Mood Lighting - Take it Personally

Eaton's Catalog 1973

One of the most important and personal things in your home is the lighting. For example, we have dimmer switches on every light switch - even in the kitchen. However, we went to a dinner party last week, and the hosts had installed fluorescent tube lighting, aka office lighting, throughout their entire apartment. We dined under the hum of excited mercury vapour.

Rothschild & Bickers

You've probably gotten a good sense of my style by now and would've guessed I'd be a fan of 1970s swag lighting. The colored glass throws off a beautiful muted light that some refer to as either 'comfy' or 'sexy'. Both adjectives sound good to me. The lights are still quite easy to find when I go out thrifting; however, its day will come, and like the West German pottery, it will be impossible to find. When that day does arrive Rothschild & Bickers will be there to console me with their bespoke services (via Styleture).

You wouldn't believe me if I told you I paid $1 for the light below, so I won't tell you.

I've put this one in our bedroom now. It used to be in the living room.

PS I've finally put a Bijou Living page on Instagram. I'll be adding things to that page that I wouldn't post here. Come hang out 

Yes, I want to drive your car

Those of you who are regular readers of Bijou Living may remember that I grew up in a body shop. My Dad rebuilt many a classic car. Those that I remember are a 1957 Chevy (aka The '57 - it was always a trophy winner), a 1967 Camaro SS Big Block (another trophy winner), and a 1966 Corvette (rebuilt and sold right away). Needless to say, I like vintage cars.

On a road trip down to Palm Springs last January, which wasn't in the 1975 Porsche 911 I dream about, we made a three day pit stop in Napa Valley, California. One of the touristy things I wanted to do was to check out this roadside attraction known as Litto's Hubcap Ranch. We were greeted by Bosco, who also substituted as our tour guide. I'm not sure if we were actually supposed to be on the property but Bosco liked us and let us in. Apparently, there are over 5000 hubcaps on display at Litto's.

image stacy reynaud

Litto's Hubcap Ranch in Pope Valley, CA (eastern Napa Valley)

1958 T-bird and '67-71 Camaro at 8 Mile Creek Designs on Etsy

My Dad, regrettably, sold The '57 in the 80s and has been searching for it ever since. In 1989 he suffered a brain aneurysm and has heartbreakingly been unable to work on cars. While surfing around the web for pulltab tab art I came across these hubcap clocks that 8 Mile Creek Designs creates and sells on Etsy. I've always said that when I become a millionaire, which hasn't happened yet, I was going to surprise my Dad with his original, beloved 1957 Chevy. Well, since I'm not a millionaire yet how about surprising him with a custom made 1957 Chevy hubcap clock? I could give him a rain cheque for the rest of the car valid until 2050.

Bosco - Litto's Hubcap Ranch greeter and tour guide.

Fur in the Bedroom - Not just for John Holmes

Faux real.

Years ago I would've thought faux fur in the bedroom was reserved strictly for my Speedo wearing friends and porn stars. Oh, how times change. Not only have I grown to appreciate those updated little bathing trunks the guys are wearing but I've also developed a fondness for the furry stuff in the bedroom. *purrrrr*

Pierre Frey has been doing beautiful faux fur home accessories for some time now. It's available online and in France.

How to Propose a Toast

As a kid, did you ever have that uncle, grandfather, or the eccentric relative that you had no idea how you were related to them, give amazing toasts? Toasting is an art and, like your kiss, you will be remembered for this. Toasts can be to love, friendship, health, wealth, or happiness.

1. They need not be long. Something as brief as "To Dave, a great friend and an amazing musician," will suffice.
2. When toasting you rise, lift your glass and look the person you are toasting in the eyes. Make the toast and take a sip all while keeping eye contact. To break eye contact is disrespectful. You need not rise when there are only two of you.
   
3. Add a reminiscence, praise, relevant story or joke to appear more poised and eloquent.
   
4. The toast should always be in keeping with the occasion.
   
5. At a dinner party a host or hostess offers the first toast. A guest may propose a toast to the host if a toast is not offered by the host. A guest may also propose a second toast after the host.
6. At less formal dinners anyone may propose a toast as soon as the wine or champagne is served.
7. A small sip allows one to drink numerous toasts from the same serving. It's tacky to get drunk at a dinner.
   
8. If you don't drink alcohol participate in the toast by raising your empty glass or whatever beverage you are consuming. Not to do so and remain seated would be extremely discourteous.
9. If you are being toasted you remain seated and do not drink the toast. After the toast you rise and drink to your toasters.
10. The practice of toasting in different languages has grown quite popular. Here are seven that all mean, "To your health."

French - A votre santé
Spanish - Salud
German - Prosit
Swedish - Sköal
Yiddish - L'Chayim
Polish - Nazdrowie
Italian - Salute

I propose a toast to you, my reader and friend:

May you
have warm words
on a cold evening,
A full moon
on a dark night,
And the road
downhill
all the way to your door.

Vintage Yves Saint Laurent

1970

 model Francois Hardy

Quote of the Week - Oscar Wilde

If in doubt, overdress.

Life after the drapey cardigan

Okay, so you've put away the drapey cardigan - now what?

The same woman in a
drapey jacketand a tailored jacket.

Double or single breasted- they both work. If you're bustier up top go for a single breasted jacket as the double breasted adds girth.

What's that? Are you going to miss all those bulky folds up front on your draping cardigan sweater? How about a draping lightweight jersey top with a long chain or five with your jacket? I wear a cashmere sweater under mine.

A well-tailored jacket is never too dressy.
Yes, you can move around in it as easy as the drapey cardigan.
You'll be surprised how differently people respond to you.
Why not try it and find out for yourself?

6 Womenswear Trends to Put Away Now

top: monogrammed trophy bags, cosmetic enhancements, red soles
bottom: indigo skinny jeans and tan/brown boots, overdyed sprayed on denim with gold designer detailing on the pockets (Jordache 1970s), the draped cardigan (ladies, it looks like a housecoat)

Quote of the Week - Bill Blass

When in doubt, wear red.