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.

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.

KICKING OFF MY ONLINE SHOES THIS WEEK

I'd like to tell you I'm heading off to Santorini or St. Barths or the shores of Trancoso.  But I'm really just kicking off my online shoes for a little break from the virtual world.  Taking time to delve into offline projects and unglue my eyes from glaring screens.  Next week I'll return, oh so ready to welcome Spring.  In the meantime, I leave you with this link to some lovely sunny locales ... and a few archive posts shared on the Style Maniac Facebook Page.  Hope you all have a wonderful week.

BY THE WAY ... To be alerted of new posts automatically, make sure you have subscribed to Style Maniac via email or RSS, or Follow via Google Friend Connect/Blogger Follow. Links in the sidebar.


Oscar de la Renta shoes via Oscar PR Girl

MAGIC WAND, anyone?

March, advises Frederic Fekkai in his book A Year of Style,  is the time to "clarify your look and re-create yourself."  Clarify and re-create, indeed.  While I'd love to have the sunny glow and carefree swagger of this model from his book, right now I'm feeling more like the old crone from the Wizard of Oz, with sallow winter skin verging on green, hair frazzled from indoor heat and feet not fit for public appearance.  Yes, I need a makeover from head to toe to get me into Spring shape.  Alas, there's no fairy godmother waving her magic wand over me, so I'm going to have to do it myself.  An at-home facial is definitely in order, so I'll slather on Guinot's Masque Essentiel Nutri-Confort, my long-time quick fix for some "instant radiance" (and no, Guinot's not paying me to promote this).  Next I may try some of Mr. Fekkai's other advice, and replace my morning coffee with hot lemon water for a week.  Not exactly sure what that does, but saturating myself in Vitamin C certainly couldn't hurt.  Other than that, I'm in need of suggestions. 

Dear readers, please tell me:  How do you shake off winter and revive yourself for Spring?

SIGNS OF SPRING

Buds and birds have come to my city tree this week, a tantalizing sign of Spring.

Birds and Fruit by Michael Gallagher 

SPRING GIFT GUIDE: Father's Day

Father's Day may officially be part of spring, but after this weekend we'll all be thinking of summer.  Here's a fun recipe for a hot-weather gift to get your dad next month:  Mix one pair Reef "BYOB" flip flops with several colorful huggies with built-in cap opener.  Sprinkle in a mismatched six-pack of old favorites (Corona) and new discoveries (Lawnmower from Dogfish Head ).  Combine all inside a Soft Side Cooler by Horizon. Now Pop's set for the beach, the boat or the backyard.

Image via The Drunken Tailgate

COME RAIN or COME SHINE

spring style in any weather by Style Maniac

Everything you need to know about spring fashion you can learn from the Girl Scouts: "be prepared."  Dress in layers, toss an umbrella and a warm scarf in your bag, opt for chic waterproof flats should the sky look ominous.  Add a bright top and crazy necklace for color and pizzaz, and give a pair of dark denim leggings a try.  They're cheaper and more comfortable than jeans and they travel great, too.  (My faves, Denim Jeanz Capris by Hue, cost a third of the price of the Juicy Couture pair shown here.)

spring into summer by Style Maniac

If it's hot, switch accessories to fun espadrille sandals, a straw bag, a great pair of vintage sunglasses and statement earrings; an ensemble that will take you straight into summer.  Come rain, come shine, come chilly, come sultry, you're set.

PHILLY FAVORITE: Greensgrow Farms

From the moment you pass through the chain link fence of Greensgrow Farms delight and magic wash over you.  Grab a little red wagon, pour a cup of coffee and start crunching around the gravel paths to check out the organic produce in the farm market corner, the exotic tropicals in their steamy greenhouse, the cool shade alley, the riotous colors of the annual rows and the incongruity of the chicken pen.  Along the way pester the proprietress Mary with a million questions:  what to plant, when to plant it, what to feed it, where to feed yourself.  She'll answer in detail, never rushed, always making you feel welcome.  Greensgrow's mission is not just to grow plants but to "grow food, flowers and neighbors," and Mary and her team have succeeded, transforming a sour block in a gritty urban neighborhood into an oasis in the city. 

Greensgrow Farms also offers a CSA program, runs a community kitchen, teaches lessons in sustainable agriculture and responsible water use, and holds charming special events throughout the year. Come visit. Greensgrow Farms, 2501 E. Cumberland Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125

SPRING GIFT GUIDE: Brides & Birthdays

Recently I spent a delicious afternoon shopping the inventory of Good To Be You, a website owned by my friend and neighbor Lee Romano Sequeira that's filled with lovely finds for "the pampered princess in all of us." I left with an armful of birthday goodies for family and friends (and, yes, a little something for myself!), and found lots of items that would make perfect bridal shower gifts.  Two of my favorite picks:  the pretty Peacock Shoe Bag (shown above) and the clever Shemergency Survival Kit.  For the entire array visit GoodToBeYou.com.   

As a special perk for Style Maniac readers, take 10% off any item on the website through 6/30/10.  Just use code "STYLE10."  (Thanks, Lee.) Have fun shopping!

SPRING GIFT GUIDE: Gifts for Grads

Oh The Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss at your local bookstore and here.  Yellow patent leather passport case and luggage tags by Baekgaard.

FLOWER POWER

I didn't think I was a Liberty of London kind of gal, but their home and fashion collections for Target are so sweet they had me at hello.  Surprisingly, some goodies still remain online (including bikinis and that bicycle), with several items restocking in May/June and a few others on pre-order for September (so maybe this is an ongoing collaboration??).  An especially good steal: the acrylic box, above.  In person it looks like it cost three times the price. Just wish I had snagged the adorable gardening gloves and (regular size) watering can when I saw them in March!

SPRING GIFT GUIDE: Mother's Day

Part One of Style Maniac's Spring Gift Guide: a suggestion just in time for mother's day.  Check back every Friday this month and discover great gift ideas for grads, dads, brides and birthdays.

For mothers, for daughters, for any woman you love--Jaime Morrison Curtis' new book Prudent Advice: Lessons for My Baby Daughter (A Life List for Every Woman) based on her profound and touching blog. Particularly perfect as a last minute gift find since the book is on pre-order.  So print out the cover image above, place it in a pretty frame, add a massive bouquet of white tulips* and tell your mom she'll be one of the first to get this new treasure that, as one reviewer noted, "eschews the obvious and embraces instead the importance of qualities like curiosity, wonder, adventurousness, and empathy."

*If you live close to your mom, you don't need to rely on a florist for a beautiful bouquet.  High-end grocery stores like Whole Foods have surprisingly good selections. Just remember to buy a lot of the same color flowers --for tulips at least three dozen--so the arrangement is luxuriously abundant.  And please, no filler greens!  (For tips on how to keep flowers fresh longer see this coming Monday's post.)

FIESTA

Some Cinco de Mayo celebration inspiration.  Salud!  {To hear some of the tracks on my Creede Cantina playlist visit twt.fm/stylemaniac.  For my favorite Mexican cookbook click here. And to raise awareness of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill share this.}


Images 1, 3, 4 from InStyle Magazine.  Image 2 by Doreen Creede..  Image 5 by Doreen Creede/The Redecorators LLC.  Image 6  from Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic. 

SPRING STYLE IN ANY WEATHER

Although spring in my corner of the world oscillates wildly from wintry coolness to summer sultriness, this year I'm determined to celebrate spring before rushing headlong into the next season.  So come visit this month and discover Spring Style in flowers, music, art, special celebrations and the first ever Style Maniac Spring Gift Guide.

Photo from A Passion for Flowers by Carolyne Roehm

iPHONES IN THE GRASS

Couldn't resist--I just had to buy this cute charging station. So much nicer than the typical tangled mess of technology.  Plus it just makes me smile!

Charging Station from kikkerlandshop.com. Discovered in Caroline Tiger's "LifeStyle" column for The Philadelphia Inquirer.