Audrey & Martha

From Taschen, with Love

2009-07-18T11:03:00.003-05:00

Taschen has introduced a new series of elaborately illustrated, beautifully photographed and artfully arranged books on some of the world's most famous cities. Written and edited by Angelika Taschen, the books are lavish travel books filled with information about the best hot-spots in retail, the best hotels and the best places to dine - from the most extravagant to the most affordable. The chapters (Hotels, Restaurants and Shops) in each book are designed with tabs, making them easy to locate and flip through. There are maps in each book and the text is published in three languages. The photographs are typical of Taschen's standard: large, illustrative, full-colour portraits of the spaces in question. The books are must-haves for the arm-chair traveler, or for anyone who is planning a trip to these fantastic cities.
So far, only three of these big, beautiful travel books have been created: Taschen's Paris, the recently released Taschen's New York and the upcoming Taschen's London. I'm still holding out for Taschen's Toronto! (It might be a bit of a wait...)

Living vicariously

2009-03-06T20:37:00.007-05:00

The Daily is a big glossy mag that covers all the juicy gossip of New York's Fashion Week; the US Weekly of the fashion world that lets you feel like you've caught a glimpse of something more exciting than your everyday routine. Cute and just as juicy, Fashion Mini gives you the same fix throughout the year - or at least it did. It was available on newsstands in Canada briefly but I haven't seen it in months and thought to investigate today. It's now $37CAD for 6 issues - and I'm still considering it. With the downfall of Blueprint, Domino and most recently, Canadian Home & Country, for the first time in years I have no subscriptions; nothing happy and shiny waiting for me in my mailbox. Times are tough for magazine lovers.

Ralph Lauren, Fall 2009

2009-02-24T09:52:00.010-05:00

Ralph Lauren's fall 2009 Collection is available to peruse at the company's website, ralphlauren.com. Visitors can watch the entire fashion show or view selected looks. Behind-the-scenes photos are up, as is a small feature about 'the Ralph Lauren woman.'

The theme for fall '09 is "Romantic Luxury" and Ralph has designed the show in four acts, based around four thematic groupings, which are shown below.

Modern Nobility.

Bohemian Heiress.

Eastern Odyssey.

English Rose.

I've selected a few of my favourite pieces from the collection, below, but I think the entire collection is a fine example of timeless elegance, which is Ralph Lauren's truest gift.
I love this patchwork tweed coat with its high collar, paired with the dusty rose scarf and silk-blend trousers.

Gorgeous beading on this sheer blouse, cinched at the waist by a pewter-buckled leather belt. A long, flowing skirt in a light cream tone gives the shape movement.My favourite of all the pieces: this long white coat with hand-stitched embroidery is lined with lamb's wool.

Anthropologie: Simply Red for V-Day

2009-02-10T09:09:00.024-05:00

Befitting the crimson tide of cinnamon hearts about to flood our homes in the lead up to the 14th of this month, I thought it would be fun to compose a Valentine's Day wardrobe for the girl in me. The clothing, I decided, would all come from Anthropologie and it would all be red-themed or heart-themed, a flotilla of V-day delightfulness. My selections follow:
The With Love Tee is all about cardiac fulfillment, beautifully fitted and retro-patterned.

A close-up reveals the heart-shaped details. The bright, bold twin of the Little Black Dress: the Overcast Dress is the perfect antidote to the gloom of February days.

Brown buttons and a thick belt accentuate the bust and waistline, adding a subtle military angle to the style.

I love this raspberry blossom blouse with its draped fabric and floral motif below the neckline. It hangs beautifully on the form.

Add some tropical allure to the blah of winter days with the Fire's Path dress. Narrow clouds, unfurling dahlias and storks flutter in the detailing.
This blouse just whispers loveliness: The Museum Wings blouse.
Watercolour-style blossoms on a unique apron accent.

Experience post-bubble-bath luxury in the Spring Patch Robe.

Part Japanese and part Scandanavian, the robe is a tailored version of a crimson kimono.

Audrey Hepburn, eat your heart out. The stunningly simple and '50s retro style of the Flowers and Thyme dress will have you baking cupcakes in no time. A bold floral print on the skirt portion (above) a simple bow detail on the neckline and a draped belt accent on the waist (below) complete the perfection.

The Bandana Bag is ideal for the transportation of Valentine's cards or a well-packaged gift of chocolates. And how totally chic!

Brown leather detailing, white-stitched accents and a vintage floral patterned lining inside make it irresistable.
No Valentine's Day can be spent without a pair of red shoes. I love these Palladium Peep-toes with the wood-grained leather and tassled + beaded fringe on the toe. Gorgeous!

The Coccinella Peep-toe is a more refined look with its Mary-Jane strap and taller heel.

For pricing and availability visit anthropologie.com.

The January Newsstand

2008-12-30T20:46:00.016-05:00

With January comes the broom and the urge to sweep, the compulsion to purge, to eject and jettison the unneeded and the unwanted. It's time to pare down, to whittle away, to siphon and sterilize. It's time to sort and organize, to label and...oh, you get the picture. But there are a few things I always welcome into my home each January, something I will not toss in the recycle bin: the first issues of the year of my favourite shelter magazines. These include Martha Stewart Living (duh), House & Home and Style at Home, the latter two being Canadian publications. I thought I'd peel open the crisp, clean covers of these slim volumes and show you what the editors have on offer:

January issues are typically thinner than the year's other monthly volumes - a suggestion, perhaps, of the waistlines we'd all like to aspire to in this resolution-drenched month. MARTHA STEWART LIVING: This article on closet organization is a welcome feature. This issue is filled with organizational and cleaning tips, typical of January's white cleansing motif.MARTHA STEWART LIVING: Flowers, flowers everywhere! A feature on flower arranging is the perfect antidote to those cold, gray days of winter. MARTHA STEWART LIVING: Fluffy, airy meringues are given artful guises in this feature about light but delicious desserts. MARTHA STEWART LIVING: Citrus is at its peak now. An article complete with recipes involving grapefruit, oranges, lemons, limes and other citrus gems, will make your lips purse. MARTHA STEWART LIVING: Take a look inside the offices of some of the editors (including Ms. Martha herself) and catch a glimpse of the surprisingly bohemian Martha Stewart Living work environment.
HOUSE & HOME: In this Toronto house bright colours, solid textures and shimmering surfaces fight January's inherent bitterness.HOUSE & HOME: Nothing can do away with the warmth of traditional browns and earthy ocres this time of year. The freshness comes from blasts of red and pink.HOUSE & HOME: The clean and minimalist environment of a converted warehouse in Toronto manages to find welcoming warmth after two architects have their way with it.
HOUSE & HOME: Want to know what the trends are for house and home in 2009? I usually don't. But these trends are ones I can live with - and possibly even achieve on my miniscule budget!
STYLE AT HOME: Designer Sarah Richardson does up a gorgeous Toronto house in feminine hues.STYLE AT HOME: A fantastic kitchen gets remodeled and remade with all the conveniences and beauty of a modern space.

Alight at Night

2008-12-19T15:43:00.006-05:00

Every December 10th, the National Capital Commission in Ottawa flips a switch and over a million little Christmas lights come on. Parliament Hill and all of the federal parks in the city are lit up at 5 p.m. every night until January 10th. It's quite a sight to behold.

Parliament Hill is lit up with thousands of Christmas lights. Snowflake patterns are shone onto the buildings and dance across the brick in slow rotation. The towers are illuminated with coloured spotlights.
Another lovely view of Parliament.

The inside of government house, too, is festooned with decorations.

Outside the Chateau Laurier hotel in Ottawa, and around the National War Monument, purple lights welcome visitors.In Confederation Park, outside the Lord Elgin Hotel, nearly every tree is lit up with lights.

A Touch of Brocade

2008-12-14T21:53:00.010-05:00

The New York based Brocade Home is beyond alluring to designers and interior decorators. I wanted to showcase a few examples from the collection here. The furniture line was designed by Lisa Versacio, formerly of Williams Sonoma, where she launched the West Elm line. Brocade was launched by American furniture company Restoration Hardware with the aim of targeting a younger market. The pieces are relatively affordable, ranging between $40 for smaller accessories to $1,800 for sofas and larger pieces. Versacio's fresh, European take on furniture is a queer and masterful blend of traditional and modern. I love (and covet) all the pieces below! Visit brocadehome.com for more information.

Patterned bentwood chair in high-gloss white. Also comes in coffee: $199

Acrylic lace side table in white. A lace pattern on a clear acrylic surface. The inside is hollow, opening from the bottom, so you can put anything inside the space. In this photo, it's an old chandelier: $199.

Hourglass side table in high-gloss java: $299.

Silhouette cafe table in coffee. Also comes in white and black: $399.

Lattice flocked foil wallpaper in charcoal. Also comes in champagne. The reflective surface of this wallpaper gives the paper a mirrored, luminescent effect: $169 a roll.

Lace pattern bath cabinet: $129.

Shaped storage unit in high-gloss white. Also comes in coffee: $899.

Fleur cutout storage cabinet: $199.

Bergdorf Goodman Window Displays

2008-12-04T15:23:00.010-05:00

Have a look at this year's seasonal window displays at Bergdorf Goodman, one of America's leading luxury goods retailers. Baroque, fanciful and to-die-for, they simply speak for themselves.

spring.

summer.

autumn.

winter.

holiday.

Holiday downloads at Martha Stewart

2008-11-09T19:12:00.001-05:00

In the December issue of Martha Stewart Living there is a whimsical article on making old-fashioned holiday candy (peppermint sticks, candied citrus peels, toffee, chocolate bark, almond nougat and pecan clusters) with the long, complicated recipes printed at the back of the magazine so that they don't interfere with the food-porn photos. To accompany the recipes, the genius designers at the magazine and the masterful webmasters who run marthastewart.com have created the pretty packaging for anyone to download and use to wrap these classic confections. Simply visit http://www.marthastewart.com/december-crafts to download the clip-art wrapping and labels and to read full instructions on how to make the containers or affix the paper labels to store-bought boxes.

Penuche fudge and chocolate-dipped marshmallow cookies (all homemade, of course!) look even more appealing in homemade packaging. Download the wrapping below, in either red or blue, and print with a laser-jet colour printer.

You'll find full instructions at marthastewart.com along with step-by-step photos, a materials list and printing instructions. Pecan clusters look cunning and harmless in this pretty DIY box.

The December issue of Martha Stewart Living is always a delight, so I suggest everyone buy a copy.

A Holt Renfrew holiday

2008-11-09T18:42:00.015-05:00

Holt Renfrew unveiled their holiday windows this past Wednesday, so I stopped by today to get a few pics of their fabulousness. Unfortunately, there was a bad glare on the glass, so these don't really do them justice.

Dreaming of a red (& blue! & green!) Christmas

2008-11-01T18:31:00.010-05:00

Now that Halloween is out of the way, it's time to start prepping for the most wonderful time of year...and nothing gets me in a holiday mood like The Bay's Christmas Street. I stopped in today to get a few pics before everyone started shopping off the displays. Each year, part of the 5th floor of The Bay on Queen Street in Toronto is transformed into a twinkly winter wonderland of colour-blocked vignettes and white lights. I have many photos to share, but here are a few of my favourites:

West Elm now in King West!

2008-10-25T19:39:00.007-05:00

Yet another US chain made its debut in Canada this year. West Elm opened in Toronto's Liberty Village last week. Housed in a 20,000 sq. ft. loft-style space, it's one of those fabulous places that makes you want to scrap everything you own and start over. I'm deciding what to do with my new clear globe pendant:

...and I'm debating on whether to get this pin-tuck duvet cover:

I'll definitely become a regular - I've been looking for something to fill the void since Caban closed. {westelm.com}

Tis the Season for Sizzling Stationery

2008-10-25T09:54:00.011-05:00

My latest obsession on the Web is Etsy.com - home to all things handmade. I've recently been scouring the craft site for holiday stationery and came up with some lovely finds. Most of the selections below are letterpress and run for about $14.00 US for six cards. Not exactly inexpensive, but their handmade quality hopefully makes them worth the cost.

An ornate Scandanavian design featuring a stylized partridge in a pear tree. Etsy seller: byvikINK.

Also by the same seller are these two greeting cards. Feliz Navidad for a Latin-infused dose of merriment (above) and a lovely Hanukkah card below.

Etsy seller armatodesign created these traditional but modern letterpress cards. A Santa design with "naughty, nice, other" check boxes (above) and a gold and red partridge and pear tree design below.

For something more bright and modern, Etsy seller LookyLoo has a line of festive cards that could have easily been inspired by Dr. Seus.

Speaking of Anthropologie & Iceland...

2008-10-24T19:32:00.011-05:00

Anthropologie's October 2008 catalogue was shot in Iceland! Loved seeing the places I had just been to, Anthropologie-style. Below are catalogue photos of the Blue Lagoon at left, with my own photos at right:

And here's a really beautiful one of Jokulsarlon glacier lake, which I did not get to see, but wish I had:

I haven't been able to track down a copy of the catalogue, as they're hard to come by...good thing they post them online! View their current archive.

Wanted! at Anthropologie.com

2008-10-22T22:01:00.006-05:00

In a fit of guilt, I bought and returned this fabulous Leifsdottir coat while in New York last weekend. (Did you know Canadian shoppers receive 11% off at Bloomingdale's?) Ruffles, gold clasps, butterfly lining - and Tiffany blue! Audrey would have been proud, if only I didn't fear my credit card statement. I'm still depressed about it. Also available at anthropologie.com. My only hope is that it goes on sale there.

Found! in Iceland

2008-10-22T21:44:00.012-05:00

On a recent trip to Iceland, I finally found the Tuuli Marimekko fabric I had been looking for and for less than I thought it would be($30/metre)! Not only that, Reykjavik has a whole Marimekko store! (this does not happen in Toronto). I want to turn mine into a wall hanging. {marimekko.fi}

And no trip to Iceland is complete without a visit to the Blue Lagoon. Luckily, a soak in its steamy blue waters can be recreated with their product line: mineral salt scrub and algae shower gel (it works better than it sounds) do wonders for the skin. I wish I had bought more. Blue Lagoon's line is also available at Saks Fifth Avenue. {bluelagoon.com}

Apartment Therapy - The Book

2008-10-09T07:33:00.004-05:00

My newest treasure is the book by the editors of one of my favourite online destinations: Apartment Therapy. Released earlier this year by San Francisco publishers Chronicle Books, the new book is a mid-sized, hardcover gem containing the best apartments from their uber-popular website, apartmenttherapy.com. Editors Jill Slater and Janel Laban pen most of the text, but the true stars are the owners of the apartments themselves, who are given a voice throughout the book, answering style and design surveys and providing direct insight into their decorating challenges and accomplishments. The apartment owners/renters also provide all of the photography of their places, giving the book a truly bohemian (but modern) flavour. Forty apartments throughout the United States are featured and each chapter concludes with a full list of design resources the owner/renter used to achieve the look.

Shopping in Canada Just got Better

2008-10-09T07:17:00.005-05:00

Two retail favourites among the arts and decor crowd will soon be opening stores in Canada. Anthropologie and Crate & Barrel are opening new stores in the Toronto area later this fall.

Crate & Barrel's 35,000-square-foot, two-level store at the Yorkdale Mall is the furniture/home merchandise retailer's 163rd location and the first outside the United States. The Globe & Mail described it as "a study in easy living, from its quality merchandise at easy-to-swallow prices to its well thought out displays and attractive vignettes." C&B is known for its minimalist but sturdy look, with clean lines, simple designs and natural neutrals that work in all kinds of settings.

From Crate & Barrel

Not to be outdone, Anthropolgie, one of C&B's top US competitors, is also opening a store in Yorkdale later this fall, and a second location in Don Mills in spring, 2009. Anyone who knows Anthropologie knows about its alluring window displays and lush catalogs, filled with creative, visionary home/lifestyle products, fabrics, fashions and linens. Artfully inspired, Anthropologie will keep you in its stores for hours!

A typical window display at an Anthropologie store.

Heart Day Reading

2008-02-10T23:35:00.001-05:00

Here's the perfect example of books I will buy solely for their cover designs - Penguin's Great Loves series, with cover illustrations by London designer David Pearson. Also perfect considering Valentine's Day is only 4 days away. 20 to choose from; $10.99 each.

Martha at Macy's

2007-11-29T09:58:00.001-05:00

The new Martha Stewart Collection at Macy's is one to behold. It is the largest collection by a designer ever to be featured at Macy's (over 2000 individual products) and it has been one of the most anticipated. The product design was headed up by Hillary Blumberg, who has designed seven collections for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia since 1997. For the roll-out in September '07, Macy's gave Martha all 36 windows of the deapartment store in Manhattan, along with all 26 awnings. Each display featured elaborately arranged Collection merchandise. The line is a few steps up from the Everyday line she has at Kmart, both in terms of quality and price, but it is accessible enough to make its way into just about anyone's home.

I've selected a few pieces below that I find particularly irresistible.

Who couldn't perfectly ream a lemon wearing a bright-red apron emblazoned with the Martha Stewart logo? No one. Absolutely no one. And that cute little tea kettle just tickles me.

Sleek stainless-steel mixing bowls with rubber bases ensure a sturdy stirring experience. A nice bar of kitchen soap, strong enough to remove onion and garlic odors, comes in handy after meal prep.

I just love the colours of this collection: plastic mixing bowls in cool blues and vintage-style collanders in lime green.

Among the products are some pre-packaged food items (gasp!) including various cake mixes, shown at left. An adorable tin recipe holder in signature aqua is a must-have.

Coral patterned sheets and faux-bois patterned towels are among the most alluring things I've seen all year. Based on elements found at Martha's seaside home in Maine, they speak only of luxury.

The Ralph Lauren Book

2007-11-29T09:41:00.001-05:00

Ralph Lauren has released a gargantuan tome about his life and legacy to mark the 40th anniversary of his company. The hardcover book is about two feet tall and a foot-and-a-half wide with 480 glossy pages, most of which are printed with full-colour photographs of his designs. It weighs about 25 pounds and comes in a sturdy box for storage.

The first part of the book tells his life story through photographs and brief personal reflections on his childhood dreams of becoming famous. He spent his youth at the movies, something he says deeply influenced his desire to replicate the glamour he saw on screen in every day life. The book is a lovely retrospective of some of his best collections and most memorable designs, from the runway to the furniture showroom. And it is not without sentiment: his memory of hand-stitching the labels to his first collection of ties in the late 1960s with his wife and mother-in-law is poignant. The book comes highly recommended for anyone who loves this designer or has a thorough interest in fashion.

Incidentally, a written speech by Audrey Hepburn about Ralph Lauren's designs is featured in the foreword.

The Ralph Lauren book: $145.00

Going Green

2007-06-16T14:41:00.000-05:00

Through no fault of my own, green is now my favourite colour - at least in the kitchen cupboard. A series of random finds at houseware departments around town (and around the world!), a few inheritances and some gifts have stocked my kitchen cupboards with an assortment of verdant treasures that I cherish.

Green has been declared the most soothing colour in the spectrum, evoking grassy meadows, swaying trees and overall luxuriance. It's no wonder more and more people are choosing it for their interiors.

Below are some examples of my random green collection, which will no doubt grow over time.

I love these green bowls by Isaac Mizrahi. They also come in solid yellow, solid red, striped red, cream and blue.

These handmade spoons were a find on a trip to Scotland last year. They were made in a town called The Bridge of Allen at a shop called "Village Glass." The bases are made of glass, obviously.

My parents gave me these "Dom Cafe" goblets. The restaurant has long since closed, but I love their emerald solidity. Red wine tastes divine in them, especially when served with pasta.

Another inheritance. My grandmother gave me this pair of Wedgwood drabware mugs. They were made in England, circa 1962.

There were dishes, too, in that Clovelly pattern by Wood & Son.

The Clovelly pattern.

To Market

2007-05-12T21:32:00.000-05:00

We’re all trying to save the planet, but reusable designer shopping totes run as high as $900 and make going green a pretty expensive undertaking. Luckily, summer is around the corner and beach totes are everywhere. Ikea, Old Navy and H&M offer affordable options for as little as $10. Take your next stroll to the market with this cheap and chic find.
{Old Navy Bright Bordeaux Printed Beach Tote, about $20}

It's okay to be PC

2007-05-05T13:07:00.000-05:00

As if milk and cereal weren't enough to get you into Loblaws... The store has stocked its shelves with its latest home and garden goods, including a great many outdoor/patio offerings. Among the deluge I zeroed in on these enormous, luxurious 40cm x 40cm dinner napkins that come in various nautical themes. (Coral and Sea Shell are pictured above.) They are $3.99 for a package of 50, and these are top grade. They also come in shades of red, yellow and robin's egg blue. Now all I need is a canapé!

While you're out and about, filling your grocery cart with this and that, stop in at the LCBO and pick up the latest issue of "Food & Drink." Inside you'll find fast and easy (and delicious) recipes for seasonal treats, the best cocktails and summer drinks and even a few home and lifestyle goodies to keep your eyes peeled for. Best of all, it's free!

Scents (and Sensibility)

2007-04-29T20:25:00.000-05:00

With Mother's Day just around the corner, you may have flowers on the brain. One of the most beautiful scents I've come across on women is 'Red Roses' by Jo Malone. Made from seven different varieties of roses, crushed violet and citrus notes it makes a soft but lasting impression. Available at Holt Renfrew, JoMalone.com and eBay.ca. Gift box $100.

If actual flowers are more your style, keep these simple tips in mind:

Never put daffodils in arrangements with other flowers. Acidic enzymes in their stems will toxify the water and kill the other flowers. Daffodils should be arranged on their own.

Cut stems at a 45-degree angle. This keeps the stems from sitting flat in the vase and creates a larger surface area for the stem to absorb water.

Remove any leaves that might sit under the water in the vase. Foliage under the water will rot and spawn bacteria, which will shrink the flowers' lifespan. Stripping the stems of leaves below the water level will ensure a longer life for the blooms.

For cut flowers to survive, they need sugar for nourishment and an acidic ingredient, like lemon-lime soda or an Aspirin tablet, which softens the stems, allowing them to absorb more water. A tiny drop of bleach in the water will keep bacteria at bay.

Still Mad for Marie

2007-04-26T22:05:00.000-05:00

I'm not over the whole Marie Antoinette hype. I love ruffles, bows and chunky, decadent baubles that scream femininity. A couple of items I've been pondering are Girlsforfrisk.com's necklaces and Vanessa Barrantes' Sophia dress (available at Lola Y Maria) - lovely! All that's missing are some petit fours and a cup of tea.

Design Your Life

2007-04-19T13:04:00.001-05:00

A blueprint on how to design your life. Sounds so typically 'Martha', doesn't it? Well, that's because it is. In 2006 Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia launched its fourth magazine: Blueprint. The slim glossy is filled to brimming with crafts, recipes and weekend projects for the younger set: think of a 25 year-old Martha Stewart and you've got your blueprint drawn. The photography is lovely and clean, the projects are surprisingly fun and easy and the recipes inolve everything from the perfect martini to the best grilled cheese sandwiches. There are articles on music, fashion, books and the latest design trends. One of my favourite sections is the "100 Things" column, which is a list of 100 sayings, fashion accessories, films or web links you will find yourself returning to as a fun source of information. Another nice feature is a detachable shopping guide based around a theme, like how to stock the perfect home bar or how to buy a couch that suits your needs. Roll out the blueprint and start sketching your plans!

Lula Love

2007-04-14T16:46:00.001-05:00

You know when you happen upon something that is so fabulous, you can't believe you'd never heard of it before? Lula magazine, launched in the UK by fellow Canadian Leith Clark, is packed full of gorgeous, whimsical fashion photography. Unlike a typical fashion mag, which has three shoots at most, Lula is cover-to-cover eye candy - even the articles and interviews are accompanied by fantastic-looking imagery. The $14 price tag might seem a little hefty but this is no quick flip-through - it's a collector's item. Yet another magazine to add to my ever-growing collection. The fourth issue is currently on newsstands and I'm kicking myself for missing the first three; lulamag.com.