Style: 2011 Must Have Gift Guide

As we’ve been preparing for the holidays, the Mod City Moms have been a little slow to post. Because we understand that we’re not the only ones short on time, we’ve compiled our annual gift giving guide to make this year’s shopping both trouble-free and delightfully original. Our 2011 suggestions are fifty bucks or less, specialize in home delivery, and offer one-of-a-kind treasures. Dress, Display, Devour!

Dress
Campfire Gifts Inc.: We first encountered Campfire Gifts during our annual Renegade Craft Fair pilgrimage. Their table, always bombarded with buyers, is a fair favorite. These graphic designers combine tasteful typography with hometown pride. Choose your favorite city or state and you’re guaranteed to find a Campfire tee that expresses your territorial bias with punch and pizzazz. Details: http://wearecampfire.com/

Dika.B: The Brazilian handbag designer, Drika.B, creates a series of fanciful clutches—each one utterly unique. Now located in California, her architectural training and Brazilian heritage continue to inspire her designs and are guaranteed to inspire your wardrobe. Details: www.etsy.com/shop/DrikaB?ref=pr_profile

Go Dotty Go!: These hand hotties are sure to warm hands on the coldest of winter days. Handmade from recycled wool sweaters, they are beautifully crafted, wonderfully colorful, and extremely warm. Better yet, send your old sweater to Laura and Claudia and they will craft you a pair of playful gloves to cherish. Details: www.godottygo.com/Go_Dotty_Go%21/Hand_Hotties.html or email lc@godottygo.com

The Knitting Parlor: Scarves have been all the rage the last couple of years and the infinity scarf is hot on everyone’s wish list. Check out the Knitting Parlor for handmade beauties in rich, vibrant colors. Details: www.etsy.com/shop/cfsknittingparlor?ref=pr_shop_more

Laura Tanner Jewelry: Jewelry designer, Laura Tanner Swinand, creates delicately striking handmade jewelry. Each earring, necklace, and bracelet is so smartly designed, you can sport ‘em by day or bedazzle by night. Details: www.lauratannerjewelry.com

Display
Bauer Pottery: Earlier this year, we wrote about Bauer Pottery’s Russel Wright designs. What we didn’t write about specifically was their deliciously affordable serving dishes. Available in multiple, vivid colors, these simply modern designs remain almost as affordable today as they were when they were unveiled in the 1930s. Details: www.bauerpottery.com and http://modcitymom.blogspot.com/2009/07/style-righting-russel-wright-dinnerware.html

Ferm Living: British Company Ferm Living makes assorted wall decals so whimsical that they could easily be considered art. Decals come in all shapes and sizes—birds on wire, cassette tapes, and the periodic table. And what child doesn’t need a cuddle buddy? Ferm Living’s robot pillow comes in two sizes, both under fifty dollars. Details: www.fermlivingshop.us/kids/pillows/mr-large-robot.html

Fishs Eddy: Always a Mod City Mom favorite, Fishs Eddy has hundreds of gifts including eclectic ceramic hands, hand-painted European wine glasses, one-of-a-kind hand towels, and a handsome jade juicer. Gifts come in a Fishs Eddy gift box, free of charge—now, how handy is that? Details: www.fishseddy.com

Nikki McClure: Nikki McClure creates hauntingly beautiful paper cuts. Delicate and contemplative, her work boldly depicts the cycles of life—toil, celebration, communion. Although we may not be able to afford her originals, almost anyone can afford her prints. For only $9, own a beautifully thoughtful Nikki McClure of your own. Details: www.buyolympia.com/q/Category=Nikki-Posters and www.nikkimcclure.com

Devour
Brooklyn Pork Store: Landi’s Pork Store in Brooklyn offers old-fashioned, homemade Italian favorites at throw-back prices. Choose from hand-rolled pasta, fresh sauces, or the house Italian sausage. Details: www.brooklynporkstore.com

Iron Horse: California’s wine country isn’t traditionally known for its sparkling wines, but Sonoma’s family-run Iron Horse has been challenging that reputation for over 25 years. Whether a fashionable Brut Rosé or a romantic Wedding Cuvée, Iron Horse bubbles are forever romantic, always celebratory, and dangerously drinkable. Details: www.ironhorsevineyards.com

Jeni’s Ice Cream: After repeatedly reading about Jeni Britton Bauer’s Ohio ice cream, we finally had to try it for ourselves. Jeni’s handcrafted creations are so good, she even managed to turn our savory-centric palates into ice cream-craving machines. Whether you choose Salty Carmel, Queen City Cayenne, Pistachio and Honey, or some other devilishly delicious combination, Jeni’s is sure to please. Details: www.jenisicecreams.com

Spottswoode Winery: The gift of wine is something that every foodie appreciates but with so many to options, it is sometimes hard to choose. Spottswoode Winery produces beautiful Cabernets using environmentally sensitive practices in all aspects of their grape production. Give the wine lover in your life a great gift while giving back to the earth at the same time. Details: www.spottswoode.com/content/organics/organicFarming.html

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Adventure Rome: More Than Its Icons

It’s easy to envision the long-list of Rome’s famed landmarks and when these sites are seen in person, they magically surpass their reputation. But, extraordinarily enough, Rome's real treasures are found in its neighborhoods. Laced together are more than a dozen unique quarters, each boasting their own stories, style, and gastronomic specialties. Over the year, we’ll highlight some of our favorites, but today we focus on Monti, located just north of the Colosseum.

The main drag, Via del Boschetto, combines antique shops and time-tested restaurants with hip wine bars and trendy boutiques. Historically known as the seedy part of town, this quarter is now one of Rome’s most desirable neighborhoods. Whether you’re searching for a new skate deck, a hand-crafted jacket, or a place to simply rest your feet between escapades, Monti is sure to please.

AireLab, Via del Boschetto 123
Walking down the street, the dangling chicken bag-bins were the first of the many quirky items to catch my eye. Once inside, this mother and son venture offers a number of pop-culture knick-knacks and funky accessories, including Chairman Mao bottle openers, vintage cloth sleeping masks, and handmade felt necklaces.

Fabio Picconi, Via del Boschetto 148
Filled to the brim with costume jewelry, it’s difficult to maneuver your way through the store, but the vintage, Italian brooches, glittery rings, and rhinestone pins make it a fun place to stay and play.

Le Gallinelle, Via del Boschetto 76
This old neighborhood meat market has been seamlessly transformed into a funky boutique. From the old meat hooks now hang one-of-a-kind creations made from second-hand clothing and world-wide materials. Peppered throughout the store are a number of vintage designer accessories, making Le Gallinelle the perfect destination for fashionistas on a limited budget.

Libreria Caffe Bohèmien, Via degli Zingari 36
Whether you’re craving a glass of wine, an espresso, or a good book, Libreria Caffe Bohemien offers it all. Cozy rooms lined with bookshelves, records, and artwork offer an inviting way to catch your breath, replenish, and map your next Roman excursion.

Valentino, Via del Boschetto 37
Don’t look too hard for the restaurant name: You won’t find it. In its place sits the original 1930’s sign reminding us of its beer parlor past. Today, however, Valentino is one of Rome’s most honest and comfortable trattorias. The checker tiled floor; heavy, dark wood work; low ceilings; and crisp, white table cloths offer a hint of the warm and comforting food that awaits. The specialty of this family-run establishment is their grilled meats and cheeses. Try scamorza, a smoked, tan, and bubbly melted cheese with the toppings of your choice (from Parma ham to mushrooms) or their ground beef grilled to perfection and topped with salty prosciutto and warm cheese. Accompany your meal with a carafe of their house-wine or a chilled beer from the tap.

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Adventure San Diego: San Diego's North-Side Jewel

Scores of visitors touchdown in San Diego each year. Offering mile after mile of sandy beaches and 70 degree weather all year-round, this surfer's paradise plays host to families, singles, and workers alike. Even the staunchest beach-lovin' followers, however, need a break from the relentless sunshine and salt-water soaked days. Whether to purchase a few souvenirs, enjoy a local brew, or catch a concert, Solana Beach's Cedros Design District guarantees the best place to hang in San Diego's North County.

Solo: Located in an abandoned airplane hanger, Solo is, hands-down, the ultimate gift-scavenging playground. Offering antiques and garbage-picks that have been transformed into usable works of art (think abandoned film reels turned into coffee tables), housewares that range from sea-themed throw-pillows to hand-carved woodcut prints, handmade papers, coffee table books galore, and children's accessories, it's impossible to leave Solo without a purchase in hand. Details: www.solocedros.com.

Cedros Gardens: This gardening sanctuary specializes in perennial plants and organic gardening. Discover new flora species, sit-in on a free gardening-centric class, or simply visit Daisy, the resident cat, who always seems to be asleep on the counter. Details: www.cedrosgardens.com.

Cut Loose: If you're searching for Southern California fashion beyond the string bikini, Cut Loose designers have created a unique, comfortable, and flexible clothing-line made of natural and garment-dyed fibers. "Clothing for the real world." Details: www.cutloose.com and modcitymom.blogspot.com/2008/12/style-learning-to-cut-loose.html.

Pizza Port: After an afternoon of shopping, it's time for a local-brewed beer (or root beer), some succulently garlic-y beer buddies, and a cheese-kissed pizza pie. Pizza Port, now in three Southern California locations (Solana Beach, Carlsbad, San Clemente), offers a jukebox, picnic tables, and pinball machines that supply a great backdrop for "grub and grog" that the whole family can enjoy. Details: www.pizzaport.com.

BellyUp: Still want more? Belly-up to the BellyUp where local musicians and iconic bands alike fill the bill. Details: www.bellyup.com.

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Style: Learning to Cut Loose

When I first moved away from Chicago, I was terribly homesick. I missed the over-abundance of unique shopping opportunities, the boutique on every corner, and the independent clothiers, all within walking distance from my home and from each other. After countless hours of researching neighborhoods and local shopping on the web, I would grudgingly get in my car and drive and drive (and drive some more) until I found a place here or there, tucked away in some remote corner of some distant neighborhood.

Now that I'm settled, I realize my initial response was, perhaps, a tad on the dramatic side. Sure, I still need to drive everywhere, but San Diego offers quite a few independently spirited store options. And, once you find one that you like, another isn't far behind.

During one of my little adventures, I discovered the perfect shopping stretch in Solana Beach, located in the heart of North San Diego County. Not only did this quarter of a mile stretch offer store after store of one-of-a-kind shopping opportunities, for the first time in a long time, I was more relaxed and a bit more myself. Here, I found stores where I could buy unique clothes, housewares, and gifts that wouldn't break the bank and I could meander and browse in a way that I hadn't experienced in a long time. Nowhere did I frequent more often than in a little, comfortable find, Cut Loose.

Cut Loose, founded in San Francisco, offers clothes made of natural and garment dyed fibers. As their motto states, clothing for the real world—they're comfortable pieces for real women. It's the type of store that your mom, your daughter, and you could all, collectively, enjoy. Each of you may be drawn to different items, but all would leave with a purchase in hand. Their colors and collections change with each season, but their quality and comfort never alter. And, most importantly, you don't have to live in San Diego or San Francisco to buy a Cut Loose design—their line is sold in boutiques across the country.

It may seem shallow, but, for me to feel at home in California, I needed to discover good neighborhoods, exceptional shopping, and beautifully made clothes. Stumbling on Solana Beach provided me with the first opportunity to unwind, enjoy, and truly cut loose. Details: www.cutloose.com.

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Adventure Chicago: Roscoe Village

I am really lucky to live in Chicago and have, on any given day, hundreds of boutiques in arm's reach. With this being said, one of my favorite neighborhoods to frequent is Roscoe Village. The main drag lies between Damen and Western Avenues on the once sleepy Roscoe Street (a mere ten years ago, there wasn't much there). Today, Roscoe Village is home to many boutiques, restaurants, bars, and a bustling pedestrian thoroughfare. I thought I would pay homage to several of my favorites that should be added to any shopper's travel list.

Glam to Go: Owner, Jenny Flynn, is what makes this place more than just another woman’s boutique—her sublime attitude and eclectic sense entice patrons to stop in over and over again. Her store carries Weston Wear, Topin, 525 America, Rebecca Beeson, and Tano. But, what makes this store really unique, are all the cool accessories she carries—one-of-a-kind necklaces, hand-blown glass rings, silky headbands, and patent clutch bags. The best part is that most of her accessories are priced under $50. This low-key, funky boutique is a destination not to miss. Details: www.glamtogo.com.

Sacred Art: Sarah Chazin quit the restaurant biz to open this affordable, neighborhood art store. The place is intimate and chock-full of hundreds of original pieces, most by local Chicago artists and priced at $150 or less. She carries photography, assorted paintings, glass wall hangings, pottery, jewelry, and many other interesting finds. Recently, she has started offering custom framing and tries to give the best price in town. Her tag line is “art is not a luxury”—at these prices, it really isn’t. Details: www.sacredartstore.com.

Roscoe Blooms: This small flower shop is so serene, you may want to grab a coffee and spend the afternoon here. Step inside this cozy storefront and feel as if you have left the bustling city. Beautiful Jade, Orchids, and Asian Lanterns adorn this stop. There are small plants of all varieties, unique cards, and beautiful fresh cut flowers. Bouquets are wrapped in chocolate brown paper with lavender tissue. Rumor has it that Leslie, the owner, may be opening a home store. If it is anything like Roscoe Blooms, I will be banging the door down when it opens. Details: www.roscoeblooms.net.

Hard Boiled: This seemingly conventional record shop is anything but. The store carries an abundance of Indy rock and vinyl. If you are a music lover, adventurer, or just in need of some nostalgia, stop by this gem. You could spend hours flipping though the vinyl collection or ask the owner, Mark, for a recommendation and he will play you a CD or two. I have never left the store disappointed. Guaranteed you will leave with a smile and some great new music for your collection. Details: www.hardboiledrecords.com.

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