December 12, 2005

'Sideways' Sampler

Can’t wait until next harvest for another “Sideways”-inspired sojourn? Pick up this basket by liquor leader Wally’s Wine in the meantime. Included in the bounty is a copy of “Sideways” (the novel), signed by author Rex Pickett; Santa Barbara County's Sanford Pinot Noir and Gainey Chardonnay; and treats like Lazzaroni amaretti cookies, chocolate seashells and J&M wine biscuits. But absolutely, positively no Merlot. $115, wallywine.com

December 12, 2005 at 02:34 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 08, 2005

Carats in a Candle

Suddenly your $65 Jo Malone candle doesn’t seem all that outrageous. Jewelry designer Lana Fertelmeister, who works wonders in gold, has found yet another use for the metal: a limited-edition, hand-poured candle flecked with 24-carat gold flakes (yes, gold). The price? $165. So with 60 hours of burn time, you're looking at $2.75 an hour for a divine black-tea fragrance steeped in lavender, sweet rose, mandarin and peach. lanajewelry.com

December 8, 2005 at 06:22 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

Killer Rocks

Sure, it costs as much as a car. But it’s also nearly as big. UK jewel master Stephen Webster is dropping jaws once again with his new Femme Fatale ring, a stunner in white gold set with a signature "Webcut" 18-carat diamond. Angelenos can meet the designer and check out the entire Femme Fatale line at Neiman's in BevHills today and tomorrow. And don't let the price tag overwhelm you: Webster is open to customizing for clients with not-quite-so-steep budgets. $30,600; available at Maxfield, (310) 274-8800

December 8, 2005 at 04:01 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 06, 2005

Line to Love: Lu

Originality in jewelry design is about as rare as front-row seats to a YSL show. Which is why it’s thrilling to find innovators like Lucinda Lopez. The designer behind Lu Jewelry looks to her environs for inspiration — sometimes a twig or a leaf, often the sea — and here she captures a sea urchin in spiny silver with one dangling black pearl. Beyond beachy and much more than whimsical, the line is organic, earthy and beautiful. $506, jenniferkaufman.com

December 6, 2005 at 03:27 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 05, 2005

Hung Up on Handbags

If you would give your right arm before letting your winter-white YSL Muse bag touch the yucky floor of a restaurant, then you need to get a handbag hanger. A what? An accessory for your accessory that secures to the edge of any table, providing a convenient hook to hang a purse (choose from pretty abalone or mother-of-pearl versions). Because some silly restaurants use chairs that just don’t accommodate bag fanatics. $18, liquidpetal.com

December 5, 2005 at 01:51 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 02, 2005

Easy Looks in a Book

In your quest to select just the right shadows to complement your glosses, it seems you’ve bought out half of Barneys’ apothecary. Perhaps it’s time to try a pre-edited selection such as Aloette's Tranquil Days and Sultry Nights Look Books. Each does the work for you, pulling together two eyeshadows, two blushes and two lipsticks in time-appropriate hues like Cashmere shadow for the day book and Violet for the night version. $75 each, aloettecosmetics.com

December 2, 2005 at 12:32 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 01, 2005

A Lotus at Rose

Sick to death of big-gemmed cocktail rings? Yeah, you and half the planet. Make a statement with a different sort of oversized jewel. Feast your eyes on DeanBurke’s sumptuous Lotus ring. The mini sculpture is just one of the treasures you’ll find at the new Rose in Venice, a beautifully curated boutique of jewels, curios and antiques. (Note: Angelenos can peruse DeanBurke's entire line tonight from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. at the store; call (310) 399-0040 to RSVP.) $1,850, roseinvenice.com

December 1, 2005 at 05:33 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 29, 2005

Vintage Trike for Tykes

The fact that your fave preschooler has figured out how to operate three remotes in order to play that "Dora the Explorer" DVD is astonishing … but also a little scary. Promote good old-fashioned outdoor activity with a vintage trike from Airflow Collectibles. It's an exact duplicate of the original 1936 Sky King model, painted in powder blue with an adjustable seat and light reflectors. Production takes a week or two, so order soon before you’re off to see the nieces and nephews again. $250, vivre.com

November 29, 2005 at 11:01 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 28, 2005

Oh-So-Sweet Slippers

Forget whether Gabrielle lost her baby. You want to know what the "Desperate Housewives" are wearing. One wardrobe highlight will come in an upcoming episode, when Marcia Cross puts on a pair of flirty slippers from Aussie shoe line My Feet So Sweet. Since launching in 2004, the brand has also made fans out of Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett. The indoor-outdoor slippers will be available stateside this spring, or you can order them now online. $75 (includes international shipping), myfeetsosweet.com

November 28, 2005 at 03:23 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 22, 2005

Peep-Toe Show

Yes, your 4-inch Richard Shah sandals are hot. But standing in them for hours on end during upcoming holiday parties isn’t. Thankfully Re-mix designer Philip Heath, a master at reinterpreting vintage shoes into updated renditions, has introduced the Anita peep-toe with manageable 2 ½-inch heels. The sweetly reminiscent '30s-style shoe features tear-shaped cut-outs and a unique double strap. And they’ll look just as great paired with your Tracy Reese cocktail dress. $188, remixvintageshoes.com

November 22, 2005 at 04:57 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)