Rima Suqi

Kiel Mead, a lovely and talented designer (of home objects and jewelry) emailed me to alert me to the following ring he saw on Tiffany & Co.’s site:

Which he feels is very similar to his own design, circa 2004-5:

I get emails like this about once a month (not about Tiffany, they just happen to be the latest). It’s not something I write about, but it is something I feel is worth discussing. And, in Kiel Mead’s case, getting a bit pissed off about (I have been in, and abhor, David versus Goliath situations). Maybe more people should go the West Elm route (not that they’re 100% innocent either) and, instead of being “inspired by” someone else’s design, contacting said designer whose creations they admire and properly collaborating. Just a thought.

The Soumaya Museum in Mexico City is finally done. I had a hard hat tour of the space last December while in the DF.  Was supposed to be toured by the architect Fernando Romero (or co-architect as he’s calling himself) and his PR person, but both seemed to forget about our appointment (welcome to the DF where this type of behavior is semi normal).  It was annoying but I love a hard hat tour  –

A wrapped-up Rodin piece in the midst of construction (that’s glass artist Orfeo Quagliata posing with it)

Big, bold, many materials – from wood to crystal – goes with everything.

Billy Reid re-thought my favorite sneaker from high school. And I love the results – 3 colors, 2 available in women’s sizes as well as men’s. Pics below, price $95, buy here.

The blue ones, below, do not come in women’s sizes. BOO. Love these.

There are few things I find as obnoxious as the single-supplement when traveling solo. It’s mean and, especially for those who perhaps wish they weren’t traveling alone, adds insult to injury. Recently I met with a representative from Explora lodges about their very cool properties and expeditions. During our conversation he mentioned “working with families” to make rates more affordable. I pointed out that perhaps he might consider “working with” solo travelers in a similar way, and (perhaps not so nicely) suggested he was discriminating against those traveling alone by charging them extra while “working with” families.

Today I got this press release. While the rates are for the off-season, and I wish they got rid of the supplement charge altogether, it’s a step in the right direction. Easter Island, here I come!

Going Alone has Never Been so Affordable: explora Unveils Special Rates for Solo Travelers

Travel on your own to the unexplored regions of South America sans single supplement surcharge from May 15 to October 15

April 19, 2011 (Santiago, Chile) – Pack up, head out, and experience adventure on your own in South America sans single supplement surcharge with explora. The innovative Santiago, Chile-based adventure travel company is waving the single supplement for solo travelers at all of its lodge destinations, excluding explora Travisias nomadic journeys, in the unexplored regions of South America through the upcoming travel season.

That’s right: Travel solo from May 15 to October 15, 2011 and enjoy the same rate charged per person in a double-occupancy guest room at Hotel Salto Chico in Patagonia; Posada de Mike Rapu on Easter Island; or Hotel de Larache in the Atacama Desert. The discount will doubtless prove a boon to those who prefer to take in the world on their own, as “solo travelers” – that is, those who travel alone with no companions – comprise 11% of all U.S. adult leisure travelers, according to the U.S. Travel Association.

So – choose your own timetable, select your own explorations, set the alarm for whenever you like, and don’t fret about sharing the covers with another. You’re on your own for the same great rate through the summer ahead with explora.

For more information or to make reservations, please contact explora toll free at (866) 750-6699, email reservexplora@explora.com, or visit the website at www.explora.com.

Check out what my friend Chas did with his hives -

One of my favorite stores ever. Here are some reasons why -

Owls with heads that spin -

Hamster wheel:

Seems to suggest that you plant seeds and they sprout up looking just like the picture:

Fire starter in fishing rod motif:

Who needs Legos?

I happen to love homemade jerky (but have never tried making it):

Speaks for itself (this place is like Target for farmers. You can get pig harnesses, cow bells, and lots more):

I hadn’t seen her in years and caught up today with a showroom visit followed by lunch at BG that easily could have gone on for hours.  Paige is super-smart, super-glam, interesting and nice. A fabulous human being all-around.

And her jewelry is gorgeous. Some affordable, some not so affordable. I loved this cuff - simple classic boho drama. At $915, it’s a cost-per-wear purchase but I have become a believer in jewelry as investment, especially after the crash and the increasing cost of gold.

She was wearing a silk jumpsuit and this necklace, which looked really amazing:

She was also wearing a version of this very architectural ring:

These earrings come in different metals and are really expensive-looking in person:

Check out the rest of her collection on her website

There are many reasons. She makes my favorite hoop earrings (no picture, sorry). She’s a hippie from Montauk who home schooled her kids while taking care of her ailing husband. She built a now crazy-successful business from nothing. And when she gives back, she gives back. None of this vague “a portion of proceeds” b-s that I’m personally really sick of. Helen gives 100%.

Her latest project is this Africa charm that benefits Water First Today, an organization that brings clean water to village in Sub-Saharan Africa. 50 necklaces sold = 1 well = clean drinking water for hundreds.

The charm looks like this -

…and comes on either a leather cord or silver chain, and you can buy it here for $150.

For the month of August, kids can stay in rooms that look like this (copy from the release after the photos) at one of the fanciest hotels in Paris. I’m not sure if this is genius or serious brand confusion.

April 2011 – Every kid’s fantasy will spring to life in Paris this summer as Hôtel Plaza Athénée dresses up two private luxury rooms with inspiration from Barbie and Hot Wheels for the month of August. The legendary Dorchester Collection property will offer special rooms for young guests with a Barbie Room and Hot Wheels Room, decorated and accessorized with accoutrements only a miniature fashion icon or red-hot racer could love. From pink rugs and heart-shaped wall art to flame-motif mirrors and a custom car-shaped bed, there will no brighter spot in the City of Light for the under-16 set than Hôtel Plaza Athénée.

Always ahead of the curve on style and fashion for any age, this is the second year running that Hôtel Plaza Athénée will partner with Mattel to cater to its favorite little clients. First introduced to rave reviews in 2010, the hotel’s Barbie Room is the perfect setting for little ones who dream of fairytales and glamour. The room will dazzle with luxurious Barbie-designed sofas, a beautiful baroque mirror, pink furniture and décor, and iconic heart-patterned curtains. Children can choose from two Barbie styles – “Modern Princess” or “Fashion Icon” – the former with “Royal” bed linens and a pet-grooming table; the latter to appeal to more mature fashionistas with a computer and designer furniture, and both filled with special Barbie surprises.

New this year, the Hot Wheels Room will be a veritable “pit row” for kids who can’t get enough of the world-famous miniature car brand. Inspired by shiny paint jobs and pedal-to-the-metal excitement, the room will be outfitted with a custom car-shaped bed flanked by Hot Wheels blue-and-orange bedside tables and mirrors flashing the brand’s iconic “flame” motif; as well as cool posters, gadgets, and Hot Wheels race track with more surprises.

Gear yourself up for the summer travel season with a special offer for a room or suite of your own connecting with the Barbie Room or Hot Wheels Room at Hôtel Plaza Athénée: Deluxe Parental Room from €1700; Deluxe Parental Suite from €2800, with continental breakfast for children and parents included. Offer valid August 2-30, 2011. Barbie and Hot Wheels Rooms not suitable for children under 3 or teenagers over 16.