Tastes Magazine | Stylish gift ideas » Arts

Angela Brazil books – vintage schoolgirl fiction

Jackie — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 08:56:14 +0000

Art objects indeed – but a great read too

These volumes are now extremely collectible. If you didn’t read Angela Brazil books when you were a girl, then your mother or even grandmother probably did, especially if they were brought up in England. The author was born in Victorian England; a time during which ‘young ladies’ were expected to read improving, non-fiction books, religious tomes or about moral matters.

Interested in writing even as a child, the author started to write fiction for girls as the twentieth century dawned, bringing about a new way of life for women ans girls, as the strictures of Victorian life were abandoned. Her first book was written in 1904 and her writing career spanned over forty years.

The books describe another age – one we are completely unfamiliar with today – and that itself makes them a ... Read More »

Ornament stands for your treasures

Jackie — Sat, 13 Dec 2014 08:32:29 +0000

Display your ornaments in style

Don’t we all have ornaments that are beautiful and bring back memories? Why should they be lost amongst the other items on the Christmas tree or only be on display during the holidays? We are delighted to have found these stylish frames to allow you to display your ornaments with style.

These beautiful display frames look perfectly stunning in any decor. And they show off your treasures perfectly. Special pieces are no longer just for the holidays but can be shown in your home all year round. Many years ago, I used to buy a special ornament for one of my friends every year – it was a special little treat that I hope was a memorable gift.

These frames weren’t available in those days but had they been, they would have formed wonderful companion pieces for the ... Read More »

An unusual gift for the Beatles fan

Jackie — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 09:13:44 +0000

For the Beatles lover

If there’s a Beatles fan on your gift list, the chances are that he or she has lots of CDs, recordings, books and more. So what on earth can you buy for them that will be fascinating and truly appreciated? Here’s a wonderful idea at a very attractive low price, too.

This site offers a compilation pack of over sixty newspaper pages from the New York Times (replicas) that showcase Beatles news starting with the first time they performed in America right through until the assassination of John Lennon. This is absolutely fascinating. As you can see from the images,the articles include photographs and this gives the fan the unusual opportunity of seeing the group in a contemporary setting. So many books have been written, and will continue to be, but these historical newspaper reprints show us how ... Read More »

John Fitzgerald Kennedy – books & DVDs

Jackie — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 10:34:43 +0000

The Kennedy Assassination – fifty one years on

Those of us who are old enough will never forget that day. And for those who don’t remember, the events of 22nd. November, 1963 are important to know about because in moments, the world changed. Millions of words have been written about Kennedy and that fateful day but now, respected authors are writing about it from a fifty year perspective.

There are films too that depict and investigate the assassination. Of course, there are still unanswered questions – or are there? Is it important to read and learn about the event, which is fresh in the minds of some, but ‘just another’ historical event for others?

The demand for these items is huge. Fifty years on … but people still search for more knowledge about this earth-shattering event. Those who aren’t old enough to remember ... Read More »

Sheet music and recordings for the classical musician

Jackie — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 07:55:15 +0000

For the classical musician and music lover

At Tastes, we spend hours searching for unusual gifts from niche specialist markets and this one is delightful featuring recordings by Frank Wallace and Nancy Knowles – together Live Oak. But that’s not all. You can also purchase hard-to-find sheet music here for ensembles including classical guitar, mandolin, lute and more.

Sheet music for wind instruments is available too – oboe, flute, bassoon – in addition to a variety of strings including violin and cello. When you visit the site – which is extremely beautiful, by the way – be sure to watch the videos and listen to the soundbites.

Visit the site

A lovely example

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Books for the bibliophile from the Folio Society

Jackie — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 08:48:35 +0000

The best gifts for the book lover

With worldwide shipping direct from The British Museum in London these special-edition, Folio Society books are the absolute best gift for anyone who appreciates books, literature and fine quality. There is a lovely selection of books available including those suitable for children, the historian, the collector or simply those who appreciate the finer things in life.

So many delightful and classic subjects are covered that there’s something for everyone. Today, so many of us read on our tablets, phones or laptops and this makes areal, classic book an item to be treasured. These splendid volumes will become family heirlooms that will be passed down and appreciated through the generations. For book lover in your life, why not start a new family tradition? Start a collection of these wonderful volumes and enjoy your own family library ... Read More »

Vintage artwork as decor

Jackie — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 21:09:34 +0000

These lovely items showing vintage scenes and classic advertising aren’t just for older homes. They look positively delightful in almost any interior -there’s such a wide selection to choose from.

You’ll find advertising for such a wide range of products – and these can add a whimsical yet stylish look to your business premises or office as well as in your home.

Such a wide variety of interests is catered for too so if ever I’m having a problem finding an affordable gifts for someone, you could almost say that vintage artwork is a default choice and this is the website I head for.

Visit the website to see more

This is a definite favourite:

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The best cookbooks – curated by Anthropologie

Jackie — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 06:03:19 +0000

A truly wonderful selection of stylish recipe books

Isn’t it excellent when you find a marvelous collection of curated items? And it’s even better when that collection has been put together by a group of people such as the talented stylists at Anthropologie. Known for their fabulous fashion and excellent taste, this retailer has searched for – and found – the very best in mouthwatering recipe books.

Many different types of recipes are featured as you can see here, from classic cocktails to tempting treats. Check the link below and you’ll see that a simple recipe book can be an art object in itself. I want all the books featured! On the site, you’ll be given tantalizing glimpses of the full color photography, the delicious recipes and the stylish typography and design.

See the gorgeous selection here

So much more than just a recipe ... Read More »

Bond, James Bond

Jackie — Wed, 28 May 2014 17:21:02 +0000

He really was one of the most stylish fictional characters, don’t you think? I admit that a huge attraction for me was the Aston Martin. But there’s that laconic attitude too.

I mean ‘shaken, not stirred’ – what lovely double meaning we have there. Who was your favourite Bond? I have to admit that I’m a traditionalist when it comes to Bond – it’s definitely Sean Connery for me. He set the benchmark for those who followed.

Can you believe the things they got away with in those days? Can you imagine today watching a film that has a character called Pussy Galore?

Goodness.

See a collection of splendid Bond items below.

James Bond

Monaco Grand Prix Formula One: Vintage posters

Jackie — Sat, 24 May 2014 08:26:25 +0000

Classic and beautiful posters for the Monte Carlo Grand Prix

These evocative and delightful posters are a must for the motorsport fan but even if you’re not a follower of auto sports, these posters, which are available framed or unframed, make a lovely display in your home or office, particularly when a few are grouped together. They transport us to times gone by and to one of the most romantic, glittering places in Europe.

Monaco is a principality that is known mainly for three things. The first is motor racing – there is the famous Monte Carlo Rally annually in addition to the Formula One race. It’s also known for its luxury lifestyle – the fabulous yachts, the wonderful homes and the legendary casino. The tiny principality became known to the world when Grace Kelly, then an American actress, married Prince Rainier ... Read More »

Charlie Chaplin artwork

Jackie — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 08:17:55 +0000

Where can you get the best Charlie Chaplin artwork? We know. There are (I think) thousands of options on this site. You can buy really inexpensive posters or artwork that is carefully mounted and framed.

There’s everything on this website from photographs to movie posters. Many of these are true history. They are a wonderful gift for any filmlover or for people who are interested in days gone by. Or the fabulous slapstick comedy of Mr Chaplin himself of course.

They make a lovely decor item for the home or office too.

Visit the website

We love them all

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Gifts to commemorate that special year

Jackie — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 08:26:18 +0000

Give a newspaper or yearbook for an anniversary or birthday

These make very unusual but very welcome gifts and it’s easy to see why people love them. These beautiful books contain reprints of the year you have selected. It’s great fun for people to read exactly what was going on in the world on the day they were born for example.

But they are not just suitable for birthdays. They are a lovely gift idea to commemorate any special day – the anniversary of an engagement, a wedding, a birth, adoption … any special occasion. The book doesn’t just show what was in the news that day but also what was happening in the world of entertainment, fashion, sports and more. You can have your gift personalized with your own messages.

Another great option is the ‘day you were born’ newspaper. You’ll see ... Read More »

A piece of history. Kennedy killed by sniper 1963

Jackie — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 08:54:39 +0000

November 22, 1963. The assassination of President Kennedy

For once, I don’t have much to say. If you were born in the mid 1950s or before, then the chances are that you remember. I do. And so many thousands, millions of words have been written since and by much better writers who are more knowledgeable about the event than I will ever be. There’s no way that I can compete with them.

But I didn’t want to let this anniversary go by without acknowledgement or without giving you the opportunity of seeing memorabilia that could ultimately become family heirlooms. On the site, you’ll see a huge range of photographs of John Kennedy with his wife, sometimes with his children, sometimes with his brothers and more.

But to me one piece of memorabilia – see further down the page – stands out; the stark ... Read More »

Fashion photography for wall art

Jackie — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 21:30:02 +0000

Stylish fashion photography as decor

Just imagine all the fashion shoots that have taken place over the last hundred years. They have created a beautiful record of days gone by and the styles that were worn by the fashionistas that our mothers and grandmothers admired. Luckily, these historical images have not all been lost and today we can have them on our walls as stylish wall art.

Fashion photography was in its infancy when many of these images were taken. In later years many of these photographers – and the models themselves – became icons that typified their era.

Today these photographs are a wonderful and stylish way to add decor to our homes. They can be ordered online and you can select from the framing options offered on the website. Alternatively buy the print only and have it framed locally or use ... Read More »

Top books for fashion lovers

Jackie — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 08:37:01 +0000

The best books for the fashionista

So many of us are interested in this wonderful subject. There are books in this carefully curated collection which are perfect for the budding fashion designer, for those with an interest in the history of couture, people who want insight into the world of the top designers or those who are simply interested in all matters fashionable.

This is a truly fascinating collection of stylish books. They have been hand-picked to reflect the very best of the genre. There are books here by Christian Dior … Diane von Furstenberg … Prada … and Edith Head who gave her flair and impeccable style to the most sophisticated Hollywood actresses in those early movie years. There are beautiful boxed sets and perfect single volumes. These books made truly wonderful gifts for lovers of fashion of any era and any ... Read More »

Lobby cards for the movie buff & film collectors

Jackie — Fri, 11 Oct 2013 10:13:07 +0000

What are collectible lobby cards?

I didn’t know this until recently – although I do recall seeing examples at antique and collectors’ fairs – that lobby cards were used in the early days of the movie industry to promote their films. As the same suggests, these were used in the foyers of theaters to showcase forthcoming films.

They were normally about the size of an ordinary sheet of letter paper, but were more robust; being printed on a heavy card. Their use continued throughout the heyday of the Hollywood years but fell out of favor starting about forty years ago. Today, they are highly collectible.

Anyone who is interested in the movies or in film history would love these as a thoughtful and unusual gift. They were normally produced in sets of eight, showing various scenes from the film and the lucky collector ... Read More »