Sartorial Men

Sous le Soleil - Major Boys ft. Aurélia

I can't resist sharing some of my favourite photographs of men's fashion from Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist...

On the Street.... Brera, Milano

On the Street.... Military Tailoring, Milan

 I love this shot. Typical Manhattan.

Venice Backstage

Vivaldi - Spring

I have always wanted to visit the romantic city of Venice. One day, I hope I will be able to walk through the winding narrow alleys and next to the canals. Although it would be nice to go when it is not too busy, I hope for a trip during the Carnivale celebrations! Some of the masks and costumes are absolutely jaw-dropping!

(Costume photo/design: Tanja Schulz-Hess, World of Costumes)

Carnivale designs aside, ever wonder the how's, why's and what's of Venice? Well, then you will love this very informative short film about the enchanting, floating city of Italy.

Venice Backstage. How does Venice work? from Insula spa on Vimeo.

Roost: a Simple Life

Lamento - Sergio Mendes ft. Maogani Quartet

First of all, thank you to all who take the time to read and subscribe to my blog! Life has been a major juggling act the last few months and Moi Je Joue has been difficult to maintain regularly. Second, Roost: a Simple Life...I love looking at food photography! Caitlin (or Coco) is the woman behind the magic of these dishes and their photos. Even more appealing is that she didn't study photography but rather, through trial and error, taught herself!She also has beautiful shots of her travels!And a good eye for decorating and staging...Hope you enjoyed and check out her blog for more beautiful photographs and inspiration. Now back to work for me!
All photos from Roost: a Simple Life.

Posts from the Past

I'm sitting in front of my window writing... and watching snowflakes fall (absolutely magical). Image source: weheartitWe're back to -3 degrees. Not warm but warmer than the -9 I woke up to yesterday morning! I'm writing yet another paper today. So far this semester I have written about Qian Xuan (Chinese Literati artist), La Mezquita in Cordoba and early Islamic calligraphy/art, and now I am writing about First Nations artist, Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, the creator of Haida manga. I should really get to it! So here are a few posts from the past that I really enjoyed writing and hope you enjoy reading!

Vosges Chocolate ~haut chocolate! In the mood for something sweet?

A beautiful place, which I hope to see for myself one day: Il Salviatino

A very fresh scent: CLEAN

The Galway Girl in Whistler Village This is the ski town I'll be spending time with my family during Christmas holidays.

Here's a little classic Gene Kelly for you to brighten your day. Moses Supposes... (Just click the "view on YouTube" link that appears)
Curious about the inspiration for my paper? Watch Flight of the Hummingbird, a Haida Manga animation.

Commercial Drive

It's been a long day. But what a fantastic start! I sported the red and yellow for Spain today and cheered along side my Paraguayan friends (I got to do the happy victory dance in the end!). Buen partido Paraguay!
On the east side of Vancouver there is a place, a busy and bustling street called Commercial Drive. That is where all the World Cup action is. Usually, this street is known for its Italian presence (see below) but today it was taken over by Paraguayans and Spaniards. You could hear the game being played from every café and restaurant, the fans crowding the doorways, squeezing their way in to view the televisions. Flags were waving everywhere and painted faces of red and yellow or blue, white and red watched nervously for 90 minutes of play...
Where I was today...
Car free day on the Drive...
Clearly, the fans go here (FIFA '06)...

Masked Ball

I just watched the music video of One Republic's 'All the Right Moves' and I loved the theme! A masked ball! How much fun would that be?! Anyways, after watching it I started to look at Venetian masks. Here are the video and some photographs I found over at flickr.com...

Altamura, Italy

Hello hello! I really should be panicking about my paper that is due tomorrow but I'm thinking more about Altamura, Italy. I found a three week program that would take me there in order to study and learn about the restoration and preservation of frescoes! It sounds so fascinating, I think I may go! I didn't spend all of my money on Olympic tickets fortunately so my hopes are high and my fingers are crossed!
Altamura is a city not too far from Bari in the Puglia region of Italy (above the heel of the boot). I don't know much about it but it seems filled with history and famously delicious bread!Now, to focus on my paper!!

La Minerva Capri

Its Monday and it has been a little a while since I blogged about a destination. I just finished watching Mamma Mia! and I now I really want to go to Greece. But then I remembered talking about the Italian island of Capri. And here's one of the places I found that would be lovely to stay at. La Minerva is an intimate and beautifully decorated hotel with lovely views of the sea. It looks like a great spot to just get away to and relax...

Il Salviatino

Ahh! Italy. The last time I was in Italy was around ten years ago and I cannot wait till I go again. If all goes according to plan, I will end that very long streak and find myself in this romantic country again next summer. I have been dying to tour Tuscany. Of course I want to go to Rome and fulfill the wish I made all those years ago at the Fontana di Trevy.

A very good friend showed me one of the most beautiful hotels called Il Salviatino. When I saw these pictures, my jaw dropped at the startling beauty of the Florentine hotel. The villa was bought and lovingly restored by Marcello F. M. Pigozzo and converted into a haven for art, history and wonderful memories. Enough talk from me. These beautiful pictures say it all...

(Images via Il Salviatano)