Design Editor

Must..have..this..bag!

I'm in love with this Cole Haan bag featured on ilovetypography. But, at $450...I will be admiring from afar!

Orla Kiely at Target

Just in time to brighten up our winter blues! Orla Kiely will be debuting an exclusive line of home products at Target on February 1st.  Here's a sampling-I'm loving the pears:

   

 

 

     

 

Photos:  Target

Eco-friendly Christmas cards

I was shopping for Christmas goodies at Wal-Mart last week (did I mention that I love a bargain?) and saw some cool plantable gift tags. The tags are made of recyclable  paper with wildflower seeds. How fun! I found some great items online that have the same idea.

Botanical Paperworks has a great selection of items from Christmas cards, wedding stationary and a variety of plantable papers if you'd like to get crafty and make something yourself.

Jingle Bell from Botanical Paperworks

Set of holiday gift tags from Botanical Paperworks

Gift Guide: Jewelry from Gwyneth and more!

I have some great jewelry suggestions for you today.

First, a suggestion from the always chic Gwyneth Paltrow via her lifestyle site, GOOP. I love this Chris BoltonTag Necklace, $150 for 14k gold, $120 for sterling. Gwyneth says, "I personalized mine and I wear it everyday."

My next pick is from my sister Christy. The proceeds from the sale of this beautiful Lotus Jewelry Studio necklace go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation in honor of a friend who is unfortunately fighting the disease. Hang in there, Rachel! $40 with silver tag, $50 with gold.

 

Design Editor reader and friend Lucy suggested this Etsy shop owned by Heidi Leech. I love these Clear Quartz Circle Earrings for $30.

Gift Guide: For the girls

Welcome to another installment of Design Editor's Gift Guide. I hope these girly finds will help you with your shopping lists. Email me if you have any suggestions!

BluLima Let Them Eat Cake poster, $12.00. Note: Any purchase of $12.00 or more will get one free 9x12" "Keep Calm and Carry On" print!

 

Williams-Sonoma Chocolate Penguins,  $19.95

Cath Kidston Bath Melts, £8.00 

Urban Outfitters Artist Series iPhone Skins, $15.00

Plow & Hearth Sheep Slippers, $67.95

Happy shopping!

Gift Guide: Basic French

Welcome to the first installment of Design Editor's Gift Guide! I'll be writing several posts leading up to the holidays to give you affordable and stylish gift ideas. If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear from you. Email me!

Basic French is a great resource for the Francophiles in your life. Owner Carol B. Neiley explains why she created the shop: For me, the beauty of France, it's uniqueness, it's culture is most readily found in the small things and their basicness, basic French products - soap, linens, stationery, toothpaste, sponges, clothes, shampoo, flowers. It's found in things used in day-to-day life (la vie quotidienne).

Here are some of my picks for great gifts:

 

Cereal Bowl: $12 each.

Mir Dish Detergent + Polka-dot Sponge: $12, detergent. $3 sponge

 

Joie de Vivre: Simple French Style for Everyday Living: $32

Carambars candy: $3 for 10

Happy shopping!

Vintage! Shopping on the High Street

I just found a great Etsy shop called High Street Market. Updated weekly, High Street has an awesome and affordable collection of vintage finds that include decor, art, tableware, books, prints and more. Just think, someone has done the grunt work of sifting through countless flea markets and tag sales for you!

Here are some of my picks:

Vintage set of 6 gold trimmed highball glasses: $42

Miniature vintage reverse painted silhouette in black fame: $32

Ladies Home Journal Book of Decoration 1957: $22

Vintage pair of Scarlet Tanager birds, silk screened on linen and framed: $32

Watson Kennedy...by Kennedy Watson

I want to take a private jet to Washington state to visit one of Watson Kennedy's shops. Fab! Want to go too? Luckily, we can get our fix and shop online. 

 

The shops are the creative brainchild of Ted Kennedy Watson. I love what he has to say about his passion:

...I am often asked what is my inspiration for the shops.  Number 1 is my quest to inspire the "live well" aspect of life.  To enjoy ones environment.  To slow down and write a hand written note (on amazing stationery) as opposed to sending an e-mail.  To fill the air with lovely scents and beautiful music.  To savor an amazing cup of tea or coffee, or a beautifully prepared martini.  To take a bubble bath.  To wear cufflinks.  To give a well thought gift...

Doesn't that make you feel relaxed just reading it?

 

Below are photos of Ted's lovely home from Country Living.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hot off the presses: Love your bag!

My recycled newspaper tote has received more attention-at the grocery store, the doctor's office, paying for gas-it's crazy. You can buy them from Green With Envy and choose from New York Times or Los Angeles Times newspapers. 

I actually worked on the Calendar section on my bag while I was a designer at the L.A. Times! My friend Diann bought it for me and she didn't even realize where it was from at first. What are the chances?

Cat Studio: Puuurrrr

Check out the retro wares of Cat Studio.  You've probably seen their hand embroidered pillows in stores. (I've thought about getting one for every state I've lived in, but not too practical as an Army brat.) Their designs go beyond pillows with glasses, tote bags, aprons, trays and dish towels. I got my California dish towel in San Francisco a couple of months ago-it came in a cute fabric pouch that they encourage you to reuse. Gotta love that.