aqua design

Aqua Design Amano is a Japanese company that makes aquarium design products including a layout making manual that you can download here. I never knew that I wanted a Japanese aquarium.

die electric

Die electric's inventive and humorous products insulate AC power plugs and sockets to save energy.

pear tree

This awesome pear tree lamp by Nick Foley has three rechargable, portable lights that you can pick from the tree. Each light recharges through its ultra-strong rare earth magnet and has 10 ultra bright LEDs.

dauphine press

I am loving everything I've seen from Dauphine Press. I first saw their stuff at Paper Source a couple of weeks ago, and the quality and design are just outstanding. I'm trying to think of an excuse to buy yet another blank notebook (although this fall botanical spiral notebook is beautiful enough just to look at), and a set of these can't wait to tell you notecards.

cassettes

Clockwise from top left: cassette wallet via designboom; cassette ipod cases via retrotogo; mix tape USB stick via SUCK UK; retro cassette tote bag via retrotogo.

gold!

I am smitten with these gold lacquer desk accessories from West Elm.

feinedinge

Candleballs by Sandra Haischberger

contura

CONTURA - a ring that is made from the profile of the carrier or the presenter. Slightly creepy and cool at the same time. Seen on notcot.

ellynelly

Mother & daughter team and experienced textile designers, Elaine & Nell Oliver, sell gorgeous and affordable wall decals in a range of colors on their Etsy shop. I wouldn't mind getting some of these for xmas!

obsessive consumption

If you haven't yet seen Obsessive Consumption you should definitely check it out. Kate Bingaman-Burt blogs her daily purchases here through illustration. And she has an etsy shop where you can purchase her lovely monthly magazine of illustrations.

unmonumental

This new title on sculpture released today is published by Phaidon in conjunction with the inaugural exhibition of the New Museum of Contemporary Art's landmark new building (designed by Seijima + Nishazawa/SANAA) on the Bowery in New York.

area

This post is for my dad. Area linens has his kind of taste. They sell bed linens, tablecloths, and sleepware in a variety of nice minimalist patterns.

lapin

I am completely fascinated by the mesmerizing work of French artist lapin, an artist in Barcelona. It makes me long for the days when I lived in Paris.

happy hanukkah

Menorah from Michael Aram

outside in: glass

inside out champagne glass and wine carafe with glass from MoMA; jug of crystal by Jason Miller for Carlo Rossi

guide to green guides

One of my favorites: Design Sponge's eco-friendly guide

Bluehouse is all about eco-friendly gifts and is a carbon neutral company.

Treehugger breaks it down by type of recipient (geek, animal-lover, etc.).


There's even a Yahoo green holiday gift guide.

Core 77 Design Blog reports that Industrial Design Consultancy has created a 'carbon footprint analysis' for holiday gifts.

If you have your own favorite, please share in the comments!

Happy shopping!

belle du sucre

I was checking out kris's color stripes and saw her post on French sugar shop belle de sucre. So sweet!

I wish I were in France...

Gap Vespa

I've always loved the retro appeal of Vespas. This limited edition Vespa with a custom design by Gap is the coolest one yet.

anne black

Clockwise from top left: seam bowl from Clio; porcelain vases on sale (!) at peek keep; tilt porcelain dishware at greener grass design; small convex bowl at rose and radish

yellow finds

Clockwise from top left: Owl tee from Jayson Home & Garden; wild cabbage cup and saucer from Anthropologie; "factory" plate by Snowden Flood at Three Potato Four; dautry wingback chair from Anthropologie; Binth matching game; Kingdom of Spirit 3 from Shiny Squirrel; faceted jewelry box from Anthropologie.

tartan

This post is for my friend Rachel who owns the most fabulous vintage clothing store ever, History in Cambridge, MA. I love these tartan plaid bangles from ModCloth. They remind me of Rachel because they are ever so chic and slightly punk rock.

solar bag

This post is for my very cute and chic little sister who needs a new bag and is also quite environmentally saavy. I'm only sorry I can't afford to buy it for her for xmas. Cortland bag by Noon Solar found on notcot.

seacloth

SeaCloth is the result of a collaboration of textile designer Susan Harris and entrepreneur Deirdre Halper. Their store features home furnishings and Susan's textiles and is located in Greenwich, CT.

for the birds

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!


Felt bird ornaments from Branch.


Bird ornaments from Wisteria



Bird block images from Jayson Home & Garden


Bird coasters from art effect

Bird bowls from Coe & Waito

Lamp from Wisteria

Signed and numbered 'Menagerie' prints from Happy Owl Glassworks are only $10!

Birds in flight by Alena Henessy come in bright white (shown above), pale sky, soft pearl, and silver and come with a 6' hanging line. Two or three might be really nice in a room.

massin

New from Phaidon, the first monograph in English on French graphic artist Robert Massin.

florence broadhurst

I recently bought this book about designer Florence Broadhurst as a birthday present for my sister. I admit that I was more excited about the book cover — a beautiful silkscreened bookcloth — than anything else, but of course the prints and information in the book are also fascinating. This would be a great holiday gift for anyone who appreciates graphic design, interior design, or just a good read about a fascinating, creative, independent woman whose murder is still unsolved.

sushi!

Sushi soap from Paper Source



Sushi dog toys



Sushi pillow


Sushi USB drives




New crocheted sushi magnets at Modishoppe.