{Bits of Beauty} » {gift ideas}

{bookworm: encyclopedia of the exquisite}

Jenn — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 19:13:57 +0000

“…with searching, beauty can be found in the most unlikely places, folly is essential, and luxury doesn’t mean spending lots of money.”

- Jessica Kerwin Jenkins, Encyclopedia of the Exquisite

In the Introduction of the Encyclopedia of the Exquisite, Jessica Kerwin Jenkins calls her book an “ode to life’s many luxuries that don’t require much spending.” Inspired by a file kept on her desk filled with scraps which she titled ‘Why I Like It Here,’ ‘here’ being Earth, Jenkin’s book is a delightful collection of tidbits and anecdotes of the origins and evolutions of its subjects. Covering anything that peaked her interest from the history of Champagne to giant elephant shaped buildings to the royal origins of a pear, Jenkins makes each one magical and exotic. The Encyclopedia of the Exquisite is a collection of curiosities – a veritable treasure box filled with the whims and tasteful objects collected by the author whose own taste led her to a career as an editor for WWD, W in Europe, and now places her as a contributor to Vogue.

Jenkins said her editor, Nan Talese, insisted that the book’s design live up to it’s title. The result is just over 300 pages of beautiful details. The book is, indeed, exquisite. It’s beautifully illustrated and the pages are a reminder why some books should always be experienced in physical form; reading this book in digital form would be a sin.

A beautiful edition to any bookshelf or coffee table and an absolute treat to read, the Encyclopedia of the Exquisite makes a splendid and affordable gift. Pick up a few for your holiday gifts and, of course, one for yourself.

{ms. jenn’s favorite gifts for guys under $50}

Jenn — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 17:34:53 +0000

1. Ole Smokey Moonshine $35

2. Wooden USB Stick $59 {ok, not under $50, but I couldn’t help myself}

3. Book of Insults $8

4. Single Letter Steak Branding Iron $17

5. Portland General Store Set $40

6. Skull Clock $35

7. Monogrammed Flask $34

1. Bike Snob $17

2. Diptqye Philosykos Solid Perfume $48

3. Survival Handbook: Man Skills $25 {Get 35% off + free ground shipping until 12/5. Use code FRIENDS}

4. Gorillapod Tripod $17

5. Baxter of California Mint Toner $18

6. Jack Spade Matchbox $42

7. Fjallraven Mini $45

{ms. jenn’s favorite gifts for ladies under $50}

Jenn — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 08:30:42 +0000

1. Organic Weekend Bag $40

2. Stormy Nut Bowl $10

3. White Leather Passport Cover $20

4. J’adore Print $17

5. Birdcage card holder $39

6. Imm Living Hidden Animal Teacup {available in Swirl’s holiday pop-up shop} $17.00

7. Skeleton Key Bottle Opener $12

1. Encyclopedia of the Exquisite $16

2. Volupsa Maison Noir Petite $9

3. Sarabeth Preserves Gift Set $26 {available for $19 on One Kings Lane through 11/17/10}

4. Le Vernis Gold Lamé $25

5. Sweeteeth Chocolate $7 and up

6. Maria Evora Black Cameo Soap $7

7. Brass Shell Bowls $26 and up

{the gallery of her morning elegance}

Jenn — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 06:00:15 +0000

Remember this video? Her Morning Elegance was one of my very first posts. I still listen to the song everyday and the video is surely my favorite music video EVER. You, too? Well I have some awesome news for anyone who loves the video or who knows someone who does. {Or, anyone looking for a fantastic, out-of-this-world-no-one-else-will-ever-think-to-give-this gift.}

You can now own a piece of the video. See, the video was composed of 2,096 individual photos, which are now up for grabs. Only one of each print will be sold, so it’s guaranteed that your print is unique and authentic.

You can purchase a print online at The Gallery of Her Morning Elegance. {Orders must be placed prior to December 10th for holiday delivery.}

{all images courtesy of the hmegallery}

{inspired gifts: bookworm}

Jenn — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:52:34 +0000

book·worm –noun
a person devoted to reading or studying.

{Book City Jackets Covers $15}

*Code BCJ2009 for free shipping on order of two sets or more and $5 off orders of $50 or more

{Penguin Classics $13 each}

{In the Library fragrance $60}

** Use codes “instyle10″ to get 20% off the entire order and “hohoho” for free overnight shipping on orders of $250 to get your presents in time for Christmas!

{Red Batchel Bag $147}
** Use codes “instyle10″ to get 20% off the entire order and “hohoho” for free overnight shipping on orders of $250 to get your presents in time for Christmas!

{Kindle $259 or Nook, currently backordered, $259}
*Help reduce the bookworm’s clutter, so the truly beloved books will have more space.

Photo from previous post.

{inspired gifts: fashionable}

Jenn — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:00:04 +0000

{Like I Give a Frock: Fashion Forecast and Meaningless Misguidance $12.89}

{fifi lapin print $40}

{Anything Rodarte for Target}

{acne & byredo candle $65}

{toujours toi true romance pin $68}

{Instax Mini White aka “The Fashion Crowd Camera” $109}

{Michelle Munro Bella $460}

{inspired gifts: modern masculine}

Jenn — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 11:00:10 +0000

mas·cu·line –adjective
1. pertaining to or characteristic of a man or men: masculine attire.
2. having qualities traditionally ascribed to men, as strength and boldness.

{Palmer & Sons Leather Cuff CAD$60}

{Hand Graft U Macbook Sleeve EUR 79.00}

{Tivoli Audio $149.99}

{btw} all of these items can be shipped worldwide

{more from the blogosphere}
+ A Cup of Jo has her gift guides up, including some for men!
+ Also, check out this fantastic gift guide from Design*Sponge. Everything is under $25!

{inspired gifts: the entertainer}

Jenn — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:00:55 +0000

en·ter·tain·er –noun
a person who entertains; host: She was one of the capital’s great entertainers.

{The Cocktail: 200 Fabulous Drinks $11.96}

{Party Pom Garland $40}

{dress rental from Rent the Runway $75}

{Handmade Backless Ruffle Gold Lace Dress by Holly Stalder $175}

{inspired gifts: glamorous}

Jenn — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:00:51 +0000

glam·or·ous –adjective
1. full of glamour; charmingly or fascinatingly attractive, esp. in a mysterious or magical way.
2. full of excitement, adventure, and unusual activity: the glamorous job of a foreign correspondent.

{luggage tag & passport cover $16.95}

{Lanvin book $53}

{Saint Germain Chemise $58}

{faux-fur throw $99}

{Captured Gems bracelet $178}

{Clara Kasavina Clutch $1,660}
*as seen on Coco & Kelley

top photo by tom munro

{inspired gifts: edgy + badass}

Jenn — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 20:00:09 +0000

edg·y –adjective
daringly innovative; on the cutting edge.
bad·ass–adjective
1. (of a person) difficult to deal with; mean-tempered; touchy.
2. distinctively tough or powerful; so exceptional as to be intimidating.

{Bukowski’s Love is a Dog From Hell $12}
or for off-kilter but fun, {FU Penguin $10}

{snow white’s revenge vinyl applique $15}

{Lars von Trier’s Antichrist… ironic gift, no?}
*Warning: Extremely graphic.

{Chains of Love Cuff $80}

{Giles & Brother Skull Stud Earrings $90}

{Norwegian Wood Leather Cage Skirt $139}