What's your favourite film ?

Mine is Out of Africa.

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love this film. I watch it at least once a year. Meryl Streep was phenomenal in the part of Karen Blixen. And the scenery, the costumes, the interiors, the music, the other beautifully casted characters..... the story. This is a perfect film.

It doesn't matter how many times I see it, I'm still held spellbound. One of the most compelling scenes is Karen reciting a poem at the funeral of Dennis Finchhatten. I reduces me to tears every time.

If you haven't seen this movie and your only exposure to Meryl is Mamma Mia or Julie and Julia, please rent this film. This is a joy to watch.

Bring on the autumn Mr.Dries Van Noten

What can I say ? Dries .... understands women. His clothes are chic, sophisticated and wearable. I love him.

It's feminine without the sugar. It's just feminine ! Dries Van Noten's clothes make women feel confident.

I love this camouflage style dress. Very chic.

Just seriously pretty.

O.K. I'm thinking late afternoon lunch with the hubby in this lovely ensemble and a cab ride uptown to the gallery opening of a cherished friend's latest work. I'm going to be honest here. I think people are far too casual these days. I personally would love to see a ban on running shoes and athletic wear in public. Unless you're actually excercising.

What a smart, sexy, daytime outfit.

This is so cool. In fact I think you have to be 40 years plus to carry this off

Lovely wrap coat.

The perfect trench...in khaki green.

Can't wait for FALL....can you ?

Into the Mystic

I've always been a huge Van Morrison fan. Astral Weeks, Moondance, Tupelo Honey and Wavelength were much played albums at my place. Notice I said albums. Yikes ! I'm really starting to feel like a dinosaur. But I digress. Van Morrison is phenomenal. His music and lyrics are pure poetry. Timeless. Original.

I've also been a fan of a fabulous Canadian blues guy called Colin James who just happens to have taken on the near impossible task of singing and NAILING one of Van's classic songs......Into the Mystic.

Wow....have a listen. And it doesn't hurt that he's very easy on the eyes.

Bring on the autumn.....Part 2

I am so happy ..... the TOAST AW 2010 catalogue will be here soon.

In the meantime, the lovely, amazing people at TOAST have put together this gorgeous film giving us a glimpse into the photo shoot and the clothes. I am in TOAST heaven. This year they're off to Venice and the South Tyrol.

I am totally into the slowness of this film. It reminds me that in our high tech instant world that we have lost the ability to just be still and be in the moment. So be assured, it builds. The beginning of the film is spare and feels rather bland. But if you stick with it, the ending is hypnotic and romantic. And I can't wait to see the actual clothes.

Enjoy. It's just beautiful.



Did you love it ? Let's talk.....

Bring on the autumn.....Part 1

I'm afraid I have to admit I'm done with this summer weather. I know I'm gonna eat my words come mid January, but this is just too darn hot and humid for me. It's been relentless here in Toronto. Of course if you're lucky enough to have a lovely little cottage to retreat to....then God bless you. I can't wait for Fall.

And while the cooler weather is a big draw for me I'm also excited about the fabulous line up of clothing I've started to see in the stores and from the fashion shows. A new favourite this year is Isabel Marant. I've admired Ms. Marant's clothes from a distance. I love her extremely cool, rock and roll aesthetic. The look is definitely chic with an edge. But of course her clothes looked best on hip fashionista types.

However her Fall 2010 showed clothes that felt more grown up and I actually saw things I could imagine wearing. Have a look.

Modern with a nod to the 50's.

I love the metallic, dressy vibe of the skirt with this chicly (is that a word ?) military style shirt.

Unfortunately the trousers are a no go for me but the jacket would definitely work.

I love this top with the Japanese style sash. For me it would have to be Katherine Hepburn style palazzo pants or a lovely pair of silky ankle grazing trousers.

You know when I first saw this I simultaneously thought of Anna Wintour and Carine Roitfeld. While their personal dress styles seem so different to me somehow I can imagine both of them wearing a version of this.

Yeah, I just love this. A leetle longer and I am there !

Before I even saw this pic, I saw a dress similar to this in Aritzia (a great Canadian clothing shop) on the weekend and thought, wow! I want this dress. Now that I think of it Aritzia's fall line up seems to be channeling Isabel Marant.

A little 50's waist cinching. Love it.

All photos from www.style.com

Wild thyme does modern

One of our contemporary designs.......

We love it when our clients want something contemporary, especially if the setting for the flowers is spare, elegant and drop dead gorgeous ! It's all about those well chosen minimalist accents that give a room or home that something special. They're not faddish or trendy at all, but rather timeless details. Maybe a modern home or building is not everyone's cup of tea but there is an austere yet striking beauty about it that pulls me in. John Pawson.......love him.

Lucky for us we have some pretty amazing clients, both personal and corporate who have extremely exacting and fabulous taste. Yes, it's slightly intimidating but that's because it's so damn hard to do well and still feel graceful.

Before and after of a chapel in a monastery by John Pawson. Such quiet contemplative beauty.

A 17th century barn gets Mr. Pawson's touch. He's not afraid of anything !

What a view. I feel perfectly serene now.

Alas my peaceful moment is all too brief.......wedding to set up. Peace.

All interiors pics from John Pawson.com website. Go have a look. I'd link you in but I haven't quite mastered that computer technicality.

Wedding flowers

Just some pics I found from a small, intimate wedding show we did at the Carlu, a fabulous art deco venue.

Beautiful double white freesia bouquet wrapped with luxurious pleated satin ribbom from Mokuba.

If you like scent in your bouquet, the double white freesia is a divine choice.

A lush white and green bouquet presented in a square cube wrapped/scrunched with lovely Indian silk in a caramely taupe shade.

That's it for now. Have another wedding this weekend so must skeedaddle to the market for more flowers.

Have a great weekend !