Rima Suqi

I love the Hotel San Jose and I love Thunderbird Marfa (even though Liz is no longer involved in the latter). And I’m sure that when I visit, hopefully in January, I will also love Liz Lambert’s latest hotel, the St. Cecilia, especially if they serve their iced coffee with crushed ice, like they do at the San Jose.
Some pictures of the latest and probably soon to be hottest addition to Austin’s hotel scene below:

You might be sick of hearing the word “green” applied to everything. I know I am. I’m a contributing writer for Organic Spa magazine and it seems more and more allegedly green products I am sent turn out to be maybe a teensy shade of green with a whole lotta carbon dioxide emissions belching out the back. It’s a thin and very tricky line.
One company I know I can trust is Mio Culture. It was founded by brothers Jaime and Isaac Salm before green was considered cool. And these guys live the philosophy – they even eschew a car in favor of using bikes as transportation. In Philly.
They’re also the latest designers to create a line for Target. It will be in stores in April but here’s a preview of coming attractions:
First, a compost thingie that I originally mistook for a cooler. Come on, it looks like it could be a cooler, right? Back me up here.

Next, a set of solar-powered outdoor lights. Love. Am so putting these on my balcony.

And finally my personal favorite, a hammock. I love a hammock. This one comes with a cute carry case, too.

I first met Manreet Deol in India, where she was working for Michael Aram. I was there for a wedding and obsessing over the incredible jewelry worn by women there.

Now she’s here in the States and making her own line of jewelry. She recently sent me pictures of new bangles and cuffs, priced between $45 – $85. She doesn’t have a website yet so if you’re interested, email her directly at manreetdeol@gmail.com.

People who remember the Meat Packing district as it was “back in the day,” might remember a small ceramic studio and shop called Bahay. It was next door to the Hog Pit and featured the work of Argie Bucot. And then it was gone. But now, after several years in Tokyo, Argie is back with a studio in the East Village. It’s by appointment only (unless you shop up tonite for his opening party) and features all his new porcelain work (shown above, priced from $95 – $395). No website yet.

Ceramic Studio ( by appointment only)
543 East 5th street ( Between avenues A & B)
Tel (212) 777-2105

Apparently some pieces in that massive donation of YSL clothing are still available on the Housing Works website – here’s a sampling:
Gold metallic animal print cropped jacket with one button closure and two front flap pockets.This jacket is fully lined, there is no content label.Shell feels synthetic and the lining feels like a satin.Details include princess seams and front darts.You don’t have to see the label to know this is a YSL. Size 38, $95

Matching plaid wool skirt and jacket with brown leather.Single button front with two open side pockets,five button cuff.Skirt is pencil style with two front pockets,side zipper and back vent.Length is 27″.Plaid color make up is violet,maroon,grey,pumpkin and teal. Size 40, $235

No fabric content label, feels like silk crepe with synthetic lining. Sister to the sea shell jacket. Again, muli-colored flowers on black with trim details and black jewel like buttons. Size 44, $50

100% beige embossed leather with gold metallic, acetate lining and side zipper. This pencil style skirt has a distinct 80′s flair. WOW. Size 42, $75.

I am not, by definition, a foodie but there are certain things I eat often. Almond butter is one of those things. I’ve tried a lot of different brands. I saw this one at – believe it or not – Bed, Bath & Beyond. Figured, I’m here, I need some almond butter, let’s try it.
The MaraNatha raw creamy almond butter is by far the BEST almond butter, the most creamy and easy to spread. It doesn’t dry out, and is unbelievably delicious in a “i can’t believe this is actually good for me” way. At Bed Bath & Beyond. Go figure.
You can also buy it here.

Those are words I never thought I’d say. Cool curtain rings. But today I got a press release about a new collection from a foreign-sounding but New York-based company called kontextür. I love a name with an oomlaut. I digress.
This company makes some great-looking, colorful curtain rings. Here are some pictures -

Their motto is “Enough Ugly, More Pretty.” I must agree. But pretty comes at a price. And in the case of the colorful curtain rings, above, it’s $95 for a set of 12. Consider it a cost-per-use purchase.

19th street between 7th and 8th avenues is an odd block. The oldest store that I can think of is called Nasty Pig, there’s a men’s spa with the unfortunate but memorable name “Why Not?”, a not-bad men’s clothing store called Behaviour, a women’s lingerie shop (and no, it’s not for drag queens) and of course, the infamous gay lounge G.

And now there’s also a store selling gorgeous, sunny, beach-house-ready fabrics. It’s aptly called Les Toiles du Soleil, and the bulk of the fabric they sell is from a 150 year-old French company that was known for making fabric for espadrilles. You can buy the fabric by the yard (prices start at $35/yard for solids and $70 for stripes), or you can buy a variety of accessories like notebooks, napkins, placemats, hand towels, beach bags, etc. The accessories are really well-priced (a bit underpriced if you ask me).
The cool thing is that they make all those accessories right in the store, and will custom make just about anything you want.

Wall o’ cheery fabrics -

accessories -

New bracelet by Roberto Faraone Mennella. Sigh.

I got a very tantalizing email from Housing Works last week announcing the sale of 500 YSL dresses from a single donor. From the release:

WHAT: Housing Works Thrift Shops recently received a generous donation of nearly 500 vintage Yves Saint Laurent pieces from a single donor. This amazing collection—including leather skirts, slinky evening gowns, pinstriped power suits, flirty blouses and elegant coats—will be unveiled in its entirety at a free and open-to-the-pubic cocktail party. All items will be available for purchase at the event on December 11th.

I called and the size range is 32 – 44, so pretty much everyone is covered. The two dresses shown above are $200 and $150. LOVE!

The event is at Housing Works Thrift Shop at 157 East 23rd St. between Lexington and Third Avenue, 212-529-5955, December 11, 6pm to 9pm

CUSTOMER INQUIRIES: 212-529-5955