{bookworm: encyclopedia of the exquisite}

“…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}

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

{in the bank}

I remember being 5 years old, staring in awe at walls full of locks and little metal doors, wondering what was behind them. I was waiting for my mom to retrieve our own box of treasures: passports, two dollar bills, coins, a few jewels, and some old photographs. It was always so exciting to rummage through our locked up trinkets, but it was just as exciting to stand in the vault {ever so slightly terrified that the door might close and lock us in.}

All grown up now, I haven’t visited a vault in years, and I’m not sure if it would be as fascinating {although I’m sure the idea of being locked in one would still be equally terrifying.} However, I wouldn’t mind being in a vault like this one. Converted from a bank to the flagship offices of Vanguard Properties in San Francisco, the vault/private dining room is the most glamorous room in the entire building. Not in San Francisco? You can spend an evening partying and dining in a vault in NY or LA, too.

charles de lisle for vanguard properties

{the gallery of her morning elegance}

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}

{miami monday: 1111 lincoln rd}

No, your eyes do not deceive you; that is a very pretty parking garage. Located at the corner of Alton and the famous pedestrian-only Lincoln Rd., 1111 is a multi-function space: parking, office, retail, residential, and event space. Built to maximize air-flow and light, the building is energy efficient {there are solar panels on the roof} and beautiful.

On the ground, there’s Y-3, Taschen, Babalu, Shake Shack, Nespresso, and a sprinkling of other storefronts. You’ll find Alchemist, one of Miami’s chicest boutiques, located on the 5th floor… right in the middle of the parking garage. The highly conceptual shop {in a highly conceptual spaces} offers, of course, more conceptual fashion from the likes of Maison Martin Margiela, Rick Owens, and Chrome Heats. In other words, Scott Schumann can go ahead and wander around the 5th floor of the garage to capture a few of Miami’s more eccentric fashionable creatures whenever he visits Miami next.

Lucky for us, the garage is never full {miraculous by Miami standards}, so take advantage before everyone else figures out that it’s actually a car park.

images via 1111 lincoln’s website