Hello again and thank you for hanging in here for the past nine months as I gestated and brought to life a beautiful baby girl.

My mind has been consumed with #babystuff - a category I am more than happy to walk down with you guys in the future, at the risk of pigeonholing myself in the baby aisle. But NOT today.

Today, we’re all gathered here to celebrate in the beautiful consumer holy days of sale season and gift shopping. This WILL NOT be a roundup of sales, but I figured I’d seize the opportunity to discuss some #nicestuff when people (shopping addicts like me) are on the market for stuff (glued to their phones jumping from link to link).

Here’s a roundup of ~7 nice objects & designers you may want to take a look at:

1. Mouth-blown statement glassware

These platters, vases, and glasses from Deya, a young Turkish home brand, are slowly but surely creeping up in the chicest of homes and dinner parties. Their dishes strike this balance of peculiarity and refinement, hefty and delicate at the same time. I’m obsessed with this little “Wavy Lady” dish and this friendly creature-like three-legged pink vase.

The brand has also launched into furniture with these playfully shaped oak dining chairs. Watch this brand, I say. 👀

2. For the yids, let there be light

Once again, accessories designer Susan Alexandra is back with some funky menorahs — and everything is 30% off right now! I especially like this asparagus, but this painter’s palette and these tomatoes are very fun too.

For a deep dive into menorah last see last year’s post.

3. Small-batch holiday decor for the fashionable and the daring

I’m not personally a devoted tree-decorator (although sometimes I like to dabble), but if I were styling a tree this year I would DEFINITELY be snagging some of these 1960’s inspired adornments from Beditorial, the home brand created by the genius nail artiste and fashion muse Holly Falcone. The holiday collection includes tree skirts, stockings, garlands, and this great puffy star tree topper.

I met Holly almost a decade ago while working on some nail art videos for Teen Vogue. She really is a Jane of all trades. Side note: I must also say her bedding is gorgeous and super soft, too. I have these leopard print pillow cases. (Let me know if you’d like a bedding focused batch of nice stuff!)

4. A toaster oven / air fryer that isn’t hideous

I do wish I had seen this do-it-all toaster oven / air fryer before I purchased a basic-looking bread crisper last year. Even if you don’t have a minuscule NYC kitchen, you probably don’t want to waste primo counter real estate on an ugly hunk of metal. That being said, we like to eat and we like efficiency, so sacrifices may be made... I like this guy because in addition to all the fancy features, it’s sexy “olive tapenade” shade is easier on the eyes than chrome. It’s also on sale now for black friday.

5. These one-off ceramic lamps and vases that sell out each batch

As one does these days, I stumbled upon these magical lamps by ceramic studio Earth Darling on IG. The catch here is they are each hand made with limited availability, however a new batch is launching on their site THIS WEEK on the 29th. There’s something about these designs that make me feel inspired - akin to listening to “Defying Gravity,” but visually.

6. Something to swoon over: possibly the coolest looking coffee maker

My instagram algo is very well trained, which is where I also discovered these insane looking hand-made espresso machine frames designed by a German artist Tina Bobbe. Okay, so you need to buy the machine separately, which will cost you a cool $1,800, but then if you spend another €1,100, you could be in possession of the sexiest looking coffee making situation to ever exist. Perhaps consider it a business expense towards your new coffee shop venture or simply an investment in your caffeinated happiness. She also takes custom orders!

7. Let’s end with something a little more affordable — and a great gift option: a very cool 3D printed lamp.

I’m a fan of this Maya lamp designed and assembled by Brooklyn industrial designer Walmen. Check it out!!!!

—

I do hope you enjoyed this more casual roundup. As always, I would love you thoughts so please hit reply or comment for feedback / requests.

Happy browsing, clicking, and scrolling ✨ — and happy thanksgiving! Thank YOU for reading this.

Until next time,

Esther

P.S. bonus buy if you like marzipan and you’re feeling festive.

I feel very strongly that the home dept. has become the best thing about H&M.  I think their efforts on the climate are also promising but goods like this at prices like these (economies of scale, baby)… it’s just really good. 

Here’s a round up of some of my top picks at H&M home. These items look way more expensive than their asking price and the materials are nothing to scoff at - ceramic, cotton, linen, glass, mango wood… no plastic in this roundup. 

Let’s start off with a basic. If you want to ditch the paper napkins but don’t want to invest in (or dirty) a more expensive set, these linen & cotton napkins are such a good price and come in basic white, tan, sage green and blush pink. You wont feel bad using these regularly. ($10 for a set of two)

At $18, this fun cotton table runner is such an easy add-to-cart to liven up your next table gathering.  

Building onto your tablescape, these mango wood serving boards could add a little warmth and movement. ($30 for the small, $50 for the large)

This collection of Murano-style glassware, including tumblers, a pitcher and dessert bowls, is priced to sell and you can mix and match! These look so much more luxe than H&M! ($10-$30)

I don’t like to use to use disposal but when I’m hosting a larger gathering and still want to bring the vibes, paper is the way to go - for me, at least. These printed napkins are sassy and classy! I want to stock up. ($3.50 for a 20-pack)

Ugh, I love a little espresso cup and these glazed ceramic sippers look quite artisanal! Also, yellow = happy and happy + morning = a good day. ($20 for the set)

These $7 ceramic plates match the cups and would make your morning toast look even more appealing. 

If you’ve got some drawers that need an upgrade, consider these mango wood knobs to add a some warmth and dimensions… think, DIY ikea upgrade. ($7)

Tell me where else you can find cute-ass 100% cotton fabric napkins holders for $7 a pair. Great colors too… green and black work all year round. 

How cute are these mini striped porcelain pots as a small gift filled with an inexpensive plant from trader joes? And they’ve got drainage, so no root rot. ($20)  

I think these rotund, textured glass vases are quite versatile. Recently I’ve enjoyed styling stems in a rounded crisscross way inside a round, lower height vase like this. It creates a dramatic fullness. ($25)

If you’ve got a wall to dress that just needs a little something, but not something with color, this mirror with fun art-deco curves could do the trick. ($75) Just saying…

Okay, kids - that’s all I’ve got for today. I’ve been a bit busy lately but I have not forgotten about you guys! Let me know if snag any of these goodies.

Hit me up if there’s anything in particular I can help you with when it comes to sourcing good looking things for your home. 

Have a beautiful weekend, week day, night, or bathroom break… depending on when you’re reading this.  

Xoxoxoxoxo, 

Esther 

Hello and welcome back to Nice Stuff! An irregularly occurring but often enjoyed roundup of fun home items for you.

Today we will be discussing objects that resemble other objects…

From the foot clockwise: Carl Auböck brass paperweight (read on), Gohar World garlic dish sponge (read on), ceramic egg cup via Studio Jibe, Anissa Kermiche porcelain vase, Brass Siren Song hair combs.

I’ve got a vase that looks like a lady’s bottom, a cookie jar that looks like an apple, a jewelry box that looks like a book, and a planter that looks like a roman bust (similar option). I never really thought of these as a category of items but in my recent online window-shopping it clearly jumped out as a class of its own: objects that look like other objects. 

You could argue this idea is an extension of trompe l'oeil (trick of the eye) made popular in early 19th century French painting or perhaps we simply enjoy imbuing inanimate objects with more personality. Either way, here are some fun items for your home that may make you smile.

This brass paperweight designed by Austrian designer Carl Auböck IV in the 1950’s is still hand made today in his family's century old workshop in Vienna – $255. 

A more affordable and perhaps literal option that you can also stick stuff into!!! – stonewear foot catchall from Urban, $18. 

On the subject of body parts, these Dada Daily hand napkin rings are fun! – $75

Annisa Kermiche butter dish – ($52, on sale)!

Hand made by one of the oldest ceramic manufacturers in Europe, these Este Ceremaiche Ceramic Trompe-L'oeil boxes look like stacks of china with chocolates, fish or veggies on top – your pick – $385. 

And how chic is this stainless steel swan lemon squeezer? – $38. I want one.

“Partial to quirky decor?” tempts the website Goodee where you can find this adorable footed planter – $61.

This site also has a lot of very chic house cleaning items, but this Hedgehog table brush is on theme. I really feel like I could use a small little crumb sweeper – $20.  

If you’re one of those people who wants every single item in your home to make you smile, here’s another fun cleaning item - Gohar World garlic dish scrub, $22. 

Porcelain Middle Kingdom x Foekje Fleur vases molded after cleaning bottles – $22-$50. 

Stainless steel cocktail shaker from CB2 – $150. ✈️✈️✈️ It stands up vertically, too.

These La Maison Inondée bowls looks like little houses on a grassy or snowy hill (depending on the color) and can be used as a catchall, serving bowl or little snack dish at a party – $20-75. 

There are soooo many more objects that look like other objects out there, but I hope you enjoyed this selection. If you did, go ahead and forward this email to a friend! Oh, it would make me so happy!

Until next time, 

Esther 

P.S. If this email went to your spam, move it to your inbox, add me to your contacts, or star this email.

ABASK.COM

The other week, I visited The Salon Art & Design Fair at the Armory in NYC. There were designers, luxury crafters and gallerists from all over the world but by far my favorite exhibitor was this online home decor shop ABASK – their installation outfitted wall-to-wall in kelly green and filled with enough unique homewares to keep me gawking for a good hour.

Each item in their highly curated shop has a story about the brand and maker. This one of a kind embroidered hand made cushion is sourced from the brand Kissweh, which helps to create fair working opportunities for refugees of Lebanon and Syria. This mouth-blown rainbow striped Murano crystal vase by Carlo Moretti is a piece of art — signed, dated, and numbered with an authenticity certificate. The Fantasmino lamp by Paolo Venini, one of the oldest Venetian glass makers, looks like a little glass ghost resembling the designers more well known 1940s Fazzoletto vase design — and it comes in a bunch of fun colors! You’ll have to explore the site, but some of my other favorites items include these colorful wine glass sets designed by Phoebe Stubbs, hand-painted ceramic dinnerware made in Hungary, and these scalloped-edged marble bowls — you know I just love curvy things.

Matilda Goad: Hardware

I’ve enjoyed following British designer Matilda Goad for her whimsical take on traditional countryside cottage vibes with a sophisticated edge. Her brand is most famous for their scalloped edge lamp shades (which I do recommend and have at home), but this new line of hardware, including handles, knobs, and backplates, is just great. It’s such a fun way to dress up a simple dresser or cabinet door. Ch-ch-check it out!

Pretty Pegs

On the topic of hardware, I must share one of my favorite resources for spiffing up simple (read: boring) furniture. This Swedish website, aptly named Pretty Pegs, has great little legs for your couch, side table, dresser, and a large selection of knobs and handles. They even have a handy guide to pair with IKEA items and ideas for DIY furniture hacks. I got a cheap three-drawer dress from wayfair for my closet and jazzed it up with these large wood ball legs. I used a smaller set of yellow wood spheres to top of a simple closet door. I love!

Borosilicate glass ice cream spoons? Yes, please. 

If you’ve been here since Batch 001 then you know I’m a Zara Home stan 🙋‍♀️. I came across these glass ice cream spoons (side note: why does my brain want to write ice SCREAM so badly?) via a well targeted IG ad and had to stop what I was doing, because sometimes you just stumble across an object that sparks so much joy in you, you can’t handle it. Turns out they have a whole bunch of fun borosilicate (like pyrex strong) glass goodies including colorful straws, playful stemware, carafes and more. Please do let me know if you snag any of these items.

And with that I will leave you until next time. I hope you enjoyed this little roundup of recs. As always, I would LOVE IT if you’d share this with other people in your life who like nice stuff. 😘

Have a great week!

Esther

P.S. Feel free to respond to me directly from this email - it me.

Even if you don’t light it up every year, these candelabras make a great gift, and for a more year-round use you can use one as a moody table centerpiece or even a funky bud vase. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah or not, surely you’ll be able to appreciate these Nice Stuff™ approved designs. 

Let us begin with a brief Menorah history

which you can feel free to skip if you already know… 

The history of the menorah dates back 2,000 years beginning with the Jewish temple. Today we light the menorah to commemorate the miracle of a single day’s worth of oil burning for the eight days after the Maccabees who were victorious over the Greeks. The image of the menorah is found on a variety of objects from ancient coins to mosaic tiles all dating back to 40 BCE. The most famous historic depiction is a frieze on the Arch of Titus in Rome. While there is a rich visual and cultural legacy, this unique object has become associated with not only Biblical history but also an object that is connected to miracles and celebration.

Now… let’s fast forward, just a little bit, to some 20th century designs. 

A bit Brutalist…  

My father has a brass Weinberg adjustable swivel menorah that I’ve always loved. These custom brutalist-inspired pieces are no longer produced (to my knowledge), but you can find similar designs ranging in price and quality on resale sites - here, here, and here!   

This swiveling brass design from West Elm has a similar mid-century vibes and the same playful movement. ($119 — on sale right now for $60) 

A more hefty, brutalist option from CB2 is this bronze wave menorah. ($130 – on sale right now for $78) 

Classic — with a twist 

This cast iron menorah created for Areaware by award-winning designer Josh Owen is a sexy and minimalist twist on the classic silhouette. ($150 — plus 20% off for CYBER week) 

Batch 004 was pretty much inspired by this simple take on the classic. I realized yesterday I don’t have a menorah and we ended up choosing the powdered steel Trace Menorah (in yellow) from NYC based Judaica brand Via Maris. The brand hopes to encourage people to re-engage with their faith as well as invite people from all backgrounds to enjoy these contemporary designs. ($165 — plus 20% off right now & comes in some great shades) 

Another strong option from Via Maris is this colorful glass number. This one works better with oil or thicker candles. ($235)

This black & green enamel aluminum design from Wayfair is sort of a modern blobby ai version of the original and on sale! ($65) 

Taking it to the next level with even more blobbiness are these playful sea-creature-esque ceramic menorahs by Gersley Ceramic, available in blue, black and pink.($200 on sale right now) 

And if we’re ditching the original menorah shape completely and going full blob, this handmade ceramic set is a solid option. ($306) 

This clay menorah by Rachael Pots isn't exactly a take on the original design, but I’d say maybe inspired by the concept of the single jug of oil that lasted eight nights? In any event, it’s a great playful design and hard to find, as it’s sold out on most sites. ($228) 

Architectural Lights  

The architecturally inspired brand Rod and Flame makes slick minimalist Judaica, including the forged solid aluminum Pluses Menorah, which comes in a bunch of fun shades. ($65) 

If you’re looking for something that will make more of an impact, the brand also sells a few floor-standing designs including this Parallel Menorah, measuring over 4ft tall. ($995) 

This chic macaroni number, called the Nosh Menorah, is giving Chicago’s “The Bean” vibes. The husband and wife design duo behind the Modern Mensch brand wanted to create something you can put on display all year long and I think they achieved that. I’m linking out to my favorites in gold and silver, but there are a couple other metallic shades available, too.  ($200 — plus 10% code for first time shoppers) 

Here’s a much more affordable clay option in a similar silhouette on sale now at West Elm. ($40) 

The Shayna Menorah, the overlapping arched design, is hand made made in small batches by LA pottery, Style Union. These are hard to find, but I found a few are available and ready to ship on Food 52 and it’s available in black here. ($275)

For a simple and very affordable option that’s still fun and architectural, check out a handmade Etsy design which comes in a bunch of colors. ($23)   

Pop Art - or something

The brand aptly named Banana Menorah refers to this piece as “Warhol meets Kuntz meets your Rabbi.” I don't know about all that but it sure is fun. ($150) 

There’s also the much cheaper ceramic “BANORAH” (lol) from Kikkerland which comes only in the classic banana hue. ($20)

If all else fails there’s no shame in this home-made rendition: 

Lol, moving on…

Another fun pop-arty option could be one of these charming Elephant and Dachshund dog menorahs from Jonathan Adler. (Each $132 — 25% off right now)

For an alternate animal from JA, on a much steeper discount, how about a peacock? ($47 on sale) 

Or how about a juicy little watermelon? The Nosh Menorah by accessories designer Susan Alexandra (yes, there are two brands who named their menorahs Nosh) is indeed, as she claims, a juicy snack for the eyes! ($250) 

If you want something a bit more characteristic of the designer, here’s another fun Susan Alexandra beaded design. ($275) 

And with that I think I may have overloaded you with menorah options, but hopefully you had fun here! 

As always, if you enjoyed this please pass along. 

If you need help with any decorating projects or gifting finds, just reply to this post and I’d be happy to help you find some nice stuff. :) 

Have a glorious thanksgiving – stay cozy and well fed. 

Xx, 

Esther 

It’s been a minute since my last post. It’s hard to think about Nice Stuff with everything going on right now. But to celebrate my birthday, I put a list together of fun gifts for the home. 

Shall we? 

Coffee table worthy gifts: 

Let’s start with some objects for the home that could easily go on your friends coffee table – a great place to collect and present gifts.

Pretty and functional: Mau House Oyster Bottle Opener, $60.

I’ve got this tissue box, my therapist’s got this tissue box, you should get it for your friend: Areaware Tissue Box Holder by Dusen Dusen, $42.

My friend Alex is into taxidermy and fine art objects, so I got her this leggy DADA match striker, $75 - she loves it (photo of her coffee table above). Btw, Alex is a DOCTOR and single — hit me up eligible bachelors.

Can you really go wrong with a coffee table book? A few that caught my eye: HAY - one of my favorite design duos - $48 on TRR, Menu Design in Europe - I’m OBSESSED with restaurant branding - $70, and J Crew’s new book with lots of vintage catalog inspo, Forty Years of American Style, $125. 

A vase is a great gift if your friend doesn't already have too many. I like this one from Completedworks, $150, that comes with its very own bracelet?!?  

Always a safe gift, candles: 

Last year between a house-warming, birthday, and an engagement party, I received a record number of candles. It’s a safe (not to be confused with boring) gift. Here are some fun burners.

These Carl Durkow candles would add some flair to a bookshelf, $38-$48. 

If you’re hoping to impress and willing to splurge, Loewe makes beautiful scents - Tomato Leaves, Orange Blossom, Cucumber, Beetroot(!)  - in sturdy glazed terracotta pots. I was very graciously given a medium Marihuana scented one for my birthday a few years ago and it’s been my most enjoyable candle. I now save it for special occasions. $110-$475, depending on the size.  Pro tip: you can sometimes find these on The Real Real for a steal. 

Your DIY-loving friend might enjoy one of these Sculpd candle making pottery kit, $59-$104. How fun!? 

For trinkets:

People usually need more vessels to hold all their spare coins, keys, matches, jewelry and what-have-you. I recently got this Printworks jewelry box that looks like a book, $45, for my nightstand and I’m such a fan. 

This wavy Littala glass catchall dish designed by Alvar Aalto feels easily giftable - $40 on TRR, normally $165.  

Equally fun and much more affordable, this flocked stoneware lips trinket Box from UO Home is super cute, $24. 

For the host or friend who likes to have fun in the kitchen:

How about some Farfalloni pasta pot grips? We have the Carraway cookset, which I love, but the handles get super hot, so I bought these fun holders. Yes, chef, $16.  I found this set on Amazon, too. 

I’d be very pleased if I received a set (or two) of these Dusen Dusen stripe cotton napkin set, $44. Just saying…

Likewise, receiving these fun wooden serving spoons would certainly put a smile on my face. Serving Friends by Selena Liu, $42.

These Gohar World gloves are fantastic. Especially the pearl ring and cuff details. 🤌 For the friend who likes a little ✨ drama ✨. $38.

Bodum never fails when it comes to practical kitchen ware with a design flair. This wood salt & pepper grinder set is a great gift, especially for your friend with open kitchen shelving. $49.

A much sillier but no less functional option is this cake salt & pepper shaker set, $24. How cute?! 

And, just for fun:

With the holidays coming up I think I’ll do a whole batch on visually appealing game sets. As a teaser, when’s the last time you played dominoes? This colorful wooden dominoes set looks like a riot. $30.

If you’re looking for a gag gift with some flair, how about this little guy? Pee My Plants watering statue, $18.

And just in case you’re looking for something outrageous to win someone over or maybe a gift for a sheik, perhaps you should consider this silver and wood Louis Vuitton spaceship paperweight, only $1,945 on the TRR. 

As always, I hope you enjoyed this batch of nice stuff as a little break from more serious matters. If you did, please share with your friends, family, and anyone else who might enjoy this kind of thing. 

Have a great week and happy Scorpio season! ✨

Esther 

There are tons of fun wavy things out there, so I put a little list together with  some of my favorites.

But first, I needed to get to the bottom of where this snaky trend came from. I’ve been seeing it steadily build for a few years and wanted to educate myself - and you — so we can be cute AND smart.  

Subscribe now

You might be familiar with this massive neon wall mirror (above), owned by collectors and stars like Karl Lagerfeld, Bella Hadid, Lena Dunham and Frank Ocean, which began to pop up in selfies, shops and magazine spreads a few years ago. It’s possible our journey to Squiggle Land began with this very mirror named “Ultrafragola” and designed in the 1970s by Milanese architect Ettore Sottsass. 

Fun fact: It is believed that Sottsass designed the Ultrafragola as an homage to femininity. “Ultrafragola translates to ‘ultimate strawberry’ in Italian,” says Keith Johnson, president and director of Urban Architecture. “And if you mention a woman’s ‘strawberry’ in Italy, everyone knows what you’re talking about.”

Along with a group of designers, Sottsass founded the Memphis Milano design movement to break away from the clean lines and functionality of mid-century-modern design in favor of the silly and outrageous.

Images from the @ettoresottsass IG account - definitely worth a follow! 

And just like in the 70s and 80s when the Italians got bored of MCM minimalism, we are now craving spaces with more fun and some curves! 

So let us begin with some of my picks for you…

Let’s start with the closest adaptation. There are A TON of curvy and squiggly mirrors available right now. 

This green guy from anthropologie made of mango wood provides multiple levels of fun with a pop color on top of the layered curves. If the shade is a bit TOO much fun for you, it comes in natural wood too! ($398)

If you vibe with the color, but not the price point, there’s a cute wavy mirror at H&M that comes in green and black. ($82)

The Ripple Mirror by Sarah Sherman Samuel is perfectly squiggly, while also commanding your respect in hefty solid oak. Comes in black and a circular shape, too! ($598)

Moving on to objects, I’m a fan of this earthenware Wrinkle Bowl, by the same designer, which offers a more organic feeling. ($194) 

I saw this vase by Ferm Living at a shop on Abbot Kinney last week. I love how it takes a very traditional style and adds a little sass. It comes in blue and in white, too, if you want more or less sass. ($135)

These black marble cloud bookends from Maison Rouge are fun and sophisticated. I like the idea of styling them on a bedroom or living room console table to organize the books you’re reading atm. ($85) 

This candlestick holder from Maison Balzac (featured in Batch 001) makes a great host / bday gift! The colors are soothing and would add a lovely pop of color to amore neutral space. ($49) 

These cute squiggly glass ashtrays from Urban Outfitters also make a great gift. ($46) 

And if you’re down to splurge on some designer squiggles, can you imagine how good you’d feel lighting this Missoni candle, or would you never dare to light it? ($478)

Some other fun squiggly objects to brighten up your space: 

These borosilicate glass pitchers by Sophie Lou Jacobson ($195)

Squiggly floor and table lamps from Urban Outfitters ($99-$249)

Perhaps some art for your walls? This wavy ceramic wall sculpture ($500)

Or a framed wavy, botanical print by Kate Roebuck ($820)

I really love this chair by Eny Lee Parker. Imagine it as an accent chair in your entryway or bedroom. It’s giving zen squiggles. ($698)

Another great chair with a bit more weight and impact is this gorgeous Ripple Chair by Sarah Sherman. One would be a fun accent, but a set of two would look extremely sexy in a larger living space, just saying. ($898)

I feel like that’s enough product inspiration for this batch, but there’s tons more out there like stationary, lamp shades, pillows, rug, you name it. If you’re looking for something specific, let me know and I’ll do my best to find you some options. If you end up getting any of these items I would LOVE to see how they look in your home, so please please send a pic! 

Thank you for being here! If you enjoyed this batch of nice stuff, please forward this email / link to a friend, foe, or family member!

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Catch you on the flip side,

Esther

Hello and welcome to the first sampling of NICE STUFF - A tasty little treat delivered to your inbox™️. Here we will muse on decor and fashion to enhance your vibes.✨

I’ve got some fun themes in store for you, ponderings like: Stuff From Home Depot That Isn’t Ugly, Relaxing Shit You Didn't Know You Needed, Kids Home Decor Items I’d Definitely Buy For Myself and other link-filled musings that are sure to train your algorithm with sophistication and aesthetic wonder. 

I’ve been plotting this for a while now, so thank you to my first 60 subscribers for making this real. 

Shall we? 

Let us begin our journey with Zara Home 

It still shocks me that many people don't know that Zara has a home collection - and it’s really so good. It has quality linen bedding, nice, solid wood furniture, chic kitchenware and many a decorative object. Recently they launched a stationary / office line including this sexy leather laptop case among other canvas and leather organizing goodies. This wooden magazine rack reminds me of something my parents used to have and I wonder why people don’t really buy these anymore… I must ask, what happened to the magazine rack? Bring them back! Long live print publishing! I’m also loving this rough white ceramic vase that feels sophisticated while interesting and would likely work with most interior styles.

Mmmm… Chocolate… 

Next on the list, may I please recommend some brown? Brown has always been beautiful, but these chocolate and amber tones are just so soothing to me. Brown can be a warmer alternative to black, but just as sleek and neutral. I love this dark amber acrylic bookend from CB2 and this wavy glass vase from H&M. 

I’m currently on the market for new couch pillows. The ones I have now are just too small and they lack presence! I’m thinking about getting this deep chocolate guy and / or this Turkish silk guy, both from CB2. Each pillow is 23 inches square, which is sizable and will definitely not lack presence.

Brand Highlight: Maison Balzac 

I can’t stop thinking about this glass vase with colorful 3D polka dots. I’ve put myself on a vase purchasing freeze because I have plenty, but I’ll admit I am tempted. I didn't know much about this brand until I recently went to their about page to provide you with some context. The imaginative Australian Elise Pioch Balzac founded the brand in 2012, taking her excellent taste and fashion buying experience to create this playful line of homewares she likes to refer to as “jewelry for the table.” Honestly I dig that concept so much and what an inspiration!

There is something I love very much about the combination of elegance (formal glassware) with playfulness (bold colors, floral stems, polka dots.) Honestly, these items should really be on every wedding / housewarming registry because the only thing more fun than buying something like this for yourself would be receiving it as a gift. Just imagine how lovely this teal bowl would look on your coffee table with some raspberries in it – and it’s on sale. You can find the brand at other retailers but they do have a 20% discount code on their site atm.

Are you for real? 

Just for kicks, I’ll end off with some wild collectable items available on the RealReal. These are less so recommendations and more so amusements because the prices are pretty unapproachable. From left to right: a vintage 14k gold Cartier hand mirror with emeralds and diamonds at back, case included!, $5,195, a Gucci poker set, $5,332, a green plastic Prada frisbee, $222 (honestly if you’re into labels, this could be cool hanging on a wall or stacked on a low coffee table. I have been working on my frisbee game lately, tbh,) and finally a “new” Celine zebra print longboard, $1,325 – pretty pricey, but would make a cool wall item if you’re into designer sports gear!

And with that, I would like to thank you for reading the very first batch of Nice Stuff. I hope you found this somewhat inspiring or amusing, ideally both. 

I’d love to hear from you on how this landed. Please let me know if you’ve got any suggestions, recommendations or requests for future bathes. 

Thank you again for subscribing to the mere concept of a newsletter from me; It means so much that you’d allow me into your busy inbox. If you enjoyed this, please share with anyone you think might be into it and if you are not yet subscribed, please do so by clicking on this little green box!

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Have a great week! 

Esther

In the meantime, let me know what projects you’re working on and I’ll send you some links!

- Esther

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