Superdeluxe NYC monorgram collection

Superdeluxe NYC is known for their custom stationary, but I'm also liking the monogram collection from their collection store. Clockwise from top left: 6" square glass plate ($136); paperweight ($65); Letterpress Coasters ($26 for set of 12 of one pattern); 6" x 10" glass plate ($156); Glass pen cup ($125). Click here to shop!

Modulor measuring tape

Vitra has reissued Le Corbusier's Modulor measuring tape circa 1945. What is The Modulor? Some think of it as the most important modern attempt to develop a mathematic measurement system based on the proportions of the human body. Le Corbusier developed the Modulor in the same tradition of Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man in an attempt to discover mathematical proportions in the human body that would improve the appearance and function of architecture. The system is based on human measurements as well as the double unit, the Fibonacci numbers, and the golden ratio. Le Corbusier described it as a "range of harmonious measurements to suit the human scale, universally applicable to architecture and to mechanical things." Critics, however, have pointed out a number of concerns with his system. The height of the figure appears to be arbitrary and was perhaps chosen for mathematical convenience. The female body, in the words of reviewer Michael Ostwald, "was only belatedly considered and rejected as a source of proportional harmony". The system bears no relationship to actual anthropometric observations. But, that said, the Swiss take their native son's invention very seriously—there is a picture of it on the 10 CHF (Swiss Franc bill).

During his lifetime only a few samples of this measuring tape were created—for his personal use in the design of building projects. An original artifact in the holdings of the Foundation Le Corbusier served as the model for this new edition by the Vitra Design Museum. Makes a great gift for an architect or design enthusiast. Pick it up right here ($76).

Vers 2X iPod Sound System

Yes! I love it when I find iPod speakers that aren't made of white or black plastic. I'm really loving the Vers 2X iPod Sound System ($149) made with cherry wood by hand. That's right, each of these babies takes over a week to make. But if you're a serious sound person you already know that there's a reason why the best-sounding musical instruments are made of wood and not plastic; nothing sounds as warm, as rich—or as natural. The bonus: It's sustainably designed, the wood is from plantation sources, energy efficient electronics, 100% recycled packaging, and RoHS compliant. Adapts to almost every iPod.

New Thomas Paul

Thomas Paul broke with his typically monochromatic palette for his newest linen pillow designs. Each pillow shown is 18"x18", to purchase click here ($100-$110).

Mareike Auer prints

I think these prints of graphic designer Mareike Auer's acrylic paintings are great. Whimsical, simple, great composition. Available in 4 different sizes: 4"x4" ($20) , 8"x8" ($44), 12"x12" ($80) or 20"x20" ($150) right here.

Urban Outfitters Apartment

Everyone is trying to do things and find things on the cheap these days. I know I am. I was sorta shocked about the selection at Urban Outfitters Apartment. I always thought of their home stuff as books about marijauna and ironic shot glasses. Things have changed. For one, they carry Blu Dot's 2006 Real Good Chair ($100), and for about 20% less than most other places. They've also got great values on headboards, side tables, benches, lighting, sofas all knock offs of or inspired by classic pieces. The catch is that all of this is online purchases only, so you can't see it in person before you buy.

L7 console table ($250)

Dauphine velvet headboard ($325)

X marks the table ($120)

Either/Or convertible sofa ($550)

Openhiemer door hooks ($16)

3-D chandelier ($36)

It's OK

Chicago-based artist Sighn has built a reputation by displaying his cut paper & wood phrases in galleries around the world. Recently, he embarked on a limited edition of 1 million hand cut pieces, that will take the next 30-50 years to complete. Each piece reads “Its OK” and is hand cut from bass wood. I read about this earlier in the year and thought it was amazing, especially after watching the mini documentary about it, which you can see by clicking here. Last week I walked into Renegade Handmande on Division and saw them for sale, with numbers on the back. They were selling there for $20 so I bought one.

OUTDATED Polaroid Art Show

Earlier this year when Polaroid announced it would stop producing its iconic instant film, it was one of those quiet moments in technology history. Some called it the end of an era. My friend Zoya told me about the Outdated: Polaroid Art Show which starts on August 15th at one of Chicago's up-and-coming art galleries, Country Club Chicago. The Outdated art show is meant to honor and commemorate the magic of Polaroid instant film. If you have some great Polaroid snaps, send them in to the show, the deadline is this Friday. Oh, and if you hadn't heard the news about Polaroid film being discontinued after 50 years, don't panic, you can still get instant film from Fuji. Above and below are some of Zoya's instant snaps she's submitting to the show.

Ting Ting Jeje Ginger Candy

Last night Matt and I were folding laundry, having the most benign Sunday of our lives, when we started talking about how much we both love Chinese ginger candy. In fact, when we lived in L.A. there was a men's clothier on W. 3rd Street, Douglas Fir, which always had the candy out on the check out desk. We would sometimes go there after brunch and pretend to look around for a few minutes before grabbing three or four each as if we were starving homeless children. ANYWAY, right there in the laundry room at about 5pm we were like let's go to Chinatown...to get candy...and snap dragons...and SPARKLERS...AND SWORDS! Then Matt said, "I'm bringing my switchblade with me!" and then silence. "Umm...You have a switchblade? That you only bring with you to Chinatown?" THAT right there is exactly why I love you.

We put our assortment of Chinatown candies on a plate in the entryway, and I think it looks pretty cool. You can get a 7-ounce bag at amazon by clicking right here ($2.49).

Summer dresses

I don't know if it's just me, and I have no qualifications to write this, but I feel like this decade's fashion has finally hit its stride this summer. Finally it's not about a single era. Instead of focusing on the geometric 70s, the new wave 80s, late 60s SoCal; this summer fashion is taking subtle cues from everything and turning out simple, functional, fun looks. The Sartorialist is the gold standard of fashion photography blogging, and I've loved everything on there lately, especially the summer day dresses. All photos from The Sartorialist. Happy Friday!

John Robshaw vintage Uzbek pillow

Loving this summery John Robshaw Vintage Uzbek pillow (on sale for $291) at Auto.

crane grater

My wonderful friend Lisa is staying with us this week before she heads down to southern Illinois to take photos of an organic bee farm. She gave us the above Japanese crane grater ($25) as a thank you, and I'm in love with it. I've been using it for garlic and ginger and don't want to put it away because it's so pretty. Each single "tooth" of this palm-sized copper grater is carved out and pointed upwards by hand using the same technique craftsmen would from the Edo period. Because it is hand made, the shape and length of each tooth is slightly distinct, but this actually helps intensify the overall grating effect. I also learned that when a ceramic or steel graters is used, the ginger or garlic gets crushed causing the vegetable fiber and juice to separate. The tin plated copper grater prevents the ginger from being crushed, keeping it fresh and perfect in taste! I personally think it makes a fab gift. Stay tuned for a guest blog in a week or so from Lisa about photographers to invest in now!

Foldable stool

I've been really been taking advantage of outside time this summer. I'll do work in the park, eat on the roof and go to see outdoor music as much as possible. I'm thinking a few of these foldable stools ($12) would be great to add to our collection of portable outdoor furniture which consists of one broken Crazy Creek chair. They're made of heavy-duty canvas and steel and weigh 1.5 lbs.

Spaghetti Doser by Normann Copenhagen

I'm not really into kitchen gadgets, but I really like the spaghetti doser by Normann Copenhagen ($14), because I'm really bad at eyeballing pasta.

Lady in Blue

I spent a good portion of my morning staring at this Anthony Sabatucci oil on canvas of a vintage bathing beauty from Paris Hotel Boutique. I love it. I really want to buy it because I know it will sell quick. Agghh!!! The painting measures 22" by 18" and it most likely dates from between 1950-1960. Stunning colors. Buy it right here ($525), if you must.

Boone Books

If I would have known how effective Facebook would be of reuniting people I thought I'd never ever see again from boarding school, I probably wouldn't have filled up empty trash cans with water and leaned them against freshman doors and knocked and ran away. Last week, through the magic of online social networking, I found that one out the hard way. Hopefully this post will help Danie Bubenik, the talent behind Boone Books forgive the water I spilled all over her CD burner (how late 90s is that?). I'm loving her Etsy shop for its Anatomy series of cards like the below heart notecards ($10). But what I'm really loving from her store are the blank notebooks she binds with old book covers, like the above Along Friendly Roads notebook ($30), perfect for summer traveling. Thanks Danie!

Ikea PS pendant lamp

I have a friend coming in from L.A. next week who is staying with us for a few nights, so I was thinking about going to Ikea to get a room divider; it can get a little awkward when people sleep over in a loft with few walls. Just a little. I didn't find anything worth driving an hour for, but I did find this cool and cheap PS pendant lamp ($35). Happy Friday!

Phonofone II ipod speaker

I know a lot of people will think this is too out there, but I think it's really cool. What's so amazing about this ipod speaker is that it doesn't require any external power! The Phonofone II ($500) uses passive amplification alone, like a traditional phonograph horn. It transforms any ipod with earbuds into a sculptural audio console. And, just think, you could take it outside for an outdoor dinner party. Click here to purchase.

David Hicks by Ashley Hicks

I saw the above "Daisy Daisy" fabric featured in the latest issue of The New York Times Style Magazine and noticed Ashley Hicks has created a second line of David Hicks by Ashley Hicks fabric. I like the new stuff, but I am DYING to reupholster an old yellow sofa in my parents basement with one of his Riviera fabrics below. Delicious. The fabric is sold by Lee Jofa to the trade, so call up your favorite interior designer to get it by the yard.

Conran wine racks

I'm really liking the basic wine racks from Conran. They're simple yet easy on the eyes and they hold more than the basic six or 12 bottles (16 and 42) AND they're not outrageously priced. Perfect for a more serious wine collector that isn't serious enough to have a big enough wine fridge—or for the collector that builds his or her own cellar in the basement. Get them right here, $39 for 16 bottle rack; $79 for 42 bottle rack—and they can be added to with extension clips.

1980's surf tees

It's interesting how the 1980s are coming back into all facets of the design world. I'm loving the cheeky 80s-inspired graphic design that surf brands are putting out this summer. All t-shirts from Swell and Huntington Surf & Sport.