How Fabulous Is That!

Consider this first post a disclaimer. I am one of the founders of a company known as FabulousStationery.com.

Sending an email to thank someone for a lovely dinner is just wrong. In fact, there's nothing lovely about it. So true to my partner's form - if you can't find something Fabulous, make it. And that we did. We don't like traditional styles, we're modernists and there wasn't anything in the realm of personalized note cards we liked. So we designed our own. And now FabulousStationery.com offers hundreds of personalized modern designs with a really nifty free return address option at no additional charge. Starting at $35 a set.

How's this for Fabulous, save $10 with this exclusive discount code you use at checkout: SquidFriend *the only catch is that you have to spend a minimum of $25.

Listen, this is my all-time Fabulous find of the week. Invented by Pure Digital Technologies, this new wave video camera is called Flip. It is about the size of a Blackberry Pearl or a basic cell phone. It has four buttons total including the power button. There is no media, just a hard drive that you fill up and erase at the touch of a button. It is remarkably simple and the image quality is Fabulous. No settings, no flash - nada. Just point, shoot and flip out the USB to save to your computer, email or upload directly to youtube. It works with PC and Mac and has all of the software, including an editing package right in the camera. It even includes a cord to play your video right through the TV. Here's the best part: Suggested retail selling price starts at $119.99 but they are all over ebay and amazon starting at $102. Start shooting something wicked as soon as you can - it's a blast.

We fell in love with these white square plates at a super hip restaurant. A quick flip reveled a hallmark on the bottom: Rosenthal. Naturally. It didn't take more that a quick google search to find out that that these Fabulous Rosenthal plates are quite pricey. There were a few less expensive alternatives, including an offering by Target, but in person, most had hard edges or a more traditional lip and they just didn't cut it. The Rosenthal dishes were much softer, more organic and simply looked beautiful.

On a recent trip to Ikea, we were stopped dead in our tracks by an entire wall of square dishes very much like the Rosenthal ones. They are part of a collection called "365" which offered twenty or more assorted pieces in various colors and sizes. They are totally Fabulous and most pieces are priced between $2.99 and $3.99 each. A four-piece place setting for twelve costs less than one place setting of the Rosenthal style.

And as an added bonus, a pile of poo looks like a work of art on these ultra cheap, ultra Fabulous plates.

When I was a kid buying a belt meant walking into a department store and picking one off of a carousel. You would generally get a choice of straps; black, brown or cordovan. Buckles sported a lovely gold tone finish - designed more for function than form.

It really makes a difference to think about buckles and straps as two distinct objects. Buying them independently let's you mix things up, so your favorite buckle is no longer married to a brown strap. Many fine straps are now made with a snap, so you can change buckles easily. I collect mostly sterling silver buckles and my new favorite came from the Fabulous Jeff_Deegan (pictured). Sure, he has some more traditional buckles and they are great too - it's simply a matter of style.

I tend to buy buckles that fit a 1.5-inch strap, which is a good size for me. If you want a beautiful strap you can find my favs at J.W.Cooper. Fine hand stitched leather straps start around $120. You can also find a ton of straps at Solesu. These are not even close in quality but they look decent, are very sturdy and come in over a dozen colors. What is Fabulous about them is the price - most straps start at $25 and include a free boring buckle that snaps off for easy removal - and disposal.

Chances are, if you live in Canada Lululemon is already in your closet.

About a year ago friends of ours came to visit from Toronto. They both get off the plane looking very chic and sporty in black Pradaesque looking track suits. After more than one compliment I get the full story about Lululemon. It's a line of active wear designed for yoga. Yoga? The last thing yoga brings to mind is fashion. A contradiction in terms? Maybe. But somehow these people got it right.

Luon is their own signature fabric, consisting of a 86% nylon and 14% Lycra blend. It's softer than cotton, machine washable, pre-shrunk and looks like a million dollars in the gym or shopping in Neiman Marcus. I have the men's Sporto jacket (pictured) and Kung Fu pants in black. I wore lulu on the plane to and from Italy, and even on the streets of Milan. I have washed and worn them for a year and they still look fabulous. Of course, I have already added a few more pieces including the Day to Day Zip Up, which puts my Prada to shame. Really.

UPDATE: The company informs me that they have a new policy - stores can no longer ship orders. They also don't sell on-line. They do however have an archaic toll free phone number you can call, which never has anything in my experience. How much do you have to want something if you can only get it by driving cross town or to another city? Not that much.

For me comfort is the single most important attribute when it comes to clothing. Sure, clothing has to look great, fit properly and be well made, but if it doesn't feel Fabulous - forget it.

I love really soft wonderful t-shits and while there are lots of great ones Velvet Men is my favorite by far. They sell direct in limited colors but you can find them on-line easily. My favorite style is the Ashkan (pictured), a long sleeve double-layer shirt that feels fantastic.

A few years ago we found the most wonderful perfumery in Florence. Officina Santa Maria Novella. Located in an old church, you know the moment you walk in the door that these people take their craft very seriously. Dozens of scents each one available in three different strengths, from a basic cologne to a XXX extract. I found my favorite, a classic Verbena, but the Sicily Water was a very close second. How fantastic to find something so rare - I was certain nobody else would ever find it.

Ruh-roh. Good for everyone else not so great for me. Suddenly New York has it's very own Santa Maria Novella store and most products are available right online at: Santa Maria Novella. The cologne is delicious but the absolute must have is the potpourri. I didn't picture it because it kind of looks like something naughty. Pictured instead is the Verbena Cologne. Here are a few words from the site about the marvelous potpourri:

Scrupulously handmade using ancient methods, this incredibly long-lasting, beautifully fragrant potpourri is a full-bodied blend of herbs and flowers (a secret formula), all grown without pesticides in the Florentine hills exclusively for Santa Maria Novella. Each batch is collected by hand in then soaked in essence in enormous, centuries-old earthenware jars, sealed with wax, then aged for several months, and carefully packaged as it has been for centuries.

I have been collecting the work of Vasa for many years. The work is spectacular and is included in the Museum of Modern Art and many other museums around the world. A touch of color that delights the senses. Pictured "Three Cubes" $260. About Vasa:

A senior Professor of Design at the University of California, Los Angeles, Vasa is an innovative, internationally known sculptor whose creative work explores the three dimensional interactions of light and color. With an advanced understanding of optical complexities, Vasa has become, in the words of Henry Seldis, former art critic of The Los Angeles Times, "the most sensuous and sensational colorist of the southern California artists working in plastic."

Influenced by the major changes taking place in art in the United States and especially in Los Angeles, Vasa began working in three-dimensional painted constructions in 1964. This work was first shown in January, 1966 in the Feigen-Palmer Gallery in Los Angeles and that same year was included in the exhibit American Sculptures of the Sixties at the Los Angeles County Art Museum and other museum and university exhibits.

I remember seeing the amazing Aurora Clock (pictured) at a friends house when I was a kid. At the time I thought it was the coolest things I ever saw - I still do. After searching for a long time, I finally found this guy that restores and makes not only the Aurora, but several other very cool modern clocks.

This Aurora is an updated version of the beautiful classic from the 70's. Many versions of it have been in production for over 25 years. Its classic contemporary design has also honored by the Museum of Modern Art.

UPDATE 04.08.2008 ADDITIONAL 10% OFF ON OVERSTOCK.COM!

My opinion is that a watch is a man's most important accessory. A watch says something about a man, so it's important to select a watch that is consistent with your style. I have several watches and one of my favorites, a Daniel Jean Richard came from Overstock.com. Actually, it is now simply Jean Richard. Somehow, for reasons I have not researched, the company decided to drop the "Daniel" in lieu of the shorter Jean Richard. This might be one reason Overstock has a good assortment at 60% off or more.

Of course, with discounters like Overstock the merchandise can move quickly, but I bought mine last year, and suddenly a dozen new styles popped back up. But there are always fine watched at deep discounts on Overstock. While the discounts aren't as deep on luxury watches at other on-line retailers, you can often get 20 to 30% off depending on the price, brand and retailer. Another favorite is Maurice Lacroix, there is always a fantastic selection at About Time.

UPDATE: I received the watch and it is more fabulous than I ever imagined! Seems like there are lots more, check them out.

Well, at least a rendition of his style does. Now anyone can have a portrait in the style of a pop art master courtesy of AllPopArt.com (pictured). The pop styles really are "in the manner of"one would say, the contemporary masters. Of course Warhol didn't make paintings or prints of ugly people - but hey, for 300 bucks these people will make a pop rendition of grandma or your dog!

Of course these aren't the only people to do pop knockoffs. Personally I prefer You Are Art, a company I found in the UK some time ago. I commissioned a portrait of my friend's dog Larry and I have to say - it was pretty Fabulous. If you get a large size (40" x 40" ish) stretched on canvas, it's going to cost you $500 or more, but it's fun and certainly better than a poster. Check out the Warhol style, it's pretty authentic and they give you a wide selection of proofs in various colors to choose from.

Underwear can be so overrated. I remember in the 80's when Calvin's became the first readily available sexy underwear for men. I bought them and so did millions of other American men. Then came 2 Xist, and a slew of others. Men's underwear was finally out of the tighty-whitey closet. With the internet came companies like Audace, who introduced us to Hanro and exotic brands sporting price tags up to $40 a pair. That was fun for about a minute, then it just got expensive.

H&M comes to the rescue. In a store where $9 and $12 shirts are abundant, I was surprised to find my favorite style of short boxer briefs for $20 a pack (3 to a pack). Kinda seemed expensive relative to the cost of everything else. But as I stood there staring at a sea of undies I realized, if they were any good, it would be a bargain. So I took a flier on a 3 pack. They are better than good, they are fantastic (sorry, I can't get myself to call underwear Fabulous in any way, shape or form). Soft, comfortable and well made - it's now the only brand I wear. H&M is tricky, but that is a whole other post. For now, let's just say the underwear is a steal.

If you are fortunate enough to own a Missoni original, consider yourself one of the privileged few. In my opinion, Missoni makes some of the most spectacular knits in the world. I have Missioni garments that are over ten years old, but look as fresh and special as they did when they were new.

Missoni started out as a small family-owned store, run by Rosita and Ottavio Missoni over fifty years ago. Ottavio started his career by producing tracksuits for the Italian national team. Five years later they married and moved to Milan. There, they started a workshop designing knitwear. They premiered their collections in 1964. Their designs have become famous thanks to their colorful patterns and stripes on wide-ranging fabrics.

The house of Mission has since been passed on to their children. Angela Missoni is the Creative Director And has brought a fresh perspective to the classic style. While the styles have been renewed, they still retain their trademark design, which is colorful patterns, stripes, and the liberal use of many different fabrics. Their designs are made of twenty different fabrics such as wool, cotton, linen, rayon and silk and forty colors.

FOOTNOTE: Missoni isn't the only house showing hats for men, more on that in my next post.

For years Bottega Veneta was know for it's sumptuous leather goods, but Bottega has reinvented itself with a rich line of ready to wear. Of course their leather goods are still as remarkable as ever, but noticing yet another bowler hat on the runway inspired me to post about Bottega. Some back story:

Bottega Veneta was launched by Vittorio and Laura Moltedo in 1966. It developed as a family business of luxury leather accessories in Vicenza, near Venice. By the 1990s, interest in the brand declined and in 2000, British Designer Giles Deacon was employed to shake-up the languishing house and the Bottega Veneta Ready-To-Wear line was launched. Deacon's acclaimed strong, irreverent, but ultimately wearable designs helped "BV" achieve previously unreached levels of success.

When Tom Ford persuaded Gucci Group to buy out Bottega Veneta, Giles Deacon was replaced by Tomas Maier, whose aesthetic is far more neutral and understated. Interest in the brand continued to grow and Bottega Veneta is now, once again, considered to be a major player in the luxury leather goods market. Bottega is most known for its hand-woven leather goods (bags, belts, and shoes). The finest leathers are used and they are handcrafted in Italy. At $2,000+, the typical current Bottega bag boasts clean lines, the softest Intreciatto woven leathers, and a classic palette.

Here is a real treat - the Satsuma Tangerine. Available through late February to early March, they not only taste like dew of the gods, but the five pound bag with leaves attached looks so elegant it would turn even Martha's head. Fresh cut flowers are dead in a few days, these last a week or more. Take a flier. A bowl of these not only looks Fabulous, and smells fabulous even if you don't eat one. But you know you will. Warning: You may get addicted and eat five at a sitting. Here's a bit from the website:

Outstandingly sweet and juicy, Satsuma Tangerines have thin, easy-to-peel skin and almost no seeds. Originally developed in the province of Satsuma, Japan, these small, bright orange citrus are low in calories, high in vitamin c, and the perfect size for a delicious snack.

This item is perishable and ships 2nd Day. Product pricing includes 2nd Day shipping upgrade (Standard shipping rates still apply). In essence, for 5 pounds of these gems, the freight is almost 9 bucks.

As if Eero Aarnio's classic Ball Chair wasn't fun enough already, the folks at InMod have come up with a nifty idea to take this mid-century classic to a whole new level. Now you can customize a Ball Chair in almost any color combination.

Choose from a variety of fabrics for the interior, and over three dozen exterior colors. And if you really want to go nuts, they even have an audio configuration, including MP3 capabilities.

So whether you're looking for a truly accurate reproduction of Eero Aarnio's Ball Chair, or an enhanced model complete with surround sound integration, Inmod offers it all at unbeatable quality & prices.

Deborah Turbeville is an internationally acclaimed photographer, who is credited with changing the face of fashion photography. She established her reputation with highly original work that is both visionary and immediately recognizable.

An influential and prominent figure in contemporary photography, her evocative images are published in numerous books and feature regularly in major fashion magazines.

Turbeville's photographs are widely exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the world. Her signature style, of creating unique narratives is poetic and timeless. Three Nudes was photographed at Luxor Bath House in the south of France in 1986. The suite of three hand-numbered, hand-signed chromogenic prints has an edition size of 35, with 10 AP's. The sheet paper size is 20 inches x 24 inches / 51 cm x 61 cm.

It's not so easy for men to wear diamonds. I don't mean the kind of rings our father's wore, like tiger eye or onyx rings with a few accent stones - I mean diamonds, diamonds. Rings that are ALL diamonds.

That's what I thought until I discovered something that really works for me - eternity bands. Simple bands of diamonds (or other semi-precious stones) that go all the way around. Unfortunately, many eternity bands are designed for women, detailed with fancy prongs and etching. But you can find really minimal setting with channel set stones, you would be pleasantly surprised at how not-feminine these rings can be. I really love Juno Jewelry. They have a large assortment of eternity bands and they will custom make almost anything. The prices are great and quality is top notch.

Pictured (not found on the site) is a diamond baguette band they made custom for me. Since purchasing this I have also purchased some thinner, channel set square (princess) stone rings in black diamonds, sapphires and rubies. These simple eternity bands are very versatile. The are almost like a modular system, so you can mix and match, or put two of them on either side of another ring - for a little added bling.

My first completely utilitarian post. One might suspect that a skin care product posted here would be the likes of La Mer - unarguably fabulous, but known by many. This miracle cream (not for the face) will make sandpaper feel like a baby's bottom in no time flat. It's not glamorous, but it works like magic. Cutemol is positively the most effective skin care product made. Try it, really.

Says the maker: Rich emollient for the most severe dry skin. Effective for, but not limited to, dry hands from frequent washing; dry, brittle nails and damaged cuticles; split fingertips and heels; severe dryness associated with eczema and psoriasis.

Okay, I admit it, I am a total watch freak. Although I have many favorite brands, I have been getting a litte too comfortable at Atlantic Time. The prices are fantastic and I just added another JeanRichard to my collection. Most of my watches are on straps, but I felt the need to add one Richard on a bracelet. And it's fantastic.

Formerly Daniel Jean-Richard, this company is the more moderately priced sister firm to Girard-Perregaux (sensational brand if you're into making a serious financial commitment). Its name refers to an innovator in Swiss watchmaking. With all Swiss-made products, Jean Richard's cushion-shaped TV Screen model has come to be its trademark look. Most recently, it has cemented its name as a watchmaker with the rare ability to create a movement entirely in-house.

A few years ago at Christmas time, I received a gift from a a very fancy magazine publisher we do a great deal of business with. I put it in the pile of freebies and and took it home. A few days later I discover this big fat candle. Into the re-gift pile it went. I'm not a big scented candle fan. The next day an associate asks me "did you get the candle?" "Yeah", I replied, "can you believe that?" "It's a Tocca Candle she says... they're fabulous, probably cost 50 bucks". To say the least I snatched it back out of the box in a jiffy. She was right. I have been buying them ever since. My favorite scent is Portofino, but they must have at least a few dozen scents. Treat yourself, you'll be hooked. Worry not, while they are expensive they are not 50 bucks. The large size runs about $35 and the smaller ones $16.

From the site: Tocca Portofino candle transports one to the colorful shores of Portofino, where the air comes alive with the essence of Wintersweet mingling with a salty seaside breeze. An invigorating white floral fragrance that pulses with the synergy of land and sea, flowers and water.

I love nuts. Cashews, pistachios and of course macadamia (sure, they are almost 100% calories from fat!). I like peanuts but they were never my first choice - until now. Enter The Peanut Shop. Below is the pitch from their site - and if you get on their mailing list they often have sales, and when they do I suggest you go right for the 40 oz. can. It is the best value and they'll be gone in no time. They have a process that involves blanching the nuts in water first, this gives them a remarkably flavorful and crunchy texture. Read on...

Although there have been many changes since The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg first opened its doors, what hasn't changed is the extraordinary, crunchy flavor resulting from time honored roasting methods. Peanut Shop peanuts still achieve their legendary flavor and crunchiness as a result of time honored cooking practices. We begin with only premium quality, super extra large Virginia peanuts, hand selected for their size. These peanuts are first water blanched, which gives them their fresh & unique crunchiness, and then small batch roasted in 100% pure peanut oil under the direct supervision of our Roastmaster. They are carefully vacuum packaged and held in our climatized storage facility and then shipped directly to you; only when you, our valued customers, need them.

I think on-line discounters like bluefly.com and Yoox.com have been growing in popularity because they closely simulate the off-line retail experience. Clothing organized by designer, genre, etc. It's familiar and people know how to navigate through this simple type of site architecture.

But now a new group of e-tailers have hit the scene with a whole new business model that utilizes the internet to the max. The first of these sites I found is Rue La La. Like it's competitor Gilt Groupe, It's a member only site that launches designer boutiques for a very limited time - each boutique is usually open for only about 24 to 48 hours. Limited quantities of every item are posted, and as each minutes pases on the site's countdown clock the race is on to buy before your fabulous find is sold out. Quick, hurry! Time is running out and "sold out" signs are popping up everywhere! Man, this business model is fierce!

These smart new sites are designed to take our "bargain hunting passions" and use them against us. The hidden treasure is right before your eyes - quick, grab it while you can, if you can get it that is...

No, I am not in the potato chip business and I don't own stock in this company. I am however very conscious about what I eat. Being of a "certain age" it has become much more difficult to eat what I like and maintain my weight. And I down right refuse to eat food that doesn't taste good, or that has a bunch of chemicals in it. I would rather be careful, eat less and eat clean, but enjoy what I eat.

Having said all of that, my biggest downfall, the thing I love most, are salty snacks. And that's really a challenge because most of the baked chips don't do much for me at all. An occasional baked nacho maybe - but it's really not even worth it. But I found something that is almost too good to be true. Found at SnackAisle,com are these amazing Kettle Bakes. Listen, I am not kidding, these are so fantastic you won't believe it. They come in a honey bar-b-que as well (very good) but the standard chip is a hit. AND, they even come in 100 calorie packs, which is a shockingly decent size serving. A 100 calorie bag is 2.5 grams of fat, no cholesterol, no sugar and no trans fats. In fact, they have 2 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber. How can they be good you ask? Just try them. The ingredients are potatoes, salt and safflower oil. Period.

What a nice first impression. Leave them with all the contact information you like with modern personalized Calling Cards from FabulousStationery.com.

Our Calling Cards make the perfect introduction. Calling Cards from FabulousStationery.com are perfect for consultants or small businesses - they even make great Mommy Cards! Pick a design that reflects your personal style, choose the copy and color. Be creative and have fun!

Chose from 50 designs, each one in three different color combinations. And of course all of our Calling cards offer matching Note Cards, so having a coordinated writing wardrobe is easier than ever. Whether for work or play, there's nothing like a colorful designer card to seal the deal. So show the world how fabulous you are - and how to find you.

I stumbled upon the website of Kyle Bunting Rugs no so long ago. I must have gone back to the site a dozen times because I was in such awe with his work. All of his rugs utilize hides, natural and dyed, cut and masterfully put together to create and exciting and dramatic work of art. And although I bet you are thinking these rugs are not durable - quite the opposite. The variation in pattern and grain makes them wear as good as they look. Not mention, they are very pet friendly!

From the site: With their groundbreaking collection, Kyle Bunting is redefining how hide is used in interior applications. Recognized foremost for their collection of luxury hide carpets & wall coverings, the company also supplies hides for architectural and upholstery applications. Since its inception, the company has completed thousands of projects for design professionals and private clients throughout the world. Today, Kyle and his team of contributing designers operate and find inspiration in their design studio outside Austin in the Texas Hill Country.