Sunday, June 13, 2010

Weather Vanes





I think the garden could use something sculptural. Nothing too grandiose and nothing too starkly modern. Nothing religious either - that's for sure. Maybe a patina worn weather vane, staked amongst the roses and the hydrangea? Check out these beauties courtesy of www.gooddirections.com

David Austin Roses

I just picked these in the backyard. The early spring here has made everything arrive early. The roses are bursting -they almost seem like they're already spent for the season. These David Austin shrub roses are called, "Mary". They are a clear pink and the blooms are cup shaped, slight fragrant and prolific. I basically had to "pick" all of these because the shrubs were weighed down completely with the abundance of bloom. I think they look especially pretty in the Spode, "Blue Italian" vase that my brother gave me for my birthday a while back.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

The Sexy Granny of Chairs

The wing chair is a classic. But, classic can sometimes be construed as boring, staid, or even tired. That is why I love the sleeker, more tailored silhouettes of today's wing chairs. The back is a little taller. Or, the arms are thinner. Sometimes, the wings are audaciously curvy. These wing chairs respectively uphold tradition while managing to appear new, sharp and sexy. Plus, they add a sculptural quality to a room that most other upholstered chairs can't match and a timeless validation of good taste that a Barcelona or Egg Chair can't give you. I'll take any two of these, please.

The Wainscott by Victoria Hagan

French Upholstered Wing Chair-Furniture
French Upholstered Wing Chair by Restoration Hardware

Rand Wing Chair by Ethan Allen


Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Home Grown Art

Brian Kipping - Last Sun, Vancouver
Last Sun, Vancouver
2001
Brian Kipping
available at Bau-Xi, Toronto

Brian Kipping - Horse Palace
Horse Palace
2006
Brian Kipping
available at Bau-Xi, Toronto

Brian Kipping - Cold Night, Thunder Bay
Cold Night, Thunder Bay

I was sad to have discovered the hauntingly beautiful work of Canadian artist, Brian Kipping, just after he passed away in April of 2007. I was in a painting class and another painter told me that the paintings I was working on reminded him vaguely of Kipping's work. Wow. That was two years ago, but I still think about the comment and think about Kipping's paintings. I love that he was a modern representational painter. I love that he painted what he saw around him in various Canadian cities. Most of all, I love his mastery of colour - specifically of making colour seem to almost glow by electric light.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Soft or Hard?

Upholstered headboards have been on the scene for quite some time now. I can't help thinking they are a fad. This is why I don't have one. Yet, they beckon with their soft plushness - their button tufting - their nailhead trim. My head consistently turns for these...

Cleo Bed at Elte
Chelsea Bed at Elte


Warner Upholstered Bed at Restoration Hardware



This one is different. It is a classic French Provencial style bed that has an upholstered hardwood frame. Maybe this is the ticket.


But where can I get this in Toronto??



Mama Needs a Brand New Bag

A new hobo bag would be good, but what to do? Get a nice, reasonably priced, good quality handbag. Or, get a label conscious, stuck up, handbag? Here are the considerations...

Gucci Jackie Large Hobo CDN $3404.54


YSL Hobo US$1532.04

BCBGMAXAZARIA Urban Rock Leather Hobo Bag CDN $546.92

Marc by Marc Jacobs CDN $597.87 Twisted Q Riz Shoulder Bag


Stuck up is kinda looking good to me.


Jonesing for Jewellry


Ever since I can remember I've been drawn to pretty, shiny things. Is this not a great ring by Pyrrha US$180? Kind of tough and sexy. The fox, as a symbol, is pretty cool - crafty, wiley, strong. Pyrrha is a Canadian company, but this particular ring is sold through an American company called, The Clay Pot.

I'm also drawn to these bracelets by Hermes:

Arcane US$1450.00

Croisette US$840.00