While it does seem like an odd coupling initially, the latest designer/store collaboration between the venerable Neiman Marcus and Target, along with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), is definitely a welcomed one. 

I'm not exactly sure when the phenomenon of doing these collaborations started, but with pairings such as Jimmy Choo, Versace and Marni slipping into bed with H&M, and Missoni cozying up to Target recently, if nothing else, I suppose it allows the 98% of the country to feel "sophisticatedly upscale" for a change, while most likely irritating the 2% to no end! Starting tomorrow, December 1st, twenty-four of some of the world's most famous and fashionable designers, from Rag & Bone, Marc Jacobs and Thom Browne to Tracy Reese, Diane von Furstenberg and Tory Burch, as well as Southern California's favorite daughters, Pasadena's Karen & Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte, will have their limited-edition wares featured at both stores. And what an offering there will be: clothing, dinnerware, studded gloves, serving trays, plus plenty more. 

I really like the Altuzarra black, mahogany-framed tray with gold detail and the "fashion" cookie cutters by Band of Outsiders. I can't imagine you not being able to find something for someone on your Christmas list this holiday season. Happy shopping! 

TOP ROW: Alice + Olivia, Altuzarra, Band of Outsiders, Brian Atwood, Carolina Herrera, Derek Lam, Diane von Furstenberg, Eddie Borgo. MIDDLE ROW: Jason Wu, Judith Leiber, Lela Rose, Marc Jacobs, Marchesa, Oscar de la Renta, Phillip Cranji, Prabal Gurung, BOTTOM ROW: Proenza Schouler, Rag & Bone, Robert Rodriguez, Rodarte, Skaist-Taylor, Thom Browne, Tory Burch and Tracy Reese.

Images and video via Target.com

Speaking of Nate Berkus, his new line of accessories for Target debuts on the 21st of this month. I made this collage to showcase a few of the 150 pieces. Whether you've just graduated college and are moving into your first apartment or just looking to add a few key pieces to your existing decor, you are bound to find something in this collection. I really like the tortoise shell wall accessory in cream, as well as, the lamp. (Which should look sophisticatedly sexy with a black, lacquered shade.) Maybe, I'll be asked what I want for Christmas... early! 

1. Lacquer Tortoise Shell Wall Accessories in green and cream, ($40)
2. Khaki Herringbone Sheets ($45-$65)
3. Brass vases $25 & $20
4. Indigo Star Ikat Pillow ($25)
5. This Oval basket ($17) ~ great for magazines or to stow a throw.
6. Hammered Brass Bowls small ($8) and large ($15)
7. This Sculpted Branch Lamp Base ($25) and the Drum Shade ($25).

His new book, The Things That Matter, comes out tomorrow (October 16th, $35.00) and will not only offer further details about his own home, but the homes of twelve others, as well.

(All images & video via Target.com)

With Father's Day less than a week away, here are a few gift suggestions beyond the common (and quite tired) tie/shirt combo:

1. The new Lytro camera is more than a marvel; it's revolutionary. It truly takes the guesswork out of photography for the average man. Unlike any other camera, it allows you to focus an image AFTER you've taken it. No more blurry or missed shots because you were still trying to focus long after the action stopped. For the neophyte or the professional, this camera is a must have. Even though I'm not a father yet, I'd gladly welcome this as a Father-to-be gift.  ($399-$499)

2. Any man worth his wears a belt, so why not make it this elegant Engine-turned Slide Belt Buckle, in Sterling Silver, from Tiffany & Co?
Throw in a reversible black/brown leather belt and he's more than good to go. ($225.00)

3. This Gucci checkers set is definitely for the father who has everything. The buttery-soft brown leather would be a beautiful addition to any library.  ($4,350.00) 

4. L.L. Bean's Hunter Tote Bag (Zippered or Open-Top) is the perfect accessory for the father looking to upgrade his style, but doesn't care for the messenger bag/murse look. Manly and rugged, it can take him from a camping trip (it has a water resistant lining) to the gym to an overnight stay at a friend's house.  ($25-$39)

5. Sure you good buy that special man in your life a classic wooden case to hold his cufflinks and watches, but why? This Faux Zebra Box (Cowhide)  from Mecox is surely more sophisticated and stylish and a welcome addition to any gentleman's bedroom dresser. ($360-$440)

With Mother's Day just around the corner, (May 13th to be exact) here are but a few suggestions. in case you're still in the dark about what to get that most special lady in your life. Oh, and by the way, if you have children, yes, it would very nice to acknowledge their mother, as well. Trust me.

1. Flowers always work. Period. The key is finding out what type of flower/arrangement the person that you’re buying for actually prefers; not everyone likes red roses. If you’re able to use a local florist, I suggest stopping in to place your order the first time so that you can not only see the selections firsthand, but also to develop a rapport with the floral designer for future orders. If you must do a telephone order, 1-800-FLOWERS is known for delivering arrangements fairly true to what’s shown on their website. Once received, I’d suggest asking the recipient to send you a picture of them along with the flowers. That way, you’ll be able to judge whether or not they received what you paid for. 

2. Jewelry is another failsafe gift choice for the fairer sex. But, like with flowers, you may have to do a little research to ensure that the piece you purchase is truly something that your intended will love, appreciate and wear. Often gift givers, purchase gifts that either appeals to their sensibilities or gifts that they’d like to see someone wear/use, even when it’s NOT something that the recipient would wear/use in a million years. This bracelet is a very common style from Tiffany & Co. And just like with flowers, it’s always good to build a relationship with a preferred jeweler/salesperson. Also, like with flowers, you need to figure out what brand/style of jewelry the lady in your life likes: necklaces vs. bracelets, gold vs. silver, diamonds vs. pearls, Tiffany & Co. vs. Zales, etc. Do your homework. “A happy wife, makes for a happy life.” 

3. Fragrance can be tricky. Too often, men steping into department stores are bombarded with scent choices; from those sprayed onto strips of paper, misted into thin air or onto a beautiful salesgirl’s wrist and sometimes on your wrist. It can be a dizzying affair. Years after I stopped dating this one young lady, I continued to use Tiffany & Co's perfume as a car freshner, because while I had fallen out of love with her, I remained in love with the fragrance.  TIP: Look on your lady’s vanity & pick the bottle that’s almost empty... That’s the fragrance you can purchase next.

4. I recently came across a rather unique gift option on Oprah’s website: a mini Clementine Trees from Four Winds Growers. It may not be for everyone, but I know that it’ll appeal to the gardener or food enthusiast in your life.   $22-$40

5. No, these laquer storage boxes are not from that venerable New York jeweler, Tiffany & Co. (I won’t tell if you don’t.) But what, a wonderful alternative to the staid jewelry boxes of yesterday. Actually, these beautiful storage cases are from Swing Design, and can be stacked on a dresser or  displayed anywhere in the home.  And, they come in a variety of sizes and other color combinations: black/white, pink/white, white/grey...  
$75-$130

6. I thought that this was a very fun and unique gift: a miniature victrola (iVictrola) for your iPhone/iPad. They are a bit pricey, but, hey, this is Mother's Day we're talking about. Find them on sites such as etsy (starting
at $442) and  DWR $985. (Click here to see a video I found, on Youtube, of the iVictrola in action.)

Since I needed to go to my tailor yesterday, I decided to stop by the bookseller, Assouline, at South Coast Plaza. If you've never been, it really is a treat. While small in size, they still offer a rather well-curated selection: travel, fashion, automobiles and all subjects sophisticated, really. 

I was hoping to see the book, CARS: The Impossible Collection, but unfortunately, it was sold-out. At $650.00, why do I find that shocking? I suppose the economy hasn't affected everyone.

ASSOULINE
South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa, CA  92626
714-557-1882

STORE HOURS: 
MON-FRI: 10AM TO 9PM 
SAT: 10AM TO 8PM 
SUN: 11AM TO 6:30PM