DH and I are currently using my old dishes from law school. We've broken a lot of them, and we'd like some new dishes that don't scream "student." I like these two sets a lot. I'm worried that the non-standard shapes will look weird in a few years, but I also love them specifically because they're not round. What do you think of these sets?
I am a huge fan of white dishes. I think they are very versatile and I love mixing them in w/ mismatched salad/dessert plates etc.
The two sets you have picked out are very different and I think it really depends on your overall decorating style. The V&B ones have a bit of a funky/art deco vibe and the Nambe ones are a bit more modern/organic in feel. The only other that comes to mind is that if storage space is an issue, the V&B dishes appear to be a bit bulkier...although it may just be the photo. Both sets are pretty, but I think I am drawn more towards the Nambe set.
I bought all white dishes this summer and love them. Food looks so much better on white and I love the idea of mixing them with random salad plates, etc. too. They also look great on a silver charger.
Another place to check out is World Market. They have some great stuff and some unique but still classic shapes.
My brother is a HUGE style maven and makes all sorts of ecletic fashion decisions and he chucked all of his round stuff for square three years ago. He also has all white and he gets compliments on his dinnerware all the time. All of his other stuff: sugar/ tea service, funky silverware and serving platters stand out tons because of his dishes. Its a very elegant look. And he says that the extra white space is perfect to "plate" all kinds of food- arranging it stylistically- for company.