Shop At Show: Just 2 Days Left!

If I had to do my Christmas shopping in one store and one store only, I'm sure I could find a gift for everyone on my list at Show.  Brad Cook, owner and curator, has put together a diverse collection of treasures within the four walls of his small shop in Los Feliz.  While it might be small, it's mighty and packed with all kinds of goodies to give this holiday. The things that are on the top of my list include these curvaceous Bahari candlesticks, Klein Reed ceramic catch-alls in groovy shapes, these sweet handmade owls, and cheerful Pantone metal storage boxes.  Happy shopping everyone!

Christmas Countdown: 9 Days Left!

Just nine days left until Christmas and we're continuing our countdown of places to buy unique gifts for all those last-minute shoppers out there. Now, if you aren't familiar with Third Street in mid-city Los Angeles, you are missing out. It is mecca of great shopping and among my favorite stops is Plastica.  While the name is slightly deceiving, they carry products made of many other materials than plastic.  My favorite items are actually felt, specifically fab products from Graf and Lantz. I picked up a business card holder, but what I really want is one of their felt bowls. (Grey and teal, please. Thanks, Santa!) and one of those sweet little Swedish wooden birds as a stocking stuffer. They would also make a great gift given as a set of 3 and nestled in a pretty box and at just $12 a pop, your total gift is still below $40.

When you're tired from your shopping marathon on Third and all those bags from Plastica are getting heavy, grab a bite to eat at 'Little Next Door' deli and cafe. There are no shortage of good eats on this street (Toast and Joan's, for example) but 'Little Next Door' has become my new favorite. The menu is drool-inducing and they have unique specialty items like foie gras macaroons and an assortment of jams, soups, and other goodies packaged in pretty jars. Many put together a gift basket of their specialty items for the food-lover on your Christmas shopping list and voila! All your shopping is done in one afternoon spent on Third Street.

Top to Bottom: Plastica, Royal VKB nutcracker, felt bowl by Graf and Lantz, felt floor and seat cushions from Denmark, Broccoli card holder, Swedish wooden birds, Little Next Door deli and cafe

Countdown To Christmas

With just 10 days left to check off those Christmas shopping lists, some fresh ideas on where to go might be in order and L.A. has no shortage of truly unique locations to snag the perfect gifts.  I'm going to share one hot spot per day with you, as the countdown to Dec 25th continues.

Today's recommendation is the gift shop at the Craft and Folk Art Museum.  Worldly treasures are everywhere you turn!  From kid-friendly gifts like stuffed turtles made from wool scraps in Chiapas, Mexico to gorgeous hand-blown glass by local artisans, there is a wonderful assortment of items that would all make fantastic gifts.

Here are some tips to accompany your shopping experience: (1) I highly recommend checking out the galleries while you're there and admission to the museum is free on Sundays throughout the rest of 2009, which translates to more cash to spend in the gift shop (2) You'll score a 10% off coupon if you visit the galleries, which means now you have enough money to buy yourself a little something too!  (3) Become a CAFAM member and knock 20% off gift shop prices, plus save on admission and events throughout the year.

From top to bottom: Blown Glass by Liz Marx made locally in Los Angeles, Hand-blown glass ornaments, East of Eden vase made in Thailand, Wool turtle from Mexico, Én Gry & Sif felt owl (The make an assortment of fun items, from ornaments to baby booties, sweaters and toys), Chiratorn Chirapravati decorative plate from Bangkok

The Dark Side

Don't be scared of black!  Associated with halloween and all things spooky, the color gets a bad wrap this time of year.  Well, here are a few examples were black is beautiful.

Images from: Living Etc, Design*Sponge, Remodelista, Domino, Casa Sugar, Style Files

Happy Halloween to all!