A few of my favourite things...

Julie Andrews' favourite things may have included raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, but Christmas is around the corner and these are a few of my favourite things...

Moose Head - White Lacquer 31" - $199 - Z Gallerie

I've had my eye on this white, resin moose head for the past six months. It's life-size and would look amazing in my apartment on a focal wall in the livingroom. Definitely a conversation-starter.

Michael Kors "Madison" Resin & Crystal Watch - $250

I've been on the hunt for a new watch for quite some time now - something versatile, modern, a little bit sporty, a little bit sexy...like this Michael Kors watch. Perfect for a Modernista like myself.

Nom De Plume YaYa Drew Skirt @ Urban Outfitters - $79

I'm drawn by unique silhouettes, like this pseudo maxi skirt by Nom De Plume. 

With Hearts In My Eyes - Lace Flared Pants - $140

I'm obsessed with these laced flared pants with built-in shorts. They're so overtly sexy that the best way to pair them down is with an oversize vest or band t-shirt. J'ADORE!

Keurig "MINI Plus Brewing System" - $99

I get up at around 5:45 every morning for work. So it goes without saying that I need my caffeine. This Keurig is small, sleek and perfect for my one cuppa Joe in the morning.

My Booky Wook - Russell Brand - $25  

Booky Wook 2 -  Russell Brand - $25 

He's lewd, crude and inappropriate and I loved him in Saving Sarah Marshall and Get Him To The Greek. Last year Monsieur Baker and I rang in the New Year by watching his stand-up DVD. Russell Brand, I salute you!

        

Magazine subscriptions: $10-20 each per year

You can't go wrong with magazine subscriptions. I spend a small fortune buying magazines at the book store, so magazine subscriptions are always nice. 

  

 

 

Gift cards 

When all else fails, gift cards from any of the above retailers are always appreciated!

In terms of gift-buying, I'm avoiding the mall at all costs this Christmas. There are so many other, better options out there. Firstly, Amazon.com...where else can you order practically anything and have it arrive as early as the next day for a very minimal shipping fee (or sometimes none at all)? Secondly, there's the surgence of the holiday pop-up shop. On my continual mission to support local businesses and my incessant quest for unique gifts, I was pleased to discover that pop-up shops are quite literally "popping up" everywhere in LA.

I went to one last weekend called Thread - Curated Indie Design & Fashion. Located in a warehouse tucked away in the Industrial district in LA, I was charged a reasonable $5 entry fee ($10 if you didn't RSVP online) and received a goodie bag of organic Honest Tea, Metromint water, O.N.E coconut water, Popchips and Luna bars at the door. 

Once inside there were free manicures, massages, cocktails, a photobooth, runway show, food trucks, and 30 or so local designers selling anything from jewelry to clothes. Thread was a lot smaller than other pop-up shops I've been to, but still a great alternative to mall-shopping. I wasn't terribly impressed with the fashion but I did spot a gorgeous, vintage ring that was handmade in the 70s. As soon as I clapped eyes on the delicate, Lily-shaped gold ring, I was in love. Monsieur Baker bought it for me....lucky, lucky me! Unfortunately I can't have it until Christmas, but I think I can just about wait. 

Next Saturday, December 11, my partner in crime Jess and I will be going on what can only be described as: a pop-up shop crawl. Sticking to downtown LA, we will be on the hunt for fantastic, locally designed and handmade finds at the following places:

Artisanal LA

Unique LA 

A Current Affair

Renegade Craft Fair

Later that evening we'll be hotfotting it to the Corey Helford Gallery in Culver City for the opening reception of Sylvia Ji's latest exhibition, "Shapeshifter."

Looks like December's shaping up to be a stellar month!