ph Scoop

For the next two days, it’s by one, get one free on Halloween cards at the shop!

Go gaga for bogo and grab one of these wicked cards, like the one above by designer Paul Mastriani for L2 Design Collective. The company’s blog, Blabbermouth is scary cool.

Just back in the shop from a trip to the Big Apple. Staying with a friend in Greenwich Village provided easy access to my favorite design row in Manhattan: Greene St. from W. Houston down to Prince Street.

Walking along Greene Street, you will encounter cobblestone blocks of cast-iron buildings dating from 1869-95. This Gilded Age splendor is only belied by the ateliers nestled inside the buildings. It’s great to check up on the latest goods at design standbys: the ALESSI flagship for the latest in cocktail couture, Jonathan Adler (because your stylish grandma could always use another tchotchke), and superstore MOSS. But as is the style of pH, I always end up drawn to the smaller, locally-owned digs. So the next time you’re in NY, check out the new boutique of San Fran designer Glory Chen, devour double-ring denim at Italian Replay, and revel in Japanese hip hop hit designs at A Bathing Ape.

I was pleasantly reminded of Houston when I landed upon a design shack called Cite (not to be confused with our friends at Cite).

The shop specializes in contemporary classics, as well as award-winning international young designers such as Ineke Hans, Tonky Designs, Redstr the collective, Rob Teeters, Design Can, Industreal Italy and Freitag Switzerland.

After stomping around SoHo, my choice to refuel is Kelley & Ping. Ask for the Malaysian curried noodles and you’ll thank me later.

This just shelved: new Mix and Match “Confecton-ery” stationery by Amy Ennis.

Sweet and swirly cupcakes, bonbons, and ice-cream cones decorate these sheets, envelopes, and stickers—all the makings for deliciously personalized correspondence. And at just $8.95, this kit will satiate your stationery appetite without busting your budget diet.

For more out-of-control cuteness, check out Amy Ennis’ latest blog entry.

ph Design Shop is proud to participate in the 2009 Holiday Shopping Card benefiting the American Cancer Society. By making a donation of $70 or more, you receive a card that may be presented at hundreds of participating retailers in the Houston area for a 20% discount from October 22 until November 1. The money raised during this fund raising event supports cancer research, education, advocacy, and patient services in the Houston area.

Sounds to me like a noble cause to get a jump start on your holiday shopping! See you soon!

ZOMG u r totes gonna <3 these new Copper Willow Paper cards!

Texting has never been so righteous: these abbrevies are printed with soy-based ink on smooth, speckled paper with 100% recycled content made in a hydroelectric mill.

And who’s 2 say that LOLing isn’t totes legit? British linguist David Crystal likens the introduction of LOL, ROFL, and other acronyms into contemporary language in magnitude to the revolution of Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of movable type in the 15th century. So stop by pH and spread the LOLZ – 4rlz.