Material Archive

Finally got my dream bag: Hermes Constance

People, I have reached handbag nirvana. May I present to you, Miss Constance. Iconic perfection!

Clare Vivier Weekender Bag

This lovely bag was my secret weapon during my vaca. I rolled it up like a cigar enroute to Paris and then stuffed it later with all my purchases for the remainder of the trip. It was a perfect carry-on size and because of the glazed finish, every additional scratch and mark just added to it's buttery worn-in patina.

 

My week in pictures & other random stuff I like:

Today I bought: Lytton Clutch from DVF

 

 

 

Pretty cute eh? Comes in a bunch of great colours.

Two Weeks in New York City: Quickie Intro

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I recently spent 2 glorious weeks in New York shooting an upcoming campaign for a client. During my "free time" there, I took the opportunity to indulge in two of my favourite past times – shopping and eating – and what better city for it!

This post is just a little preview of some fun stops. In later posts, I'll get into more detail about the specifc restaurants I visited.

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I have literally seen Ghostbusters enough times to actually recite the majority of the film from memory. Heck, my Mr. Stay Puft action figure is watching over me right now as I compose this post! So, you can imagine the unique childlike thrill MB and I had when we randomly walked by the original fire station from the film, while strolling through Tribeca. :)

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The new Uniqlo flagship store on 5th Avenue is ridiculously big. So large, that I actually was overwhelmed and felt lost on more than one occasion. Despite that, I still managed to find several great items to bring home. One of particular note was a great wool and cashmere trench coat.

Their prices are so reasonable, I really had to calm myself to not buy a whole other suitcase's worth of clothing.

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Wow – the Christian Louboutin store on Madison Ave is intense! When I arrived at 5pm on a Friday after work, I was greeted by a line-up of other patrons and a massive body guard! According to Mr.Big, a wait time to get into the store is a normal daily occurence. I noted that no other luxury retailer on the street had the same traffic.

When I got inside shortly after, I was met with an unusal scene. Picture: upper crust ladies who lunch, sitting next to hardcore rapper type dudes (all trying on majorly tricked out sneakers I have never seen the likes of before) and then working girls like me. A very odd mix indeed!

Regardless, all were very happy – especially this girl! Why? I had called ahead and secured the last brown Simple Bootie in size 40 anywhere in the whole bloody world after weeks of looking, calling and visiting every retailer that carries CL  – major shopping victory!

The staff were really great too and recommended that I get my soles reclad in red rubber – see below. That's one of them holding his colleague's boot to show the non-slip red rubber add ons. It's a brilliant idea, as the signature red does wear off pretty quickly in my experience.

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I had a pretty productive visit at Prada as well. A new winter coat, bag and wallet were amongst my newly adopted cohorts. :)

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Some random snaps I took during breaks while working at the photography studio...

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A quick visit the to the MET on the weekend recharged my creative inspiration batteries!

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Coming up over the next several posts: reviews and photos of Jean Georges, Corton, Del Posto, BLT, Gramercy Tavern, Nobu, Lucali – amongst others!

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Naoto Fukasawa: Designing Accessories with Paper

If you read this blog with any regularity, you already know that I love it when objects are designed with unexpected materials. I'm particularly fascinated with the idea of clothing or accessories made with paper. The items above were created by famed IDEO industrial design master Naoto Fukasawa – who is known for his collaborations with Muji, B&B Italia, Driade, Magis, Artemide, Danese and Boffi.

Here he has created a line of items called Siwa in collaboration with Onao, which are made with traditional Japanese washi-paper that can withstand moisture and over time becomes softer and takes on the patina of leather without the heat or weight. "Soft Naoron", as it's called, is a type of paper developed from wood and polyolefin fibres, which is derived from recycled polyester fibres, plastic bottles and repurposed textiles.

I recently bought the handbag at the top from Mjölk. Loooooooove it.

Celine Resort Colours 2011

Drool.

Photo tweeted by Joe Zee.

 

Collecting: French Steel Cut Beaded Purses

It's probably pretty obvious by now that I like "things" and that I collect many different types of them.

One that I have a particular fondness for are vintage French steel cut purses. Something about the combination of sparkle, pattern design, handmade craftsmanship and the sheer heaviness of them, make them irresistible to me.

The above are some recent new additions to my ever growing collection.

Today I bought: Coach Classics

 



I'm not even remotely a fan of new Coach – vintage Coach though, is an entirely different story. Over the last two years, I've bought several of these old beauties in various colours – tan, brown, bone, navy and recently – in red online at Net-A-Porter. They are the exclusive retailer of a reintroduced classics line by the brand. Coach has obviously recognized that there is some equity in the old designs and have relauched with these to get in on the action. For me, they are a timeless choice.

 

 

Before the PS1, there was the Cambridge Satchel

 
  

 

 


Spotted one of these great bags at A2Zane recently – he's getting the fluorescent range soon at his store as well. I'm also quite partial to the special edition beige patent version created exclusively for ASOS.

Made in Toronto: Hoi Bo on Vimeo

 

Spring 2011 Shopping List

 

Click to see larger:

1. Gryphon Crochet Sequin Tee  •  2. Pierre Hardy Buckle Espadrille Wedge  • 3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Envelope Clutches in camel & green  • 4. Prada Banana & Stripe Dress  • 5. IRO Secret Sequin Sleeve Sweater  • 6. Dolce Vita Nude Sandals  • 7. Miu Miu White Dress  • 8. Cartier Love Bracelet  • 9. Michael Kors Double Buckle Sandal  • 10. Lover Underwire One-Piece Navy Swimsuit  • 11. Michael Kors Cork Sandal  • 12 Jill Sander Platform Sandal  • 13. Valentino Cat Eye Sunglasses  • 14. Alexander Wang Motorcycle Jacket  • 15. Prada Cut-Out Pattern Suede Boot (last season)  • 16. Erie Basin Vintage Amethyst Ring  • 17. Miu Miu Two-Tone Jersey Mini Dress  • 18. Hermes Cape Code Double Tour Watch  • 19. Vintage Gold Rolex  • 20. Jenni Kayne Camel Leather Booties  • 21. More Prada Bananas  • 22. Alexander Wang Ines Oxford  • 23. Rochas Platform Sandals  • 24. Druzy Earrings  • 25. Queen of Hearts V-Neck Sweater  • 26. Prada Fur Stole  • 27. Giuseppe Zanotti Canvas & Leather Boot  • 28. Giles & Brother Archer Bangle  • 29. Devi Kroell Wood & Crystal Minaudiere

Today I bought: Hoi Bo

I've been eyeing the larger grey version of this same waxed cotton bag for over a year now and today when I saw the khaki colour with gold hardware at Delphic, I didn't hesitate. Handmade in Toronto, in the Distillery District, Hoi Bo is fast becoming a personal favourite.

 

Alexander Wang Kristen Bag

When I first saw this bag online a while ago – I liked it. Today, when I saw it in person at Jonathan + Olivia, I loved it. Very nice and very necessary. ;-)

Gimmie Gimmie:

Bangle by Lady Grey  •  Sparkle Bag by Miu Miu  •  One-piece pale pink swimsuit by Miu Miu  •  Medor Clutch by Hermes  •  White leather bracelet by Hermes  •  Gold oxfords by Nicholas Kirkwood  •  Pyrite ring by Lunessa  •  Linen oxfords by Jill Sander  •  Silver pyrite ring Carole Tanenbaum •  Gold sequin top by Vince • Velvet dress  • YSL Nail lacquer  •  Gold lace cuff by Aurelie Bidermann •  Hammered gold bangles by Osanna Visconti  •  Caramel booties by Celine  •  Trench by Burberry  •  Jypsiere by Hermes  •  Coin ring by Aurelie Bidermann  •  Silver sequin / pink scarf by Club Monaco  •  Bow brooch by Balenciaga  •  Boots by Hermes

 

 

Valentino Studs

Yes, so studs are "out" – blah blah blah – I don't care. Loved them before they were in (it started with Conan) and will continue to long after. Check out this beauty at Valentino.

Obviously Alexa and Anna agree with their matching studded Valentino heels:

 

 

NYE Outfit Planning:

Cocktail Dress by Adam

Fur Coat by Miu Miu

Belt by Miu Miu

Earrings by Lanvin

VBH Manilla velvet clutch

Miu Miu Crystal-heel satin sandals

Cc Skye Deco Hinged Bentley Bracelet

See it all on ShopStyle

 

Spoils of War: Boxing day shopping

Hey remember this beauty I was lusting after? Was lucky and snapped up the "Nyota" at Holts today :-)

 

The perfect wardrobe:

Happy Christmas to me!

 

This Happy Bag is sold out everywhere yet amazingly available right on the Lanvin website!

→ Update! No shipping to Canada so my dear friend SA is bringing me one home from the Lanvin boutique on Madison Ave in NYC! Now THAT'S a good friend! :-)

Lanvin Crystal Evening Bag

 

Saw this Lanvin bag at Holts this week and fell in love wih the combination of materials. Buy it here.

Lanvin Mini-Pop

Love.

Love Courtney

       

Say what you will about Courtney and her "kook" but I still think Hole's Live Through This was a great album. This video kills me...""It's not TAUPE! It's fucking Caramel!"

The Celine Classic Bag

 

  










So glad that Phoebe Philo has reintroduced this bag again for Spring 2011 – love the return to clean lines. With bags having been adorned with every logo, stud, "trick" and fur tail over the last few years, it's refreshing to see something so structured, simple and elegant. A truly timeless bag, it seems certain that the Celine "Classic" will join the ranks of the Birkin as a bag you buy and wear forever.

 

Proenza Schouler Small Leather PS11

 

 

 

Have died and gone to handbag heaven. Doesn't this look like an Hermes Medor clutch and a Celine "Classic" bag got together and had a baby? Pre-ordering the tan version NOW.

Shopping List: Marc Jacobs Handbags for Fall

The "Camille" is from the Marc Jacobs Fall 2010 Collection. I love the beat-up look of the leather – reminds me a little of Marc Marmel's great distressed bags.

The "Sophie" from the Marc by Marc Jacobs line comes in black patent as well – hard choice – they both look so polished. Love that they have a long cross-body strap as well.

P.S. The site only shows a matte leather version currently, so hopefully, the patent actually went into production!

Josh Blackwell elevates the humble plastic bag to art

 



See more here.

Luxe Lucite by Ted Noten

See more here.

Valextra's Tip Tap Bag

Valextra

The perfect Chanel bag

She's holding a great vintage style I hope Karl will resurrect sometime soon! Photo via the Sartorialist

I'll take one of each please

Still love Devi's wooden clutches. More here.

Hello Lover: Miu Miu Sequin Leather Handbag

I saw this at Barneys in NYC last week and stupidly hesitated and now it's sold out everywhere...ugh! Valdez from Miu Miu's Soho location is searching for me as I type this! Fingers crossed ;)

Miu Miu SS 2010 Textile Prints

 
The older I get, the less and less the colour black appeals to me. When I enter a store now and scan a rack of clothing, I always gravitate towards colour and pattern first. These clutches and shoes from Miu Miu are a current obsession!

Love for the Fleabag's "The Salt Bag" in Violet

The photos don't do the bags justice at all. Go to Holts to see them in person and you'll be charmed by their elegant details – by Flea Bags.

ilemi paris

See more here.
 

The L.A. Times Lists Their Top 50 Bags

I didn't entirely agree with their order...

So above are my humble picks for favourite bags in order of preference and some cases already, purchase ;)

Scan via NotCot

BookBook: nifty case for your laptop

 

Kinda cute eh? Buy it here and found here at DailyPoetics.

i ♥ Clare Vivier's bags!

 

Aren't these elegant? I just ordered the blue suede messenger with gold hardware and am so excited! I think the La Tropézienne is next on my list for Spring. Buy yours here.

Alexander Wang's "Rocco" Bag

Oh god, I forgot about this bag. Breathe....must exercise some restraint before my trip to Barcelona!

Feeling a Whole Lotta Love for Love of Mine Boutique

My friend Adam and his lovely wife Anna recently opened a new home and fashion accessories store called Love of Mine Boutique and Friday night was their official opening party. Located on Queen west, nestled between the likes of Magic Pony and Buckler, the store is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood and really raises the area's level of sophistication. Carrying lines like Jonathan Adler, John Derian, Rebecca Minkoff, Canopy New York, Green Beads, Swallow, Heather Benjamin, Noir, Alexis Bittar, Pade Vavra, St. Kilda, Mercedes Salazar, amongst others – the store has something beautiful for every discerning eye.


I left at the end of the party with a soft wool throw for the chesterfield!

A few things I'm currently in deep like with...

From top left to right:

VPL Overall Tank • 3.1 Phillip Lim Curly Fur Vest with Grosgrain Trim • Balenciaga Strass Single Strand Necklace • McQueen Python box clutch with skull clasp • Lee Angel Oversized Crystal Earrings • Hermès double tour Cape Cod watch • Druzy Gold Studs by Pade Vavra • Prada Bath Salts • VPL Beckham Bra • Bally python SP10 Ardey peep-toe d'Orsay • Silver diamond cut studs from metalicious on etsy • Stripe-T Forever 21 • Make-up palette Laura Mercier : Holiday "Colour Wardrobe" • Old Marc by Marc Jacobs laptop bag • Silver diamond cut ring from metalicious on etsy • Calvin Klein SP10 t-strap sandal with silver chain appliqué • Church's gold oxford

"Designer Bags"

By Jennifer Daniel

FINN Boutique

My new office is just around the corner from FINN Boutique which is going to be dangerous! They carry my former clients Mercy as well as Ewankia, Hoi Bo, Designers Remix, Tocca, Camilla and Marc and furnishings by Missoni Home. I already have a shopping list!

1. Ewankia wool jersey Simone dress in dove grey. 2. Hoi Bo satchel with oiled canvas 3. Baby Alpaca hand-knit mittens in charcoal.

Their website is currently under construction so go to their Facebook page here in the meantime to see what's new.

Favourites from Fendi Spring 2010

Love the colour palette, the use of transparency, the *amazing* lucite clutches and of course, the goddess platforms. See more here.

Daily covet: Tory Burch Watch Band Bracelet & Marc Jacobs Clutch

Get the Tory bracelet here. And isn't the bird detail on the MJ bag charming? I've seen variations of this clutch at Aritzia and Holt's but not this exact style yet. Canada never seems to get the full collection – disappointing.

Magazyn

 

Some lovely things from Magazyn in Antwerp.

Marc Jacobs Fall 09 Handbags

It's raining candy-coloured luxury! A selection of favourites from MJ.

The ultimate ukulele carrying case by Marc Jacobs

As dorky as it may be, MB and I bought matching Oscar Schmidt ukuleles this summer and have been geeking out on them semi-regularly – he much more so than I of course. Given that, you can imagine how surprised I was to see that the King of Fashion, Mr. Marc Jacobs himself, has designed a very stylish ukulele carrying case this season! The Peseta Ukulele Tote is available at Marc by Marc Jacobs stores and is listed under "Special Items" on his site.

Blue Q Cuteness

Marty bought me this adorable zippy pouch to store my watercolour set in – isn't it super cute? It's hard to see in the images but this is very similar to the images in my recent post of children's vintage language picture books.

My Fall 2009 "Back to School" Shopping List

Oh, where to begin! There are so many things from the Fall collections that I am drooling over. Above is just a small sampling of my Fall 2009 shopping wish list. From top left to right:

First Row: Helmut Lang blue Y-back tank, Roksanda Ilincic Sabine velvet dress, Tom Binns sparkle cuff, Bulgari gold ring, Rick Owens shrunken zip biker.
Second Row: Giuseppe Zanotti flat suede boots, YSL gold chain strap satin purse, Elizabeth & James convertible trench (it becomes a dress!), Rick Owens grey bomber.
Third Row: Bottega Veneta silver chandelier earrings, Sass & Bide black studded cap-sleeve dress, Proenza Schouler PS1 med-satchel in blue suede, Proenza Schouler striped long-sleeved shirt
Fourth Row: Miu Miu belted wool sweater, RM by Roland Mouret grey wool dress, Mulberry black patent Bayswater handbag, Joseph leather leggings
Fifth Row: Miu Miu brown handbag, Christian Louboutin grey Paris boots, Fendi wool camel ruffle dress, Miu Miu embellished socks, Golden Goose fur vest, ACNE grey skirt
Last Row: Miu Miu studded black hobo, Burberry belt (from last season), Church's riding boots, Missioni cashmere thigh-high-legwarmers

Now you might be asking yourself – where's the colour??? I quite agree but will opt to be colourful through make-up this season despite the black lipstick trend (ick) or the nude lip look. Should we really be promoting a depressing look in these times? I say no!  I think a pink or poppy lip with a warm cheek is a shot of optimism right in the kisser. Here is a sample palette to balance out the greys and blacks above.