Sartorial Style

I'm so happy it's the weekend! Today was easily the most hectic day at my internship. Well... hectic might be a little strong but it was very busy. It's a great way to start a long weekend! I probably won't have time but I feel like shopping after looking at this photo:I love this photo. I love the whole combination (especially the sneakers). She's got that effortlessly casual-chic quality. Thank you to the Sartorialist (link in blog roll to the right) for capturing fabulous street style! Happy weekend everyone! Smile...

Cake and Crème de Cassis

Mmm, cassis! During one of my first trips to Paris, I discovered the fabulous flavours of a kir royale. It's a mix of champaign (or simply kir with white wine) with crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur). I was 16 when I decided to bring a bottle back home from France. Purchasing it there was no problem, but at home, 16 is a few years too young to be carrying alcohol! It was worth it though. We had kir royales along with our cake at our "dessert only" party. On the menu: kir royale, cardamom tea, chocolate cake (x2), fluffy butter cake, brownies, and pineapple upside down cake...
My mother's prized plates of the moment (Villeroy & Boch, which will one day be mine, she always says)...
My cute and super boisterous cousin "Enriquito!" He already has the over-the-shoulder-hollywood pose...

Beauty and the Feast

Beauty and the Feast - Vogue's latest editorial feature starring Gwyneth Paltrow and her upcoming new cookbook: My Father's Daughter. It's not out yet but I'm sure it will be good. Paltrow can now add writer, cook, and knowledgeable foodie to her list of talents. I love these photos from the shoot...

That's Life

Hey lovelies, it's been a crazy month. So I apologize in advance if I haven't commented or visited your blogs as much. There's a lot going on, but that's life. Frank Sinatra puts it really well. And I really like this video. I love the black and white and the dancing and the fedora (of course)...

New Orleans

Romantic, exotic, musical, colourful and delicious -- these are the words that come to my mind when I think of New Orleans, Louisiana. It is a cultural gem in the US and is often referred to as one of the most unique cities in America, the birthplace of jazz. Next month the city will be celebrating one of their own, Louis Armstrong, with the 10th Annual Satchmo Summerfest. How fabulous would it be to visit during that week!

Neutral Paint Colours

I'm thrilled about neutral paint colours. Why, you may ask? Well, why don't you cruise over here and read this guest post for BC Living blog, Style Lounge!

Neal's Apartment

Since I've already mentioned the show, White Collar, in my previous post about the Schinasi Mansion, I thought I would elaborate on that location. In the show, it is the site of Neal's (one of the leading roles) apartment. Set designer Sheila Bock put together a space that fits perfectly with his character: the suave con-artist turned FBI consultant who has a taste for art and classic Sinatra style. These are the only pictures I could find, but if you watch the show, let your eyes wander away from the plot and browse the space surrounding the actors instead (because it looks much better on film).Can you imagine having this view and this, what would be million dollar, space in Manhattan?! And to think the character gets all of this for $700 a month! Truly the magic of television...
I love the eclecticism.

351 Riverside Dr., Manhattan

351 Riverside Dr. This is the address of a beautiful structure in Manhattan, the Schinasi Mansion, built in 1909. Designed by William Tuthill, it was done in the French Renaissance style and built from Vermont marble. The original patron of the house was from Turkey who funded the project with the fortune he made from introducing and selling Turkish tobacco in the US. It once had a tunnel (now sealed) that connected the house to the Hudson River which was used to bring in Turkish tobacco. What a colourful history!
It's now used as a location shot for the show White Collar (very good show by the way).
I want to go to the Big Apple and take photos!
(Photos via Manhattan Street Project)

Rat Pack Style

I was just thinking: "What kind of clothes do I like seeing on a guy?" Random, I know. One look that I love (and not many can pull this look off without looking ridiculous or like they're trying too hard) is the Rat Pack style (click for music). Narrow lapels, thin ties, the fedoras...These guys knew how to dress in style...
Sammy Davis Jr. is so awesome, he deserves a picture here:

Beauty and the Beast

One of my favourite photographers is Annie Leibovitz (like many others I'm sure). Her photos are so creative and beautifully composed. I think I especially love her Disney fairy tale inspire shots. It's hard to have a favourite picture when she has taken so many gorgeous ones throughout her career. I was lucky enough to go to a gallery exhibit of all Leibovitz. Here is a fabulous Vogue editorial...Beauty and the Beast.(via Random Thoughts of a CrazyLiberal)

Art and Fashion: DVF Project 2008

I loved the images from this DVF campaign. They had such a natural quality about them. Here is the video from behind the scenes showing the creative process. It's so inspiring to watch!

Dancing in Stripes

Another day another dawn. Is that the saying? Anyways, today I was doing research that involved looking at photographs from the early 1900's and I stumbled across one that was so interesting, I have to share it with you.Taken in 1941, these men were prisoners at the Green County Jail in Georgia and they are singing and dancing. In spite of everything, they found a reason to make music. It's a good way to carry on. I can just imagine these fellas are jamming to some raw jazzy number like this but without the piano...
(via Old Picture of the Day)

Bali

Sorry for the absence. It's been quite busy the past few days: work, family arrivals, hospital, soccer game (I danced in the street)... I recently did work for a travel magazine and dropped people off at the airport and there's a restlessness that's building up. I think I want to fly somewhere; somewhere I haven't been to before: Bali. This destination has beaches, sites, and culture; it has it all, promising a unique and fabulous vacation don't you think?...(Pictures via Concierge.com: Bali)

Milk and Cookies

TGIF! I get to sleep in a little tomorrow and I'm seeing one of my best friends tonight! Simply fabulous! I've been staring at the computer all day today so I think I'm going to give my eyes a little rest and share a super cute way to store milk!(via Red eyes on orange horizons)

Spiders, Tires, and Purple Pears

A spider just landed on my arm! Ahoohooo mini freak out. If it was any bigger than the freckle it was, I would probably have flown off my bed to get away from it (that's happened before; and they say humans can't fly!). I've also discovered that I'm not a huge fan of fact checking. I now know more than I ever dreamt of about car tires, tire codes, coolant, timing belts... You get the idea. But I also got to write a little tidbit for an upcoming issue of BC Home magazine (digital copy)! Very cool... I like the room featured (Colour Me Happy) in this back issue too...I love those purple pears!!! What a great accessory :)

I Am Not a Paper Cup

Hello beautiful people. I'm so sleepy! I'm not used to long work days in front of a computer screen. Today I found myself beginning to nod off while proofing an article about renovations and Frankfurt (quite unconnected, yes). So I think I'll need a shot of java tomorrow. The "I am not a paper cup" cup would be fabulous to have around whenever I'm in desperate need of a caffeine rush! A ceramic travel mug with a silicone lid and holder, this mug looks like a tall Starbucks drink but it's much more eco-friendly, practical, and economical :)