.......................I have Brodka Fever!

Love this little jewel!

Monika Brodka

A little more...

.............Modern twist!

With plans to revisit the Polish Tatry Mountains and Village of Zakopane in 2012, I've decided to explore sleeping accomodations other then a family members spare bedroom. I had no idea what was behind some of the regions wooden doors!
An adorable rental apartment in the region is Willa Art, which remains quite authentic in it's structure as a traditional highlander home, however within the home numerous local wood working craftsman and designers were able to highlight traditional cultural designs on doors and walls while still providing modern amenities.
I'm tempted to hand over my credit card and book a room!

......did someone say art and fashion!?!

Last night I was privileged to be invited to an AGONext event; enjoyed the gallery's after hours members only atmosphere, sipped on my regular beer with ice and enjoyed the smart and quirky Jeremy Laing  as he described his inspiration and new collection.
Also entertaining as they presented a glimpse into their world - award-winning window designers from Holt Renfrew, Tracey Peters and Susanne Shaw

...........Public Speaking

I recently saw the Martin Scorsese Documentary on Fran Lebowitz...love love loved it! She is so great to watch, I've read her work in Vanity Fair but so much more enjoyable on screen.

The Sartorialist

I love this site, doesn't feel pretentious just inspiring photos of fabulous street fashion in New York, Paris & Italy!

Key to my heart

I recently had the pleasure of receiving a Tiffany key from my one and only! Since then I love keys, including this one.

Pretty in Pink

Although I do love my chewpants (10 year old cut off jean shorts with holes) I do wish I had the energy to dress as fabulous as these ladies. I'm not one for pastels but this pink is delightful!



Vintage Rose Filigree Flower Ring



Blooms!

My new favorite store, the Sweetpea floral shop on Roncessvalles.

The Beekman Boys

Have you ever wanted to dump the job and start something new....of course you have!
I've just finished reading a delightful tale of two Manhattanites who become gentlemen farmers. In a slightly sad way "The Bucolic Plague' reminded me just how pitiful my attempts have been at growing my hobbies like this blog, my sewing, photography, philanthropic work etc and sheds light on two guys who actually take a chance on a dream, add a bit of luck and give it a shake and a twist!

 

I love the cover outfits, it's what caught my attention at the book store, they just need some weekender bags to match.  The read was easy and over too quick so I moved online where I enjoyed browsing their site, checking out their show via youtube and then eventually youtubing 'baby goats' for about an hour and laughing my ass off at the cuteness!



The Kids



The Mansion

Petit Bateau

It's freezing outside but still my Petit Bateau navy stars jacket is still keeping me warm. Check out a number of fabulous locations around the world, or if you must, the Paris store awaits you!

TGIF

Oh hello....Mr.Weekender Bag!


Mr. Sandstorm



Mr. Pendleton

Mr. Ralph Lauren

Holiday Shopping

Can someone please get me this livingroom for Christmas this year, along with this lovely green rug!!!

Vintage Cocktail Bride - Inspiration Part 2

As I tried to pull my vintage wedding theme together, what clearly occured to me is that I had too many ideas and needed to fine tune my theme. It's always easier when you can reference someone elses vision and borrow a few key ideas. This is axactly what I did by visiting this wonderful site 'style me pretty' almost daily. They had great ideas for parties and were the perfect resource for vintage/DIY inspiration, which in my case had to include Vintage JARS!!!! Perfect for flower arrangements and lighting.



Getting started!

 


Crown Vintage Jars



I was lucky enough to have my sister inlaw stumble apon a garage sale in Cannington and pick up about 100 jars for only a few dollars. It's def worth browsing some antique stores and event asking them to call you if they get some in stock, otherwise, some retailers like Pottery Barn do have them in summer stock but they are pricey...and to top it off, once I was done with mine I sold them to a local antique shop for $50...that much closer to paying off the wedding!

Dinner for six!

This is such a simple gift yet so thoughtful! Personalised napkins and linen oh my!

Taschen's Paris

The Diptyque opened in 1961 and offers beautiful perfumes and scented candles. If it's good enough for Lagerfeld and the royal family of Monaco, it's perfect for you!

Taschen's Paris - for the Paris explorer in you


  

I love Cheese! Androuet has an assortment of more than 200 different sorts. Former customers include Ernest Hemingway & Maria Callas



Frequented by Picasso, the restaurant La Palette hasn't changed much since 1903



If you feel like spending a little more on dinner, wine and some extra eye candy then visit La Cristal Room Baccarat  



This gorgeous fabric and the above wall paper is from Pierre Frey which was founded in 1935 and offers over 7,000 fabrics...a seamstresses' dream come true!!! 

Heading to Paris and not sure what shops or restaurants to visit, look no further then Taschen's Paris. This incredible coffee table book has 400 pages of incredible pictures, maps and descriptions of must see destinations, including hotels.

Amsterdam Delight




Dining in the Amstel Amsterdam Hotel Presidential Suite

 


The Amstel Foyer





The Presidential Living room with a view of the canal

 A recent pleasant surprise was the incredible accomodations available in Amsterdam. It's not just about smoke, red lights and canals...although this lovely palace is right on the canal...the rooms are incredible, the canal side patio bar is a joy and the quaint pool and gondola boat tour are a must. If you're lucky, check out the presidential suite - it's a delight!

Handmade and more!

If you want to explore headpieces but don't know where to start, check out miss Quirky Beauty. She makes incredible head pieces, belts and necklaces. Did I mention she's also an incredible stylist and artist!!! love you dana!

Vintage Cocktail Bride - Inspiration Part 1

This is part 1 of the people, places and sites that inspired my wedding day!
Last year I spent months visiting vintage shops in Toronto searching for the perfect dress to wear to my wedding. I was so against wearing a traditional long cream/white wedding dress that I refused to step foot in a bridal shop. One day while visiting the number one stop on my list, Cabaret, Tao convinced me to try on a dress from their vintage collection 'just for size'. The Bijou, a 1950's inspired cocktail dress fit like a glove!!! Tao is a genious!!! I did eventually go into a bridal shop, but only for my shoes, this place tints your heels any colour you want - love it! and of course the veil, I spent numerous late nights sewing it together to get it just right.

Vintage chic



Hawk Eyes on Roncesvalles



Hawk Eyes welcome committee - Talulah

This little jewel in Roncesvalles Village has a great selection of vintage furnishings and more. The store is regularly updated so check back for new finds, and if you're lucky, the little Talulah might be there too.  It's inspiring what the lady of the house has created for herself and I'm totally jealous,  in the nicest sense. enjoy!

The cutest Bag!

Love this bag, wish Colleen would make more!