The Problem with Men's Dress Pants

Something had really been bothering me about men's dress pants lately. I couldn't figure it out until we went to our biweekly after work hang out and people watched. It's the pockets. The pockets on some flat front pants are cut on an angle. If the pants don't fit properly they bulge out at the crotch and the pockets puff out - moving the eye horizontally across the midsection - and not in a good way.

Solution - look for pants that have pockets that are cut vertically.

A Hole Lot of Men's Sweaters

Johnny Rotten

Pringle of Scotland Cashmere Ladder Hole online

Diet Butcher

MIHARAYASUHIRO - Destroy @ Luisaviaroma

Horace @ Oak

Edun @ Oak

How to Shop for Vintage Clothing Pick the Best Vintage Coat

A good coat will have a layer of chamois leather sewn in the lining from the shoulders to the waist. This thin piece of hide adds a little protection from the bite of the cold winter wind. They may not even make them like this anymore. The coat in the photo is a late 60s mohair and alpaca.

BTW I picked up a vintage 100% camel hair coat last weekend - pics after I get it cleaned.

The BC Binning House - Pacific Northwest Modern - West Vancouver

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.