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.

More on Monograms

I just emerged from the black hole that is the Julia B. website...oh my goodness, I've been creeping around it for way too long! Not long ago, I professed my love for monograms and this site is just feeding that fire.

 

Not only does Julia B. have 24 gorgeous monogram designs, they also offer a wide range of beautiful fabric options, and amazing border choices. Pretty much anything you can dream up is possible. I'm overwhelmed, yet delighted by those prospects. As far as the border options go, I've tentatively narrowed it down to the Paris and Anjou styles as favorites. The what-I-would-order-if-I-had-the-money game stops there because get heart palpitations at the thought of choosing a monogram design...I love too many of them. You'd probably have to hold a gun to my head to make me decide!

Enough about me and my craziness, I want to hear about your favorites. Take a look at this sampling of their exquisite handiwork and of course, cruise their site as well...you won't believe how beautifully intricate everything is.

Two final things about Julia B. to keep in mind: one,  they are able to accommodate requests for custom work, including the reproduction of vintage patterns and monograms. This is nice for those like me who always sort through the heirloom linens while antiquing. I often find pretty designs, but the initials never match up to mine...it's good to know that Julia B. can fix that problem. Two, they have a bridal registry service, which is pure genius...brides, you had better get in on this! I would've loved to register for Julia B. goodies. In fact, maybe I'll go ahead and create a general gifting registry for my husband to tap ;)

The Mecca of Monograms

I've long been obsessed with monograms and try to stick them on pretty much everything from bedding and towels to luggage. As a lifelong southerner, it's always seemed like a pretty normal thing to do.

Recently one of my husband's clients (who is from Columbia) was staying at our house, and he asked me what brand "KKS" was. At first I didn't know what he was talking about and then he articulated that the letters were on the towels and sheets in the guest room. I explained that the "brand" was actually my monogram...which still didn't register so I had to explain the concept and try to justify why it's plastered all over the linens. He jokingly asked me if I was afraid people would steal them :) I think my analogy was that it's like having your own personal logo...which in hindsight sounds so conceited and pretty re-damn-diculous. It was a funny conversation and made me realize that I had never really thought about the why, since the how has always been my main concern.

Despite the lack of true purpose, I still love monograms and dream of having personalized goodies from Leontine Linens all over our house. They have gorgeous heirloom quality linens and the absolute BEST menu of monogram styles. The thought of picking one stresses me out because they are all so pretty.

For my initials, these are among my long list of favorites:

 

What is your take on the subject? Do you think it's totally silly and frivolous or a fun way to personalize your home?

Can't get lucite off the brain...

I am seriously craving lucite right now. Besides that console table from CB2...I'd really like to welcome the following items into my home:

Dabney Lee Recipe Box - After recently spilling enchilada sauce on my laptop while cooking, I've decided to avoid bringing electronics into the kitchen and work off of an old school recipe card. These would definitely make for cute kitchen jewelry too.  With so many adorable pattern, color, and monogram options, I'm breaking out into a nervous sweat trying to pick one overall style. What a great gift this set would make!

Dabney Lee Lucite Trays - I'd like one of these for my desk and another in the larger size to serve in a variety of capacities (booze, magazine organization, etc.). Cute and practical, these would also be fun presents to give and receive.

 

My fav patterns...

Favorite monogram styles...

Iomoi also has cute lucite trays in 3 sizes:
small tray: 8-1/2 x 11 x 2-3/4
large tray: 11 x 17 x 2-3/4
ottoman tray: 20 x 30 x 3

Now I just need one of these companies to make tissue box covers!

Gifties from Katie & Co.

My wonderful cousin owns the greatest stationery store, Katie & Co. in Houston. It's located in such a cool area on Washington Ave and she did an outstanding job on the interior of the store as you can see in the photos below and check out more here:

She obviously has great taste and thus you can imagine my excitement when I get goodies in the mail from Katie & Co! I share my cousin's love for paper goods (especially LETTERPRESS) and she totally indulges me with the latest and greatest. Today I received an amazing gift set from Elum...
Orange and the perfect shade of robin's egg blue...LOVE IT!! And it goes with my awesome orange roses - even better :) I want to keep this on display on my desk - too bad that's kind of a weird thing to do.Elum postcards. Stripes and harlequin print - out of control cute. To top it off, the colors are lime green and pink. Maybe if you're lucky, you will receive of one of these from yours truly!

Thanks Katie!!This is a sample of the store proprietor's personal stash of stationery. I am in love with every detail...the monogram, the color combination (yellow and gray), and pattern, the gray envelope and of course, it's letterpress! Call the store and order some...would make a great gift for someone who has everything or just yourself :)Hella cute monogram...reminds me of the many items at Leotine Linens that I would sell my kidney for!