NEWLYWISH: A Different Kind of Bridal Registry

Here's one of the best wedding gift ideas I've heard of :  a bridal registry that includes "experience gifts"--trips, wine tastings, performances, dance lessons--plus local shops and artists. The site's  founder, Amanda Allen, says that although right now most shops are based in New York City the company has plans to expand to other urban areas, and concert, theater and sporting events can be accessed nationwide.  Best of all, it you have your heart set on, say, a specific work of art, Amanda says she'll do her best to get it added to your Newlywish list.  Hmmm, I can think of quite a few artists I'd add to my list ....


Wishing you all a relaxing holiday weekend.  Back next week with all kinds of summer treats.

SPRING GIFT WRAP

 

 

 

Considering all the occasions we celebrate in the spring--graduations, communions, confirmations, bridal showers, weddings, baby showers, Mother and Father's Days--I thought we could all use some pretty present presentation ideas right now.  Enjoy!

p.s. Want a chance to win a lovely gift for yourself? Don't forget to enter our Sponsor Giveaway, which gives you a chance to choose your own original piece of art from Denise Fike. 

Images from Carolyne Roehm's gorgeous and inspirational Presentations: A Passion for Gift Wrapping, except #2 via The Decorista and #5 via A Gift Wrapped Life.

THE GIFT I'D GIVE EVERY GRADUATE: How To Steal Like An Artist

This does not exist as a book yet.  But it should.  Even if it's the slimmest, smallest book ever made.  The advice is so spot on, so smart, and presented with such clarity that I'd give it to every graduate that comes my way. Including some in mid-life.  I'd like to steal all the text and images from Austin Kleon's post, but instead I'll send you to his site to read "How to Steal Like An Artist and 9 Other Things Nobody Told Me."  Please come back after you read it and share what advice resonated with you most.

p.s. Here's a real steal: an original work of art by Denise Fike.  The winner of our Sponsor Giveaway,  chooses her own piece from a selection of 10.  Enter by Tuesday 5/24/11.

BATTERIES NOT REQUIRED

Over the last five days Blogger, the platform that hosts this blog, experienced system-wide outages and data corruption that made it sometimes impossible to post or comment--and made some posts and comments disappear. Supposedly the issue has been resolved and data restored (although many comments are missing form recent posts on Style Maniac).  The incident reminded me that much as we all love this online medium, sometimes there's nothing better than holding a tangible thing in your hands.  Like a book.  Books have long been and probably always will be one of my top choices for a gift.  Coffee table books, cookbooks, mysteries, manuals, romance, fiction, faction, biography, travel, humor, art--whether you're buying a gift for a birthday or a backyard barbecue you can choose a book that will transport, educate, entertain, delight; not just once but over and over again ... no batteries (or blogging platforms) required.

Need specific book gift ideas?  Check out the Fabulous Finds previously featured on Style Maniac in my Amazon Boutique.  You'll also find Reader's Choice selections for cozy fall reads, pretty coffee table titles and summer books for lazy days by the lake, pool or beach.

Photo from flickr.com via Alison on Pinterest

HOSTESS GIFTS for Style Maniacs

You can't help but wonder ... did Jonathan Adler create these Zebra Coasters just for Style Maniac?  After all, I'm wild about animal prints and have used zebra and yellow as identifiers for my Style Maniac "brand" since the beginning.  And just last month I finally designed a logo based on these elements that's been twirling around in my head for quite awhile (look for it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, the website, the footer of this blog and more).  Well, truth is, I doubt Jonathan Adler knows a thing Style Maniac.  And his little plates are not cheap.  But the perfectly boxed set and colorful prints seduced me the moment I saw them at the new Jonathan Adler store in Old City, Philadelphia.  Plus forget the coaster idea, they'd be adorable canape plates ... or little dishes to hold jewelry ... or a pretty accent for my desk.  So I bought them as a hostess gift ... for myself.  I can think of a few more style maniacs who might like them as well ....

IN HONOR OF A MOM: Peg's Presents

This post is for my friend Lee, who unexpectedly lost her mother last Thanksgiving.  Peg Romano was a woman of spirit, humor and generosity.  Over her lifetime she and her husband took in and cared for over a dozen foster children.  It made for an often crazy life, as Lee chronicles in her blog Madness, Mom and Me; but it was always a life filled with love.  In honor of her mom, Lee and her husband Andrew have created Peg's Presents, a charity with a sweet and simple mission: bring gifts--and smiles--to kids in need.  They gather donations of toys and books for newborn through 16 years, and donate them to underprivileged children at Dignity Housing in Philadelphia.  If you would like to support their cause please send a new, unwrapped toy, book or gift card to:  Peg's Presents, 126 Kenilworth Street, Philadelphia PA 19147.  For more info visit pegspresents.com.

ECO-SWEET BABY GIFTS from Poppy & Bean

As part of Style Maniac’s 2011 Spring Gift Guide, I’ll be highlighting not only great products, but also some of the stories and people behind them.  Today, meet Poppy & Bean, an eco-sweet line of baby blankets, burp cloths, crib mobiles and more crafted by the sweet and talented Colleen D’Agostino.  In a world awash with neutral, nubby eco-friendly options, Poppy & Bean stands out with bold patterns and bright happy colors.  Each piece is hand made from vintage, salvage or remnants; and the prices are incredibly reasonable (blankies range from $18 to $36, burp clothes under $10).  At a recent Poppy & Bean trunk show hosted by a mutual friend, I bought an adorable nautical-patterned piece for a relative’s new baby.  It’s colorful yet cuddly, and completely one-of-a-kind.

Colleen and I first met through our interior decorating worlds, and it’s been exciting to see her grow a new business.  I asked her to share her story—an inspirational one for any closet crafter with bigger dreams.

Colleen D'Agostino, creator of Poppy & Bean

When and why did you begin Poppy & Bean?
I began working on this idea in the spring of 2009 after years of crafting, creating handmade gifts and realizing that I had a huge collection of fabrics overflowing in my house!  I made a list of monthly goals and I opened my Etsy Shop in January 2010.

What made you take the leap from idea to actually starting the company?
When I turned 29 it felt like junior year in high school, time to get moving!  I was ready to take a chance, work hard and use the knowledge I had gained to begin a new chapter in my story.  I started with the concept of a children’s line because it seemed there were not many options for people who wanted a more eclectic style and I think every child needs a few very special gifts for their hope chest.  I wasn’t really sure where it would all go but I started by creating a “collection” for a trunk show, then I started building my inventory and my Etsy page, then applying for summer and fall craft shows and soon I had some momentum which gave me the confidence to pursue this and move forward with my brand and my business.

I feel so lucky to live in a city and be part of a community that supports local artist and handmade goods.  I felt amazing support every step of the way and I am so grateful! Especially, for my husband who showed me how life can be when you work really hard and do what you love.

What are your plans for Poppy & Bean this year?
I am excited to debut the spring/summer designs I have been working on: bright, graphic patterns that feel crisp and energetic.  Perfect for our long-awaited spring!  Also, in May I will debut a mini look book and website.

Are all of the fabrics vintage or salvage? 
Yes, all my fabrics are high quality designer samples, vintage or remnants.  They are all pre-washed and pre-shrunk prior to fabrication and every item is machine washable.

Who is the little girl on some of your tags?
Oh! That is my sweet niece Riley and one of my very favorite people!  She is my best friend Nicole’s daughter and we have always joked that she inherited my style-- I do dress like a four-year-old some days!

Poppy & Bean can be found at:

Poppy & Bean ETSY shop

The Little Apple, Manayunk, PA

Colleen creates custom orders as well.  
Email:  poppyandbean@gmail.com

For more see:
Poppy & Bean's Facebook Page
Website coming soon.

Colleen’s photo by Aileen Bannon Foto.  
All other pictures by Doreen Creede.

PERFECT PARTY PRESENTS: Style Maniac's Spring Gift Guide

From bridal showers to baby showers, barbecues to birthdays, find the perfect present for this spring's parties and occasions--plus pretty ways to wrap them up--with Style Maniac's Spring Gift Guide. All this week ....

p.s. I caught a case of royal fever this weekend!  Did you?  Check out my wedding coverage on the Style Maniac Facebook Page.

This photo has been all over the blogosphere but I couldn't resist showing it here.  After tracking from several Pinterest sources it seems the photographer is Oliver Schwarzwald via On Blue Pool Road.

RAMBLIN' RED

Forget flowers.
Here's what I want for Valentine's Day.
How about you? Tradition aside, whether wild and daring or sweet and simple,
what would you truly like your loved one to surprise you with this year?

Ramblin' Red by Patricia Burns

GIVE A GIFT ... of sweet simplicity

A jar of kisses,
A charming little tree,

Something homemade wrapped up beautifully.

No trips to the mall. No hassles at all. Not a lot of cash ...

Just simple sweet presents given with love and panache.

Oh my, she's rhyming! Yes, the Christmas tunes have gone to my head ... or maybe it's my head cold, just in time for the holidays? In any case, here's some final tips from Style Maniac's mall-free, hassle-free, pour a glass of bubbly and enjoy the spirit of the season Gift Guide. Hope you've found it helpful. If you have a suggestion for a chic and charming gift that doesn't cost a mint, please share with us in the comments, below. And may we all enjoy a merry, happy and healthy week before Christmas!

1. Festooning the simplest of gifts with lovely embellishments makes them even more special. TIP: when it comes to wrapping, wired ribbon is your friend.  It stays in place and makes bow-tying a cinch.  For my own presentation inspiration, I've just ordered  Ribbons: The Art of Adornment.
2. Stylist Summer Watkins created the Jar of Kisses as a gift for her boyfriend, but it could just as easily be filled with pledges to babysit for a friend or promises to do chores for your sister.  Best of all, it requires no special skills to assemble--just your own sweet sentiments, a pretty jar and lovely buttons.  For more of Summer's magic, visit her blog Grey Likes Weddings.  {Photograph by Caroline Tran.  Originally seen on 100 Layer Cake}
3. That charming little tree, discovered on Design Elements (one of my daily blog reads), truly captures the spirit of the season:  sometimes the tiniest touch of Christmas Cheer is all you need. Perfect for a small apartment, or perhaps to give a friend who's not up for holiday decorating. NOTE: Many grocery stores offer mini trees for sale.  For ornaments, you could seek out unique pieces from craft shows or home decor shops, or adorn with vintage brooch ornaments you create yourself.

GIVE A GIFT TO THE ARTS ... and enjoy a dazzling delight

What could be more delightful than a gift that combines togetherness, awe, entertainment, laughter and amazement?  And can be arranged with just a few clicks on your keyboard?  That's why tickets to a show, play or performance ranks as one of my favorite gifts to give, receive--and enjoy myself!  It always fits, can never be duplicated and lasts in your memory forever.  Plus it supports an entire world of dancers, actors, craftsmen, choreographers and local venues.  (Exactly the spirit of our mall-free, hassle-free, pour a glass of bubbly and enjoy the season gift guide.)

With a bit of advance planning--or last minute luck--you could arrange to see a classic such as The Nutcracker during the holiday season (as of this morning the Pennsylvania Ballet still has some tickets available).  But you could also choose from the entire year of performances, giving you something dazzling to look forward to in 2011.

Whether it's enjoying a dazzling performance yourself, volunteering your time, donating money or giving tickets as a gift--what arts organizations do you love to see and support? Please share your favorite, with a brief description & link, in the Comments section here and on the Style Maniac Facebook Page.

Pennsylvania Ballet Company Member Meredith Reffner in George Balanchine's Nutcracker photographed by Alexander Iziliaev.  With thanks to my friend Janis Goodman, an avid patron of  the Pennsylvania Ballet's performances, operations and fundraising efforts.  For more on how to support the Ballet visit www.paballet.org

GIVE A GIFT OF ART ... with a 20% discount for Style Maniac readers

Last month I had the most civilized shopping experience at an art gallery around the corner from my home.  While sipping wine and noshing on Swedish meatballs, I chatted with the four artists hosting the show and then discovered some lovely small paintings (at very lovely prices) just perfect for some lovely people on my gift list.

An original piece that no one else owns ... the pleasure of an afternoon socializing surrounded by pretty things ... supporting a local business instead of a chain store ... and of course, supporting the artists themselves--all without spending a mint:  those are exactly the elements I had in mind when creating Style Maniac's  mall-free, hassle-free, pour a glass of bubbly and enjoy the season Gift Guide.

So, how does this help you with your gift giving? First, I encourage you to seek out galleries, shows, exhibits in your own town.  Look for smaller pieces, emerging artists and student works for budget-friendly options.  No worrying about whether the gift will get to you in time--you can take it right off the wall!

Second, enjoy your own virtual gallery party from the comfort of your couch. I've arranged with Denise Fike, a wonderful artist and friend, to offer a special holiday discount just for Style Maniac readers.  Browse through the Denise Fike Etsy Shop and then take 20% off any item until the end of this month.  She offers fashion plates, paintings textured with vintage wallpapers and new collage cards.  The 5" by 7" cards, based on Denise's paintings with vintage velvet papers hand-applied, are made to order, shipped the next day and an absolute steal at 10 bucks.  Frame them and you have a work of art for less than lunch at the mall!

GIVE THE GIFT OF ART:

Enjoy 20% off any item in Denise Fike's Etsy Shop from now through December 31, 2010. 

Use code "stylemaniac."

Eve fashion collage and painting courtesy Denise Fike.

STYLE MANIAC's mall-free, hassle-free, pour a glass of bubbly & enjoy the season GIFT GUIDE

It's something of a joke in my family that I open gifts the second I receive them.  But truth be told I enjoy giving gifts more than getting them.  Figuring out the perfect present, wrapping it up pretty and, particularly in the case of my six nieces, reveling in the squeals of delight as they are opened.  Good stuff.

What I don't enjoy: fighting crowds, mall fatigue, and January holiday hangovers because you spent too much.  None of which is necessary.  As with style in fashion and decor, a great gift is so much more about thought and originality than money and status quo.  So, kick off your glitter heels, girls and pour a glass of bubbly.  Sink into your sofa, place your laptop nearby and settle in for a mall-free, hassle-free, enjoy the true spirit of the season holiday gift guide ... all week on Style Maniac.

I like to choose a color scheme for my holiday gifts--one that complements either my decor or the recipient's.  Wouldn't this peacock plume package look wonderful with the Peacock Blue & Burnished Gold holiday color recipe you all loved? By Nicholas Kniel, author of  Ribbon: The Art of Adornment, as seen in Traditional Home Magazine.