There is no exquisite beauty without some strangeness in the proportion.
Ligeia, Edgar Allan Poe
May 19, 2009
Quote of the Week - Edgar Allan Poe
There is no exquisite beauty without some strangeness in the proportion.
Ligeia, Edgar Allan Poe
May 14, 2009
Jean Gillon - Collector Alert
Designing primarily in Brazilian rosewood during the mid century Jean Gillon could not have known his material of choice would become a CITES listed endangered species. Brazilian rosewood is now illegal to trade.
Gillon was born in Romania in 1919 and received his architecture degree in 1942. At the age of 37 he moved to Brazil where he began designing furniture and household products out of local hardwood, primarily rosewood.
Two years later, in 1958, Gillon founded Italma Wood Art and began to solidify his reputation as one of the top Brazilian furniture designers.
Gillon did not limit himself to furniture design. He also worked with textiles producing highly collectible tapestries.
Watch for his work.
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May 11, 2009
Quote of the Week - Anonymous
Age is of no importance unless you're a cheese.
Cheese shop. Cannes, France
Cheese shop. Cannes, France
May 7, 2009
Arnaud Maggs: Reality and Mortality
Arnaud Maggs is aware of his own mortality. It is this sense that keeps him working to consolidate his large body of work while trying to capture fresh ideas. Maggs' work speaks to the universal human experience. Hotel signs become more than sans serif on white on black. Portraits become stark realities of the form of the human head. Maggs is 83.
11 Mens Tote Bags
It is believed, among couturiers, that your accessories should be more expensive than your basic suit. The right accessory can enhance a dull outfit and set you apart from the pack.
When choosing a city bag for 2009 think harmony. Each item in your wardrobe should have some harmony with the others. That is, make sure that no one piece of clothing stands out by itself. Bags, like shoes, provide light-reflecting contrasts to your outfit. It is important, therefore, that your bag, as your shoes be well maintained and polished.
Here are 11 bags to carry off your look.
1. Pauric Sweeney
2. Corsia
3. Dolce & Gabbana
4. Ally Capellino
5. Moore & Giles
6. ndc
7. A Brand Apart
8. Jas m.b.
9. Maison Martin Margiela
10. John Varvatos
11. DiorFantasy Furniture: Its Place in Our Space
As some of you may know Bijou Living moved into a 1910 studio space May 1st. Initially, we had planned an interior inspired by Louis XVI meets Bauhaus however, with the realization of limited capital and a storage locker filled with vintage finds, our concept changed.
What is coming together now is a menagerie of 70s bohemian, mid-century Danish and Rococo amongst a color palette reminisce of Hieronymus Bosch's Garden of Earthly Delights.
When the project is finished photos will be forthcoming. For now, conjure up your own images with these pieces and you'll get a sense of what we're working with.
May 6, 2009
May 1, 2009
Design Lover: Fredrick Färg
Fredrik Färg's Modus:coverSwedish designer, Fredrik Färg, transforms boring furniture the same way.
Just back from the Salone Internazionale del Mobile, where he showed his new collection in the crowd pleasing SaloneSatellite for young designers, Färg grabbed media attention with his reclaimed flea market finds, particularly Re:cover bespoke dresses to old chairs.
Modus:cover, another new piece, transforms oak cupboards into one of a kind wardrobes by covering them in fashion magazines prevalent to the day they were built and then varnishing over them in black stain.
Why not try it yourself. The same directions as the walls apply.
Apr 30, 2009
In Our Nature: A review of the latest work of José González
sleeve - In Our Nature, José GonzálezGonzález's latest album, In Our Nature, comes and goes in a flash so be sure to press repeat on your audio player of choice.
This album is that moment in your life you wish you could live over and over again.
Stand out tracks: Down the Line, Cycling Trivialities, Fold
Honorable mention: Teardrop (Massive Attack cover)
- Brad Lav
Apr 28, 2009
Pant Hems: What You Need to Know
Like skirt lengths, pant lengths can, too, fall victim to trends. Remember, trends come and go but style is forever. The photo above shows the classic length for both a trouser hem and a skirt hem. The skirt should fall about 1/2 inch over the top of the knee.
Pants should be kept long enough at the back to touch the top of the heel of the shoe with ease yet short enough in the front to form a break in the line of the pant.
The crease line will be broken 6 inches above the shoe or boot. In other words, the pants will look a little too long in the front while the crease line in the back remains unbroken.
Apr 23, 2009
How to Accent Windows
If you're reading this post you obviously don't have tinfoil over your window. Although a simple solution, it's definitely not the most desirable.
Window treatments don't have to cost a fortune. Like most things in life, the simpler, the better.
Marimekko fabrics look great from the street.
Your window treatments contribute to both the interior and exterior of your home so consider them from the road as well, not only during the day but also the night.
Your home looks more welcoming with comforting night-time windows.
Some tips to keep in mind when selecting your window treatments:
1. Remember your budget.
2. One can easily get caught up in the beauty of the fabrics and forget if it's suitable for the room.
3. Ask yourself whether you need insulation against cold or noise.
4. Do you need to keep light out at night or only screen the room from the street?
5. Will there be any fire hazards nearby?
If your home is street level an easy way to prevent passers-by from peering in is to hang up a large display such as the daisy above.
© stacy reynaud
Your windows can be a way of expressing your individuality without really being seen. Take the opportunity to make them your own.Related Posts:
The Style Quiz 2
What's old is new again. Remember when you shop, shop for style not trends, quality not quantity.
Below are five images taken from the same year. Which year do you think it was? Leave your answer in the comment section. We'll post the answer on May 1st, 2009.
What Not to Wear: 10 Fashion Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Fashion is a lot like riding a bike. You fall off, you get back up, brush yourself off and try again. Once you learn, you'll never forget.
Here are ten tips on how to stay out of the "Don't" pictures and get into the "Do's"
1. Stripes and Checks
You've seen it before, you'll see it again. Stripes and checks/plaid worn together. Somewhat more prevalent when the sun comes out - checked bermuda shorts and horizontal striped golf shirts.
Do - Choose a solid color shirt that pulls out a color in the pattern. You'd be surprised at how versatile the check can be once you start using this technique.
2. Suspenders and Belt
With the 80s British skin head inspired look popping up, remember, both accessories are meant to hold up your trousers.
Do - Choose either one or the other. If you're wearing a boldly colored suspender, such as red, go with black footwear. Don't be afraid to add another brightly colored accoutrement such as a handkerchief or bracelet to play off the color.
3. Socks and Sandals
An obvious to some but adhered to by so few. Yes, it's comfortable but so are your boxers and you don't wear those out in public.
Do - Choose a sandal appropriate to your lifestyle. If you walk a lot find one with arch support and a flexible sole. If you're mainly into posing not walking the sky's the limit.
4. Tank Tops and Jeans
Unless you're a ranch hand or coal miner. See #3 above
Do - Choose a loose fitting light weight shirt if you get warm in the summer. Sleeveless shirts are okay as long as they're loose. Remember, if you're wearing one fitted piece the other should be loose. No one wants to see you in a unitard.
5. White Socks and Black Shoes
No.
Do - If you didn't do your laundry the night before you're still safe. Grab a pair of black ones and wash them up in the sink, squeeze them out and roll them in a dry towel stepping on it to expel any excess water. Roll and step a few times then let the socks air dry over night. Voila.
6. VPL - visible panty line
It can be worse than walking around with toilet paper stuck on your foot. Everyone notices but you.
Do - If you have VPL your trousers are either too tight or you're not wearing the appropriate undergarments or lack thereof. Ask a trusted friend before you go out; 'Do I have VPL?'.
7. Dark Undergarments Under Light Colored Clothes and Vice Versa
You've seen the horrors produced by the camera flash or even worse the black light at the club when one is wearing white under black. The same is true with dark under white. It looks cheap. Sure, Madonna did it in '85 but you're not Madonna and it's 2009.
Do - Choose underwear that is the same color as the clothes you are wearing. If you're wearing white, nude color is best.
8. Dandruff, Underarm Stains and Smelly Feet
As above, this is the 21st Century and there are products and services that help eliminate these problems. The well presented individual will not let their bodily functions tamper with their credibility.
Do - See a doctor about your dandruff. There are high grade shampoos available that will get rid of it. For those pit stained shirts, get rid of them. No matter how many times you wash or dry clean them it'll still be there. Carry a spare shirt and/or try clear antiperspirant. Smelly feet are a big turn off and sometimes even noticed through your shoes. For shoes, choose cotton socks and, like the shirt, carry a spare. Odor preventing insoles do help as long as you change them. For sandals, wash the inside of your sandals with soap and water - even if they're leather. Don't put talc in your sandals. It only makes them slimy. Leave the talc for the end of the day and put it on your freshly washed feet.
9. Keep your shirt on.
Anyone reading this post already cares about how they present themselves so it probably isn't relevant but please spread the word. Call me old fashioned but there's something very undignified about a man walking around the city bare chested.
Do - See numbers 3 and 4 above.
10. Save the Shower for Water
You may know one of these individuals. They over scent themselves and usually with a vile smelling one at that. Water is meant to shower in, not cologne.
Do - Use just a dab on a pulse point. That's all you need.
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Apr 17, 2009
How To Wear A Pocket Square
Question:
I've been noticing a revival of the breast pocket handkerchief. I like the look but I'm not sure how to wear it. Tips? via email
You're right. No longer just a staple with the Rex Harrison crowd, the handkerchief, aka the pocket square, is making a comeback. Like a pair of fine shoes, a well made handkerchief can add zap to an otherwise dull outfit.
Here are five tips to follow when adding a handkerchief to your ensemble.
1. The handkerchief should not match the tie.
2. It should be placed in the breast pocket like it is being used. To achieve this look fold the handkerchief into a square. Pinch the fabric in the middle. Pick it up. Fold the bottom portion and insert into the breast pocket folded bit down. The points of the handkerchief should be pointing out with gusto.
3. A white handkerchief should only be worn with a white shirt.
4. To fully achieve the elegance a handkerchief implies, it should have a hand-rolled hem.
5. Don't reserve the handkerchief only for suits. If wearing a vest without a jacket, add a handkerchief in the vest breast pocket for some extra flare. A silk handkerchief added to a blazer with jeans adds sophistication.
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Men's Hairstyles For 09
Men's Hairstyles For 09
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