The BC Binning House - West Coast Modern - West Vancouver

Front of the Binning Home

Summer 2010

Stacy Reynaud

Backyard of the Binning Home

Summer 2010

Stacy Reynaud

Mr Binning's in house studio 2010

Stacy Reynaud

Kitchen of the home

2010

Stacy Reynaud

Exterior of the home Summer 2010

Stacy Reynaud

Original interior of Binning Residence 2010

Stacy Reynaud

Interior of Binning Home 2010 

Stacy Reynaud

The Binnings

Stacy Reynaud

Interior of the Binning Home. Original furniture and decor of The Binnings 2010

Stacy Reynaud

Notes by the phone by Mrs Binning 2010

Stacy Reynaud

One washroom in the Binning Residence

Stacy Reynaud

For more of my images please view my BC Binning set on Flickr.

This past summer I had the pleasure of touring an iconic example of early West Coast Modern architecture - the West Vancouver home of artist Bertram Charles Binning - otherwise known as the B.C. Binning Home.

The home, designed in 1941, is a perfect size at just over 1400 s.f.

Binning's wife, Jesse, continued to live in the home until her death in 2007 at the age of 101. The home is currently owned by the nonprofit organization The Land Conservancy - whom could really use your help maintaining it.

For a story in the Vancouver Sun from 2007 see here.

It's Past Labour Day and It's OK

Spotted @ the Gravity Pope Tailored Goods Event - 'Hey, clients that spend lots of money, come get drunk and spend lots more!'
10.28.10

Quote of the Week - Christian Dior

After a certain age it is better for you to concentrate on an elegant look rather than a young look.

Vintage Keds

circa 1967
(I'll take that centre outfit please)

How Does Your Sweater Fit?

DOLCE & GABBANA - Alpaca Mix Sweater with free shipping

He likes his sweaters a certain way:

1. the bottom can't have ribbing - it makes the sweater bunch and ride up
2. the length should be about one or two inches below the hip bone - anything shorter is too boxy and 80s looking
3. it should be slightly tapered
4. if it's a crew neck, it can't be too high or too tight
5. the knit should be light enough to layer a variety of different style shirts under

12 Steps to Have Great Skin

1. keep it clean
2. water in the morning
3. cleanser at night
4. lotion instead of cream - cream clogs your pores as it's heavier.
5. shower spray is good for the face - stand close and enjoy.
6. suntan lotion everyday - spf 30
7. face massage - try a Japanese face massage or do one on yourself.
8. face acupuncture - I've done this a few times. If I was rich I'd go all the time - it feels that good.
9. keep ear, nose and unruly eyebrow hair under control. Read Sarah's tips on easy eyebrow grooming - good for men and women.
10. eat plenty of orange colored fruits and vegetables - they contain Vitamin A - one of the skin's most important rejuvinators. For others see here.
11. keep coffee, alcohol, late nights, and pharmaceuticals to a minimum - they either dehydrate or puff up the face.
12. drink two litres of water a day.

Vintage Cerruti 1881

Nino Cerruti

1980

Quote of the Week - William Butler Yeats

Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot, but make it hot by striking.

Tip of the Week - Bad Breath

Brush the very back of your tongue - as far as you can - this is where our large taste buds live. There is more space for bacteria to hang out in the grooves between these guys. See image here.

Style Inspiration

Let's say we're in an imaginary world and I'm offering you a glimpse into the inspiration for my next collection. The music is what did it - and Jim Kerr's trousers. Watch the video - even if it's simply for the amusement of 1:37.

Simple Minds 1981 view it here as well

5 Men's Vintage Inspired Sweaters

Ralph Lauren
available online @ Ralph Lauren

Marc Jacobs
available online @ Marc Jacobs

Roberto Collina

available online @ Luisaviaroma

Moncler
available online @ Browns

Edun
available online @ oak

How to keep your sanity while unemployed

I feel that I can speak directly on this topic as it took me two years to find a job (which ends next Sept.) and my husband was laid off twice during the same time.

1. volunteer - it gets you out of the house and communicating with people face to face. Unemployment can be very isolating and if you don't nip the pjs and Net in the bud you'll start doubting yourself. Get out there! I still volunteer at the Community Centre because it's a great group of people, it's in line with my personal values and I get a free pass.
2. try and relax - probably the most difficult thing to do during this time.
   
3. ask for help - there are many government funded programs out there to assist you if you're on unemployment or social assistance. You just need to swallow your pride and ask for it. I was lucky to be directed to the right program after finally admitting I needed a hand dealing with things. If you're like me and not into 'support' groups there are one on one sessions available at most places. My employment 'counsellor' helped me spruce up my resume, clean up my cover letter and practice interview skills that I'm confident helped me land my current job. Hey, just because you hold a graduate degree and have brought in six figures doesn't mean you're immune to the pink slip. Be human - it's humbling.
   
4. don't apply for jobs everyday - give it a break for a week and enjoy your time off.
   
5. tell people you're independently wealthy when they ask you what you do - it's a good conversation starter and shows you have the ability to laugh at yourself. I guarantee you they'll remember you and who knows maybe they may know someone who's hiring.
6. walk - everywhere.
7. communicate with your friends and family about how you're feeling. My friends were/are amazing and supportive. They kept me fed and watered.
8. get to know the coffee shop crew, cashiers, gas station attendants and other folks in your neighbourhood. It feels good to be acknowledged by name and asked how your day is going. Remember the crowd at Cheers?
9. Get into a routine right away - even if it's going for a walk to the library or community centre.
   
10. dream big - whatever your definition of big may be.
    
11. write a blog - this is how Bijou Living was conceived.
    

** Whatever you do - do NOT ask someone who is unemployed WHY they can't find a job.

Quote of the Week - Walt Whitman

Every moment of light and dark is a miracle.

What are you listening to?

Stone Roses - Fools Gold (1989)
download --> Fools Gold (Remastered)


The gold road's sure a long road
winds on through the hills for fifteen days

The pack on my back is achin'
the straps seem to cut me like a knife

The gold road's sure a long road
winds on through the hills for fifteen days

The pack on my back is achin'
the straps seem to cut me like a knife

I'm no clown, I won't back down
I don't need you to tell me what's goin' down
down, down, down, down, da down, down, down
down, down, down, down, da down, down, down

I'm standing alone
I'm watching you all
I'm seeing you sinking
I'm standing alone
you're weighing the gold
I'm watching you sinking
Fool's gold

These boots were made for walking
the Marquis De Sade never made no boots like these

Gold's just around the corner
breakdown's coming up 'round the bend

(how ya doin'?)

Sometimes you have to try to get along dear
I know the truth and I know what you're thinking

Down, down, down, down, da down, down, down

I'm standing alone
I'm watching you all
I'm seeing you sinking
I'm standing alone
you're weighing the gold
I'm watching you sinking
Fool's gold

just a few pics

Yes, my birthday fell on a national holiday. Apparently, the Four Seasons Whistler thought I looked much older for my age as evidenced by their greeting card. Those are our two kits - their grandparents came and stayed with them while we were gone.

As I spent the weekend doing what Libras do best - lounging and enjoying the good life - I'm a little behind in the blog. Hang in there.

PS That 'Smoked Coke' on the bar menu was the best cocktail I've ever had.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Mom and me

Vintage Calvin Klein Menswear

1980

Tip of the Week - Women

image from the personal collection of Stacy Reynaud

Never tell a woman she looks good for her age.

Just because you are wearing a tie

images 1 & 2 Dolce and Gabbana @ style.com - note the length of the tie and fit of the shirt, including the sleeve length
image 3 - the loosened tie makes him look drunk but at least his shirt fits him.

doesn't mean you look 'professional'. You can actually come across looking sloppier than you would without one. If you're going to make the effort to look 'professional' by throwing on a tie please take the time to make sure the whole package comes across as 'professional' - meaning that your clothes fit you.

1. get a shirt that fits - which means one you didn't buy at Joe's Tent and Awning or Costco.
2. go for a collar that flatters your bone structure (see my post on collar styles).
3. your tie looks best if it touches just the top of the waist on your trousers (see photo).
4. thoughts on undershirts under white shirts (see photo)? They creep me out but that's just me.
5. pant hems are more important than you think (see my post on hems).

Quote of the Week - Virginia Woolf

One cannot think well, love well, sleep well if one has not dined well.

Men's Fall Casual

I love this. We should hang out.
Lounge Lizard all photos from Real Shine - please drop by their shop to see more.