Japanese Label

Grime Effect

Looking forward to seeing what their 10-11 A/W showing has to offer.

Style Inspiration - Rocky Balboa

I watched Rocky the other night on TCM. Well, I had it on anyway. 

The 'Italian Stallion' wears his hat well and I can see Adrian being a hipster icon. 

Check out the 1976 version again if you haven't seen it in a while. 

Memorable quote from Rocky's trainer, 

'You're gonna eat lightning, and you're gonna crap thunder.'

Where to buy women's trousers

Katharine Hepburn via Here's Looking Like You, Kid

One would think it would be easy to find a pair of black trousers - just a simple light weight wool or wool crepe. I don't want tight butt trousers with stretch in them. Terrible. They look cheap, feel cheap and smell cheap. I want a nice pair of tailored trousers a la 1937 Katharine Hepburn or Lauren Bacall to be specific. I've been in the fashion industry for 25 years and I remember what most trousers were like before greed set in.

Oscar de la Renta

I found one pair (above) that were beautifully made but they were $1000. If I had the cash I would have bought them. Yes, I would spend $1000 on a pair of trousers if they were of high quality and a classic design.

Apparently, I'm 'picky'. You know what I say - if I'm giving someone my money (because ultimately I am) they have to deserve it.

There. That feels better. Thanks for listening.

How to Prepare for a Trip

1. arrange for your pets, plants and lawn
2. arrange to have your mail and newspaper held at the post office or collected by a friend
3. empty the refrigerator and turn it to low (you'll be surprised by your low bill)
   
4. leave a house key with a friend
5. lock all doors, windows and car
6. notify your neighbours of your absence and how to reach you
7. reconfirm your airline ticket and other reservations
8. set a light timer
9. turn off your computer
10. leave a copy of your id/passport with a close friend or relative
11. tell your loved ones you love them and you're going to miss them

Art for Art's Sake?

Bylot Island 1 by Lawren Harris

Back in September 2008 I wrote about investing in art. I still stand by that. Last night Lawren Harris' Bylot Island 1 sold in Vancouver for $2.4 million ($2.8 with buyer's premium).

Stacy Reynaud

I'm going to pretend that this piece I bought for $5 on Tuesday is a long lost Jean Paul Riopelle.

Vintage Abe Schrader

1980

Some things are better left in the past

1973

Although I must admit the crystal chandelier, marble counter top, check floor, Greek bust and pure gaudiness of this one is tugging at my secret Liberace heart strings.

It is in the Eyes

Lupe Veléz

Monica Vitti

Quote of the Week - Winston Churchill

Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be.

Tip of the Week - Fashion

image via oooooh I want all of those

A bigger briefcase doesn't make you look more important. In fact, it's quite the opposite.

Trends - Under the Stairs - How to Make a Bookshelf

Peg board wall with book shelves. Could be a solution to my shelving problem.
*note the Joe Colombo trolley - just so happens one was salvaged in Vancouver. I wonder if he still has it?

Vintage Vicius

1980

Trends - Inspiring Industrial Shelving

I'm still looking...

via The Selby

Tip of the Week

the georg jensen ring I'm saving for

Toothpaste adds a mighty nice sparkle to diamonds! I worked with a woman whose diamonds were always twinkling. When asked about their twinkle - her response was, 'I run my toothbrush over them every time I brush my teeth.' Personally, I'm a germ phobe so I just use my finger.

Quote of the Week - Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Less is more.