The Modern Tea Party: Finding Cheska's Charming Tea Sets

These unique, ultramodern tea sets from Taiwan-based Finding Cheska look like they could've been plucked straight from the set of Mon Oncle. Their designs combine streamlined silhouettes with delightful dashes of whimsy, somehow managing to imbue stark white porcelain with character. My three favorite collections, and their descriptions:

Ambula - "The Ambula tea/coffee set appears to be having a party: the cups are strutting about and the milk and sugar containers are on the move. Everything seems to have come alive and it looks like they're all having a good time. Ambula captures a remarkable moment when plain, everyday ceramic objects acquire a life of their own."

Birdie - "At first glance the Birdie tea/coffee set looks like a family of stylized birds gathering for a chat."

DripDrip - "The DripDrip tea set has a lightly textured, undulating surface and subtle oval curves. This set was inspired by the delicate shape of water droplets as they fall through the air, assuming a variety of shapes along their free-fall journey."

Alas, it appears they're currently only sold in Asia (at Bluestone in Taipei) and Europe (at Merci in Paris), but I've made an inquiry about stateside vendors and will report back.

Photos: www.findingcheska.com

Georgette Peach: Madewell's Pretty Maids in Waiting

Shoptometrist reader Beth recently reached out for help in finding non-heinous bridesmaid dresses for her bff's upcoming nuptials. Having been anointed MOH, with her power came great responsibility: choosing a dress the other bridesmaids wouldn't hate her for, while flattering to her own figure and ideally, one that could be repurposed for other occasions.

With a budget cap of $300 and no color restrictions, Beth's guidelines were as follows:

1. Halter or v-neck neckline (to complement good shoulders and a small bust)
2. No cap sleeves
3. No wrap dresses

She also noted that she has a fairly straight figure.

After firing off a lenghty response with a few vaguely helpful suggestions, none of which I was entirely satisfied with, I stumbled across The One:

Behold, a sweet, breezy little number from Madewell. Rendered in whisper-light georgette, it's perfect for a summer wedding. Feminine without being frothy, it's best suited for smaller busts, as the v neckline might look inappropriate on the well-endowed. The skirt, teeming with tiny pleats, would prove playful when it's time for dancing, kicking up at every turn, adding a bit of movement and fullness to a straight build.

Olympia Dress, available in apricot or deep water. $235.

Photos: www.madewell.com

Hash, Rehashed: Jonathan Adler's Take on the Cannabis Candle

Jonathan Adler's Hashish candle, the latest entrant in the cannabis-scented candle category, combines notes of moss, patchouli, black currant, wormwood, and green apple to evoke the non-mood-altering version of a smoking den ambiance. While I'm not too eager to throw down $68 just to fill my apartment with heady, marijuana-laden smoke and alarm the building management, I'd consider buying it just for the beautiful, vintage-inspired packaging alone. If anyone has a thing for mary-jane-infused environs and wants to go halfsies, I'll gladly take the box off your hands.

Photo: www.jonathanadler.com

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun: Kimberly Taylor's Playclothes for Grownups

Kimberly Taylor is just 25 years old. Kimberly Taylor's eponymous womenswear label has been breaking hearts since 2009. Kimberly Taylor already has not one but two shops in NYC.

While there are several reasons to envy the precocious, NYC-based design talent, a peek at her latest collection will have you rooting for her. Sex appeal abounds in her micro minis and modern silhouettes, and a vivid palette infuses them with a bit of Crayola-colored fun.

Her softly structured, silk Rose skirt, available in a brilliant panoply of punchy hues, had me at hello, and the wallet-friendly price point pretty much sealed the deal. $135 each.

That gorgeous ultraviolet is calling my name.

Exposed zipper in the back . . .

Quite possibly the sexiest tux redux I've ever seen, with a delightfully unconventional design detail at the back. Tuxedo jacket, $175.

Many thanks to Ali for putting KT on my radar!

Photos: Zac Sebastian

Footwear Obsession: United Nude’s Lo Res Pump

Like many a fellow shoe fiend, I’ve long been smitten with United Nude, purveyor of quirky, futuristic footwear. Their offerings produce the opposite of nostalgia – a yearning for a future I have not yet seen. While racing past their Bond Street outpost last weekend, I spied these beauties perched in the window display and did a sharp double take, nearly giving myself whiplash in the process. I was in a hurry and should’ve known better, but my feet involuntarily carried me into the store and before I knew it, I found myself asking -  nay, begging - to see a pair. Though at first glance they appeared to be made of shiny, hard, unforgiving plastic, they were actually quite rubbery to the touch and melded perfectly with the contours of the foot.

While I paraded before the mirror, envisioning myself transported to a chic and distant future, the salesgirl (one very helpful and lovely Georgie) showed me another feature: the contrasting strap could be detached, instantly transforming the shoe from Mary Jane to pump. It was all so delightful and exciting that Georgie even threw on a pair herself and we were soon standing side by side, marveling at the mirror-like sheen of the multifaceted surface. The only thing holding me back from slapping my debit card on the register was the fact that there was a bit too much toe cleavage going on for my liking. I also wished the detachable strap was nude or grey, rather than brown. Still, I pondered. And pondered. And continue to ponder.

Although the $260 price tag isn’t completely out of reach, I have trouble committing to any purchase over $100 if I don’t love every last bit of it. Opinions?

United Nude Lo Res Pump, $260. Also available in brown, magenta, and green.

Photos: www.unitednude.com

J. Crew = One-Stop Accessory Shop

Since J. Crew started bolstering its accessories division with an expanded footwear selection, fashion-forward leather goods (neon belts + preppy basics = genius) and a kick-ass Fenton/Fallon jewelry collabo, trawling their website for new bits and baubles has become an almost daily routine. Some recent finds:

Perforated platform heels pair perfectly with just about everything in your summer wardrobe. I love the rich brown hue, and the wooden cone heel is just the right height. $225.

The perfect skinny leather belt, in the loveliest dove grey and the prettiest blush/nude hues, $32. The nude and some of the neons aren't available on the website at present, but check your local brick-and-mortar.

A neon necklace would look great with a white hot tank and grey skinnies. Doubles as a bracelet, and now on sale for $19.50.

As annoyingly ubiquitous as straw fedoras are, this is the best-looking straw trilby I've seen, and it fits like a dream. Seagrass trilby from the men's department, $40.

Next on my list is this Fenton/Fallon for J.Crew Carrington crystal chain necklace, but I have yet to see it in store for a try-on. $175.

Photos: www.jcrew.com

Let Loose: Relaxed Fit Tops for Easy Summer Dressing

Between travels, weddings, and illness, I haven't had a chance to stop by the blog in the past week and a half, and it sorely needs tending. Since summer seems to have arrived in all it's sun-scorched glory, I thought I'd welcome you back with some easy, relaxed tops that will keep you feeling as cool as the icy sweat dripping down the lemonade pitcher.

Eskell's loose, silk Chloe top features charming design details, including a printed waist tie and three yellow buttons to close the shoulder. $200.

Loose, Dolman sleeves are a godsend this time of year. If it's cross-ventilation you're after, this should do the trick. T Alexander Wang 1x1 Rib T in Heather Grey, $90 @ Otte.

Stuart & Wright's Easy Silk Tee. The name pretty much says it all, and it's gorgeous in navy. $188 @ Refinery29.

If you like the look but can't bear to part with 200 bones, American Apparel has some appealing options, including the new Silky Loose Crop Tee, $38. It actually looks a lot better on, and works great over one of their tight cotton bodycon dresses or high-waisted pencil skirts. Also available in tank form.

Photo credit:
1&3) www.refinery29.com
2) www.otteny.com
4) www.americanapparel.net