Val Day Picks in To & From

Have you checked out the Valentine's issue of To & From yet? My gift ideas for gals are located on pages 68-69 so click on over and take a look! Here's a snapshot of what I came up with...you'll have to go to the digital mag for the links though :)

Besides those things, I also thought of these items as gift possibilities...all of which are under $200:

1) Balenciaga Studded Leather Wrap Bracelet - Matches

2) Red, 12" by 9" watercolor on paper, by Kate Merritt Davis - Gregg Irby Fine Art

3) 1000 Places to See Before You Die book - Graphic Image

4) Poppy Ring Bakeware - Anthropologie

5) Aliya Necklace - Etsy seller LoveObsessed

6) Alan Campbell Deauville Pillow - Etsy

7) Tulip Slides - Kate Spade

Any favorites? What would you love to receive for V-day? I'm kind of lusting over the Hermès scarf and the succulent K planter in the To & From feature!

Monogram Mania at Mark and Graham

Have you shopped the new monogram-happy gift site, Mark and Graham yet? It's the latest brand to come from WSH, the peeps behind Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, and West Elm. They have some cute stuff, all of which seems to be conducive to personalization, which is a free option. They also offer free (and cute) gift wrapping and shipping on orders over $49. Here's a preview of what you'll find at the online shop...

Exquisite Cashmere Thrown - $299 --- Grosgrain Border Dinner Napkins - $45

Linen Satin Stitch Cocktail Napkins - $32 --- Hexagonal Julep Cup - $25

Beveled-Glass Mirrored Coasters - $39

Swirl Domed Glass Paperweight - $35 --- Everyday Leather Tote - $199

One negative in my eyes is that most of their merch does seem a bit generic...I supposed you must rely on the monogram to make each item special.  And all too many of the items are marked as "imported" which I suspect means "made in China." I'll suspend judgement until I see some of the product line in person, but I am slightly wary of the quality of the goods.

Nevertheless, I think Mark and Graham seems like a good source for personalized presents and for monogrammed home accessories. Let me know if you place an order...I'd love to hear what you think about the quality. It's tough with online-only shops to get a sense of that.

Mother's Day Gifties

It's Tuesday before Mother's Day...have you gotten a gift for the beloved mother in your life yet? If not, it's time to shop! In case you're stumped on what to give, here are a few ideas:

1) Segovia Ostrich Corda Envelope Clutch - Indagare Souk

This handbag is super chic...I love the versatile blue hue, the ostrich leather, and the classic shape.

2) Santa Maria Novella Healing Hand Cream - LAFCO New York

This Italian hand cream is AMAZING...it's non-greasy and keeps working even after you wash your hands.

3) Small Chubby Elephant Bowl - Michael C. Fina

Waylande Gregory pottery is iconic and fresh all at the same time. Fill this little bowl with your mom's favorite candy.

4) Train Case - Ame & Lulu

Great for the frequent traveler, this train case can contain all of your mom's toiletries with style.

5) Neon Pink Peace Cord™ Bracelet - Peace Cord

Add a little neon to your mom's life and support a worthy cause all at the same time! Peace Cord proceeds support our troops and their humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan.

6) The French Dog - Amazon

This coffee table book is perfect for the dog momma :)

7) Ravel Hydrangea - Terrain

Far better than a generic floral arrangement that will die within a few days, your mom can enjoy this pretty blooming plant for years.

8) Orange iPad Case - Gigi New York

Every gadget needs to be beautified with a pretty cover, right? I'm sure your mom will agree with me.

Those are some of my picks...what ideas do you have? I'd especially love to hear from moms...what is on your wish list?

Happy New Year!

Hello and happy 2011! As you might've noticed, I digitally disconnected for Christmas and New Year's. During the break, I was able to spend time with friends and family instead of my computer and it was just what I needed. But now it's Monday and I'm back in business...feeling a little overwhelmed by my email inbox and to-do list, but I'm happy to blogging again. Since it's January 3rd and Christmas talk needs to officially wrap up, I wanted to share a few of the amazing gifts I received.

First, my sweet husband got me these awesome cloisonne lamps that I've been stalking for a loooong time. I originally dreamed of using them in our entry, but after putting them on the chest it became clear that they wouldn't work there because the shades were too large. They quickly found a new home in the dining room.

Please ignore the sorry-excuse-for-a-buffet...I'm still on the hunt for a new one!

Aren't the lamps cool? They were purchased in Dallas at William-Christopher Design. They were custom-made so I can't point you directly to a source to order them. If you're dying to get your hands on something similar, these were made from Tozai cloisonne tea jars and are mounted on acrylic bases. A good lamp shop should be able to help you with the fabrication.

My inlaws are obviously aware of my table linen obsession and gave me a gorgeous set of Jan du Luz place mats and monogrammed napkins. As you can see in the second photo, the fabric is exquisite and has a subtle diamond pattern. I adore the simple, classic style. 

I was instantly excited about a gift from my mom after seeing the Hermès gift wrapping. The box was so stinkin' pretty that I almost didn't want to open it.

Low and behold, the silk scarf inside ended up trumping the beauty of the box...a really shocking revelation since I actually picked out the scarf ;) In any case, I'm completely transfixed by the colors and love the crazy design. This present definitely reignited my desire to make a pillow out of a fabulous vintage scarf.

Finally, my sister-in-law gave me Niven Morgan's Marrakech Orange Blossom candle and it smells as wonderful as it looks. It's a fresh, light scent and I also love that the container is adorned with an orange geometric print :)

I was quite a lucky girl, wasn't I? Not pictured, but also received and appreciated were a Patagonia Down Sweater Vest and an iPad! I'll be getting LOTS of use out of both of those items. Now I need to write thank-you notes to all of the lovely people who gave me my new favorite things.

Hope that your holidays were as splendid as mine were. I wish you all the best in the coming year!

Happy Chic

Have you heard that my beloved Jonathan Adler is selling his wares on HSN now?? The line is called Happy Chic and according to the man himself, "It’s about making design that is unimpeachably chic and beautiful but that has an element of levity and that makes you feel good." I like that attitude and of course I love his bold, funky designs. JA's Happy Chic makes a great addition to HSN's growing collection of esteemed brands like Colin Cowie, Nate Berkus, and Peacock Alley. I've only ordered one thing from HSN (a chevron-patterned Nate Berkus throw), but I was definitely impressed with the product so it won't be my last purchase from there.

The Happy Chic price point is lower than JA's normal goods which makes some of the items in the collection great for gifting (I hate to say it, but Christmas is around the corner). Here are some of the things I liked best...

Striped Bud Vases

These are so freaking fun...I'd love to get a few sets and use one at each place setting at the table.

Book

Design books are among my needless necessities and shockingly, I don't have a single one by my dear Jonathan. Gotta fix that problem!

Ceramic Table Lamp

This is a fabulous, versatile lamp. I love the white-on-white look, but you could also add trim to the shade or infuse some color/print with a different shade all together.

Greek Key Woven Throw

Always a whore for blankets, this one is cute and reversible. You can get it in Navy or Black.

Greek Key Diffusers

Has anyone smelled the fragrance yet? Not really sure what "Ozone Breeze" means, but it sounds fresh. I like my diffusers to smell like clean laundry so I'm hoping for that!

Will you be buying anything from Happy Chic?

Marvelous Madison

In the age of e-shopping and deal hunting on the web, boutiques like Madison remind us that you can't get the really special touches for your home online. 

A brilliant mix of modern and classic wares, Madison has an impeccable selection of jewelry for your house. The shop is full of the best in china, crystal, linens, books, stationery, and gifts. This is home couture at its finest.

Personal service is the name of the game at Madison. They try to accommodate any request and can personalize and customize many of their exquisite items. The dangerous part (at least for your wallet)...this is certainly the kind of place that always leaves you wanting more little luxuries in your life!

Ah, monogrammed linens...I do love you so.

 The napkins in this photo are made from vintage fabric by an organization called GAIA. The group offers disadvantaged women in Dallas a path towards financial independence and self-sufficiency. Besides the great cause, their creations are gorgeous and would make perfect hostess gifts!

Lots of sparkling William Yeoward crystal...

This was a fabulous guide by the man himself!

 

 Classic paper goods displayed with the help of their signature grosgrain ribbon...

How fun would it be to have a collection of these ceramic guinea hens?

They have a fantastic selection of candles...

These napkin rings remind me of the Cartier Trinity collection...so elegant and unique.

This flower is not real...can you believe it? I need to invest in some of these.

More gorgeous monogrammed napkins in bright, preppy colors

 

Jumbo tote and the David Hicks book...great combo!

Graphic Image goodies!

Jill Rosenwald lamp with some artfully displayed Graphic Image albums and a fab Jill Rosenwald lamp.

Super cute Ikat napkins

For purchasing inquiries, please contact info@madisondallas.com or just stop by the store in Highland Park Village if you live in Big D!

Twitter Treats

Saw these cute little cane votives on the Lucky Mag Twitter feed. So pretty and they're just $5 a piece, making them budget friendly gifts or party decor.  See...Twitter does serve a purpose :)