a rectangular block.  How did they do that?  Don't be looking at me as I have no idea.  But the result is 70s vintage chic that has been transformed into modern glam.  Get yours at Flair Home. 

Not your grandma's fruit platter

If you are looking for something that goes with your grandma's doily, this ain't it.  However, if you are looking for something that look like out of this world... perhaps something extraterrestrial, then head off to Mosspop.  That's where you are going to find Amanda Levete's FS bowl!  Why would you want it?  Well, not only is the bowl in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in NYC, but this Belgium made bowl will become the talk of the table when your guests sit down for fabulous dinner party you throw regularly.

Is that done by CNC milling?

When I first took a look at this picture, right away I thought to myself CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling.  I mean how else can can the walls/ceiling be done?  Well, turned out that this restaurant named Auriga (in Mumbai, India) was done by hand sketches with carpenters onsite!  Architect Sanjay Puri literally go to the job site every other day and direct carpenters where all the angles are going to go and how they are going to be connected!  As you can see, the result is spectacular!   

Here comes the bees!

You can't get more versatile than Movisi's modular shelving system.  This polypropylene "cubes" can be freestanding or mount on walls.  There is only one module but because you can turn them in many different sides, they look like they are all different.  It comes in white or black.  It also comes with or without back so you can have a more see through look or not.  Furthermore, it can be used as seating when you have extra guests stopping by your home.  Your bookshelf has never been this versatile!

Bowl of fire

In a cold crisp night, nothing is better than snuggle up against a love one sitting next to a fire pit... or in this case a large fire bowl.  Eldorado Stone fire bowl is perfect to keep you nice and toasty in those frosty spring and fall nights.  The shape is versatile enough that it works for a traditional or sleek modern backyard.  You can find more information on this bowl here.       

Mirror mirror on the wall, who's the fairest bangle of them all?

I love jewelry inspired furniture.  It always bring another dimension to an interior.  By that I mean it amps up the glamor factor of a space.  This sexy and chic dining table is no exception.  I mean when was the last time you think of your dining table as something that any glam squad would admire?  This table also works as a library table as they can customize it to any size you want.  You can find more info at Hudson Furniture.

Den Blå Planet

Or in English it's called The Blue Planet.  This national aquarium in Denmark is breathtaking!  It is currently the largest and newest aquarium in Europe.  Located right outside of Copenhagen, architect 3XN was inspired by the circulating currents of the whirlpool.  By the look of the building, I say they hit the nail right in the head!  If you like this building, check out their newest monograph.  Their other projects are equally inspiring. 

Benu on Hawthrone

Benu restaurant sits right at the same place where old Hawthrone Lane restaurant was.  That was the only thing both restaurant shared though.  Benu has consistently been rated as one of the best restaurant in San Francisco and there is a good reason for that....  food is exceptional (and they have two Michelin stars to prove it), service is on point, decor is understated, and the music choice is somewhat odd (to me anyway).

Its menu is Japanese/ Chinese inspired Californian cuisine.  The overall presentation is elegant, simple, and very precise.  My favorite experience has to be the birthday cake.  Our server came out with a wooden music box that has little LED lights under.  I crank the box and happy birthday song came out.  Turn out the wooden box has a plate underneath with a delicious birthday cake.  It was a very cute and a pleasant surprise.  I highly recommend this restaurant for every occasion.  

Régence vs Louis XV chairs

People know there is Louis XIV style and Louis XV style but did you know that between those two styles, there is also a period called Régence style?  Between 1715 and 1723, France was actually governed by a Regent named Phillpe d'Orleans due to Louis XV's young age. 

Many people are confused with Louis XV style (right green chair) and Régence style (left brown chair) because they look somewhat similar.  In fact, I see a lot of people mistakenly called Régence style furniture Louis XV.  But then again, the mistake is understandable given that most people are not aware that Régence style exist.

The easiest way to differentiate a Louis XV chair versus a Régence chair is look at the feet.  If there is an x-stretcher connecting all four legs but have undulating legs like most Louis XV style chairs, it's most likely a Régence chair.  If there is none, then it's a Louis XV chair.  It's as simple as that.  Of course there is other differences such as shape of the back (in the example above the shape of the back is different but often Régence chair back is shape very similar to the green chair example above), how undulated the legs are, the overall look of the chair.  Louis XV chairs should look more delicate and free form.   Régence chair will often look heavier because it's transitioning from a formal Louis XIV style into a less formal XV style.

Now that you know the difference between a Régence and Louis XV chairs, go to your local museum and test yourself! 

Menacing digital chair!

This has to be one of the most menacing looking chair out there!  It looks very hard edged and uncomfortable to sit on.......  But I love it!  I admire Zhang Zhoujie's creativity and his tenacity to make his designs come to life.  To me, this chair looks almost manga-ish... so out of this world...  See more of this China born and British trained work here. 

The excellent adventures of Charles & Ray Eames

One of the most creative pair in 20th century has to be Charles and Ray Eames.  I had the pleasure to work on the "Work of Charles and Ray Eames: A Legacy of Invention" exhibition at Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 2000.  It was very cool to dig through LACMA's Eames collection.  I remember going to LACMA West, which was the former May Department Stores building at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue, and cataloging what was there.  LACMA was lucky that Eames front office at the 901 Washington Boulevard in Venice was donated to them awhile back.  The museum literally had everything lock, stock, and barrel.... down to clay flower pots.  I knew whom Charles and Ray Eames were at the time but I would say I have much more appreciation of their craft today than back then.  It was fun coming across this PBS documentary.  It's about hour and a half long.  If you are a Modernism fan or an architecture student, you owe yourself to watch this excellent documentary.   Watch the Full Documentary Film

Missoni bag winner revealed!

Drum roll please.......and the winner of the Missoni bag giveaway on this Valentines day is....... Jen F.!!!  Congrats and please send me your US mailing address!!!  Thank you all for entering.  Until next time!  Have a great Valentines day.  XOXO

Secret Gardens in Los Angeles that most out of town visitors skip?

It has to be the Huntington Botanical Gardens and Library in San Marino.  Typically visitors to LA would go to the Getty Museums, Hollywood, Disneyland, and Universal Studios.  They may even go to the muscle/ Venice beach or Santa Monica Piers.  But most don't venture inland to Pasadena area.  But if they do, they would discover one of the best gardens in Southern California.

Huntington Botanical Gardens and Library is more than just whole bunch gardens and a library, it also has a very nice fine and decorative art collection.  The main mansion that Henry Huntington used to live now displayed his collection of English and French art.  Probably one of the prolifically copied painting in the world is Gainsborough’s Blue Boy and Lawrence’s Pinkie.  Pretty much every antique store I ever been to probably has a copy of either and or both (which drives me crazy but that's another story)!

The gardens (207 acres) here are to die for.  Some of my favorite is the rose garden (when it's summer time and all the roses are open, the fragrance of the roses are just intoxicating) and the Japanese Garden.  In the Japanese Garden section, they have a large collection of bonsai.  These bonsais are kept meticulously.  Every year Golden State Bonsai Federation holds annual fundraiser for the GSBF Collection.  I've been to the gathering once and the bonsais displayed at the event were just marvelous!

I have yet to explore all the gardens at the Huntington Gardens.  My next goal is to see the Chinese garden.  It was built in 2000 and from the pictures I've seen, it looked amazing.  I'm sure it is gorgeous in person.  Can't wait to see it on my next trip to Los Angeles!               

If only this bomber jacket can swim in water....

Exotic?  Yes.  Crazily price?  Yes.  Timeless?  Yes.  Something a bit more luxurious from Lanvin is this water snake leather bomber.  The color is amazing and so is the texture.  And it's not loud enough that if you wear this 5 years from now, people won't be like "isn't this from 2014?"  Lanvin. 

Plates fit for a queen! Literally.

Commissioned by Catherine the Great of Russia in 1773, this 952-piece Frog Service was one of the most expensive commission that Wedgwood created.  Each piece was to display scenes from English estates which required 1244 illustrations (Hermitage states 1244 although Victoria & Albert museum states 1222).  The result was magnificent and fit for a queen!  The set included 680 dinner and 264 dessert pieces for 50 people.  But today, you don't have to be a queen of Russia to own some Frog Service pieces.  Wedgwood have decided to make special edition.  The frog is now gold instead of green and the edge of the plates are now gilded as well.  Who says you can't eat like a queen?

Big Bulb wall sconce

Industrial cool comes into my mind when I see the Big Bulb Wall Light.  Designed by Italian designer Loris Sensolini, it is impossibly chic for something that looks so retro and yet so now.  It comes in polish nickel or polish brass finishes and the wire comes in red or black.  Perfect for powder room or long hallways.  Get your fix here.    

Is that a Rolling Stone Bomber Jacket?

 
There's no doubt that Hedi Slimane was inspired by Rolling Stone for Spring 2014 collection.  I love this Saint Laurent Paris Black Sequin Embroidered Viscose Bomber Jacket.  A bit flashy really but a nice statement piece nonetheless.  I always think a person needs one in your face piece every season and this bomber jacket is definitely it IMO.  Mr Porter.

Happy Chinese New Year Missoni clutch Giveaway!

This is the year of the wooden horse!  To celebrate Chinese New Year, I'm raffling a Missoni hand clutch.  This bag has the signature zigzag that Missoni is known for.  With pink and red combination, it will pop with any outfit you have on!  Thank you again to my readers.  Happy New Year!  May you have a healthy successful year.

What is a Cumulus?

A cloud forming rounded masses heaped on each other above a flat base at fairly low altitude... or to Ted Abramczyk, who studied at Pratt Institute in architecture, means an inspiration for a chandelier!  I love his translation of cumulus.  The black one feels more chic than the white ones IMO.  The proportion is perfect as a light over dining table.  A perfect "cherry on top" over a sleek Minotti dining table.   

What would an armchair inspired by Quartz crystal look like?

 
One of the most oddball armchair you will ever see is Quartz Armchair.  It is inspired by crystal formations and is basically made of whole bunch pentagon and hexagon-shaped upholstered cushions inserted into a wood frame.  Besides the awesome looking shape, you can pull the cushions off the armchair if you have company that needs extra seating.  So essentially you are buying an armchair that is made of 15 poufs.  And naturally you will have to pay dearly for a privilege to own such an unique looking armchair....14k!  That's right.  You read that correctly.  It's for sale on TouchOfModern.  These armchairs pop up every few months on the flash sale website.  But with that pricing, I'm pretty sure you can call T.O.M. up and order them even if they are not on the sale calendar because after all, not too many people are clamoring to own a 14k armchair.  Oh, and if you know of people who can afford it AND willing to pay for it, please have them contact me as I would love to be their interior designer!  ;)

Mr Porter Final sale.

So not sure if any of these will still be available for sale when this blog goes live but here are my favs from the line up.

This Bottega Veneta aviator sunglasses look as cool as ice.  70s inspired sunglasses never look so chic.

Leather shorts with leggings are in.  This Givenchy version should last you several more seasons of this current trend.

You can never go wrong with a statement tshirt from Givenchy.  But then you probably won't want to wear this tshirt again after this season because after all, it was so f/w 2013-14.

End all be all cashmere coat from Lanvin.  At 60% off!  Classic color and cut.  This coat should last you a lifetime.  A great investment.

A little zigzag never hurts anyone.  This Missoni gilet is nice and warm.  It's reversible too.  So you get two looks in one.  What's not to like?

Nothing screams summer than this seersucker sports coat from Thom Browne.  This coat is from this past spring season but it's a sports coat which means it's not exactly fashion per se.  It's a bit loud but if you dare to wear it, it's one fine coat to have.

Can you go wrong with a Kelly Wearstler's ottoman?

Sometimes one just have to put one's foot down and ask can one go wrong with Kelly Weastler's souffle ottoman?  Well, IMO, you can never go wrong with it.  ;)  I love the hand-ruched lambskin on the ottoman.  This technique really gives it an extra dimension.  The proportion is perfect as a vanity chair or an extra seating in living room.  Luckily, it is also in stock so no long lead time!  And it's made in the USA (Los Angeles) to boot!  What's there not to like?  Get yours on her website.

Missoni Margot Throw at a discount? You bet!

50% off?  Checked.  Free shipping?  Checked.  Fabulousness?  Checked.  What more can one ask for?  Amara in UK has discounted their Margot Throw from Missoni by 50%!!!  This is the cheapest Margot Throw I have seen on the market.  Even Gilt.com sold theirs (in pink colorway) at full price few years ago.  This particular colorway that Amara is discounting has a beautiful earth tone to it.  It will work in a rustic setting or in Rachael Zoe's posh modern home.  And because it has so many colors in it, you never have to worry about not being able to match it in most interior.  They have three in stock.  Pick one up before they are gone!

If it's good enough for Kylie, it's good enough for me.

One of my current favorite leather brand is Zagliani.  They are great at producing exotic leather bags and this snake skin messenger bag does not disappoint!  It's head designer Mauro Orietti-Carella, a former dermatology student, injects the exotic leather with silicone and resin so that its stiffness gave way to a buttery softness.  A-listers seen carrying Zagliani bags include JLo, Rihanna, and Kylie Minogue.  Get yours here.       

 

Winner of Marc by Marc Jacobs Wallet revealed....

Winner of Marc by Marc Jacobs Wallet revealed....Congrats to Billsn!  You are the winner of the red Marc by Marc Jacobs Wallet raffle!  Please Send me your US address and it will be on its way to you!  Please reply by January 22, 2014.

Thank you everyone for entering.  Look for other goodies to pop up in the future.  Happy New Year!

Ribbon Chair CL9 by Cesare Leonardi & Franca Stagi

 
This gorgeous chair is one of those that needs to be put back into production ASAP!  Designed by Cesare Leonardi & Franca Stagi in 1961 for Bernini, it's the epitome of simple and elegant design.  Unfortunately one can only buy this at resale stores/ auction houses.  Kelly Wearstler's store in LA carried a pair of black ones before.  Christie's auction house in London also sold a pair of white ones in 2012.   Wright auction house just sold one in black in December 2013 so they are around if you look for them diligently.      

Possibly the best lunch ever?

It's very hard to decide the best lunch I ever had but if I have to choose a top 3, then one of them as to be Jean-Georges restaurant in NYC.  First, the interior design for the restaurant is stunning; very understated and elegant.  I think it's a perfect pairing with Jean-Georges' food.  Second, the service was impeccable.  No complaints here.  And lastly, the food.... it was divine (hello 3 Michelin stars).  Everything was cooked perfectly and all the courses were equally delectable.  I mean there is no bone to pick.  Literally and figuratively.  Seldom can a restaurant achieve perfection and Jean-Georges certainly did that gracefully.  Can't wait to go back!       

Is that a Jeff Koons Balloon Dog Bookend?

One of my favorite place to shop for clients is SFMOMA museum store.  The stuff they sell had been curated by curators so rarely do I see things in store that make me go puke in bathroom.  One of the fun thing they sell at SFMOMA is a balloon dog bookend.  It comes in orange and purple.  The finish is matte so it has a nice serene quality to it.  I think they are perfect for a quirky desk, book case, or a baby room.  And NO, they are not made by Jeff Koons.... I mean just check out the price...$40!  I'm pretty sure that anything stamped Jeff Koons will cost more than that.  And yes, Jeff Koons did try to sue the maker and yes, he had to drop the lawsuit because balloon dog shape has been around for quite a looooong time....you know, before he was born....

Do you En Noir?

There's a reason why Barney's New York picked up En Noir.  This brand has been bubbling up for awhile now.  Pretty much who's who in hip hop community has been wearing this brand in the past couple years... Kanye, Flo Rida, Drake, Usher, Big Sean, etc.  Even Jay-Z included this brand in his collaboration with Barney's.  Prices is definitely going up so better pick up the basic black leather t and leather tank top before they get even more expensive!  Don't say I didn't warn you..... 

Jean Paul Gaultier Teddy Bear

Who says a teddy bear can't be shocking sometimes?  Of course leave it up to Jean Paul Gaultier; only he would put a nose ring and a chain that links nose ring to a ear ring.  Bizarre?  Yes.  Almost sacrilegious I would say.  Last thing I associate a cute and cuddly teddy bear is one dressed like a punk.  But then again, why should I be surprised?  Jean Paul Gaultier did manage to put a pair of cone bras on Madonna after all?  Catch Jean Paul Gaultier exhibition at Brooklyn Museum in New York and pick up a teddy bear while you are at it.  It may become one of those collectible bear in the future.  You just never know.... Plus if you are a fashionista, how could you not have one?        

Marc by Marc Jacobs wallet giveaway

Happy New Year!  Let's start this year with a bang shall we?  To celebrate 2014, I'm giving away a red Marc by Marc Jacobs wallet.  This wallet has many compartments and is a perfect gift for the upcoming valentines day, save it as a fabulous birthday gift, or keep it for yourself!

Thank you for checking out my blog and may 2014 be a great success for you!

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

2013: A Year in Review

With 2013 coming to a close, I look back to a wonderful year I had.  My business reached a new height.  Thank you to all my clients.  Without you believing in my vision for your home/ office, I would not be where I am today.  Thank you to all my readers for keeping up with this blog.  I know readership for blogs has gone down year over year as people's lives had gotten more and more busy.  So I appreciate you still stopping by.  I am thankful for the good health my family has because without it, life can be miserable.  Lastly, I am grateful for the freedom I enjoy.  Having just visited a few communist museums in ex-communist countries in Europe, and watching the movie 12 Years A Slave, made me grateful for living in this country in 21st century.

I can't wait to see what 2014 has in store for me!  May your 2014 be a healthy and prosperous one.  See you next year! :)    

Machedron chandelier by Bec Brittain

 
How gorge is this chandelier?  It looks like a meteor!  The light is very retro looking... reminds me of something came out of 1970s.  But at the same time, it also feels very now.  I can't quite explain it but I just think it's the chicest thing I have seen in awhile.  I can totally see an installation of this down a large hallway... like five of them in a row.  It would be the coolest thing.  This light would look great in a super modern setting but I think it would also juxtaposition quite well against a traditional interior like a wood paneled library.  Light comes in 24", 30", or 42" configuration.  It would also look very cool if you put all three sizes together say in the foyer area and hang them at different height.  Get your fix at Roll & Hill.

Jannis Brevet at Ikarus Restaurant

Ikarus is a restaurant in Salzburg that invites top chefs all around the world to come and be a guest chef for a month in their kitchen.  It has one Michelin star.  But as you can imagine, quality of food varies from month to month.  Luckily for me, I got Jannis Brevet on my trip to Ikarus.  He's one of the most respected chef from Netherlands.  His restaurant, Inter Scaldes, has two Michelin Stars.  And yes, the food I had at Ikarus was definitely a two Michelin star quality.

Here was my menu with non alcoholic drink pairing (indicate below with *)

Egg with cauliflower, smoked eel and basil sabayon

Langostino with a cream of onions, granny smith, sea banana and lavender vinaigrette *Cucumber sour

Dutch caviar with a brandade of sturgeon and white grapes *Grapes chai

Luke warm potato salad with black truffle, radish and parmigiano reggiano *Quince bitter

Cream of Peking ducking with popcorn foam and fig chutney * Carrot fennel

Atlantic turbot with fennel, pumpkin seed oil, marinated vegetables and mace broth *Soothing pear

Anjou pigeon with epoisse cream, carrots and white truffle *Soya cabernet

Relief construction, cardamom, blueberry, caramel, tomato *Cassis shake

I have never seen any non alcoholic pairing with any food before in any restaurants.  This is a first and I'm a fan!  The food was so delectable.  Let's just say next time when I go back to Netherlands, I'm stopping by his restaurant!!!  Btw, Ikarus restaurant is in Hanger 7 which stores Red Bull's owner's "toys".  What I mean toys is fast cars, planes, etc.  It was cool to walk through the museum.  The service at Ikarus was very formal and exact; no complaints from me for sure (unlike Joel Robuchon in Las Vegas...Just saying...).

F/W 2013 Sale Round up!

Merry Christmas!  

It's that time of the year again.  Sale sale sale!  So many things to buy and not enough money to go around.  But at least everything is marked down so you can get more bang for your buck.  Here's a list of places where you can find your guilty pleasure at:

Ssense: Some of the stuff are already at 70% off.  This is the best place to get the best bang for your bucks right now.  But be aware that sometimes for one item or two, Ssense will price it higher than other stores so I would check around to make sure you are getting the best deal.

Neiman Marcus: It's up to 60% off.  Key words "up to".  That means most of the stuff you want will probably be more like 40-50% off.  Still not a bad deal but just not that 60% off deal in the headline.

Saks: Now it's also up to 70% off.  But the discount differ from brand to brand.  I saw Brunello Cucinelli stuff are only 40% off while a prada iphone 4 sleeve is marked down 65% off.  Don't forget to enter "Holiday" for free shipping and as always go through sites like Ebates to get additional 8% rebate back.

MatchesFashion: Up to 50% off but most of the more desirable stuff are only 30% off.  I say give it some times before everything hits 50% off.  Most of their listing prices are 10-20% off other retailers already from the get go so I give it some slacks.

Lanvin: Its ready to wear were marked down 50% off few days ago when I checked.

Bottega Veneta: Same as Lanvin, this venerable brand has most of its F/W 2013 collection marked down to 50% off when I check few days ago. 

Marc Jacobs: As always, MJ never cease to amaze me at their 70% off sales.  Rarely does a high street brand cut their prices so low on their own website.  Only MJ does it.  The markdown had been going on for awhile.

Missoni: Again 50% off.  What's there not to like?

Mr Porter: The day of instant 50% off sale are gone.  They torture you with 30% off with some whatever brands at 50% off.  It's no longer exciting to check Mr Porter anymore.  Other websites like MatchesFashion and Ssense give better discounts IMO.

Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest

With plethora of luxury hotels in the world, one of the hotel that consistently ranks in the top 10 in Conde Nast Traveler magazine is Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace in Budapest.  I can see why.  Like all Four Seasons Hotel world wide, you get top notch services but this particular one, really go out of their way to make you feel cuddled.  I really felt cared for when I stayed here.  Without a doubt, I would rank this as one of the top three hotel I have ever stayed at.

First, the hotel is absolutely gorgeous.  Unlike most Four Seasons Hotels around the world, this one is special as it's historical in comparison.  I believe it was built during Art Nouveau period and it definitely looks it.  While I appreciate other Four Seasons Hotels like the one in New York city that was designed by I.M Pei, there is just something more special about staying at a 'palace'.

Second, the food is top notch.  I would say the bar food I had was just as good as the ones I would get at any other Four Seasons hotel.

Third, the service was just unbelievable.  They really go out of their way to make you feel special.  Every night they leave several petite fours as a night cap when they do turn down service.  These petite fours are restaurant level not some stale day old left over from their restaurant downstairs.  The night before I checked out of the hotel, they left plastic zip lock bags for my toiletry.  I have never seen that before in any hotel stay.  While it's only a plastic bag, but it felt they really thought about all their guests' needs.  Budapest also is known for theirs thermal baths around town.  This Four Seasons hotel gives out free prep bags with various amenities such as slippers, towels, lotions, etc. for their guests to take to baths.  How thoughtful is that?!

If you visit Budapest and stay here, definitely make sure you pay the extra bucks to face the Chain Bridge side of the hotel.  I see some of the rooms face side streets or interior courtyard.  Personally I feel if you are flying all the way across the world to go to Budapest, you might as well stay in a viewed room.  Interestingly, the hotel has a mezzanine floor so if your room is on the 1st floor, that means it's actually on the 3rd floor (in American term since 1st floor in Europe is American second floor).  My room was on the 3rd floor which means it's actually 5th floor.  With double pane windows and french doors, even though I was facing the busier street in front, my room was rather quiet.    
    

How to wear a starchitect on your toes?

Don't believe me?  Well, you can..... if you can pony up a pretty penny.  This pair of shoes designed by Zaha Hadid for United Nude is absolutely incredible.  United Nude's design director, Rem Koolhaas (another fellow Starchitect) said "Zaha consistently reinvents the program with her own ideas and interpretations. Her visionary creations are often unexpected, yet reinforce their origins.  I could not resist the challenge to work with Zaha. We gave ourselves the greatest degree of experimentation and used the latest digital design and manufacturing technologies to create one of the most innovative shoes ever produced.”  Get your limited edition (100 per color with three colors available) shoes here.

There is tape dispenser and then there is Cube Tape Dispenser

Another great and affordable Christmas gift for that someone who has everything is Cube tape dispenser from Georg Jensen.  Pretty much everyone has a tape dispenser or two in their homes, but how many of us can actually be proud of the tape dispenser we own?  I have quite a few from OfficeMax and Scotch.  All of them are hidden in a drawer.  After all, they are not pleasant to look at so why would I put them on top of my desk?  But if I have a Georg Jensen Cube tape dispenser, 99.9% chance I would have it proudly displayed.  So if you have a love one or a friend who has everything, I think this will be a perfect gift for them because chances are, their tape dispensers are aesthetically challenged. You can purchase the said dispenser on Georg Jensen's for $65.

Another gift idea for someone who has it all

I always love stationery items.  Not that I write that many letters these days.   In fact, I don't think I have written any letters since high school.  I guess writing a letter is more or less a thing of the past.  However, I always feel there is certain amount of romanticism when one sends a letter versus an email or a text.  Somehow it just doesn't seem very personal the way we do things today.

I got a catalog from Louis Vuitton couple weeks ago.  They always send me these delicious catalogs that I just wish I can afford everything in it.  Anyhoo, upon turning onto the last page, I saw an inkwell.  I'm like there is no way Louis Vuitton makes inkwells.... this has to be a prop.  I look on the price list, sure enough, there it is.  $1290.

It's not cheap for sure.  But for someone who has everything, I think it may just be one of those perfect little gift (if you can comfortably afford to give it).  Wouldn't you love to receive one of these goodies?

Damien Hirst for Christmas stocking

Well, as we inch closer and closer to the holidays, one question typically pops into my minds is "what am I getting for that so and so who has everything?"  I think I have found just the right solution for that art loving so and so:  A Damien Hirst butterfly mug.  He has been using the butterfly motif since 1991 and it's one of the most recognizable DH "signature" in his oeuvre.  Plus this mug is less than 15 pounds shipped to US... and you thought you may have to break your piggy bank.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Dreamy Graffiti scarf giveaway winner!

Drum roll please!  The winner of the Marc by Marc Jacobs Dreamy Graffiti scarf is Emmy S!  Please contact me with a week with your US mailing address.  Thank you everyone for entering and have a great holiday season.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Dreamy Graffiti scarf giveaway!

Here comes Thanksgiving!  To thank my readers, I've decided to give away a Marc by Marc Jacobs Graffiti scarf.  It's 100% modal so it's as soft as it can be!  In the mean time, I'm signing off for a couple weeks.  I will see you all in December!  As Heidi Klum says "Auf Wiedersehen!"

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

Shawn “JAY Z” Carter and Rick Owens = OMG

Well, I know you have been looking forward to Jay Z's collection at Barney's New York!  Like all the hip hop artists these days, it seems like whatever these guys touch, it turns into gold.  For example, Kanye's collaboration with A.P.C. was sold out in within one day and crashed A.P.C.'s website.   But I digress.  Jay Z, of course, had to out do Kanye.  He's collaborating with brands such as Rick Owens, Moncler, Lanvin, Balmain, etc. (basically all my fav brands).  The proceeds are being donated 100% to his charity.  But you gotta have a pretty deep pocket to get your hands on this collaboration.  Prices range from an affordable Barney's New York T for $70 to eye-popping Rick Owens Mollino Crocodile Jacket for a cool $58,000 (slightly out of my price range... just slightly.. lol)!!!  In case you are wondering who's crazy enough to spend that much money on a jacket, let's just say S, L, XL are all sold out.  But if you are a M or a XXL, you are in luck... provided that you move fast and have some serious dough.  

Update (Dec 20): Just came across Barney's dedicated page to Jay Z's collection.  Apparently this $58k jacket is sold out!

And the winner for Isabel Marant Scarf giveaway is.....

And the winner for Isabel Marant Etoile Scarf giveaway is..... Corrie V!  Please send me your shipping address and thank you everyone for entering.  Happy thanksgiving and happy holidays!

National Geographic. Around the world in 125 years

I remember growing up in my uncle's home, he had National Geographic magazines proudly displayed in one of the cabinets.  I always thought the photographs looked stunning.  Well, apparently Taschen feels the same way too!  In fact, they are collaborating with National Geographic magazine to celebrate its 125th anniversary.  The end result is three stunning books with gorgeous photographs that celebrates earth with all its riches.  The books are divided into Americas and Antarctica, Europe and Africa, Asian and Oceania.  These books will surely delight anyone's eyes and are perfect Christmas gifts.  Checkout Taschen for more information.   

Not quite H&M, but nonetheless Isabel Marant scarf Giveaway!

Well, we are almost here!  Just one more day before H&M launches its collaboration with Isabel Marant.  How excited are you?!  Some of you I bet are already lined up on the streets to get those coveted pieces that you have thought about a month ago when the photographs of the collection leaked.  While I don't have any Isabel Marant for H&M scarf on hand, I do have an Isabel Marant Etoile 100% modal scarf to giveaway.  This made in Italy scarf will surely give you a dash of color for your fall/ winter outfits.

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

Nikolas Weinstein's glass sculpture

Bar Agricole in Soma is one of those place where I go for brunch or dinner here and there.  I always find the interior architecture rather interesting...but what really catches my eyes every time are the glass sculptures in the ceiling.  I just couldn't quite figure out what is it?!  Well, 7X7 Magazine finally solve that mystery for me.  The sculptures are done by San Francisco local glass artist Nikolas Weinstein.  His claim to fame was architect Frank Gehry commissioned him to make a massive chandelier for a bank headquarters on Berlin's Pariser Platz.  The chandelier took four years to complete.  Since then, one can find Nikolas' gorgeous sculptures everywhere; from Inter-Continental hotel in Shanghai to Bar Agricole here in San Francisco.  Perhaps I will find a client who "needs" one of these gorgeous sculpture in near future!? 

Dragon Chandelier by Baylar Atelier

Talk about drama.  If this chandelier doesn't bring it, I don't know what will!  Love the fringe looking chains draping down from this chandelier.  It almost look like a piece of tattered fabric hanging down on two chains.  But the finishes bring it up a notch and instead of looking like fabric falling apart, it emotes luxury and romance in stead.  It also has a mysterious quality about it.  One wonders what is inside this tattered fabric?   More info can be found here. 

Nazi looted art trove found in Munich that is valued up to $1 billion euros!

Just read an article on NY Times that an apartment in Munich held over 1,500 works of art that Gurlitt (one of Hitler's art advisor) stashed away for himself.  Apparently Gurlitt, his wife, and now his son had been selling the artworks off one by one through the years to support themselves.  German government found the trove in February 2012 but failed to inform the world until now. Apparently the stashed away treasure includes art works by Matisse, Picasso, Dix, Chagall, Marc, Toulouse-Lautrec, Liebermann, Kirchner, Beckmann, Dürer, Canaletto, Courbet, etc.  Basically the who's who in any art history book.  Custom officials are not going to make art works public but ask people (or descendents) who had art works looted by Nazi to contact authorities directly.  I think the easiest way for rightful owners to come forward would be sell the artwork in a group of say hundred at Sotheby's and Christie's auction house.  You bet any rightful owners of any looted Nazi artworks will read that catalog forwards and backwards.  Any artwork not claim, the proceeds should be donated to Jewish and gay causes.