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.
For music lovers, we give you a collector’s item, made even more relevant in light of Lou Reed’s recent passing. More bound work of art than book, “Transformer” showcases Mick Rock’s iconic collection of photographs, shot during the release of Reed’s 1972 album of the same title. Released in a limited edition of 2,000 books, signed by Rock and Reed, and featuring a 7″ vinyl picture disc with two of Reed’s anthems, this collection of captured moments serves as a great tribute to a legend who will be sorely missed.
Boldly go where no man has gone before with the newest Stern pinball machine, the Star Trek Premium. Fanatics will nerd out completely over this game, as they command and defend the USS Enterprise and the planets of the Federation with their fingertips. Stern’s first all-LED Pro Model has seven paths that lead players in their mission, and guarantee encounters with the evil Khan, Klingon warriors, the Narada and beyond. If the Enterprise goes down, you have only your poor hand-eye coordination to blame.
Designed by Riki Watanabe in 1966, the Japanese cardboard folding stool still comes in handy for entertaining when room is tight, packing flat out of the way when you don’t need it. Sold in a variety of mod colorways, the DIY crowd will enjoy the white version, a blank canvas for making it uniquely yours.
Co-founder Peter Riering-Czekalla dares you to toss, hang and occasionally drop NudeAudio speakers, which offer a huge punch in both mobility and sound. Available in light or dark colors, tether them to any bag and take the durable sound-system anywhere you go.
Exploring the mind-bending question, “What does contemporary actually mean?” The MIT Press book, “Time,” explores how we measure minutes. If clock time is but a construct of capitalist structure, how else can we examine this abstract concept? Essays from thinkers like Walter Benjamin and Bruno Latour do so through the lens of recent art, which eschews this chronological experience for a new perspective. A heady read, this book is a great choice for academic intellectuals who appreciate art and want to dip a toe in further to the subject.
On average, we spend 1/3 of our lives sleeping. Therefore, any investment in a better sleep experience—be it high thread count sheets or bank-breaking beds—is completely acceptable. Yet, no matter how wonderful our down pillows, a bad nightmare really sends the whole experience straight to hell. Welcome, a dreamcatcher for a new millennium. Designed by Remee, this robotic, LED-flashing eye mask guarantees the wearer more lucid dreams–—that is, the ability to understand that you are dreaming while in the dreaming state, to take some control and fully relax.
Dressing for serious business often means concealing the zanier items in your wardrobe, so to expose a bit of personality when suited up, look to Soxfords’ unconventionally-patterned, soft cotton and nylon dress socks. While we love many of the offbeat themes, the Seigaiha socks pair as nicely with selvage denim as they do with Yohji Yamamoto pants.
Cult-favorite Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara’s iconic lonesome puppy has taken on many forms throughout his work, from larger than life statue to magical storybook character. Having confessed dark memories of a real-life abandonment of his own childhood pup, Nara’s dog interpretations are said to represent the ideal of a permanent companion, stable and eternal, if not somewhat menacing to behold. Now, in collaboration with MoMA, Nara has released a replication of his iconic sculpture reincarnated into an interactive radio, which responds to the same actions as a real-life pet: touch his chin to turn him on, pet his chin to change the volume, and so on. Only 3000 of these collector pieces were produced, with only 1000 available in the US—a rare breed indeed.
Scavenge for quarters, haul a heavy load down three flights, embarrassingly sort dirty gym clothes in semi-public space—and that’s only the beginning. But we continue the task because the reward of clean undergarments far outweighs the hours lost amidst the machines. This sturdy bag is roomy enough for even the least frequent of launderers, and is sewn in Massachusetts from a natural army duck canvas, revered for its stench-rearing capabilities. Best of all, the sack is emblazoned with a mantra we can chant along with each spin of the dryer and try to understand where that other sock went: “You will feel great when this is all done.” Amen.
ID necklaces move to another plane with Beth Macri’s Hidden Message Necklaces. Macri originally moved to New York as a structural engineering consultant for the High Line. Today, she designs jewelry using skills and techniques garnered from her engineering background, employing the latest 3D software to conceptualize and create forward-thinking pieces which are as geometrical as they are gorgeous.
Ditch plastic frames for a pair of sunglasses handmade by local artisans in Istanbul. These unique wooden shades, designed by the environmentally-minded, Barcelona-based eyewear shop Mahonki, are supremely crafted from walnut and birdseye maple and feature CE-certified, 100% UVA & UVB protection lenses.
Few things have brought so much joy to this world as Buddha and butter. Now, two great forces combine in this mind-blowing Buddha butter dish, created with a mission to provide self-accepting inner peace as you grow a Buddha belly of your own. Buddha says, “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” So spread that butter on without fear, enjoy the present and embrace the impermanence of that belly.
When filling a flask before a night on the town, class acts reach for Wentworth Pewter Flask Funnel. Not only does the scale of this tiny object—a miniscule 1.5 x 1.25 inches—make it an adorable item unto itself, but we take comfort in knowing that not a drop of pricey spirits might be wasted in an important liquor transfer. The legend of pewtersmith Arthur Richard Wentworth, who sold pewter items from his suitcase in the 1950s, lives on today in Wentworth’s well-crafted and inherently beautiful objects.
Izola created the Golden Thyme candle in staunch revolt against the grossly pungent fragrances of the common scented candle, with a mission to please even the most offended of male noses—although we wouldn’t be surprised if a ladyfriend or two also appreciates the subtle scent. Thyme, the precious herb that Rudyard Kipling said to “smell like dawn in Paradise,” has been used throughout history for purification, to ward of nightmares and to bring courage, none of which could hurt. Made in the USA from 100% vegetable wax, set this wick-happy wonder alight and contemplate the promise of a new day.
The team at Motrr are using motion control to push the boundaries of the iPhone’s photo capabilities. The Galileo is a robotic dock that you can use to control the movement of your iPhone through simply the swipe of a finger—from any location, anywhere in the world. This handy gadget is great for video chats, as well as timelapse photography and perfect panoramas.
When shopping for new parents, blankets and burp cloths are a sure bet. Cozy, necessary and useful in so many situations, you can never have too many. This happy geometric set from Kitty & Sparrow is made in Australia from 100% premium organic cotton and squiggled with happy droplets of cerulean blue and lemon yellow, sure to make even the most styley of infants happy.