Smart Gifting: A Blog by Chic by Design Collections Founder, Heather Dalrymple

Cheese Boards: Love At First Sight

2011-11-25T08:16:00.000-08:00

Russell James Ooms loves wood. I love cheese. When I came across these gorgeous boards, I knew I had to make these available to Chic By Design's customers.

Gently priced at under $50.- and ideally sized at 8"x10", they make great gifts this Holiday season.

I sought Russell out and was graciously invited to witness the process, from start to finish, that goes into making these hand-crafted beauties. He even encouraged me to make my own board, which I did, though it was not as easy as it looks!

Using a trove of found and recycled woods - everything from a local wild plum tree on his property, to wood from the island of Palau in Indonesia, as well as poplar, mahogany, Douglas fir, padauk, purple heart, mulberry, Mexican rosewood, amongst others - Russell and his companion Debbie waste not a single cut-off from his commissioned pieces. Carefully considering a collage of complimentary colors, each board quickly takes on its own distinctive personality . The result, several days later, is a silky smooth, vibrant, one of a kind board stamped with Russell’s signature.

To purchase, click here.

Happy Gifting!

Heather

Felt Rules! iPad Sleeves We Love

2011-11-20T14:30:00.000-08:00

I am a big fan of 100% wool felt: classic, eco friendly, water and stain repellent, soft to the touch, light weight yet luxurious, felt is a great material to use to protect your iPad from dust and scratches.

From minimalist to whimsical, these smart felt sleeves are designed to safely contain the iPad 1 or 2. Ranging from $45-$69 and found on Etsy, I love them all! Which is your favorite?

Fuzzy Logic Felt by Deborah Brackenbury

Inspired Stitching by FuzzyLogic Design

Sleek Leather Details from Charbonize

Chic Design By Just In Case

Burgundy Leather & Charcoal Felt from IbagsnMore

Designer German Felt & Distressed Leather from Feruto Bags

Feruto's Dachshund Love: Too Cute For Words!

BoutiqueID HasTheir Eye On You

From Sunny Australia: Ambette's Colorful Solution

For more great felt items, check out Graf & Lantz' felt wine holder and baskets in our store!

Wendy Verlaine is Consumed by Python

2011-11-16T09:59:00.000-08:00

Sitting across from my friend and Bay Area jewelry designer Wendy Verlaine at Zuni Cafe last week, I was struck by the beauty of her latest creation - a pair of 'double' python vertebrae earrings with black onyx.

Absolutely stunning!

Wendy confessed to being 'consumed by Python' at the moment, as she prepares for the Annual Artisan fair November 18 & 19 at the deYoung Museum in San Francisco.

Here are some examples from her latest collection, using the python's delicate silhouettes with gold, silver, gems and antique charms.

Python Vertebrae and Citrine with 24K Gold Vermeil Details

Python Vertebrae, Large Citrine, 24K Gold Vermeil Details and 18K Gold Vermeil Chain

Python Vertebrae, Green Amethyst, 14K Gold

Python Vertebrae, Blue Quartz (left), Green Amethyst (right); 18K Gold Vermeil Chain


Antique Silver Charm and Python Vertebrae


Spinel (or black ruby), Pave Diamonds, Python Vertebrae

A true artist, Wendy finds inspiration in the timelessness of nature's elements. Her unique, affordable jewelry appeals to a woman's sense of individualism. Dress it up, or dress it down, each piece will elicit compliments!

If you can't get to the show at the DeYoung, and would like pricing and ordering information, please call 800.745.9239 and we will gladly guide you.

Happy Gifting!

Heather

Must Have: A Stylish Bicycle

2011-10-24T14:39:00.000-07:00

I recently stopped by the Renovo storefront in Sausalito to gaze, lovingly and longingly, at their collection of superb hand crafted wooden bicycles.


The Audi Duo


The Badash 29er

The style you eschew on a bicycle is limited only by your imagination... or, in the case of Lance Armstrong, by your calf muscles!

On the Street….Place Vendôme, Paris by Sartorialist, Scott Schuman

Tour de France 2004. Lance rides the Madone by Trek

Board Games & Back Woods

2011-10-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

Deep in the woods of Northwestern Wisconsin, on the Brule River, there is a magnificent log home shared by 80 family members, descendants of my great great grandmother Agnes Noyes, who, along with her husband Judge George Noyes, built this 'camp' in the early 1900's.


The Dock Favorite Place Enterprising Visitor

The lodge can accommodate up to 20 family members and their guests. The living room is a favorite gathering place for young and old. Many an evening has been spent at the bridge table, crafting a puzzle, playing backgammon, or hunched over the chess board.

These fabulous game boards remind me of those gatherings.

Leather travel backgammon set rolls up for easy packing.

Bauhaus-inspired Chess Set

A luxury all-leather Scrabble to be handed down through the generations!

'Star' backgammon set, from the Lucilla collection by Ercolano. Generations of talented artisans have perfected the artistry of inlaid wood patterning.

Interior of Star backgammon.

All of these geat games are now available at our online store, Chic by Design Collections.

Etsy Pick-Of-The-Week

2011-03-27T09:32:00.000-07:00

The promise of Springtime hangs heavy in the damp, chilly Northern California air. We yearn for renewal and remind ourselves that Easter is around the corner - April 24!

These simply delightful, whimsical creations by Bossy Feltworks make us smile.

What could be better than a lasting token for a child's Easter basket from this collective of talented women, who toil joyfully together on Orcas Island, in Washington State?

Etsy Pick-Of-The-Week

2011-03-19T11:10:00.000-07:00

We salute and hold close to our hearts the people of JAPAN, as they struggle to come to terms with the devastation caused by the recent earthquake.

Sheryl Iledan, a talented San Francisco graphic artist with a shop on Etsy, has created several 81/2x11 prints and is generously donating the proceeds to the American Red Cross. Be sure to check out her shop , purchase a print and 'like' her on Facebook!

Etsy Pick-Of-The-Week

2011-03-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

I love these witty Letterpress messages from Lisa Krowinski of Sapling Press.

Check them out in her store on Etsy.

You Are The One

The cards are 'printed one by one on 100% post consumer paper made from recycled clothing'

Image Credits: Sapling Press

(Image Credit: Nicole LaFave)

At Chic By Design, we're committed to the craft and elegance of Letterpress. Both our business cards and gift notes were made locally for us by Dependable Letterpress and designed by the multi-talented Nicole LaFave.

The cards, though expensive to produce, always elicit raves!

And on that 'note', it's time to send out my weekly handwritten notes to everyone I came in contact with this past week...

Happy Gifting!

Heather

On The Hunt In New York City

2011-03-06T11:53:00.000-08:00

When it comes to finding the stuff that makes my heart sing, I am relentless in my quest. You cannot call your company 'Chic by Design' and offer anything less than, so finding those ‘pearls’ takes drive and abundant energy, not to mention shoe leather. When I find ‘it’, I know it at once but oh! the journey getting there could be a prescription for the next great fitness workout, especially at a gift show the size of the Jacob Javits convention Center, with 675,000 square feet of exhibition space!

February’s trip to the New York International Gift Show, two days after a blizzard had blanketed the city, was no exception. I hit the aisles running, despite a sleepless night on the red-eye from San Fran. After a welcome shower and nap, I put on my winter gear and headed out on foot (my preferred way of navigating NYC), trudging happily through Hell Kitchen’s snow covered side streets, stopping for a delicious lunch at my favorite bakery on 9^th Avenue, Amy’s Bread. Restored, I was primed and ready.

Last year, my first at the show, I was determined to find the ‘perfect’ wine holder, but it wasn’t until my 3^rd day there (and many, many vendors of less-than-chic wine holders) that I discovered the charming duo, Holger Graf & Daniel Lantz, and their eponymous LA based company, Graf & Lantz. I instantly fell in love with their felt and leather wine holders, and returned the following day to propose a bespoke order of felt baskets with which to anchor our collections.

This time, my all-consuming objective would be to discover exceptional items to merchandise as part of a Baby Collection. With that I became obsessed with finding the perfect mobile to hang in the nursery. Two days and countless miles of aisles later, far away from the Baby/Child section, I fell upon a small company from Canada called Pi’lo . There, hanging above my head, were the most perfect mobiles - handmade, white felt, fairies, angels, birds and tiny teddies. Pure whimsy! Delightfully etherial!

Eureka!

Heather

Happy Gifting!

Gifts, Bosses and the Workplace

2011-02-26T13:22:00.000-08:00

We recently fielded the following request from a Senior Manager at a high profile tech company:

‘Can you make recommendations for potential gifts for someone I work with - she's an admin, not my admin but has helped me a bunch. Should I wait for Secretary's day?’

Waiting for a Hallmark Holiday, such as Administrative Assistant’s Day, April 27, is too far off in the future. Express your appreciation once the job is done and the memory is still fresh. This will go a long way towards cementing an ongoing positive working relationship.

Knowing only that the Admin is female, I would suggest a gift that she can make use of on a daily basis, at home or in the office, one that is practical but also attractive, a gift that indicates that you have gone to some trouble to find something unique, and of good quality.

After all, flowers fade, and chocolates could send the wrong message (too personal, flirty) but a distinctive picture frame makes for a much appreciated desk accessory and is great way to express gratitude.

At Chic by Design Collections, we feature three unique choices:

The leather 'Croc' Embossed Frame is the more conservative and luxurious of the three. Pictured here with the Old World Paperweight, both make for excellent corporate gifting.

The Stainless and Wood frame, which can be engraved, is a sleek, modern option. Pictured here with the Globe Puzzle, another great corporate gift option since it, too, can be personalized.

The Mini Frame by L'Objet, aglow in Swarovski crystals and backed in leather, is bound to delight the Moms in the office.

Happy Gifting!

Heather

At Chic By Design, our 'Raison D'être' is to assist individuals, businesses and corporations in finding, quickly and efficiently, creative and distinguished gifts with which to make a lasting impression. Call us at 800.745.9239 for immediate service and check in with us regularly by visiting our Facebook page, for updates about events and exciting additions to our collections.

What a Boy Wants…What a Boy Needs

2010-12-06T14:55:00.000-08:00

We’ve been darting all over San Francisco, displaying our collections, tallying up sales and getting some great feedback!

Men were overwhelmingly drawn to the Tokens & Icons 'recycled nostalgia' items on display - in addition to the sterling silver backed Golf Cuff Links and Golf Money Clip featured on the website, they also loved the thin leather Buffalo Nickel Money Clip; and the MBA Baseball memorabilia. Gently priced, fun yet distinctive gifts that men can wrap their heads around.

The black and red leather Backgammon set is proving to be the perfect gift for couples and families on the go, with the additional bonus of being not only sharp looking but also beautifully made. Love the smell of leather...

Men of all ages dig the sleek and sexy Mini Cocktail 'bar', while the magnetic Globe Puzzle/Paperweight attracts the A-type personality kind of guy who just has to put it all back together (it’s challenging!). Engraved, this is a fun keepsake desk accessory.

On the more 'practical' side, guys were also wowed by the distinctive stainless and walnut 'box' Frame, and the 'croc’ embossed Leather frame.

As expected, the burl wood Humidor and the zebrawood Watch box, both from the Out of Africa collection, are a hit with those seeking to make a distinguished, elegant yet useful gift.

And finally, we love the attention the Nick Munro Cafetiere has received, and are thrilled to be able to help launch this uber talented young British designer in the United States.

As always, shipping is free, and every gift comes beautifully wrapped with a personalized note.

Call us at 800.745.9239 for the best customer service around - bar none!

New York Celebrity Assistants: The Perfect Audience

2010-11-10T17:33:00.000-08:00

We are back from our first marketing event, sponsored by the NYCA – New York Celebrity Assistants. Once a year, this veritable ‘who’s who’ of personal assistants based in and around the Tri-State Area, gathers for a festive, pre-holiday party in Manhattan. A dozen vendors were on hand to display their products. Each of the members took a turn at introducing themselves, telling us who they worked for.

Having ‘walked in their shoes’ working for luminaries on both coasts, this was an ideal venue for me to introduce Chic By Design ‘Smart Gifting’. Assistants, tasked with finding fabulous gifts for their employers, were visibly excited by the choices and swarmed the display table. Nick Munro’s Bistro Cafetiere – a French 'press' coffee pot, and the Leather Cocktail Box sold at once, and are slated to be amoung this season’s hottest gifts The beautiful Zebra Tray by Annie Modica was purchased by one of the Assistants’ for her employer to use as a desk accessory. Commenting on ‘A Country Affair’ Collection, one member noted that it made the perfect wedding shower gift for her and her friends to offer jointly - we couldn't agree more!

Back in San Francisco, the inbox hummed...

'I met you at the NYCA unique gift meeting last week and purchased that beautiful tray - thank you so much - I can't wait to give it to my boss for Christmas.'

'I need a wedding gift idea for a very rich couple who has everything. They like "Texas" but live in NYC. The cost isn't a concern, but the idea has to be great... can you help?'

The niche business envisioned ten months ago - to create a service that was tailor made to assist busy professionals with gift giving - has found it's market. Next week, we head to LA to do the same for the ACPA – Association of Celebrity Personal Assistants. In the meantime we are busy tweaking the website, making it more ‘user’ friendly, adding a gift registry page. Soon we’ll have a ‘search by price category’.

Stay tuned, this is just the beginning…
Heather

5 Easy Tips For Thank You Note Writing

2010-10-05T23:37:00.000-07:00

Call me ‘old school’ but the power of the handwritten note should not be casually dismissed.

When expressing gratitude, certain age-old standards of etiquette still rule, despite the ease and convenience of our digitally linked world. The simple, straightforward gesture of penning a note of thanks conveys both respect and thoughtfulness. As important as this can be in your personal life, it will resonate even further in business – yet it’s astonishing how rarely it’s done. By committing to making note writing a priority you will set yourself apart from the crowd and make a lasting impression.

Come to think of it - when was the last time you received a thoughtfully written, hand addressed note in the mail? I recently made a contribution to a friend’s charity drive - I get more and more requests each year and do my best to support my friends in their worthy endeavors - but when I received a generic digital thank you email after the event, I felt my generosity had been marginalized by the ‘convenience’ and remoteness of the mass email thank you. Instead of achieving the goal of thanking me, the gesture felt cold and meaningless.

At Chic By Design Collections, our ethos is Smart Gifting, and a big part of ‘smart’ includes sending a hand calligraphed note to each gift recipient on our elegant stationary. We wouldn’t expect anything else, and nor should you.

Here are our top 5 recommendations for gentrifying your life and that of others' with the 'gift' of a handwritten note:

Keep a supply of simple yet elegant note cards and matching envelopes, as well as postage stamps, on hand at all times.
Commit to making note writing a weekly habit.
Don’t let an opportunity slip by to express appreciation in writing, no matter how insignificant you may think the gesture is, you never know where your next big opportunity is going to come from.
Be prompt. No more than 2-3 days should pass before sending a Thank You note, be it for a gift received, contributions for your favorite charity/fundraiser, a business introduction, or to the host of a party. The exception would be for wedding gifts, but even that deadline should not exceed 3 months.
Keep your notes short, focus on the positive, make them light hearted and above all, sincere.

Happy Gifting!

Heather

The Shop is Open!

2010-09-14T21:28:00.000-07:00

The Chic by Design online boutique is open for business!

Happy Gifting.