Atelier Shinji Ginza: Japanese for "lovely-cool"?

Because my job is what it is, I had to search the term "hook" today for a project. And what initially began as detour into old-timey fisherman's hooks (they're so rad and dangerous!) ended up leading to this (nice; also awesome) and then finally to this: a funky-fun Japanese shop called Atelier Shinji Ginza.

With jewelry inspired by everything from chocolate and macarones to potato chips (POTATO CHIPS) and okra (OKRA, ya'll), this store couldn't help but make me a little curious (and also hungry, but that's nothing new). I had a hard time figuring out which were my favorites, but the above is what I narrowed it down to. Dig it.

Also, why does everything always seem slightly cooler in Japan?

5 Shops to Bookmark Immediately

1. Kaufmann Mercantile: Well-made picks that look like they could have been passed down from your chicer-than-you-realized grandpa.

2. Theo: Great gifts, kitchenware, lighting, sexyfresh pillows, and all that stuff we love from a fab shop in England.

3. Colette: Takes a while to dig through (and watch out for the blaring music when you open the site), but it's worth the search.

4. Old Faithful Shop: Cozy-cool items from a cute-as-a-button shop in Vancouver.

5. Candystore Collective: Totally California in all the best ways.

Images: Candystore Collective, Kaufmann Mercantile, Old Faithful Shop

Gretel's "Once & Again" Exhibit

My world is all pop-up, all the time. But this time I'm not talking about Real Simple's Pop-Up Shop (although that one is definitely high on my list). This go 'round I'm thinking about the Once & Again pop-up exhibition online and at the Bass Museum of Art in Miami Beach from one of my favorite shops of all time, Gretel.

I got to know Gretel's founder Abby Kellett through an interview I did with her over at HermanMiller.com (see it here), and she is just lovely lovely. (I even convinced her to get on Twitter. Follow her here!) Take a gander at some of the never-before-seen pieces and limited-edition items available at her charming shop, for a limited-time only. It's all gone in one big *poof* come midnight, December 5.

Photos by Claudia Uribe Touri

7 Lovely Laptop Cases

So, after months of suffering through a broken USB port on my iMac--and as a result, a bit of a broken spirit--as of this weekend, I took the plunge and finally have a new MacBook Pro.

And ya'll, we are in LOVE.

This is serious. Totally the real deal. And like the start of most relationships, I want to be around him all the time. I want to take him to dinner, to the coffee shop, out for drinks. I want him to meet all my friends. I'm introducing him to family members. I'm even considering public displays of affection.

I also want to buy him lots of nice things. First up? A hot new outfit. Here are a few I am currently considering.

Byrd & Belle 13 Inch Laptop Sleeve

The Original AppleSac with Power Adapter

dumaine by xobruno

Belkin Messenger bag for notebooks up to 15.4''

 

Origamee laptop wrap from gee.g

 

Belkin Quilted Carrying Case for 15.4''

Shoulder MacBook Sleeve

Images linked to their sources.