Material Archive

Mercy's GASPARD Opens

The store's fitting rooms are lined in Liberty prints

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While walking home from work yesterday, I came across a lovely new boutique called Gaspard. The moment I entered, I realized it belonged to my former Portrait clients, Richard and Jennifer from Mercy. Their signature use of Liberty prints tipped me off instantly and then I recalled bumping into Richard and chatting about their upcoming venture a few months ago.

After over 15 years as Mercy, the duo have finally expanded to offer their amazing line in their own store – complete with several other clothing, shoe and jewelry lines to compliment theirs. The result is a very tightly curated vision. So happy for them.

More Nathalie Lété

I love Nathalie Lété's owl illustration so much that I broke my own rule and bought two instead keeping my collection singular. Get them at Anthro.

J.Crew opens in Toronto: leaves all the interesting merch in the US

The recent pricing controversy didn't keep my curiosity at bay and so I went shopping with list in hand (after doing a pre-shop online) and ventured out to the burbs to see the new outpost of American retailer J.Crew at Yorkdale mall.

Someone must have sent Jenna a memo outlining Canadians' supposed predilection for boring basics because I wasn't able to find one thing on my list in stock. The most interesting shoes, blazers and dresses were left south of the border for their more "fashion forward" customers. Deep sigh.

Canadians love J.Crew because of it's sunny and distinctly American outlook. Having Canadian buyers curate the collection (the sales staff confirmed this) removes what makes the brand interesting to us to begin with. So thanks for your efforts Mr. Drexler but I'll stick to my online / catalog shopping for now.

Photo from the Grid

Today I bought: Ports 1961 Perf Suede Booties

Saw these in the window at Ports 1961 on Bloor Street and decided I had to give them a good home...

My Custom Wildhagen Hat

I was out shopping one day 2 weeks ago when I saw a girl wearing the most charming hat. Usually, when I approach another woman about an article of clothing she's wearing, she'll tell me she bought it in Paris two seasons ago or at an antique market – leaving me with no chance of finding one for myself. Luckily, this particular girl, named Jade, proudly told me that she had made the hat herself and directed me to Wildhagen.

Already familiar with the brand after buying several hats from the Canadian company over the years, I beelined over and ordered a custom "Miniçoise" from Cheri Wildhagen herself. I chose the hat material and grosgrain ribbon and presto, a week and a half later, I picked up a made-to-measure (for my larger than average melon) lovely chapeau! A fun experience that I would recommend to all.

Angeline Tetrault's Hidden Animal Teacup

This post it is for Jaime, who was taken with the new teacups I bought for @itbitme at the Drake General Store.

I'm on a never-ending mission to find teacups large enough to hold the massive amount of tea @itbitme likes to drink in one serving. These hold a lot and are charming to boot.

Visit to the Cheese Boutique

On Saturday, @itbitme and I were on a mission to buy the ingredients to make Spaghetti Amatriciana after having it at Campagnolo recently. Our very knowledgeable foodie friend @bloggerton suggested The Cheese Boutique as the place to buy guanciale – a not so easy-to-find Italian pork jowl bacon.

As a first time visitor to CB, I can say I liked it instantly. Not at all pretentious like Pusateri's, the staff were warm and friendly and the selection of fine foods was great and vast.

The most amazing part hands-down was the cheese vault that you can enter and explore. I stood in there for a few long minutes inhaling deeply... :)

 

Courage My Love

After going for dim sum at Rol San this aft, we strolled through Kensington Market to pick up some fresh fruit. Naturally I jumped at the chance to pop into Courage My Love – a store I have literally been going to for all manner of vintage baubles and beads since I was 11 years old. Above is today's loot – charming vintage brooches that I'll convert to pendants.

It's gorgeous outside today!

I live for big fat juicy peonies – they are the most perfect flower. Picked these up from Poppies while strolling home this morning from an early breakfast at Nadège.

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.

 

Must have: Trish Grey Sequin Sweater by IRO

 

Saw the cardigan version of this IRO sweater yesterday at Love of Mine Boutique – love the sequin peek-a-boo detailing.

* Update - found it and bought it at The Narwhal boutique in Rosedale. There's still one left if you want it ;-)

Cake Opera Co.

I can't decide what I like about Opera Cake Co. more – the fact that they are such gifted artists or that they live in my own city! Making a plan to visit next weekend...

Commute Home

 




 

Some of my favourite pieces at home are from Commute and so I must confess that I'm a little sad that they've moved away from my hood in Queen West – they are now at a bigger space at Bathurst & Dupont. They've also updated their website to showcase some really beautiful custom installation work – have a look.

Today I bought: Top Shop Make-Up at Jonathan & Olivia

 



  




Stopped by Jonathan & Olivia today to see their new Top Shop make-up bar. I've been a fan of this line since I saw the charming packaging profiled on numerous design blogs a while back. I love the naive illustration style – it feels so right for the TS brand.

I'm happy to report, after testing practically everything there, that the make-up is quite nice and the pigments are rich. I left with a big bag of goodies and will report back after a few longer wears.

Thieves: 5 in 1 Dress

I love buying Canadian – nothing makes me happier than supporting amazing local designers and businesses. And it's so easy when the product is great and sold at an accessible price point. Last week I bought the Thieves 5 in 1 Dress and I've already worn it twice – which is a lot for me ;). The cut is so flattering and the versatility is undeniable. I was at dinner last night, sitting on a patio, and the minute I felt a chill, I converted my short dress to a long one right at the table. Obviously, this would be brilliant for travel as well. Buy it here at Thieves.

Today I bought: Top Shop @Jonathan and Olivia

Go to Jonathan and Olivia or have a boo at Top Shop directly here and here.

Celebrate the Everyday: Banter Banners

I love the idea of more permanent decorations like these that just celebrate life. You can also buy them locally at Chasse Gardée on Queen West.

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!

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.

You Don't Know Jacques – O.P.I. Grey Nail Polish

  
 

 




Say what you will about Goop but she does have excellent taste. Her nail colour at the London Film Festival last year has spawned a grey trend for Fall 09 which I finally decided to try this week at Gee Beauty. So far, I must admit that I quite like it – the colour is You Don't Know Jacques by O.P.I.. In addition to the countless compliments, I think it's a much nicer option than black – which can look too harsh against pale winter skin.

As for the matte trend, I've tried a few colours from Knock Out at Aritzia, put still prefer the shine of a top coat. Something about the matte finish makes it look like chalky liquid paper to me.

The next colour on my list is YSL's Stormy Grey.

Noir Jewels at Love of Mine Boutique

Last week I bought the Noir solid brass 18K gold plated Smooth Pyramid bracelet from newly opened Love of Mine Boutique on Queen West and I was literally stopped by 1-2 women in each store I went in after all day asking me where I got it. One girl squealed: "that bracelet is sick – I must have it!". Funny – I really wished I was carrying cards from LMB at that point as I was a real brand ambassador that day. The Noir line is really nice and although the pyramid style is similar to one from CC Syke – I actually like it much more. Now I need it one in every colour. :-)

My picks from Anthropologie this week

Anthropologie Summer 09 by Sassy Mollassy featuring Anthropologie

Anthropologie opens in Yorkville

Well, well. We finally have our very own Anthropologie downtown! Marty and I ventured in on Saturday while out cycling around the city. It was packed to the gills given that it had only opened the day before. Yay – no more schlepping to the burbs!