DailyCandy London

Heart Parts Eating Utensils

2012-02-13T09:00:00Z

Sweet Tools Meant for Sharing

Dear Cupid,

My only complaint about my beau is that he hogs the grub when we go splitsville. How can I make sure I get my fair share of mac ’n’ cheese?

Yours,
Starving in SF

’Sup Starving,

The answer is simple: Become a heartbreaker with Heart Parts eating utensils.

The florescent, palm-size tools are meant to be cracked in half, then used to stab, scoop, or even cut your nosh of choice. Product designer Fatima Fazal created them to bring the love back to sharing a meal.

Heart Parts come in boxes of ten, so they’re great for parties. Because they’re dishwasher safe, made with 66 percent less plastic than similar wares, and are completely biodegradable, you can enjoy your supper without guilt.

Even if you’re fed up with him, at least you’ll be properly fed.

Xo,
The Guy with the Arrow

Available online at iheart-this.com, $10.

Photo: Courtesy of Heart Parts

Spring 2012 Hair Trends

2012-02-13T07:00:00Z

Spring 2012 Beauty Trends

2012-02-13T07:00:00Z

Moi Self Helpful Hankies

2012-02-13T06:00:00Z

Wipe Those Tears Away

A friend in need is a friend indeed — which is why we’re happy to lend a tear-sodden shoulder. But when we’re not around (sometimes we have problems of our own), Helpful Hankies from Moi Self will lift her spirits.

Designed and made in the UK, the cheerful cotton gifts are an unexpected pick-me-up. Thoughtful messages like “Fix your mascara; you’re amazing” or “He’s not that hot anyway” show how much you understand. If you’re moving away, “It’s not goodbye, just au revoir” reminds a pal of the bigger picture.

Founded by best friends Tara Willis and Bianca Pal, Moi Self encourages women to support one another through life’s emotional roller coasters.

Even when you can’t go along for the ride.

Available online at my-wardrobe.com, £10.

Photo: Courtesy of Moi Self

(Not So) Bitter, Party of One

2012-02-10T08:00:00Z

Spring 2012 Trends: Stripes

2012-02-10T07:00:00Z

Wrap Yourself in Wrq.e.d Scarves

2012-02-10T06:00:00Z

A New Kind of Cover Story

According to Oscar Wilde, one should either be a work of art or wear one.

Live up to his lofty standards with scarves by Wrq.e.d.

Founded by London College of Fashion graduate Ekaterina Demidova, who’s worked at both Giles and Alexander McQueen, the new accessories label aims to showcase contemporary art and literature by printing a variety of works on cosy silk and wool scarves.

Choose from seven striking designs, including our favourites: Pigs on the Wings (above), a watercolour collage containing musical notes, and Tsvetaeva, which borrows phrases from Russian poet Marina Tsvetaeva.

Each scarf also displays a border of contemporary poetry.

So you’ll never be stuck for some highbrow reading on the tube.

Available at The Box Boutique, 45 Maddox Street, W1S 2PE (020 7499 4277 or theboxboutique.com), £145. To see styles, go to wrqed.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Wrq.e.d.

The Weekend Guide

2012-02-09T09:00:00Z

Online Finds, Fashions, and Fodder

V-Day isn’t just for lovers.

EAT
Cakeslider Creations
What: Redefined push-up pops ($22 for a basket of four) layered with cake and frosting. Treat yourself to inspired flavors (French toast, latte, Double Fudge Diamond) that arrive in festive packaging and allow you to (finally) eat cake hands free.
Why: They’re utterly moist. Yeah, we said it.
Where: Online at cakeslidercreations.com.

WEAR
Milly for Sperry
What: All aboard. The NY-based designer brings her colorful, playful prints to the famous Top-Sider brand ($90-$225).
Why: Vibrant patent leather yellow flats or navy wedges, as well as rose-print, laceless canvas sneakers.
Where: Online at sperrytopsider.com.

COLLECT
The Good Machinery Animal Figurines
What: We’re wild about the collectibles ($59-$69) painted by an Italian artist. Gift them to others or stash them in nooks and crannies for a splash of color.
Why: A howling silver wolf, hippo with fuchsia polka dots, and lion in magenta and gold are just part of the herd.
Where: Online at etsy.com.

SUPPORT
Spanx Lace Bra-llelujah
What: The best boulder holder ($68) in the world just got sexy. It smooths your back and lifts the ladies the same as before, but now with lace cups (in nude or black).
Why: The bra may have had a little work done; you’ll just look like you did.
Where: Online at spanx.com.

SWEAT
Electric Yoga Sportswear
What: French-born tanks, stretch pants, and zip-ups ($24-$198) from Bisou Bisou designer-turned-master yogi Michele Bohbot.
Why: Neon colors activate specified chakras. Light-as-air bubble coats pack down into mini carrying cases and use your own body heat to keep you toasty.
Where: Online at electric-yoga.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Cakeslider Creations

The Weekend Guide

2012-02-09T06:00:00Z

London Events and Diversions

Violence is not the answer.

SEE
Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’
What: The first solo exhibition by Band of Skulls vocalist and bassist Emma Richardson showcases paintings inspired by the new album.
Why: See the music.
When: Today-12 Feb. Daily, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Londonewcastle Project Space, 28 Redchurch St., E2 7DP.

SPLURGE
Shopbop Launches Free Shipping to the UK
What: Popular American shopping site now show prices in pounds with free shipping to the UK (and no hidden charges).
Why: Charlotte Ronson, Madewell, Made by Dawn and other exclusive brands.
When: You can’t afford a plane ticket.
Where: Online at shopbop.com.

LISTEN
Stories Before Bedtime
What: Late-night story time gets an anti-Valentine’s Day twist with unlikely romance tales and gin and tonics.
Why: Remember how nice it was to be read to before bed?
When: Fri., 10:30 p.m.
Where: Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly Circus, W1V 9LB. Tickets (£12.50) online at ticketmaster.co.uk.

BOOK
Films at The Yard
What: Rooftop Film Club screens classic and cult watches in London’s first warehouse cinema.
Why: Stick around after the movie to eat, drink and dance to midnight at the bar.
When: 18 Feb.-3 Mar. Mon.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 7:30 p.m.
Where: Queen’s Yard, White Post Ln., E9 5EN. Tickets (£9) online at the-yard.co.uk.

SHOP
Beyond the Valley Closing-Down Sale
What: Everything must go from the inspirational fashion, design and lifestyle store/gallery.
Why: For old time’s sake.
When: Today-29 Feb. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 12:30-5 p.m.
Where: 2 Newburgh St., W1F 7RD (020 7437 7338).

Photo: Courtesy of Emma Richardson and Londonewcastle Project Space

New and Noteworthy: Reading Notes Book Inserts

2012-02-08T09:00:00Z

A Cure for Digital Fatigue

Patient Name: E. Post

Symptoms: Digital fatigue. Indecipherable shorthand. Attempts to touch-screen activate all shiny surfaces within reach.

Diagnosis: Pen-to-paper withdrawal.

Treatment: Reading Notes palm-size notebooks.

Modeled after old-fashioned library cards, the self-adhering pamphlets stick to the insides of book covers, ensuring they’ll never be lost, forgotten, or deleted in the wake of a Words with Friends bender. The mini journals can lend clarity to random margin scrawlings, gravity to tawdry beach reads, and relief to texting thumbs.

Front and back flaps cover the basics (where the book was read, a one-to-five-star rating system). Thirty-two tiny pages can be filled with any other ramblings, rants, or rave reviews that are too private to share on a Twitter feed, Tumblr post, or Facebook page.

Dosage: Whenever it feels novel.

Available online at pleasetakenotes.com, $16 for three.

Photo: Matthew Latkiewicz / Courtesy of Reading Notes

Spring 2012 Trends: Into the Ocean

2012-02-08T07:00:00Z

Spring 2012 Trends: Metallics

2012-02-08T07:00:00Z

Karpo All-Day Diner Opens

2012-02-08T06:00:00Z

Where to Eat Grits

You tweet while you eat, blog secret family recipes and style every dish for maximum Facebook commentary.

Is nothing sacred anymore?

Karpo, a new all-day, three-story diner named after the Greek goddess of fruits of the earth, answers our prayers. Head to the King’s Cross restaurant for everything from pastries and shrimp and grits (for breakfast) to cuttlefish stew, artichoke soup or leg of lamb and harissa chicken cooked in a wood-fire oven.

Bow at the altar of local produce and sustainable, organic ingredients: chef Daniel Taylor (Bond & Brook) grows his own herbs, flowers and medicinal plants on a living wall at the back of the restaurant in addition to potatoes, kale, artichokes, lettuce and fruit in an urban garden on top of the building.

You have our blessing to tell everyone.

Karpo, 23 Euston Road, NW1 2SD (020 7843 2221 or karpo.co.uk).

Photo: Courtesy of Karpo

Valentine's Day Heart Stealers

2012-02-07T06:30:00Z

Valentine's Day Gift Guide 2012

2012-02-07T06:00:00Z

How to Be a Flick Tease

Still searching for your Hollywood ending?

High School Musical
Making a mixtape used to be the most romantic thing you could do for someone. See if it still works with the modern-day USB memory stick version.

What Women Want
Who knows? But jewellery always seems to do the trick. Get her smiling with a pair of Mallarino earrings or Hillier heart scribble necklace.

You’ve Got Mail
Love declarations via SMS scream ‘I have the mental age of a teenager’. Instead carve a sweet message into a solid wood postcard, or send an old-school telegram or card by Door 77.

While You Were Sleeping
Make a date with yourself and spend it in a pair of cosy cotton Poplin pyjamas. After all, everyone says you look your best when you are comfortable.

Bullets over Broadway
Write a note and keep it safe inside a gold love bullet pendant necklace. The range also includes silver, pewter and a raw finish. They’re to die for.

Keep it reel.

Photo: George Eastman House / Flickr

Painted Shoes with Sole

2012-02-06T09:00:00Z

The Office of Angela Scott Footwear

From the OkCupider who stood you up for bocce (classic body snatch) to your go-to brow lady (who’s also “kinda psychic”), everybody’s got a story.

A tale actually worth spreading? That of The Office of Angela Scott.

This week the designer launches an online boutique full of Italian-crafted shoes with personae as colorful as their painted uppers and soles.

Mrs. and Mr. Smith (her, a proper heel; him, a flat oxford) are a traditional-looking pair — until you read into their flaming pink stripes.

Prim Miss Wright lace-ups and Mrs. Seymour saddle shoes tell a saucier saga than their traditional counterparts, and Mr. Oliver equestrian boots are finished in quirky canvas. (Here’s hoping the red, white, and blue Americana edition becomes a permanent fixture.)

Whatever she’s selling, we’re buying.

Available online at theofficeofangelascott.com, $350-$825.

Photo: Jessica Watts / Courtesy of The Office of Angela Scott

The Cake Empire Cake Push Pops Launch

2012-02-06T06:00:00Z

Push It Real Good

Some days we think we’ve seen (and eaten) it all.

Then something comes along, pushing the boundaries.

Say hello to cake push pops, the sweetest new way to get your sugar fix. The Cake Empire has devised multiple flavours for your pushing pleasure: tongue-tingling chocolate with layers of Oreo frosting, classic Victoria sponge with a vanilla and strawberry filling.

Last year The Cake Empire founder Helen Goss put aside her career in media to concentrate on the curious confections. Was it a good idea? The proof is in the pudding — each delicate layer adds up to total sensory overload.

When push comes to shove, it’s a trend we’re more than ready to handle.

Available at Tom’s Deli, 266 Westbourne Grove, W11 2HR (020 7221 8818 or tomsdeli.co.uk). For more information, go to thecakeempire.co.uk.

Photo: Courtesy of The Cake Empire

Screen Play: February's Must-See Movies

2012-02-03T08:30:00Z

Cycle Pit Stop Bicycle Repairs

2012-02-03T06:00:00Z

Ride In, Ride Out

Diagnosis: A broken bicycle and minimal funds.

Symptoms: Lack of mobility, inability to get anywhere and the feeling that your life just isn’t moving forward.

Treatment: Pay a visit to Cycle Pit Stop, the ride-in/ride-out cycle center in London Fields run by bike enthusiasts TR McGowran and Jusus Telesford. As part of their quick-fix, one-hour service (available seven days a week for £20), the duo adjusts gears, tightens brakes, fixes worn-out chains, repairs punctured tires or gives your bike a general health check from their stall in the local market. Spare parts are sourced from salvaged bikes to keep costs down, and children’s rides are fixed for free.

Prognosis: A miraculous turnaround.

Cycle Pit Stop, Netil Market, 11-25 Westgate Street, E8 3RL (07976 978044 or facebook.com/cyclepitstop).

Photo: Alys Tomlinson / Getty Images

The Weekend Guide

2012-02-02T09:00:00Z

Online Finds, Fashions, and Fodder

Low-impact weekending.

PLAN
Low-Commitment Projects
What: There’s no need to DTR here. Two cute, bicoastal BFFs post lazy-day projects each Monday to please even the most flighty DIYers.
Why: Serve Mondrian-inspired sandwiches, fashion fake self-help book covers (Eat Your Way Thin), and more.
Where: Online at lowcommitmentprojects.com.

SHOP
Eaton Trading Company
What: Men’s and women’s fashions, bags, jewelry and accessories from the likes of A.P.C., Band of Outsiders, Steven Alan, Rag & Bone, and Rachel Comey.
Why: DC readers get 30 percent off site-wide (and an additional 30 percent off sale items) with code VALENTINE thru Sun.
Where: Online at stores.eatontradingcompany.com.

SET
Palace Dinnerware
What: Unfortunately, Will and Kate can’t make it to supper. Save face by serving your meal with black and white plates, cups, bowls, and platters that, when assembled, transform into classic palaces ($75-$529).
Why: Seven-piece sets stack up like Russian dolls for eye-catching storage or display.
Where: Online at shop.thefutureperfect.com.

EAT
Typocolate
What: Milk and dark chocolate bars ($20 for two) engraved with irreverent typographic messages (Best Day Ever, Oui? Oui.) that spell out your feelings.
Why: Food should always be art.
Where: Available for preorder at shop.godynamo.com.

SUPPORT
Mulu
What: A new social sharing site with a charitable twist. Post what you like (clothing, toys, gadgets), and when people buy your picks, a percentage of the proceeds goes to your choice cause.
Why: Join the cerebral-ebrity ranks of Jonathan Franzen (for the American Bird Conservancy) and Toni Collette (Doctors Without Borders).
Where: Online at mulu.me.

Photo: Courtesy of Low-Commitment Projects