Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Lois Loves - Ichendorf double walled oil/vinegar carafes

While flipping through the most recent O Magazine, I found the coolest housewarming gift. A new homeowner who loves to entertain will certainly appreciate the Ichendorf double walled oil/vinegar carafes. The carafes are made of handblown glass and appear to have one container floating inside another. The sleek, modern design will add a touch of class to any table. Why not get all three? $19 -$24 at Unica Home.




Monday, April 23, 2007

Lois Loves - A Picnic Trunk

So, I took a little break from posting the last couple of days to enjoy the great weather. As I basked in the sun this weekend, I thought to myself, this is the perfect weather for a picnic in the park. But, before I planned a picnic, I had to buy a picnic basket. I knew I would have no problem finding an inexpensive wicker basket. But, I decided I wanted something classier. I was pleasantly surprised to come across the Picnic Trunk by Neiman Marcus. I love the Picnic Trunk's flyout table. The Trunk also comes with two glasses, two stoneware plates, cutlery for two, cotton napkins, a corkscrew, tablecloth, and salt and pepper shakers. The Picnic Trunk is absolutely perfect for an afternoon picnic in the park. $150.





Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Lois Loves - Omma Yoga and Pilates Mat Bags

I recently began taking Yoga and of course bought a Yoga mat for my classes. A friend recently asked me how I carried my mat to class. I told her that I bought a simple Yoga mat bag. It's cute, but it only holds my mat. After this discussion, I thought it would be great if I could find a bag that holds my mat, workout clothes, and other personal items. Well, I found the perfect Yoga bag at Omma Yoga.

The Omma Yoga and Pilates Mat Bag has a separate zippered mat compartment and a roomy compartment for workout clothes, a towel, a music player and a water bottle. It's the perfect gift for new and old Yoga students. $84.




Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Lois Loves - Rafe for Target

Ok, so I'm obsessed with bags this week. But I can't help it. There are just too many cute bags! I visited Target's online store this weekend with the intention of looking for an inexpensive shoe cabinet, but instead found inexpensive Rafe handbags. Anyone who's familiar with the Rafe line, knows that Rafe handbags start at $200. So, how could I pass up the Rafe line for Target. These two bags are a great bargain and are great looking.


The Floral Canvas Bag is a darling satchel. It's roomy and the colors complement any outfit. $49.99.

Know someone who is going on an island vacation? Why not give her the Print Straw Basket Bag? She'll never leave her hotel room without it. $39.99.


Monday, April 16, 2007

Lois Loves - Poppy Print Tote

In my quest for the perfect tote, I came across the Kate Spade Hugo Poppy Tote. It was love at first sight. The tote is perfect for work, travel, shopping, you name it. The poppy print adds just the right touch to this peek a boo tote. It has an interior zip pocket and is available with a red or an orange trim. My birthday isn't until May, but, I may just have to get myself an early birthday present. $195.





Sunday, April 15, 2007

Lois Loves - Cute Rainy Day Gear

I woke up this morning to the sound of rain pelting my window. I looked out the window and thought that it didn't look as bad as it sounded. So, I decided to stick to my plan and visit the gym today. A little rain wasn't going to keep me from my workout. I put on my workout clothes, stepped outside, and immediately thought to myself, what am I doing? It was raining a lot harder than I originally thought it was. You would think I would turn around and go back upstairs to my apartment. But, of course not. I opened my umbrella and bravely started walking to the gym. Well, five minutes later, I was back in front of apartment building. My coat and hair were drenched, my pants legs were soaking wet, and my feet felt cold and wet. Needless to say, I was pissed. My experience this morning made me realize that I needed to purchase more appropriate rain gear. My little $8.00 umbrella and my gym sneakers just weren't cutting it. So, I started to look for rain gear on the Internet. But of course it couldn't be any old rain gear; it had to be cute. I definitely think you'll like the products that I've found. These products will keep you and any gift recipient dry.


J.Crew's Critter Wellies will light up those dreary, rainy days. $65.




Now who said rain boots couldn't be fashionable. Jeffrey Campbell's Chelsea Rain Boots are perfect for the girl who refuses to let a little rain dampen her fashion sense. $59.95.




Cole Haan's
Stadium Jacket keeps you dry and also keeps you looking good. $375.





Marc by Marc Jacob's Miss Marc Umbrella is clearly whimsical. $58.

Friday, April 13, 2007

Lois Loves - Gifts from the MOMA store

I love the MOMA store's uniquely designed products. If you are ever at a loss for really unique gifts, you should definitely consider visiting the store for gift ideas. I recently visited the store and came across some really cool products, all under $100.



The Clocky Alarm Clock is the perfect gift for that person who has a hard time getting up in the morning. "It can jump down from up to two feet and run away and hide if one does not get out of bed on time. After one snooze cycle, Clocky will roll and move around the room with randomly patterned alarm beeps." $50.




If you are looking for a gift for a colleague or your boss, the Perpetual Calendar is a great desk accessory. Designed to be used year after year, you just move the two magnetic balls to mark the date and the month. The calendar comes in either black and red or grey and silver. $38.


The Muji Tool with Hammer is probably one of the most useful housewarming gifts you can give someone. This stainless steel tool includes a hammer, bottle opener, knife, file, two saws, and a hexagon wrench. $18.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Lois Loves - Bold, Chunky Rings

A friend recently asked for my opinion about a few rings that she is considering purchasing. I promised her I would look for more rings and share what I found. So K.H., here are some great, bold, chunky rings for Spring. And, for those of you looking for Spring birthday gifts, these rings are just perfect.


I absolutely love John Hardy's Curved Ring. Its unique gold and silver dot design is the perfect conversation piece. $795.






Gorjana's Flutter Ring is the perfect Spring Adornment. $135.





The Oval Rock Crystal Ring by Stephen Dweck can be worn with any outfit. $375.






Azaara's Blue Opal Ring is my absolute favorite. The blue-green opal stone sits beautifully in its ornate gold setting. $245.



Who can resist Kenneth Jay Lane's Flower Ring? This feminine ring is one of my friend's choices and I can certainly see why she was drawn to it. $90.


This ring may not be chunky, but it's certainly bold. The Wide Coral Band by Catherine Weitzman makes a simple statement with its unique design. $105.







If one ring is not enough, why not stack seven? Gorjana's Stackable Rings is the perfect everyday adornment. $145.



You certainly won't be ashamed to adorn your hand with the Proud Plumage Ring. The amethyst, peridot, and ruby stones makes this two finger ring breathtaking. $218.

You'll not only look good, but also smell good with John Hardy's Ayu Scented Jasmine Ring. Made in Bali, this ring has a refillable fragrance pad hidden in the heart of the ring that releases a wonderful blend of fragrances. $795.



Who said you had to wait until May for Spring Flowers?
Stephen Dweck's Bronze Flower Ring is both girly and bold. And, the blue lapis center makes it even more special. $395.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Lois Loves - Space Saving Wine Racks

If you live in a NYC apartment like I do,
you
just don't have a lot of space. I'm
always looking for space saving items that will help keep my apartment organized and reduce clutter. For awhile now, I've contemplated purchasing a wine cabinet or wine rack, but I've found that my choices are restricted because of space constraints. Recently, a friend mentioned that he bought the
Mint Wine Knot Rack as a birthday gift for a friend. I fell in love with the design of this wine rack and immediately looked into purchasing it. Unfortunately, I'm not the only one who fell in love with it, because it's out of stock at every store I contacted. But, I wasn't deterred, I decided to search for more unique, space-saving wine racks. I was ecstatic when I came across the Puzzle Wine Rack by Gideon Dagan. This fun and modern wine rack is made of ABS polymer and comes in a variety of colors. A single unit stores nine bottles, but multiple units can be assembled to create different rack sizes. $59 for one unit.


















Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Lois Loves - Mulholland Brothers Garment Bag

The Mullholland Brothers Simple Garment Bag is the perfect gift for the man who does a lot of traveling. Its simple, classic, and sturdy design will appeal to any man. The garment bag holds two suits and is available in 12 colors. $175 - $550.


Monday, April 9, 2007

Lois Loves - Cuff Bracelets

Bracelets are some of my favorite accessories. I especially love big, chunky bracelets. One really unique bracelet can make an outfit truly special. The cuff bracelets shown below will do just that. These bracelets are perfect gifts for vintage-obsessed friends.


The vintage flower cuff by Stacey G. comes in a large and small size, and, lots of great colors, including orange, green, lavender, light pink, peach, black and turquoise. Layer two colors or two sizes to create a unique look. $50-$100 at Fragments.




This Bollywood inspired bracelet is made out of 18k gold plated sterling silver. The handcrafted filigree details is truly eye-catching. $170 at Isharya.

Friday, April 6, 2007

Lois Loves - Hobby Tote Bags

A few summers ago, I took sewing classes and tennis lessons. I enjoyed both so much that I'm hoping to take more of these classes this summer. In anticipation of taking these classes, I decided to search for tennis and sewing supplies. During my search, I came across two great tote bags that I think would make great gifts.

The BBW Sewing Kit is the perfect gift for a beginner sewer. The kit includes the Sew U how to sew guide, six Built by YOU patterns and a tape measure. Purchase this kit for $120 at Built by Wendy.

A tennis loving friend will love the Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Tennis Mini Tote Gift Set. The set includes a mini handbag that holds a baseball cap, a three-pack of tennis balls, a stretch terry sweatband, and stretch terry wristbands. A portion of the proceeds for the sale of this product supports programs for the early diagnosis, treatment and research of cancer. $104.


Thursday, April 5, 2007

Lois Loves - The Gift of the Planet Earth

Last week the filmmakers and producers of a really extraordinary Discovery Channel documentary called Planet Earth, were featured on Oprah. The clips shown on the show were so amazing that I immediately set my DVR to record this documentary. After watching a few episodes, I can honestly say it is the most fascinating show being aired on television right now. Purchase this documentary at the Discovery Channel for $79.95. I guarantee you that even people who aren't into nature, animals, and the earth will have their breath taken away by the unbelievable footage in this documentary.

Here is what the Discovery Channel website says about this documentary:

"More than five years in the making, Planet Earth redefines blue-chip natural history filmmaking and continues the Discovery Channel mission to provide the highest quality programming in the world. Award-winning actress and conservationist Sigourney Weaver narrates this 11-part series. You'll be amazed by never-before-seen animal behaviors, startling views of locations captured by cameras for the first time and unprecedented high-definition production techniques."

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Lois Loves - Laptop Bags

I'm planning to buy a laptop really soon and I don't want to tote it around in the standard, boring laptop bag. So, I was excited when I came across some really cute laptop bags at Bloomingdales made by a company called Twelve. I visited their website to purchase a laptop bag, but unfortunately the bags I saw at Bloomingdales were not featured on the website. So, I decided to look for other options. These laptop bags are great gifts for students and professionals.

I love the fun colors of the Echo 13 laptop case by Lexie Barnes. The case is padded and is made of water resistant fabric. $90.





The St. John Envelope by Lapsack is a great alternative to a laptop bag. Put your laptop in the envelope and toss it in a messenger bag or your work bag. It comes in four sizes and costs between $48-$62.


The Coffee Bean Laptop Zip Portfolio by Lapsack is a great gift for guys. It has an ultra suede exterior and faux shearling lining. The Zip Portfolio also comes in tan and black. $155-$195.

Monday, April 2, 2007

Lois Loves - Housewarming Gifts Under $50

Nowadays, its customary to bring a gift to a housewarming party. Finding a nice housewarming gift is a fairly simple task. However, I find that most housewarming gifts tend to be run of the mill. Why not leave your mark on someone's new home with one of these unique gifts?


The Cityscape picture frame makes a great centerpiece. Recipients can use it to display pictures of family, friends, vacations, or anything that suits their fancy. And it's only $13.95.


The Casablanca Lantern from Z Gallerie beautifully displays candles and adds pizazz to any room. $29.95 and $39.95.




Welcome someone to their new home with the "Home Sweet Home" cookie bouquet. $25.10 - $87.95 (price determined by number of cookies purchased).