Overwhelmed by beauty.

Quadrille is just too much! I found about them via a post on a great blog, Luxe and Lillies.

So much beauty, I can't contain myself, it's too much!

The Roving Iconist

My friend Luca is an AWESOME painter! I love his ambiguous yet suggestive narratives, use of colour, and his ability to paint right into the darks. Check out his site here and you'll see what I mean. His show "The Roving Iconist" opens tonight in Toronto at Le Gallery

Crushin on Cat.

Okay so I've been a big fan of So You Think You Can Dance. It's so inspiring to see so much talent, hard work, determination and positivity. I especially love the host, Cat Deeley! she's wonderfully real with loads of heart. Much love CAT!

Be a MAN about it.

images via 1. The Gilt blog, 2. Sartorially inclined blog, 3. Guyism,

4. Rugged Old Salt, 5. A Continuous Lean, 5. This Fits Me, 6. Street Etiquette

Although I love fashion and clothing I've never had the kind of discipline some men, particularly older men, have for grooming and tailoring. Even as a very young kid I watched in wonder as my Dad would get his haircut and shave at the barber, polish his shoes, and focus on details like cuff links, handkerchiefs, and tie clips. I remember thinking to myself this is what it means to be a man, a gentleman. Cultivating and defining style takes time, effort and consideration. I owe it to myself to incorporate at least a little bit of the lineage of this male tradition into my lifestyle. Thanks Dad!

Another great ceremony backdrop

image via the awesome 100 Layer Cake

I love the colours in this backdrop. It seems inexpensive and easy to execute but doesn't look it, perfect!

Richard Haines

Images by illustrator Richard Haines from What I Saw Today blog

Damn Girl!!!

images via Breakfast at toast

Shallow.... maybe, got style - definitely. Gotta give it up for Olivia Palermo.

Really beautiful photo of Helen Frankenthaler circa 1956 found via A Catalogue Life

I love this image of Helen Frankenthaler smack dab in the middle of her work i.e. her life.

I've been drawn to Frankenthaler's work for many years now. In person her paintings are delicate and powerful at the same time. Like Rothko and Twombly, Frankenthaler's work entices you to slow down, stay a while, and engage with what is being presented. Check out one of my fav new blogs "A Catalogue Life" for more images of Helen Frankenthaler.

Take in the Season!

 

 Peonies from my garden and other inspirational pics from Bright Baazar

The season in Toronto has been so unpredictable - rainy, sunny, cold, humid, windy, stuffy... whaaa??? In any case we must enjoy the season while it lasts, it can be pass by so fast.

Face time.

images from Facial Awareness

This past winter was the first time I managed to grow (and keep) a beard for most of the season. It was mainly because of laziness and to keep warm from the frigid temperatures, but I kinda liked sporting a different, more mature look. I know beards and staches are sooooo trendy, but this might be one trend trap that I've fallen into hook, line and sinker. I mean just check out the Facial Awareness site, so inspiring!

Ironically just today I picked up two vintage Rolls Razors sets, why??? well... just because!!!

images from Wikipedia here

Aloe Blacc

Last night I checked out Aloe Blacc at the Wrongbar in Toronto. He was great! If your into the soulful vibes of Musiq Soulchild, Mos Def, Angie Stone, Lauren Hill etc then you will love Aloe. I especially loved his encore performance in which he reinterpreted Billie Jean! oh and his band was TIGHT!!!

Living out loud.

I've often wished I had an over-the-top eccentric relative to inspire me to dream big and live life LARGE, if I did I could only dream that it would be someone like Iris Apfel! She is SPECTACULAR!

I loved her appearance in Bill Cunningham New York (Bill is my ultimate hero!)
check out her home in Architectural Digest here

image from Architectural Digest