giveaway winner!!!!

Thank you all for entering the giveaway.  We have a winner!  The winner is Bob W!!!  Bob, please send me your US mailing address within one week and your Marc by Marc Jacobs computer sleeve will be on its way!  Thank you everyone for entering and until next time, have a wonderful summer!

It always comes down to the details

The difference between a nice interior and a fantastic interior is in the details.  It always come down to nitty-gritty things IMO.  The biggest clue for me is hardware.  If hardware is well done, then you can be sure everything else is of high quality.  One of the nicest hardware manufacturer is Nanz company.  They can customize each knob, each handle, and each pull.  The possibility is endless.  The result, of course, is timeless. 

A bookcase that will definitely turn heads!

Dutch furniture designer Joris Laarman is definitely turning heads with his out of this world designs.  Reed Krakoff, New York based fashion designer, and Michael Ovitz, ex-president for Walt Disney company, are among his biggest fans.  But Joris is not only interested in making expensive pieces for high profile patrons, but he's also interested in offering one of his chairs free online.  Just go download it and print it via a 3D printer (for less than $50)!!  Now that's an agreeable price for just about everyone!

Rare Renaissance Manuscript by a female author

We all heard of William Shakespeare and Leonardo da Vinci, but how many of us heard of any names of female authors from Renaissance period? Or are women during that time even educated enough to write a manuscript?!  As anyone can imagine, majority of the population can barely read thus having a publish female author is extremely rare.  Luckily, Christie's recently found some manuscript by Catherine D'Amboise.  This is the third known prose work attributed to her.  In a world dominated by male writers during Renaissance, this manuscript is a rarity indeed. 

Summer Giveaway!

Summer time is the time to get away from it all and have some R&R.  As a digerati (or not), you have to bring your laptop right?  What better way to protect your laptop than to store it in a Marc by Marc Jacobs sleeve?  This Marc by Marc Jacobs computer sleeve is the ultimate home away from home for your laptop.  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. 

The giveaway commence tomorrow at 9AM!!!  Be sure to come back and enter!

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 multifunctional outdoor light

Who doesn't like a multifunctional furniture?  This indoor/ outdoor light called Solar, designed by Jean Marie Massaud for Foscarini, can also function like a side table for drinks.  The indoor version has a slight concave top while the outdoor version is flat to allow water to drain off easily.  The flat surface on the top acts like a reflecting surface and help diffuse lights below.  Result is a serene light source that gives indirect light to interior or exterior. 

Buy Christmas art gift now?!

Is it too early to start buying Christmas gifts?  I don't think so!  LOL.  It's better to buy some now when things are marked down than to buy retail later on IMO.  For those who have modern art lover friends, here's a good solution for ya:

This red Damien Hirst t-shirt is 50% off and all the profit goes to Global fund (recipient of RED funds) that finances programs to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in Africa.  Buying a t-shirt never felt so good or fashionable! 

No doubt you know Jeff Koons is having a retrospective at Whitney Museum in NYC.  Here's a t-shirt that will go very well with that exhibition!  Again, all the profit from the t-shirt goes to Global fund (recipient of RED funds) that finances programs to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in Africa.

Last Picks of men's SS14 sale

I have to say this year's sale had been picked over and then some and we are not even at the final stretch.  Most of the more desirable pieces flew out the door when they were marked down 30-40% off.  Mr. Porter, the online purveyor of men's luxury fashion, close out their SS14 sale few days ago with some of the items only marked down 40% when it typically reduce everything 70-80% off in seasons past!  I guess with the Fed printing cheap money, one does not need to wait for Last Calls!  With that said, there are still few pieces left in various sales I can recommend:

If you are dying to dress like Justin Timberlake in Love Never Felt So Good video, you are in luck as this Balmain biker jacket had been sold out everywhere.... but of course I find one that is still available at Raffaello Network.  You are welcome!

At almost 50% off, this Bottega Veneta woven leather sneaker is a classic.  BV makes these yearly which makes this buy a good one as it never goes out of style and color black goes with everything!  Get yours at Neiman Marcus.

Remember Rhianna wore a Givenchy Rottweiler t-shirt that practically put Givenchy back on fashion map?  Well, rottweiler is back!  This rottweiler-patch cuban (aka polo) shirt is on sale at Bergdorf with all sizes (S,M,L) available.  It's only 30% off but many outlets are actually carrying this polo shirt over to the FW14 collection so at least this one is on sale.

Looking for eye-popping socks?  This pair from Missoni will deliver.  They are 50% off at MatchesFashion and shipping is free to USA.  What's not to like?

Versatile is what you need, then this Moncler Alain Reversible coat at Roden Gray should fit the bill.  On one side is solid olive color and on the other side is camouflage print.  This jacket even comes with a matching carrying pouch.  And the best part is... it's 70% off.  When was the last time you saw anything Moncler at 70% off (that's not a fake and being sold on Ebay)?   

Dying for a pair of Lanvin sneaker but don't want to pay for that hefty retail price?  Here's a pair from LN-CC for 60% off retail!  Best of all is that they have every single size left!  Many places have sold out of sizes at 30-50% off but leave it to me to find a pair at a legit website that has all the sizes left.  LOL.

Firescreen that goes with your mid-century modern home

Can't find a gorgeous firescreen that goes well with your chic mid-century modern interior?  Fear not 'cause John Lyle Design to the rescue.  This Vestal firescreen is not only sculptural, but will be the head turner when you have guests over.  You will never go back to mesh firescreens again!  Comes in silver, black, and gold finishes.

How to take shower en plein air!

Like taking open air showers?  Oborain's the Cove got you covered so to speak!  This super chic looking showers let you have the open air shower experience you get when you go to places like Calistoga Ranch but at the privacy of your own home.  Or if you live near a beach, this will be perfect for showering off those pesky sand before heading back into the house.  Just hook up the shower head to hot and cold garden faucets and you are good to go!

Not your grandpa's rocking chair

Ron Arad always come up with designs that look futuristic.  This MT3 rocking chair is no exception.  This sleek looking chair, no doubt, will become talking point of any interior/ exterior.  The chair comes in the following color combinations: white exterior orange interior, exterior red black interior, exterior blue blue green interior.

Modern day Récamier

Maybe you do need to recline after a hard day of work in your garden, but something like David's portrait of Madame Récamier's Directoire sofa may be too impractical for the outdoors.  Well, Janus et Cie to the rescue!  The Avanda recamier is made of weather-resistant powder-coated steel and woven synthetic fiber so you never have to worry about your récamier getting damaged by elements.

What is a Récamier?

Récamier is a reclining sofa; typically the arm is higher on one side and lower (or none) on the other side but it can also have two arms at same height; but the height of the arm(s) is always higher than a typical sofa.  It was named after Juliette Récamier, a Parisian socialite.  The name caught on was probably because of the famous painting of her by Jacques-Louis David.  Here Madame Récamier is reclining on a Directoire style sofa.  Directoire is a period between post French Revolution but before Napoleon Bonaparte came into power in 1799.

My pick of SS14 men's fashion sale

While I'm not sure what will still be available 9AM Pacific Time but as of right now (12:21AM Pacific Time), these are some of the highlights for the SS14 men's sale so far:

This Bottega Veneta Leather Bomber Jacket at Mr.Porter is total gorge!  And it's marked down from $4800 to $1440.  While still expensive but a lot less than that close to 5k retail price.  Love this shade of blue.  A total standout for a guy who's not afraid of wearing none conventional colors.

This Valentino Camo-Print Parka jacket at Bergdorf Goodman is another on trend piece.  60% off retail from $1400 to $559 is a great bargain.  Camouflage print is highlighted in Valentino, Moncler, Givenchy collection this season plus truth be told, camo prints are always in!

As far as I'm concern, one can never have too many Lanvin toe cap trainers in one's shoes collection.  This dark blue/grey at Barney's New York is currently 40% off.  Price dropped from $620 to $369.  These classic toe cap trainers should last you many years to come.

One of the hottest brand right now in hiphop community is En Noir.  They specialize in streetwear style clothes.  People from Kanye to Flo Rida are all fans of this brand.  Graphic t-shirts are big hits this spring/summer as can be seen in well known brands such as Givenchy.  This En Noir version from SSense is 70% off.  Price dropped from $250 to a much more affordable $75. 

Make your summer entertaining a little bit cooler

It's summer time and you are entertaining your guests.  Maybe this time instead of serving your drinks with the same old boring round tumblers, why not use the multifaceted Crinkle glassware from West Elm?  Not only they look architectural, but they are also very reasonably priced; 6 for a princely sum of $30!   

Don't have a green thumb? No problem!

For those of you who travel a lot or for those of you who always forget to water your plant, Click & Grow to the rescue!  This pot is perfect for the lazy/ forgetful owner of any plant.  All you have to do is put in batteries, fill the water reservoir, and Smartpot will do the rest for up to at least a month!  Now we are talking!

If you need a magazine rack, look no further!

Say hello to a sleek magazine rack brought to you from the land of the sun.  Hiromichi Konno made this gorgeous brass framed magazine rack that comes with three color leather options: orange, white, or black.  Personally I like orange color the best as it will definitely pop in any interior.

Orange is the new black: Hermès

Now doubt when one sees an orange box, there is only one store that comes to one's mind: Hermès.  Some of you may know that Hermès started in 19th century and one would have to assume that beautiful shade of orange had always been synonymous with Hermès.  But actually Hermès did not adopt the color orange as its signature color until after World War II.  After the war, Hermès was redoing their bags and boxes.  Somehow no one wanted orange dye thus there were plenty of supplies.  This is how Hermès ended up using the color orange: because no one wanted it!  Or course today, an orange Hermès box signifies elegance, handmade, and exclusivity.    

Perfect outdoor seating for those living in a chilly area

Sitting is believing!  Having sat in one of these myself, I was totally sold by Aaron Jones' Helios outdoor lounge.  While it may not look that comfortable, well, looks can be deceiving.  If you live in SF, go to Bar Agricole and try it out yourself.  Or if you made it to SF Decorator Showcase house this year, they had one too.  The chair just envelopes you somehow and made you think why didn't someone come up with this like twenty years ago??!  Now about that propane heaters in your backyard... it's time to let them go.

Not just another cantilever chair

There has got to be zillions of versions of cantilever chair, but this seating somehow feels a little bit more special.  Commissioned by the Wallpaper magazine for Wallpaper Handmade project, this one has an artisan feel to it.  I can see it fit perfectly in a restaurant with decor that's either industrial or rustic.  Made by Atlas Industries.

Modern day cashmere throws

Are you tired of that hand me down traditional cashmere throw you got from your grandma with fringes?  Or browsing through stores and catalogs and all you see is cream, gray, navy colored ones?  Forget about those boring throws, Rani Arabella is much more cheerful than that!  She came up with yoyo throws.  These bright and happy cashmere throws will certainly add happiness and personality to any room! 

What kind of water can would Marie Antoinette use if she was alive today?

If Marie Antoinette was alive today, and instead of dressing up as a milkmaid, she decided to play a gardener, what kind of watering can do you think she would be using?  From Carolina Herrera of course!  This half-gallon watering can is made of silver-plated brass at a cost of $1900!  How else would modern day Marie Antoinette water her plants? 

You can't get more minimalist than this sink

I think this has to be the grand daddy of minimalist sink.  I have never seen anything like it.  How practical is it?  Probably not very.  I mean you have to have a super anal personality to use this daily as everything will needed to be stored away as there is no counter space to put anything.  But oh man, this has got to be one of the coolest sink ever.  I actually think it will be perfect for a powder room as you don't exactly need counter space to put tooth brush, soap, cup, etc. on. 

Do you want to have something in common with Leonardo DiCaprio?

Even New York Times is writing an article on Mark Ryden.... That's when you know you have made it despite all those art world taste makers cringing at his kitsch paintings.  No matter, Hollywood celebrities are clamoring for his work; from Katy Perry to Amanda Seyfried to Leonardo DiCaprio.  Even the infamous Lady Gaga meat dress was inspired by one of his painting.  His new show, The Gay 90s, opened on May 3rd at Kohn Gallery in LA.  His regular paintings sale for 200k to over a million.  But you can have one of his limited edition print for much less than that.

Presale time!

For those of you who missed Colette's 30% off one day sale few days ago, fret not; there are other sales to be had.  Bergdorf Goodman / Neiman Marcus is having a presale right now.  So hop on by the store(s) and nicely ask your sales people.  They are more than happy to presale things to you.  Tom Ford, Chanel, and Marc Jacobs are all included in the presale.  Barney's New York is also having a presale.  What's on your must buy list?    

Jeff Koons' take on Popeye

If you are looking for a trophy sculpture, no further than Jeff Koons' Popeye at Sotheby's on May 14th.  This 6'6" tall Popeye, is an edition of three, weighting in 2000 pounds stainless steel sculpture will cost its new owner a hefty sum...to the tune of $25 million!  The other two editions are owned by famed dealer Larry Gagosian and who else but fame mega collector Steve Cohen.  Popeye was first conceived in 1929, during the great depression.  Again, this sculpture was manufactured in 2009, the great recession.  Oh, the irony!

W sign in Los Angeles is made of...

Ever wonder what the W hotel sign in Hollywood is made of?  You know, the one that was shown on Million Dollar Listing in Los Angeles few seasons ago.  They used Sensitile.  Specifically the Jali Cascata line.  It is back-lit by LED light.  Sensitile has pretty cool looking products.  A lot of sparkling and twinkling things; perfect for that special area at home where you want some sparkle... like in a small powder room or in public areas... like bars.  

Versatile paper wall

Sometimes you want to partition a large open space into smaller spaces but you don't want to build something permanent.  What do you do?  I would get the Molo paper wall.  It's one of the most versatile paper wall option out there.  It can easily stand on its own; easy to install; and it's thickness also absorb sound.  You can also get different height screens so when you decide you don't want to stack them on top of each other to create an interesting screen, you can use them as seating block!!

iceblock chandelier

When you are looking for that special chandelier for your chalet up in the mountains, you may want to consider Lianne Gold's Grande Ciclo (Big Sky) chandelier.  I think the look goes perfectly within a wooden lodge; reminds me a lot of ice blocks in the winter.  Find it at Ralph Pucci International.

Hockney water into a lamp

Remember that masterfully painted David Hockney Los Angeles pool paintings?  Well, Poetic Lab came up with Ripple lamp to give you that ripple effect on your wall.  I guess a much cheaper way to obtain that ripple effect than buying a Hockney painting!  LOL.  How the ripple is created is by having one stationary dome projecting light through a larger slowly rotating dome.  Naturally the domes are all handblown crystal.  Get yours at Stillfried. 

Fire screen extraordinaire!

This Pietra Santa Fire Screen reminds me a lot of paintings by Gustav Klimt.  Perhaps it is inspired by his paintings?  Either way, the screen is perfect for a midcentury modern home or a futuristic ultra sleek interior.  Either way it will bring lots of color and chicness to any interior.  Find more info on Philip Nimmo's website.

Tire of your normal doorlock?

Recently heard the founder of the company talking about this innovative lock set. I've seen few of these before but this is the first one that actually looks highend and clean cut.  Definitely on my to get list!  This Goji lock is available in June!

dots dots everywhere!

If there is one artist who is known for dots, it has to be Yayoi Kusama.  She obsessively puts dots everywhere.  And I mean EVERYWHERE!!!  She was originally born in Japan but moved to the States in 1958 to NYC.  In the 60s, she regularly exhibit along with Andy Warhol and Claes Oldenburg and her art was associated with Pop Art movement.  In 1973, she moved back to Japan and continue with her art as well as published several books.  In 1993, she represented Japan at the Venice Biennale.  She has been exhibited at MOMA, Tate Modern, Walker Art Center, LACMA, Centre Pompidou, and Whiteney Museum of American Art among others.   One of her artwork was sold for $5.1M recently which made her the highest auction record holder for a living female artist.  Luckily for us mere mortals, we can purchase her soft sculpture at Whitney for $350.  Pretty good deal if you ask me.

Hiroshi Sugimoto + Hermes = sublime

Hiroshi Sugimoto needs no introduction to anyone who have taken art history 101 in college.  But for those of you whom are not familiar with him, he was born in Japan and moved to US to study at Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles in 1970.  He is mostly known for his photographic series that captures abstract qualities such as movement, spirit, light, space, and time.  He had exhibited at Hirshhorn Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in NYC, The Met, MOCA in Los Angeles.  Basically who's who museums in US and around the world.

True to his photographs, these scarves that he collaborated with Hermes have sublime quality to them.  Somehow they just look ethereal.  Personally I would just frame any of these scarves and hang them on walls instead of wearing them.  Scarves can be purchased here.    

Valentino table made by Valentino?

Who knew Valentino makes marble tables....Well, not exactly.  This table, although called Valentino table, is actually designed by Emanuele Zenere for Cattelan Italia.  Table may look slightly unstable, but cylinder in white Carrara marble ensures that this table ain't going anywhere.  I think it's perfect as a conference table and definitely elegant enough to sit in any Valentino boutique.  Don't you think?

Pietra dura, the modern way

For those of you unfamiliar with what pietra dura means, it basically is using cut stones to compose an image and inlaid it into a piece of furniture.  The technique has been around since Ancient Rome but was most popular during 17th to 19th century.  Many highly prized 18th century French furniture are embedded with pietra dura. 

Patrick Naggar of Ralph Pucci took the concept and ran with it.  The result is something reminiscent of the past but yet distinctly present.  This gem cabinet is truly unique and will fit into your modern interior seamlessly. 

The new Le Corbu

When I first started studying architecture, I fell in love with works from SANAA.  This Japanese firm is headed by two architects: Sejima and Nishizawa.  I find their work elegant and beautiful.  They are not the type to design something with crazy shapes or color.  Their work is more subtle and minimalist.  I think they are the modern day Corbusier.  I believe good architecture doesn't need to be flashy but it needs to have a good proportion with great detail.  SANAA achieved that and then some.  That's why they were awarded with Pritzker Prize in 2010, the highest honor any architect would dream to receive.  In 2009, they designed the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion in London.  This is what they said about their project: "The Pavilion is floating aluminum, drifting freely between the trees like smoke.  Its appearance changes according to the weather, allowing it to melt into the surroundings.  It works as a field of activity with no walls, allowing uninterrupted view across the park and encouraging access from all sides."  The pavilion is no exist but Serpentine Gallery sells SANAA prints of the pavilion on their online shop! 

Marc by Marc Jacobs tablet sleeve winner!!!!

Congrats to Xunle M.!  You are the winner of my Marc by Marc Jacobs tablet sleeve giveaway!  Please send me your US mailing address within a week so I can mail your prize out promptly.

Thank you everyone else for entering.  Until next time.  Have a great week!

From one Michelin star to two

I remember going to Quince when they first re-opened at their Jackson square location.  Food was wonderful.  I specifically remember their huckleberry souffle.  It was just divine!  At that time, they had one Michelin star.  I returned couple times since.  The last time I returned, they were upgraded to two Michelin stars.  The menu had changed as well.  I can see why they were upgraded.  The menu feels a lot more concise and controlled.  Before they had a la carte menu but now they only offer prix-fixe menu.  I can see why they did that as that gives them a better control of the food and presentation.  The service felt more orchestrated and refined as well.  Not that the old Quince was a mess or anything but now everything just feel like it's coming together nicely.  Typically for me, I feel like there is always some kind of miss in an one Michelin star restaurant, but when you get to two Michelin stars, all the kinks should have been worked out.  I can honestly say that everything I had at Quince last time was delectable; everything was cooked perfectly; I can't think of anything to complaint about.  Oh yes, there was one.  When they bring out the petite fours at the end, it was 6 different ones and both my best friend and I have always, always fought over who gets the pate de fruit.  But Quince had that solved as well.  They brought out additional pate de fruit for the whole table without batting an eye.  Everyone at the table agreed that we are coming back again! 

Not your average hammock

We all have an affinity to anything that swings; I think it probably reminds us of our childhood.  Well, Jim Zivic took it up a notch with his hammock.  This one is not the one you used to swing on your local childhood playground.  This adult version is ultra luxurious and great for taking a nap on anytime.  Get your fix at Ralph Pucci in NYC or Weho.

awwwwww, that is so cute!

Pugs have been celebrated since forever... from Queen Victoria of England to fashion god Valentino.  Meissen, the first European factory to produce white gold (aka true ceramic) in Europe have been making pug accessories since 18th century... be it finial of a walking cane to snuff boxes.  For all you ladies who want to show off your love for pugs, you have a modern option: pug pendants.  Meissen recently came out with a pug pendant that you can dangle it from your necklace or charm bracelet.  Just be aware that whenever you wear it, you will get a lot of "awwwww, that is so cute!" comments.

Jet.set.go!

I recently came across this intriguing tile design.  I just thought it is one of the nicest bathroom mosaic tiles available on the market today.  I just love the grayish blue color juxtaposed with white carrara marble.  I can totally see this inlaid in a Hollywood Regency bathroom floor or set as a feature wall at the end of a long hallway.  Love the honed finish.  Perfection.  See more on Walker Zanger's webite.   

Saint Louis crystal is branching out!

Everyone knows Saint Louis Crystal is one of the top premier glass maker in the world.  After all, Hermes carries them in their boutiques and you know Hermes only associate themselves with the best of the best.  Well, Saint Louis has dipped their toes into modern aesthetic!  This gorgeous light designed by Godefroy de Virieu & Stefania di Petrillo is nice, simple and yet elegant.  Nice to see Saint Louis Crystal broke away from their traditional forms.