misosouper, a shopping blog, featuring fashion, design, and gadgets

I first stumbled across the clothing brand Madras 641 on Twitter (seriously…is there anything those 140 characters can’t do?), and I was hooked.  Cofounded by friends Subu and Ina, their designs incorporate signature touches in each lovingly crafted garment, such as foil print, paisley flourishes, or an intricately detailed hem.  Their Fall/Winter ‘08 collection features a signature tunic rendered in–hello, gorgeous!–bronze studs, that would be perfect for layering over a long-sleeved tee and leggings, or wearing with heels after the kiddos are in bed.  (OK, so that’s what I would do.  If you don’t have kids, or can stiletto after toddlers, feel free to totter in the tunic at all times.)

What I love most about their line, besides its amazingly affordable prices, is the clothes’ fantastical details:   fabric tucked inside the pleats of a jumper, sequined paillettes bedecking a shoulder, and a subtle horizontal slit across the back of an oxfordy shirt.

I want all of it.  And I bet you will to0, which is why misosouper and Madras 641 are giving away two shirts to two lucky winners.  Choose from those featured above:  the Paisley Muse, a drop-waist tunic with a drawstring at the bottom; and the Rough Around the Edges, a button-down, bat sleeve top, both of which would look great layered over a three-quarter length top.  Leave a note in the comments indicating which shirt is your favorite, and we’ll randomly draw one winner for each garment.

And if you don’t win, Madras 641 is offering misosouper readers a 30% discount on both shirts; simply e-mail ina@madras641.com, mention the misosouper giveaway, and let her which top you’d like.  (They accept PayPal, as if you weren’t enticed enough.)

the fine print:

Comments will be closed and entries will not be accepted after 11:59 pm EST on Sunday, January 11, 2009.  The winner will be selected on Monday, January 12, 2009, and notified by e-mail.  Results of the giveaway will be announced on Monday, January 12, 2009.  Multiple entries will not be accepted, and previous giveaway winners are not eligible.  Misosouper, a shopping blog reserves the right to disqualify entries that are incomplete, or considered spam.

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Not in the mood for love?  These gifts will bring out your cheeky side.

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My favorite martian.

Way creepier than playing poker with mirrored glasses.  A true objet d’art.

Why should Radiohead get all the rainbows?

A satisfyingly dramatic way to pass the days.

Now that the election is over, you need someone else to root for.

Lover, you should have come over.

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Perhaps my favorite item in the whole gift guide.  Perhaps the cheapest, too.

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Portable iPod karaoke sets bring joy to the world.

A daschund bag needs no commentary.

I warned you that I like small things writ large.

Yo to the yo.

This koi pitcher makes a lovely gurgling sound when it pours.

I’m thinking this tape isn’t fireproof.

Parrots are the new Rabbits.

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Unwrap it.  You know you want to.

What this sleek white instant camera lacks in vintage charm, it makes up for in features, like autofocus.  Plus, it hasn’t been discontinued, which is always a plus.  RIP, Polaroid.

And to think you were going to get them a Jawbone.

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Tiny and delicate can also be a grand gesture.

A container for just one thing.  Your love? Your dignity? I’ll let you decide.

You heard the man. Be somebody, all day long.

While Virginia Woolf insists on a room of one’s own, I’d just settle for my very own comfy chair.

Putting your jewelry in this dish will probably scare the robbers away.

I’m not sure what the metaphor is either, but I think I like it.

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Felt is so much sexier than leather. What would you rather rub up against in the subway?

Give this to your mother-in-law.  Then smile like you mean it.

For the more cynical among us. (Hey, I say meaningful, not joyful.)

These honesty stamps allow you to apologize or inflame, all without opening your mouth. Isn’t that what got you in trouble in the first place?

A much better teacher gift than caramel corn or an ornament.

A little handmade book of garden birds for your favorite green thumb.

An elegant home for the most modern of necessities.

Puts those Cartier love bracelets to shame.

There’s someone like this in your life, even if it’s your therapist. A route we do not recommend.

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Is there a more affectionate term of endearment?

These metal flowers come gift-ready in a long white box. Bonus: they’ll never, ever die.

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And after all these years, they still deserve some secrets.

Send in your doodle, and they’ll stuff it for you.

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This therapeutic warming mattress cover, with its six separate temperature zones, could save your relationship.

Remember when you used to go to concerts? (Both a question and a statement.)

Limited edition, just like your kid.

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Make a wish.  Make it count.

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Sweet felt frames for all the birds in your flock.

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Be the goose that lays this golden egg in their backyard.

The only foreseeable issue with these Lego-handled utensils is that the kids will insist on eating with them stacked in an awkward fork-spoon-knife combination. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Made from densely packed magazines, this bulletin board (no push pins necessary!) is the sharpest I’ve ever seen.

The ultimate rainy day entertainment: a 500 piece “impossible” puzzle based on an abstract illustration by Alex Beard.

These cards make traveling sew much fun.

Why freeze ice when you can freeze the cup instead?

This gigantic digital photo frame (15″!) makes that newborn baby almost lifesized.

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Yes, these are bugs encased in Lucite.  Is that creepy?

Feed their Bob Ross addiction with a paint-by-numbers set.  Just make sure it doesn’t end up in the garage sale by “accident.”

Use these spy sunglasses to confirm your long-standing conviction that they are indeed following you.  Even if “they” just happen to be, um, your parents.

Because after all this fun, mom and dad are tired.  Guaranteed.

In addition to being comfy, cozy, and very effective at softening a work uniform, this hand-knit cardigan is made of organic cotton from an artisan network engaging in fair trade practices (see the Fair Trade Federation for more info).

Supporting fair trade is a good start; for more ways to do something about poverty right now, check out the resources at Blog Action Day.