In need of affordable eyewear? Have you heard of Spex Club? This company offers a good selection of affordable prescription eyewear for men and women.
Although Spex carries a variety of colours, it probably does not surprise anyone that I’m most attracted to all the white frames. The Spex collection feels like it was made just for me!
All images courtesy of Spex Club.
New York based Areaware is a manufacturer that brings to its customers a unique selection of well-designed products. Over 25 designers are connected to Areaware and its product range, in addition to being useful, is artful, eccentric, and often humorous. Part of Areaware’s mission is to create products which inspire an emotional response and which create dialogue between people and their everyday surroundings.
Harry Allen silicone keychain, $19
Harry Allen pill box, $12
Harry Allen bank in the form of a pig, $125
Jonas Damon clock, $130
Areaware products are available in countries around the world. Check the store listings here.
Images courtesy of Areaware.
Eataly New York: We sell what we cook. We cook what we sell.
After several years of planning, Oscar Farinetti, Mario Batali, and Lidia and Joe Bastianich partnered together to open Eataly in Manhattan in August 2010. Eataly is a space to shop for, to eat and to learn about delicious Italian food. According to the Eataly manifesto, food unites us all, brings us all together, and the source of the greatest joy is what happens around the dinner table. Indeed.
If you have already paid a visit to this immense food emporium, then you will have wandered around in amazement. Only steps from the Flatiron building, Eataly is an incredible source of authentic Italian food products and it encourages a very lively atmosphere (kind of reminds me of loud family dinners, actually). Although I found many of the products to be over-priced, Eataly remains one of the few places, if not the only one, to carry such a variety of true Italian eats!
Today I am sharing with you five photos from Eataly that my mom and I took on one of our most recent visits to NYC. For us, and hopefully for you, these photos are great reminders of Italy.
aqua minerale naturale (water)
Orzata was always a summer treat when I was a kid. It has a very distinct sweet taste.
Bialetti. No other espresso maker will do.
Mmm…chocolate torrone. The best ever.
How lucky are those New Yorkers who get to experience Eataly on a regular basis?
Photos by Jordana and FG. Pasta photo courtesy of Eataly.
I had a great visit at HomeSense last week. If I had an unlimited budget (and a mansion) I would have gone crazy and filled up my shopping cart with loads of goodies. Instead, I picked up a few pretty gifts for friends and family.
I think this collection of serving platters, bowls and cake stands is especially beautiful.
photo by Jordana at HomeSense
We’re finally getting warm weather where I live (well, it’s been two days)!
In the spirit of getting ready for summertime sunshine, today we are featuring five fabulous patio sets.
Somerset patio set, $249, Urban Barn
Barrow bistro collection, $149-$399, West Elm
Garden set, 1st Dibs
1940s wrought iron patio set, $2100, 1st Dibs
Mathieu Mategot for La Pave du Roi, 1950s, $7800, 1st Dibs
Keep your desk items tidy and add some style to your office with this desk organizer.
grassy desk organizer, 10.50GBP, Heal’s
Chicago’s Jayson Home & Garden carries a sophisticated selection of furnishings, a variety of home accessories and plenty of flowers and plants to help you live beautifully.
The spring 2011 catalog arrived in my mailbox last week and it’s beyond gorgeous.
Emma feather pendant, $2295
The Theodore sofa, $4195
The Graydon sofa, $3295
The Penelope Chair, $1250
The Balmoral Chair, $1750
The Morgan chair, $1995
Casbah side table, $995
feathered shaped trays, $32-$52
Anchor tray, $28
marble bowls, $55-$110
rule pitchers, $15-$28
Right now Jayson Home & Garden is giving one lucky winner a chance to win $1000 shopping spree (enter here). How divine!
Not only does Urban Barn carry a great selection of furniture and home accessories, but this Canadian company also does custom upholstery. With over 300 fabric options for a selection of couches, chairs and chaise lounges, the possibilities for custom furniture to fit your home and family needs are endless. More good news…the custom upholstery option is on sale until Sunday so you may want to plan a visit to your local Urban Barn location this weekend!
Opus chaise, starting from $888
Groove chair, starting from $777
Courbe sofa, starting from $1375
Here are some examples of the white fabrics offered at Urban Barn (thanks to Robyn for the photos).
Fabric samples (top to bottom, left to right): Smithers, Glam, Lewis, Burnaby
Giveaway reminder:
Have you entered the Urban Barn giveaway yet? If not, click here.
Use this to get those slices of cucumber absolutely perfect!
cutting board, 26 Euro, Daikty Viesbutis
Urban Barn, a Canadian retailer which has its roots in British Columbia, carries an amazing selection of unique and interesting furniture and accessories for diverse spaces. With over 40 stores across Canada, it is a favourite spot for the style conscious shopper. Urban Barn offers remarkable customer service and delivers “the ideal mix of value, quality and great design”. It’s no wonder why we have featured them so often on White Cabana.
Most recently, the Strike coffee table caught my attention. It’s round and shiny and glorious. What’s not to love?
Strike coffee table, $549, Urban Barn
Giveaway:
Great news! The generous folks over at Urban Barn are offering one lucky reader this white Laughing Buddha figure (how fun would it look on the coffee table?). Rub his belly and good fortune, wealth and prosperity may come your way – or so the legend goes.
Laughing Buddha, $37 value
Giveaway Details:
To enter this giveaway, visit Urban Barn and leave a comment on this post. (This giveaway is only open to residents of Canada.)
The giveaway will close on Tuesday March 29th at 4pm EST.
Good luck!
I must be one of the last people to get into the Arrested Development tv series. Netflix has recently brought it into my life and I have been laughing so hard while watching it. I’m now onto season 2 and still enjoying each episode.
If you don’t have Netflix, you can pick up Season 1 for less than $20. Great, right?
Arrested Development Season 1, $17.90, Amazon
Are you a fan?
If you’ve not yet heard of Ten Thousand Villages, I’m happy to share it with you today. This fair trade company, founded 60 years ago, carries handmade jewelry, linens, art, toys and food from around the world. Its mission is to create opportunities for artisans in to earn a fair wage by bringing their stories and products to our markets through fair trading relationships.
Company stores opened in 1997 and in the years 2008-2010, Ten Thousand Villages was named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by the Ethisphere Institute and Forbes Magazine.
embroidered gift pouch (Bangladesh), $2
earrings (Indonesia), $34
mug (Indonesia), $18
rattan stool (Philippines), $42
white applique bed cover (India), $112.50
Images courtesy of Ten Thousand Villages.
I have loved the Maskros light fixture ever since it made its debut at IKEA. I don’t have a space that’s large enough for it and I haven’t seen it in anyone else’s home…until now.
The Maskros (photo by Jordana)
A friend hung it in her kid’s room – high ceilings, loft-like space – and it looks amazing. The shadows it casts are quite cool too. We had a whole conversation about what to name the shadows on the walls…spiders, snowflakes, stars, flowers. Oh, the fun!
p.s. Maskros, in case anyone wants to know, means dandelion. Of course!
Have a close look…some of the details aren’t as they appear.
April Fool’s apron, $19.95 (on sale!), Anthropologie
The cutest driving glove I’ve seen in a long while.
Carolina Amato leather driving glove, $50
I love clever ideas like this tea cup. It holds your teabag in place for as long as you like it!
Tie Tea Cup, $25, George Lee
I’m sure the pills would help that headache of yours, but that’s not what’s important here. Isn’t the packaging great? Simple and to the point. What more is required?
Via Unica Home.
For the techy who likes her/his beauty sleep!
Studiobo pixel sleeping mask, $14
Modern Chic Home carries a wide range of decorative objects, furniture and art at a variety of prices points. Here are two affordable options:
Trina Turk eyeglasses case, $28, Modern Chic Home
Queen Crown pillow, $45, Modern Chic Home
Wouldn’t you love to receive one (or both) of these as a gift? Julie, the owner of Modern Chic Home, has a great eye for design, as you can tell from her store and her gorgeous blog, Belle Maison.
Voilà . Here it is.
Colette “voilà ” lighter, $4, Opening Ceremony
I’m such a sucker for beautiful stationery. I love this embossed set of cards from Paper-Source.
Cherry branch embossed stationery, $14.50/set of 10
If you’re still swooning over Ikat, Table Tonic is worth a visit.
large (45cm x 45cm) hand woven Ikat cushions, $79AUD each, Table Tonic
In addition to hand-woven Ikat cushions, the Australian store continues to stock some amazing hand made vintage suzanis, Moroccan pouffes and Mexican throws in all colours of the rainbow. And right now – almost everything is on sale!
Update: I just learned that the home of Louise Bell (of Table Tonic) and family has been featured in the current issue of Style at Home. Read more here.
The TOYWATCH is the new big thing with all the celebs and I do have my eye on a few.
Plasteramic TOYWATCH, $225
As the end of the semester quickly approaches I think of how time is not on my side. Although, if I had a TOYWATCH on my wrist at least I would fly through time in style.
A beautiful candle, full of texture, and less than $20. What do you think?
White ball candle, $15, Birks
Start the new year off right with a set of brand new pencils! You still use pencils, right?
Resolution pencils, $8, Kate Spade
Pencils, $9.50, Et Al Etc.
Mechanical pencil, $4.95 AUD, kikki.K
p.s. You know these pencils would look awesome in this pencil case.
Welcome to 2011!
PAWLING wall calendar, $25
All of us at White Cabana would like to wish our readers a beautiful year full of adventure, good health, happiness…and of course…plenty of white design!
Wouldn’t a selection of objects like this look beautiful on a fireplace mantle?
via West Elm
Isn’t it the most delightful assortment of Christmas objects?
Please note: $5 from the purchase of some of the above items goes directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Click here for more details.
Here’s another quick gift guide for you. If you’re done all your shopping – congrats! You can save these ideas for future gifts. Brilliant, right?
HopHopHop round locket, $89 USD, Smallable
Bling ring eraser, $6, Kate’s Paperie
White & silver tray, $29.95, Pier 1 Imports
Pom-pom pillow, $18.36, Pier 1 Imports
Numbered Pill Boxes, $4.50 each, Zhush
Have you tried out the Etsy Taste Test? I just had a go and the results are pretty cool. Have a look at some of the items that came up in my Taste Test search.
Mid-century wingback chair, $1100, Bohemiennes
Industrial factory stool, $265, French By Design
Set of Jen Risom dining chairs, $650, En Route Studio
California Originals Pottery, $42, Barking Sands Vintage
Look at all of this white! And I didn’t even choose any white objects during the search process. Crazy, right? Somehow Etsy just knew…
Aren’t these little snowmen adorable?
Snowman sponges, $9.95 set of 6, Crate & Barrel
Snowman doorbell hanger, $19.95, Williams-Sonoma
Snowman cupcake, Martha Stewart
Coconut snowman, Martha Stewart
No-melt snowmen, Martha Stewart
Have a wonderful weekend!
Looking for more ways to bring the Christmas spirit into your home? Have you added a nutcracker to your holiday decor?
Nutcrackers, $24-$59, West Elm
Nutcracker ornaments, $19.95 set of 4, Crate & Barrel
A white watch? Yes, please. Have a look at these beauties from Crow.
Toddy, $50, Crow Watches
Lush, $50, Crow Watches
One of my favourite blogs, hooray, is currently hosting a Crow giveaway. How great, right?
Images courtesy of Crow Watches.
I love giving presents. Especially when they are as lovely as these fine goodies from inVU Drapery Co. in Toronto.
Giant "diamond" ornament, $7.99, at inVU Drapery
Artisan bowls, $48.99-$99.99 (also available in gold), at inVU Drapery
Images courtesy of inVU Drapery Co.
Sugar Paper makes the most beautiful letterpress stationary. I’m smitten. I love so many of their designs but I’ve decided to feature some of their polka dots in keeping with this post on Fashion in Motion.
Black Label Carriage note set, $36 set of 10 cards & envelopes, Sugar Paper
Gold dot coaster, $24 set of 15, Sugar Paper
Custom design social stationery, Sugar Paper
And isn’t this such an elegant letter opener?
Signature letter opener, silver plated, $52, Sugar Paper
If you want to learn more about letterpress have a peek at the “Behind the Scenes” video at Sugar Paper.
p.s. High Gloss is currently hosting a Sugar Paper giveaway. Hooray!
Images courtesy of Sugar Paper.
‘Tis the season of giving. Here are some great gifts (for now or any time of the year) for friends and family members who like to entertain. Fill up one of these trays or bowls with gourmet food, favourite recipes, or entertaining accessories (e.g., cocktail napkins, serving spoons) for an extra special treat.
Cloud plate, $65, Paige Russell
Footed compote, $29.99, Martha Stewart
3-piece Verona set, $31.85, CB2
Spilt Milk bowl, $14, MoMA
Sintra platter, $34.95, Crate & Barrel
Haruka platter, $49.95, Crate & Barrel
Bianca melamine tray, $17.95, Crate & Barrel
Lucerne 3-quart casserole, $19.95, Crate & Barrel
Fondu plate, $5.95, Crate & Barrel
Images courtesy of CB2, Martha Stewart, MoMA, Paige Russell.
I saw this pencil case yesterday on Design is Mine and had to instantly save the image as my desktop background. It’s crunch time (well – it always seems to be crunch time) and I’ve got lots of writing to do (for my PhD life and my blogging life). I’m hoping this will motivate me to write every day.
Write pencil case, $14, Sam Made
Other reasons to love this pencil case:
1. It’s a simple design.
2. It’s handmade by Samantha Wagner.
3. It’s made in Canada (Vancouver, BC).
And when I do eventually finish my PhD…I’m going to buy myself these.
Image courtesy of Sam Made via Design is Mine.
Is your special day coming up? The day you have always dreamed of? Why not have the perfect shoes for your perfect wedding day?
Three Lovely Louboutins: Miss Chacha, Fortitia, Fetilo
Images courtesy of Christian Louboutin.
A friend recently moved into a new place with a breakfast bar and as such, we ended up having a chat about the functionality of the stool.
Emeco stool, $335 USD
Although I don’t have a breakfast bar myself, I decided to have a browse online to see what was on the market. I was surprised at the selection. Here are a few gems that may suit your high counter needs.
dCOR (L to R, T to B): Lush, Ark, Glide, Edge, Itro, Cross
Nuevo (L to R): Leone, Genoa, Nina Nauga
Images courtesy of CSN.
Thanks to Shannon for inspiring this post.
Snowflakes that sparkle and shine? Yes please!
Snowflake magnets, $5.99, available at inVU Drapery Co.
Don’t forget to enter the inVU Drapery Co. giveaway here. Last chance to enter is on Thursday November 25th, 2010.
Image courtesy of inVU Drapery Co.
Velvet roses from inVU Drapery Co.
We are delighted to be offering White Cabana readers the opportunity to enter a beautiful giveaway courtesy of our friends at inVU Drapery Co. In addition to carrying a beautiful selection of drapery and fabrics, this Canadian company offers design consultant services, custom upholstery and drapery installation. It’s a source for inspiration for homeowners, designers, and yes, bloggers too!
This week inVU Drapery Co. is sponsoring this gorgeous giveaway: a pair of the Velvet Roses cushions (valued at $129.99 each)! We just love the texture on these cushions, don’t you?
Giveaway: A pair of velvet rose cushions by inVU Drapery Co.
To enter, visit inVU Drapery Co. and leave a comment on this post. (This giveaway is open to Canadian residents only.) The contest closes on Thursday November 25th, 9pm EST. Good luck!
If you’re in the Toronto area, be sure to visit one of their locations in the city or their retail location north of the city (under the BB Bargoons banner).
p.s. Be sure to leave your email!
I know it’s over a month away but I’m already excited about Christmas! I think it’s time to begin the holiday posts.
Glitter snowflake, $3.95
I was at Crate & Barrel on the weekend and got excited about all the white Christmas goodies – ornaments, serving pieces, candles – oh my!
White porcelain leaves, $11.85 for set of 3
Snow flurry balls, $17.95 set of 3
Silver branch, $5 set of 2
Optic finial ornaments, $15.80 set of 4
Nutcracker ornaments, $19.95 set of 4
Natural polar bear, $5.95
Glass deer ornaments, $11.95 set of 2
Clear glass ball with swirl & dots, $5.95
Bone china snowflake hurricane, $24.95
Bone china pinecones, $14.95-$29.95
3D star ornament, $3.95
Silver stars, $39.95-$59.95
Do you plan on using any white Christmas decorations this year?
Images courtesy of Crate & Barrel.
Looking for a way to take care of your skin this season? Vaseline‘s line of products keeps skin healthy, nourishes it and increases skin’s moisture level.
Vaseline Art by Jordana
Vaseline's New Line
Thanks to our friends at Vaseline, I have had the opportunity to try out some Vaseline Intensive Rescue products. I’m happy to report that after a couple of weeks of regular use, my skin feels and looks great. Bonus – the lotions are non-greasy (a definite pet-peeve). Double bonus – these Vaseline lotions are white!
Vaseline Intensive Rescue products are available at most drug and grocery stores across Canada.
Art and images by Jordana.
Fornasetti plate, 125GBP, Milk Concept Boutique
I first “met” Fornasetti on an episode of Debbie Travis’ Painted House, a long while ago (I think I might have been in highschool!). I was a fan at first sight. Those black & white faces just had a way of capturing my attention. Since then, I have noticed that Fornasetti has continued to gain popularity and interest among designers, collectors and artists. The Fornasetti style has been produced and reproduced countless times in numerous forms. Pillows, lighting, stools and even umbrellas with Fornasetti designs have made it to the marketplace.
Last weekend a friend took me to The Good Neighbour espresso bar in Toronto (thanks Kathlyn!) and I was quite excited to see the Fornasetti wall. I think the wall in this inviting café makes for an interesting focal point. Seeing the wall also reminded me that it was about time I put a little Fornasetti into White Cabana!
Fornasetti Wall at The Good Neighbour, Toronto
If you’re looking to invest in a piece, I suggest you start your search at Caviar20 as there always seems to be a Fornasetti piece or two in stock. Troy at Caviar20 suggests that if one is serious about starting a collection, vintage is the way to go. According to Troy, “savvy collectors know that this is the time to buy Fornasetti”. Be warned…the new items have purely decorative value and they will never appreciate in value. Are you sold yet?
Fornasetti's Mesi Soli, $225, at Caviar20
Although I don’t own any pieces just yet, when I do begin this collection I might decide to arrange them something like this:
Fornasetti plates as wall art, via Design is Mine
Want to learn more or get your collection started? Click here and here.
Update: Read Troy’s review of the book, Fornasetti: The Complete Universe here.
Images via Caviar20, Design is Mine, Milk Concept Boutique. Image and more information about The Good Neighbour here.
Fill ‘er up!
Monogrammed mugs, $8 CAD, Anthropologie
My sister bought me one of these Anthropologie mugs (with the letter J on it – obviously) for my last birthday and can I just tell you all how fabulous it is? I originally was attracted to the cool letter J and the crisp white background. But once I began using it, I realized that it’s the perfect mug! It fits beautifully in my hand, holds the right amount of coffee or tea and it looks great with my new Macbook. Two thumbs up for this mug!
Image courtesy of Anthropologie.
One of my pet peeves – people saying eXpresso when what they really should say is eSpresso. It rolls off the tongue so much more nicely.
Porcelain espresso server, $48, Anthropologie
Image courtesy of Anthropologie.
