One of the most frequent questions you are asking us is 'do you have a real store'? The quick answer is no. At least not yet. But instead we'll be experimenting with different retail formats over the coming months and then, who knows, we might just be 'real'... In the meantime though you'll be hearing from us in regular intervals about upcoming events. The next will be a shop-in-shop here in San Francisco, so if you are around come end of the month, you can pop by and say hello for real!
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Stuck In A Jam
We prefer the term “jam” over “rut.” You see, we’ve been eating the same apricot jam for years and, although we love a good berry preserve, we haven’t found one that’s worthy. Full disclosure: this jam is made with flavorful Marion Blackberries with rich, sweet flavor. The seeds have been removed and the jam is slowly cooked in small, open kettles to assure consistently delicious flavor. This home-style recipe uses only pure cane sugar to sweeten and enhance the natural flavor of the blackberries. Hmmm. Did someone say jam? Suddenly, breakfast is suddenly a lot less boring.Neighbourhood Magazine Rack
The magazine stand 'In the Neighbourhood' is inspired by super urban cities. The character of the stand is changing in relation to how full it is and the angle of the viewer. When it is completely empty you can see the skyline.
Some Buttah
Gourmands tell us our pantries aren’t complete without Plantin’s rich White Truffle Butter, which fuses all of the complex and intense flavors of a sublime French truffle (duh). Add it to anything, from toast and pasta to risotto and mashed potatoes. But be forewarned: a little goes a long way (this makes it great for a budget-wise chef). For optimal flavor, add it to your recipe towards the end of the cooking process. Bon appetite!Caravaggio
Cecilie Manz has completed the Caravaggio family with a table lamp, a floor lamp and a pendant with a shade made of opal glass. These new models will be presented for the first time at light+building in Frankfurt. Cecilie Manz launched her co-operation with Lightyears in 2005 on a large scale with the Caravaggio pendant lamp. Since then, Caravaggio has been developed as a total of five versions, and now the Caravaggio family has been made complete by the addition of a Caravaggio table lamp and floor lamp and the Caravaggio Opal pendant, with its opal glass shade.Raw Sex Appeal
Sexy isn’t contrived. Case in point: Zadig & Voltaire. The “casually refined” line radiates raw, effortless sensuality with choice materials: cashmere, washed silk, satin, lace and sumptuous iridescent leathers give each piece a rock ‘n roll swagger. Slouchy silhouettes are the hallmark of the collections and some of our favorite pieces are embroidered with messages or glittered skulls (yes, the skull trend is still going strong). We double dog dare you to make like the models on the web site and wear a scarf strategically draped over bare breasts.Caviar, Anyone?
So, it turns out Tobico (Tobikko, Tobiko) is the Japanese word for the fish roe used to create certain types of sushi. The flavor of these “chewy” black eggs is delicate and refreshing with light grains evocative of a fresh ocean breeze. Light. Tiny. Glossy. If only you’d paid attention in sushi-making classes you could figure out how to sculpt them into an edible masterpiece. Or you could just serve them on crackers with a bit of paté. You rebel.
A Tray With a Touch of Sweden
Every Swede knows the black and white setting of Sergels Torg in Stockholm. Now you can enjoy Jörgen Kjaergaards pattern at home. Martin Norrlind's tray works for your canapés at a party or for serving coffee from to your relatives. Designer: Martin Norrlind and Barbro Tryberg
Makin’ Whoopies
Have you had some quality whoopie lately? Oh, take your minds out of the gutter, we’re referring to Whoopie pies. According to legend, Pennsylvania Dutch children found these cream cheese cookie cakes so tasty they'd cry "whoopie!” We tried them and it’s safe to say we understand their excitement. Dean and Deluca’s are made to order and shipped fresh to you in three flavors.Cure for the Common Complexion
Sit through the salad course at a dinner party thrown by San Francisco’s elite and the conversation inevitably turns to beauty (interior design is discussed over dessert). This is how we heard about Illuminata, owned by esthetician Cynthia Quan. Mellow and sage (not to mention a master masseuse), Quan offers European facials that cater to a hurried crowd, as well as those who love to linger. This time of year, when the heat makes our sweat glands work overtime, clients adore the back treatment which includes cleansing, exfoliation, steam, extractions, mask and a rub down. Two consecutive treatments in one month and you’re on your way to wearing that LBD that bares all.
Animal shaped book mark
Reading will become just a bit more fun with a nice bookmark, instead of an old supermarket receipt. These bookmarks come in four motives: dog, camel, mouse or panther. Each carton comes with a booklet that tells the characters background. Give your reading some style. Designer: Mai Ono
Rugelach
Whether or not you’re adept at the pronunciation of this sweet treat, Rugelach is a delicious Euro tradition you’re bound to love. Think rich, flaky pastry dough evocative of baklava, with butter and cream cheese rolled and filled with raspberry filling. These particular pastries are near bite-sized (okay, make that three bites) and packed in a gift tin for any occasion. We like to nibble on them with coffee, black with no sugar.Sociale
Wander down a serene path, nestled just off Sacramento Street in Pac Heights and you’ll stumble upon Sociale, where the darling patio transports you to Italy by way of meticulously prepared food. Luglio, or “lunch,” is a treat that’s not to be wasted on work days when you only have an hour to burn. Though menus change often, a recent visit unearthed tuna salad made with poached olive oil tuna, seared scallops with strawberry, asparagus, fava bean salad, and candied fennel seed. Start with either, then progress to the Asparagus ravioli, braised duck penne or brick chicken. When you meander back down the path and into the world (buttons undone, no doubt) you’ll feel a bit more centered.Balms and Bliss
Tre Balm keeps the locals beautiful and blissed-out with decadent facials and massage inspired by old world apothecaries. Before a big event, social swans opt for the hyperbaric oxygen facial to calm and soothe while stimulating cell renewal. The result is a dewy, plumper-looking complexion. Gentlemen can partake of a special 70-minute ritual that combats fatigued skin, fine lines and razor burn.Rougish Rogan
Have a closet full of voluminous jeans, wide leg trousers and luxe t-shirts that embody a casual kind of opulence? You may adore New York-based Rogan, noted for advanced construction and wash-processing techniques. Also the designer behind Loomstate and Edun, Rogan Gregory produces t-shirts with poignant messages about New York City. If you’re not into tees (even though they are luxe), you might still want to snap these up to wear to bed.Woobling wool pillow
The stylish and generously large pillow, knitted in off-white wool, is part of the Wobbling Wool Collection, designed by the Swedish company Knitsbythemetre. Wobbling Wool Pillow is also available in black and grey.Elizabeth Charles Boutiques
Styled like an English sitting room and possessing a unique air of elegance, Elizabeth Charles boutiques offer high-end exports by Australian and Kiwi designers. Labels include Karen Walker, Megan Park, Beth Ellery, Lee Mathews and cult-favorite Lover. Kirrily Johnston maillots make a jaunt to the French Riviera—or simply a beach near you—mandatory this month (chilled sauvignon blanc makes trying them on that much more fun).Rock On
Band logos are plenty powerful. The mere glimpse of the tongue-and-lips trademark recalls many Rolling Stones concerts of our youth (those were the days). This design book captures 1,000 of the coolest, most influential rock, hip hop, metal, pop, reggae, and country music graphics spanning the 1960s to today. Bonus features include interviews with artists and presenting the extra large graphics over extended gatefolds. It makes a great gift for your music-loving peers.
Technorati Tags: books, Charles & Marie, design, music, Tragically Hip
Old School Rules
Our friends at Insound have launched a sleek new website offering some new items that are great for summer. We’re digging this totally retro monster portable iPod Boombox. Go old school by sliding your iPod, iPod Nano or iPod Mini into the so-called cassette deck. It will take you back to the good old days of Thriller and Digital Underground.
Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, gadget hip, ipod, Tragically Hip
Fear and Loathing
Conceptual artist Dido Velema’s provocative designer gas masks mix fashion with fear. Whether you loathe or love them, the message is loud and clear: Modern man is in a perpetual state of war—with other countries, and with himself since he may never be satisfied, despite his attempts to lavish himself with material objects. Velema uses the Gucci and Louis Vuitton logos on gas masks to call attention to this issue, assuming that enlightenment will help us all “breathe easier.”They’re currently for gallery purposes only, but we certainly won’t be surprised if we see them on the streets one day.
Technorati Tags: art, Charles & Marie, design, Tragically Hip
Puma Power
Live from New York: Puma The Black Store has kindly invited all of C&M’s readers to scope out the latest collection of Puma footwear by the venerable Alexander McQueen, as well as McQueen’s Bones installation inspired by the human skeletal structure. The event takes place from 1 to 5 pm on Saturday, March 29 and you’ll get 25% off your purchases just for attending. What a great way to kick start spring!
Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, fashion, hotspot, Marie's closet, Puma, Alexander McQueen, shoes, shopping, Tragically Hip
Rooftop Fun
As you may have already heard, San Diego's luxurious and decidedly modern Ivy Hotel is now reopened, after having undergone an $80 million makeover led by the designers of the W Hotel Los Angeles-Westwood. Each room spoils visitors with sleek beds made from walnut, travertine-tiled pampering spaces, and leather ottomans. However, the highlight is the rooftop deck at Eden Bar, replete with bar and sparkling pool overlooking the bustling Gaslamp Quarter (quite the place for partying) and Bay.
Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, hotels, hotspot, Tragically Hip
Sexy isn’t contrived. Case in point: Zadig & Voltaire. The “casually refined” line radiates raw, effortless sensuality with choice materials: cashmere, washed silk, satin, lace and sumptuous iridescent leathers give each piece a rock ‘n roll swagger. Slouchy silhouettes are the hallmark of the collections and some of our favorite pieces are embroidered with messages or glittered skulls (yes, the skull trend is still going strong). We double dog dare you to make like the models on the web site and wear a scarf strategically draped over bare breasts.
