I Hate Perfume

I am always looking for that unique scent or perfume that will wear well and not give me a headache. I was exited to find CB I Hate Perfume during a quick trip to Dish in San Francisco.











These scents created by perfumer and artist Christopher Brosius are exciting and different from the usual perfume and can be used as personal or home fragrance. All scents are available as essential oils or spray and both are alcohol free.

I bought Burning Leaves ($60) which sounds strange, but reminds me of my country house with the smell of maple leaves and fires in the fireplace. I wish that Dish carried a wider selection because there are so many of these I would like to try. In the Library was also tempting, but I wish they had had Russian Caravan, Cedarwood Tea or M3 November which all sound amazing.

Retro Gifts for the Photo Buff

Digital technology has made it easy for even the amateur photographer to achieve amazingly perfect shots. That's probably everything old school and imperfect is so popular right now. Here's some retro-inspired photography accessories and equipment for that photo enthusiast on your list.

Lo-fi Digital

This Diana lens and adapter for Canon DSLR ($60) is absolutely genius. Now you don't have to switch between film and digital to achieve the look of a Diana camera. Dianas are known for their low saturation, soft surreal blurs, and unpredictable colors and now you can achieve that same look with your DSLR camera. Available from Photojojo.

Blackbird, Fly

This plastic twin-lens reflex camera ($140) is a remake of the Japanese design developed in the 1920's with one lens for the view-finder and one for shooting. This camera uses 35mm film but also allows you to shoot in square format as well. LIke the Holga or Diana, this plastic TLR will give you unpredictable results, varied colors, etc. Available in a rainbow of colors from the SF Moma store.

Fuji Instax Instant Camera

Digital is cool, but sometimes you want the immediacy of a physical photo. This next generation poloroid from Fuji ($90) will print credit card sized photos on demand. Camera comes with a built-in flash, wide angle lens and multiple exposure settings. Film is about $10 for 20 exposures. Available from Photojojo.

Retro Camera Straps

I still have my 70's woven tapestry camera strap for my Canon SLR. You can find vintage straps on eBay or check out these new straps with that vintage look for your DLSR camera. The Boneca Linda shop on Etsy features a variety of woven straps like this madison strap ($35) at right.

I've blogged about Kat Straps before. These straps are handmade by a weaver named Kat and are available in all kinds of colors and cool designs like strap #28 at the left for $38, but all of her designs are amazing.

Slipper Round-up

Now is the time to stock up on slippers because after the holidays it is extremely hard to find a pair. Here's a few that I'm considering in my search for the perfect winter foot-warmer.

Boiled Wool

I love the simplicity of these colorful boiled wool slippers ($60) from Garnet Hill. Made in Germany with latex soles so you can go outside with them. Unfortunately the orange ones (my favorite) are no longer available, but if you happen to like pink or blue these look great.

Knit Booties

These cozy knit booties ($69) from Viva Terra are hand-made by a small group of indigenous people in South America. Made of cotten and wool with agave fiber soles for slip protection they are available in natural or grey.

Duvet Slippers

These quilted nylon slippers ($19.95) from Baffin are like mini-duvets for your feet. More like slippers than socks since they do not have a rubber sole, these slippers look comfortable and easy to pack for those weekend ski trips. Available in a variety of colors such as espresso, fern, merlot and black (pictured).

Sheepskin

I'm a little bit tired of the ubiquitous suede Ugg boots, but I love these Ugg sweater slippers ($80) with a cool cable knit exterior and the warm and cozy sheepskin inside. Available in brown or creme from Bloomingdales.

Wrap it Up

Here's a few uncommon wrapping supplies to make your gift stand out this holiday.

Vintage ribbons

These grograin ribbons ($28 for set of 5) from Sundance Catalogue Company evoke Christmas's of yore. Each spool comes with 10 yards of ribbon and set features 5 different colors/patterns.

Tape

This Japanese masking tape ($27 for set of 6) would dress up any plain wrapping paper. Set features 6 origame patterns in a cardboard dispenser.

String

This red and white striped string ($35) from Bell'occhio minds me of Paris for some reason. I can just image boxes of sweets tied up with string like this. Also available in black and white.

Hostess gifts

'Tis the season of holiday parties and gatherings not to mention Christmas gift-giving. I'm trying to be a bit more organized this year and start early. Here are some ideas for hostess gifts or Christmas gifts in the home and entertaining theme.

Teapot

The Raj Teapot ($45) from Sundance is a beautiful reproduction of the teapots used by the Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company on voyages between Bombay to London in the early 1900's.

In antique silver plate over brass, with nickel plate interior. The set comes boxed and would be a great gift alone or with an assortment of fine teas.

Napkins

These hand embroidered and handwoven napkins ($18 for 4) from Pakistan are simple enough to compliment a range of styles from modern to bohemian.

What's even better is that each purchase supports snow leopard conservation and improves the livelihood of impoverished nomadic herding communities.

Mexican Hot Chocolate

A hand-carved Mexican molinillo ($14), or frother, would make a great gift packaged with bowls and some Ibarra mexican chocolate. Include a recipe for Mexican hot chocolate and some instructions for using the frother.

These latte bowls ($30 for 6) from Anthropologie come in a great palette of colors and would be great for hot chocolate.

Rootbeer for Grownups

I love rootbeer so I cannot wait to try Root ($39). Based on old root tea medicinal infusions that date back to the 1700's this 80-proof liquor would be a great addition to anyone's liquor cabinet.

Serve it alone, in cocktails or even or ice cream. Comes with a history of the beverage and recipe.

Top Bay Area Stores for that Last Minute Gift

Only a few days left 'till Christmas. Are you ready? If not, here are my favorite stores in the San Francisco Bay Area for that special little thing that you didn't even know you were looking for!

Swallowtail

This is one of my favorite stores of all times. You never know what you will find here, with all kinds of interesting home furnishings and accessories--mostly vintage. They also carry jewelry, ornaments and small gifts items. If anyone out there is looking for a gift for me, feel free to pick up something from this store!!

I just realized that Swallowtail has an online store front as well. Browsing through the online collection I came across a hammerhead shark which is exactly like the hammerhead shark on the wall of my country house. Only $2800, glad I've got one already! Visit them at: 2217 Polk Street(between Bonita St & Vallejo St) San Francisco, CA 94109(415) 567-1555

Park Life

This store in the Richmond district is chock-full of modern gift items, books, and t-shirts (I picked up a great owl t-shirt and a really cool old-fashioned bike horn). You can check out the Park Life online store and website here. Or, visit them in person at: 220 Clement St San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 386-7275

Summer House

Summer House is a great boutique in Mill Valley--definitely worth the trip to Marin. I literally love EVERYTHING in this store. They've got great jewelry, candles, soaps, bedding, tableware, accessories. If you can't find a gift for someone in this store than I think you are beyond help. I wish they had an online store, but you have to visit them in person at: 21 Throckmorton Ave Mill Valley, CA 94941 (415) 383-6695

Maison d'Etre

I haven't been in this Rockridge boutique for awhile. I visited my cousin who lives nearby a couple weeks ago and rediscovered what a great store it is. Chock full of housewares and personal accessories there is something for everyone here. Check out their website or in person at:

5640 College Avenue Oakland, CA 94618

Tail of the Yak

This Berkeley boutique carries a great selection of ribbons, stationery and other paper goods. They also have a selection of vintage jewelry and lots of little toys and stocking stuffer type items.

2632 Ashby Ave Berkeley, California 94705 510 841 9891

Kiss My Ring

The main attraction of Kiss My Ring is Melissa Rallis's beautiful line of silver and gold jewelry. However, she also carries an assortment of other accessories and gifty type items--t-shirts, scarfs, wallets, etc.

You can shop the Kiss My Ring jewelry collection on the website, or visit in-person at: 2522 San Pablo Avenue Berkeley CA 94702

Molte Cose

This Nob Hill boutique carries an eclectic mix of new and vintage items. They've got a great men's department and a lovely selection of women's lingerie. Interesting knick-knacks and home decor items as well. 2036 Polk St San Francisco, CA 94109 (415) 474-3494

Did I miss a store that you think should be on this list? Leave me a comment! Vote for your favorite on this list at the right.

Gifts under $25

Given the current economic crisis, I've agreed with my family to keep our gift exchange under $25 this year. Believe it or not there is a lot you can do for $25 or less. Aside from the many items already on this blog for under $25, here's a few more suggestions. It's a little bit late, but if you get it on it right away there may still be enough time!

Jewelry

There's all kinds of great jewelry to be had for under $25. I love this rosewood bracelet ($20) from the Curiosity Shoppe. Made out of a single piece of thin rosewood veneer. Great for the earthy nature-lover on your list.

Or, for a little glitz theseBlu Bijoux star and moon rings ($26) with enamel and crystal look way more expensive than they are. Available from Max & Chloe. I can't decide which color I like best.

Make a wish! These Brazilian good luck bracelets ($5) will make your wish come true when they wear and fall off. They come from the mystical city of Bahia, Brazil and have been known to grant wishes for the past 200 years. They come in a several different colors all with a qoute in Portuguese that reads "In remembrance of our patron saint of good luck in life." Buy 5 in all different colors!

Keep Warm

These wool reindeer socks ($19) are festive and warm for the holidays. Knit in a wool, cashmere, angora blend, they are available in three colors from Sundance.

Plaid is so trendy right now. Keep warm and on trend with this soft acrylic scarf ($28) from Shopintuition.com.

What a Man Wants

I'm actually not sure if these are things a man wants, but these are things that would be fun gifts to give for that special guy in your life this holiday.

Candi Factory

This Toronto-based company makes the most adorable handmade underwear for men and women, but it's really the men's briefs that I love. With contrasting patterns and strategically placed imagery these briefs ($30) would make the perfect stocking stuffers. Vist The Candi Factory. for their online store. International shipping is available.

Manly Man Gifts

Sundance actually has a section on their website dedicated to manly man gifts! There's all kinds of interesting gift ideas on this site. I love the Stanley flask ($25) that has the look of the workman's favorite thermos, but is a more unusual shape and size. Holds 1 pint of your favorite beverage.

Or, for the more literary guy on your list I love the manly man book collections. For $98 you get a set of 8 books by authors like Raymond Carver, Dashiell Hammett and Joseph Conrad. Two different book collections are available all with a great selection of must-read fiction.

Watch It

If you are ready to splurge a little watches are always great gifts. For the surfer I love this Freestyle watch ($150). It comes programmed with 15 years of tide information for beaches all over the world! Backlight for viewing in the dark and water resistant to 100 m. Available at Urban Outfitters.

For the less sporty look I love authentic vintage watches. There are all kinds of sites selling vintage watches out there. Prices can get pretty high for watches in pristine condition or vintage rolex's, but I actually like the look of a little wear. You can find great 1950's watches with new straps for under $300 like this Hamilton watch ($300) from Cool Vintage Watches.

All I Want for Christmas...

Here is what is on my personal Christmas list this year although Santa is a bit broke right now. At this point I'm hoping for a Christmas miracle to fix this latest economic crisis. If that happens, then maybe I will treat myself with one of these wish list items:

Nespresso

I've had these Nespresso machines in a couple hotel rooms I've stayed in lately and my office has a larger version as well. The coffee comes in little capsules that you insert in the machine, but it's amazing what great flavor the coffee has. Complete with a little layer of foam and everything!

Machines start at $199 for the most basic model and go up from there if you want ability to steam milk, etc. The only downside is that the capsules are only available online and they are about 50 cents each for a single serving of coffee. Still, it's cheaper than coffee from a local coffee house.

Available online from nespresso.com or you can search for a retailer near you on the site.

Wrap

I own a few shawls already including a great alpaca wrap from South America that my mom gave me. However, you can never have too many of these in my opinion. They come in handy on plane trips, chilly summer evenings, for the office when the air condioning comes on, etc.

Here's one I've been eyeing from Badgley Mischka. This metallic wool paisley wrap ($160) comes in aqua, grey and brown. Available from bloomingdales.com. It would definitely dress up even the most plain outfit.

Camera

I've been having fun with my Holga, but would love to try out the Seagull Twin Lens Reflex Camera ($295) medium-format camera which is offers a little bit more control over aperture and shutter setting than the Holga.

This camera is still a reasonable way to enter the medium-format realm without breaking the bank. Available from Sundance.

Jewelry

I love all kinds jewelry even though I tend to stick to a few basic pieces that I wear all the time (even in the shower). Jewelry is also something I tend not to buy for myself even though I'm constantly looking at it!

I blogged about these stackable sea urchin rings from Lauren Wolf months ago ($44 each) and never bought them. I just may make an exception and buy them for myself, but saving up until I can buy 4 or 5 of them to stack!

Psychic Reading

My mom has bought me a psychic reading from the Psychic Horizons Healing and Meditation center in the Mission for my last two birthdays. Despite whatever skepticism you may have about psychic abilities I highly recommend this experience as a tool for greater understanding about yourself. This is not about predicting the future (in fact they do not do that since we are all free to create the future), it's more about understanding the present.

I recommend the staff readings ($150 and up) although less expensive student readings are also available. You can also do readings by phone. I'm thinking it may be time to treat myself to one. Here's an article about the school from sfgate.com.

Watch

I love large men's styled watches and I especially like the watches from this Italian-based watch company--IKE. This clear plastic version is allegedly as rugged as steel ($295). I also like the all black rubber style. Available from vivre.com.

Making a List

I know it's only October, but it doesn't hurt to start thinking about Christmas gifts now. Here's a few ideas that I've collected recently that if nothing else may end up on my own Christmas list!

Slippers

These Red Felted Wool Slippers ($59) are made from New Zealand wool that molds to the exact contours of your feet. Even better they are handmade in Nepal by a group of women supported by the UN Global Compact program for social responsibility. Available from Viva Terra.

Buddha Bowl

Designed to nestle with perfect comfort in the palm of your hand, the Buddha bowl ($28) allows you to enjoy tea, soup, cereal, and hot cocoa with ease. Slip your thumb through the hole and seat the bowl in your hand for easy sipping. Also available from Viva Terra.

Poco Dolce

These Aztec Chile tiles from San Francisco chocolatier Poco Dolce will warm up the most chilly winter night. Each chocolate is flavored with cinnamon, ground chiles, roasted pumpkin seeds and topped with grey sea salt. The heat of the chile hits you a few seconds after you swallow and the combination of savory and sweet is out of this world. $18 for an 8-piece box.

Silk Shawl

This Jamowar silk and wool shawl from India is available from the Fair Trade collective Ten Thousand Villages which provides an outlet for craftspeople from around the world to sell their wares. Keep warm in style and improve the lives of Indian artisans. ($125).