CUSTOMER SERVICE

Going to hell in a handbag

2011-12-08T22:45:00.000-08:00

I had a working lunch yesterday with a friend who is helping me with a trendforcasting project I am working on.

I consider myself a decent "spotter" but forecasting has been an interesting challenge. I have been asked to predict what will be happening in the design world a year and a half from now.

Of course, I only hope that the economy gets back on its feet and that all will be right with the world - all the while with everyone sporting great shoes, and lounging on streamlined furniture.

Until then, I am seeing lots of neon brights for spring and this bag just might need to be a part of my ensemble.

Chocolate Memories

2011-12-06T19:51:00.000-08:00

My friend Wendy grew up in Seattle, WA and has yet to say anything positive about her childhood there except this little trip down memory lane involving Frango Mint Chocolates. I had never heard of them.

She remembers her mother taking her to a sophisticated Tea Room at Frederick & Nelson's department store where Wendy recalled this frozen treat as a silky confection that melted in her mouth. She kind of went on and on about it and lamented that the store closed and was then sold to Bon Marche.
A little Google search directed me to find them sold exclusively at Macy's.

Frango Chocolates sold only at Macy's

Of course, I'm going to ship her a box...

I, on the other hand, remember the days of waiting on a long line with my friends for the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity's.

Serendipity's

225 East 60th Street

NYC

Use your Trigger Finger

2011-12-04T22:17:00.000-08:00

I think these are a perfect holiday gift for the iphone-ers amongst us.
Magic Texting Gloves

These are all from Zappos:

Echo Touch Cashmere Gloves

Michael Kors Texting Glove

Shelli Segal E-Touch Glove

And then there's Brian's expert contribution to all this:

Featuring Textured palm and fingers for better grip while shooting

A Charming Duo

2011-12-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across these books several years ago at Anthropolgie.

Cordelia was about five years old at the time, and they were immediately appealing. You see, my kid walks the "naughty or nice" tightrope often.

Let's just say they have been a mainstay in our house, and gifts to my close friends with kids.

With the holidays approaching, I may just pull these out again. At age ten, and as adults, we could all do with a little polishing up with Miss Manners.

Originally published in 1946, some things (thankfully) never change.

How To Behave and Manners Can Be Fun, available at Anthropologie and other fine booksellers.

'Tis the Season

2011-12-01T20:40:00.000-08:00

Hello friends. It’s been a while. Don’t worry, I have been shopping like a mad woman, but not blogging as much.
There are 24 days until Christmas. Time to get in gear.

My Mother lives in a Co-Op building in New York City where the Board dictates all matters of dwelling decoration. It is against policy to hang anything on the apartment door, or put out doormats. Ever.

For those of us who don’t have such restrictions, we get to choose what we put on our front door this holiday season. I have my eye on this succulent wreath from Viva Terra. I know it really only works in warmer climates and it seems to require some upkeep which is always a bit tricky with my brown thumb.

West Coast:
Succulent Wreath by Viva Terra $88

I cannot imagine this greeting me on the door of a house in Connecticut. And in the end, Brian will most likely opt for the traditional deal.
But you just never know.

East Coast:

Lands End $44.95 and free shipping.

The Easter Bunny

2011-04-19T22:17:00.000-07:00

Dean & Deluca

My eighteen year-old stepdaughter Deena says she'd still like an Easter basket. She likes high quality chocolate please and no jelly beans anymore. My nine year-old daughter Cordelia still wants to believe, so an Easter egg hunt she shall have.

I have very fond memories of my Easters - ones spent in Amagansett Long Island with my cousin Sandy and my Jewish Father, who funnily, went all-out on this holiday. Our tradition was a treasure hunt complete with fog rolling in from the beach, and in our matching flannel nightgowns Sandy and I would discover rhyming poems that would lead us from the garden shed, to the bathroom, to under the bed, etc. to find our next clue and delicious treat. My Father lived on East 86th Street in the 70's and 80's when it was still called Germantown. On his block was a store called Marzipan. And that's all it sold. The most amazing collection of marzipan intricately shaped into pigs, rabbits, and frogs, and that's what my Easter basket consisted of. Oh, and there was chocolate too. Good German chocolate. Sandy and I spent the rest of our time sorting through our goodies and talking about our favorite part of the hunt.

My little brother Gordon once said of Easter "Chocolate must have been Jesus' favorite food."

The Lindt chocolate bunny

Not part of my childhood but now a staple for Cordelia's memories:

And Martha Stewart's "easy" craft ideas:

Glittered Floral Egg Basket

Ladies Lunch

2011-02-11T21:40:00.000-08:00

It's a little difficult to be writing about the delicious lunch I had yesterday as I am sipping green juice from my two day juice cleanse from Blueprint Cleanse (more on that some other time.) I had the fortune of eating a yummy meal at the very newly opened Olive & Thyme in Toluca Lake, CA. Brilliantly located around the corner from Warner Bros. It definitely attracts the studio crowd.

A cross between Dean & Deluca and Le Pain Quotidien, Olive & Thyme is as pretty as it is tasty, and the staff is attentive and cheery.

The white tea lemonade needed some kick and the carrot cake could stand to sit out to room temperature, but I loved my trio of salads - Beet & arugula, fresh corn & mint, and tuna salad served with two slices of fresh olive bread.

Intelligentsia coffee is served as well as freshly packed teas. Attention to detail all the way.

Thumbs up. I'm going again. Soon. Join me.

Olive & Thyme

4013 Riverside Drive, @ North Pass Avenue, Toluca Lake

818-557-1560 http://www.oliveandthyme.com/

A charming walk in the park.

2011-01-26T20:54:00.000-08:00

J Crew

I have been looking for a fun necklace to spice up my all black uniform. I like the J Crew selection but looking for something a little more original. Stella & Dot has a fun one too.

Stella & Dot

And then I found myself on etsy.com. It's the site for all things crafty.
Searched for "vintage enamel necklaces" and voila.

Talulabelles

Mine is called "A Walk in the Park." I'm very excited. It's made by a company called Talulabelles, a mother daughter design team from Yorkshire, England.

Here were the contenders:

J Crew
Stella & Dot

And my purchase: ESTY for $55.00.

Brother, can you spare a dime?

2011-01-09T12:09:00.000-08:00

When a friend of mine pulled out this coin purse the other day, I was reminded of how much I love this logo. Graphic genius.

It's the paper cup most New Yorkers get who still buy their coffee from street vendors. It's also widely used by homeless people asking for change, and so it follows that part of the proceeds from the sale of each purse goes to HELP USA, an organization working with the homeless since 1986.

These days I feel more mindful of spare change.

Naughty or Nice?

2011-01-03T22:36:00.000-08:00

It's beautiful, and yes, the coffee is really that delicious.

Nespresso CitiZ C120 Automatic and programmable Espresso and Lungo Machine w/Frother, Fire-engine red

When I visit my friend Jane in New York, I have to limit myself. Their Nespresso machine beckons an addiction.

The good news is that I stay around the corner from the Nespresso cafe and store where there is a gallery of coffee pod varieties and strengths to choose from.

And yes, you can recycle the capsules. These days what's better than a latte with a good conscience?

At $349 it's totally worth the investment. Next is a class in latte art, offered at Intelligentsia Coffee, 594 Broadway on January 7th or February 4th.

In 2011, I resolve to be a coffee achiever. So far, so good.

A New Flame

2010-12-05T21:39:00.000-08:00

My "gusband" calls me today (that's my gay husband. Every girl should have one) and asks me to suggest a great scented candle to buy for his new boyfriend (are you getting the drift?)

He wants something fresh that does not smell sweet or overpowering. A scent that will remind him of Christmas but not in that icky cinnamon stick kind of way.

The Balsam Fir candle from Thymes is really swell.

And nicely packaged. The candle, that is.

A Little Nosh

2010-11-27T10:58:00.000-08:00

I am missing New York. Los Angeles around the holidays is strange at best. The weather throws me off and lights around palm trees doesn't quite work for me.

For a year of my younger life (1986 to be exact) I shared an apartment with my friend Mia on the Upper West Side. Zabar's was a food staple for the natives but we really couldn't afford such extravagances at the time.

Sweet Nosh Box (Kosher)

Now as transplanted New Yorker, the arrival of the Zabar's catalog is bringing back some serious memories. I might just have to order the Sweet Nosh Box (Kosher) $69.00 and a "regular" coffee (that's with cream & sugar in case you don't know.)

Note: please avoid the tab marked Gift Baskets & Boxes
(SHEShops is allergic to prefab Gift Baskets)

It's raining, it's pouring

2010-11-21T06:55:00.000-08:00

It's a rainy day here in Los Angeles.
At our house, that's a cause for celebration.

kids rainboots from Target

It means wearing our fashionable Target rain boots and Cordelia can splash in the puddles to her hearts' content.

I need a little more protection and think this
pink gerber daisy umbrella might complete my look.

Here's to singing in the rain...

want one too?
click photo to get yours

She Flashback: Puddle Jumping

Holiday Gifting - part 2

2010-11-14T19:56:00.000-08:00

The recipient is fancy. They have everything they need and certainly everything they want.
So what can you give?

Here's what I've learned:
If you can't keep up with the Joneses, give something simple and tasteful and have it beautifully wrapped (Paper Source or Soolip in LA)

Dean & Deluca's Truffle Salt is seriously delicious...And just a tad bit sinful. For under $30 it's a perfect little indulgence.

Food+Lab

2010-11-07T16:33:00.000-08:00

My friend Deb introduces me to all the great places to eat in Silver Lake. We had lunch at Food+Lab and it did not disappoint. Crazy good fig, proscutto and ricotta panini on whole grain bread. Delicious tart fresh lemonade.

I think Jan liked her chicken arugula salad. To be honest, I was too interested in trying the dark chocolate fudge we bought for dessert.

Great presentation and sweet wait staff topped off our great lunch.

Food+Lab was started by the mother and son duo Esther and Nino Linsmayer. They started by catering photo shoots, events, and private parties for celebrity clients such as Naomi Campbell, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani, and Annie Liebovitz.

Box lunches for picnics at the Hollywood Bowl too. They use organic, nitrate, and hormone free ingredients, as well as environmentally friendly materials.

Thank you Deb. I'm going to miss ladies lunch.

Food+Lab
Hours: Open daily from 9 am – 8 pm
3206 West Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 661-2666

Holiday Gifting - part 1

2010-10-31T11:48:00.000-07:00

It's November, soon to be December, and we all know what that means. For those of us with few on our list, it can be as daunting as those of us who have many.

I love receiving a gift that reminds me of the giver every time I see it. If it's useful - even better.
(SHE Flashback see: Please pass the bread.)

Paperweights may be somewhat old fashioned. Perhaps that's why I am drawn to them.

oval: french crystal $68 dome: glass $42

I have always liked everything from the site iomoi.com.
The hardest part is choosing your favorite pattern...

Something good in the 'hood

2010-10-28T21:57:00.000-07:00

It's always exciting when a place you love moves closer to home - especially in Los Angeles - the land of the sprawl.

Just in time for the holidays, Paper Source has opened in Studio City.

This is a very exciting event for a girl obsessed with all things paper, ribbons, and gift giving.

I bought three Gratitude Journals on my first trip.

My first entry:

I am grateful for my friends & family.

And for the color orange.

Gratitude Journal: Item 9780811867207 Price $14.95

Pillow Party

2010-10-24T19:15:00.000-07:00

There are several things the husband thinks we have enough of: scented candles, cloth napkins, and pillows. There are probably more. But this is a mantra I have been hearing over the years. So one of the nice things (and there are many) about shopping for other people is that I can live vicariously through my clients. I have an assignment to cozy up a house. What better way to do so than with pillows?

That said, she wants to keep her minimal use of color.

These tarp pillows are perfect. And now on sale for $33.99-39.99 at Restoration Hardware. Even better.

Now how to justify "one for you, one for me..."

SHE Flashback: Armchair Decorator

Got wine. Will travel.

2010-10-14T22:10:00.000-07:00

I am envisioning it on both coasts from The Hollywood Bowl to Tanglewood:

skybar™ Wine Traveler

A travel carrier for champagne or wine. Spotted for sale for $19.99 at Williams-Sonoma.
Keeps the bottle chilled for up to 2 hours.

The perfect gift that comes in orange
(also blue, dark grey and green.)

Both a wine carrier and elegant gift packaging, the skybar™Wine Traveler keeps pre-chilled wine cool for hours. A convenient carrying handle makes it perfect for toting wine to dinner parties, restaurants or evenings out on the town. The Wine Traveler is re-useable and available in four colors, and includes a gift tag to personalize your wine gift.

Cheers everyone!

East Coast: Tanglewood

West Coast: Hollywood Bowl

What's your Stance?

2010-10-04T21:37:00.000-07:00

My husband is not a flashy man. 501 Levis are his daily uniform along with a Brooks Brothers button down shirt.

About a decade ago, I started buying my honey groovy socks. Something fun to peek from under his suit (and size 13 shoe) in a budget meeting.

Thus began a really fun collection of man hosiery.
Paul Smith has been a major contributor. Now there's Stance.
And they come in lumber jack sizes.
Gotta love it.

My faves are Blockhead

and Thermostat....

Germain

2010-09-25T08:33:00.000-07:00

I spent some time in the Berkshires this summer shuttling my daughter to her horse camp in Lenox, MA.

I hope I don't sound like I'm complaining.

On my daily drive from Great Barrington, I would pass by an orange sign that said:

Finally, I drove in. Tucked down a the pebble driveway stands a beautiful converted barn with vintage Bertoia chairs flanking the sliding doors. I knew this was going to be good.

Three women share the space which sells furniture, housewares, clothes, and custom letterpress cards.

What more could a SHEShopper want? I particularly love the vintage linen pillows and the giant glass flower vessels. Clearly the owners share Ralph Lauren's ability set dress an appealing modern country house lifestyle. I'm ready to move in.

Germain

635 Main Street, Great Barrington; 413.644.8688

Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Or by appointment

Mabel, Mabel set the table.

2010-09-05T22:11:00.000-07:00

It has a name: Tablescaping. My Mother does it all the time - creating vignettes in her decorating.

But Tablescaping is serious business at the Los Angeles County Fair where my dear friends P. David Ebersole and Todd Hughes entered their creation for judging. P. David told me, "Because of the theme 'Freedom of Choice' (which, honestly, we thought was a little disappointing because part of the fun is seeing what people do with the themes the fair makes you do), we decided to do an all orange table and call it Freedom FROM Choice. We knew we wanted to use our orange horse head for drama and then came up with the Horse of a Different Color concept so that it would make sense."

As you know, I am all about orange.

In tablescaping, you can do almost anything you want, but you have to make the judges understand the context, or they mark you down for it. "Love the horse head, but what's it doing on the table? Minus 5." You get the idea.

The fictional menu dictates what is on the table i.e. the placement of your cutlery and settings, etc, are driven by the etiquette your menu demands.

The supercool hand made placemats and coasters are made by Todd's brother-in law who makes fabulous wood furniture at

SHIELDS MODERN.

This is their third year: The first year, they did the "Breakfast at Tiffany's" category and did "A Breakfast Proposal in Honor of Gay Marriage in California." Very controversial. They scored a 92, and did not ribbon. The second year the category was "Motion Picture Perfect" They did "A Ladies Luncheon for Four Femme Fatales of Film Noir." Scored a 95 and won 2nd place. This year, the theme is "Freedom of Choice."

And the results are in: They scored 100% for the Blue Ribbon!

I say it's an Orange Ribbon from SHEShops. Well done.

Armchair Decorator

2010-08-20T22:27:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine is giving me her old armchair. I love the shape, but the slipcover fabric - not so much.

Toying with the idea of doing something bright and out of my comfort zone of white and wheat.

Love the fabrics from Henry Road in Studio City. Wondering if I can be so bold. We shall see.

Henry Road's colorful and quirky collection of textiles are designed by Paula Smail.

School Supplies

2010-08-18T00:05:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, every fall before the new school year started I was given free reign to buy my own school supplies. My Mother had a house account at the office supply store on West 22nd Street across from her design studio.

I had the idea that if I had the new Trapper Keeper, the cool highlighter pens, and my Danish Style School Bag that somehow my grades would improve. Sadly, this was not the case.

I did however, end up in a career that included being charge of ordering office supplies. I loved that part of my job. It taught me something: Being organized is a good thing and cheap ball point pens are terrible.

And yes, I do still have my Snoopy mini colored pencil set as well as my report cards starting from 2nd grade.

Mead Trapper Keeper Binder, Orange:

Composition Books:

Personalized Pencils:

Highlighter pens:

Danish Style School Bag:

Document Boxes I adore:

The Ottoman Empire

2010-08-12T20:06:00.000-07:00

I took a little venture to Williamsburg Brooklyn last week. Armed with lists from Daily Candy, New York Magazine and my new favorite site, Remodelista. I landed on Bedford Avenue excited to find some great stores.

By far my favorite was The Future Perfect.
And perfect it was.

I immediately feasted my eyes on these two ottomans. The orange one being the most fantastic. Made from vintage saris, I decided my sofa should have this footstool for a new friend.

At $800, I will have to empty my (Jonathan Adler) piggy bank...

Mad for Mad Men

2010-07-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

The much anticipated season premiere of Mad Men airs on Sunday (7/25) night.

I happen to be in New York which just adds more fun to the mix.Three girlfriends will be watching the show at Laura's wonderful Murray Hill jewel box of an apartment.We'll be sitting on her Knoll couch and her 50's Danish modern side chair.

The "casting" couch:

I just might have to bring the makings for Martinis and a pack of cigarettes.

I can't wait.

Mad Men Yourself:

Mattel's Mad Men Barbie® Collection

When Mad Men Met Barbie®

Handle With Care

2010-07-10T15:29:00.000-07:00

Here is a true "Customer Service" story:

I ordered a plain black luggage set on sale from LL Bean. Spoke to LL Bean Sales Rep to confirm on time arrival before our trip to NYC. Yes. Plenty of time. Two days later I tracked the package on the UPS site. Luggage will not arrive until the day after we leave. Hmm. Call LL Bean to see if they can call UPS. Nope. It's already in transit (to arrive late.) The sale luggage I ordered is now no longer available.

Here's what they offer to do:

I get upgraded to a better set of luggage for the price I bought the first one.

They ship it to me 2nd Day Air free of charge.

LL Bean cancels the delivery of my first order.

Nice people; Great products. Since 1912.

Now if only I can rely on the JFK baggage handlers to handle my luggage with care...

LL Bean: I heart you. Ballistic Rolling Set $299

SHEShops Flashback: Why Customer Service?

as Small as a Dollhouse

2010-06-26T17:43:00.000-07:00

I went to the Dwell on Design show today at the LA Convention Center.

It was a bit of a yawn smattered with some really cool stuff.
The highlight was a totally fantastic modern dollhouse called The Emerson House:

It opens up for good play and even includes it's own LED lighting system.

Cool furniture coming soon.

I wouldn't mind this design in a full size version (good orange accents)

I have always loved the Keleidescope House that was for sale at MOMA for many years, now availible on ebay:

And for $39,000 you can live in your own prefab house that is doll sized at 320 sq. ft but pretty darn cool. Includes the kitchen and bathroom fixtures.

SHE Flashback: My Place or Yours?

SHE Flashback: Spring is Here

No flying critters for me, thank you very much.

2010-06-19T13:48:00.000-07:00

The weather is beautiful. The nights are cool.

Let's eat pool side.

The only drag is that some flying critters think my potato salad is worth a sample. No thank you.

It's hard to find items that cover your food that look appealing. Plastic wrap and tin foil won't cut it after all my culinary efforts in the kitchen.

Here's one that has a tray too: $28.95

http://www.zgallerie.com/p-1832-Rattan-Tray-with-Food-Cover.aspx

The food dome: $49.00

http://www.napastyle.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=4460

The mesh version: on sale $5.56

http://www.surlatable.com/product/mesh+dome+plate+cover%2C+lemon.do?keyword=mesh+food+dome&sortby=ourPicks

Bon Appetit!

Hello Production

2010-06-14T07:13:00.000-07:00

It's funny to me, that in the midst of all this amazing technology, we may be longing for a bit of nostalgia. Every one I know who owns an iPhone has their ring tone set to the "old fashioned" ring.

The New York Times featured a handset, complete with currly cord, that you can connect to your cell phone. J+R $19.99.

Long gone are the days of the telephone that hung on the wall in the kitchen with the reeeaaally long cord that extended into the pantry closet where, if you were lucky, you could yack to your friends in privacy.

A couple of years ago I bought a refurbished push button phone (in orange of course) from OK in Los Angeles for $215. It has that great familiar ring and a headset with heft.

Anthropologie has a great rotary version too for $198.

Now, we may even start seeing a resurgence of the telephone table.

Sunday in the Park with Fido

2010-06-06T22:11:00.000-07:00

I was thinking the other day about how much we spoil our animals here in America. We send them to Doggy Day Care for play dates at facilities equipped with a "petcam" so we can check in on them via our iPads.

What happened to the simple walk so they can check their pee-mail?

We have plans to take Lucky dog for a picnic this summer and the Charlybox from Design Within Reach (on sale for $51.00) looks like just right accessory to bring with us.

http://www.dwr.com/product/accessories/pets/charlybox.do

Summer Fun

2010-05-29T12:22:00.000-07:00

I will be in New York City for almost a month this summer and I am very excited. I now delight in the humid city days when everyone else scrambles to find a place to stay OUT of town. That said, it does get hot.

My friend Laura sent me the link to this popsicle joint that has opened up on Carmine Street.

This may be a perfect refuge after going to the movies at the Angelika. Might need to try the coffee gelato dipped in dark chocolate

Gosh, they all look so good...

popbar located at 5 Carmine St. (@ 6th Ave.) NYC

Scooter Pie

2010-05-23T11:23:00.000-07:00

If I could treat myself to all things orange I would; and this Amish made scooter would be high up on the list. Fifteen years ago I thought I was so groovy to be buying myself my own Razor to buzz around on in Brooklyn. This feels like the next generation of fun. It comes with the metal basket and a rear foot brake. Available from Reform School in Silver Lake for $245. Some assembly required.

Let's meet on the boardwalk in Venice, share a ride, and some Scooter Pies while we're at it.

Cheers!

http://www.reformschoolrules.com/pc/orangescooter/lostandfound/Amish+Made+Scooters

Stood Up

2010-05-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

My friend Deb and I had a lunch date planned last week. But she didn't show up. She called me 15 minutes later from her dentist's chair. Apologized up and down. Luckily, she chose a fantastic lunch spot in Silver Lake called Forage. I ate a delicious salad plate of organic broccoli, couscous with mushrooms and tomatoes, and yummy roasted chicken. I ordered a slice of the chocolate cake to go. Deb had told me I had to. So, of course, I did. It was a very grown-up slice of heaven. Probably has espresso coffee in the frosting. And gold foil on the top.

It was also a good thing I had the Dining section of the New York Times tucked into my bag and at the table next to me, a pair of 20-something girls planning their road trip to San Francisco to keep me company.

Still, I would have much preferred gabbing with Deb...

http://www.foragela.com/

Following in her Footsteps

2010-05-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

When I grew up in NYC in the 70's, my Mother was a fashion designer. Sometimes we wore matching outfits of her design.

We even shared the same shoes, Kork-Ease sandals. My mother wore the platform style and mine were a delicate wedge. These things I remember vividly. She was beautiful. However, I have no recollection of making a big deal out of Mother's Day. No cards, flowers, brunches or brooches. I guess I must have intuitively known my mother was way too stylish to wear the clove necklaces we had made in school. I do remember several tantrums on Mother's Days. The specific reasons I cannot remember.

Now I am a Mother, and things have gone more traditional. I receive lovingly drawn cards, handmade soaps, a bunch of peonies, and lots of hugs. Just the way I like it.

These were my Mother's:
Korkease - Womens - Bette

These were mine:
Korkease - Womens - Myrna

Spring is Here

2010-05-04T21:02:00.000-07:00

'Tis the season for beautiful branches in Los Angeles - cherry blossoms and pussy willows are for sale at our farmer's markets.

Then you come home and wonder what the heck to put them in. I have an answer: The recycled glass balloon vases from Viva Terra.

I bought the set of three for a client a couple of years ago for a shoot that Dwell Magazine did in their home. We put cherry blossoms in the vase on their kitchen counter. Since I can't live in their beautiful house, I had to settle for a vase of my own.

Gosh. Even empty, they are pretty.

http://www.vivaterra.com/pls/enetrixp/!stmenu_template.main?complex_id_in=482007.488301.917044.2006362.page

http://www.dwell.com/articles/compound-addition.html

Kitchen Duties

2010-04-25T21:14:00.000-07:00

I have a Mother-in-Law who is a fiber goddess. She can knit, crochet, embroider, smock, lace, and just recently became a Master level weaver. About six years ago I received from her, the best cotton dishtowels in the world - handmade from her loom. And like blue jeans, they get better with age. Although now I would like more. I have hinted and hinted and hinted, but no dice. Not to say that she hasn't made me the most handsome place mats and custom quilts for Cordelia's doll beds.

Just yesterday I was just about to toss the Wisteria catalog into the recycling bin when these dishtowels caught my eye. Maybe they will do as replacements. And then maybe, just maybe this blog entry will encourage my MIL into action!

$29 for a set of 3 dishtowels.

http://www.wisteria.com/Vintage-Kitchen-Utensil-Hand-Towels/productinfo/W3555/

Springtime in the Suburbs

2010-04-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

I have known my friend Donna for over ten years. I love that she always remembers that my favorite flower is the peony.

I think of the peony bush as an East Coast garden icon. But not so much here in Los Angeles. However, there is a two week window of time when Trader Joe's sells peonies in inexpensive bunches and I go crazy. The house is filled with my favorite bloom.

There are those of you who also know that I love doing laundry, so imagine my excitement when Method (one of my favorite companies) came out with a great new detergent that is not only kind to our dear Mother Earth but also comes in Peony Blossom Scent.

Now that's what I call Domestic Bliss.

Also available at Target.

http://www.amazon.com/Method-Laundry-Detergent-Blossom-Bottle/dp/B002YD7TUA/ref=pd_sim_hpc_2

Seaside Eats

2010-04-18T21:45:00.000-07:00

There's a joke my husband and I have: Whenever we arrive at the beach, I immediately want to open my bag of salt & vinegar potato chips and get started on my magazine reading. It doesn't matter if we arrive at 8am, the beach brings out my desire for salty snacking and good gossip.

Soon after I thumb through my Vanity Fair issue, I will be ready for lunch. Perhaps ham & Swiss on a nice baguette.

I love the idea of this 3 Tier Portable Square Food Container for $32.99 by Vivo in my favorite color combination.

Vivo Square Bento Box, Red, Orange, Pink, Yellow

To finish up our perfect outing with dessert, Malibu Yogurt & Ice Cream will have to be our stop on the way home...

Life is good.

Malibu Yogurt & Ice Cream
23755 Malibu Road, Malibu

My Place or Yours?

2010-04-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

My friend Heather calls me Snow White. I have a daughter who is crazy about animals, and our latest addition to the family is an aquarium full of guppies.

Enter - the Beta Fish Condo. $25.00

Brian and I frequently fantasize about living in a sparse glass box in the Hollywood Hills.

I have a feeling all the pets would have to come along.

Would Richard Neutra approve?

Beta Fish Condo: http://www.unicahome.com/p55975/umbra/fishcondo-by-teddy-luong.html

Open Door Policy

2010-04-08T21:18:00.000-07:00

I never thought in a million years that I would be living in Los Angeles in a 1950's house on the corner of two cul-de-sacs.

But here we are.

In the spring, we get a lovely breeze in the late afternoon, and I like to keep the front door open. Or rather, I need to keep it slightly ajar.

I can't afford to have the dog attack my beloved UPS man delivering packages for SHEShops.

A shoe to hold the door open is starting to cramp my style...

This Marseille Nautical Rope door stop for $45 is perfection.
http://www.burkedecor.com/Jute_Nautical_Door_Stopper_p/two6525.htm

Bird in Hand

2010-04-03T21:47:00.000-07:00

Bird feeders have been a fixture in our house for as long as I can remember. There has always been the battle with the squirrels of course, and even the black bears in the Berkshires. There was the painted wood house I made in 3rd grade which fell off the branch and broke. There was the one that never really hung evenly and all the seeds fell out on the first day.

My eye is drawn to orange objects. I can't help it. So when I saw this egg bird feeder designed by J Schatz and it being Easter Sunday...Well, I just had to blog about it.

This one, they promise, is squirrel-proof.

It's a great housewarming present. And the beautiful Bird book by Andrew Zuckerman is a wonderful a companion piece.

Book: $60.00

http://www.chroniclebooks.com/index/main,book-info/store,books/products_id,8132/

Bird feeder: $135.00

http://www.jschatz.com/eggbirdfeeders/bforange.html

Bird house: $135.00

http://www.jschatz.com/eggbirdhouses/ebhorange.html

Happy Easter!

Into the Wild

2010-03-28T18:07:00.000-07:00

My husband's REI catalogue came in the mail this week. Cooking in the woods? Ask my Mother, this is the last place you'll find me if I have a choice in the matter. She has slept in her one woman tent in the mountains of Chile and the deserts of Yemen, even inside her hotel in Vietnam. I suppose the window screens didn't keep out the critters to her satisfaction. As I thumb through the "spring collection", I can appreciate the love of the gear and note how civilized roughing it has become.

This GSI kettle designed for the solo hiker caught my eye; one liter of hot water for your morning brew and some instant oatmeal. Halulite Ketalist cookset [$29.95] includes a kettle with top, an insulated mug with a Sip-It lid, a bowl, and a telescoping Foon (I always thought they were called “sporks”.) Anyway, they all nest together and fit into a handy stuff sack. There is a full cook set too [$59.95], should I ever be invited to join the "fun."

http://www.rei.com/product/798276

A Bowl of Oats

2010-03-23T21:43:00.000-07:00

I am big fan of cream of wheat - smothered in melted butter, cinnamon and brown sugar. My daughter Cordelia fancies a bowl of the Trader Joe's steel cut oatmeal with Grade B maple syrup and blueberries. The agave syrup got a solid rejection.

In the 80's it was all about the rough oatmeal from Silver Palate. Morning Mush is what my Father called it.

Since this has become a daily ritual, I am intrigued by this porridge stick. I also quite like the idea of a designated porridge pot.

Now I just need a kitchen elf to clean up the breakfast dishes for me.

http://www.ancientindustries.com/shop/#home&appState=conveyorState/green%20porridge%20pot&id=34?appState=productDetailState/

The Silver Palate Oatmeal, Thick & Rough, 16-Ounce Box (Pack of 4)

Put a Lid on It

2010-03-19T15:54:00.000-07:00

I have a friend who is moving back to New York City to more "cozy" quarters. We talked about the importance of having a few beautiful things especially when space is at a premium. Storage comes up a lot in conversation. I thought about what one wants "out" for the world to see, and the remote control falls low on the list.

This lacquer box from Jonathan Adler hits the design spot.
For once and for all, we can end the age old "Has anyone seen the...?"

http://www.jonathanadler.com/shop/product.php?cat=&productid=17917#

Puddle Jumping

2010-03-16T22:52:00.000-07:00

My Mother told me that I must blog about rain boots. Everyone in New York is looking quite chic in them, she says. The "fancy" girls are wearing the Hunter Boot with the thick sock liner, the "I only wear black" women are in the Aigle riding boot version.

And the "fancy free" girls are in the patterned ones from J. Crew.

Even though I live in Los Angeles, my newest acquisition is a pair of navy blue rubber boots with light blue whales from Target.

I am also eyeing the LL Bean pair for old times sake. I suppose I fall into that "preppy" girl category.

Hunter: http://www.zappos.com/hunter-original-gloss-graphite

Aigle: http://www.shoesgotsole.com/Aigle-87909-36-AGL1000.html

J.Crew: http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/shoes/bootsbooties/PRDOVR~25096/25096.jsp

Whale: http://www.target.com/gsearch/ref=in_se_pagelist_btm_next?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&fromGsearch=true&searchNodeID=1038576%7C1287991011&searchRank=target104545&keywords=rain%20boots&searchPage=3&searchSize=30&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Ctarget_com_age%2Ctarget_com_gender-bin%2Ctarget_com_character-bin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin

LL Bean: http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/52279?from=SR&feat=sr

Herbavore

2010-03-13T08:48:00.000-08:00

My daughter came home with a plastic bag of salad leaves in her backpack yesterday. She goes to a school where gardening is part of the curriculum. This green thumb absolutely skipped a generation. My Mother has a garden that rivals Martha Stewart's. The difference is my Mother actually does all the work herself.

For those of us who do do not have such an amazing garden (or one at all for that matter) it's important to keep what we've got fresh. The Cuisipro Herb Keeper does the trick.

The clear plastic container is 9-1/2-inch tall and holds large bunches of herbs. The tray is designed to allow the herb stems to hydrate while the leaves stay above water. Like fresh flowers, herbs need fresh water, refrigeration and a little space to remain fresh, colorful and crisp.

In the words of Michael Pollan: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants."

My Oscar Party

2010-03-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

I am selective about who I am inviting to my house tonight. I don't want a lot of chit chat when I am judging what everyone is wearing, yet I do need to share my fashion opinion to anyone who will listen. Imagine missing Uma's ethereal lavender gown, or the painful vision of Drew braless in that green dress, just because someone was yakking?
Afterwards, we will need to have a detailed discussion of what/who we would wear if we were nominated.

I don't think we will do any sort of ballot game, but you never know.
What I am sure about is there will be plenty of food and sweets. Oh, and good wine. I will also pull out the TV trays from the garage.

Friends - enjoy the evening and let's be sure to compare notes on Monday morning.

Java Logs

2010-03-06T16:07:00.000-08:00

My husband is out of town for the week and while I feel totally capable running the house, there's one area that's all his: making a fire in the fireplace. I leave it to the Boy Scout to crumple up the newspaper, find the kindling, and pile up the logs just so...
I heard they make fireplace logs from coffee grounds. They are called Java Logs and you can find them at Whole Foods.

I may need to stock up and buy some before the weather turns tropical here in Los Angeles.

It's S'mores for dinner when Dad's away.

http://www.twigandthistle.com/blog/2009/11/diy-smores-kits/

What makes your garden grow?

2010-03-02T03:00:00.000-08:00

My Mother is a great gardener. Part of that success she believes is because of composting. On the side of our kitchen sink in Massachusetts, we had a very fancy Tiffany ceramic bowl with butterflies and flowers on it. In it, we put egg shells, coffee grinds, orange peels, you get the picture. It was my job to go outside and dump this very fragile bowl into a large wooden bin full of stuff. I was terrified. It was less about the wrath of breaking the Tiffany bowl, but more about what might be lurking inside that compost bin. I imagined that there might be a beast with sharp teeth gnawing on my apple from the last "delivery." Alas, it never happened, and my Mother's garden does look gorgeous every year. And thankfully, that Tiffany bowl still rests in one piece on the side of the kitchen sink.

Want your own compost pail? Please follow this link: RSVP Compost Pail

Toques & Toboggans

2010-02-28T19:55:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's the Winter Olympics or maybe it's the snow reports from the Northeast but I have been thinking about sledding. I grew up going to Ottawa, Canada to visit my cousins in the winters and it was all about toques and toboggans there. I also have great memories of sledding in Central Park in the East 70's in the 1970's. When I was a kid I had a red plastic sled with black handles supposedly designed for turning and breaking. I'm not sure the handles really did either of those things.

But this is the Hammerhead sled and it looks super sleek.

I see a Bobsled team in the making...

http://www.vancouver2010.com/store/clothing/hats/vancouver-2010-coca-cola-fitted-cap-red/prodCCU9RPF.html

Photographic Memories

2010-02-24T07:07:00.000-08:00

What would you grab from your house in an emergency after you made sure your loved ones and pets were safe?

I would take my photographs. My Mother would probably grab all of her make-up. I'm not kidding.

My friend Jane who has three children had three photo books going at all times. Her albums are leather bound and engraved for each child and they are stunning. She must have done an album for each year from newborn until they were teenagers. When Cordelia was born, I decided to do the same thing. Mine are from KOLO, and so far on book 8, I have been able to order a different color for each year. It's fun to turn the pages snuggled up in front of the fire.

http://www.epica.com/leather-photo-albums/

http://www.perannum.com/products/CT.aspx

Want your own KOLO Album? Please follow this link:

SHE hydrates.

2010-02-20T07:51:00.000-08:00

I took a ceramics class a couple of months ago at the Barnsdall Art Center. It was a varying mix of students of different ages and careers. The teacher's pet was a tall lanky woman in her early 30's who always looked like a million bucks. Of course she had to be the one toting the coolest water bottle I have seen in a while.

And this is why I didn't like the her: She would not reveal her source of where she got the bottle. Hrmmf.

Luckily, I happened to be walking down Abbot Kinney in Venice last week and stopped into A & R. It's a beautiful store.

http://www.aplusrstore.com/product.php?id=336&cid=95

Hydration Vessel

And there was the bottle.
The Kor Water - KOR ONE Hydration Vessel.

I bought the orange one. Should I sign up for another class?

http://www.barnsdallartcenter.org/

A new set of wheels.

2010-02-15T07:24:00.000-08:00

The first bike I owned was navy blue and very cool. I rode it in Amagansett, Long Island from the house we rented in the summer to the town tennis courts where I had lessons. Like ballet, I was not very good but I did enjoy ordering Fanta orange soda in the glass bottle at the Pro Shop afterwards. I was solo and I loved it.

Bikes have become super fancy these days and although I am sure it's a lot of fun to have all those bells and whistles (okay, gears and comfy seats) I kind of like the idea that a bike can be simple and cost less than 120 bucks. The Schwinn Legacy from Target is such a bicycle.

I don't think this Schwinn would have made the many hills traveled the following summer when my Mother sent me to bike camp in the Vermont mountains. She thought that such an adventure "would beat the Blooomingdale's out of me."

Nice try.

Spend $50 in Sports/Outdoors, Get Free Shipping On Select Items

P.S. I Love You

2010-02-13T15:41:00.000-08:00

Uggh. Valentine's Day. You can embrace it or ignore it. It can be romantic or practical. But at minimum, there should be pollen involved.

Hands-down, one of the least romantic gifts I have ever received was the year I was given a first generation Brother P Touch label maker from my boyfriend, who will remain nameless.

The poor guy wasn't even witty enough to put an "I love you" label on it.

It actually turned out to be a great machine and I still have it twenty years later. He didn't make it to Easter.

Brother PT-2700 Desktop Labeling System (Silver/Black)

Food of Love

2010-02-11T22:03:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of being in New York City last week and found myself shopping in the Grand Central Terminal Market to buy salad and dessert to bring to a dinner party. The Market is incredibly appealing; Murray's Cheese shop, Lilac Chocolates, gorgeous cut flowers, and yummy delights from Corrado Kitchen.

Hint, hint - you could absolutely assemble a great Valentine's dinner in one shot.

There is also a wonderful shop called Cursive next door to the Market; John Derian decoupage trays, unusual letterpress cards and a bracelet I would love to wear every day - engraved in a slice of silver a quote from Buddha:

"Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it."

There's something quite romantic about meeting at a train station...

http://www.grandcentralterminal.com/go/dirListing.cfm?currCat=2138210767

http://www.cursivenewyork.com/

Are you in or out?

2010-02-09T20:45:00.000-08:00

It's been raining cats & dogs again in Los Angeles. Our dog is perfectly happy to go in and out of the dog door, leaving her wet Lab paw prints around the house afterwards. The cat on the other hand, would prefer it if you would kindly leave the front door slightly ajar so he can sit and wait for the appropriate time to exit the premises. Thus, all the warm air in the house is replaced by wind and rain.

It is at times like these that I:

a: feel like the doorman.
b: wish I had an indoor/outdoor rug.
c: wish I had no pets at all.

These rugs are very cheery and made with materials to withstand muddy paws. They call it a rug for all seasons...
http://www.dashandalbert.com/product/view/negril-indoor-outdoor--RDB145

She doesn't cook - she assembles.

2010-02-02T20:19:00.000-08:00

My Father once said of his friend's wife that she doesn't really cook - she assembles. How pathetic, I thought. Then I realized, "Wait, I assemble too." Frequently I just throw things into a pot - soups, lentils with sausage, sauces. Maybe the difference is I channel my inner Julia Child while doing so. Most things just taste better cooked in a Le Crueset French Oven. Many colors offered. Of course, I own the orange one.

Want your own? Please follow this link: Le Crueset

Chemistry or Botany?

2010-01-31T08:41:00.000-08:00

I really should have failed Chemistry class but the teacher took pity on me and gave me a passing grade. I think the only thing I took away from that class were some moments of laughter when everyone put on their safety goggles, and a love for all those glass beakers.

Years later, I found a Pyrex boiling flask at a tag sale in North Carolina and it has been a great bud vase ever since.

Experiment: Take 1 small flower & add H2O.

Want your own bud vase? Please follow this link:

Put your napkin in your lap.

2010-01-28T07:16:00.000-08:00

One thing I do every night is set a nice table. The candles are lit and we always use cloth napkins. Years ago, a friend of mine brought us a gift when she was invited to our house for dinner - initial napkin rings. Since that time, our alphabetic needs have expanded.

http://www.dinner-ware.com/

Table manners are strictly enforced here. No texting at the table.
And dog sits patiently for a drop-portunity.

Please pass the bread.

2010-01-24T12:18:00.000-08:00

My Mother always told me "When in doubt, buy a gift for someone that you would like to have yourself."

My friend Melissa bought us a wedding gift she didn't like at all. We had registered at Simon Pearce for a cherry wood bread board. She said, as she handed us the box, "I bought you that slab of wood for your wedding. Why would anyone want something like that?"

When we eat bread (yes we eat carbs and wheat) I think of Missy.

And it gets better with age. That's how great gifts (and friends) go sometimes.

http://www.simonpearce.com/prdSell.aspx?Name=SellEdCherry

Hello, Deer

2010-01-21T05:45:00.000-08:00

This cardboard deer was hanging above my Mother's fireplace at her house in the Berkshires last Christmas.

My daughter at age seven had assembled it and they had proudly hung it up together. It totally fits into my Mother's salt box barn in the country. So I bought one for our white cottage in Los Angeles. Why not? Every time I pass by it on the my way to the kitchen, it makes me smile. It's charming and handsome so of course, he fits in anywhere.

http://www.cardboardsafari.com/

SHE schleps

2010-01-18T22:00:00.000-08:00

When I shop for my clients I end up schlepping a lot of bags.

Something caught my eye the other day. More of a gag gift I thought. So of course I bought it and tried it out.

It's called the One-Trip Grip. It's bright orange and it's really kind of brilliant.

I can't tell you how much I wish I had owned of these when I lived in New York City in my youth, for that seemingly endless walk with my Mother up East 35th Street from the D'Agostinos on Third to our apartment on Park. But that's a whole other Mother story.

Want your own One-Trip-Grip? Please follow this link:

Form & Function

2010-01-17T09:42:00.000-08:00

The coffee world is serious business. There are instructional videos for cappuccino makers and classes in latte art.

Like cooking ingredients, I work best with 5 steps or less, which is what is so great about the Chemex coffee maker.

It was designed in 1939 by Peter Schlumbohm, a German-born chemist and avid coffee drinker. It is part of the permanent collections at MOMA, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Hecht-Edwards kitchen collection.

Simple and beautiful.

Magic Bars

2010-01-14T08:13:00.000-08:00

I'm afraid I'm a creature of habit, and when I like something (in the edible category) I can go overboard. The magic bars at Clementine are such a thing. Seriously yummy. They call them Coconut Chews (I'm sorry, it's LA and they just don't know any better.) They are a perfect ending to the good selection of salads they serve.

1751 Ensley Ave. Los Angeles, CA. 90024

http://www.clementineonline.com/

Just be sure your hands are clean before you pop next door to Sugar Paper to buy a beautiful card.
http://sugarpaper.com/ourshops.php

Let There be Light

2010-01-13T05:30:00.000-08:00

Quite often when I am shopping for a client, I do an extensive presentation of ideas. A sort of a private boutique if you will. When it is a success, we can cross several people off our gift list and move on. Sometimes, I come across an item that has no particular recipient in mind, I just like the object and throw it into the mix. This Stelton lamp is one of them. I just love it. I want one. And then I wouldn't mind having the boat it should sit in.

http://www.fitzsu.com/stelton-ship39s-lamp-large-p-3604.html

Paper or Plastic?

2010-01-12T06:48:00.000-08:00

I have to admit, I love my Mac laptop and texting on my cell phone, but when it comes to my calendar, I am a pen-to-paper kind of girl. After years of loving my Filofax and then moving on to the Kate Spade version, I now use my Mom Agenda. It even comes in orange. My friend Wendy drew this picture of me and titled it "Shell's Blackberry." There is also a non-Mom version, and the calendar runs for 18 months. Genius.
http://www.momagenda.com/

"Braver Hund" [Good Dog]

2010-01-10T10:42:00.000-08:00

We have a very dopey and sweet dog that we love named Lucky Eleven. She is a Lab rescue we adopted on 7/7/07. We found her through a great pet adoption group called Fetching Companions.

http://www.fetchingcompanions.org/index.html

The dog arrived with the coordinator from the rescue group, the foster mother, and a fantastic dog behavior specialist named Teka.

Talk about great customer service...for the dog.

They spent several hours with us to make sure we were the right family for their client. She is everything she is supposed to be except she is a Labrador Retriever that doesn't like water. Oh well...

Teka Ludovico

http://www.k9toddlers.com/

Why "Customer Service"?

2010-01-09T11:56:00.000-08:00

I really like efficiency and those of you who know me well know I am not always very patient. When I am shopping, I am all about good customer service. I don't want the salesperson who gushes to tell me that something looks great on me when it really doesn't. Rather, I appreciate the one who tells me that for instance, the backpack I am about to order is so large it will engulf my child's small frame.

This blog will not be the Complaint Department. That would be easy.

"Customer Service" will highlight great products and unique finds, exceptional businesses and the people behind them, those who are passionate about providing excellence in their particular niche. And of course, whatever else I feel like writing about... because it's my blog.

I got another compliment on my red clogs today.

2010-01-07T00:30:00.000-08:00

When I was in third grade, I used to take ballet classes at The Joffrey Ballet Studio on Sixth Avenue and 10th Street in the West Village in New York. I wasn't very good and I had a very strict Russian instructor. One day, I was daydreaming in class because my Dad was going to pick me up and take me across the street to buy my first pair of Olaf Daughter clogs. I had decided I was going to buy the brown leather ones with the braid across. I was reprimanded sharply and I didn't care that day because I was going to get my clogs!

Thirty years later, I bought my second pair of clogs - fitted just for me in cherry red. They make far less clunk on a hardwood floor (a noise I loved to make as a kid) but I still get a couple of inches height without toddling around on high heels. Olaf Daughters is long gone from NYC, but the great people at Clog Master are terrific. I still love my clogs and I do still daydream about them. My hippie Dad owns a pair too.

http://www.clogmaster.com/

http://www.joffreyballetschool.com/

I Love Good Smells

2010-01-06T11:50:00.000-08:00

I love good smells. It is my keenest sense memory - my Mother's Givenchy III perfume, my high school boyfriend's sweatshirts washed in Tide, my friend Deb's Patchouli from Kiehls.

Knowing my love for scents, my Aunt bought me something great for Christmas - Agraria 'Bitter Orange' fragrance sheets. They are scented 5 x7 card stock paper, in handsome packaging I may add.

One immediately went into my car. Now the back seat no longer smells like the dog. There's a very good reason they don't make "wet hound" scented candles.

http://www.agrariahome.com/fragrance-sheets

Must I?

2010-01-02T20:46:00.000-08:00

Okay here's the second post: Went to see "A Single Man" today. The film directed by former Gucci designer, Tom Ford. Great production design - Mr. Ford cleverly hired Dan Bishop who designs "Mad Men." It was hard not to drool over every stick of furniture.

Came home afterwards to the husband who has worked all day on my SHE Shops website. I was ordered to "blog." Feeling pressured to write about a brilliant shopping find - I decided to procrastinate by looking at my new J. Crew catalog. Saw the Sperry Topsiders. But I want the originals in navy which Sperry only sells for men starting at size 7...

I guess I will just have to live with my LL Bean Blucher mocs circa 1982, which I do still love.

So, keep posted. I'll try to get more focused...

Zappos: http://www.zappos.com/sperry-top-sider-authentic-original-navy

LL Bean: http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=23773&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&from=SR&feat=sr

I was born to shop.

2010-01-01T21:44:00.000-08:00

As the story goes, I made my first solo credit purchase at the age of three. Okay, the reality is I purchased a Popsicle on Fire Island using my parent’s house account at the local grocery store, but you get the picture - when it comes to shopping, I pay attention.

With a fashion designer mother, an actor father, and a painter stepfather, I grew up as a curious Manhattan kid surrounded by visual arts and high style. Exposure to fashion, art, Broadway, fine food, and design has given me an eye for exceptional beauty.

I attended New York’s School of Visual Arts for photography. I worked as a window dresser in a toy store before getting my first job in the film industry as a shopper in the costume department. Eventually, I became a feature film Production Coordinator and Supervisor. During my fifteen years in the business I have had the opportunity to work for top-level talent and directors (Woody Allen, Martin Scorsese, Rob Reiner, Barry Sonnenfeld, to name drop a few.)

After moving to Los Angeles in 2002, with my husband and our daughter, I was able to combine my creative and production experience to create SHESHOPS, a high end discreet personal gift shopping service for busy professionals in the film and television industry.

When it comes to giving presents, my philosophy is that the gift doesn’t need to be expensive; it needs to be right for the person receiving it. My clients include Fortune 500 families, talent agents, producers, and film & television executives.

With a self-diagnosed allergy to gift-baskets, I strive to combine the perfect elements of unique, simple and elegant; of course, always beautifully presented.

I live in Los Angeles with my husband, two daughters and a menagerie of rescued animals.

http://www.popsicle.com/The-Popsicle-Story.aspx