DailyCandy London

Doodle Bug

2009-11-06T14:15:00Z

Lisa Marie Norton's Pet Doodles

When you doodle, it’s usually something shameful like your name with boy-of-moment’s last name. You know, just to see how it will look when you fetch the mail after you two are married with kids.

Lisa Marie Norton’s doodles have real-life inspiration.

The Michigan-based graphic designer creates noncutesy five-by-seven portraits of your dog, cat, bird, bunny, iguana, turtle, or snake. You supply her with photos; she takes pen to paper and then colors it in digitally. The depictions are modern, cartoony, and a little Japanesey.

At just $50, they’re a perfect sentimental gift for yourself or others.

Even if they’re not destined to be significant ones.

Available online at lmnoprint.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Lisa Marie Norton

Mr. Jones's Diary

2009-11-06T06:00:00Z

Dominic Jones Jewellery Launches

All in a good day’s work: rings, 5. Necklaces, 3. Approving looks from strangers looking at jewellery, lots.

It is very good to be Dominic Jones right now.

Studied at Sir John Cass School of Art and now working on a badass collection of rings, necklaces and earrings with model-of-the-moment, lovely best friend and business partner Alice Dellal. Nothing dainty, nothing too feminine — perfect for the new you.

Ferocious progress thus far: solid rose gold rings with animal claw motifs, including a don’t-mess-with-this pointy knuckle ring that spans three fingers; stud earrings shaped like fangs and rose thorns; a necklace with freshwater pearls and black gold molded to look like rose stems.

Edgy and animalistic but still completely chic.

This might be love.

Available at Browns Focus, 38-39 South Molton Street, W1K 5RN (020 7514 0063 or brownsfashion.com). To see styles, go to dominicjonesjewellery.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Dominic Jones

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-05T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

It’s Gordon Ramsay’s birthday on Sunday so have a f***ing good time.

SLEEP
FJS Pillows
What: Rest your head on beautiful, hand-sewn cushions inspired by the designer’s g-ma’s hankie collection, batik shirts Spitta wore in seventh grade, and his mom’s old hippie threads.
Why: You’re feelin’ groovy.
Where: Online at fjspillows.com.

REREAD
The Classics
What: Penguin’s jazzy ten-book collection of Coralie Bickford-Smith-designed hardcovers is finally available in the U.S. of A. Titles include Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, and Great Expectations.
Why: It’s a universally acknowledged fact that they’re awesome.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

SIGN UP
Swirl, Sample Sales by DailyCandy
What: Introducing our new sample sale e-commerce site with clothing and accessories from our fave designers — all at up to 80 percent off. Beta site (and first sale) goes up Nov. 16.
Why: DailyCandy subscribers get dibs (first 100 members get $100 gift cards).
Where: Online at swirl.com.

DONATE
Your Halloween Candy
What: Participating dentists will buy back your unopened treats and ship them to troops overseas.
Why: You’re sweet enough already.
Where: Online at halloweencandybuyback.com.

BE
A Fashion Designer
What: Stylish sketchbooks feature figure templates (that disappear when photocopied) and a notes section on every page.
Why: Unleash your inner Coco.
Where: Online at hokeycroquis.com.

BUY
The Working Proof
What: New site releases a print by an emerging artist every Tuesday. A portion of the proceeds goes to charity.
Why: The proof’s in the pudding.
Where: Online at theworkingproof.com.

Or would you rather skip town this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of FJS

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-05T06:00:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Love life.

READ
To India, with Love: from New York to Mumbai
What: Travel to India — scrapbook style — through the eyes of Matthew Williamson, Padma Lakshmi, James Ivory, Adrien Brody and others.
Why: The book raises funds, spirits and awareness for the victims of last year’s terror attacks on Mumbai.
When: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Rd., SW1X 7XL (020 7730 1234); available to preorder online at waterstones.com.

CREATE
Art Light Paint Jam
What: Spend the afternoon painting, drinking, dancing and contributing to a massive communal canvas.
Why: No skills required to free the artist within.
When: Sun., 4-8 p.m.
Where: Westbourne Studios, 242 Acklam Rd., W10 5JJ. To book, call 07956 889634 or e-mail daliazermon@hotmail.com.

SHOP
Domakaya Winter Sale
What: Up to 30 per cent off selected quirky and colourful knitted scarves, woolly hats, handbags and accessories.
Why: Start Christmas shopping early.
When: Sat., noon-7 p.m.
Where: 49 Roland Gds., flat 2, SW7 3PJ (07770 571077).

Fraubraun Pop-Up Shop
What: New vintage fashion website hosts a one-off event selling affordable gems.
Why: Photograph yourself in potential purchases with a vintage camera and cable release.
When: Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: The Rag Factory, 16-18 Heneage St., E1 5LJ (020 7650 8749).

LEARN
The Flirting & Walking Tour of London
What: Ninety minutes of practical tuition by social anthropologist and relationship expert Jean Smith, who take you on a tour of flirting hotspots in central London.
Why: You need all the help you can get.
When: Fri., 7-8:30 p.m.
Where: Tour starts in the foyer of National Portrait Gallery, St. Martin’s Pl., WC2H 0HE. To book, call 07950 694639 or e-mail allure@allureseminars.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Assouline

Apiece Apart Clothing Fall 2009

2009-11-04T17:30:00Z

Hot Tomato

2009-11-04T17:00:00Z

Black Tomato Launches DailyCandy Travel Desk

Travel dream No. 1: India. Now, pick cities. (Jaipur? Udaipur?) Find driver. Arrange elephant ride. And sunrise mountain picnic. Mmmkay. Maybe you’ll just go to your mom’s.

Travel dream No. 2: It’s Wednesday. Your boss tore you a new one. Sure would be nice to call in sick from a beach in Mexico Friday morning.

If only? Impossible? Nope. We’re making it easier to get outta town: We just launched a partnership with Black Tomato, the travel company for the way we (that means you) travel — in totally customized trips.

Why do this? Well, someone needs to take you from A (you know where you want to go) to B (you can’t deal with the arrangements).

Why Black Tomato? You pretty much suggested it. When we published its Insider’s Guide to Indonesia last year, so many of you booked with BT — and kept booking — it’s a wonder you got any work done in 2009.

What’s in it for DailyCandy subscribers? A dedicated travel desk a call or e-mail away. Personalized service. Custom trips. And sweet extras like a free night at a hotel (or that sunrise picnic).

We’ll keep doing what we do here at DailyCandy Travel: hitting the road and reporting on the destinations we think you’ll love. Only now we’re making it easier for your getaways to happen.

Your wish, our command.

Available online at blacktomato.co.uk.

Apiece Out

2009-11-04T14:15:00Z

Apiece Apart Fall 2009 Collection

Deafening sirens, rowdy mob scenes, shrieking teenagers.

Sheesh. Can’t we get a little peace and quiet?

Actually, yes, thanks to Apiece Apart, a high-end line of sleek separates that harmonizes your wardrobe.

Designed by two NYC gals, the collection consists of everything you need (from skirts, trousers, tops, and jackets to carryalls, clutches, and belts) to look like a chic, put-together grown-up. (And really, it’s time.) Articles pair as well with each other as they do with those crazy impulse buys (hello, sequin leggings!) sitting in your closet.

The hefty price tags might feel like a problem.

But pristine cuts and luxurious fabrics make Apiece Apart of the solution.

Available online at satineboutique.com, mickmargo.com, and shopjumelle.com. To see styles, go to apieceapart.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Apiece Apart

Make Us Proud

2009-11-04T06:00:00Z

Proud Cabaret Opens

A new hair cut and a vow never to touch tequila again isn’t enough to reinvent yourself. (We’ve tried.)

For solid advice on changing direction, look to Danielle and Alex Proud.

The husband and wife team (founder and creative director of Camden’s Proud Galleries, the biggest private photo venue in Europe) will open Proud Cabaret tomorrow in the heart of the city. It’s a restaurant (serving British fare), cabaret club and live music spot — and a noteable step away from photography.

The decadent basement space feels like a 1920s speakeasy filled with plush booths, velvet curtains and a mirrored VIP area. Regular entertainment will include jazz, burlesque and a DJ until 3:30 a.m. A diverse selection of hosts will plan interactive performances and supper club evenings.

Talk about doing something different.

Proud Cabaret, 1 Mark Lane, EC3R 7AH (020 7283 1940 or proudcabaret.com).

Photo: Mark Whitfield / Courtesy of Proud Cabaret

Delightful Deals

2009-11-03T16:00:00Z

Aren’t we the cutest little e-mail you’ve ever seen?

Gifts for Nesters

2009-11-03T14:00:00Z

Where’s your piece of the hostessing pie? Try these gift picks, homeslice.

The American Dream

2009-11-03T07:00:00Z

Bundle Box Delivery Service Launches

New Yorkers can have pretty much anything delivered, any time day or night.

In London, we can barely persuade the postman to bring us the bills.

Bundle Box is a new delivery service that lends a bit of hassle-free American living to your doorstep: It provides you with a U.S. mailing address.

This means you can order directly from websites that normally ship only within the States (and take advantage of the dollar discount). Planning to shop from more than one site? Your purchases can be bundled together and shipped for a set fee — including delivery, import duties and VAT — which means no surprise charges once your goodies arrive in the UK.

Bundle Box is efficient, reliable and will even make purchases on your behalf from American websites that don’t accept UK credit cards.

Service around the clock. How veddy un-British.

Available online at bundlebox.com.

Photo: jules:stonesoup / Flickr

Fine, Have It Your Way

2009-11-02T14:15:00Z

Omne Necklace by Gemma Redux

Help! Help!

Woman screams.

Deep in the heart of Pleasantville, there’s a damsel in distress. She’s worn the same boring jewelry every day since 2007 (hold back your tears, please).

Wait what’s that? It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s Super Necklace, a.k.a. the Omne by Gemma Redux.

It morphs from chunky choker to open chain necklace to bohemian hair accessory to dangly belt in the blink of an eye — all thanks to a really strong magnet. Don’t believe it? We caught it in the act in today’s video, shot in New York City, er, Gotham.

And here’s the part that really saves the day: It retails for just $98 and up.

You know, in case you wanna hire it for birthday parties.

Available online at gemmaredux.com.

Babes in the Hood

2009-11-02T06:00:00Z

Cecilia Hammarborg Outerwear

If you go down to the woods today, you’re in for a big surprise.

But don’t expect to find the Big Bad Wolf. These days, the scary woodland creatures are drunks and dealers.

Restore your faith in the enchanted forest by slipping into one of Cecilia Hammarborg’s fairy-tale coats. Inspired by the stories of the Brothers Grimm, the Swedish-born designer created a capsule collection of outerwear that would make Red Riding Hood jealous.

Choose the dramatic high-collared Storm Petrel or the slim military fit of the Fieldfare, which has a fishtail hem and puff sleeves — an example of Hammarborg’s magic touch. Made using the finest Italian wools and cut with immaculate precision, these coats will open eyes.

All the better to see you with, my dear.

Available at Equa, 28 Camden Passage, N1 8ED (020 7359 0955 or equaclothing.com); online at ceciliahammarborg.com.

Photos: Clara Blomqvist

Don't Be Yourself

2009-10-30T13:45:00Z

Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

You know what was truly a fright last Halloween? Seeing a sexy Sarah Palin on every block.

This year, opt for something a little more original and a little less hockey MILF (but perhaps equally as creepy). And no, Balloon Boy isn’t what we’re getting at.

In today’s video, we show you five easy DIY costumes that you can make in less than ten minutes: a cereal killer, little white lies, swine flu (sorry, couldn’t resist), a chick in a box, and — get this — a Kraft single (you know we’d never pass up a chance to be cheesy).

The best part: You won’t need to stand in line at a Halloween superstore (which can be a scary sight on its own) for any of the above.

You’re a maverick in disguise.

For more detailed descriptions on how to make each costume, check out our photo gallery.

Strap One On

2009-10-30T13:15:00Z

Pup to Go Dog Carrier

Hey, everybody. My name’s Precious Peanut McDoggle III. May I sniff your crotch?

[Can I have a treat?]

You may think it’s easy bein’ a dog, and all I need to be happy is a snack or two (apples, Pinkberry, bread, insect bits, etc.). Not true! Although I am famished.

[Can I have a treat?]

The truth is, when you leave, I go nuts. So might I suggest you buy a Pup to Go dog carrier? So I can come with you everywhere.

[Can I have a treat?]

Basically, it’s a durable, breathable backpack for your front with my head coming out the top and arm, leg, and tail holes on the sides. It’s machine washable, comfy for us both, and available in three sizes.

[Can I have a treat?]

Sure, people might mistake me for a big, furry human baby at first.

But wouldn’t that be a treat?

Available online at puptogo.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Pup to Go

Sample Sale Scene

2009-10-30T05:00:00Z

November Sample Sales

Top of the shops.

What: Vivienne Westwood
Why: Discounted ready-to-wear and accessories.
When: Today, 6:30-9 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: 30-40 Elcho St., SW11 4AU.

What: Betty Jackson
Why: Up to 80 per cent off ready-to-wear.
When: 3 & 4 Nov. Tues., 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Wed., 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Where: 311 Brompton Rd., SW3 2DY (020 7589 7884).

What: M Missoni
Why: Ready-to-wear and accessories from £20.
When: 4 Nov. Wed., 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: 87 Great Portland St., W1W 7LU (01908 233640).

What: Pringle of Scotland
Why: Up to 70 per cent off ready-to-wear and accessories.
When: 4-6 Nov. Wed. & Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Where: The Courtyard, 255a Pavilion Rd., SW1X 0BP (020 7259 1660).

What: By Malene Birger & American Vintage
Why: Clothing and accessories from £15.
When: 5 & 6 Nov. Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Inexcess Fashion Ltd., 124-128 Barlby Rd., unit 4, W10 6BL (020 8960 6161).

What: Ally Capellino
Why: Bags and accessories from £5.
When: 11 Nov. Wed., noon-8 p.m.
Where: Studio 1, 5 Calvert Ave., E2 7JP (020 7613 3073).

What: Goat
Why: Knits, dresses, trousers and jackets from £30.
When: 13 Nov. Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Basement, 76 Gloucester Pl., W1U 6HJ (020 7487 3401).

What: Jenny Packham
Why: Evening dresses from £250.
When: 19-21 Nov. Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 3a Carlos Pl.,W1K 3AN (020 7493 6295).

What: Erickson Beamon
Why: Up to 70 per cent off jewellery.
When: 27 Nov. Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 38 Elizabeth St., SW1W 9NZ (020 7259 0202).

What: Valentino
Why: Up to 70 per cent off ready-to-wear, accessories and fur.
When: 26-28 Nov. Thurs.-Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: The Music Room, 26 S. Molton Ln., W1K 5AB.

The Weekend Guide

2009-10-29T13:45:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Be who you wanna be.

COMMISERATE
Cassette from My Ex
What: Writers (Jancee Dunn, Rick Moody) and other creative types wax nostalgic about old flames through the music they compiled.
Why: Beach ’93 (a.k.a. V-card mix) will never die.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

WRITE
Penzu
What: Record your scandalous thoughts and upload pics in a handy online diary. Unlike blogs, it’s accessible by only you unless you decide otherwise.
Why: Secrets, secrets are so fun.
Where: Online at penzu.com.

READ
Poetry of Food
What: New online magazine contains recipes, restaurant reviews, foodie recollections, and pics that’ll make you hungry.
Why: Eat these words.
Where: Online at poetryoffood.com.

PACK
Old-Fashioned Luggage
What: Although the colorful, little suitcases aren’t big enough for a vacation (let’s be real, overpackers), they’re perfect for day trips or even organizing things around the house.
Why: Stuff it.
Where: Online at landofnod.com.

WEAR
Month-of-the-Year Undies
What: Hip Portland-based site just started making timely little skivvies with leftover scraps from other projects. November and December coming soon.
Why: Don’t wear them a month straight.
Where: Online at store.makoollovesyou.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Cassette from My Ex

The Weekend Guide

2009-10-29T05:00:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Have no fear.

EAT
Cocomaya Opens
What: Marble Arch chocolate shop opens an adjoining artisan bakery.
Why: Breads, seasonal fruit tarts, Vienna-style pastries, savoury biscuits, fruit lollipops and cakes.
When: Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 12 Connaught St., W2 2AF (020 7706 2770).

SEE
One Foot in the Grove
What: Last chance to catch the 15,000-square-foot outdoor exhibition under the Westway flyover.
Why: Street art, giant sculptures, installations and photography as they should be seen.
When: Fri., 2-10 p.m.; Sat., 1-10 p.m.; Sun., noon-9 p.m.
Where: 3-6 Acklam Rd., W10 5YU.

WATCH
Pinewood Studios Drive-In Screenings
What: Outdoor movie series launches with The Omen and The Shining on the world’s largest cinema screen.
Why: Reel scary. Just in time.
When: Sat.-6 Dec. Times vary.
Where: Pinewood Studios, Pinewood Rd., Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, SL0 0NH. For showtimes and to book tickets, go to seetickets.com.

PLAY
Miss Q’s Opens
What: American-style pool hall, diner and live music venue opens with a dance floor, booths and retro pinball machine.
Why: Living the American dream.
When: Wed., 5-11 p.m.; Thurs. & Fri., 5 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat., noon-2 a.m.; Sun., noon-10:30 p.m.
Where: 180-184 Earl’s Court Rd., SW5 9QG (020 7370 5358).

EAT
Allens of Mayfair Launches Online
What: Score superior-quality meat, poultry and game from Britain’s oldest (and poshest) butcher — without paying the congestion charge.
Why: You’ve got beef.
When: Now.
Where: Online at allensofmayfair.co.uk.

Photo: Courtesy of Cocomaya

Go Wilde

2009-10-28T16:00:00Z

DailyCandy Goes to Ireland

Ireland has a long history of rhyming (Wilde, Yeats, Joyce, Beckett). But there’s no East Coast-West Coast rivalry, which means you can hip-hop across the country from Dublin to Galway.

Dublin or Nothin’
Start by getting cozy. Check into Dylan (Eastmoreland Place, Dublin 4; +353-1-660-3000), a colorful boutique hotel in a renovated Victorian building not far from St. Stephen’s Green. Then head off the beaten path to the serene Irish Museum of Modern Art (Royal Hospital, Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8; +353-1-612-9900) for outsider, Irish, and international art.

Now you’re ready for some Guinness. Grogans Castle Lounge (15 William Street South, Dublin 2; +353-1-677-9320) is a divey watering hole where local artists and writers will keep you entertained with stories and so-so artwork on the walls. Order another (and another) at Shebeen Chic (4 South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-679-9667), a gastropub decorated in thrift shop finds and clotheslines.

Prevent a hangover with classic Irish fare like black pudding and smoked haddock at The Winding Stair Restaurant + Bookshop (40 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1; +353-1-872-7320). How incredibly charming and cozy is this place? Well, there’s also a great selection of hard-to-find used books.

When you’re ready to shop, hit Design Centre (59 South William Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-679-5863) for Irish labels like Philip Treacy and Pauric Sweeney and Avoca (11-13 Suffolk Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-667-4215) for housewares, boho clothing, and affordable jewelry.

And get your green on strolling the River Liffey and the many parks around town.

Such Galway
It’s dramatically gray, right on the water, and authentically Oirish. And when you hang your hat at the glam Philip Treacy-designed The G (Dublin Road, Wellpark; +353-91-865-200), you’re front and center to everything.

Galway is an incredibly walkable town. Here’s your path: Stroll along the River Corrib, over to the Claddagh (yes, of those rings), and amble along the expansive Salthill beaches next to Galway Bay.

The annual Galway Oyster Festival makes for quite a show, but you can get your aquatic fill anytime at the down-to-earth and boisterous McDonagh’s Seafood House (22 Quay Street; +353-91-565-001), where no one notices how much you eat or drink. (It. will. be. lots.)

Pop into Les Jumelles (11 Upper Abbeygate Street; +353-91-564-540) for gems from Irish designers like Lainey Keogh and Mary Grant. Come weekend, hit the centuries-old farmers market (next to St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Mainguard and Lombard Streets) for local crafts, woolens, and the biggest carrots you’ve ever seen. Saturdays are best for food; Sundays are all about crafts.

You’ve fallen in love with the town, now hit the road. Rent a car and drive to Cliffs of Moher for breathtakingly high views and then wind around through the rocky terrain of the Burren and breathe in the fresh air. So many sheep, cows, and horses. So many green hills and dramatic waters.

Aye, it’s enough to make you wax poetic.

While you’re down there:
+ DailyCandy Goes to Edinburgh

Photos: Jupiter Images; Courtesy of Grogans Castle Lounge; Courtesy of The Winding Stair Restaurant + Bookshop; Courtesy of Avoca; Courtesy of The G; Eoin Gardiner/Flickr; Courtesy of McDonagh’s Seafood House; Courtesy of Lainey Keogh; Courtesy of Cliffs of Moher

Give Thanks

2009-10-28T13:15:00Z

Heritage Thanksgiving Turkeys

Your typical Thanksgiving meal includes mashed potatoes with a side of crazy, yams topped with family dysfunction, and turkey as dry as your parents’ sex life.

Bring some sanity to the table this year in the form of a Heritage turkey.

Grown on the Good Shepherd Turkey Ranch, the fowl is bred naturally; never fed antibiotics or animal by-products; matures at a natural rate; and, when the day comes, meets a clean end.

Pick a bird ranging from 8 to 22 pounds (one pound per person), and Heritage will include the neck and giblets for stuffing and gravy. Never frozen, the game comes on ice, sealed in a cryovaced bag with a cavity wedge to protect it from bacterial growth.

Order before they sell out, and your gobbler will arrive via FedEx Tuesday, November 24 with cooking instructions.

Oh, will you please pass the judgment?

Available online at heritagefoodsusa.com.

Photo: Getty Images