Willow Chair Wow!

Considered to be among the main influencers within the Glasgow New School of Art, Charles Mackintosh was certainly not afraid to be unique. Throughout the 1890’s-1920’s, Mackintosh was commissioned to design many of famous tea rooms found in Glasgow today. His furniture is known for its geometry and drama.

Just look at the graphic nature of this chair! Notice the Willow Tree is displayed on the chair’s seat back. Another inspiring piece from the past!

Don’t Discount the Journey

Hi folks,

Thought you might find the words of David Trubridge inspiring.

Read DWR Design Notes (vol.8, 11).

You can’t help but notice how he has not been afraid to see where the road takes him. His strength and resolve to carve out his own unique life demonstrates a deep value in knowing that his life is his art.
“I cannot separate anything. All parts of my life – my humanity, my family, my designs and my travels – are my art. My life is my art.” David Trubrige.

Junkanoo

Junkanoo is a Bahamian celebration featuring amazing colours, noise makers, and costumes. The colour and sense of movement is wonderfully displayed with Bahamian art. The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas is worth a visit.

Bahama Life

I know I’m spoiled. I’m sitting in the Bahamas right now. I’m staying at my cousins and let’s just say it’s a little more than just a roof over my head – it’s a amazing roof for that matter. This place has a pool and its own cabana for guests. My hubby and I are in the cabana with a pool outside our veranda. OK…enough bragging!

I’m hit with the beauty of the colours in the Bahamas. Houses are painted with gorgeous teals, vibrant yellows, and lavenders. These colours are so complimentary with the local setting, bright sunlight and clear blue sky.

However, to take these colours and apply them in my hometown of Vancouver Canada would be disingenuous. I hate driving by a Greco-Roman façade with blue, whites, and yellows, that are completely imported into a Canadian backyard. This is nothing against the architecture, design, and colour scheme of other countries, I just would prefer to integrate these aspects into the local environment. By blending both a local influences with aspects of other countries the design is grounded and a space’s felt authenticity is heightened.

This makes me wonder about fashion that has been imported from other countries. How can Canadians for instance, take European trends and not just adopt them but also integrate them in ways that are truly distinct to the climate and cultural influences here? This leaves room for two exciting developments. Firstly, people can begin to hone in on and imagine what truly distinguishes Canadian design. Secondly, we can go about seeking out and finding worldwide fashion influences with more tenacity, knowing that we will not just adopt these trends but we will also adapt them in unique ways.

Opaque Tights the Perfect Fall Accessory

Wear opaque tights in the day or at night. But don’t get caught wearing your ankle length leggings! Make the easy switch to opaque tights.

FYI – Need a reminder of the term “opaque” means…click here.

Panton You Have My Heart!

I’m in Seattle and I just bought my first designer furniture piece today! I feel exhilarated! I have been eyeing the Panton Chair online at Design Within Reach and finally I treated myself to this big purchase. I normally live in the thrift stores looking for little gems I can convert into fresh additions to my place, however, not today! I’ve gone straight to the source and bought an investment piece I know will remain a classic.

I raced from DWR to Great Jones Homes. There, I was treated to some fab wallpaper samples. I found myself rifling through wonderful papers by Cole & Son and Nina Campbell. The staff at GJH were so accommodating to stay open late as I had raced in five minutes before closing. The service in the US is amazing!

No joke, just as I’m writing about great American service, a Starbucks employee has given me a free drink coupon because I helped one of their customers use my computer to check her email.

This has been a great day!

A Great Big Shout Out!

Hello friends,

I’ve decided to launch this blog out of my passion for everything inspirational and fun in fashion and design.

Join me in the indulgence, won’t you?