Vintage Missoni

Missoni
1984

Quote of the Week - Susan Sontag

Fashion becomes the discovery that anything is all right if worn by the right person. Susan Sontag

12 Do's and Don'ts for Dining Out

Don't

1. start eating before anyone else is served.
2. gesture with silverware.
3. lie to the waiter saying everything is okay when it is not.
4. snap your fingers for attention.
5. order for your partner unless they have given you permission.
6. lay anything on the table - including your phone.
7. order a vodka paralyzer before dinner.
8. talk to your menu - the waiter is beside you.
9. wear your running shoes and distressed denim unless you're at a concession stand.
10. get drunk.
11. hold your cutlery in a death grip.
12. settle for anything but the best.

Do

1. give compliments where compliments are due.
2. fill out the comment form - management really does read them.
3. keep your voice down.
4. use your napkin often.
5. send your wine back if it is unacceptable.
6. tip 20%. More if the service is outstanding. The waiter has to share that tip with the bartender, bussers, host, kitchen staff, floor supervisor and management.
7. break off a small piece of bread, butter it and eat it. Don't butter the whole thing at once.
8. look the waiter in the eye.
9. place your napkin on your lap as soon as you sit down. When you're finished your meal use your napkin, fold it loosely and place it on the table.
10. pull the chair out for your female date, wait until she's seated then sit down. If this is too old fashioned for you at least wait until she takes her seat before you sit down. If you're out on business wait for the women to be seated then take your seat.
11. rise to shake someone's hand if you are introduced.
12. get your bearings straight on manoeuvring a typical table setting.

Design Lover: Harry Bertoia Bird Chair

Harry Bertoia won his first award (a scholarship) in 1932 at the age of seventeen. Yet another scholarship followed which enabled him to study at Eliel Saarinen's design school, the Cranbrook Academy of Art. The accolades continued throughout Bertoia's career. He was awarded the American "Designer of the Year" (1955), a Certificate of Merit, from the American Institute of Architects, the AIA Craftsmanship Award (1956), the Gold Medal from the Architectural League of New York (1955-56) , the Design Center Stuttgart Award from West Germany (1962), the Fine Arts Medal from the Pennsylvania Association of the American Institute of Architects (1963), the AIA's Critic's Award (1968), and an honorary doctorate from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (1976).

Bertoia worked briefly with Charles and Ray Eames and collaborated with Florence and Hans Knoll. It was while working with the Knoll's that Bertoia developed the iconic Bird chair and ottoman. Made from molded chromium-plated steel wire, the chairs are still being made and marketed by Knoll today. There are variations on the basic model but the original design has not changed much. Like all classics, it is what it has always been.

Dimensions:
Bertoia Bird Chair: 40.25" H x 38.5" x 33" D
Bertoia Ottoman: 14.5" x 23.5" W x 17.25" D
Available online at Knoll.

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How to Paint Your Front Door

Next to the mantle piece, the front door is probably one of the most popular backdrops for family photos. It is also the first impression your home makes on visitors and passersby. I like to think of the front door as the gate keeper that both guards and greets. Sprucing up your front door can be an economical way to add some zest to your home or, don't make me say it -> curb appeal.

Some things to consider when planning for your front door redo:

• give your door its own special character such as, but not limited to, a contrasting colored trim, French tile numbers, or a brass lion's head knocker
• bushes, plants or vines such as honeysuckle not only add a welcoming scent but also soften any imposing lines leading to your door
• your door should be of the same period or style as your home
• if your front door is actually on the side or around the back, a path, canopy or entrance courtyard indicate this is the way to the main entrance
• your front door is an extension of you and your family. It welcomes visitors into the home you've created out of a house.

A selection of front doors from Vancouver's West End:








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1989 Went back to the future with Nissan Figaro

I grew up in a body shop. My father restored Camaros, Corvettes, T-Birds, 57 Chevys, you name it. When we spotted this car we were both curious. Initially, we thought it was a vintage Italian model but the rear brake light and window markings convinced us otherwise.
Nissan Figaros were a limited edition coupe (20,000) produced for Japan's domestic market in 1991. The Figaro came in four 'jewel' colors, each representing a season. The model here is Emerald Green (Spring). The other 'jewel' colors were Pale Aqua, Lapis Grey and Topaz Mist (the rarest).
The Figaro was designed by Shoji Takahashi for the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show under the slogan 'Back to the Future'.
As for speed, let's say the Figaro is a perfect car for motoring around the city. Fuel economy 7.4 L/100 km. Fuel capacity 40 L (11 US gal.; 9 imp gal). 3 speed automatic transmission.
A sliding soft top is standard on the Figaro, as is extremely water repellent paint and white leather interior.
Eric Clapton's Figaro is for sale.

For more information on the Figaro check:
Figaro Cars Are Us
Figaro Owners' Site

Versace Men 1992

Versace
1992

Quote of the Week - Christian Dior

Individuality will be always one of the conditions of real elegance. Christian Dior

How to Choose Eye Glass Frames for Your Face Shape

Eye glasses have been a celebrated fashion accessory for men since the late 1950s - think of iconic photos of Yves Saint Laurent, Buddy Holly, Woody Allen or John Lennon. As of late, the trend in eyeglasses has moved from the inconspicuous frameless glasses to the obvious, bold frames with oversize lenses. There are wire frames and heavy frames in oval, round, hexagonal, octagonal, square or what have you. Find a pair that proportionally suits your face, like you would a hat, and the frame will flatter your positive facial features. Think of the image or look you want to create for yourself.

• Round face - angular frames
• Square face - long narrow frames
• Diamond face - wide wire frames
• Oval face - you're perfect go for anything
• Large face - large frames
• Small face - small frames
• Large nose - heavy dark frames
• Dark circles/wrinkles - heavy substantial frames

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Vintage Yves Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent

1980

 

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Sheila White - The Mysterious West Coast Potter

I came across Sheila White's ceramic sculptures by way of John David Lawrence, proprietor of DODA Antiques in Vancouver, British Columbia. The only pieces I have seen of White's are of birds such as owls and robins. All the pieces are heavily textured, simple and beautiful.

collection of Stacy Reynaud

I've searched for information on Sheila White but have come up empty handed. I am assuming that she was a student of Thomas Kakinuma at the UBC Extension Department between 1955 - 1968. The pieces I own are marked with White's stamp and one has Kakinuma written in ink.

Her work is highly regarded among collectors of BC Pottery. Watch for it.
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How to Remove Wine Stains and Other Delicacies

Many delicacies we enjoy, such as wine, pomegranates, coffee, strawberries, pecans and chocolate can leave behind a stain reminisce of a random tattoo from some lost night in Vegas. You can lay blame on the tannin found in each.

Absorb stains before they set by using the tip of a white paper towel to soak up excess liquid. Never scrub or press with the towel, this will ruin the fabric's texture. If your garment reads DRY CLEAN ONLY do not try to remove the stain yourself - take it promptly to your cleaner.

If your garment is machine washable try the following to remove the stains left behind by the delicacies above:

1. Absorb excess liquid with a white cloth or paper towel
2. Soak the garment in cool water
3. Put detergent and white vinegar on the stain
4. Wash out thoroughly with water
5. Air dry

If the stain persists, wash the garment with detergent and appropriate amount of bleach in the hottest water the garment can withstand.

Trends - Terrariums

Ace Hotel Portland
 stacy reynaud

... and miniature gardens.

Landscaping on a Lilliputian scale provides a unique method for indoor gardening in smaller bijou living spaces. Made popular in the Victorian times (then known as Wardian Cases after an accidental discovery by the surgeon Dr. Nathaniel Ward), the terrarium garden offers an inexpensive way for both the beginner and expert gardener to express their green thumb while evoking curiosity and conversation from viewers. Try the style in your small living space.

Quote of the Week - Oscar Wilde

We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.
Oscar Wilde

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5 Best Ways To Make a Good First Impression

A dark colored, well tailored blazer
You can spend $200 or $2000 on a blazer but if it doesn't fit properly you'll look like a buck fifty.
The man 5'9" and under should go for the short. Your blazer shouldn't look like a tunic.
Although sized according to chest, the blazer should fit properly in the shoulders. If you can see your deltoids it's too small.
The old adage is, if a man wants one jacket in his lifetime make it a dark blue blazer.

A good haircut
Find a stylist that knows you and your style. My husband pays more for a haircut than I do. His justification is that if he went to another stylist, he'd look like a cheap used car salesman with a comb-over. Seeing as your partner should complement you when you're out together I'm willing to hold off on a pedi to keep him looking and feeling sexy. You may not notice it but glances go straight from your face right to your shoes. Which brings us to our next point:

The finest quality shoes
Your shoes should be the most expensive, highly crafted piece you're wearing. Good shoes can make an inexpensive outfit look like a million bucks. Black wing tips like those by Salvatore Ferragamo, Tom Ford or Ermenegildo Zegna are safe and timeless.

A classic watch
The wrist is an area for chic understatement. Don't be too aggressive or too skimpy. Some recommend building your watch collection to mix with your wardrobe. To start, go for a classic in steel, silver or white gold like a vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Van Cleef & Arpels Latérale or a classic Timex Mercury.

Proper pants (including denim)
By 'proper' I mean those that suit your body type. Not everyone can wear skinny jeans or drain pipe trousers. If you're tall, stay away from pinstripes. If you're short, choose pants in dark fabrics. Most importantly make sure your pants are hemmed properly: Pant Hems - What You Need to Know


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