BIJOU LIVING

Jul 13, 2009

6 Different Ways to Tie a Shoe

Classic crisscross - outside, inside, outside and tighten from the bottom
Combination crisscross - an easier version of the classic. Outside, outside, outside and tighten by pulling laces.

Spaced crisscross - X-pattern eyelets in the center.
Horizontal lacing - Bring one end straight up to the top of the eyelet, lacing the other end in the desired effect.

Zigzag - one end straight up to the top of the eyelet, but the other end laces in a crisscross pattern.
Horizontal underlacing - outside down, inside up across, outside down.

Tips:

Experiment with shoes or boots with any number of eyelets.
Hint --> combat boots are fun.
Pull the laces up so the longer end is on the right. When you tie your bow, twist the longer end twice around the first loop before pulling it through.
Cotton laces tie better.

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

Jul 9, 2009

12 Do's and Don'ts for Dining Out

Don't

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

give compliments where compliments are due.
fill out the comment form - management really does read them.
keep your voice down.
use your napkin often.
send your wine back if it is unacceptable.
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.
break off a small piece of bread, butter it and eat it. Don't butter the whole thing at once.
look the waiter in the eye.
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.
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.
rise to shake someone's hand if you are introduced.
get your bearings straight on manoeuvring a typical table setting.

Jul 8, 2009

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.

Related Posts:
Design Lover: Mariano Fortuny Desk Lamp
Design Lover: Charles Martin AD 11 Light
Design Lover: The Bauhaus Birdhouse

Jul 7, 2009

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:

Jul 6, 2009

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

Jul 2, 2009

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

Vintage Yves Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent

1980

Related Posts: Style Quiz 1 Style Quiz 2 Style Quiz 3

Jun 30, 2009

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.

Related Posts:
Thomas Kakinuma
Rose Cabat
Paul Evans

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:

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

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

Jun 29, 2009

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

Quote of the Week - Albert Einstein

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

Related Posts:
10 Fashion Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Pant Hems: What You Need to Know
How to Tie a Skinny Tie

Jun 28, 2009

Glass Plates Reborn: Digichromatography

Ural Owls - 1910
Sergei Mikhailovich Prokudin-Gorskii

from the author's personal collection

Russian photographer to Tsar Nicholas II, Sergei Mikhailovich Prokudin-Gorskii, captured black and white images on glass plate negatives using red, green and blue filters. He then presented the images in color using a light projection system and the same three filters. Thanks to digital technology and a process called digichromatography we are now able to view Prokudin-Gorskii's glass slides in brilliant color, the way he intended them to be. In layman's terms digichromatography involves scanning the glass negative then editing it with image editing software. Grayscale becomes RGB, layering and cropping are tackled and finally any retouching of the image is completed. That is a very brief primary explanation. Please see the full details here.

Jun 25, 2009

Style Inspiration: François Truffaut

French filmmaker François Truffaut

1932 - 1984

Jun 24, 2009

Vintage Gianni Versace

Gianni Versace

1980

Jun 23, 2009

Design Lover: Hamilton Beach Juice Extractor 932

For 69 years, the Hamilton Beach Juice Extractor Model 932 has been the main squeeze on the countertops of discerning chefs, bartenders, and juice devotees.

It refuses to be squeezed out by the competition.

Patented a year after the disbandment of Bauhaus in 1933, the influence of the school is reflected in the 932's streamlined design and superior craftsmanship - it's known to last a lifetime.

The extractor's rack-and-pinion gearing can exert up to 2000 lbs of pressure, ensuring fresh juice without the pulp.

A classic appliance that's easy to use, good-looking and durable.

Jun 22, 2009

Quote of the Week - Le Corbusier

Talent is not enough if it cannot be backed by strong character.
Le Corbusier

Jun 18, 2009

6 Summer Low Tops - Simple Clean Style

A pair of lo tops should be in every man's closet. Effortlessly simple, classic, and more fashionably functional than your average sneaker, the canvas or light suede lo top trainer can be worn with slim fitting jeans, tapered shorts or drain pipe trousers. Pair a well kept leather low top with your light summer linen suit for that Duran Duran Rio feel.

1. Asics Coolidge Lo
online at Barneys

2. Chuck Taylor All Stars low tops
online at Converse

3. Keds Green
online at Keds

4. Topman Canvas Plimsolls
online at Topman

5. Vans Classic Low Top
online at Vans

6. Rachel Comey Canvas Lo Top
online at oaknyc

Jun 17, 2009

Design Lover: Mariano Fortuny Desk Lamp

Designed in 1903 by the Italian textiles and dress designer Mariano Fortuny, the sweepingly curved desk lamp is made of chrome with a solid brass and black lacquered arm. Height: 24.5 inches. Width: 22.5 inches. By Ecart International.

Jun 16, 2009

10 Things You Should Know About Oscar Niemeyer

Niterói Contemporary Art Museum, Brazil

Niemeyer, with Lucio Costa, designed the Brazilian Pavilion for the New York World's Fair.
His first executed work was a maternity clinic.
He worked with Le Corbusier on the preliminary plans for the Ministry of Education Building in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Niemeyer began his career in architecture before he graduated from university.
He was a member of the United Nations Headquarters Design Committee
He considered the Modern Art Museum in Caracás, Venezuela, as marking an essential shift to minimalism in his designs
Niemeyer was head of the design group responsible for creating the first public building in the world to be expressed in the modernist architectural medium (Ministry of Education Building, Rio de Janiero)
Mayor Fiorella LaGuardia made him an honorary citizen of New York City in 1939
With the assistance of 60 architects, Niemeyer conceived, developed, and produced final drawings for all the critical federal buildings for Brasilia in less than two years
Niemeyer will celebrate his 102nd birthday on December 17, 2009.

Modern Art Museum, Venezuela

Vintage Christian Dior 1984

Christian Dior

1984

Jun 15, 2009

Your Week's Inspiration

One of my favourite Flickr contributors, hillbillyxx, posted this found photo on the weekend. Thank hillbillyxx for sharing such a find will you.

Quote of the Week - Faye Dunaway

Edge is one of my favourite words. Energy's another.
Faye Dunaway