2013 GIFT GUIDE: 5 STYLISHLY STRIKING BLACK AND WHITE GIFTS

In the right setting, the punchy combination of black and white can be just right. Mixed in with tons of other colors, or used harmoniously with a singular additional hue, there is no telling what black and white can do. Here are 5 gifts, some humorous, some serious, that capture the magic of this striking combination.

Photo courtesy of Nordstrom

This gift will go over really well if the recipient possesses a sense of humor and the ability to laugh at themselves. I love that they saying on Levtex's pillows are written in this My Three Sons font with retro overtones. Husbands, this pillow will win you major points!

Reinforcement helps. The Mr. Right version.

Photo courtesy of Vista Allegre

The graphic punch of Vista Alegre's latest collection with French fashion couturier Christian Lacroix integrates a watercolor stripe in a daring black and white linear pattern. The Sol Y Sombra dessert plates set the stage for a beautiful presentation.

Photo courtesy of Kelly Wearstler

With a dash of whimsy, Kelly Wearstler's glazed white and black ceramic bowl has a playful presence.

Photo courtesy of Alexander Wang

Having a spot near the front door to throw keys and business cards can alleviate the stress caused by a mess. Fashion darling Alexander Wang recently debuted a line of sleek home accessories, including this super chic black and white marble Junk Bowl.

Photo courtesy of Tozai

Hand-inlaid bone and ebony pieces make Tozai's delicate looking jewelry box a prized place for special baubles.

Photo courtesy of Natural Curiosities

What is more striking than the positive negative space captured in a graphic black and white piece of artwork? Playing off this natural yin yang, Natural Curiosities Geometric Study: Circle, White can hold its own or compliment a gallery wall.

MEET KATE SPADE SATURDAY: POP ART PLAY FOR A CHIC SATURDAY

 What does the weekend look like for you? For Kate Spade's new offshoot brand, Saturday, the anticipation of a day of leisure is channeled through a collection of graphic, linear, pragmatic designs with a Modernist Pop Art angle. Fun, strong well-design shapes make their impression in the casual lifestyle collection that combines  women's clothing and accessories, travel basics, tabletop and soft goods. I can't help but notice the proliferation of on-trend black and white, it dominates their designs.

The line made it's debut in a Tokyo retail shop and is available in the US through Saturday. Because isn't the best day of the week deserving of it's own fresh finds?

Photos courtesy of Kate Spade Saturday
 Wearable and snappy, the Zig Zag Everyday Shift is part of a range of clothing done in the Signature Zig Zag print that pervades the assortment.

I love a good slip on in the summer with a classic shift dress. These slides in the Windowpane Check are so easy breezy.

Wear fun on your wrist with the Jump Around Bracelet that looks like licorice candies all in a row.

Pillow Cover in Signature Zig Zag of cotton canvas peps up a sofa in seconds flat.

Pillow Cover in the Windowpane Check for the minimalist - minded.

It's time for the beach with the two-sided beach towel you won't miss on the sand.

 

For the table, mix pure white and ebony for visual impact.  Napkins, plates and mugs keep the pattern play going.

Saturday Morning Mug, in the signature ZZ with a low profile and retro feel.

The Windowpane Check version is a bit more toned down.

Deco meets Pop Art in the Half Circle Stacking Mugs, one of the defining moments of the assortment.

 

Turn tea into a Modernist masterpiece with the Everyday Teapot of matte black and white stoneware.

Choose from tall or short clear glasses in a crisp Windowpane check.

A black rim and white center on the Full Circle Stacking Accent Plates make the case for eating your vegetables.

Stacking Bowls recall Vignelli's classic Heller plastic version created in 1964.

Keep your passport visible in your bag by encasing it in the Fantastic Elastic Passport Holder in the Signature ZZ pattern with yellow elastic closure.

Take to the friendly skies with a catchy striped neck rest and eye mask.

Get your game on and play.

Big Tic Tac Toe Set, great for gifting.

Pull this notebook out in a meeting and get nods of approval. The Slim Notebook with windowpane-ruled pages in Signature Zig Zag with yellow fabric edge is styling.