Castle and Things linens, here.

Vacation home (you can stay here!) in Norway, via Welcome Beyond.

I’ve been looking for some durable floor coverings to combat the problem and discovered that those oh-so-clever Swedes have been weaving the solution for years —  plastic rugs or plastmattor in Swedish. Plastic rugs are durable (some people use them for decades), easy to clean, quite modern, and exactly what I’ve been looking for.

Here are three companies  making stylish strides:

Chilewich

Sandy Chilewich has theUS market cornered on high-end woven plastic home goods. These particular utility mats (in Electric Stripe) are available through her website and customizable by size and color.  Prices range from $45 to $150.

Brita Sweden

Brita Sweden is a family-run business that specializes in textile design and production. These snazzy mats Anna Black, Gunnel Blue, and Anna Red are available through its website.

Horredsmattan

Horredsmattan has been in the business of weaving and textiles since the 1950s. In fact, Horredsmattan weaves the mats designed by Brita Sweden. The mats pictured here are from the Design Collection. From left to right: Bauhaus by Carolina Kroon, Savane by Lotta Söder, and Inca by Wiveca Hall.

Buy the The Polaroid iPhone Decal at the Photojojo Store!

It is somehow always cooler to make fancy schmancy modern possessions appear much less fancy schmancy and modern than they really are…case in point: iphone decal mimicking the front of a classic Polaroid camera.

Everywhere you turn, someone has a statement to make…and judging by the work of Christen Carter, founder of Busy Beaver Button Co., the biggest statements are often best made on a small platform…such as a 1 inch button.

In the late 1800s, buttons were used as a colorful way to promote all kinds of things…politicians, celebrities, holidays, landmarks and, well, just about everything else.  And although buttons did take a lengthy hiatus from the limelight in the early 1900s, they reappeared in the 1960s and were considered a fashionable method to show support for political causes, favorite bands, artists, etc.  Today, besides their popularity in the punk scene, buttons haven’t been considered cool since the 80’s when teens used them to adorn their backpacks and jeans jackets…but thanks to Carter, buttons now seem to be making a comeback.

Last month, Carter celebrated Busy Beaver’s 15^th year anniversary of button making with the grand opening of its pop culture button museum in Chicago; a collection of about 1,000 buttons in four display cases mounted on the factory walls.  With buttons dating back as early as 1896, Carter hopes that this museum will help others to view buttons less as cheap souvenirs and more as time capsules…a lesson in social history.

Carter began the company in Bloomington, Indiana. then moved it to San Francisco, and finally settled down in Chicago.  They have since developed over 18,000 designs and produced millions of buttons for clients such as Missy Elliot, Bumble and Bumble, Addidas, Threadless, and Burger King; but also produce for regular clients who would like buttons made for their own hobbies, clubs, events…or whatever else your little heart desires!

Locks of Light designed by Chris March, $9,000.
A $12,500 beryl gemstone cocktail ring in a micro-pave setting surrounded with 222 diamonds; one of a kind Barbie dolls designed by avant-garde fashion duo The Blondes (never heard of them) just $5,000 — each (and sold out) — or for the same price and for the woman (or man) who wants it all and wants it now, the instant Barbie collection (also sold out) — 40 dolls, all clad in gold outfits, allow five weeks for shipping (so much for having it now!).

Coiffed Couture and Say My Name designed by The Blondes, $5,000 each. Sold out!

If I hadn’t just watched The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills episode wherein one of the over-injected femmebots buys 20 $275 Barbie collection necklaces as favors for her daughter’s 4th birthday party, I might wonder who buys these extravagant things? But now I know, she does. And so do her friends.

The more affordable items in The Blonde Collection also happen to be the less memorable ones — headbands for $15, Blonde Barbie enamel bangles for $15, a Pink Up The Party melamine tray and cup set for $40, etc. My favorite items were the “You’re So Vanity” mirror and brush set printed with a vintage Barbie illustration (just $100); a 1972 Barbie styling head (repro of course) for $250; and the second in a series of “modern pop art” prints that comes printed on 1/2″ thick white plexiglass, only $750!

Best Tressed, $250. Sold out!

But, the creme de la creme of The Blonde Collection has to be the Farrah Fawcett prototype doll (only one available) based on the iconic pin-up photo that launched her career, which comes with the now legendary, multicolored drug rug blanket used for the backdrop. I might just have to buy one when they’re officially launched in Fall 2011.

From One Icon To Another, $1,500. Sold out!

Last week, the world’s oldest candle manufacturer, Cire Trudon, finally opened up shop on New York City’s Bond Street. And when we say finally, we really mean it . . . this is the company’s first store since 1884.

It’s impossible to talk about the candle company without first mentioning its incredible history. Cire Trudon has been illuminating homes and churches since the 1600s, when Claude Trudon — a grocery store owner in Paris — began producing candles for his customers. Eventually, he became the sole provider of wax to royalty in France, catering to the likes of Marie Antoinette and Louis XIV and even lighting the final hours of their deaths. Cire Trudon would go on to produce candles for French companies like Christian Dior and Cartier. But, in 2006, when Ramdane Touhami took over, he sourced the archives to recreate the actual candles produced in the 17th century and invented 22 new fragrances.

The Bond Street store invokes the spirit of the Galerie des Glaces at Versailles, even its mirrors are handmade following a 17th-century Parisian method. Walking into the space, you’re greeted with the fragrance of Balmoral, which smells like the mist, soil, and meadows of the Queen’s palace in Scotland, and Roi Soleil, a fragrance that recreates the very essence of Versailles woodworks. And, might I add, having been to Versailles, the fragrance is crafted to literal perfection. If you prefer more modern fragrances, check out Cire Trudon’s newly created line of vegetal fragrances, which are a bit more floral in scent. The store also carries an array of beautiful antiques like wick clippers and old wax molders — all sourced from French flea markets.

Needless to say, if you’re looking for a unique gift this holiday season, look no further. Cire Trudon will surely outshine all else.

– Written by P.E.R.

Cire Trudon
54 Bond Street
New York, NY 10012
212.677.1200
Open 7 days a week, from 12:00-8:00 p.m.

And we wonder why Americans are so fat. Based on the food and beverage comparisons alone, Paris vs New York should be called Petite vs Obscene. When it comes to the caffeine fix, the French opt for a delicate espresso to be enjoyed standing at the bar. In America, coffee orders can be cringe-inducing, like “Lemme have an extra-large with 10 sugars and extra cream.” Let’s be honest. At this point, you aren’t even drinking coffee. You might as well have ordered a coffee milkshake and should consider placing a bulk order for diabetes testing kits.

Ah, yes, the cultural carbohydrate contingent. Personally, I’m a baguette lover. Love the taste. Love the crusty exterior. Love it paired with butter. Love it paired with jam. And love how romantic it looks sticking out of my tote bag as I pedal through the park. Bagels are not nearly as aerodynamic or idyllic. Moving on . . .

Hmm, this one’s kind of a toughie. I think it’s safe to say that directors are known for having eccentric (questionable) behavior. In this case, Godard (father of Nouvelle Vague) may or may not be an anti-semite, and Woody may or may not have pedophilial tendencies. But, let’s let the facts speak for themselves, shall we? Godard ranked No. 3 on the BFI’s list of The Top 10 Directors, whereas Allen didn’t even make the list.

Winner: Paris!

Powerpuff Girls by Amy Stein

We hope you’re all partaking in some spooky festivities this weekend and looking as cool as these two Powerpuff Girls! The photo is by NYC-based photographer Amy Stein from her Halloween in Harlem series. A few of the images from the series are available for purchase on 20×200, which is an online art space that aims to make purchasing artwork accessible to the masses.