'Tis the season of gift guides! For those of us who work in the media, gift guides are the ultimate nightmare; a million of little pieces assembling the 'ultimate', 'complete' lists of cute little objects. And their prices. And where to find them. Reading them, however? A total guilty pleasure. I guess I found the middle ground in compiling a personal gift guide every year - an easy way to tag, name and declare my yearly obsessions. This year, I tried to make it a triple party. Israeli, Russian and San Francisco-based designers and treats only.
 Bryr clogs. I'm currently fixated on clogs, the most nonchalant winter shoes out there. These fancy ones are made in SF and looks as if Swedish Hasbeens and Bircenstocks had a baby.  Xenia Talwr coasters. Xenia is Canadian, but I stumbled upon her beautiful porcelain creations in a local store. There's something very art-deco about these, and since I'm always chasing house guests around with coasters, I might as well do it in style.  BLTRX bucket bag. Who doesn't love a beautiful leather bag? This adorable thing, by two Israeli designers, is the real deal - and it's even prettier in real life.  Katya Dobryakova sweatshirt. I found this cool Russian designer while visiting Moscow this summer. All the appliques are embroidered, which makes for an interesting texture and that luxurious feel Russians excel at.  Simply Gum. And last but not least - the chisest gum I've ever seen. I'd love a yearly subscription, please! This natural brand is based in Brooklyn (where else?), but the founder, I hear, is from San Francisco. |  Near and Far by Heidi Swanson. I know I've dealt with desirable books here, but hey - this one is a cookbook! And a most beautiful one, by a San Francisco based blogger. Local recipes and faraway exotic flavors? Sold!  Hansel from Basel x Rachel Comey socks. I kind of hate the inevitability of socks during winter. These delicate beautiful socks make a dent in my anti attitude.  Alon Livne X Efrat Cassouto jewelry. When an edgy fashion designer and a romantic jewelry designer team up for an unusual collection - I want it! Especially since the result is so fresh, unique and memorable.  Belle and Sue travel bag. I'm planning quite a few journeys this year (stay tuned!), so this cute bag - and the bold statement! - fit in perfectly.  Shit That I Knit hat. Hell, it's time to embrace winter and buy one. And while at it, why not support a fellow entrepreneur? I met the woman behind the aptly named brand at a bloggers event - she does shit I can't do. |