Hot Flashes and Trigger Fingers

A typical Flash Sale Email alert.  You  get zero warning, so
it's like a little time bomb in your inbox.  These go out
to Department Store card holders who have shopped
recently online.

I was out to lunch with my friend Holly a few weeks ago and we were lamenting the Internet.  Well, she was lamenting it; I was agreeing with everything she said, making her feel like she wasn't so past her prime that learning all the ins and outs seemed futile, while simultaneously making myself appear concerned and responsible.  It's a give and take relationship built on lies and half truths, without the hassle of community property or conjugal visitation.

As Holly is one of my long time shopping comrades, the conversations took a hard left and went to Internet shopping, one of my favorite vices (especially when it's an online sale).  I really do think it's the 8th deadly sin.  I'm one to send people web links of things they need (well, what I think they need) whenever I am online perusing websites, and Holly is always at the top of my list.  Much to her chagrin, her inbox is always host to a number of my emails imploring her to make a judgement call she doesn't want to make when confronted with a beautiful necklace from Saks (it's on sale!  charity starts at home!  screw the kids!) or some clearance shoes at J. Crew (saying no at this price would be irresponsible!  Jesus hates cheap people!). 

I brought up the new 'innovation' known as the 'flash sale'.  She thought it was something you physically attended, like a sample sale in the middle of the desert, or a paternity hearing.  I enlightened her by saying it was all online, and she didn't have to put her good face on or slip her husband a mickey to get a piece of the action. 

One Kings Lane is known for their Tastemaker Tag Sales.
In essence, known designers from across the US have a
classy Garage Sale online through the website.  It's their
opportunity to clear out the closet of excess accessories
and furniture, and your opportunity to buy it at a discounted
price.  Warning : 'Discount' is not the same as 'Cheap'.

 

There are two kinds of flash sales.  One is put on by Brick and Mortar retailers with namesake websites such as Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue; they shoot you an email early in the morning and the sale is over in a few hours.  Neiman's calls their sale the 'Mid-day Dash', Saks calls it 'The Fashion Fix', same story, different title.  The other type of Flash Sale is put on by websites solely devoted to selling selected designer wares at discounted prices for limited amounts of time, usually a week or until the limited supply runs out.  I like Gilt Groupe and One Kings Lane, in case you're interested.





Join Gilt Groupe





Join One Kings Lane



In both cases, the enforced time limit (which goes so far as to allow you only 10 minutes to hold something in your shopping bag), the dramatically reduced prices ($99.00 for a pair of A. Testoni shoes that sell for over $300.00 at Saks), and the limited quantities all combine to elicit the sort of heart pumping adrenal overload usually reserved for the more conventional carnal pleasures like fight clubs or human trafficking.  Happiness is just a few clicks away.

Gilt Group has an app for your smart phone, iPad, you name it.
So when you cause a 7 car pile up on the 405, at least it won't
be due to texting or talking on your phone!

Holly, whom I had just tutored on the ins and outs of Facebook, opted to stick to what she knew best; buying in person.  She's not one for mystery or surprises.  There is a certain satisfaction in finding your prize in the flesh, feeling the quality, assuring the perfect fit, and then sneaking it home in the back of the car.  Maybe you stuff it in your gym bag, or in with your Trader Joe's groceries.  Deceit makes the fruits of your labor taste all the sweeter, in my opinion.  For those of us who enjoy a deal and a good game of Russian Roulette, the Flash Sale is a magical invention pregnant with potential.  Let Holly play it safe; it leaves more for the rest of us.  J'adore a good deal.

- Ian

Join Gilt Groupe

Join One Kings Lane

Street Walker - Abbot Kinney Part I

I was an hour late to lunch.  This is how Nat pays me back.

Not one cooperative photo.  Yet she remains adorable.

 For being a native Angelino, I am remarkably underexposed to many of the unique neighborhoods and features of this great city I live in.  Case in point, Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice.  I had heard about it for years, but never made it down there to check it out for myself.  I made plans to spend an unoccupied Saturday afternoon with my friend, Natalie (who will soon be leaving for a week to visit Scotland), having lunch and then hitting the pavement and checking out what the famed area had to offer.

We had lunch at a great little cafe called 3 Squares (SNL's Bill Hader sat next to us.  It took a phone call and an imdb search to figure out who he was, because neither of us could put a name to the face, but regardless of our ignorance, a brush with fame is nothing to be scoffed at, even if you live in LA).  We both ate things we shouldn't have (the Pretzel Burger is as good as everyone told us it would be, there was also dairy involved, and french fries), but our remorse was non existent.  We were seated on the patio, the ideal place to people watch (and dog watch, they were everywhere!) and to enjoy the beautiful Southern California weather.  Another perk for the patron; there's a parking garage behind the cafe, so no need to patrol for street parking if you aren't in the mood, or you happen to be running late, like I was.  I parked for 4 dollars with restaurant validation.

The back room at Bountiful.  A wonderland
of vintage charm and unique objet.  Note the
Hydrangeas and hanging plants.

We hit the street after lunch, and the first place that sucked us in was a home shop called Bountiful (www.bountifulhome.com).  Neither of us are big members of the Shabby Chic fan club, but the shops exuberant displays and unique merchandise made us forget all that.  Set withing the confines of a former Hardware shop, still with it's original tile floor, the store is literally packed with things, wonderful things, large, small, and gargantuan. 

Vintage cake stands (stacked 5' tall on top of tables), chandeliers, lanterns, linens, etageres, bath products, furniture, candles, jewelery and the makings of an endless wish list filled the interior to the gills.  They had a great selection of unusual antiques scattered throughout, and, as if there weren't enough beautiful things to look at, the shop was peppered with fresh flowers that had been worked into the displays, giving a little extra decadence to the presentation. 

It was all a mix of English and French Country with a little Americana thrown in.  As ladies browsed through the labyrinth of rooms, the men they arrived with stayed near the entrance, paralyzed from fear; tapping the smallest wire work basket made one afraid of an impending and financially crippling landslide.  It really was a wonderland for someone who appreciates chipped paint, old mirrors and chandeliers...I happen to be just that sort of someone. 

Amid jewelry and vintage hats, something
truly breathtaking; a chandelier hung with
equal parts crystals and champagne hued
Christmas Ornaments.

An open armoire displays an extensive collection
of stoneware, transferware, and ceramics in all
shapes and sizes (note the chamber pots on the
bottom shelf and the vintage kitchen canisters
on the second).  Of course, the flowers and fruit
add just that extra 'something'. 

A sideboard scattered with candle sticks and accessories.
The mirror reflects a glass front armoire stocked with vintage
textiles.



Bittar's interior, complete with Venice Hipster salesgirls.

 One of my must visit shops was the newly opened Alexis Bittar (http://www.alexisbittar.com/).  Several of my friends and clients have fallen for his work, and I can see why they love it so much.  Pieces are bold, unique, and attention grabbing.  Bittar's signature medium is hand carved Lucite, but he also works in metal, crystal, and semi-precious stones.  The larger more avante garde styles naturally fit in with the lifestyle of LA and the Arty/Hippie/Boho chic vibe of Abbott Kinney. 

Situated in a remodeled Beach Bungalow with French doors flung open to the Boulevard, the shop is set up gallery style with chic custom cabinets (with button tufted interiors) hung at eye level along one wall, and windows open to the street along another.  Natural light pours in, showing the jewelry off beautifully.  The exposed rafters and bleached wood floor gave a lofty feeling, while the use of Deco style pendant lights, raised paneling, and hand painted cherry blossoms on the walls added the formality and glamour usually associated with a jewelry boutique.  In addition to Bittar's own label, there's also a fun selection of antique jewelry and accessories, most of them small and delicate Victorian pieces.

Stay tuned for part two.

- Ian

Bittar's cabinets were filled with his
elegant pieces, such as this necklace
of shell pearls and Lucite studded with
crystals.

Featured just as prominently were his
bold styles, like this statement necklace
of graduated gold-plated sphere cages.
It's very Samantha Jones.







The window display to the street featured
taxidermy Bears dressed in Pearls and Lucite.



The Folk Tree

Walls of The Folk Tree are evenly coated with art.

A few weeks ago, I found myself in Pasadena with my friend Alma.  We had just finished a Saturday morning seminar (those are always painful) and we were planning to go to Green Street for lunch.  Before we headed out, she asked if we could first stop in one of her favorite little shops, since were were so close and it was on the way to the restaurant. 

She proceeded to tell me how amazing this little Folk Art place was and how each piece was hand made and no two were alike and I would be totally amazed at the treasures I would behold (my embellished wording, her enthusiasm).  Even if we were just in for five minutes, that would be enough for her.  She was obviously smitten, and who am I to turn down shopping?  It was just across the street, so I figured even if I didn't like it (I'm not a huge fan of Latin American Art), at least I wasn't being totally inconvenienced by travel.  I know that's not a very friendly thing to say, but I was hungry.



For some reason, I really like this one.  I think it's the due
to the apathetic man in the feathered hat.



The Folk Tree, as it is called, is a charming little shop crammed with an unimaginable number of things, all of them from Mexico or Latin American Artisans.  Punched tin lanterns, papier mache objet, charms, pottery, votive figures, sculptures, and the like, start on the floor in baskets and crawl up the walls and onto the ceiling where they are suspended like aged meats.  It was like traveling to a wonderful Bazaar with art direction by David La Chapelle and no aggressive locals barking at me. 



I jokingly asked the sales girl what inventory was like, and she replied with the sort of nervous laughter that makes Jack a dull boy.  I shared with her my tale of getting shanghai-ed into doing inventory in the Lingerie department at Nordstrom, and the though of me untangling thong underthings sent peals of laughter through the shop.  I think we had a connection...I think we had a moment there.

A canopy of tin stars in the Gallery space.

The art, which is really what it all is, from the smallest clay trinket to intricately painted hand carved sculptures, shows the chutzpah, creativity, and dynamism of the Latino culture.  Alma would pick up random pieces, some of them no more that brightly painted tooth picks and bits of clay, and wax poetically about their individuality and the cultural heritage behind it and the joie de vivre that it reflected. 

It really was amazing to see how something beautiful could be made out of what we would consider nothing.  But there it was, a brightly painted skeleton of a burro wearing a sombrero and grasping a rose between its exposed teeth.  My hard heart, the same one that has a soft spot for English antiques and Oriental carpets, grew three sizes that day and began to appreciate something I would normally have dismissed as loud and vulgar (I know, the irony is glaring, isn't it?).

Rocky, the proprietress, travels frequently to Mexico to bring these little treasures to Pasadena. She also collaborates with notable Artists such as Sergio Martinez, Enedina Vasquez, and Victor Hernandez and coordinates exhibitions held in the gallery at the back of the shop.  At the time of our visit, she was prepping the space for a Saints and Sinners show.



Hand made jewelry on consignment from the artists.



For those of you looking for a new and unique place that has as much character as it does content, you should definitely check out The Folk Tree.  It's got the artistic quality you have come to expect from Pasadena, but it's delightfully located away from Colorado Blvd, so you won't have to put up with maddening parking or rogue pedestrians.



Visit the Folk Tree Online

- Ian







A polychrome wood carving that's pure whimsy.

The two baby Opossums swing independently.



I'm a sucker for pottery.  These pieces with their natural forms

and Olive green glaze I found especially striking.





The shop is a repository of Dio de los Muertos art.

Yes, that is a skeleton of a dog wearing a Mexican wrestlers

mask and cape. 



For the 21st Century Raja

To follow up on an earlier post about the Duquette jewelry auction happening at Bonham's on Sunset, I am presenting you with a selection of items going under the hammer.  In my modest opinion, these are the 5 most beautiful pieces, ones that would justify cat fights, name calling, and mildly violent physical contact.

What I find wonderful about these is that none of them are ludicrously expensive, considering their pedigree and their material content.  For the faint of heart & pocketbook, who still want a piece of the action, there were some $300.00 braided gold cuffs, and a few $500.00 quartz torsade necklaces, all of which were beautiful and eye-catching.  You can view the full catalog at http://www.bonhams.com/.

I also love that these are pieces you won't be afraid to wear; you don't have to worry about a diamond popping off in an elevator or losing a pave stone in the car.  As well, statement pieces like these could not be more in style right now.  They're all so very editorial, and could be worn with anything; a de la Renta suit by day, Gottex by the pool, Marchesa by night.  Think of them as an investment in pride and envy, but in the best possible way.

- Ian

For a larger view, click on the image.  All photos and descriptions courtesy of Bonham's.




A blue topaz, kunzite, moonstone, colored pearl and vermeil necklace
signed Tony Duquette
length 20in (50.8cm)

Estimate: $1,800 - 2,500 

  




'Symbolizing Adventure and The Eternal Journey', early 1990s

A carved bone, coral, carnelian, silver and vermeil necklace, signed Tony Duquette
with original box
length 19in (48.2cm)

Estimate: $3,000 - 5,000 

  




'Symbolizing Wealth in All Matters, Spiritual Strength, Integrity and Love and the Past, Present and Future Nature of Material Strength', 1990s

An amethyst bead, paua shell and vermeil 'fan leaf panel' collar
with original box
length 23in (58.5cm)

Estimate: $2,500 - 3,500 

  



'Symbolizing Birth, Death and Rebirth', 1990s

An amethyst, peridot, amber, cultured pearl, rose quartz, black coral and vermeil necklace
with original box
length 21 1/2in (54.5cm)

Estimate: $3,000 - 4,000 

 



'Symbolizes the Beauty Found in Nature', 1990s

An amethyst, inlaid shell, quartz, plastic and vermeil necklace
signed Tony Duquette 1995
length 24in (61cm)

Estimate: $1,500 - 2,000 

 

Love for Sale

A favorite piece - The Duchess of Windsor necklace. 

Tourmaline, Rose Quartz, Pearls set in 18kt gold

Hold onto your hot sauce friends, this is an APB for the style conscious.  Coming April 18^th 2011, Bonham’s on Sunset Blvd. will be auctioning a collection of one of a kind jewelry designed by Tony Duquette & associate Hutton Wilkinson; most of it unseen by the public.  So, settle that insurance claim, dip into that 401 k, and send those kids to public school because there are some Baroque Baubles that need a new home.

Duquette has been experiencing a Renaissance for the past 10 years thanks to the Hollywood Regency style popularized by Kelly Wearstler and her ilk. 

While I j’adore his Interiors, his jewelry designs have always made my windows fog up.  What makes his work so incredible is that he was able to translate hallmarks that were usually seen in bombastic Interiors into something as utterly intimate as jewelry. 

Coral, Insects, Shells, Malachite, Cabochons, Baroque pearls, and golden Starbursts combine with influences from India, Russia and Europe to create works that are unmistakably Duquette and divinely decadent. 

A Cocktail Ring of Citrine and Peridot in 18kt Gold.

Cocktail rings that could choke a horse, Maltese Cross brooches that could moor a boat, jeweled collars that should require a consultation with a chiropractor are all part of the repetoire.  The catalog of items has yet to be released, but I've included some of Duquette's greatest hits for your perusal.

If the pieces up for auction are as stunning as the ones I have already seen, this event will require a few cigs and a cuddle afterward.

-Ian

A lethal looking Starburst Brooch of Green & Purple Amethyst with Diamonds

Mandy Moore wearing the Duchess of Windsor necklace

 

 

 

 

Moore in a Collar and Cuff of Cabochon Saphires by Duquette