Our Top 5 Father’s Day Gifts for 2012!

Hello, hello! Just a quick reminder that Father’s Day is right around the corner! Sunday, June 17, to be exact. So that means you’ve got a little over a week to get the big guy something special. But don’t fret if you’re blanking on great gift ideas. We are here to help! Ella & Boss has a number of awesome gifts for men that will delight Pops so much I bet he’ll forget how much he hates your good-for-nothing boyfriend, or that you could really use a haircut, hippie, or that time you totally pulled a Cameron and totaled his Ferrari! Well, maybe he’ll forget for like a week, at least. 😉

Here are our top 5 favorite Father’s Day gifts for 2012!

1. Four-Piece Chrome-Plated Shaving Kit and Stand 

I’ve found that when it comes to shaving, there are two kinds of folks: folks who love it and find it relaxing, and normal people who think it’s kind of a hassle. Clearly, I’ve spent some time in the second group, but I can tell you now that Bey-Berk’s shaving products are so lovely that shaving is a pleasure. This four-piece chrome-plated shaving kit comes with a Mach-3 Razor, a shave brush, a bowl and a stand. It’s an elegant, sophisticated piece and a perfect gift for a Dad who likes a close shave with a vintage twist. ($64.95)

2. Black Leather Watch Winder

Don’t you hate it when your watch stops at some inopportune time? It can wreak all sorts of havoc all over your life. Well, rejoice friends, because no one has to ever again suffer the indignity of missing an alarm and running into some important appointment late, sweaty, and possibly fired! How is this possible? Bey-Berk’s beautiful black leather automatic watch winder! Perfect for the stylish watch owner who appreciates great quality, great design, and attention to detail. This elegant watch winder is fashioned from double-stitched, buttery soft black leather and can wind two watches at the same. Plus, it doubles as a lovely, sophisticated little display case. Be warned, however. Once you turn it on, it’s not for the easily hypnotized! After you find the perfect spot for it, it plugs into the wall with the included AC adapter, but also includes a back-up battery, so Dad won’t lose time even when he’s on the go! ($197.95)

3. Lacquered Walnut Tabletop Cigar Cutter

Stylish, sophisticated and extremely useful, this tabletop cigar cutter from Bey-Berk International is the perfect gift if your Dad happens to be a cigar aficionado. A beautiful blend of form and function, it couldn’t be lovelier to look at or easier to use. Just slide your favorite stogie into the center hole, push down on the lever and voila! Perfect cut! Plus, it features a little drawer to hold all your necessary accessories and a latch keeps the blade the safely in place when it’s not in use. The high-gloss lacquered walnut and polished silver accents make it not only durable, but pretty swanky. It’s a special, elegant statement piece and conversation starter Dad will definitely want to show off. ($124.95)

4. Moleskine Gourmet Gift Box Set

My Dad’s passion is cooking and food, so this is the one I’m looking at. If you’re Dad’s like mine, you should check it out too. Created especially for the food and wine enthusiast, the Moleskine Gourmet Gift Box Set is an ideal gift for the Grand Gourmand Dad. The set includes: a Passions Recipe Journal (5″ x 8.25″), a Passions Wine Journal (5″ x 8.25″), 20 Gourmet Tasting Notes, which include space for each course from appetizers to dessert, and 20 Gourmet Coaster Notes, which space for wine characteristics, tasting notes and labels. Record and collect all your culinary impressions during fine meals. Plus, since it’s from Moleskine®, makers of the essential little black notebook for two centuries, you know each journal has that signature, sophisticated Moleskine® hard black cover, which now comes embossed with culinary themed images and writings. This is the perfect gift to keep any epicurean excited for every meal! ($69.95)

5. Waterproof Cotton & Leather Dopp Kit

Here’s a perfect little dopp kit by Rebecca Ray Designs for the Dad on the go. Heavy waxed cotton offers water resistance and durability. The authentic saddle leather sides, leather carrying strap and signature harness-grade D-rings offer that touch of rustic sophistication that make this kit truly a one-of a kind. Offered in three colors, you’re sure to find the one that suits Dad’s personal style. ($59.95)

But that’s not all! Is your Pop a techie? A sports fan? We’ve got all sorts of gifts that he’s sure to love. Head on over to Ella & Boss right now and check us out! And, finally, here’s wishing all the Dads out there, new, old, and especially mine, a truly awesome Father’s Day! Much love and all the best! – XO

Moleskine Fans of the World: Unite and Take Over!

Hey, friends! RM here, once again! Guess what I’m doing right now? Just guess! Well, if you said sitting at my desk in skinny jeans and a Cure t-shirt, fiddling with my carabiner keychain, nodding my head (but certainly NOT dancing to) the new Japandroids album on NPR, and blogging, you’d be mostly right.

It’s a Smiths t-shirt.

The Cure? No, thank you!

Anyway, you’re probably wondering why I’m sitting here trotting out my tried and true, artsy-fartsy, aging hipster bonafides. Well, it’s actually in celebration, because I’m personally so incredibly psyched to announce the newest brand joining the E&B family! This one goes out to all the artsy kids out there, because yes, folks, E&B’s now got MOLESKINE!

YES!!!

Trade secret: I’m a writer and musician by trade. I’ve been writing music and stories and that sort of thing for as long as I can remember, and those were my areas of study, so I’m sure you can imagine I honestly can’t remember a single point in the last ten years or so when I haven’t had a Moleskine journal within arm’s reach. You know the ones I mean. The sexy little journals and sketchbooks, with the sleek black hard covers, that have been the favorite of artists and writers for nearly two centuries. And if you’ve ever used one, you know why. They’re such a joy to write it in. Nice, thick acid-free stock. A built-in bookmark and elastic closure that make sure you never lose your place or any important keepsakes. The durable hard cover that can take a beating for months and still stay looking brand new. And yet there’s something about them that’s so comforting and inviting. Simply brilliant. Moleskine journals have been with me through my college days in New York City (I was that sensitive guy with the acoustic guitar and long hair in your dorm. Hi!), trekking through South America, and, even today, they’re the only journals I trust to keep all my ideas, observations, inspirations, and favorite memories safe and secure. And I bet you everything I own if you try one, you’ll feel the same way.

If you’re a Moleskine junkie like me, then you’ve probably heard that Moleskine has been moving in some new directions of late. Not only do they still offer their classic journals and sketchbooks, but now they offer all sorts of products that help you stay organized and excited about the hobbies and pursuits you love. The new line in particular that had us over the moon is their new line of Passion Journals. Designed with that signature Moleskine style, these journals are perfect for recording all the observations, ideas, inspirations and memories related to your specific areas of interest like gardening, wine, interior design, cooking and so many more!

All journals come with a different series of tools for page customization: stickers, icons, glossaries, listings, themed calendars, a double pocket for clippings, tickets and cards. Like the Moleskine Classic Journals, Moleskine Passions have a sewn binding, acid-free paper, rounded edges, elastic closure, cloth ribbon placeholder (Passions Journals have 3, each in a different shade), and a rear expandable inner pocket. They’re just awesome for documenting every facet of the things in life you love most (Baby Journal, anyone?), and if there’s someone in your life who’s passionate about their hobby, obviously, you simply couldn’t find a more perfect gift.

So head on over to E&B right now and pick your passion! And stay tuned for more Moleskine news coming soon! I’m going back to the new Walkmen album. RM, out! -XO

Your Tote Bag Is Waiting. Come and Jump On It!

Buy it! My pony!

Uh oh! We done did it again, folks! As of this morning, we have a yet another fabulous line to add to the E&B family! Today, it’s our distinct pleasure to introduce you to Rebecca Ray Designs, a line that made us go particularly gaga at this year’s New York International Gift Show.

If you’ve perused this blog before, then you probably know that all of us here are big fans of animals, both real and stuffed. (Goshdarnit, that video’s going viral, if I have to sneeze links all over the entire internet!) So much so, in fact, that on my last birthday, the ladies and I played hookey and went to our local animal shelter to play with all the puppies and kitties. BEST BIRTHDAY EVER! Also, yes, we are extremely wonderful people, thank you! (Buy our things!) And a special shout-out to my soulmate kitty, Big Pun, who hopefully found a good home where he continues to crush a lot. But aaanyway… Back to the story. Since we big animal lovers, naturally, we were all impressed by this bright, whimsical, incredibly sophisticated line of handbags, totes, and carrying cases inspired by what we dandies in the horsey set might call, the sporting life. Horse, dog and handbag lovers should take notice!

By far, Rebecca Ray’s most famous and bestselling product is the MaryAnn Race Horse Tote, which is a beaucoup chic, and impressively strong, roomy way to carry everything you could possibly need or want everywhere you go – from the beach to the gym to the grocery store to the carpool and all points in between – all the while making everybody who sees you seethe with jealousy, because… Well, because they just make you look really cool. There’s no better way to say it! The Race Horse Tote, in particular, features an image from a vintage grain sack screenprinted across a canvas of tough, heavy, cotton duck. A little bit of that old-school meets modern feel that all the kids are into these days. But don’t worry all of their bags are made from the same awesome, strong material and additionally feature thick leather trimmed handles, a wide interior pocket, a zippered closure and Rebecca Ray’s signature chocolate brown, 100% cotton, floral lining. Plus, all the hardware is inspired by the rings and buckles and whistles you’d find on saddles and bridles. In fact, they’re made from equestrian-grade nickel! Check ’em out!

Horsey!

Doggie!

Fishie!

As you can see, the MaryAnn comes in a number of different styles with different animals, and a variety of fun, bright colors that are sure to get you noticed. (In the good way, of course!) And tote bags aren’t all Rebecca Ray makes. They’ve got all manner of products that manage to make you look really cool, while also making your life easier. We’ve got all sorts of elegant, durable, and eminently useful duffel bags, computer totes, dopp kits, cosmetic bags, pet accessories and so much more for sale right now! Check out the Rebecca Ray Designs page at E&B and scoop your favorite up today!

Happy hunting! RM, out! – XO

…And You Get a Candle! And You Get a Candle! And You Get a Candle!

It's LAFCOOOOOOOOOO!!!

First, we all went crazy for salt water taffy. Then Calypso music. Sweater capes. Platform sandals. And now, the once and forever Queen of Daytime has issued a new proclamation to us, her loyal subjects. Yes, after much breathless anticipation, finally, the announcement of another one of her fabulous Favorite Thi-

I’m sorry, what’s that? Oh. Huh. OK, LP has just informed that all those things were just 30 Rock jokes, and not actually any of Oprah’s Favorite Things. Interesting. I have a sweater cape to return this afternoon I guess.

Well, no matter, I have it on very good authority that the newest line to join the E&B family is, in fact, one of Miss Winfrey’s Favorite Things, and we’re honored to welcome them aboard. Back on her 2007 Favorite Things special, O introduced the fantastic House & Home Collection by LAFCO to, naturally, much screaming, fainting, gnashing of teeth and rending of clothes. But here’s the thing. You guys? After a few days working amongst these deluxe, soy-based scented candles here in the office, and luxuriating in their calming, delicate and downright delicious scents, I think all of us here can totally understand the excitement. I mean they literally reek of elegance! And knowing what I know now, I’m not ashamed to say that I wouldn’t be above crane kicking a seatmate or pulling a little weave out to get my mitts on one. Just sayin’. (Not Oprah’s weave, of course. I’m not suicidal!)

Luckily, however, none of us ever has to resort to those sorts of desperate measures again, because now these gorgeous, beautifully scented candles are just one click away!

LAFCO’s House and Home Candle Collection is specifically designed to create an elegant atmosphere and compliment the ambiance and decor of each room in your home. Each candle is 16 oz., burns for approximately 90 hours and comes in a charming 4″ x 4″ hand-blown, art glass jar, which can be reused in so many ways once you’ve finished with the candle. And just to warn you, they’re all so pretty you’ll want to collect and display them all. With 10 truly awesome and unique scents to choose from, from the cozy, comforting Redwood and Cedar “Den” candle to the light, serene Lotus Flower and Cyclamen “Tea House” candle, you’re sure to find the scent that’s perfect for you. And at $54.99? For a huge candle, that lasts forever and smells incredible? Pretty awesome. Oprah knows what’s up, right?

Oprah swears to tell the truth...

Be sure to head on over to the LAFCO page at Ella & Boss and pick one up for your favorite room today!

Until next time! RM, out! -XO

“Puchi”‘s Got Something To Say

Hey hey, everybody! RM, here with some exciting news! First off, we’d just like to thank you all for your support! Business has been steady so far, and feedback has been positive, so we’d all just like to thank you from the bottoms of our hearts for stopping by and checking us out! And, of course, for telling all your friends!

Now, as all of you E&B-heads out there know, our mission is to always be on the lookout for awesome new stuff that makes your life easier, prettier and more comfortable. We do the shopping, so you don’t have to and all that jazz. Well, have we made a discovery for you! Recently, we headed up to the Big Apple for the NY International Gift Show, a humungous showcase in the Javits Center for furniture, lighting, and home accessory designers from around the globe to introduce all their latest and greatest designs and innovations. Naturally, we were running around like kids on a Pixie Stix bender, and came away with so many incredible new products and ideas that we’ll be rolling out in the next few weeks and months.

Today, we want to introduce you to one of our new faves now available at Ella & Boss. You’ve probably been wondering feverishly about the latest technology in bathroom towels. (Duh. Who doesn’t?) Well, fret no longer, we found a company from Japan called Morihata, who dazzled us with a new towel that’s not only supremely soft and functional, but also just looks really, really cool! Ladies and gents, the PUCHI PUCHI TOWEL!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know that “Puchi” sounds like something you want to shoot into space, namely this guy. In Japanese, however, “Puchi Puchi” means bubble wrap, and in this particular case, also refers to a line of fabulous, super-soft, lightweight guest, face and bath towels. Now, you’re probably thinking we’ve lost our minds. The idea of drying off with plastic babble wrap after a shower is after all rather strange, I know. But it’s an entirely different story when the idea of bubble wrap is applied to terry cloth. Not only do these modern, one-of-a-kind towels just look fresh and modern hanging out in your bath, but their unique, distinctive texture is designed to provide you with maximum fluffiness and absorbency. Each of the three available colors fits easily into any bathroom decor, and each comes in three different sizes: Bath (24.75″ x 50″), Face (13.75″ x 31″) and Guest (13.75″ x 13.75″). So go ahead and pick up a set or two or feel free to mix and match. Any you choose are guaranteed to make sure you and your guests always end your bathroom routine in a state of comfy, cozy nirvana!

So there you have it! As of this afternoon, the Puchi Puchi Towel is popping 24/7 over at E&B. Be sure to race over and pick up a few of your very own today!

Thanks and have a fantastic afternoon everybody!!! XO -RM

The Cognac Has Landed!

Hi friends! So for the last few weeks, our bestselling item by far has been the Shaved Shagreen iPhone cases by Vivo Studios. (Thank you to all you lovely bloggers who provided links to us, btw!) And when I say “bestselling,” I mean… [Cut to 10 minutes later] I mean like the new ones went live literally 5 minutes ago and I just got a phone call from a very, very friendly lady in Cali who’s apparently been waiting to pounce for three days! How cool is that?!

Well, for anyone else who’s been wondering, yes, we did indeed finally get a new shipment of cases this morning! Hooray! Unfortunately, our stock is still limited due to the lingering effects of Thailand’s hurricane season, which shut down production for a little while. Therefore, if the recent past is any indication, you’re gonna have to act fast. But, if you do, you can get one of your very own right now! (Go! Go! Go!) But that’s not all the exciting news! Oh no no! Today, we’re stoked to introduce a brand new color to the shagreen family. Ladies and germs, may I present… COGNAC!

In the past, the cases that have sold out the fastest have been the bright colors, but when we saw this rich, deep chocolatey brown, we knew we had something special and had to share them with all of you. I mean I’m not sure you normally think “elegant” when you think of an iPhone case, right? Well, thankfully this case isn’t normal. 🙂 If bright and flashy and pink isn’t your thing, here’s the sharp, more understated (but not boring!) color you’ve been waiting for!

To purchase this case, or any of our others ($69.99 + SH), click this right here. And feel free to check out all of our other awesome accessories and gizmos and doodads while you’re over there. You never know what you might find!

Have a fab day! RM, out!

It’s Officially Official…

Hey hey, everybody! First off, all of us here at Ella & Boss would just like to extend each and every one of you our belated Season’s Greetings, and we hope you all are enjoying the heck out of this brand new year. Of course, we’d have said that weeks ago, but as usual things have been a little insane around these parts. Good insane, but insane nonetheless. Turns out that “soft launch” thing I was talking about last time? Yeah… Not to sound too braggadocious, but it turns out that whole thing was attached to a rocket which immediately shot straight towards the stratosphere at like 5,000 mph! Which brings me to my point:

Yes, friends, get excited! At long last, the brand new EllaandBoss.com is up, running and fully operational!

Well, OK, you’re right. technically we’ve been up and running for a few weeks now while we worked out the kinks, as evidenced from my last post. And wouldn’t you know it? People around the country from Maryland to California have actually found us, and we’ve been working our tails off for the last few weeks fulfilling orders! How is that possible? As luck would have it, unbeknownst to us, one of our favorite things – the Shaved Shagreen iPhone 4 Case by Vivo Studios – was featured in Elle Decor and House Beautiful like a day or two after we went live, and all of a sudden the orders came rolling in like a stampede! (I feel like there’s a Broncos/Tebow joke in there somewhere, but I need a little more coffee to get at it…) Which is super exciting, of course! But now it’s time to really start getting the word out about our awesome website and all of our fabulous products!

So now that we’re back and in full effect, please bookmark this page or put it in your GooGoo Readers, or whatever you kids do nowadays, and check back with us often. We’re adding exciting new products to the site every day, so this is the place to get the latest news about our hottest new toys, and you never know… There might be a few bargains and promotions every now and again just for you, our loyal readers, followers and friends! And please feel free to leave us any feedback you’ve got in the comments – good or bad. We’re committed to making E&B the fun, easy, elegant, and affordable design site of your dreams! Anything we can do to improve your shopping experience is a-ok with us. In the meantime, thank you all so much for your patience and support. It means the world to us!

…Aaaand here’s the skinny on this week’s featured product:

Vintage-Inspired Matchboxes by JM Piers

Nothing says comfort and joy quite like putting a few logs in the fireplace, snuggling up on the couch, and warming up by a crackling fire. But how do you think I go about lighting that fire? By throwing a couple of cardboard matches from the 7-11 at it? Come on! Everything we do around here is effortlessly elegant! And it’s all about the details folks, so on my mantle, lives one of these cute little matchboxes, courtesy of JM Piers. For me, these charming, stylish boxes harken back to that time when folks like Bogey and Bacall did everything – even lighting the fireplace, I’d imagine – in such an easy, graceful, almost painfully cool fashion, but the variety of fun colors and patterns give them a thoroughly modern edge. Plus, having something in your house that says to your guests, “Not to humblebrag or anything, but I’m kind of the modern equivalent of Katharine Hepburn or Cary Grant. It’s just my cross to bear…” isn’t necessarily a bad thing, right? If you’re in the market for a gift, maybe one of these bad boys, along with a nice candle? It makes a fantastic, and original gift for just about any occasion. Plus, you get a box of nice, sturdy wooden matches on us. Hard to argue with that! Now, if you’ll excuse me I’m late for dinner with Dean and Frank and rest of the boys…

It could be yours! If you’d like one of your very own, or just a little more info perhaps, check it out on Ella & Boss by clicking this!

Until next time! Resident male, out! XO

Homeless No Longer!

CRAZY AWESOME SUPER EXCITING NEWS, FRIENDS!

We’re getting closer, and closer, and closer to the relaunch of the mothership: Ella&Boss.com! We have a home now!

Thanks to the good folks at Plush Real Estate Media, here’s a mock-up of our new homepage! We love it! What to you guys think? (Click to expand.)

Cool, right?!!!

Stay tuned. More news coming soon!

Down to the Wire(frame)

Good morrow, everyone! Resident male here once again with some very exciting news!!!

As most everybody who follows us knows, for the last few weeks, we’ve been revamping our mothership site (as in the one where you can actually buy stuff) with the help of the fine folks over at Plush Real Estate Media. A few posts ago, I promised to periodically update you on our progress. Well, today there’s been a development, and we’re super excited, because we received a proposal for the homepage layout – a skeleton, if you will – that all of us quite like! But it’s important to us that you’re into it too, so we thought we’d share. Won’t you come collaborate with us?

Now, keep in mind that this is just about the foundation. It isn’t about colors or fonts; all that will come later. (Though if you have any thoughts about that too, feel free to let us know.) What do you think?

Questions? Comments? Anything missing that you’d like to see? Send us an email or sound off in the comments!

Thanks, everybody! Very exciting!

Our Favorite Things: Napkin Jewels by L’Objet

Happy Friday, everyone! Resident Male here! Indeed, it has been a while since my last post, and I know what you’re probably thinking. “He’s just like all the other Resident Males out there, promising he’ll be around forever, and then running off with the first funny Youtube video or hipster music blog he can find!” Well, yes, it’s true I have been out and about, but with good reason! As we discussed last time, we’ve been looking for the right web developers to make Ella & Boss the sleek, modern, user-friendly site it was always meant to be. Well, after searching the globe (seriously. Those Tibetan monks looked at me like I was crazy!), we’ve finally found the right guys for the job! So three cheers for the good folks at Plush Real Estate Media! We’re looking forward to a long, prosperous relationship, working together to bring all of you out there the latest and greatest products our humble little industry has to offer. Oh, hold on a sec, my 17th century diamond-encrusted shower caddy just arrived from Liechtenstein! I think it’ll really bring the bathroom together…

Anyway, the point is we missed you and even though we might stray for a bit, we’ll always come a-runnin’ back. Let’s stay together for the design!