September 14, 2013
September 07, 2013
March 14, 2012
Finally got my dream bag: Hermes Constance
People, I have reached handbag nirvana. May I present to you, Miss Constance. Iconic perfection!
January 07, 2012
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.
December 08, 2011
December 07, 2011
November 21, 2011
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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July 28, 2011
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.
July 25, 2011
July 13, 2011
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.
July 01, 2011
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.
April 19, 2011
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.
April 08, 2011
April 04, 2011
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
March 27, 2011
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.
February 26, 2011
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. ;-)
January 11, 2011
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
January 02, 2011
December 30, 2010
NYE Outfit Planning:
December 26, 2010
Spoils of War: Boxing day shopping
Hey remember this beauty I was lusting after? Was lucky and snapped up the "Nyota" at Holts today :-)
December 12, 2010
December 07, 2010
November 06, 2010
October 03, 2010
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!"
October 02, 2010
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.
September 23, 2010
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.
July 31, 2010
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!
July 30, 2010
July 18, 2010
July 11, 2010
June 26, 2010
The perfect Chanel bag
She's holding a great vintage style I hope Karl will resurrect sometime soon! Photo via the Sartorialist
June 20, 2010
June 17, 2010
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 ;)
June 06, 2010
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!
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I'm a Toronto based designer that enjoys blogging about whatever intrigues me
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