June 10, 2012

Alex Brunkhorst

Alex's Ten Whimsical Product Picks

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Steel Polyhedron Outdoor Light Lulu DK Child Fabric for Schumacher Yuji Votive Raj Votive Trina Turk for Banana Republic Alexandra Von Furstenberg Tray Dracaena Plant Peonies Lotus Nesting Bowls Steel Polyhedron Outdoor Light
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Steel Polyhedron Outdoor Light Lulu DK Child Fabric for Schumacher Yuji Votive Raj Votive Trina Turk for Banana Republic Alexandra Von Furstenberg Tray Dracaena Plant Peonies Lotus Nesting Bowls

Summer gives us an excuse to be less serious and more fun ... to add a touch of color or whimsy to our lives (and our homes.) From my favorite nesting bowls to Banana Republic's recent collaboration (just in time for summer!) to the votives which are burning bright on my own coffee table ... here's a peek at my recent whimsical summer buys. I've tried to keep the price point down ... in fact, many of my finds are under $100.

And, of course, I always encourage everyone to come at me with your own ideas. That's why we launched the discussion boards below. Those of you who know me know I'm shy, so I don't always like to be the only one talking. Really.

  1. RESTORATION HARDWARE STEEL POLYHEDRON ($450)

    In the age of outdoor rooms, cool outdoor light fixtures are essential. Restoration Hardware is one of my go-to’s for everything, and I adore this statement piece. And it’s on sale. Even better.

  2. LULU DK CHILD FABRIC FOR SCHUMACHER

    Just in time for me to meet my adorable, blond tech founder husband and start having kids, the extraordinary Lulu deKwiatkowski has launched her Oh-My-God children’s fabric line for Schumacher. I know I don’t recommend enough kids/baby home décor on the site, but this about covers all your baby nursery needs.

  3. YUJI CANDLEHOLDERS ($4)

    These cover my coffee table and are so beautiful when lit. My best summer purchase.

  4. RAJ CANDLEHOLDERS ($5)

    If you hate grass, green, don’t want what’s on my coffee table, or want to spend a bit more on your votive holders (all possible), these candleholders are a great alternative. They’re beautiful for outside and a party.

  5. TRINA TURK FOR BANANA REPUBLIC

    I stumbled upon Trina’s store about ten years ago in Palm Springs and have loved her ever since. Her Banana Republic line is wearable, chic, and cool. It makes you want to sit in front of a Neutra house in the desert with a stiff drink. I already got the paisley print white shorts for work. Paisley’s the girl internet founder’s version of the guy’s plaid.

  6. VANITY MIRROR TRAY BY ALEXANDRA VON FURSTENBERG ($358)

    In the case of Alexandra’s furniture line, big things come in small packages. Her acrylic accent pieces are pieces of art. I could have chosen each and every one of them, but I always love vanity trays and this one of my favorites. Girls, it’s great for perfumes. And guys, it’s masculine enough for your brandy decanter. The question is: Are you?

  7. Dracaena Plant

    A few months ago in one of our readers’ favorite articles, Katherine Power and Hillary Kerr of Who What Wear recommended the ever-fashionable Fiddle Fig tree. In tight spaces where the Fiddle is impossible, the Dracaena is a chic option. I was introduced to the Dracaena by the incredibly cool designer Brad Dunning (another one of our guest editors) when I first saw it in the entry of his John Woolf-designed office. I’ve ben fixated ever since.

  8. LOG CUTTING BOARD ($25)

    The Log Cutting Board is just plain cool. The best hostess gift every time, and imagine it with bread, cheese, and grapes for a small get-together with friends. If your friends aren’t talking about it then you need to make new friends.

  9. Peonies

    It’s finally peony season. Trader Joe’s has the best ones I’ve found but don’t tell anyone so they don’t sell out.

  10. NESTING LOTUS BOWLS ($225)

    I love lotus nesting bowls for summer entertaining. I scoured the internet and these are the prettiest and least expensive I’ve found.

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