Can peace and tranquility for your baby be found at the bottom of Laron Algren’s rocker? I would like to think so. One look at his Maloof inspired nanny rocker and any city dweller would be fantasizing about a life where they could raise a child in the city, with all the comforts of country living -- like sharing a sunset or a sweet southern breeze with a fashionable infant nestled in a George et Rosalie ‘Gigoteuse’. This fantasy is hardly likely living in a metropolis where breezes tend not to carry the smells of anything sweet, and sunsets are reserved for those with the hi-rises to afford them.
Laron Algren was introduced to wood working as a child by his father, and after years experience -- which includes: remodeling, construction, renovating and receiving a B.S. in industrial engineering from Wright State University -- he started crafting home furnishings, specifically rockers and cradles. His nanny rocker, made from curly quatersawn white oak, is one of his more interesting pieces, simply because it is a ‘throw-back’ design not often seen in contemporary urban furnishings. Worth every bit of it $5,000 price tag, because like most of Algren’s designs, it is handcrafted. A close second -- and definitely buzz worthy piece -- is his black walnut swing cradle, which retails for about $4,000. Both items can be available in a variety of woods, and are purchasable by contacting Algren himself through his website.
I am pairing the sleek design of Laron Algren with the quirky and imaginative bedding of George et Rosalie . Their full range of blankets and nursery accessories would be a colorful and playful accent to Algren’s clean lines. Though George et Rosalie are located a world apart from Algren --
In a world where internet ordering offers you the opportunity to buy a cradle in
Places to buy:
*Laron Algren’s Nanny Rocker and Crib
*George et Rosalie Gigoteuse ‘Cirque’
*George et Rosalie Couverture ‘Hibou’
Labels: Decor
Nothing like a recession to make people who weren’t looking to bike ride, pick up their two-wheeled vehicle again. The long lost friend that some have given up with childhood, and others when they got their driver’s license, is making an re-appearance on mean city streets -- more flexible, and in some cases more fashionable.
Flexing its little muscles, the Strida 5.0 is the perfect portable bike. This bikes major features isn’t its available candy-coated colors (though they are adorable), but rather its ability to fold up like a fortune cookie. At 10kg (around 22lbs), it not something you can sling on your shoulder and carry like a yoga mat, but it does allow you to tuck it away in small discreet places -- like under your desk at the office, or in the closet of your apartment.
Not so muscular, but entirely fashionable, is Electra’s Alexander Girard 3i. This bike can not fold (and if it does you should consider returning it), will not fit under your desk or in your closet – but it is PRETTY. Sure it is also a good quality bike, made by one of Amsterdam’s top bike manufacturers, but most will probably buy it for two reasons: 1) the designs is adorable, and 2) it rides like a dream. This bike epitomizes every nostalgic movie where the star is bike riding through some random French country side (maybe with a basket filled with bread, cheese and wine, all of which she bought at the market from a guy named Jacques).
Both the Strida and Electra bike hover around the $900 mark, give or take a few dollars depending on the store. For those who do not want to fork over that kind of money to ride ‘alla fresca’, a lot of cities have places you can rent a bike -- for example New York City, Paris, Amsterdam, London, Milan -- just to name a few.
Labels: Wheels
This spring is all about chunky jewels keeping an otherwise demure frock rockin’. I must admit that I am an unintentional jewelry minimalist --normally sticking to studs -- simply because I have been cursed by the gods with small wrists, hands and fingers, which are always too small for bangles and cocktail rings. But this spring I am revolutionizing my wardrobe by bringing out the ‘big guns’ when it come to jewelry -- which will hopefully take over the BB guns currently in my jewelry box . So here is my wish-list -- a.k.a must haves -- for spring:
Belgian designer Dries Van Noten’s spring 2009 collection includes some of the most sought after jewelry. Every magazine from Harper’s Bazaar to Teen Vogue has made his ball clusters necklaces, bracelets and rings a ‘must-have’, and I am also jumping on the ball bandwagon. But with prices ranging from £275.00 - £1600.00, Dries Van Noten’s balls might be more of a fantasy than a reality.
Shine and sparkle are the two words most associated with Brazilian jewelry designer Simone Coste. Her ‘Organic Shaped’ ring, made out of black onyx and polished yellow gold seem designed to be more an extension of your finger than an ornament – a shiny, luxurious, $3,885.00 appendage.
I am inventing a reason to add Stella McCartney’s ‘Cherry’ sandals to the mix of my spring bobble picks. And in my defense, they do have shiny gold cherries dangling off of them. It is impossible of me not to include shoes in a wish list, and these beauties --which cost about £445.00 -- are worth breaking the rules.
Pairing my bobbles with everything from jeans and a t-shirt to a cocktail dress, there will be no ring too shiny, no bracelet too gaudy, no necklace too encrusted to infiltrate my wardrobe. Though I will only be wearing one chunky piece at a time, as to not upset the fashion gods.
Dries Van Noten’s Two Ball Paired Ring
Stella McCartney’s T-Bar Sandal with Cherry Details
Simone Coste’s Organic shape ring
Anton Heunis’s Five Cluster Bracelet
Labels: Style
Style: Leifsdottir’s ode to spring
0 Comments Published by *ms.b on Sunday, April 5, 2009 at 6:40 PM.
How do you pronounce Leifsdottir? That was the thought that came to mind when happening upon their collection at Bloomingdales. I had never heard of it, and was scared to even pronounce at the risk of sounding like a country bumpkin -- it so I just pointed politely when the saleswoman came around to help me find my size.
If spring was personified, I think she would wear the Leifsdottir’s spring 2009 collection. After all, it is so apparent that just as Edie Sedgwick inspired Andy Warhol, Mother Nature was Leifsdottir’s muse. The blouses seem to bloom with floral appliqué, the jackets burst with color, and the dresses inspire the desire to promenade through the park on a misty, yet fresh day. I am not sure what type of spring Johanna Uurasjarvi has experienced in her native
Design director of Anthropologie, Johanna Uurasjarvi, created Leifsdottir to be Anthropologie’s older more sophisticated sister. So, I guess if ‘Anthropologie’ was roaming through a flea market, ‘Leifsdottir’ would be at an antique auction. Emphasizing on tailoring, elaborate trims, and an impeccable attention to detail, makes the Leifsdottir madam more inclined to riding around in a vintage car, while the Anthropologie mademoiselle would more than likely be riding her vintage bike. You get the picture, and if you don’t you can visit Anthropologie’s website where both collections are available to peruse, scrutinize and of course buy.
Labels: Style