book THUMB WAR BY JOHN HERSEY

If only all wars could be solved so easily, and colorfully. Designed and illustrated by John Hersey, this book is available online through the Center For The Book store.

slideshow FEBRUARY PICKS

February is that most romantic of months - hacking coughs, runny noses and cold damp weather. Oh - and something about cupid and candy and stuff.

Enjoy these picks - there might even be something for that special someone - you!

fashion LITTLE BLACK DRESS

I've spent the last few days searching high and low - online - for dresses for the feature The New Little Black Dress in the upcoming INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // holiday 09. All the designs are from independent designers, and so far the choice has been amazing.

This morning I came across the work of designer, Mahta Bazimi - and just love it. The 4 little LBD's from the line cover all bases - cocktail, casual, maxi and classic. Here's the best thing - the glam little numbers all retail for...wait for it....under $100. So you can understand why I had to stop what I was doing and share it with you.

For more information visit the Mahta Bazimi website

jewelry YOUR FAVORITE LONG NECKLACES

So far, the necklaces above are your 4 favorite necklaces out of the MINI GUIDE // LONG LAYERING NECKLACES.

Top designers (shown clockwise):
+ Neawear
+ Red Sofa
+ Merlux
+ Gemela

The designer with the most votes will get a full spread in the upcoming INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // holiday 2009.

So keep the votes coming in! The vote ends 11/1/09.

VOTE NOW

jewelry 5 FAVORITE BAT NECKLACES

Years ago I received a bat brooch as a gift and wore it every halloween. Last year, I decided to turn it into a necklace - well, I kind of broke it. So now I am on the look out for something to take it's place.

Now my favorite is Batsu, center stage, from Australian designer Corky St Claire. So although my heart is set on him, I don't think he'll get here for Halloween. Corky, please tell me - will Batsu be home for the holidays??

Well, I've told you my favorite, now you tell me yours. The designer with the most votes will be a featured designer on the blog.

FEATURING
+ Silverwing Necklace by Wear Thou
+ Going Batty by Vision Quest
+ Vampire Bat Necklace by Fictionary Duck
+ Batsu by Corky Saint Clair
+ Oxidized Bat Necklace by Axel Honey

Check out our Stylehive for even more bats from independent designers

slideshow AUGUST PICKS

website NINA + LOLA

You've got to love Nina and Lola. Their vintage is a mix of 70's Lauren Hutton and 80's Heathers - odd little classics. Their selection of independent designers also has a vintage classic look about them. Take the Violet May "Kydd" leather bag for example (lower right), it could be a 50's vanity case easily at home in Mad Men. It's not, it's a lime green lined laptop bag - and it is fabulous!

Check out more at: www.ninaandlola.com

theme CHIMPS AHOY

You don't get to say it often, but when the opportunity arises you should try these words ~ "Sure, it's behind the chimp!". I first said it to the workman who came in to fix the fridge - and it felt great. Yes, at long last, I have the OneUp chimp on my bathroom door (see #1).

And what better way to celebrate than to show a selection of chimps and monkeys from independent designers. In fact, go ahead....vote for your favorite!

1. Chimp wall graphic, $30, OneUp Designs
2. Chimp kids tee, $14, Funky Fresh
3. Monkey cufflinks, $99, Corky
4. Women's monkey t-shirt, $28, Formoda
5. LaLa Pix key fob, 7.50 €, FunkyPix

designer MAGALI ANIDJAR

Inspired by an announcement via Stylehive, I just had to check out some rings on the MOCAshop website. I was immediately drawn to Argentinian designer, Magali Anidjar. Some pieces are clean and modern, and some - like the Fired ring - look like happy crafting accidents.

Check out more from jewelry designer, Magali Anidjar at her website: www.magalianidjar.com

event MAKERS FAIR

Let me say this, I 100% admire the makers at the Makers Fair. I mean making a live webstreaming instrument out of a quarter, 2 egg cartons and 29" old modem cable - that's amazing! I didn't see it, but I know it's possible because the makers/inventors at the Makers Fair do that kind of thing for breakfast....probably.

But I didn't just go to the Makers Fair so my husband and I could wrestle our children and stop them from making their very own science project out of the Slurpee that I just bought them. I went because of my commitment to seeing new and interesting design. Of course, the emphasis was hard-core craft, but this work would stand on it own in any design store.

If I had to choose a favorite, it would have to be the cardboard surfboard. Built by a surfer when his old board was no longer seaworthy and he didn't have the cash to buy a new one. Not only does this designer capture the DIY spirit, but the resulting board is stunning to look at.

FEATURING:
+ xtra large hook earrings, $52, sasha bell jewelry
+ sonia platter, $28, ezme designs
+ carnival gone mad t-shirt, $25, fat rabbit farm
+ cardboard surfboard, from $196 for a kit, sheldrake
+ t-shirt graphic illustrations, $26, martin hsu

slideshow MAY PICKS

May Picks : Get This!

shop talk NEW FROM IMOOI

I am very excited to announce that I have added a few more IMOOI pieces to the WHATdesigners store.

These new, beautiful, modern designs are on wood and encased in steel. In the collection, I have added necklaces for women and cufflinks for men, but you are after rings or earrings, let me know and I will see what they have.

TODAY ONLY - IMOOI items are 15% off!

Born in the UK - as seen on StyleHive

Well, this is it...my final blog about how I saw some great design in the UK this Summer - blah, blah, blah....at least I had the decency to bore the folks at StyleHive with it this time.

SEE the slideshow // READ the post:StyleHive.com

lighting from INNERMOST

There is something about lighting that when it's not the most functional it is often the most enlightening.

These pieces from Innermost are all about the emotive qualities of light rather than being purely task-oriented. Although, I wouldn't want to try and read a book with their "asteroid" light, I most definitely would love one glowing to the side of me while I sipped a cocktail.

Innermost was started in 1999 as a collaborative design brand - delving into the deep pool of talented designers within London. Their product line extends beyond lighting, with forays into home accessories like cocktail muddlers and a petit four cake stand - obviously.

Their work has been shown the world over at places like Design Walk in Sardinia, Fei Space in Beijing and Shizuoka Castle in Japan. In September, they return to their home town with the 100% Design show in London - I would love to check it out, but I'm back in sunny California!

Check out the INNERMOST website for more information: innermost.co.uk

oxo tower xoxo

I'm back in California after a month in England. I squeezed in one more day to look at independent design with a visit to the South Banks', Oxo Tower.

If the East End is a hot bed of new designers, then the Oxo Tower is definitely the place to go to see designers ready to take their work to the next level. Located on the South Bank and a short walk to the Tate Modern - the Oxo Tower was a revitalization project that brought shopping, galleries, restaurants and housing to the former derelict site.

The work here is excellent and ran the gamut of product design from fashion to home to art. The idea behind the Oxo Tower is to allow designers to combine studio and shop space in a format that allows the public to meet emerging designers and buy directly.

FEATURING (clockwise):
+ Pantone Mugs, £72/set of 10, W2 Products (now shipping to the US)
+ Time Zone Clock, £25, j-me
+ Whitby Jet Necklace, Jacqueline Cullen (through Studio Fusion Gallery)
+ Bag of Light, $34, Black + Blum
+ Roca Napkin Rings, £60/set of 6, Bodo Sperlein
+ Loop Cushions, Anne Kyyro Quinn

cornish tees

A Cornish Tea is a lovely scone with jam and clotted cream served with a fresh pot of char. It really is one of the best things in the world - although at a million calories give or take - it's really not an everyday treat.

Of course, these are entirely different tees, and just as delicious! The hand stenciled design of Scrubber Johnnies encaptures a skater/surfer vibe with a not so subtle nod to 80's music and other cultural phenoms. Carl Marx, The Clash and Morrisey and Oscar Wilde fill out the repetiore. I bought one of their Mawgan Porth t-shirts, mostly to be touristy, but it's so much more than an "I Love Newquay" t-shirt.

I guess I must mention that these t-shirts are the work of my husbands cousin and wife, but I don't think that I ever met them and I loved the t-shirts before I even knew - so that doesn't count as nepotism, does it?

T-shirts are £12.00 (about $24 these days) through the Scrubber Johnnies ebay store. UK and international shipping available.

Bon Voyage!

I'm off for a little vacay to the mother country - England! I'll be out for a month, but hoping to do a few little posts along the way. Oooh, way to go mobile blogging!

Of course, before I left I had to share a few design finds for the independent traveller.

FEATURING:
+ Lincoln leather passport sleeve, $14, bonspiel
+ ID/luggage tag, $10, my cute handbags
+ skull eye mask, $11, BibBon

sponsor spotlight : hooked design

handmade. bold. unique. hookeddesign.etsy.com

puzzled

A couple of weeks ago I came across this darling blossom puzzle piece by button envy (top right) ....then all of a sudden I saw another puzzle necklace - not sure whether it was a new magnificent obsession, or just happenstance - I decided to go looking around etsy for more. See more of my favorite puzzle pieces in the WHAT designer hive tag "puzzle".

FEATURED [clockwise]:
+ 14K gold puzzle necklace, $230, macha jewelry
+ pink puzzle blossom necklace, $14, button envy
+ tiny puzzle piece, $45, metalsugar

design smackdown: 2 enju vs. Louboutin

Yes, right at this very minute there is a fight for independent design. Join in by "voting" for 2enju at Stylehive HERE!

PS: I love those shoes Mr L.

giveaway : mau studio

Mau Studio is that combination of cute, irreverent and pop - that I adore. This giveaway is for a cute bracelet and earring set (the earrings are shown top left).

For more delights, check out the Mau Studio website.

To enter the giveaway:
1. Leave a comment here with your email (or other way of contacting you if you are worried about spam).
2. Join the mailing list

bold, bright bags

I am thrilled to add 2enju's bags to the WHAT designers store. I just love the casual and bright prints, and can't wait to get the red print on myself. These are the perfect summer bag to dress up jeans and flip flops, or dress down a more tailored ensemble.

I'll be adding more of this talented designers bags in the next few weeks....but in the meantime check out:

2enju in the WHAT store.

spotlight on: wear no evil

If you want glamor with a bit of an edge, you can't go wrong with the hand carved pvc bracelets of Kath Inglis. PVC isn't really a material I associate with jewelry, but these pieces are just awe inspiring. The collection is a combination of avant garde and modern, mixed with the vintage patterns of cut glass.

These hand carved bracelets start at $155 and can be purchased through the designers online store. Also check out her collaborative website with fellow Aussie jewelry designer, Naomi Schwartz at: sodaandrhyme.com

Stylehive guest blog: sea life

Here's a jolly little post that I did for Stylehive...all about the sea...ah, so fresh!

Check out the post and slideshow HERE and if you still want more check out more independent design saves in the WHAT designers hive HERE.

Featured [clockwise]:
+ Coral Print, $40, Dayna Gedney
+ Undersea Tee, $25, Ahpeele
+ Whale Earrings, $48, Imogene and Dannie
+ White Coral Bowl, $150, Element Clay Studio

prep work

Ahh, green! So spring, so preppy. But not just any old green, it must be kelly green. A colorful tip to a plain white polo. An argyle diamond on a sweater vest. But this isn't a jcrew photo shoot!

This is about some fabulous independent designers adding a cool modern twist to this delightfully preppy color. My favorite has to be the recycled skateboard ring. Of course, there's no denying the charm of a daschund in green plaid - instant classic? Maybe!

FEATURING [clockwise]:
+ eco friendly dog harness, $38, annie's sweatshop
+ green bracelet, folkart
+ recycled skateboard ring, $24, 2revert
+ lego cufflinks, $18, groglmans cufflinks
+ "there aint no cure for love" necklace, $20, shiny black shoes

Check out more green things from independent designers at the WHAT designers hive

what's in store : coasters

Oooh, I love these new coasters from 12fifteen. These darling little letterpress coasters are modern and fun....and really, how fabulous are those pink vw bugs!? Packaged in chocolate craft boxes, they make the perfect hostess gift.

I couldn't resist them so I added a whole bunch (it's a design term) to the WHAT store {ahem-shameless plug}...and did I tell you that this month, I have a wonderful little "free gift with every purchase" promo going on. I'm very excited about it because, I just got the "free gifts" a day or so ago and I can't wait to start sharing them around.

giveaway : subu, inc

Every recycled Subu notebook tells a story! Made from recycled printouts, these fabulous little notebooks have snippets from someones printing past. Every page has a little something. I loved them, but if you are looking for pristine white pages - this isn't for you.

They are brightly colored on the outside and the paper is truly recycled. Plus if seeing a copy of an old master on one page and a list of chemical compounds on the corner of another - gets you just a little bit inspired - that's wonderful.

The giveway is for the set of 3 notebooks (shown above). Check out more at the Subu, inc. website.


To enter the giveaway:
1. Leave a comment here with your email (or other way of contacting you if you are worried about spam).
2. Join the mailing list

spring guide // home

Whether it is clean Japanese graphics or retro inspired speakers - the feeling was modern.

I just have to say that I love the idea of the speakers - one customer got theirs customized to hook up to their ipod and run off AA batteries so they could party anywhere. Now that it retro-tech!

FEATURING (clockwise):
+ ONE UP DESIGNS, asian bloom wall graphic, $28
+ PAPER CLOUD, Onionpods Pillow, $75
+ MEDIUMS TO MASSES, large + small square plates, $36
+ EXELUXE, retro hi-fi speakers (pair), $240
+ CICADA STUDIO, green weave pillow, $42

nautical by nature

It started with that adorable wristlet yesterday, by today it has become a magnificent obsession - nautical! Now I know "cruise season" is coming to an end, but there is just something about the crisp red, white and blue to make you want to put on your cap'n's hat and go off to sea.

Although, my vision of sailing is more 50's San Tropez than...well, anything that requires more than sunglasses, a white linen shirt and a bottle of champagne!

FEATURING (clockwise):
+ ahoy necklace, $80, kelly lyn raspa
+ tentacles tee, $28, deadworry
+ star pillow, $48, reiter 8
+ nautical wristlet, $38, tortilla girl
+ oh buoy earrings, $6, refunca

Don't forget to visit the WHAT designers hive for more nautical items and to save your favorites!

spring guide // jewelry

For those who follow the blog, won't be suprised to find out that the INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // SPRING 2008 has a fair share of jewelry designers. Yep, it's a habit - and one that I have no intention of shaking.

All of the designers are just too fabulous - so here is a little selection; bold, modern and beautiful.

FEATURING (clockwise):
+ AMY BENGTSON JEWELRY, fifi necklace in rosewood, $79
+ MARSTINIA, sky blue lime orbit ring, $35
+ IMOOI, hummingbird necklace, $65
+ VAGABOND JEWELRY, flounce copper cuff, $35

Don't forget to check out the WHAT designers hive and save your Spring Guide favorites!

butterfly collector

There's nothing quite like the flutter of a butterfly to make your think of warmer days. It just makes me want to grab an ice tea and sit on the veranda - only it's 6am, chilly outside, and I would really rather have a steaming cup of joe. But warmer weather is getting closer and butterflies are just so beautiful - so here's a tip of the wide-brimmed hat to those days ahead.

These designers have infused a modern twist to the sometimes saccharine butterfly motif. I was surprised to find some new favorites - the cards by design hut and the real butterfly wing pendant by popko - are just must have!

FEATURING:
+ butterfly notecards, $9/4, design hut
+ butterfly pillow, $62, Janessa Bautista (available through Shevon Ceramics)
+ butterfly wall graphics, $34.95, luka
+ real butterfly wing necklace, $38, popko
+ butterfly jubilee wallpaper, modgreenpod
+ butterfly pillow boxes, $5/ 4, field and sea
+ butterfly pendant, $88, simone walsh

+ SEE MORE + "HIVE" YOUR FAVORITES

good design : mio

When eco-friendly products first came onto the market, the products were limited to unbleached and wholesome. Nowadays independent designers experiment with sustainable materials, textures and colors producing innovative high style design.

A good example of this is the design company MIO, whose work has a fun, futuristic vibe. Molded wool is formed into brightly colored containers and softly glowing lights. Recycled kraft paper is used for their Nomad system and can be configured in a variety of ways from room dividers to office-like cubicle. All of their products give the impression of some happy, avant-garde cartoon world.

And, although, sustainable products can still be quite pricey, the MIO line is very reasonable. The lights are $75, the containers start at $35 and the Nomad system is $56 for a pack of 24.

Available online through the MIO website – www.mioculture.com

giveaway : miss ficklemedia [finished]

It's time for another giveaway - this time from miss ficklemedia.

I have been an admirer of miss ficklemedia's work for a long time, and have featured her work before. The giveaway is for this hand-picked collection of 3 interchangeable pendant and 1 silver chain. The modern botanicals and pretty colors are the perfect late winter pick-me-up.

To enter:
1. Join the mailing list
2. Leave a comment here with your email.

Congratulations to Molly, the winner of the last giveaway!

thanks design*sponge

A huge thanks to Grace at design*sponge who mentioned the WHAT designers gift guide in the weekly wrap up. Design*sponge has been a great source of inspiration for me, so I am thrilled that we got a mention.

what + lexie sullivan

Let me welcome Lexie Sullivan to the WHAT designers website.

I love Lexie's work, so was thrilled when she contacted me about participating in WHAT designers. The style is a fabulously modern, but fun and organic too.

See more at WHATdesigners.com and LexieSullivan.com

what + coquito designs

I have just added coquito designs to the WHAT designers website.

I love the way jewelry designer Kristen Berge combines gold and silver in a way that is both bold and beautiful.

See more at the WHATdesigners.com and coquitodesigns.com

holiday gift guide

The holiday gift guide has launched. The designers are fabulous....would you expect anything else?

Okay, must go.....it's time to do my christmas shopping and I know exactly where to go ...... the HOLIDAY gift guide!

the art of wood

When Joe Futschik of JefDesigns emailed me about his new collection of silkscreen wood panels, I was amazed by the design and touched by the sentiment. One of the pieces, Fritillia, was dedicated to his mother who died from cancer early this year.

Each one is a signed limited edition print and feature a variety of sea creatures. What I love about JefDesigns, is that the work is undoubtedly modern, but the influence of nature boldly apparent.

Of course, any blogger worth their salt would have blogged about the new collection months ago. But, as usual, I felt compelled to find some other wonderful examples of art-on-wood pieces. I did throw in a cutting board, but go ahead, hang it on the wall anyway - it's lovely!

CLOCKWISE:
+ octopus art panel, $150, jefdesigns
+ branch with lichen, $90, groundwork
+ diver cutting board, $38, olze and wilkens (available through elsewares)
+ mylo, $75, melissa moss (available through WHAT designers)

I'll have a chandelier

Okay the title sounds good to me, but I've had a cold and feel strangely serene after popping a couple of those "behind-the-counter" sudafeds.

I've noticed that chandeliers used for lighting have a fabulous modern feel while chandelier imagery as embellishment is very much vintage.

CLOCKWISE:
+ chandelier, grey design
+ coral chandelier, moth design
+ chandelier necklace, $21, junk posse
+ chandelier wall graphic, $29, one up
+ chandelier and damask cards, $12.99 for 6, papernosh

modern printed matter

I love what I do (surely the money will follow right??). Yes, I love what I do and it's because I get to spend time looking at some of the most amazing designs from the most amazing independent designers.

What started as a creative outlet for an engineering grad has turned into quite a nice little business. Now a full-time venture, designer Anna Cote has her collection in over 150 stores.

Now that's an independent designer success story!

Available online at modern printed matter

spotlight on: beth pohlman

I see a lot of absolutely fabulous jewelry. I would wear every piece I feature with joy. Then there are those unusual pieces that when I wake in the middle of the night I think.....I really should buy that black necklace (top left).

All of Beth Pohlman's jewelry is beautiful and just a little unusual - and all available through her online etsy store.

skull diggery

How delicious...the stylish side to halloween! These designers have put the glam in goth!

Clockwise:
+ skull and crossbones necklace, hooked design
+ skull and bones vinyl wallet, $30, hippofabulous
+ skull and crossbones plate, $12, folded pigs
+ skulls notecards, $11 / 4, pressure
+ skull medallion polo tee, $38, ahpeele (also available through WHAT designers)

thread / threads

I was pretty impressed with the Thread show at Fort Mason on Saturday. I had to remind myself that I was there to see the work of independent designers, not to spend lots of money. That was quite difficult - the first table was Tank Theory. I still like graphic tees, despite the abundance of them and Tank Theory's artist edition tees were fabulous. I bought 2 for myself and could probably have bought more. The artwork was amazing, although I was not quite into the creepy carnival clowns.

Yes, graphic tee casual is still popular, but there was a hint of modern-vintage-formal. Saa.z had screened vintage shirts and Emily Katz had printed vintage shoes. I quite like the dressier trends at the moment - if only I had somewhere to wear them. Not quite ready to wear heels and a suit to drop off children only to come back home to blog!

Bear in mind that trunk shows like Thread offer the public the opportunity items at less than retail prices, while designers get to sell off their older lines. Meaning, check the designers websites for their new fall lines...now!

Tomorrow: Thread's bags and the one that got away!

CLOCKWISE:
+ boho tunic, $45, she-bible (bought one, love it)
+ split personality tee, $25, tank theory
+ 10, 000 buddhas tee, $30, custom industries
+ beetles tie, $90, sovereign beck
+ keyhole wrap dress, $64, emily katz
+ jacket, skunk funk

bubblicious

Blowing bubbles and watching them float and pop against a background of blue sky is a simple pleasure. Trying to show your kids how to blow bubbles is not quite so relaxing, but hella fun!

I love all these pieces, but the piece that started me thinking about bubbles was Nina Dinoff's bubble ring (top left). Colorful, fun and modern. Nina Dinoff is part of WHAT designers and you can find some of her work in the store, the ring is available directly from the designer.

CLOCKWISE (from top left):
+ bubbles necklace, $22, junedesigns
+ multi colored buble ring, $40, nina dinoff jewelry
+ bubble necklace, $30, brevity
+ bubbly bubbles earrings, $8.50, jewelera
+ zen bubble ring, $42, the muses jewels

hell for leather

One of the things that most impresses me about independent designers is the level of quality and craftsmanship. I know this is not always the case.

However, when I hear "indie" design, I get the impression that the product is fun and funky, but not sophisticated or long lasting. I think this is why I shy away from the term "indie" and say "independent" or "emerging" design instead. Yes, it's semantics - but I think it makes a difference to how people see and buy design.

The leather work from these designers is stylish and timeless. I would like to think they would be equally at home in the collection of a Prada wearing executive as well as an artistic individualist.

Clockwise:
+ rini bag, $285, neiko
+ laptop pad, $40, atelier olu
+ portfolio/document case, $95, choochat
+ journal, $25, mja designs

thanks old chum

There are so many ways to say thank you. In these days of email, it's so delightful to receive a card in the mail.

Here are some splendid cards from the best and brightest independent designers.

CLOCKWISE (starting top left):
: bella thanks, $3.50, pepperina press
: hey thanks, $4.50 for 2, the paper princess
: gracias, $4.50, binth available from greer chicago
: wooden thanks, $10/set of 6, 12fifteen
: bird mini card, $10 for 6, pink bathtub
: thank you kindly, $3.75, pearl marmalade

cash + carry

Now, boys, it is okay not to stuff those pant pockets with
e v e r y t h i n g.

I know there is a little bit of a "don't ask, don't tell" policy when it comes to "man bags". I sometimes suspect that there isn't a laptop in that slim and sleek laptop case - but wallet, phone, keys...maybe even some lip balm. Your secret is safe with me....as long as I don't have to wait 30 minutes for you to empty out your blinking cargo pockets at the airport.

Here are a couple of "pocket management systems" to get you started.

CLOCKWISE (top left):
: cummerbund bag, $140 (canvas) $399 (leather), Acton Treadway
: double wide, $30, RandL
: v12, $60, jfold
: small messenger bag, $150, Denis Denis
: this sky, $55, dbclay (I love, love, love this wallet)
: messenger bag with stripes, $162.50, jfold

reveal + conceal

There is something incredibly poetic about Nendo's Hanabi lamp shade featured in this months' Dwell. The lamp "blooms" with the warmth of the bulb. A design is so simple, yet so beautiful; when grouped, as for the 2006 Milan Salone, it is pure art.

The "pillow", based on a Japanese anemone box, twists down to conceal treasures....or clutter. Beautiful & functional, I can imagine using one to store a selection of necessary art supplies - sketchbook, watercolors, favorite pens & pencil. Unlike the practical, but uninspiring, rubbermaid box - the "pillow" would look fabulous wherever you put it. Twist Pillow, $113, by Kat Nouri / ModernTwist, available online through Rose and Radish

I love... glug baby

On a recent window shopping trip to Hayes Valley, I happened upon relatively new store. Fiddlesticks (508 Hayes Street, San Francisco). Lovely, lovely kids shop...with what must have been the entire Glug Baby line.

My absolute favorite was a chocolate brown shirt dress with modern embroidered rainbow. If it had been in my size, I would have been seriously tempted.

Fiddlesticks is not selling online (yet??), so to get your Glug Baby fix online go to The Red Balloon for the dress and Pink Gorillas for pretty much the rest of the line.

collar + cuffs

Okay boys, I admit, I get a little bit carried away looking at things that I want to buy for me.

So, here's something to inject a little independent spirit into (or out of) your closet.

(Warning: contains some mild patterns and explicit color. Discretion is advised.)

CLOCKWISE (from top left)
: "21" screenprinted vintage tie, $24, Tymbal
: beetle cufflinks, $42, Happy Owl Glassworks (available through Stars + Infinite Darkness)
: octopus tie, $30, Cyberoptix TieLab
: circular cufflinks, $75, Useless Machines

pet-o-rama

A year or so ago while doing a little window shopping in Los Altos, I remember feeling a little peckish. Right there were the most perfect little icing covered cookies. "How cute..." I thought, "they're in the shape of dog bones!".

Recently, I found myself back in Five Paw Bakery in Los Altos. Not confused by pregnancy hormones, I could see the cookies for what they were....delicious little dog treats. But, hey, those birthday cakes look awfully yummy....but why is there a dog wearing a birthday hat?

For some wonderfully modern pet stuff from independent designers where better to look than online. Here are some favorites:

TOP (l - r):
Lollipop dog leash, $24.95, The Modern Pet
Ralph Birdhouse, $195, Modern Birdhouses
"Water" pet dish, $50, Everyday Studio

MIDDLE (l - r):
Scooter pillow, $69, Pillow Pillow Pillow (available online through Rare Device)
Black bird print pet bed, $180-$220, Deadly Squire
Wallmount fish bowl, $34, through Chimpfeet.com

BOTTOM (l - r):
Personalized pet tag, $16, KLA designs
Ludlow collar, $15, Lodi and Lewi
Zombie cat nip toys, $4 for 2, Prairie Bird