DailyCandy London

More Than Words

2009-11-20T14:15:00Z

Library: Archives of Fashion Vintage Shop

It was Miss Lail with the horsebit belt in the library.

Need a bigger clue? We’re talking about Library: Archives of Fashion, an online vintage shop out of Charleston.

At the helm is Lauren Lail, who sees each fashion piece as a story, together creating a unique anthology.

Designer items share virtual racks with no names, all dangling reasonable price tags and detailed measurements.

Hopeless romantics will be drawn to floral dresses, ruffled tops, and crochet vests. Big sunglasses, chunky belts, and animal prints will appeal to those with a penchant for drama. And boyfriend cardis and blazers offer self-help on days when you’re not feeling your thinnest.

There are times we can all use a cover-up.

Available online at libraryfashion.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Sully Sullivan Photography

A Shawl Story

2009-11-20T06:00:00Z

Ahilya Cashmere Scarves Launch

The scene: a cold and dark November evening.

You’ve managed to peel yourself off the couch and dress in your finest to attend the first of many festive occasions. Then you reach the door — and realize that a bobbly scarf isn’t going to cut it with your elegant ensemble.

Enter: self-taught artist Manuela Moollan with Ahilya, her super-chic collection of shawls.

Cut to: Kashmir, where the delicate cashmere cover-ups are hand-spun, hand-woven and hand-dyed by artisans using the traditional textile process. The ultra-fine shawls are lined in metallic threads (for subtle sparkle). Diamond-weave stoles are made with Chantilly or Calais lace.

Exit: threadbare pashmina.

And that’s a wrap.

Available at Liberty, Great Marlborough Street, W1B 5AH (020 7734 1234 or liberty.co.uk); online at strawberryandcream.com. To see styles, go to ahilya.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Ahilya

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-19T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

It’s a dog’s life.

MAKE
Cake for Canines
What: Give Fido a little something to be grateful for this Thanksgiving (or his next b-day) with a doggie dessert mix. For bonus points, get the bone-shaped cupcake pan.
Why: You’ve got a case of puppy love.
Where: Online at puppycake.com.

SAVE
Heidi Merrick Sale
What: The L.A. designer is discounting dresses, bathing suits, skirts, and blouses by 50-75 percent.
Why: It’s going, going, gone.
Where: Online at heidimerrick.com.

USE
Wordnik
What: The comprehensive online dictionary includes pronunciations, relevant quotes, etymologies, and recent appearances on Twitter and Flickr.
Why: Spread the words.
Where: Online at wordnik.com.

ORGANIZE
LobotoMe Notepads
What: Handy checklists make for more efficient packing, grocery shopping, working out, meal planning, and more.
Why: You’d forget your head if it weren’t attached.
Where: Online at lobotome.com.

WATCH
Handmade Nation
What: Artist/first-time filmmaker Faythe Levine traveled across America to make this inspiring documentary about the recent rise of crafting and DIY.
Why: Get creative juices flowing.
Where: Online at buyolympia.com.

EAT
Full Circle Flavors
What: Three lovely sisters in Pennsylvania make chocolaty Amaretto, Limoncello, and Orangecello cakes.
Why: You’re well rounded.
Where: Online at fullcircleflavors.com.

Would you rather hit the road this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of Puppy Cake

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-19T06:00:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Picture this.

SEE
Elvis at 21: New York to Memphis
What: Photographer Alfred Wertheimer brings The King back to life with candid shots at the Proud Group’s new Chelsea gallery space.
Why: Make him proud.
When: Mon.,Wed., Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Proud Chelsea, 161 King’s Rd., SW3 5XP.

BOOK
Bompas & Parr Architectural Punch Bowl
What: Quirky food experience company invites you to drink a glass of punch from a room flooded with more than 4,000 litres of a bespoke Courvoisier cocktail.
Why: Not a drinker? Jump on a raft and float across the giant installation.
When: 8-10 Dec.
Where: 33 Portland Pl., W1B 1QU. Tickets online at jellymongers.co.uk.

ESCAPE
Ganesh Retreats
What: Recharge on a well-being weekend in a beautiful country manor.
Why: Yoga, meditation, energy healing, massage and healthy cooking lessons will have you ready for the hectic holidays.
When: Fri.-Sun.
Where: To book, call 020 7471 3360 or e-mail natasha@eightevents.com.

SHOP
Bar Boot Sale
What: Vintage and designer jumble sale with DJs and stall holders including editors, fashion PRs and trend predictors.
Why: We’ll drink to that.
When: Sat., noon-5 p.m.
Where: The Old Queen’s Head, 44 Essex Rd., N18LN (020 7354 9993).

Kenneth Jay Lane Jewellery Sample Sale
What: Up to 80 per cent off gorgeous rocks.
Why: It’s time to add some festive sparkle.
When: Today-Sun., midnight.
Where: Online at catwalktocloset.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Alfred Wertheimer / Photokunst.com

Under African Skies

2009-11-18T17:00:00Z

DailyCandy Goes to Cape Town

Humming with young boho buzz, Cape Town has emerged from its rocky past as the creative capital of Africa. From high-stakes adventures (paragliding off Signal Hill) to creature comforts (crisp, local sauvignon blancs), the city will leave you breathless.

GPS
While the day away in City Bowl’s historic open-air markets, public gardens, and cobblestoned pedestrian malls dating back to the 17th century’s Dutch East India Company. Tamboerskloof has chic outdoor cafes and prime-time people-watching. Style junkies should head to emerging neighborhoods Woodstock (for design collectives and art galleries), Bo-Kaap (for colorful cottage architecture), and de Waterkant (for a hopping gay scene).

NEST
To experience the social swirl at its best, stay within easy access of Kloof Street. Kick up your heels at Tamboerskloof’s sleek and chic Kensington Place (38 Kensington Crescent; +27-21-424-4744) for primo pampering (like your suite sprinkled with rose petals).

The Airstream Penthouse Trailer Park atop the new Grand Daddy (38 Long Street; +27-21-424-7247) offers a campy-cool vibe in the form of seven vintage caravans refurbished by local artists and set against stunning Table Mountain. Trailers have themes — Afro Funk, Love of Lace, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Sip Castle lager at the rooftop bar and catch a flick at The Pink Flamingo outdoor cinema. Really, now. Who said trailer trash was a uniquely American phenomenon?

INGEST
Native glamazons start the day with Ouma Rusks, the South African equivalent of a biscotti, and yummy meia de leites (espresso with steamed milk) at Vida e Caffe (34 Kloof Street; +27-21-426-0627). For lunch, grab a quiche at Melissa’s (94 Kloof Street; +27-21-424-5540), which has an awesome pay-per-kilo buffet. Thirsty? Sundowners are a Capetonian institution. Snag a harborside table at Cape Grace’s Bascule (West Quay Road; +27-21-410-7100) and choose from more than 400 whiskeys. The largest single malt collection in the Southern hemisphere, it’s a whiskey lover’s wet dream.

INVEST
Share the love with jealous pals back home and swing through the historic Greenmarket Square (54 Shortmarket Street) for authentic African curios like Hutu masks, soapstone giraffe sculptures, and wooden rhino salad tongs. Saturday mornings, the city’s creative cognoscenti descend upon Woodstock’s vibrant Neighbourgoods Market (373-375 Albert Road; +27-21-448-1438). Tarts, curries, and biltong (South African beef jerky) are a must. And make room for one-of-a-kind textiles, vintage dresses, and handcrafted charm necklaces.

DIGRESS
For old-world glamour and traditional Afrikaans fare, stop by Sunday jazz brunch at Steenberg Hotel and Winery in Constantia Valley (10802 Steenberg Estate, Tokai Road; +27-21-713-2222), the oldest vineyard on the Western Cape. (Owner Graham Beck’s brut NV is what the Obamas popped on election night.)

For insider access to vineyards, hook up with Roar Africa. Its people have been in the region for eleven generations, and co-founder Deb Calmeyer can impress the pickiest oenophile. The VIP visit to UK diamond king Laurence Graff’s new winery, Delaire Graff Estate (P.O. Box 3058, Stellenbosch; +27-21-885-8160), gets you into the off-limits barrel room and a sneaky sampling straight from the casks. (The property’s chic David Collins-designed boutique hotel is set to open next year.)

THE REST
No snoozing for you: There’s high-voltage adrenalin and raw wildlife at every turn. Swim with sharks at Seal Island. Ride big waves at Muizenberg Beach. Hike Table Mountain for sweeping views of the city and the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Visit indigenous penguins at Boulders Beach. And catch a glimpse of the only free roaming white lions in the world at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve (+27-28-572-1824).

Don’t worry about the eternal flight home. You’ll be sleeping the whole way.

Photos: Courtesy of Kelley McMillan; Courtesy of The Grand Daddy; Courtesy of Cape Grace; Courtesy of Neighbourgoods Market; Courtesy of Delaire Graff Estate; Courtesy of Sanbona Game Reserve

Skin City

2009-11-18T14:15:00Z

Khirma Eliazov Handbags Debut

After your FUPA made an unscheduled appearance at a late-night dance party (followed by its own tag on Facebook), you swore your skin-showing days were over.

But you’ll rethink things when you get a glimpse of Khirma Eliazov’s handbags. The fashion editor-cum-designer uses unusual exotic skins to make them stand out (in a good way).

The carryalls are comprised of Italian leather, canvas, and gold or silver hardware with textured panels made of stingray. Styles include an oversize number for day, a sleek tote you can carry into the evening, and a pouch with a long body strap good for hitting the town at night. All are available in rich fall hues like navy, eggplant, black, taupe, and gray.

The price tags are steep ($240-$1,495 to be exact).

But you’ve considered paying more for tight skin.

Available online at khirmaeliazov.com. DailyCandy readers get 20% off on purchases made today with code DailyCandy.

Photo: Courtesy of Khirma Eliazov

Bunny Boiler

2009-11-18T06:00:00Z

Bunnies Forever Lingerie Launches

3 p.m.: boardroom – pencil skirt and heels.
8 p.m.: ballroom – backless gown and lipgloss.
2 a.m.: bedroom – boyfriend’s torn tee and comfy granny pants.

Neglecting the boudoir dress code?

Give your bedroom basics a boost with Bunnies Forever. The new handmade lingerie is inspired by all things vintage and will solve your costume dramas. The Queen of Hearts set has hand-sewn silken lucky decks. The black lace Cheeky Girl panties have a coquettish ribbon bum frill.

It’s all in a night’s work for founder and former costume designer Taj Noël Cambridge, who knows a thing or two about dressing up.

So hop to it.

And soon you’ll be at it like rabbits.

Available at Bordello, 55 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3HP (020 7503 3334 or bordello-london.co.uk); by phone or e-mail order (07980 305436 or taj@bunnies-forever.com). To see styles, go to bunnies-forever.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Bunnies Forever

This Little Deal of Mine

2009-11-17T16:00:00Z

Let ’em shine!

Let's Be Ecological

2009-11-17T14:00:00Z

My, what a big carbon footprint you have! Try these green products with an edge, dear.

The Goode Stuff

2009-11-17T06:00:00Z

Henry Goode's Soft Eating Liquorice

Do you tweet your status every fifteen minutes? (Thanks, we were wondering what you ate for lunch.)

Or are you about to rant about the negative effects of reduced human interaction?

Love it or hate it, black liquorice is another matter of personal taste. But Henry Goode’s Moorish and affordable locally made sweets are milder than other brands, with a texture similar to marshmallow.

The retro treats come in big authentic brown paper bags or smaller impulse sizes. But there’s no reason to feel guilty about indulging — they contain less than 2 per cent fat, include only natural colour and flavours, have no added salt and are even Halal approved.

If you’re not a liquorice fan, you probably won’t appreciate all this info.

But at least we’re not oversharing.

Available at Morrisons, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8AA (020 7428 0405 or morrisons.co.uk) and countless other locations nationwide. To see product, go to henrygoode.co.uk.

Photo: Courtesy of Henry Goode’s

Get Pumped

2009-11-16T14:15:00Z

Easy Does It: How to Change a Flat Tire

We’re always looking for a reason to hang out with hunks. Especially if it requires flexing, moaning, and pushing.

So it only made sense to find a muscley beefcake to teach us how to change a busted tire for our next Easy Does It how-to video.

Don’t be intimidated by the task at hand: Fixing a flat is actually really easy — and totally beats waiting for AAA or flagging down a sketchy truck driver. Plus, we figure self-sufficiency (especially if you’re in BFE) is always a good policy.

Now it’s time for a little pump and grind.

To submit questions you’d like us to answer in our next Easy Does It video, e-mail easydoesit@dailycandy.com. Feel free to ask us anything (anything!).

Fashion Flock

2009-11-16T06:00:00Z

The North Circular Knitwear Launches

Recently you’ve been green with envy (you’re still waiting — and waiting — for a Louboutin sample sale invite). And a little green around the gills (an eighth shot of Patrón? Really?).

This winter, try a more flattering shade of green with The North Circular ecofriendly knitwear collection.

Founded by model Lily Cole and her ecoglamorous mates, The North Circular rescues rare Wensleydale Longwool sheep and grazes them peacefully on organic land in Yorkshire, where their lustrous wool is then turned into snug accessories by a team of knitting grannies. (No, no, it doesn’t get any more precious.)

Designs include quirky bobble hats, chunky snoods and cable-knit leg warmers. Pieces are made to order and come with recycled tags indicating how many sheep have been saved to date.

So you can go to sleep at night with an easy conscience.

Let someone else count sheep.

Available online at thenorthcircular.com.

Photo: Courtesy of The North Circular

Let's Take It Slows

2009-11-13T14:15:00Z

Split Pea and Okra Fritter Recipe from Detroit's Slows Bar B Q

You’ve never been the type to fritter things away. Until now. Down at Slows Bar B Q, Detroit’s destination for all things slathered in saucy sauce and washed down with craft beer, chef Brian Perrone’s split pea and okra fry-ups make a scrumptious start to any meal.

Split Pea and Okra Fritters
Makes 25-30 fritters

Ingredients
2 c. green split peas, cooked and cooled
4 c. baby spinach, packed
½ c. hot sauce
¼ c. buttermilk
6 eggs
2 tbsp. kosher salt
1 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. baking powder
¼ c. yellow cornmeal
3 c. all-purpose flour, plus a little more
8 c. okra, sliced

1. Combine split peas and spinach in food processor, add hot sauce and buttermilk, process until smooth. Transfer to large bowl.

2. Whisk in eggs; add salt, sugar, baking powder, and cornmeal.

3. Whisk in flour a little at a time until mixture is not too loose, not too firm.

4. Fold in okra.

5. Drop by rounded tablespoon into 350º oil, fry until golden brown and cooked all the way through. Serve immediately.

Slows Bar B Q, 2138 Michigan Avenue, at Fisher Freeway West, Detroit (313-962-9828‎ or slowsbarbq.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Greg Holm

Back Off Tarzan

2009-11-13T06:00:00Z

Home Jane Professional Handywomen

You’ve been stood up, lied to and let down one too many times.

From now on, you’re going to do things differently.

Ready to try a little girl-on-girl action?

Invite all-female handywoman service Home Jane to your place to sort out your domestic issues. From assembling flat-pack furniture and hanging paintings to complicated plumbing, electrical, decorating and carpentry jobs, the team of fully qualified and insured ladies are a far cry from the lazy, untrustworthy, tea-drinking, Page 3-reading builders we have come not to love.

The service has no hidden costs or call-out charges. The girls won’t try to intimidate you with confusing conversation about channel glazing and back nailing.

It will be one relationship that actually works.

Home Jane (08458 323639 or home-jane.co.uk).

Photo: Howard R. Hollem / Library of Congress / Flickr

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-12T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Drink up.

CARRY
Wine Totes
What: Carry vino in these perfectly sized cotton bags. They’ve got designs just for Bordeaux, Rioja, and Napa Valley wines.
Why: Beats a paper bag.
Where: Online at maptote.com.

MAKE
All-Natural NyQuil
What: The handsome Hot Knives blogger guys devised a recipe using booze, mint leaves, green chili, and ginger that’ll show your cold who’s boss.
Why: It’s good going down.
Where: Online at urbanhonking.com.

SHOP
Castor & Pollux
What: NYC-based store is bringing its equine-themed clothes, accessories, and antiques to the Net. Designers include Filippa K, Acne, and United Bamboo.
Why: Start horsin’ around.
Where: Online at castorandpolluxstore.com.

USE
Cell Phone Radiation Protection
What: These cases purport to be the first of their kind to reduce radiation from your cellular.
Why: Don’t fry your brain.
Where: Online at pongresearch.com.

EAT
Bobbysue’s Nuts
What: Delish organic snacks are the perfect combo of savory and sweet (even the It’s Raining Chocolate variety). A portion of sales goes to help homeless animals.
Why: You’ll love deez nuts.
Where: Online at bobbysuesnuts.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Kate Mathis

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-12T06:00:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Do something different.

SEE
Insight into Iranian Art
What: Discover photography and paintings from a region with one of the richer art heritages in the world.
Why: It’s underexposed.
When: To 8 Dec. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Opera Gallery, 134 New Bond St., W1S 2TF (020 7491 2999).

DRINK
Kanaloa Opens
What: Nick House, Piers Adam (founders of Mahiki) and Sarah Harding launch a Polynesian-themed tiki bar in the city, complete with lush plants, a bamboo bridge, palm tree house, Pan-Asian bar snacks and amazing cocktails.
Why: Escape from reality.
When: Mon.-Fri., 4 p.m.-3 a.m.; Sat., 9 p.m.-3 a.m.
Where: 18 Lime Office Ct., Hill House, Shoe Ln., EC4A 3BQ (020 7842 0620).

RUMMAGE
The Really Really Great Garage Sale
What: Celebrity stall holders sell items donated by famous friends, such as Tamara Mellon’s Jimmy Choo bag and Jemima Khan’s Prada dress.
Why: All proceeds benefit Mothers4Children.
When: Sun., noon-4 p.m.
Where: Selfridges car park, Oxford St., 1st flr., W1A 1AB.

SWAP
V&A Fashion Swishing Event
What: Restyle and recycle old clothes at a day dedicated to sustainable fashion for both men and women.
Why: One person’s trash …
When: Sat., 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Sackler Centre, Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Rd., SW7 2RL.

EAT
Crumbs and Doilies
What: Freshly baked cupcakes now at Covent Garden’s new Christmas Food Market.
Why: Earl Grey- and lemon-flavoured cakes, as well as vanilla-rose made with distilled Persian damask rosewater.
When: Today & Fri., noon-7:30 p.m.
Where: Covent Garden, East Piazza, WC2E 8RF.

Photo: Alireza Fani

Future Perfect

2009-11-11T17:00:00Z

Top Ten Destinations for 2010

Last week we announced our partnership with Black Tomato. Today we’re showing what it can do: get you to the destinations everyone’s going to be talking about next. (P.S. to those who haven’t booked holiday trips yet: Look. how. easy.)

Here are the top ten for 2010.

Colombia is the perfect cocktail of sea (Caribbean), mountains (Andes), and rain forest (Amazon). In Cartagena, check into Sofitel Santa Clara, then wander cobbled streets to gaze at brightly colored buildings, watch spectacular sunsets from Cafe del Mar on the harbor, and have dinner at Club de Pesca (order mahimahi). End your visit snorkeling crystal blue waters while recuperating in a stunning ecohab in the cliffs above the Parque Nacional Tayrona beaches. Details.

Safaris always deliver, especially in Botswana, where the flood plains of the Okavango Delta are home to elephants, lions, wildebeest, giraffes, and buttloads of wild cats. Bond with the beasts from a different perspective on HMS Zib, a spanking-new houseboat that cruises the river. At Zarafa Camp, you can sleep in a four-poster bed, relax in a free-standing copper tub, and snooze by roaring open-stone fires. Details.

If you want to turn a classic on its head, set your compass to the land Down Under, which has so much more than the well-publicized East Coast. Western Australia has laid-back charm, beautiful beaches, and rugged landscapes. Start at The Richardson Hotel in Perth, then head up the coast to Ningaloo Reef to swim with whale sharks, surf alongside dolphins, and take in mesmerizing sunsets at wine tastings. From the ecotents at Sal Salis, it’s a quick kayak ride to the reef’s fish, turtles, and manta rays. Details.

Since Turkey is outside the euro, your budget will stretch further. European Capital of Culture Istanbul will be throbbing next year and, when combined with Bodrum and Cappadocia, mixes ancient and modern. In Istanbul, stay at Tomtom Suites in the historic Pera area for incredible views of the rooftops and harbor. Or across the water on the Asian side at Sumahan for huge suites with funky fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Bosphorus. Look out Côte d’Azur: Bodrum’s up-and-coming beach hotspots Cesme (your hotel: 7800) and Türkbükü (book Maçakizi) have sugar white sand and emerald waters and are the coolest place to top up your tan in style. In Cappadocia, take a balloon ride tour of the stunning lunar landscapes and ancient caves, then recover from it all at Anatolian Houses. Details.

Rounding out the list: lost cities in Syria, volcano surfing in Nicaragua, spiritual awakening in Bhutan, maharaja living in India, lunar landscapes in Chile, and wildebeest migrations in Tanzania.

The got-there-first bragging rights are yours for the taking.

For more information and help booking trips, go to blacktomato.co.uk.

Photos: Courtesy of Black Tomato; Courtesy of Ningaloo Reef

I Love You, Mann

2009-11-11T14:15:00Z

Elliot Mann Handbags Launch

Your dating life is proof that men are from Mars and women are from Venus.

So Elliot Mann must be from Marnus.

One look at his bags, and you’ll suspect the guy’s too good to be true (he is, in fact, imaginary — inspired by two of the designer’s mentors).

Made out of vintage embroidered fabrics from all over the world, each carryall is a one-of-a-kind creation. All are vibrant in color and pattern with sturdy braided leather handles, and they’re big enough to tote around a laptop and groceries on top of the essentials.

The just-launched online shop stocks only twenty bags at a time, and at $275, expect them to go like hotcakes. Thankfully, inventory will constantly be replenished as it’s sold.

Looks like the planets have been aligned.

Available online at elliotmann.com.

Elliot Mann Bag Collection

2009-11-11T14:00:00Z

One-of-a-kind showstoppers, Elliot Mann bags ($275) have a rich history. Fabrics are sourced from Asia, Nepal, and Peru, with Morocco next on the horizon. They all had a previous existence in some other form — furniture upholstery, curtains, even a monk’s robe.

Get the full story on Elliot Mann.

Silver Lining

2009-11-11T06:00:00Z

Love Your Silver Jewellery Launches

At 16, your hobbies included smoking, drinking and lying to your parents about where you spent Saturday night.

When Kerry September was that age, she was making jewellery. (How sweet.)

Over time, the British designer perfected her craft. Earlier this year she launched Love Your Silver — a beautifully hand-finished collection of bracelets, rings, and long and short necklaces made from sterling silver.

Inspired by her ’70s childhood, the collection includes playful, retro charms — mermaids, stars, gingerbread men, dice, hearts, roller skates, angels and strawberries. If you want to get personal, you can customize a charm bracelet from Murano glass beads and trinkets.

Who said innocence is lost forever?

Available online at lyslondon.com.

Photo: Rafael Stahlin / Courtesy of Love Your Silver