Gifts

A Workout Vid That Works

I loveeeee barre classes. I've never found it so easy to hurt so much, which is a good thing when you want toned muscles.

If you haven't been, I strongly suggest it- it's simple, small movements that somehow manage to be extremely effective. The classes almost always focus on the same few movements- they're done with playground balls, ballet barres and small weights, all things you can find or simulate in your own home.

I have an extremely rough time getting to classes during the week- I work about an hour from...

Mission Impossible

I was given the difficult task lately of baby gift shopping. I know cool items, sure, but kids are like a foreign language to me. They don't like me, I don't like them. I don't know anyting about the behavior of a kid. We just kind of stay away from each other. 

We landed on some DVDs we know the kiddo loves, but if I'd seen Jonathan Adler's Twoolies Lion, I would have totally gotten this instead. Created by an architect and Mayan artists, the Twoolies are carefully handmade by Tzotzil weavers using natural wool knitted in manual looms, and are a modern twist on ancestral, native designs.

Jonathan Adler, $40.

A Little bit Dramatic

I almost passed out when I first saw these glasses. I know I gasped out loud, like a total materialist. But it's like Miuccia Prada saw into my soul, or something.

These Miu Miu Cat eye-frame glitter acetate and metal sunglasses have light brown lenses. But who is looking at the lenses? There's RED GLITTER. INSIDE. THE FRAMES. I am being so annoying. But there is really nothing like this pair of shades on the market. Aren't they fantastic?

Miu Miu is known for its quirkiness and bright, fun accessories. These are definitely no exception. I'm beyond obsessed. I dream about these. I think I want to be buried with them.

Net-A-Porter, $390.

Drop It Like It's Hot

I used to think iPhone cases were for weenies. Well, I still kind of think they're for weenies.

But I was forced to get one when I dropped and shattered my second iPhone in a year and had to pay a grip to get it refurbished. Steve Jobs is a man of many secrets, but I'll never really understand why he thought a glass phone was a good idea.

Anyway, of all the dorky cases on the planet, Kate Spade's Diagonal Stripe iPhone 4 Case one is by far the least dorky. It's slightly bulkier than the thinner options, but it has gold ribbons on it! It's almost like a fashion accessory, itself. I have a polka dotted version, and love. it.

It's saved my [gl]ass on numerous occasions.

Kate Spade, $40.