Presales galore!

Presales have started at several places... from Bottega Veneta to Barney's New York.  Better hit the store ASAP before everything is picked over and then some.  Sometimes sales people hold items that they think their best clients may want so don't afraid to ask if they have more sizes available in the back (as they always do)!

First up, Barney's New York.  Presale started today.  You can tell which pieces are on sale or not by looking at price tags; if there is a dot on the tag (look at the back of the tag), it's in the presale pile.  All major brands (think Balmain, Thom Browne, Givenchy, Saint Laurent Paris) are at about 40% off.  Probably the best deal so far.  You can pick up your purchases after December 2.  And no, Moncler is not on sale at this time as usual.

Bloomingdales started their pre-sale last weekend.  Also around 40% off.  Better hop to it quick.

Prada's pre-fall and fall are on sale at 40% off.  Started last weekend as well.

Saint Laurent Paris is pre-saling at 30% off.  Not as good of a markdown... but then again, it's the hottest brand right now so what can you expect.

Saks started earlier last week but selection isn't so good.  Selection meaning Lanvin, Givenchy level goods are not discounted...

Lastly, Bottega Veneta started presale as well.  But unless you are a regular at the boutique, you won't be able to access the discounted items (unless you want to pay full price) as sales people check their computers to see if you qualify for presale or not.  If you don't qualify, check back December 1 when the presale goes public (Actually I would check back November 30th because I bet the staff would be able to bend the rules then).  Leather goods 30% off and clothes/shoes at 50% off.

Happy Shopping!!  :)

 

Happy Holidays! It's another Giveaway edition!

Well, Thanksgiving is just around the corner and to thank you for continuing reading my blog, I'm giving away a leather Marc by Marc Jacobs coin and key purse.  Outside is black on one side and taupe on the other side.  The leather is soft and zipper on top is matte gold with black leather.  Inside features a matte gold key loop attached to a leather string.  All in all, a very versatile little purse to use daily or giveaway as a Christmas/ birthday gift if you decide to part with it!

Thank you again for stopping by.

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

You can have what Reese Witherspoon has!

Have you seen that Vogue's 73 question interview of Reese Witherspoon?  If you have, no doubt you enjoyed the fabulous tour of her home.  In case you are wondering where she got that framed Mark Ryden print in her foyer titled Silence, well wonder no more!  You can get it at MOCA's website.  If you can recall, I also wrote about Mark on my May 21 post this year.  I guess if you want something in common with the Hollywood royalty, you might want to get a Mark Ryden print or two....;) 

A limited edition art from Takashi Murakami that won't break your bank

Yoox not only brings everyone gorgeously made clothes at a very reasonable price, but they also from time to time collaborate with artists to beautify one's environment.  Case and point:  The latest Yoox art collaboration is with Takashi Murakami who needs no introduction with fashion crowds.  After all, who can forget Louis Vuitton bags with printed flowers, pandas, and jellyfish eyes?  Takashi made two exclusive prints for Yoox this time around.  Typically his print editions are 300 but in this case, it is only 100!  Usually smaller the edition, higher the price a print commands.  However, in this case, these limited edition prints are only $585 each.  A similar size Murakami prints at 300 editions usually starts from $1000 and up unframed.  These smaller editioned prints are not only cheaper than the price he typically commands, but they are also framed.  I anticipate these prints will go very fast so get them while supplies last!

How to make sure your home always smells wonderful

I have never been very into scented candles until one of my client had a bunch of them.....I have to admit whatever the scent they had burning, it smell good.  Then one day as I was strolling around Abbot Kinney in Venice (California), I came across a store smelling wonderful.  I asked the store owner what is she burning and she pointed out to me Aquiesse's French Oak Currant candle.  The candle has a deep red currant, cassis, citrus, and french oak smell; lots of sweet and citrus-y notes but not perfume-y.  I was in love so I bought my first scented candle with her.  Since then, I have experimented with other brands of scented candles.  So go and buy some candles, not only it will make your home smell good, it may also put you in a good mood!

If I can only have a set of flatware for the rest of my life, I would get this set

Whenever I entertain guests in my home, I always take into consideration which flatware set I will use.  Sometimes I use my Puiforcat ones.  Sometimes I use my vintage American 1960s Reed & Barton set.  But my favorite set is, no doubt, Town & Country from Allan Adler.  This Californian silversmith hand made all his flatware which is rarely seen in this much automation world.  I love the fact that each piece essentially is unique.  The design is classic, streamlined, and restrained. 

Welcome to your indoor herb garden

For any city dwellers who likes to cook, it's always wasteful to buy a whole packet of herbs and only ended up using few sprigs.  Aerogarden from Miracle-Gro came up with a compact garden that can go into any kitchen.  Some of them are even equipped with LED lights so that you can grow your herbs indoor while not using a lot of energy.  How cool is that?  Now get your aprons on!

Perfect chandelier for your teenage girl room

A bedroom has two main focal points: one is bed, and the other is chandelier.  Recess lighting is always good to have but to have a nice chandelier hanging from ceiling, is even better.  A girly chandelier like this one from Circa Lighting is a perfect backdrop for any teenage girl's room.  Designed by Aerin Lauder, grand daughter of Estee Lauder, she is also the style and image director for the Estée Lauder Companies. 

Lamp that will pop in a room

If you are look for a streamlined colorful lamp that would pop in any room, look no further than Jan Showers' Venetian lamp series No.4 in turquoise.  I love the simple silhouette which actually reminds me a lot of 18th century Peking glass that were produced in China.  The vibrant turquoise color is perfect for a Hollywood Regency style interior or a sleek modernist home.

Men's Trend for Fall 2014

I am looking forward to this fall/ winter 2014 men's collection.  I always find winter/fall clothes more interesting than spring/ summer ones... perhaps it is because of my penchant of buying jackets!  LOL.  As usual,  black, gray, and camel tones dominate runway.  But this year, a mark difference is that both coats and jackets are oversized.  So if you lost weight for this summer, you will not need to buy a jacket/ coat to keep up with the fashion.  Double breast sports coats are inching their way back into modern men's vocabulary.  I'm still resisting that trend... so far....  Skinny pants are still in.  We can all breathe a collective sigh of relief.  No need to run out and get wide pants.  Chunky knits are in... so again, if you lost weight for the summer, you are in luck as long as you keep the weight off.  Check patterns are in which I absolutely love!  But of course for my Japanese readers, they probably thought check patterns have always been in for decades!  Pictures above are some of my favs from this season: Fendi trench coat, Valentino hoodie, and lanvin flannel toecap shoes.     

The last hurrah before summer ends!

Everyone knows that to make a great summer drink, you must have the right tools!  Luckily for us, Two Tone Studios have came up with some fun color cups and pitchers to enhance festivity!  Each pitcher has an optically interesting ball on the side to support your hand when pouring.  Comes in gold, olive, ruby, purple and gray jewel tones, with stir sticks.  

Looking to trick someone?

Not very often does one do a double take when looking at a piece of furniture.  But this bench certainly fits the bill!  Designed by 22 22 Edition Design, the Illusion bench definitely lives up to its namesake.  I think it is a perfect seating for one's entry area.  The color combination reminds me of lacquer work done by Art Deco French masters.  This series also come with three other color combinations. 

Hottest lady's accessory for Fall/ Winter 2014

Hands down, it has to be Fendi's bag boy Karlito!  Yeah, it looks like Karl Lagerfeld because it is meant to look like him.  The "small" charm will cost you a pretty penny: $1750.  Oh yeah, and get in line as waiting list (opened in June) is already 600 people deep and counting (as of July).  For those with smaller budget,    Mattel will launch limited edition Karl Lagerfeld Barbie Doll soon and my guess is price tag will be a lot friendlier....

Jewelry for your tabletop

Are you a hostess with mostess?  If you are, you might want to consider Baccarat's Variations collection next time you set your table for a fabulous dinner party!  Infused multifaceted bases with jewel tone colors, Patricia Urquiola has bedazzled us with brilliant fun hues that will surely leave your guests impressed.   

Origami folding stool

I remember when I was younger, I loved folding origami.  So it always warms my heart whenever I see someone taking the art of origami up a notch.  Inspired from origami, Atelier Oi came up with a leather folding stool (exterior leather sandwiching a sheet of aluminum for strength) that can be packed flat.  Designer Aurel Aebi said that you can fold it and go to the third dimension in one movement.  How brilliant is that?!

Needing more zigzag in your life?

Lots of Missoni news lately.... Just about every year, Coverse Chuck Taylor and Missoni get together and produce some wonderful zigzag print shoes.  This year is no different.  Today, Nordstrom will debut designs from this collaboration with reasonable price (for Missoni) tags ranging from $85 to $100.  There are six different designs with four of them unisex.  You can either purchase them online or in stores. 

Missoni for Target for down and under!

When Target collaborated with Missoni in the States, no doubt you saw on TV that their stores were wiped cleaned and then some.  Well, Target and Missoni is collaborating again but this time in Australia only.  I'm sure the lines will be just as long as the ones that were in the US few years ago.  But I bet their website will be better prepared for the rush that they will have.  So far, Target have only release few images but I'm sure when September hit, we will get to see the whole lookbook in all its glory!  Judging from the picture above, it looks like the Missoni for Target collection in Australia will be more sophisticated than the US version; the prints are more inline with what Missoni currently carry in its boutiques.

What every women needs: beauty bar!

This British girl is multi-talented.  After graduating from Glasgow School of Art's graphic design program, Anna Karlin worked a few years in UK before relocating to NYC.  She now runs her own studio doing anything from cosmetics packaging to pop up shop for H&M.  Now she debut her home collection and one of them is an expandable vanity.  Given how precious space is in big cities, I find this expandable vanity quite useful for people with tight spaces.  Find it among other gorgeous stuff on her website.

Wine lover candelabra

Sometimes it's difficult to find something that's clever, aesthetically pleasing and not break the piggy bank.  Well, for those of you who loves to drink, here's a candelabra that I think we can all agree upon.  This Candloop by Sebatian Bergne is one clever way of gifting someone a personalized candelabra.  You are actually only buying the metal part on top so you can stick the metal loop into your friend's favorite bottle of wine after you both emptied it for his/her birthday party.  How clever is that? 

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.