escapade: 7/1/10

Showing newest 13 of 20 posts from 7/1/10 - 8/1/10. Show older posts

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Happy weekend!

Just a breezy summer weekend, best spent with favourite friends - sharing stories, dreaming and laughing, lying back and watching the clouds, taking a refreshing dip in the cool water, or simpling sittin' on the dock of the bay...

- Daydreaming about lavender fields....

- Ever wonder what stylists do on maternity leave? This is probably the cutest little site ever... (discovered via by Anne -thank you!)

- A girlish obsession with pretty ponies continues still...

- Just this week, the 'Right Now in Design' event in NY with Nate Berkus, Laura Kirar, Steven Gambrel and Jesse Carrier, arranged by the fabulous So Haute (Well done Nicole! :) )

- I always make time each and every day for a cup of tea. A beautiful venue for high tea, and beautiful tea dresses to wear while you sip.

- Two adorable videos from Max and Margaux's wedding here and here.

Yep, it's official - cutest couple ever.

Happy, happy weekend everyone! Hope you make it beautiful!

{Photos: 1- David Hamilton via Definitely Golden, 2 -(can't make out the photographer's name on the watermark if someone with better eyes can see it, please let me know :) ) via Le Love}

Friday, July 30, 2010

Backyard wedding bliss...

I had to admit, I almost felt a little emotional looking at the sweet and touching wedding photos of photographer Max Wanger and his lovely new wife Margaux. Their initmate backyard wedding was full of thoughtful, personalized touches, a lovely laid back vibe and what's more - it looked like lots of fun!
If I could have another wedding, it would be just like this.

These photos tugged at my heart strings, they look so happy, relaxed and completely in love...

{Photos: via our labor of love, OnceWed, The Flash Dance}

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Summer blooms

It's definitely still summer time outside, and the thick heady scent of perfumed blossoms make the outdoors an intoxicating place to be on our evening walks. As much as I enjoy the flowers outside, I can never resist the urge to bring them back indoors with me. Even a single blossom just lights up a whole space. I loved the artful arranging in this editorial, it just shows you don't need a fancy vase to show off summer flowers, just keep it simple and let the blooms speak for themselves.

Here are a few tips from Style at Home on keeping your blooms looking fresh and lasting longer:

1 Choose stems with buds that are just beginning to open; full blooms mean the plant is nearing the end of its life. Make sure leaves are shiny, not dull.

2 Cut stems at a 45-degree angle before placing flowers in a container to increase water intake and extend their lifespan. Use a sharp knife or scissors; a dull blade can injure stems and keep them from getting nutrients.

3 Strip the lower leaves, ensuring none are below water level, which can promote bacteria growth.

4 Use lukewarm water for most flowers. Change water every two days.

5 Keep your bouquet longer by adding floral food. Mix one teaspoon lemon or lime juice, a teaspoon sugar and a few drops of bleach for each litre of water.

{Photos: Virginia McDonald for Style at Home, article text by Sandra MacGregor}

Gold + neutrals

Graphic David Hicks fabric makes a bold statement in this neutral bedroom sanctuary. The look is calm and restful in earthy neutrals, but the textured grasscloth wallpaper and thick cream velvet curtains combined with metallic and mirrored accents add a sense of luxury and a hint of glamour.

The nightstands were a Value Village score at $10 each, then spray painted along with the larger dresser to create a complete set. All white ceramic pieces each in unique shapes paired with all white linens, create a crisp contrast to the warm neutrals in this relaxing space.

Probably my favourite piece in the room - the bubble pendant lamp from

Studio Pazo in Toronto.

The dresser was another thrift store score, sprayed to match the nightstands.
I loved Arren's description of his unique table lamp, a gift from his mother on his 40th birthday, "When I saw it, I thought it was the best thing since sliced bread! Its so gorgeous and bizarre."

{Photos: Angus Fergusson for Canadian House and Home, August 2010}

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Pretty pieces in white + gold: Kelly Wearstler for Pickard

To be honest, I'm not always a massive fan of all things Kelly Wearstler. While I do admire her refreshing creativity, I often find her spaces too busy or 'loud', I generally crave 'quieter' spaces, with more of an understated drama or glamour.

I have, however, completely fallen for her porcelain designs for Pickard. The perfect combination for a rich, but quiet elegance. Not too precious in its modern motifs. Would be just perfect paired with soft neutrals or add some drama paired with rich, dark shades.

{Photos: Kelly Wearster}

A holiday in Florence...

I've always thought it would be the best wedding gift to be able to give the couple a romantic vacation away. If I could send my favourite couple anywhere, I think it would be to Florence, where there trip last summer unfortunately had to be cancelled. I think this art loving duo would have such an amazing time soaking up all the art, culture and deliciousness of Italy. And what could be more fitting after a wedding, than romantic summer whites? A refreshing retreat in the classically elegant combination of white and gold.

{All photos: Boutique Hotel Firenze discovered at thisisglamorous}

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

For the new Mrs S...

Finally settling back into a normal pace after a busy week of appointments, house guests, and a very special out of town wedding. The weekend was a beautiful flurry of pale lilac silk, soft pink roses, feather bouquets, french manicures, champagne toasts, happy tears, lots of laughter, a picture perfect sunset and dancing the night away....

(fun, fun, fun!)

To the new Mr & Mrs S. - if your lovely wedding was any indication - life together will be full of picture-perfect memories and surrounded by lots of love from your friends and family. I hope you always take time to drink in beautiful sunsets and never stop laughing...

With all my love,

{Photos: 1 Lo Bjurulf via a previous post; 2- the actual dresses we wore, by the Dessy Group; 3- Martha Stewart Weddings; 4 - we found this very fitting quote engraved on a sundial in a butterfly garden where we were having pictures taken; 5, 6- Real Simple}

Monday, July 19, 2010

Happy new week!

Have finally moved ahead with some long overdue projects around the house, and as it tends to happen, when you get ahead with one thing, you fall behind on another. So, unfortunately a little behind on posts for this week, but have some exciting things to share soon.

How was your weekend? What did you all get up to?

{Photo: J Crew catalogue Feb'08}

Friday, July 16, 2010

Something exciting: Emersonmade clothing

Something very exciting has been happening over at Emersonmade - the new pieces of her brand new clothing line are slowly being revealed and I've been just delighted to see each one. Perfect, timeless, classic pieces that you'll want to wear everyday and will cherish for years to come.

The perfect swing-y skirt - with pockets!

(I have to have this piece! ) The Silk Ribbons blouse. Just perfect.

The Confetti Dot party dress.

Perfectly tailored - 1960's Wool Tweed jacket.

Tiny Dots ribbon blouse and E.M. Straightleg Old School jeans.

Still to come... the E.M. brass and leather collection and so many more lovely pieces.

Just can't wait!

{All photos: Emersonmade}

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Etsy favourites: Element Clay Studio

Still feeling the beachy, summery vibe after a beautiful trip to the beach and instantly fell in love with these gorgeous ceramic pieces by Heather Knight of Element Clay Studio on etsy. Each piece is hand crafted and completely unique, styled after natural ocean elements - coral, urchins, scallops and lichen. With a beautiful and realistic natural texture, they have a 'quiet beauty' that would be easily used in any type of space.

This set of three Nesting Scallop bowls caught my eye right away. Easily spit up to use individually or equally beautiful as a set where they resemble a flower opening to the light.

There are even little mini versions with bright pops of colour inside that would make a perfect little catch-all on your desk or bedroom dresser.

{All photos: Element Clay Studio, discovered via Living with White}

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

A bright beach cabana

Clear, bright skies and warm breezes have me feeling beachy and seeking my favourite type of therapy - time spent by the water. This bright beach cabana in Venezuela seems to fit the prescription, all in calm and tranquil neutrals but injected with a sense of energy through the brightly coloured Otomi fabrics. Each one of these pillow are like a piece of art, striking in their simplicity with bright colours that would make every day seem like a fiesta.

Get this look with lovely bright Mexican embroidered throws from lovely Louise's online shop, Table Tonic. As seen above, fabric this beautiful could stand alone as artwork mounted on the wall.

{Photos: 1-5 Venezuelan Beach Cabana in Caracas, Venezuela by Ashe + Leandro; 6,7 Mexican Suzani bedspreads from Table Tonic}

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Happy (hot summer) weekend

Finally a cool summer breeze is a welcome relief from all the humidity and I can resume my plan to live outdoors all weekend long. Here are some places to go, and things to see this weekend:

Be sure to bookmark ! A fantastic new online mag on it's way -the Rue.
Get a sense of what's in store by visiting the four fabulous ladies behind it - Crystal, Anne, Alaina and Caitlin.

Make this weekend - a decadent milkshake

Inside Sheryl Crow's NYC loft

Enjoy being a girl - macarons and make-up

A peak inside Milan Design week

+ dont forget to enter the pillow give-away!

Have a fantastic weekend everyone!
xo

{Photo via desde my ventana}

Friday, July 9, 2010

A butterfly crown...

Next fancy dress party I'm invited to, I think I'd like to go as "The Princess of Bohemia" and wear this beautiful crown. It looks like something out of a magical storybook woodland.

Either that or I'll just wear it around the house...

{Photo: The Iron Butterfly Crown by Littledoe via Glimpse of Glamour}

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