FOUND

Nice mantra for the year ahead right? Here are some things we’re looking forward to…

1. Magazine Subscriptions

Christmas was very kind to us on the subscription front. So, while the postman will be feeling the weight of magazines on his back, more sumptuous fashion photography is on its way. Whoopla!

2. Ladyhawke’s New Album

From the first time we heard her record in New Zealand to the Rhythm and Vines Festival where she performed: we’re sold on Ladyhawke. Great tunes, great hair and some neat illustrations for artwork make this second album hard to refuse. Heck I’ve not even heard a tune from it.

3. Marc Jacobs x Louis Vuitton Exhibition

Although I think fashion-focused exhibitions are generally hard to stage, in large part because not enough curators allow you to see the entire garment hung on a body, it’s fair to say this Paris-based exhibition will be more than clothes. Interested.

4. The Great Gatsby / Baz Lurhmann

Carey Mulligan, the mighty Leo Di Caprio all masterminded by Baz Lurhmann. I think we’re all expecting a riotous, colourful spectacular. Oh, and a lot of fringing.

5. Recipes from this cookbook

You may recall our now persistent references to NYC’s Milk Bar? Well, get prepared for more. I only freakin’ well received the cookbook as a present. The recipes are a culinary outrage, with frankly quite a few steps for each ingredient (milk crumbs anyone?) but you know what? When the food looks this much fun it’ll be worth the effort. No doubt.

Images courtesy of Models.com, Another Magazine, Kinga Burza, style.com

Although I’m unsure as to how I found out about Robert Doisneau: Palm Springs 1960, it’s made me want to grab a copy. As the much celebrated photograph who captured Paris, Robert Doisneau’s work has been defined by the black and white cobbled streets, Art Nouveau signage and couples kissing. Although further investigation has proved that he had a wry wit, caught nicely by this image of the Notre Dame.

So, when the editor of Fortune magazine decided to employ the Parisian photographer to shoot the luminescent colour of Palm Springs in all its sunshine-soaked splendour he made a pretty swell decision. Doisneau’s story reminds me of Martin Parr, but perhaps with a little less cynicism, retina-blasting shots that depict how people lived. And didn’t they have great sunglasses back then?

Yes, the countdown is now on until Christmas! As the decorations finally go up at home and bags are packed we know that you may want to escape the warm and head into town – here are our opening hours:

Monday 19th – Friday 23rd December / 10am – 6pm

Saturday ‘Christmas Eve’  24th December / 10am – 3pm (feel free to call the store ahead 01225 422001)

Christmas Day Sunday 25th December – Tuesday 27th December / CLOSED

Wednesday 28th December – Friday 30th December / 10am – 6pm

Saturday ‘New Year’s Eve’ 31st December / 10am – 2pm (feel free to call the store ahead 01225 422001)

We re-open on Wednesday 4th January from 10am – 6pm.

As the sun streams through the shop, momentarily warming up my left sleeve it’s easy to forget we’re under two weeks from Christmas and that it has otherwise been raining intermittently over the last month. We may not have a tree up at home, but in a very nineties way I reckon ‘twigs’ will be our thang.

In the festive spirit or all things sparkly and Christmas these nails are neat on the glitter stakes. For the gals who hit up the nail salon, you should definitely watch this too. Fun.ny.

Making mixtapes and playlists are big on my list of amusement. Why, oh why did we stop? Because they take forever that’s why. But heck, it’s coming up to Christmas and when there’s only repeats of The Big Bang Theory on the television.

Eating and drinking, obviously. And more specifically Elly’s Hawksmoor recipe, Mulled Cider and stew with dumplings. Plus several batches of these (although how good do these Peanut Butter Brownies look?).

Watching New Girl. Although I do feel it should come with a caveat. The really guy from the first episode? Coach? Yep, he’s going so don’t cling on to that dream. The opening titles, they don’t grow on you at all. But, the episodes do get better, a lot better and Schmidt is a legend. We should all celebrate success with Parkour, surely?

Images courtesy of  Yimmyyayo blog, Sania Pell via Decor8, Abigail Ahern, Pinch of Yum

Yes, here’s our rundown of gifts for chaps. We’ve gone for a classic, modern mix because as I’ve experienced men can be very specific.

1/ Out of Print T-shirts – £35.00

T-shirts are great for all, and with Out of Print you’re not only showing off an interest in a cult book but charity too because for every shirt sold a book is sent to Africa. Now, what’s not to like about that?

2/ James Brown ‘Stick it to the Man’ Print – £60.00 (framed)

James’ use of typography, in particular his colourful circus-inspired designs, has always made us smile. But the addition of wry, monochromatic prints has only endeared him further. The ‘Stick it to the Man’ Print is an exhibition of puns gone wild. Good times.

3/ YMC Wool Hat – £50.00

Made in Scotland by the perennially sharp YMC label, a wool bobble hat is a keeper. Combined with the Nordic/Fair Isle print it’s an easy wear that can be teamed with pretty much anything.

4/ Huck Magazine – £4.00

Designed by the Church of London, you know Huck is going to be slick, add to that interviews with the likes of Travis Rice and Geoff Rowley and shoots that cover skateboarding, surf, snow as well as art and music and it’s a hit.

5/ Saint James Meridien – £45.00

The most classic of all their tops, the Saint James Meridien II is a loose fit Breton top, designed originally to dress fisherman. The green and navy combination is a special for this winter but we think the pine green is a pretty sweet addition to jeans or chinos all year round.

6/ Cheddar Pocket Daryl Wallet / £55.00

A sharp, well-designed wallet is a must for any man. Well, no one likes to be caught short without their Driver’s Licence / Nectar card / photo of the kids / (delete as applicable) do they? All the way from Australia, Cheddar Pocket wallets are created with 100% leather and come with their own gift box to boot – winner!

For the Foodie in your life, here’s a few things that will treat them as well as the kitchen.

1/ Limited-edition Falcon Enamelware Sets – £54.99 – 64.99

There’s no getting away from the classic design of Falcon Enamelware, the fact that it passes down from generation proves its enduring quality in both material and design. But wait! For this Christmas you can mix it up with the limited-edition red exterior.

2/ Letterpress Recipe Cards – £8.00

Ever find yourself collecting a tons of recipes ripped out of magazines, newspapers or printed from numerous websites? Hoarding them in one overstuffed cookbook ready to explode. Fear not! Here to help are these wonderful hand letter-pressed recipe cards.

3/ Ease Cookie Cutter Necklace – £120.00/£145.00

Okay, so technically you can’t use this for food, by heck is this a sweet piece of jewellery though. By Japanese designer Ease – who always has a twist on the everyday – the Cookie Cutter Necklace is mid-length pendant available in gold-plate and sterling silver. If bears aren’t your thing, and we can’t imagine why, cats and bunnies are available too.

4/ Natthakur Sweetshop Purse – £35.00 (available in pink, gold and yellow)

What’s not to love about this Sweetshop Purse? Hand-crafted in England with British leather this series of purses plays nicely on the paper bags full of Cola Cubes we all ate as kids.

5/ Recipe Tea Towels- £9.90

The ultimate in double gifting, we think giving the tea towel and making the recipe for the recipient is a pretty nifty bit of present buying.

6/ Shinzi Katoh Mugs – £16.70

There is a lot of love for Shinzi Katoh, the Japanese designer who creates quirky designs through his illustrations. The mugs are where it’s at for us, mainly because as all foodies know, no cup of tea is compete without a cake, macaroon or a good old Rich Tea for which there is a plate incorporated. Nice.

I’m not sure what that title is about either, but as you will see it’s for the girl in your life who loves fashion and the finer things in life.

1/ Epice Floral Paint Scarf – £130.00

The French label Epice is a real favourite as the two Danish designers produce new classics, season after season. The Floral Paint Scarf is an update of their traditional florals due to the oversize print and strong magenta. Combine that with its size and wool make-up and the recipient will be the toastiest gal in town.

2/ Deadly Ponies Mr Market – £325.00

A keeper if ever I saw one! Mr Market is a new design by Liam of kiwi label Deadly Ponies. Made in calf skin it’s matt finish softens to a sumptuous sheen and the side handle detail adds a bit of wit to the design. A mix of contemporary and edge, Deadly Ponies bags make just the right amount of volume.

3/ The Gentlewoman – £5.00

From the makers of Fantastic Man, The Gentlewoman is the perfect Christmas gift as any less that entire afternoon (ideally accompanied by a tin of sweets) spent devouring each page would be a sin.

4/ Lucy Hutchings Blue Gem Crystal Ring – £150.00

An oversize statement ring that’s sure to wow, Lucy Hutchings is a favourite with fashion editors thanks to her bold, innovative designs that use an unusual mix of precious metals alongside Swarovksi Elements crystals and semi-precious stones. A showstopper for the fashionista in your life.

5/ Dr Martens 3989 Purple – £80.00

Part of the limited-edition Dr Martens Premium line, this winter the heritage label has issued the 3989 brogue in purple suede. With the original cushioned and welted sole, you can rest-assured of the quality combined with cosmic colouring!

6/ Karen Walker Bouquet Dress w/ Chiffon Sleeves – £330.00

New Zealand designer Karen Walker creates prints and cuts that you just cannot help returning to. The loose sixties shape of the Bouquet Dress with the season’s trademark print makes good of all seasons with its light chiffon sleeves, or layered with a knit and leather jacket.

So, you know what someone’s into but you’re just not sure what to buy.  For the Creative in your life we have put together a guide to get by at Christmas…

1/ Letterpress 2012 Calendar – £19.50

A feast for the eyes all year round – the Letterpress Calendars are an exclusive collaboration between Found and the talented illustrators Charlotte Trounce and Stephie Ginger. A3 size and hand-letterpressed in the U.K. they are limited-edition to boot!

2/ Wrap Magazine – £9.50

Only on Issue 3, this magazine is a fantastic combination of wonderful illustrations and sharp interviews. And the best bit? It’s held together with elastic allowing you to wrap a present in one of the pages!

3/ Charlotte Farmer x Found Prints – £40.00

Whether you like your music analogue or otherwise, these prints are brimming with illustrator Charlotte Farmer’s signature style. Created exclusively for Found these prints, a mixtape, 45 RPM and the harmonicas are all screen-printed by the artist featuring silver highlights. Measuring in 25cms x 25cms they are the perfect size to gift.

4/ Baggu – Duck Bags £25.00

Why use a pillowcase for stockings when you can use a Baggu Duck bag? As we noted when we used ours out in NYC, they really are quite the carry-all around town. Add to that their fit for a washing machine, they are equally good as an overnight bag, down the supermarket or at the beach (well, we can all dream can’t we?).

5/ Lomo 35mm Cameras -£31.00 – £48.00

They’re fun, they use real film and they take some mean photos! In fact, what better way to record you Christmas than with this gift. Featured is the Oktomat which takes eight images simultaneously on one negative, meaning you can cut them down and share them out.

6/ Saul Bass Book – £48.00

A designer that really needs no introduction, Saul Bass is one of the great pioneers of graphic design. Whether it’s his famous movie titles for Hitchcock or his memorable logos for business behemoths like IBM this is a book that will keep your lap warm more than your table.

7/ Field Notes Dry Transfer – £8.50

What better place to put your ideas than in a notebook you can label yourself? Field Notes are hit with our customers week in, week out and who doesn’t like to personalise their gifts.

Okay, so you’ve opened your Advent Calendar twice already and it’s time to start thinking of presents for your loved ones, perhaps that Secret Santa at work even. In the first of our gift guides at Found we’re looking at Stocking Fillers, toot toot!

1/ Baggu Mini Zips – £9.90

They’re practical, fun and pretty much anyone who buys a set comes back for more. Also, you could break up the pack of three assorted sizes, if you wanted of course. (available in dots, pink and green)

2/ Lucky Bee Resolution Coasters – £8.90

These hand-letterpressed coasters are not only a great stocking filler, but also a great gift for a party host or hostess with the most. Nine coasters complete the pack and are a lot fun we believe for New Year’s Eve.

3/ Falcon Enamelware Tumbler – £4.99

Complete classics and perfect for multiple uses. We’ve used them for gifts with hand-tied treats inside, to hold our pencils and for some festive plants. Well, why not? (available in white/blue, red, pigeon grey and beige/grey)

4/ PageCues – £3.80

Wow. These are super-cool. Themed according to your preference the lovely designers Angela and Mark Gilbert have created a re-usable set of bookmarks. An Elle Decoration favourite to boot!

5/ Pocket Dept Notebooks – £5.60 – £8.90

Available in three different pocket sizes – Shirt, Back and Backpack – and colours these plain notebooks with their letterpress covers will stop you from being caught short.

Just a little notice about our opening hours this month.

Today, Wednesday 30th November we will be closing at 3pm, and will reopen on Thursday 1st December (hello Advent Calendar!) at 12.45pm.

Otherwise, we’re open 10am-6pm Monday to Saturday and Sunday from 11am-4pm (ish). If in doubt feel free to give us a call at the store on 01225 422001.

Images of the store by the wonderful Becky of Mint.