Updated daily, the Buy section is a deep directory of stuff we love. From this collection we organize Gift Guides for the holiday season and special occasions all year long.
Beyond the 18-frames-per-second sequential shooting capabilities, everything else in Olympus’ recently released professional camera—the OM-D E-M1 Mark II—stands for precision. Housed in a lightweight weatherproof magnesium alloy body, features likes 121 Cross-Type On-Chip Phase Detection AF points and up to 5.5 shutter speed guarantee clean captures. This is a powerhouse of a tool, with built in WiFi and 4K video capturing as further evidence. (Lens pictured not included.)
While David Shrigley’s mind goes to some strange and wonderful places, his work always manages to make us feel that we’re not alone. Like all his collaborations with Third Drawer Down, this “I’ve Done Everything / I’ve Done Nothing” mug is affordable and appropriate for almost anybody in your life—as long as they’re thinkers. Depending on which way you look at it, depending on the day of the week and your mood, this mug can be spun around to suit the moment.
Made from 100% vegetable tanned leather, this version of FEED’s “Eleanor” bag is a hand-painted limited edition. Available in black or brown, the bag can be carried as a crossbody or tote and features the work of artists Yeti and The Beast. Purchasing this bag results in 75 school meals being provided for kids in need all over the world.
Originally recorded in an empty swimming pool on the cusp of the ’80s in Buffalo, New York, “The Talking Drum” is a previously unreleased sonic compositions by groundbreaking video artist Bill Viola. Newly restored by Viola’s studio and pressed onto 180-gram heavyweight vinyl, this incredible limited edition of 100—each signed and numbered by Viola—includes original archive photography, an essay by Astra Price and the original program notes and invitation from a 1979 Composers Inside Electronics performance.
With hard purple enamel and gold plating, this tribute pin for the iconic musical mastermind Prince carries plenty of personality with a luxe edge—much like the man himself. Music fans have long sported pins and patches to show their dedication to the ones they love, but with Prince’s passing this year it’s never been more emotional to celebrate his immense contribution. This made-in-the-USA item affixes itself by way of posts with rubber pin backs.
Paying homage to NYC, LA and Miami—places they call home—The Standard tapped Maison Francis Kurkdjian to make mini candles named for each place. The LA candle evokes scents reminiscent of a hike in the hills, while the NYC one owes its profile to a stroll on the High Line. Our favorite of the three, however, is the Miami candle, which boasts a fresh and sweet (but not saccharine) fragrance that fills the room without being overpowering.
Full of fascinating facts for any aspiring paleontologist, “Day of the Dinosaurs: Step into a Spectacular Prehistoric World” is also teeming with colorful but sophisticated pictures. Exploring four eras of dinosaurs—the Triassic, the early Jurassic, the Late Jurassic and the Cretaceous—this hardcover book has enough to engage kids and kids at heart.
Help keep the earth nice and tidy with a mobile mesh ashtray from esteemed Tokyo brand Tsubota Pearl. Drop your roaches or butts in the lined pouch when puffing on the go.
Bre & Co’s Origami Sake Set is comprised of 3D-printed ceramic pieces that are hand-finished with a richly saturated, lead-free, dinnerware-safe glaze. The hexagonal shape allows the three cups and bottle—which holds 150 ml of sake—to fit together for easy storage.
With dozens of original photographs of vintage cameras, “Retro Photo: An Obsession: A Personal Selection of Vintage Cameras and the Photographs They Take” by David Ellwand chronicles some of the most curious and important developments in the world of photography. Hundreds of devices were captured, ranging from “the pinhole to the Pentax.” This is a celebration of camera design, and an accessible, exciting history lesson along the way.
The first thing one notices about Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack happens to the be the ultra-clean aesthetic. It’s quite deceptive, in a very good way, as the design conceals a plethora of substantial storage spaces. There’s a patented MagLatch top access, allowing for a quick retrieval of goods, a dedicated sleeve for laptops (up to 15 inches), internally padded accessory pockets and that’s just the start. Two expandable external side pockets make for fast stowing, but the FlexFold dividers in the central compartment offer reconfigurable organization in this truly versatile bag.
Offering a 100 foot bluetooth range, Alpine Labs’ Pulse Camera Remote plugs directly into one’s camera by way of the USB port, and pairs with a dedicated smartphone app. More than just letting a user snag a photo, the remote delivers wireless control of ISO, shutter speed and aperture. It’s all intuitive to use, but the freedom (and reliability) it grants when setting up an ideal photo marks the true value.
Thanks to finish in special casks formerly used for rum (after aging in an array of former bourbon and former Sherry casks), this latest expression from Irish whisky maker Tullamore DEW carries tropical fruit vibrance. There’s substantial depth, with a chocolate core but spice and fruit continue to appear through the whisky’s very long finish.
Designed to offer adjustable brightness for all GoPro and smartphone camera photos and videos, each Lume Cube delivers up to 1,500 lumens when capturing a shot or take. Connected via Bluetooth and paired with a dedicated app (that can control up to five Lume Cubes at once), this is an intuitive system with tangible impact. And as it’s been constructed to light scenes up on the fly, the Lume Cube is entirely waterproof for those potentially tricky scenarios.
With a squeaky center, these bug-shaped plush toys will become your pet’s favorite in no time. The set comes with five animals to toss around: butterfly, bee, ladybug, beetle and worm. Additionally, a percentage of the purchase price goes toward the International Fund for Animal Welfare, which aims to end commercial exploitation of animals.
More than just refreshing package design by Philippe Starck, Louis Roederer’s Brut Nature 2009 is an effervescent wonder. This dry Champagne with notes of peach and hazelnut within was crafted from grapes grown solely in Côteaux de Cumières. It’s creamy, vibrant and sure to impress.