Tip of the Week - Grooming

Dandruff? Over perfumed shampoos can cause dry scalp which then flakes off as dandruff. Not sexy or snuggly. Go with an unscented type and add a few drops of pure tea tree oil to it - 1 drop of oil per 1 oz. shampoo. Tea tree oil is an amazing natural remedy for everything from cold sores to yellow toe nails. Get the good undiluted stuff from Australia.

There are those who shouldn't use tea tree oil. Do your research before buy it.

9 Personal Spaces - Turntable Display

first five images scans from 1974






via elle decor UK
via elle decor UK
via the selby
I'd been after a new turntable since the motor died in mine two years ago. Lucky me, I won one at an auction for $26. I didn't set it up for awhile because I didn't have anywhere to put it. Then I found two teak side tables for $30. Voila. After a week I didn't like the look so I sold it all. Now, I'm without again.

Design Lover - Milo Baughman Chrome Armchair

Image Todd Merrill Antiques

I'd love to see Milo Baughman seating paired with Paul Evans storage - particularly in my house.

Last Week in the Cassette Player

I was driving Brad's car last week - which only has a cassette player - so instead of being infiltrated by Nickelback on local radio I pulled my cassettes out of storage.

Jane's Addiction - Nothing's Shocking
Metallica - Ride the Lightning
Sonic Youth - dirty
Psychedelic Furs - Forever Now

Tip of the Week - Fashion

Match your socks to your shoes.

You've come a long way baby

image via eendag op 'n reendag

Remember those vintage silver cutlery wind chimes and pendants you'd see at craft fairs and in 70s hippie how to books? Well, they've come a long way!

Marietjie hand cuts each spoon with ornate designs and bends them into pendants. How she cuts them I have no idea but I'd love to have a gorgeous hand cut silver wind chime.

Thanks to ELLE Decor South Africa for the tip.

Quote of the Week - Gertrude Stein

We are always the same age inside.

Is it Dolce Gabbana or Madonna?

Dolce & Gabbana released their Madonna ad campaign on Facebook last week (note the words 'Madonna ad campaign'). Go see the shots here: www.facebook.com/DolceGabbana.

What do I see in the ads?
1. Madonna

The only thing that tells me the ads are Dolce & Gabbana is the font. Don't get me wrong - Madonna was my fashion icon from 82-84 and I think the photos are gorgeous, however, they are photos of Madonna - Madonna's ad campaign per say. Does she have a new album coming out or something? The clothes - which are what Dolce & Gabbana are trying to sell in the first place get lost among the Madonna 'brand recognition'. I think she's too well known for the campaign. Could she possibly be more well known than Dolce & Gabbana? Are Dolce & Gabbana trying to target a market familiar with Madonna but not Dolce & Gabbana. What was the purpose of using Madonna? I understand the feel of the campaign but, like I said, it gets lost because of Madonna. I would have preferred to have seen a sexy Sophia Loren type. So, if their objective was for bloggers to talk about their campaign with Madonna - achieved. Unfortunately, I can't give feedback on the clothes because they've been lost amongst the stronger brand - Madonna.

from Dolce & Gabbana's July 20 2010 album on Facebook

BTW - Who do you think approached whom first?

The men's ad campaign is pretty darn sexy too. It's on Dolce & Gabbana's page on Facebook as well.

Last Weekend on the Turntable

The Cure - Seventeen Seconds (1980)
- loving the single - A Forest (Remastered LP Version)

G-Star Boots F/W 2010

Watch Listen Learn

I've set up a Bijou Living YouTube channel where I've stored some of my favourite online tips, music and inspirations. Stop by for some entertainment if you're so inclined. http://www.youtube.com/user/bijouliving

Gucci

circa mid 90s when ripping pics out of magazines make sure you write the date somewhere

How to look good in the heat

New York Times - Sunday July 18, 2010

Well, now don't I wish it was humid here...

Bill Cunningham captured some wonderful shots of stylish men holding their own in New York City's humidity. Remember my summer business formal post I did for Daniel back in January? Review it here.

My choices for best looks:

1. cotton poplin suit - btw now is a good time to get a classic one on sale.

2. the red pants - one of my girlfriends dated a guy who wore red pants. We called him 'Pirate of Red Pants'. He now works at some posh London fashion school and I don't.

3. pocket square, carnation and spectator shoes - how stylishly late 30s.

4. midnight black aviators - no comment necessary.

5. I want to see what he's going to wear the pinstripe pants with. This is a man who knows how to utilize his wardrobe.

6. leather gloves - age spots on hands are no laughing matter - start protecting early - French cuffs - no you don't look pretentious.

7. Hello!

Supermodel Girl Crush #1

Estelle circa 1985
my first supermodel girl crush - note pin holes in the corners

There's something about Lou Reed's voice that makes me want to snuggle