The World According to Jessica Claire

Bridal Fashion Week

2011-10-18T22:37:00.000-04:00

It’s been quite a few months since I shared the good news about our engagement, so I am excited to say that the big day is just over 2 weeks away and I finally have my first fitting tomorrow at White for my Reem Acra dress.

It was very tough choosing a dress because I was torn between two equally gorgeous and enticing styles, so I cannot wait until tomorrow when I finally get to see my final pick.

To help spread wedding fever, here are ten of my favourite dresses thus far from Bridal Fashion Week in NYC:

The lace overlay in this Ines De Santo is breathtaking- love the peekaboo effect on the décolletage- demure yet daring!

Sophisticated glamour - this Rivini dress still feels bridal and soft, despite it’s architectural layered skirt.

Reem Acra’s shimmering stunner is perfect for a retro Hollywood glamour fete – the beaded cap sleeve is so lovely.

Simple and elegant from Carolina Herrera- understated glamour at its best for a no-fuss look

This beauty by Claire Pettibone looks like a gem from another era- such gorgeous detailing on the neckline!

This Lazaro trumpet combines such marvellous textures – like walking down the aisle on a cloud!

In white it suits a high-fashion bride, but in black, this Vera Wang work of art would totally look at home on the red carpet

Be cuter Monique Lhuillier, I dare you - I want this dress in every colour…

For the high-glitz bride who can’t resist pretty shiny things- I love the unusual scale pattern on this Ines De Santo ballgown

This asymmetrical Amasale makes a statement with its beautiful pearly finish and dramatic lines

(all images from Martha Stewart Weddings)

Edie Vs. Edie

2011-09-15T20:15:00.001-04:00

J. Crew is proudly declaring “Edie Ever After”…

and while I wholeheartedly agree that the Edie purse in Italian calf hair is beyond stunning at an achievable $448,

my heart only belongs to one Edie.

Missoni Madness in NYC

2011-09-10T18:39:00.000-04:00

A pinch-me invite to the Manhattan launch of Missoni for Target was cause for a whirlwind trip to the Big Apple with my mother on Wednesday night.

Cancelled and delayed flights, plus uncooperative weather and a severe lack of taxi’s were not on our side, yet our crazy Missoni fandom prevailed and we managed to have a good time while amassing a large pile of shopping bags filled with fab scores. (In fact our pile was so large that a reporter from the Wall Street Journal took notice and chatted with us… shame they didn’t list Style At Home in the article but still amusing nonetheless!)

I missed out on some choice items, such as the black and white laptop case as well as the embroidered pillows and the awesome shower curtain, but still walked away with a kick ass bag, stationary for my office, the metal martini shaker, a melamine tray, a sweet tie for Dave, and the awesome rainboots for Margot and more. I didn’t see my top fashion picks from the lookbook, so I concentrated on scooping up the home buys rather than sift for sizes through the racks, and overall the quality was quite impressive!

Celebs and fashion insiders were out in full effect but the only one I approached was the gorgeous and sweet-as-pie Margherita. When I told her of my obsession with her namesake china she replied “Bravo” - Bravo indeed!

I’m Going Country

2011-09-05T12:15:00.000-04:00

Well not really… I’m way too much of a city gal to ever leave my urban roots behind, but I am, however, in the process of decorating our first family cottage! It’s too early to share pictures, considering we don’t even have possession yet, but because of the fab summer sales, we have dove right into sourcing and already snapped up some fabulous finds.

I’m very lucky that my parent’s are trusting my aesthetic vision of a relaxed coastal vibe, which is completely fuelled by the road trip through Nantucket, Provincetown and Newport that Dave and I took last summer… so while there are no visuals yet, think rubbed woods, blackened bronze, gorgeous blue and white textiles and a whole lot of white paint, and you will have my version of a New England getaway an hour outside Toronto!

Some of the pretty things we’ve snapped up so far:

This charming black painted vintage bench from Chatelet with a tufted linen seat cushion…

The nautical-feeling Chelsea sconce by Visual Comfort in the handsome Tudor Brown finish from ELTE…

Some hydrangea-blue and white jasperware boxes by Wedgewood from Around The Block…

Stay tuned for photos and updates as the project progresses!

Missoni For Target: Lookbook picks!

2011-08-17T21:15:00.000-04:00

What is exciting enough to pull me out of a month-long blog hiatus? Why it’s the Missoni lookbook for Target of course! After getting only little sneak peaks over the past few months since the announcement of their collaboration was made, Racked finally posted the entire lookbook and I have been clicking away making a mental wishlist for my as of yet unconfirmed daytrip to Buffalo ever since. From home goods and stationary to their signature knits and even a bike - this is one comprehensive collection!

Here are some of my faves:

(images via racked)

Jessie’s Girls

2011-07-09T23:10:00.000-04:00

My bridesmaids blew me away a couple of weeks ago by throwing me the most creative and original stagette ever! An homage to my early days as a rock’n’roll enthusiast, they planned an amazing night taking me on a crazy trip down memory lane.

Starting with a clever dinner with a menu named for some of my favourite bands over the years (awesome examples: “Linda’s Killers Caesar Salad” and “Macaroon5’s”), we gathered at my sister Marlie’s condo, which had been plastered with pictures of me in my band-crazed days for some fun and games.

No detail was spared with the presentation and decor - they even had special cupcakes made by the Duchess of Dough!

After dinner, donning t-shirts printed “Almost Married”and tattoo sleeves, we boarded my very own tour bus with and armfuls of inflatable guitars ready to visit special landmarks my maids chose to mark my indie rock days. Each one was a surprise and was preceded with a hysterical poem about its significance.

Once on the bus, they took it one step further by making me change into my super embarrassing token concert outfit that seemed cool to me in 2003. Yikes!

One of the stops was the Opera House, my most favourite venue ever, and I don’t think I’ll ever live down wearing a veil and sash while watching thrash metal in the sound booth!

Another stop, Stone’s Place, was a festive dance party, where we boogied to an amazing playlist that had us working up quite the sweat!

Thanks girls for an incredible bachelorette! I’m so lucky to have such an amazing crew who worked so hard to throw me such an unforgettable night!

Sweet on Sweet Tables

2011-06-24T19:48:00.000-04:00

Inspired by the Amy Atlas interview in Style At Home’s July issue, I put together a sweet table for the latest SAH episode of CityLine. (If you haven’t yet, make sure you check out Amy’s site for amazing inspirational tablescapes and dessert styling- she is quite the talent!)

Our table for CityLine would of course not have been possible though, without the awesome companies who donated their sweets to our segment, including Cake Opera Co. (obvs they had to be included) and Oak Leaf Candy. Their to-die-for cake centrepiece and other decadent treats had everyone in the studio drooling over their beauty! Crate and Barrel and Shop Sweet LuLu were also kind enough to provide some killer containers for the table as well- how awesome are the straws and little glass jars!

Watch the clip here for some tips on creating your own sweet table!

Latest Dispatches

2011-06-20T22:53:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Vancouverite Barbara for including me in her So Canadian, Eh? series on her blog, Hodge:Podge. Her lovely compliments are much appreciated and I hope you enjoy the interview!

Also fresh online is part 2 of my apartment makeover post on the Style At Home blog, which details my before and after furniture makeovers.

In Defense of Million Dollar Decorators

2011-06-10T09:28:00.000-04:00

When it premiered last week on Bravo, Twitter feeds would have had you thinking that Million Dollar Decorators was a blasphemous show that shamed the design industry and literally made fellow design professionals want to barf with disgust.

one of my fave Mary MacDonald rooms

The gossip had me chomping at the bit so when I eagerly tuned in to W network on Sunday night when it debuted here in Canada, I was pleasantly surprised but more so confused why there were so many haters. In fact, I was so enamoured I just had to chime in and stick up for the show.

one of my fave Martyn Lawrence-Bullard rooms

First of all, people were chattering away by how insensitive to the economy the show is and how they throw around such large numbers. Newsflash! It’s called Million Dollar Decorators. Not decorators who work on projects with healthy budgets. Not decorators who manage to make a living. The used the word “million” for a reason. These people are the best at what they do! They have books and brands dedicated to their style and the clientele to afford them. I know we all have different ideas on how 25 k can be better spent than on a been there done that damask rug, but it ‘aint your money and the concept is decorating for the rich and famous in LA - so don’t get all shocked when they throw around the big bucks. The show is definitely playing with the fantasy element here, where us regular folk are catching a glimpse into what its like at the top, so take a chill pill and enjoy the escapism.

one of my fave Nathan Turner vignettes

People were also calling out the diva personalities and chutzpah of the five designers. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m pretty sure the majority of successful designers I know are pretty out there, loud and quirky. Creative genius often goes hand in hand with eccentricity. It’s what makes them interesting and the best part is waiting to hear what will come out of their mouths next (I’m just happy I’m not at the receiving end anymore). I know 99.9% of us would never dream of reacting like Mary did to her client getting a divorce and selling her dream project, nor would we be charmed by Martyn’s incessant name dropping and his calling a Barcelona chair an Eames, but it’s a reality TV show on Bravo. Do you think they were looking for quiet hum-drum humble folk?

one of my fave IRELAND vignettes

Maybe I’m jaded after working at a high end firm and being a part of a reality-TV production, but honestly, I think it’s a riot.

Canucks can tune in this Sunday at 9pm to catch episode two and see what all the fuss is about.

Smile You’re Engaged!

2011-06-07T00:27:00.000-04:00

A popular option most couples opt for these days is to take engagement portraits with their wedding photographer. It not only offers a chance to work together prior to the big day so you can iron out any kinks, but it also lets you get comfortable in front of the camera with your fiancée. For my portraits, I always knew I wanted to part with the usual hum drum jeans and white shirt sessions you see everyday and try something fun and different. Luckily Dave put on his accommodating hat again and indulged me and our photographer Storey Wilkins!

We started in the apartment where the setee got some cheeky action (and lucille snuck in there too!), and then moved outside into our neighbourhood to hang out by a blooming cherry tree I had scouted. (Storey and I timed the shoot in May to take advantage of the gorgeous blooms)

But the real fun began when we unleashed the mammoth bunch of balloons I had ordered (inspired by the whimsy and plain old prettiness of the Miss Dior Cherie ad that Sofia Coppola created)

We had a great time and are thrilled with the end results.

Thank you Storey!

(all photos by Storey Wilkins)

Shopping Sweet LuLu

2011-06-05T23:16:00.000-04:00

For a woman as possessed by decorating and entertaining as me, I have been hard pressed to tear myself away from Shop Sweet LuLu- an online boutique selling some of the cutest tabletop items and favour packaging that I have seen on market in one convenient adorable place! All the amazing product has inspired dozens of different ideas on how to incorporate them for future soirees, but for now here are just a smattering:

Striped paper straws in your colour scheme add zip to any signature cocktail you serve at a party. For a retro theme, mix up all of the various hues for a nostalgic sipper!

These greek-key paper napkins and plates are divine with their juicy and spunky colours! Use them to add a glam Palm Beach vibe to your table.

These adorable striped paper candy cups would be perfect to fill with assorted flavours of gelato, ice cream, or granita and pass around on a tray at a summer BBQ.

These chevron-printed tiny treat bags are so au-courant and festive filled with candies and other sweet takeaways at the end of a party.

Plain jane grocery store candles pale in comparison to these adorable striped and polka-dotted babies in a variety of great colours.

Happy browsing!

Lofty Loafers

2011-06-01T11:04:00.004-04:00

Last week saw me channeling my inner furniture mover with two back-to-back shoots filled with a lot of heavy lifting. (ah the glamorous life of a design editor!)
The shots turned out amazing and I had a blast, but unfortunately my feet were not dressed the part and my trusty Ferragamo flats did little to protect and provide proper cushioning for my tootsies.

I joked with my colleagues about purchasing some orthotic footwear/old lady shoes that would make a 12-hour shoot day more bearable, so on Saturday I set out to find more suitable-soled shoes. The catch is they needed to be able to slip on and off easily so as not to offend the condition of a client's pristine flooring or scuff up a pricey white rug on loan.
Enter the wonderful world of Cole Haan's Nike air line and their current take on the classic loafer. I sported them all day on Monday and my feet were cushy and comfortable the entire time. Paired with jeans they may be my new shoot staple!

Bouquets of the Non-Blooming Variety

2011-05-23T10:40:00.000-04:00

They do exist! Thanks to Forever Bouquets & Accessories, the recently-blossomed brainchild of Toronto local Emily Pike, brides can opt to carry stunning bouquets made of vintage jewellery and other bits and baubles if they’re not into the usual floral option.

Forever Bouquets & Accessories came to life when Emily wanted to forgo using flowers at her wedding and was thinking of other items to substitute in for the expected blossoms. Daring to be different after working in the bridal industry for years at Lift Beauty Boutique, she had her heart set on carrying a vintage jewelled clutch down the aisle - but decided she needed a compromise that would still give her the desired traditional vibe.

Enter her genius idea to combine the two for a bejewelled bouquet with a twist. Emily raided her own stash of costume jewellery for sentimental items such as her very first watch and a set of chandelier earrings that she wore to prom, and also asked her friends and family if they had anything that they could offer into the mix. After rounding out the various baubles with filler from crafts and antique stores, she had her very own custom meaningful bouquet that totally wowed her guests (including me) at the ceremony!

The overwhelmingly positive response from guests and other brides who saw her innovative creation has boomed into a new business, which also includes beautiful accessories.

Brides can work with Emily to customize the look and contents of their bouquets for their own unique bridal style statement or order headbands and other headpieces for their themselves or bridesmaids as well.

Check out Forever Bouquets & Accessories’s facebook page to get in touch with Emily and check out more of her creations.

(top two images by Storey Wilkins photography)

My CityLine Debut

2011-05-18T23:30:00.001-04:00

One of the big things I worked on during my first two weeks at the magazine was the Style At Home episode of CityLine. Keeping in line with the content from the June issue, I did a taped walk through of my apartment as well as an in-studio segment on Style At Home’s trendspotting coloumn, which was all about zig-zags and chevrons! (not a stretch for a missoni maniac such as myself!)

My past job at THA had me assisting behind the scenes on putting together similar types of segments so I knew what I was signing up for, but standing in front of the camera solo was a whole new ballgame! Thankfully the awesome producer Anita and cameraman Scott gave me plenty of tips and our managing editor Tamara Robins Griffith gave me fab advice like the seasoned pro that she is.

I am quite pleased with how it turned out so please take a peek at the episode on the CityLine webpage to get a good look at my apartment and see some fabulous ways to inject some zig-zag’s into your own space!

PS- a special thanks to all the awesome suppliers that lent us product to show off in the studio and an even bigger thanks to the CityLine crew, including the super sweet Tracy Moore, who welcomed me with open arms :)

Full Article Up on StyleatHome.com

2011-05-17T17:03:00.001-04:00

For those of you in the states who can’t pick up a copy from your local newsstand, the full article and large photos are now up on Styleathome.com

Happy Reading!

Engagement Party Cookie Favours

2011-05-16T12:00:00.000-04:00

Our engagement party that my generous parents threw for us was last weekend and it was absolutely wonderful! Dave and I had smiles plastered across our faces the entire night and both of our families and friends had an amazing time.

In addition to making sure the soiree incorporated some of my favourite things, such as pink peonies and signature cocktails, I also dove headfirst into the Martha-inspired task of making homemade sugar cookie favours for an edible and memorable save the date treat to our guests.

Inspired by our silhouettes that we used on our invitations by Paper Ideas, I had custom cutters made by Victor Trading Co to match our eerily accurate profiles. My mother and I made 12 batches of my favourite sugar cookie dough, baked them up and then iced them over four very long nights. Rolling them all out took twice as long as anticipated (my pesky ponytail didn’t want to cooperate) and piping them first and then flooding later with the royal icing proved to be super time-consuming! We packaged them in cello bags with a scalloped card backing to help protect them from breaking and tied them up with black and white grosgrain and the little save the date card.

Despite my incessant borching throughout the lengthy process, the favours turned out great so here are some snaps I took of the cookies out of their packaging and next to our invite so you can get a closer look of our hard work:

PS- this weekend we also had our engagement portrait session with our wedding photographer Storey Wilkins! We got dressed up and had some fun with nature and props, so I can’t wait to share some proofs when they come in :)

Decor Spotting in Bridal Fashion Ads

2011-05-15T15:12:00.000-04:00

You can take the bride out of the decorator but you can’t take the decorator out of the bride!

As I flip through the pages of my endless pile of bridal mags, I can’t help but ooh and aah over the little decor moments I spot in the various fashion advertisements.

Take for instance the gallery wall hiding behind this Judd Waddell gown. You don’t always see a gallery wall aligned perfectly into a linear shape so it definitely caught my eye!

The Parisian parquet flooring and marshmallow and buttercream yellow painted panelled walls made me pause in this Ivy and Aster ad.

The princess and the pea vibe of this Lela Rose Bridesmaid for Dessy ad made me swoon with its pretty pink floral wallpaper and various fabrics used for the mattresses. The mix of ticking, various sheen levels and bold patterns would make any boho gal swoon with delight!

The stacked gold chiavari chairs and tone on tone paneled walls seen in this Liancarlo ad are very in tune with my own bridal vision. Love the dress too!

It’s Arrived! Style At Home’s June Issue

2011-05-02T23:41:00.000-04:00

The Style At Home spread of our apartment made its way to subscribers today as part of the June 2011 issue and it looks absolutely awesome! The entire editorial team did a magnificent job putting it together and of course, I cannot thank senior design editor Margot Austin and photographer Stacey Brandford enough!

I don’t want to give too much away, so make sure you buy the issue when it hits newsstands on the 9th and check out my blog posts, including before and after photos, on the Style At Home blog at styleathome.com/jessicawaks

I will also be filming a walk through of the apartment for CityLine so stay tuned for details of when that will air!

Pretty Pansy Fashion This Spring

2011-04-24T23:42:00.000-04:00

Pansy fever has spread from garden plots to wardrobes this year and I am loving the spring fresh results.

I ooh’d and aah’d over this gorgeous shot in Town and Country of Dior’s enamel pansy and ribbon necklace.

Luckily fashion’s love-in with the quintessential spring bloom has continued at the more budget-friendly H&M with this stunning silk top

Marc Jacobs’ Pansy Print Shirtdress is a more retro take on the floral - I love the bold purple trim that finishes it off.

Are you planting pansies this year?

Pinch Me: Coming Full Circle

2011-04-18T23:45:00.000-04:00

Tonight was the first seder (chag sameach!), which literally means “order.” On the heels of some exciting news that has rocked my world in the most awesome way, it got me thinking of the order of my personal career and how I’ve come full circle.

When I graduated from the undergraduate Media, Information and Technoculture program at Western, the notion of having the title of Editor after my name wasn’t so farfetched. I contributed to the daily student newspaper, completed a couple of serious intense internships at newspapers and magazines, and lived for writing.

My career path, however, veered away from the straight and narrow road of objectivity when I decided my easily encouraged enthusiasm made being an impartial journalist tough - so I joined the more welcoming world of public relations where my zest for life was a little less alien and a lot more of the norm.

After completing a year-long program in corporate communications, I settled in at a big television conglomerate writing press release after press release. While I was working in TV PR, I began to foster my love for interior decorating and created my blog as a way to channel my creative pursuits and fabulous finds, which weren't exactly being nurtured in my position.

The blog led to a job with star designer and architect, Dee Dee Taylor Eustace, who hired me to help with media relations, aid the design team, work on industry events and much more. After realizing that I wanted to focus more on the design aspect, I started my night courses at George Brown to become a certified interior decorator and began to hone my skills working on smaller client projects. My nearly three years at THA have enabled me to work with fabulous product, fabulous trades, and a fabulous design team who I will surely miss - but perhaps best of all it has helped me reach the next stage in my career:

DESIGN EDITOR at STYLE AT HOME!

I don’t know if it was possible to find a more perfect position, and admittedly I wasn’t actively looking for something new, but when the job description made its way onto my screen it felt like the final scene of Serendipity where John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale meet again on the ice rink wit snowflakes flying and Nick Drake crooning. A position at a stellar magazine that made use of my media and design background? A job where I’d be compensated for visiting the newest decor shops, meeting other designers and styling all in one? A vocation where I’d be able to work with the amazing editorial team that I had such a great time with when they shot my own apartment? Yes please!

I start in two weeks and am so excited to embark on this next stage of my career with senior design editor extraordinaire Margot Austin guiding my way. I will still be posting here, but you will be able to read more about my editor adventures on the Style At Home blog too. I will keep you posted of my other official duties once I settle in, but until then, don’t forget to pick up the June issue when it hits newsstands on May 9th to see the full spread on the apartment.

Happy holidays to all and thanks for all the support and encouragement!

Traditional Home In Our Toronto Kitchen

2011-04-13T22:08:00.001-04:00

After sharing little bits and bytes of the kitchen reno at my family home and of course going into full blown detail about our sexy bunker days, it is with great pride that I finally get to share some beauty shots of our finished kitchen in all its glory, courtesy of the one and only Traditional Home! (I know, no big deal)

Designed by Taylor Hannah Architect, the kitchen was a dream come true for my gourmand mother, and the article goes into great detail about all the special functions and features that were incorporated into the design to suit her fancy chef needs.

Working on the story with the Meredith team and Toronto-based photographer Andreas Trauttmansdorf was an absolute pleasure from start to end. My mom and I totally bonded with the lovely Khristi Zimmeth, who produced and styled the shoot and fell in love with our many animules. Coordinating with senior design editor Amy Elbert on the story to get all the details down pat was a delight, and we are so thrilled with how the spread turned out.

Make sure you pick up the May issue on newsstands now to read all about the process my mom and Dee Dee went into when approaching the kitchen design and for some helpful tips you should take into consideration when working on your own kitchen reno.

(Photos by Andreas Trauttmansdorf via Traditional Home)

Wedding China and A Dream Dining Room

2011-04-08T10:20:00.000-04:00

Like Doris Duke in her music room and Tory Burch in her foyer before me, I too dream of hand painted Chinese wallpaper panels in my home. Specifically I have always dreamed of using them in my formal dining room, so of course now that I am in bridal registry mode, I turned to my dream decor scheme in order to put together my formal table.

Unlike so many of my fellow young brides who rarely stray from silver or platinum, I wanted to choose a china pattern that had gold tones to complement the warmth of some of my favourite decorative elements: gilding, ormolu and crystal. (Who doesn't picture a divine crystal chandelier in their dining room, and wouldn’t this Lobmeyr version be fabulous!)

When looking at some of my favourite Gracie wallpaper designs, I am always drawn to the soothing pale blue tones I see. Blue is such a universal and timeless colour, so I was not scared to explore that as an accent hue for my formal wedding china.

After doing some online research and fawning over the table setting I saw at Neiman’s, I was pleased to discover that William Ashley carried Bernardaud’s Elysee pattern, a design that provided me with both a soothing colour and gold elements. The traditional motif features a wash of a stunning shade of blue with an 18-karat yellow gold palm border and dates back to 1832. I love it because it is so dainty and pretty while still having the grounding of a more masculine grounding colour you’d see in a man’s suit or tie.

I also fell for the coordinating charger, with its simple bands of gold framing the pure blue pigment. To tease out the blue from the table setting, I would use Stark’s blue greek key broadloom to cut the perfect size area rug. An elegant antique trumeau mirror would complement the old world appeal of the china and add soft reflectivity. To add to the lustre of my fantasy dining room, I would use Philip Jeffrie’s gold leaf paper as an accent on the ceiling, perhaps within the coffers because my fantasy dining room wouldn’t skimp on those types of architectural details…

Marlie’s Apartment Update: Art Explosion and Accessory Shopping

2011-04-04T22:21:00.000-04:00

We have hit the final stretch now at Marlie’s apartment after a few long months of planning, sourcing and shopping up a storm. Long gone are the puke green walls and orange-tinged wood laminate flooring – now a beautiful rich brown bamboo floor has been laid and the walls are coated in a warm creamy tone. I’d be remiss to not point out that killer accent wall in her office nook too! (I faint over the fact that I finally got to use a Cole and Son Fornasetti wallpaper!) Most of the furniture is installed and now it’s time for the finishing touches that will make her house a home.

An eclectic mix of original art from local talent, such as Tony Taylor and Mike Brown, along with some fabulous posters and prints sourced on ebay, PI Fine Art and other sources have been custom framed and are ready to go.

Sourcing accessories has been lots of fun - this past weekend we picked up the crystal pineapple (who we have named Antonio because it is being used as part of the set decor for an Antonio Banderas movie shooting this week in the city) and tangerine splatter urns from Decorum Decorative Finds. We also scooped up these sharp white plastic pears and apples from L’Atelier to use as part of a centerpiece for her dining table.

I’m excited to show you some more snapshots as the project finishes up!

Losing Our Lamby

2011-03-30T22:21:00.000-04:00

Today we bid our beloved Leya farewell after almost 11 great years together. She was such a good girl…

Apartment Sneak Peak Revealed!

2011-03-28T13:04:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to share with you the first official photo of my apartment, as featured in...STYLE AT HOME!

Yes, after almost a year of living in our humble abode, I can finally share a photo and announce that it is being published in Style At Home, an amazing Canadian magazine that I have long admired and am thrilled and honoured to be included in! With the talented team of Stacey Brandford behind the lens and senior design editor extraordinaire Margot Austin at the helm, the shoot was a total blast and I cannot wait to see the rest of the gorgeous photos in print.

The photo can be currently seen in the back of the new May issue and Edie and Lucille are so pleased that they made the cut! You'll be able to see the whole spread on May 9th when the June issue arrives so make sure you're a subscriber (if you aren't already in which case you should be!) or that you have a date with your local news stand.

So what do you think?

Ready For Spring

2011-03-15T23:06:00.000-04:00

This image from Designer’s Guild is mimicking the fresh energy of spring that I’m feeling since we’ve gained one more hour of daylight. It would be nice if the temperature would cooperate too, but at least we’re one step closer in the right direction.

Some other images to get you in a springy mood:

Tulips photo taken by me, Rag and Bone Monterrey shirtdress via shopbop, nadege pastries via Toronto Life, Miu Miu Crystal-embellished matelassé leather bag via Net-a-porter

Stacey Brandford Photography

2011-03-08T23:01:00.001-05:00

I had the pleasure of watching Stacey Brandford in action when he photographed my apartment for the upcoming magazine feature that I’ll be able to share with you soon. I was quite excited knowing he would be capturing my little ol’ space because he has been at the helm of so many great shoots I have admired in both Style At Home and House and Home. Besides being absolutely pleasant and professional – Stacey had such great synergy with the editor, which made for a fabulous and fast shoot day and good times for all!

Here are some of my favourite photos from his portfolio – hard to believe his shots of my own apartment will be joining their ranks soon!

(All images via staceybrandford.com)

Cotton Candy Clouds on Canvas

2011-03-01T22:12:00.000-05:00

Last year I was introduced to the awe-inspiring paintings of Will Cotton and months later looking at them still leaves me breathless. The American artist studied in France and New York and combines his love of baking and sweets with his craft to create each of his luscious pieces. All of his work is delicious but it is the pastel pink cotton candy clouds mixed with feminine flesh and the playful ribbon stripe crowns that make me smile the most.

PS- Does Miss Katy Perry look familiar? Cotton collaborated with the pop star for her most recent album cover! You can even watch a video of their work together here.

(all images via willcotton.com)

Sigh…

2011-02-26T22:56:00.000-05:00

Utterly lovely and totally fantastical from BHLDN

Mostly Modern in Miami

2011-02-26T22:34:00.000-05:00

Who knew our condo in Miami was a hop, skip and jump away from such a fabulous block of vintage shops? I finally ventured to NE 125th to explore some of the boutiques I had seen listed and lusted over on 1st Dibs but unfortunately not all of them were open (a lot of the shops on the block tend to keep atypical hours – many owners live nearby and have phone numbers on their doors to call so they can come open up for you but I was in too much of a rush to wait). The handful that I did get to explore made quite the impression with their merchandise, reasonable pricing and friendly staff so I am excited to return on my next trip.

One of my favourites was Mostly Modern, with its funky mid century mod pieces at extremely affordable price points.

I had to resist the urge to snap up this Fornasetti ashtray with its black white and gold colouring and architectural arches on the apron.

This turquoise and white bedroom set would be so fabulous with a glam white patent upholstered tufted headboard – so over the top and delicious!

This side table reminds me so much of the brass and smoked glass beauty I have in my own living room from Chair Table Lamp.

Like a glass of fresh squeezed Florida OJ, this bedroom set promises a pleasant wake up! I love how the traditional Chippendale lines are totally amped up with the orange lacquer!

This vintage pottery collection reminded me so much of Jonathan Adler. Apparently I was right on tune because the owner informed me that Jonathan and Simon had stopped by previously and swooned over it!

The shop had a great collection of black and white jasperware from Wedgewood. How great is the brass column lamp!

I am still lingering over the great original C. Jere wall sculptures that were displayed. The townhouse with its cafe chairs and umbrella in front may need to be transplanted to my wall!

Craigslist Console

2011-02-23T22:16:00.000-05:00

A lot of stuff you see listed on c-list is drek, but my consistent efforts to troll the site for decor gold was reassured when I saw this fabulousness:

This mirrored console is 80s glam in a Kelly Wearstler way. I love how its facets step back outwards – reminds me of a New York skyscraper.

If I was working on a foyer right now for an adventurous client, I’d snap up the console, top it with two tall cloisonné vases and a fabulous vintage print, flank it with two show stopping chairs, upholster the walls in a shimmering grasscloth and lay down a greek key runner for instant drama and fun! The finishing touch would be an iconic Hermes ashtray to use as catchall for keys. Who wants to sign up?

Laid Back L.A. Chic

2011-02-20T18:06:00.000-05:00

For our speedy trip to L.A. last weekend, we spent our first night at the home of our good family friends and Canadian expats who live in a lovely neighbourhood by UCLA. The house is the epitome of laid back California chic, with quirky hits of colour, preloved antiques, tastes of mid century mod and vintage charm to spare!

Here are some of my favourite spaces within the cozy home:

A vintage poster, lush orchids and one of many pieces of art depicting the family’s love of dachshunds artfully displayed on on a shield back chair immediately greets you at the door.

The living room has a host of delightful surprises, such as a mix of caned back chairs with teal track arm sofas, bursts of orange upholstered accents and a collection of cameos juxtaposed with a mod leaning mirror.

The kitchen’s mix of carrera marble and butcher block countertop, warm cream cabinetry, antiqued cup pulls, imported French tiled-floor, pastoral tiled backsplash above the range, farmhouse table and shield back chairs was utter heaven for my sister Marlie and perfectly practical for Oscar.

The powder room’s beadboard walls are painted barn red and totally make the pale French blue gilded Trumeau mirror pop!

The family room’s blend of weathered antiques and comfy seating means you can really put up your feet and relax in the eclectic space. I love the collection of blue and white plates hung on the wall, the bead board wainscoting and framed American flag.

The dining room mixes deco, mod and French provincial with contemporary black and white photography in a diverse space that still feels warm and cohesive.

One of the most personable elements of the house is the gallery wall of treasured photographs of family and friends which are hung from floor to ceiling along the hallway of the second floor. It’s hard not to stop and look at each one and see how their amazing family has grown up over the years!

This is the sunny and oh so comfortable bedroom we stayed in. The pale turquoise headboards are detailed with a ruched border and contrast piping and they really pop against the earthy coral walls.

Last but not least, one of the stone outdoor terraces is a great spot to sit with your morning coffee and was especially welcome to Marlie and I after leaving minus 12 degree weather in Toronto!

Thanks again to Donna and Todd for being consummate hosts and for giving us an amazing few days in LA. (and shout out to Gilly!)

La La Land

2011-02-16T23:25:00.000-05:00

I am feeling super dazed and jet lagged after my bizarre yet awesome foray to LA for the Grammy's – the result of a silent auction package benefitting charity that was so kindly gifted to my sister and I. I have some great pictures to post of the eclectic and warm home we stayed at for a night, but until my brain returns to normal, I will instead share some random highlights of the trip.

The grammy’s of course were cool to attend, but our less than stellar seats meant you probably saw more sitting at home on your couch than we did way up in the rafters of the Staples Centre. The sound was still great though and it was very cool to see so many varied names in music under one roof (and so many Canadians!) It was even more amusing to see so many people dressed up in satin gowns climbing the steep concrete stairs of the Staples Centre in their high heels. It’s a miracle no one broke their neck!

A post-grammy dinner of steak tartar and mac and cheese at Boa was quite tasty - and it turned into quite the scene when barricades of paparazzi started to catch celebs like Drake, Elton John and Jamie Foxx coming in for a bite.

The night continued to turn around when we walked across the street to Trousdale, where the always amazing Kings of Leon were hosting a crazy after party, which apparently was the best of the bunch, a little rowdy with more than one person being escorted out, and had a host of random guests from glee guys to glam American idols drinking and dancing up a storm in one furious bunch. I have to agree with all of the above that’s been written about the epic night - in fact I agree so much that I couldn’t get out of bed and missed a day’s worth of shopping and exploring because it was just too much fun. Oops!

I promise more normal decor posts later on in the week once my head adjusts…

(image of arcade fire via grammy.com, mac and cheese via amber eats LA, Followill boys via Just Jared )

Wondering What To Do This February 14th?

2011-02-07T20:43:00.000-05:00

With only a week to go, here are some ways you can plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year:

Channel your elementary school days - but with a naughty twist - by handing out obnoxious valentines courtesy of someecards.

Make a difference while simultaneously treating a loved one! Save a Child's Heart has partnered with Zelcovia Cookies so when you enter the Coupon Code "heart4you" you receive a 10% discount on your purchase which is then designated back to the life-saving charity.

If you’re looking for love, you could gather your fellow singleton’s in the kitchen for a laid back dinner party and make “You Won’t Be Single For Long Vodka Cream Pasta” courtesy of Smitten Kitchen

Do yourself a favour and fight the urge to snack on crappy drugstore candy bars, and treat yourself instead to a tasty indulgence instead which has now been proven to be the next superfood when it comes to polyphenols and flavanols: dark chocolate! Bake up some treats using Hershey’s Cocoa, which is non-alkalized and therefore retains more nutrients.

Brighten your coworkers’ days with little cutie pie wrapped bags of red, white and pink candies, as seen in this gorgeous photo by Gemmaa Comas.

Pearls For My Girls

2011-02-07T00:31:00.000-05:00

I am very lucky to have an amazing group of close girlfriends and family to call my bridesmaids. I was stumped trying to imagine a clever way to ask them to stand next to me on my special day, so I decided to combine the bridesmaid gift with “the ask”…

The result is a riff on Lu Lu Guiness’s mantra, “Put on Your Pearls Girls” which alluded to their present: a vintage pearl necklace which they will each don the day of the wedding.

I handmade the cards, using an archival image of Jackie O’s bridal party that I found online showing her maids all in pearls too! (not that I’m Jackie-O material but it doesn’t hurt to try and channel her class act on this important occasion). I used my trusty doily-lace scallop-edge punch from Martha for the top detail and finished it off with a single ivory bloom sticker with a pearl pistil. I wrapped the boxes in black and white tissue and a hand-tied ballet pink satin bow completed it all perfectly (could this be a clue to my colours perhaps…)

More wedding posts will be coming up so keep reading if you’re feeling bridally-inclined!

Snapshots from IDS 11

2011-02-02T10:59:00.000-05:00

The adventurer atmosphere of Atelier 688

The gorgeous blooming wallpapers from Graham and Brown

The chic cottage vibe of the textiles from Manor12

The unexpected plaid woven into Sung outdoor furniture

The rustic and raw look of Bunnet Live Edge Furniture

The colourful comic book chandelier from Eurolite

My favourite dream Missoni china at John Paul and Co

The second life Union Jack rugs from ELTE, which I had never seen before and now may be a more attainable purchase then the Rug Company’s version…

The amazing side tables and hits of gold at Snob

The luscious colour and fanciful illustrations at Style at Home

UpCountry’s industrial glam tablsescape

Laure de Mazieres in Miami

2011-01-30T01:49:00.001-05:00

Laure de Mazieres is one of those furniture showrooms that you feel like you could move right into.

With perfectly styled roomsets within the Miami showroom comprised of the gorgeous furniture from lines such as Ralph Lauren and Roberto Cavalli, it’s not hard to get inspired after visiting.

From swanky urban to beachy traditional there is a great cross-section of styles to suit Miami’s equally varied clientele.

Here are some of my favourite pieces:

This upholstered klismos-esque side chair has such fabulous curves and a great colour-block look.

This chair plays with exaggerated proportions and materiality – I love how the lacquered frame and brass nailheads interplay with the matte fabric.

These hurricane candleholders are clean and classic looking- could be a perfect addition to our balcony…

This four-poster bed with its nickel posts and silk tufting is DRAMA! It sure turns that old wood version you’ve seen on its head!

This chandelier simultaneously reminds me of bubbles and pearls! I love the classic shape reinterpreted in a more playful material

These cutie-pie black leather footstools with shiny chrome legs are adorable and would look right at home in front of a fireplace

This Ralph Lauren bar cart is perfection – love the metal tubing and wood lower shelf. It would look amazing in a bachelor pad!

These gold scorpions (not lobsters as I originally misidentified) are wonderfully odd and would look just right on top of a stack of coffee table books

Every inch of the back, arms and seat of this creamy leather sofa is tufted-- tailoured opulence at its best!

This short and stout lamp screams deco and I love the over-scaled shade and clever switching on the base

Cake Opera Co: A Symphony of Sweets

2011-01-23T22:32:00.000-05:00

One of my absolute favourite booths at The Wedding Show last weekend came courtesy of local pastry genius’s The Cake Opera Co. I had scoped out the website very briefly prior to the show after reading in one of the tabloids that they created the cake for Nicole Richie and Joel Madden, but I still was awe-struck after seeing the creations live and in person at the show. Not only were they gorgeous, but they had an eccentric couture twist to the designs that I hadn’t seen from the other cake bakers at the show.

After sampling the incredible red velvet cake and meeting Alexandria and Jessica, the dynamic duo behind Cake Opera Co., I proceeded to spend an inordinate amount of time on their website ogling all the literal goodies!

From the first image of a graffiti’d Marie Antoinette that greets you on the homepage, to all the detail shots of their desserts, it was hard to pick my favourites! Check out these unbelievable works of art:

Not just one-trick ponies, Cake Opera Co. go way beyond the confines of cake:

Butter cookies, cupcakes, croquemboche, meringues, macaroon towers and marshmallows are just some of the other tasty and gorgeous treats they can customize to perfection!

Cake Opera Co. will combine any number of their fanciful desserts into operetta tables to complement the theme of your event – it’s edible set design! Check out their retail storefront and concept studio at 1136 Eglinton Avenue West to see (and taste!) for yourself.

Pretty Hits of Peachy Pink

2011-01-20T13:41:00.000-05:00

There is something so warm and appealing about soft shades of peach, pale pink and apricot. Whether used sparingly to add a pop of colour in an interior, or donned in the form of an unabashed poufy party dress, it is such a feminine and inviting hue.

Here are some delectable tastes:

photos via akris, desire to inspire, gemma comas, elle decor, emici bridal, elle decor, zatista, cake opera co

Jalan Jalan

2011-01-18T21:34:00.000-05:00

Ever since hanging out in this stunning Miami condo, I was very eager to check out Jalan Jalan, a local boutique in the design district who provided a lot of the furnishings and design services for the space.

Jalan Jalan is where Buddha meets the beach; relaxed yet streamlined furniture, plenty of shells and driftwod, exotic art and accessories; all these varying factors come together in this well-edited and beautifully styled showroom.

While I am not personally so into the eastern vibe, I found tons of gorgeous furniture, lighting and accessories that I would easily call my own from lines I adore, such as Oly Studio and Lee Industries.

I love how all the natural materials, such as petrified wood and shell are glamified, either by being installed on a shiny metal base or they are literally reinterpreted and cast in shimmering bronze, such as the base of this gorgeous table.

The driftwood lamps by bleu nature are especially soothing yet sculptural with their laid back Malibu vibe.

Here are some of my favourite pieces I spotted:

These oversized porcelain lamps are an amazing way to play with scale and would look fabulous on a console in a rand foyer.

This bar cart is sharp and funky with its lucite bars and stitched leather top.

The petrified wood side table is amped up with its polished chrome x-base. I love how its prehistoric on top and modernon the bottom.

I obviously adore the zebra hide pillows and black tufted chesterfield, but I also am crushing on the black and white square Moroccan poufs! They just beg you for a lounge session!

This classic pedestal table and its elegant turned base are elevated to a new level in marble.

The silver and horn handle tray is a striking spot to park some martini glasses.

The Lee Industries chair is so sharp in black leather and polished nailheads.

I’m in love with these stella shelving units from Oly Studio- the wood shelves and antiqued metal frame are a fabulous contrast!

Janus et Cie in Miami

2011-01-16T22:04:00.000-05:00

One showroom that was a must to visit during my quick and dirty jaunt to the Miami Design District was Janus et Cie.

Beautiful outdoor furniture that is impeccable crafted and detailed isn’t easy to find, so when a high end project comes along that requires al fresco decor, one of my first stops is Janus et Cie.

My favourite collection is the Azimuth, which is so crisp and classy in the white vermouth finish. It is clean lined but still has enough character to blend in with more traditional decor as well.

The Forest side chair is quite the stunner in this coral red hue. These would make an unbelievable foil for a white lacquer dining table in a mod home…

The infamous faux-bois collections is so ethereal and unique – like a fairytale in your own backyard!

I was totally impressed with the showroom’s collection of accessories, which were all so fun and different!

The Grecian pitcher and tray are so graphic and would lend a cultural kind of feeling to a vignette.

These silver barnacle sculptures would look divine in an outdoor tablescape by the sea.

These porcelain mini flowerpots are great to look at, but also fun to feel, thanks to their mix of the polished finish on the rim and matte on the base.

And here are some parting shots of the balcony of my family’s vacation pad in Miami where we recently had our own Azimuth suite delivered. We chose a pale aqua fabric for the cushions to match the building’s exterior glass. I can’t tell you how comfortable and gorgeous the pieces are! Next stop are some accessories to complete the new look!

The Rug Company in Miami

2011-01-13T20:13:00.000-05:00

Everyone knows The Rug Company – how can you not considering the brand’s drool-inducing catalogue with its impeccably deigned roomsets… Even though I kind of know the catalogue by heart, I still find myself drifting into one of their showrooms whenever I get the chance and the Miami Design District location is no different.

Not to be outdone by the piles of rugs you can peruse with their enigmatic colours and patterns, the cushions are drool- worthy too– I find Vivienne Westwood’s and Tara Bernerd’s to be especially divine!

Of course the infamous LOVE wall hanging is also another reason to stop in and see the beautiful handmade works of art in person.

All the showstoppers are there to see and feel in the flesh; witness Paul Smith’s infamous swirl and the gorgeous yet slightly askew Papillon by Tara Bernerd..

One rug which was great to see in person was Peony by Helen Ann Murray- the texture is divine and you can’t truly appreciate the motif until you see it in its three-dimensional glory.

Highlights of the McQueen collection are everywhere, including the awe-inducing gold and black rug with its chinoiserie feel and the signature needlepointed skull cushions.

Now if only I could find room in my apartment (and in my pocketbook) for this, this, and this..

Miami Design District Highlights

2011-01-10T01:19:00.000-05:00

As planned, I made my inaugural visit to the Miami Design District while I was on vacay. I had a pathetic 2 hours to try and squeeze it all in, but of course I missed tons so I am planning a return next visit ASAP for my next trip!

Not just for the trade, the design district boasts gourmet dining destinations and high-end fashion boutiques that draw a regular crowd of non-design professionals. I will share some more in-depth looks at a few specific showrooms later this week, but to kick off my adventures, here are some brief highlights:

The trompe l’oeil backdrop of the Maison Martin Margiela store.

The candy coloured furniture, rugs and cushions at Missoni Home.

The to-die-for black and white stripe étagère displaying lovely white china at Tomas Maier.

The spotted fur throw at Raul Carrasco

The delectable antipasto feast my mother and I attempted to tackle at Fratelli Lyon (4 layers: cheese, meat, vegetables, and seafood…utter heaven!)

The King’s Speech

2011-01-06T22:25:00.000-05:00

You must see this movie! It’s such a great story and is extremely well acted. Bonus for decor nerds like me: all the fabulous patterned wallpaper- especially in the homes belonging to Lionel- makes for awesome eye candy (as do the Wedgewood jasperware plaques on the walls of the Duke of York’s home). It took a lot of strength to not pull out my camera and start discreetly snapping flash-free photos of the sets!

Prettiest Party Dress and More at Valentino

2011-01-02T16:59:00.001-05:00

The Valentino boutique in Bal Harbour has officially SLAYED me with it’s gorgeousness. The soft hues of blush, layers of lace and occasional zing of punky studs are too much to handle!

Unfortunately I cannot find all the drop-dead items online, but here are two of my faves:

One Shoulder Lace Dress and Jeweled Peep Toe d'Orsay Pump – both with super feminine detailing and plenty of sizzle to boot!

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T16:50:00.000-05:00

Tonight I will be ringing in 2011 with fireworks and champagne on Ocean Drive (after a predrink of homemade margaritas of course)

As this crazy year closes and I look to 2011, I can’t help but smile about all the good things to come. It is going to be a BIG year for me – the wedding, having my design work published for the first time in a national magazine – it should be quite the ride!

May 2011 bring you all the health and happiness in the world!

photo by brian henn

Cozy Plaid

2010-12-27T18:38:00.000-05:00

Tried this J Crew top on the other day and was desperate to make it an “in-public- worthy-look” by belting it over leggings so I could enjoy its snuggle-ness 24/7, but it still looked way too pyjama-esque…same with a pair of plaid pants that managed to look normal on the salesgirl but would make me look like I was sleep-walking down yonge street if I was to attempt them. Guess I will just stick with my trusted and true vintage plaid shirts from Kensington!

André Monet’s Ladies

2010-12-23T17:59:00.000-05:00

I walked into The Opera Gallery at the Bal Harbour shops and fell in love with the mixed media portraits of pop culture icons by André Monet. I was delighted to discover the artist is a fellow Canuck and that he is also represented by a Canadian gallery in the artist’ native Montreal. The bits and bites of newspaper type, crossword puzzles and maps layered with the timeless images would make more fabulous foils in a traditional interior.

While he portrays many fabulous icons, my favourite pieces by (the other) Monet are the black and white ladies:

Beachy Keen

2010-12-20T23:27:00.000-05:00

I’m pleased to report that I am tucked away in our lovely Miami beach pad in beautiful Bal Harbour. The weather is good- not fabulous- but either way it is far more pleasant than dealing with blizzards and scraping ice off my windshield!

I plan on incorporating some decor missions into my time off, so stay tuned for some recaps of my visits to the vintage shops in North Miami, the design district, and perhaps even some Palm Beach antiquing!

(image via gemma comas)

Gift Guide: For The Girl Who Has Everything

2010-12-15T12:51:00.000-05:00

This list is conveniently being posted the day after my birthday… just kidding! Well not about the birthday part, but really this this list is pretty much compiled of luxuries that no one in their right mind would ever actually need – they’re just lovely things that would make even the most jaded girl smile:

Lanvin Silk-satin travel kit, $490

Smythson Magenta iPad sleeve, $460

Tara Bernard Tattoo Union for The Rug Company, $589

L’Objet Black Dragon Bowl, $550

Prada Paillettes Continental Wallet, $555

Oprah’s Favorite Cashmere Cable Throw in Black, $595

Fornasetti New York Times Tray, $170.00

Tory Burch Starburst Wreath Necklace, $350

Did You Hear That?

2010-12-13T21:49:00.000-05:00

wedding bells are ringing in jessica claire’s world!

I received this awesome card along with some stunning flower arrangements, festive balloons, sweet macaroons and more from my amazing family and friends in celebration of my engagement to my roomie and love of my life, Dave.

He proposed with my maternal grandmother’s stone, which I had reset in a classic solitaire setting. I love that I’m the third generation to wear it and look forward to passing it down to my grandchildren when it’s their turn to get hitched.

As 2011 nears and this rollercoaster of a year comes to a close, I can’t wait to start planning an elegant affair and sharing some of the details with you. I’m in serious need of inspiration, so let me know what your favourite wedding blogs are in the comments!

xoxo

bride-to-be

Gift Guide: $100 and Under

2010-11-29T22:31:00.000-05:00

This gift guide is slightly random -- what ties the ideas together are fun and festive items that make great little luxuries that someone wouldn't buy themselves, but at an attainable price for you! Unusual candles to cast a soft glow on a winter night, a glittery purse to take to your office holiday party, comfy PJs to lounge around in…take your pick!

Cire Trudon Marie Antoinette Bust Candle, $85

Bobbi Brown Sultry Eye Palette, $55

Pins and Needles Trapper Hat, $34

Aromachology’s Custom Candle Collection, $50

J Crew vintage pyjama set, $69.50

GAP’s Mini-Sequin Purse $39.50

Pacific Connections Mondrian Tray, $95.00

Bodum Hot Chocolate Jug, $39.99

Penguin Hardback Classics Set of F. Scott Fitzgerald Novels, Starting at $23 each

Jonathan Adler Lacquered Playing Card Set, $68

Gift Guide: For The Gourmand

2010-11-25T21:18:00.000-05:00

The holidays are officially approaching, and with a month until Christmas, I figured I’d get started on my gift guides. First up is a shortlist for your foodie friends who enjoy entertaining and good’ old fashioned eatin’:

William Sonoma Six Months of Cheese, $339.95

Midas Collection of Glassware, $25-$70

Fauchon Taste of Paris Gift Box, $120

Le Creuset Dune Cookware Set, $349.95

David’s Tea Simply Irresistible Gift Box, $25

Japanese-Flavour Infused Macaroons from La Bamboche (Umi and Sake, Roasted Yam and Uzu)

Saving Grace’s Savoury French Toast

2010-11-23T11:23:00.000-05:00

A couple of my girlfriends and I are some of the more adventurous foodies of our bunch, so every few weeks we have been making a point to try out brunch spots around the city that are new to at least one of us.

This weekend we picked Saving Grace, a cozy restaurant in the Bathurst and Dundas area (which is also home to the buzzed about Hoof Cafe) After waiting outside on the twin park benches for 20 minutes, our trio was seated in a corner nook. (NOTE: seating capacity is not exactly generous so don’t choose Saving Grace for a big get together with your girls!)

I was totally overwhelmed by both the regular menu’s choices and the daily specials on the blackboard – everything looked so delish and different! To solve the dilemma, my girlfriends and I ordered one extra dish to split amongst us in order to taste as much as possible.

I ordered a tasty mochaccino which was just the right amount of sweet and a perfect start to our meal, and picked the poached eggs with rapini, tomatoes and pancetta as my main.

As our group selection, we went with savoury french toast with gruyere, caramelized apples and roasted red onions, which was my favourite! The buttery bread and combo of salty cheese and sweet apples was divine!

Check it out for yourself at Saving Grace at 907 Dundas St West.

Lazy Sunday

2010-11-21T01:06:00.000-05:00

This Sunday I am going to lay low and chill after a few weeks of non-stop action. Nothing sounds more appealing than stretching out on cozy white bedding and taking it easy with a mug of soothing white tea in hand.

Happy Relaxing!

from the top: IKEA +365 mug, Anthropologie Cirruss Bedding, white loose leaf tea, Beverly Owens Fun In The Sun

Winter Salad: Arugula and Bresaola

2010-11-14T23:28:00.000-05:00

If you’re into Italian and are looking for a new dish perfect for our increasingly chillier nights, try an arugula and bresaola salad. This hearty salad composed of salty air-cured beef and peppery arugula is a refreshing alternative to the more popular prosciutto, and takes just minutes to prepare.

You can find bresaola in vacuum-sealed packages at Italian markets and high-end grocers. Serve the salad with crusty bread grilled with olive oil and olives for a lighter meal that is satisfying and delicious!

Arugula and Bresaola Salad

1 package of bresaola (roughly 8-10 small slices)
shards of parmigiano regiano
a few handfuls of arugula, washed and dried
wedges of lemon
good quality extra virgin olive oil
fresh ground pepper
1/4 cup of basil chiffonade
balsamic glaze (optional)

Spread the arugla on a platter and lay the slices of bresaola evenly over top
Sprinkle shards of parmigiano and basil chiffonade
Drizzle olive oil sparingly and squeeze some of the lemon wedges
Dollop balsamic glaze on top if you desire to add a hit of tart sweetness

Tea Party Time

2010-11-11T00:34:00.000-05:00

In the midst of tackling a massive project for school that has left me dealing with 4am bedtimes for one too many nights, I squeezed in a ladies tea party for my boyfriend’s lovely grandmothers, mother and sister and my own momma at our apartment.

I called the tea for mid afternoon and as such, went with a sweet tea, instead of going all out with scones, sandwiches and clotted cream, which I adore but will leave to an occasion which I have more time to spend in the kitchen!

Keeping within my apartment’s scheme of black, white and gold, I set the table with a black ribbed tablecloth and my gold chilewich runner and used a mix of my Marcel Wanders for Target gold appetizer plates, pink tea cups and saucers from my mother’s collection, and a funky vintage squiggle tea pot and copper-plated platters I inherited from my grandmother.

Instead of using traditional place cards, I set a camellia-shaped sugar cookie embellished with the guest’s initials in gold dragees at each setting. They turned out so well and doubled as a treat that they took home to snack on later.

Scrumptious sweets served on cute patterned doilies from Teatro Verde were almost too pretty to eat! Macaroons from MoRoCo and jam-cookies and mini-pastries from Pusateri’s were divinely delicious! We had a great time and I definitely plan on throwing more tea parties in the future!

Marlie’s Apartment: Progress Report

2010-11-01T22:47:00.001-04:00

My sister Marlie and I have been busy bee’s scouring the city for fabric, furniture and art for her new apartment. We settled on a fresh scheme of bright neutrals with tons of texture and pops of pink and orange to add some feminine flair.

So far we have purchased an off-white comfy sectional and shag rug for her living room from ELTE, a pretty venetian mirror for her powder room, and an awesome reproduction of the vintage Lolita film poster. Other items we have our eye on include some toss cushions fabrics by Manuel Canovas, a burnt orange vinyl for a custom tufted ottoman, as well as the Suffolk Setee by Crate and Barrel…

Bloody Bachelorette Party

2010-11-01T00:18:00.000-04:00

As Halloween 2010 comes to a close, I thought I’d post some photos of the “bloody bachelorette party” my girlfriends and I threw for our bestie who is getting married in a few weeks.

We donned some ghastly bruises and fake blood with our special custom T-shirts to form a spooky bridal party. The guest of honour looked super fab as a gothic bride and we had a great time fete’ing her last days a single gal.

Plenty of ghoulish treats were served, such as my infamous sugar cookies that I customized with the bridge and groom’s initials, along with some bloody cosmo’s and orange jello shots to get our night on the town started off right!

Happy Halloween!

Provincetown Shopping: Yates and Kennedy

2010-10-25T22:43:00.000-04:00

I’ve been bad not posting about all the awesome shops I explored while in New England in the summer. One place that would be a shame to keep to myself is Yates and Kennedy in Provincetown.

A series of show stopping vignettes displayed against playful patterned wallpaper hold a collection of well- edited accessories in mainly neutral palettes, which makes it easy for the customer to imagine incorporating into their own space.

There is a masculine edge to the designs, with some glam thrown in for good fun. A nautical theme runs through a lot of the merchandise, which plays to the town’s seaside locale.

A fabulous collection of limited edition T shirts with nautical themes were so soft and cozy – I picked one up for my dad.

Here are some of my favourite picks from Yates and Kennedy:

Marseilles door stop, $44

Mermaid box, $26

white vase with flower appliqués, $42

framed cameo, $28

Cargo Ship Silhouette, $48

Pirate thank you notes, $22

Pacific Connections black and white lacquered square tray, $118

Feeling Fall

2010-10-21T00:16:00.000-04:00

Inspired by the Autumnal palette of designers Dick Ridge and Rod Denault’s New York apartment, here are some easy ways to incorporate the cozy feeling of Fall into your home:

Try adding texture to your floors, sofas and tabletops with a crewel rug in shades of rich red and orange, cable knit toss cushions in camel and ivory and pheasant-feather placemats:

You can also channel the sights and smells of the season with pumpkins and leaves galore! Try retro-feeling canisters, delicious scented candles, carved centrepieces and more!

Top Clockwise: WS Home Suzani Crewel Rug, Ralph Lauren Cashmere Cable Throw Pillow, Pheasant Feather Placemats

Bottom Clockwise: Aunt Sadie’s Pumpkin Pie Candle, William Sonoma Pumpkin Canisters, West Elm Autumn Leaves Dessert Plates, Pottery Barn Carved Wood Pumpkin

(top image from New York Social Diary by Jeff Hirsch)

Celerie Kemble’s Fairytale View

2010-10-17T22:22:00.000-04:00

One of my favourite spaces from the latest edition of Lonny is Celerie Kemble’s beautiful rooftop escape overlooking Central Park. Her usual MO of mixing classic themes with whimsy and bright colours is executed perfectly with the faux bois benches, bright yellow bistro chairs, and stone planters.

To get Celerie’s modern-day fairytale outdoor decor, try layering tons of lush greenery with the faux bois collection from Janus et Cie, yellow bistro chair by Conran USA, and Greenwhich urn by Restoration Hardware:

(photos of celerie kemble’s abode via Lonny)

Exciting New Project!

2010-10-15T10:11:00.000-04:00

My sister is moving into her own place, so that means another no-holds barre decorating project is on the horizon!

With a list of obsessions that includes Iris's cottage from The Holiday, flamingos and shabby chic -- it is going to be a very fun and eclectic project!

I'll be posting about our sisterly decorating adventures, so stay tuned to see how we turn the dated-looking interior above into a chic and cozy abode for a young twenty-something.

The Chicest Winter Coat You’ll Ever Meet: Erin Kleinberg X Johnny Yiu

2010-10-11T18:04:00.000-04:00

Those of us living in Northern climates are well aware of the challenge of finding a warm winter coat that doesn’t resemble either a puffy garbage bag or an arctic explorer’s jacket. One label I have turned to in the past for stylish options is Canadian company Johnny Yiu - so when I heard that one of Toronto’s rising fashion stars Erin Kleinberg was teaming up with the outerwear company for a new collection of edgy outerwear, I was jumping at the chance to see what their collaboration would yield.

The result is the practicality and craftsmanship of Johnny Yiu’s water-repellent nylon shell and ethically collected goose-down filling, spiced up with Kleinberg’s signature of-the-moment detailing, such as quilted patches, military-style buttons, zippers and more.

My favourite is the Magdalena Parka with its blend of luxe quilted patches, punky horizontal zippers and soft coyote fur trim hood. You can buy the Magdalena for $815 at Holt Renfrew, Saks.com and Canopy Blue.

(Campaign shot by Jake Rosenberg)

Design Library Wishlist

2010-10-07T21:27:00.000-04:00

There are some books out right now that I would love to be able to thumb through -- namely two that focus on the past history of star decorators, and one brand new tome that features a current designer whose work I adore: Mary McDonald:

Mary McDonald: Interiors: The Allure of Style

Billy Baldwin: The Great American Decorator

The Great Lady Decorators: The Women Who Defined Interior Design, 1870-1955

Even though I have no shortage of beautiful design books I plan on adding these to my library very soon!

Michael Partenio Photography

2010-10-04T22:42:00.000-04:00

Here is some interior eye candy courtesy of New England photographer Michael Partenio. I stumbled upon his beautiful work when I picked up some local decorating mags in Cape Cod and am loving his light and airy images:

(images from Michael Partenio)

Stylish Sectional (no this is not an oxymoron)

2010-10-01T16:42:00.000-04:00

Those of us in the biz know how hard it is to find a sectional that doesn't turn into a vacuous "L" sucking out every last ounce of style from the room. I do have some favourites I return to now and then that I have used for clients in the past that are sure-things, but I was super excited to finally come across a sectional that really stands out from the crowd.

The 4800 Sectional Series by Lee Industries has a fabulous tall tight back with a side profile akin to a modern rectilinear wing-back chair. It's nailhead detailing and tapered legs add a glam element to it as well.

I had suggested it to one of my clients for their family room last month but they passed because it didn't look comfortable enough, so you can imagine my delight when I went to visit ELTE's recently revamped showroom and saw it on the floor! Not only does it look super festive in real life, but it was soooo comfortable!Usually people shy away from tight backs thinking they won't be cozy, but the angle of repose, deep seat and lumbar cushions make it snug and stylish!

The affordable price is another bonus: $6,595 as shown from ELTE (not including the patterned toss cushions).

Tickling On Ivory

2010-09-27T23:07:00.000-04:00

I am loving these light and airy spaces– mainly due to the stunning white pianos in both schemes – how refreshing!

(top photo: Domino, bottom photo: Tim Clinch)

One-Day Freebie for Torontonians!

2010-09-23T08:55:00.000-04:00

Well, it's not totally free, but it's a heck of a good deal!

School Bakery and Cafe is one of my favourite spots for a yummy brunch in an innovative setting, and for today only, you can get 50% off a dinner!

Click here to get a $30 certificate for School for only $15!

When Your Eyes Are Bigger Than Your Stomach…

2010-09-20T23:27:00.000-04:00

You should look to the beautiful artwork of Soojin Kim, whose depictions of sweets look good enough to eat. When I visited the Tao Water Gallery in Provincetown, I couldn’t help but swoon over both the skill of the artist and the subject matter! The paintings are so lifelike that they could pass for photographs, but make no mistake, in person they are imbued with a depth and richness that only oil paintings can provide.

I would love to see a mini gallery wall of these cookie and cracker still life’s in a kitchen! (especially the teddy graham and goldfish- yummers!) The mix and match gold and wood framing adds to the off-beat feel of the series.

There is also the oreo series, with it’s more simplified black and white palette that may appeal to more subdued tastes.

My personal favourite though, is the large square of candy spilling out diagonally across the canvas – how perfect would this be for a mod children’s room or nursery! The colours are so luscious and bright. I’m more of a chocolate and chips kind of girl, but looking at this piece makes me want some rockets right now!

Check out Soojin Kim’s website for more scrumptious works of art.

Welcome rue!

2010-09-16T16:17:00.000-04:00

I have enjoyed browsing the premiere issue of rue magazine - an online publication catering to bloggers and designers alike! Cofounded by Crystal Gentilello and Anne Sage, I am totally feeling their many philosophies, including their motto that a glass of pink champagne makes a party and that friendships can be forged across continents based on a mutual lust of leopard print pillows (so agree!)

I am really impressed with the roster of talent that rue was able to gather for their debut, including my Hollywood regency role models Ron Woodson and Jaime Rummerfield and the ubiquitous Vincente Wolf.

Just like Lonny, the mag has tons of features and photos that you wouldn't normally get to see in a print magazine due to the lack of reliance of advertising revenue for the volume of printing. A wide of variety of design styles are showcased, with an emphasis on the quirky eclectic look so many loved from the pages of Domino.

Here are some of my favourite images from the premiere issue:

If you sign up on their mailing list you will be entered to win from free swag so head to ruemag.com now.

PS- a bonus feature on the website aptly titled extras, has playlists and video how-to's for additional online fun- good times!

(all photos from rue)

Fall Colours at the Figueras Home

2010-09-15T12:18:00.000-04:00

The Buenos Aires home of hottie Polo player and Ralph Lauren model Nacho Figueras is complementing my very Fall mood today.

The red leather tufted chesterfield, orange accents, dark woods, and liberal use of cowhide have that warm and soothing palette of autumn colours while feeling fresh and modern instead of tired and country.

(images from ELLE Decor)

TIFF: Black Swan Review

2010-09-14T16:14:00.000-04:00

Because of the new arrival of our kittens and the overlapping of the high holidays, I haven't been into TIFF too much this year. I did see one movie last night though- the highly anticipated Darren Aronofsky film: Black Swan which has serious oscar buzz.

Starring Natalie Portman as a principal ballerina struggling to embody the duality of the lead role in Swan Lake, the film had the theatre on the edge of its seats with its twisted psychological drama. Some parts were a little too trippy and graphic for me due to my queasiness, but the dance sequences and beautiful score helped soften those edges. Natalie was so thrilling to watch especially, and its clear how far she pushed herself physically to play this role. The final dance sequence was so visually stunning that it makes me want to don a tutu and put on some serious black make-up for Halloween this year!

I was so excited that Natalie was on hand with the rest of the cast to introduce the film. She looked so pretty with her soft waves, smokey eyes and frilly Jason Wu frock. I am dying for the black bow bracelet she had on!

Also at the premiere was Winona Ryder, who plays a washed-up former prima ballerina in the film. She looked very sweet with her vintage-looking black dress, pale skin and red lips. I grew up with so many of her movies, such as Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands so it was cool to see her in the flesh!

Make sure to check out the trailer here.

Presenting Lucille II and Little Edie!

2010-09-12T13:01:00.001-04:00

I am so excited to say that the boy and I are the proud new owners of two adorable kittens! We brought home Lucille II and Edith Bouvier Beale aka Little Edie this weekend and we are totally in love!

We’re both animal lovers, but with our busy schedules we knew dogs were out of the question, so we turned to the best cat breed there is: the sphynx! (like the amazing Ms. Miu)

Although they look odd, they have amazing gregarious personalities and are pretty much dogs in cat bodies. We chose to get a pair so that they won’t be lonely when we’re out and they have already adjusted so well to the apartment.

In honour of Lucille II and Little Edie’s arrival, I have compiled a list of famous sphynx owners who are also mad for their kitties:

Supermodel Behati Prinsloo has Gollum:

Tattoo maven Kat Von D has Ludwig:

Michael Kors has Viola:

GaGa popped a sphynx kitten into her Bad Romance video:

And we all know the one and only Mr. Biggelsworth!

(images via oh so coco, refinery29, apartment#412, nikas blog, ocsphynx)

Chic, Pretty and Affordable Instant Guest Room

2010-09-10T23:09:00.000-04:00

Inspired by Ballard Design’s awesome upholstery sale, I decided to play around with some of their soft furnishings and put together a guest room scheme that is equally chic and pretty as it is affordable.

I chose a soothing palette of pale aqua and cream with a few hits of faded chocolate and shiny gold to round out the soft yet sophisticated design.

Most of my favourite guest rooms start off with a pair of twin upholstered headboards with matching bed skirts. I fell in love with the beautiful upholstered quatrefoil headboard and took my cues for the rest of the scheme from its romantic cutout and polished nailhead detailing. The symmetrical look of pairs is continued with an x-bench at the end of each bed and a hexagonal mirror hung above each headboard. A single nightstand divides the two and is topped with a classic pale blue ceramic gourd lamp.

A muted oriental rug in the same tones grounds the space and an antique-looking chandelier provides ample light overhead. Patterned window panels add softness while repeating the fabric used on the x-benches. A petite secretary and luxurious upholstered vanity stool covered in the same linen as the headboard make for a perfect perch to write a letter or put on make-up.

All that for the price of $4,680! Considering I’ve had headboards made for clients that practically exceed that total cost just with the cost of labour and fabric, I think that’s a smashing deal!

Clockwise from the top left: Quatrefoil Twin Headboard in Linen Spa, $459.00 each and Ballard Custom 18" Ruffled Twin Bedskirt in Linen Spa, $309.00 each, Montserrat Chandelier in antique cream, $99, Marais Console Chest in Antique White, $599.00, Custom 96" Drapery Panel in Charlotte Floral Spa, $181 each, Catherine Rug 8x10, $599, Upholstered Swivel Stool in Linen Spa, $239.00, Anne Secretary in French White, $349.00, rosette mirror in aged gold, $149 each, Suzanne Kasler Gourd Table Lamp in Blue, $149.00, X-Bench in Charlotte Floral Spam, $225.0 each

The sale ends on Monday so click fast to take advantage!

Shana Tova!

2010-09-08T17:21:00.004-04:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

Try this precious Marth mini candy apple placecard idea at your yontef table.

(image by Martha Stewart Weddings via Inspired By This)

Reader Request: Dining Chair Dilemma

2010-09-03T12:32:00.000-04:00

I often get questions from readers asking where to find certain things I post about, for decorating help and even to purchase items (do I look like a store?), but one query from a reader was blog-worthy in itself due to my being deliriously jealous of her dilemma. Here it goes:

“I just picked up a Greek Key Mastercraft Dining Table on craigslist and wondered if you might have ideas on dining chairs that may work with it?” –C.J., Boston

What a lucky lady! Did I mention she only paid $200 for the beauty! After finding out C.J. loves Kelly Wearstler’s eclectic style and has other funky pieces, including a fabulous vintage bar cart, I got to work sourcing some dining chairs to complement her drool-worthy dining table.

My official design prescription for this decorating dilemma is to counteract the lighter feel of the brass and glass dining table by choosing a more solid parsons chair with glam detailing.

The woodhouse dining chair from Jonathan Adler has a cutaway silhouette at the top that gives the chair a feminine yet tailored feel. This added detail would really complement the regency-esque dining table.

The curved top of this SITA chair also has the simple parsons form but with that extra sinuous flair. It is a smaller scale piece and would be more delicate choice for a smaller space that may be overwhelmed by the tall back of the Woodhouse chair.

For fabric, a deep grey or taupe to complement the existing wall colour would be a nice neutral foil for the shiny brass frame. Choose something with texture, such as ribbing, so it doesn’t look too flat. If you're adventurous, choose a textured vinyl with a small scale animal print for added punch and easy cleaning. (Vinyls above are Brentano's Amazon in sidewinder, and Duralee's 15272 and 15244 in pewter)

If you don’t have the budget to purchase new chairs, look to craigslist and your local consignment stores for a set of simple parsons chairs that you can makeover and add your own flourish to. Choose a durable solid fabric for the body, spice it up with elegant yet tailored details, such as contrast piping and diamond button tufting, like in Nicky Hilton’s pad, and voila: a perfectly glam dining set!

Doris Duke’s Rough Point

2010-09-02T21:46:00.000-04:00

The design highlight of my getaway to New England was the tour I took of Rough Point. One of the stops on the famed mansion circuit in Newport, Rhode Island, Rough Point was one of the primary residences of American heiress Doris Duke.

Ms. Duke was quite the gal! As one of the richest women in the world, the public eye was fascinated by her multiple marriages and affairs, jet-set lifestyle and attraction to scandal. Amongst other things, she kept camels as house pets and even ran over her decorator in a bizarre accident! But back to the important stuff…

Duke is a legend in Newport due to her passionate efforts to restore the city’s architecture after its glory days of the 1800s had faded to decay. She founded the Newport Restoration Foundation in 1968, with the goal of preserving the splendour of the city’s “gilded age.” Ms. Duke passed away in 1993 and left the estate to the foundation, who have opened it to the public for tours in 2000.

Originally built for a Vanderbilt in 1887 and designed by the architecture firm of Peabody & Stearns, Rough Point is situated on tony Bellevue Avenue and is a must-visit for any art and design enthusiast.

Visitors find it today exactly as Ms. Duke had left it, complete with her world-class collections of European paintings, tapestries and antiques on display. Eclectic design schemes filled with luxe damask furnishings, sombre European portraits and Chinese pottery make for dynamic viewing and the entertaining stories from the tour guides behind individual pieces are a fun bonus.

When walking through the house you can clearly appreciate Duke’s eye for colour, culture and details. Highlights include her music room with its green and pink Chinese wallpapered-walls which she artfully combined from two different auction lots; a mother-of-pearl furniture suite in her master bedroom that gleams against the citron and violet colour scheme; the gilded furniture, painted paneling and glimmering chandelier in the yellow room, and the classic country kitchen with its white subway tile backsplash, hexagonal mosaic floor and dark cabinetry.

The draw-back of visiting Rough Point though, is the no-photography policy and lack of any updated literature on the mansions. A paperback book with stale photos is the only souvenir available, which didn’t do the property any justice at all. I wish a magazine like Veranda would come in and photograph the place so you could all see for yourselves, but until then, pay a visit to Rough Point yourself and wave hello to the topiary camels chilling on the front lawn in honour of her own pets: baby and princess.

Cliff Walking in Newport

2010-08-31T22:12:00.000-04:00

One of my favourite parts of visiting Newport, Rhode Island is the infamous Cliff Walk – a 3.5 mile hike along the private property of waterfront land owners.

As you navigate the multi-terrain path along the ocean, you get stunning views of both the legendary mansions and the ocean.

For architecture buffs, the cliff walk is a great way to take in the exteriors of the beautiful mansions that wealthy tycoons built for their summer retreats in the late 1800’s.

While you’re walking it feels more like a glamorous European getaway than an American escape.

A pause at Forty Steps, a beautiful stone staircase leading to a plateau above the water, makes for great photo-op’s. Originally made of wood, the steps were a meeting place for the mansion staff.

There are so many wonderful sights to take in, but one of the coolest is an authentic Chinese Tea House that one of the Vanderbilt’s had constructed as part of their Marble House property.

Tomorrow I will post about my favourite stop that you get a nice view of at Cliff Walk: Rough Point…

Having A Mod Moment

2010-08-30T17:09:00.000-04:00

Cue "Incense and Peppermints" because I'm having a mod moment. When I saw these on the floor at UpCountry I felt a strong desire to sprawl out on them with some winged eyeliner and a cocktail:

sofa $2595 and chair $1797 from UpCountry's Cloud series

Is It Wrong to Buy A Baby Blanket For Myself?

2010-08-26T12:22:00.000-04:00

Because I may just have to! This pink Greek key blanket by Jonathan Adler Junior is too much for me to handle. It is made of super soft Baby Alpaca wool and I'm wishing it was a few feet larger so it could work for adult-sized naps!

ELTE Spotlight’s The World According to Jessica Claire in their Latest Globe Ad

2010-08-22T20:40:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Antonio at ELTE who included one of my blog posts in their latest full page ad in the Globe and Mail’s style section!

Antiquing in Beacon Hill

2010-08-16T23:34:00.000-04:00

Beacon Hill is such a charming neighbourhood- even the 7 eleven looks like it’s been there for 100 years! Out of the few blocks of boutiques and galleries on Charles Street, a significant portion is devoted to antiques and home goods, including the quirky Black Ink, the mecca of porcelain and china at Elegant Findings Antiques, the girly goodness at Flat of the Hill, and the minimalist chic at good.

The stop that was most appealing to me that afternoon, however, was the Upstairs Downstairs Antiques shop, which was very well-priced considering the tony neighbourhood it’s located in. There were quite a few items I wanted to snap up, including some vintage prints and an antique cash-box, but these are the three items that tugged at my heart strings the most and still have me wondering why I didn’t take them home:

The solid mahogany black and gold cabinet, $265 would be adorable paired with a vintage chair to use as a little telephone nook. It could also be an awesome night stand in a teensy, yet luxe, guest room.

This set of weathered antique Cowper’s Works had the most beautiful marbled paper inside, and the shopkeeper was willing to part with them for $75. They sure would come in handy when styling a den or library!

Last but not least, this Victorian needlepoint chair, $195 had the most elegant frame and scale. Having the frame sprayed out and reupholstering the dated pink, green and blue knit upholstery, would turn this beauty into an awesome vanity chair - especially considering the front legs have casters for easy manoeuvrability.

Make sure you visit Upstairs Downstairs at 93 Charles Street yourself to see if anything tickles your fancy!

Eclectic Nautical Style in Nantucket

2010-08-14T00:10:00.000-04:00

The Nantucket home of Christopher Drake and Lee Bierly of Bierly-Drake is my kind of sea-side retreat: cozy and coastal but with tons of eclectic character. I was drooling over the stunning photos in New England Home that showcase how the design duo combine modern pieces, such as Oly’s raffia Hannah chairs with vintage ephemera collected over the years. It’s not your typical palette of blue and white, but it still has those nautical touches and country elements that make the home blend in on the island.

(Photos from New England Home by Michael Partenio)

Boston Restos Recapped

2010-08-12T23:54:00.000-04:00

Last time I visited Boston, my friend Nat took me on a whirlwind tour of some of Beantown’s great restaurants. This time around, I was determined to try new places, while fitting in some older favourites of course! Luckily, my boyfriend is a culinary adventurer like myself, so we happily ate our way through the city.

First up in the legendary Durgin Park in the Faneuil Hall Marketplace near the waterfront. Open since 1857, the laid back restaurant doesn’t look like much from the outside, but once you’re upstairs in the dining room and watching the massive plates go by, you get it pretty fast! The French Dip sandwich was heavenly and the famed Boston baked beans were tasty too. Bonus points go to the vintage ambiance of hexagonal-tiled floors, copper wainscoting and patina’d pendants.

New England is known for its fresh seafood, and Legal Sea Foods is a favourite for tourists and locals alike. I recommend the crabcake, which is less mushy and more meaty with a light crisp coating on the outside. The oysters were delish too, served with classic accompaniments on a bed of ice garnished with seaweed.

I am a long-time devotee of the shrimp and bacon club from Cheesecake Factory (so kosher), but a stop at Cafeteria on Newbury was even more yummy! The shrimp were bigger and more succulent than the version at Cheesecake, plus it was nice to sit outside on their patio and watch the people go by.

EVOO, short for extra virgin olive oil, was a nice change of pace for us, with a local slant to the menu. The menu at this Cambridge spot is changed daily to reflect the fresh fare from nearby growers, and goes as far to identify each item on the menu by the name of the farm where it came from. Amongst the dishes we enjoyed were an excellent roasted heirloom tomato gazpacho with a sea bass and corn salsa, and an innovative asian dish featuring layers of glazed shrimp, braised tender beef, a vegetable-cashew slaw over brown rice.

We stayed at the infamous Liberty Hotel for one night so we decided to try their signature restaurant, Clink, for dinner. The modified prison vibe was cool, and a bar cart offering samples of signature cocktails was a fun touch. While we found their appetizers mediocre, the mains were delectable, including a local striped bass that was served with artichoke hearts, fingerling potatoes, smoked pancetta and a super fun pea-green foamy emulsion that tasted better than it looks.

Paramount in Beacon Hill provided Dave the chance to try a crabcake sandwich, which he said was delicious! The sweet potatoe fries only helped seal the deal.

We capped off one of our nights with an elevator ride up the Prudential Centre to the Top of the Hub. We took in the fabulous cityscape view with a fresh-baked cookie platter, which I had indulged in my last trip and had to repeat!

Anther notable mention includes The South End Buttery, whose oatmeal terrine would make starting my days here in Toronto that much better!

Boston: Gilded Splendor at the MFA

2010-08-11T00:19:00.000-04:00

One of the nice parts of visiting a big city is the opportunity to view its local museum collections. Working in interiors, this usually means the chance to get some worldly inspiration from resources I normally wouldn’t draw on at home.

Although I have been to Boston before, it was my first time visiting the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA). The museum has a host of awesome collections on a broad range of subjects, but I was most drawn to the European Renaissance paintings, gilded French antiques, painted porcelain, and Impressionist works.

The furniture on display is so meticulously detailed – I can only imagine the level of craftsmanship required to execute all the marquetry, inlays, gilding and ormolu!

The rich hues from the historic European works reminded me of old world brocades and damasks with deep wines, royal blues, aubergine and gold- all with that amazing crackled patina of course!

In the Impressionist gallery, the bold yet tempered palette of the Van Gogh portrait and Renoir’s still life of flowers remind me of the boho-chic colours I’d see in furniture and accessories from Anthropologie.

The one painting I had to be a nerd for and pose in front of, was one of Monet’s many waterlillies. I was so drawn to the dreamy palette of dusky violet, faded mint and blush pink and the frame itself is just gorgeous! I would love to design a bedroom or ladies' dressing room in these soft feminine pastels.

My standout favourite from the whole museum though is this mid-1700s harpsichord by Henri Hemsch. Its stunning painted scenes of soft landscapes, geometric designs on the apron, sensuous cabriole legs, and tons of gilding make it more like a decorative piece of furniture, than a simple musical instrument. Any designer would be lucky to design a music room to house such a masterpiece!

PS- I also made a point to visit the The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, which was very interesting but unfortunately did not allow any photos. There are interesting collections to be seen here as well, but my favourite part is the architecture itself with its dramatic central courtyard and beautiful foliage.

Road Trip Stop #1: Montreal

2010-08-08T21:18:00.000-04:00

The boy chose a tried and true route to the states through Montreal - so to break up the drive, we decided to stay one night in Old Montreal before heading on to Boston.

Before we got back on the road though, we decided that our stop would not be complete without a visit to Beauty’s for an indulgent breakfast complete with all the signature Montreal flavours.

Located at the corner of Mont-Royal and St-Urbain, Beauty’s is famous for their Beauty’s Special: a Montreal bagel piled high with smoked salmon, cream cheese and onion. Us Yids now our cream cheese and lox, and this is really one of the best!

I personally prefer the country omelette: a heavenly combo of parsley, bacon, potatoes and cheese – served with a Montreal bagel of course! The potatoes in the eggs itself are a bonus for my carb-loving self.

Make sure you visit next time you’re in the belle city!

Beauty’s Lunchonette

93 Avenue du Mont-Royal Ouest

(514) 849-8883

I’m Back!

2010-08-07T22:16:00.001-04:00

Made it home to Toronto safe and sound from a lovely two week road trip the boy and I took around New England.

I have plenty to post about from our travels so keep checking back for my take on the best of Nantucket, Boston and more!

Summer Citrus: Lemon Heaven

2010-07-26T02:47:00.001-04:00

Lemon yellow aint so mellow, but it’s popping up more and more in decor these days! Often paired with grounding greys and classic black and white, lemon provides instant sunshine and just oozes happiness!

Here are some of my favourite lemon pieces:

trollsta side table

Seguso Lemon Yellow Opaline Murano Lamps on Marble

"Growing Pains" 6x6 $75 by Danielle Hession

yellow warp dining chair

Marni Overleaf Yellow Rug

Armless Chair in Canary Maize

Lemon Drop Martini

1 1/2 ounces vodka
1/2 ounce triple sec
1 teaspoon superfine sugar
3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
Twisted peel of lemon

Combine all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice
Pour into martini glass and garnish with lemon peel