Friday, December 16, 2011

From Lafayette to Lyons to London

From Lafayette (Louisiana) to Lyons (LI--ON's Georgia, not Lyons, France!) to London (by way of London Trading Company in Atlanta!), I have been on a mission to find the perfect Christmas presents. Although Lafayette, Lyons, and Atlanta are all Quite different, there are great resources in all three. As  you face the fact that there is only one week left to wrap this Christmas thing up (no pun intended), take my suggestions for some great gifts from these towns/cities to finish checking off your list.

 These fantastic shops will gladly wrap and ship to make your life a little easier! 

LAFAYETTE, LA:

Trust Kiki in River Ranch in Lafayette (and also Baton Rouge) to have exactly what you need to please that special lady on your list. Wives/girlfriends, forward this to your husband/boyfriend to let him know what you want! Here are my selections that are sure to thrill:


Shaesby Scott (a Lafayette native whose Austin based jewelry company, SHAESBY, is represented by fine store across America including Neiman Marcus) earrings that are perfect for day and night appearances:

Kiki says, "The most perfect little stud earring ever. Beautifully hammered sterling silver discs with a tiny diamond in the center. One of our all time Shaesby favorites." $ 215.00



SLANE 16" Pearl Necklace with Beaded Toggle:

Beautiful freshwater pearls made from Slane's  very own pearl beds.  Large sterling silver toggle clasp with engraving and beading detail. Measures 16". $ 345.00
New York based ALEXIS BITTAR is my favorite jewelry designer.  A Lafayette native, the darling Alix Gonsoulin, is Senior Design Coordinator for Alexis Bittar.

One of the chicest bracelets I have ever seen is the Modernist Large Ripple Hinge Bracelet in Translucent Lucite. It is fab and will jazz up any ensemble while giving a nod to mid-century design.

as per Kiki, "Transparent lucite...an ethereal and light take on Alexis Bittar's classic lucite designs. Rhodium plated silver ripple detailing. Magnetic hinge clasp. Approximately 2.5" wide. $ 350.00



Also by ALEXIS BITTAR, the Liquid Rhodium Cuff will make dress down day a-ok:
"Fluid lines boldly define a lustrous metal cuff with a glamorous tactile finish". Approximately 1.5" wide. $ 260.00


KIKI
1910 Kaliste Saloom Road, River Ranch
Lafayette, LA
337.406.0904



Just around the corner from KIKI is Christina Klisanin Barbier's men's boutique MAVEN where stylish yet affordable men's clothing and accessories is the name of the game. There are three items that are on my list that would certainly please your man.

I love the detailing and very Ralph Lauren-esque vibe of this modern cardigan seater. Currently available at Maven in gray, it also comes in navy which is what I am holding out for. We blondes look better in navy but the dark haired man on your list will look great in the gray version.



WeSC sweatshirt cardigan sweater, $ 98.00




Happy Socks make me happy! This brand that I first discovered at Bloomingdale's is carried at MAVEN. Why settle for boring solids, when these designs can make any jeans/button down/loafers look a bit more fun? And at $12, you can give more than one for a great present.




Now that I am in this century with my new I-Phone, I need this!



Stylish and practical, this combo phone case/wallet is a must...Hex Iphone 4/4S wallet: $ 55.00

MAVEN MENSWEAR
116 Rue Promenade, River Ranch
Lafayette, LA
337.504.4462



RENAISSANCE MARKET in the Oil Center in Lafayette is my top choice for books for my library. Mary Landry has excellent taste and is always SO up with what's hot in the world of art, design, and fashion books. Here are three of the hottest books of 2011 that are available at Renaissance Market:

For Traditional Design, New York firm Cullman & Kravis is at the top of the list. See how they do it in Decorating Master Class: The Cullman & Kravis Way, $ 50.

I always turn to New York designer Thomas O'Brien for inspiration. I constantly use O'Brien's collections for Hickory Chair & Circa Lighting in my client projects. His self proclaimed design style "American Modern" is the perfect combination of American classic antiques with a modern twist. The book is $ 50.



Any fashionista must have this book. I have one YSL item, pants that are perfection that I got years ago at Fred Segal in Los Angeles that will remain in my wardrobe forever. Yves Saint Laurent's designs are simply that good and this book illustrates why. $ 55.

Grandparents love to receive the latest photos of the kids. Give the gift that seems to make them so proud in style this year with a "Fine Italian Wood" frame. Here are my selections that will work for anyone's decor.



RENAISSANCE MARKET
902 Harding Street, Oil Center
Lafayette, LA
337.234.1116


When I made it clear that I was shopping "local" this year, I wasn't kidding! On a recent visit to South Georgia for a client meeting, I stopped by Alexis Todd Montfort's consignment shop OH DECO, WHERE ART THOU in Lyons (population app. 4,000!). Alexis has always had a great, quirky sense of humor (hence the title of her shop) and that is on display this Christmas season:

You have to love crazy Chinese lanterns with Christmas trees!
You never know what you will find at OH DECO, WHERE ART THOU..here are my choices for perfect gifts:

Remember the pair of Vaseline Glass candlesticks that I featured a couple of posts back? Well here is a single (but double design) option at OH DECO...for only $ 10!


the perfect umbrella stand to give a foyer a little $ 20 funk factor:


I fell in love with this mid-century modern china pattern at a shop in Austin, TX, a few years ago. Alexis has a serving platter perfect for your holiday entertaining...at only $ 9.95, a steal with style.





Need China to complete your Christmas table? OH DECO...has 18 pieces of this Wedgewood pattern for only $30!!! various plates and serving pieces will mix with your existing white or ivory china to finalize a gorgeous table!


OH DECO WHERE ART THOU
120 North State Street
Lyons, GA
912.526.5964


Back from South Georgia, I headed straight to England. Well, not really, but close. London Trading Company (started in England but relocated to Atlanta in 2003) in the Buckhead area of Atlanta is on East Andrews Drive, one of my favorite shopping streets. Nestled between Boxwoods Gardens & Gifts and Scout for the Home, sits this purveyor of fine English and Southern (that's a great combo!) wares for men, women, children, and the home. 

Here are my recent favorites:

These scarves are FANTASTIC! So chic...$ 126




No man's wardrobe is ever complete without blue & white button downs...several options available at London Trading Company:


Maybe I would stop losing my keys if I had this $ 25 orange/white chic needlepoint fob by Smathers & Branson:


and, finally, another option for photo frames...these by Addison Ross of London are great looking.


LONDON TRADING COMPANY
30 E. Andrews Drive, Buckhead
Atlanta, GA
404.233.1225

OK....hit the ground running and finish your shopping! If you are in Lafayette, Lyons, or Atlanta, swing by these shops. If you want to stay home, just give these three resources a ring and order over the phone and get them shipped to you. Either way, take my advice and buy these gifts and please the lucky recipients!

those of you near Lafayette & Breaux Bridge, don't forget about Rue du Pont Galerie's open house today and tomorrow:


Wishing you a VERY happy, holiday fun weekend!

JEFFERY

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