Haute Design by Sarah Klassen

Inspiration: In Contrast

2013-06-19T19:13:00.001-07:00

A contrast so beautiful.

There are few times in which I think black and white in their right purity are perfect. In some cases, it seems to show up in the way of fashion, such as the decadent pleating work as seen above—where only its counterpart might be fitting to show it off… sometimes it's in the way of spunky polka dots or an elegant and chic sign. To me, it must be delicious and ring out beautifully in its contrast. What are your thoughts?

Style: Orange on Orange

2013-06-17T10:43:00.003-07:00

Orange on orange.

This chic outfit brings me back to Summer days in Manhattan, walking around with my Mother, exploring unknown spots and discovering beautiful architecture. I long to go back; to return to the cobblestone streets found in one of my favorite areas, and to dine in some of the most fabulous treasured restaurants… where do you long to visit?

Image: Daily Mail

Design: Monica

2013-06-13T14:27:00.000-07:00

A beautiful design by by Roberta Farese.

This collection of work designed for "Monica", designed by Roberta Farese instantly caught my attention. Not only is the branding a powerful mixture of both elegance and strength, but it also touches on history it seems, in such a beautiful way with the symbol. And of course, the floral backdrop brings the boldness to a lovely simmer and balance. A winning combination.

Images: via Branding Identity Design + also seen on Eclecchic

Designer: Stella McCartney

2013-06-12T17:10:00.000-07:00

Cruise | Resort 2014.

This collection, like so many of McCartney's, is just divine. Every thing looks wearable, and beautiful, and the mixture of modernity and romance teeters fabulously from one piece to the next—all with the prettiest hues. And yes, I am completely over the moon for the dress dotted with iconic bits, and wish it were making it's pretty way into my wardrobe… and you?

Images: Vogue Paris

Interior: Robert Gervais Studio

2013-06-11T17:06:00.001-07:00

An inspiring studio.

While I had a few minutes to peruse this fabulous portfolio, I found myself so drawn to each and every single space—the perfect mix of tones and (fabulous!) colors, textures and layers; striking. And while I often find myself torn between two worlds—one of clutter-free areas and streamlined looks, my romanticism plays in just a tad, always, and I find that I need a balance… a happy balance. What are your thoughts on these spaces?

Images: discovered via Flondeau | All images via Robert Gervais Studio

Style: Chanel Espadrilles

2013-06-07T20:49:00.003-07:00

The perfect shoe for warm weather.

Hello, dear friends! I hope all is well. Things have been a little scattered around here but now, it seems that things are falling back into place. The last of the Leuie shop renovations are being completed this next week, making the everyday a little easier and more manageable. While we are on the topic of easy, I think these Chanel espadrilles would be lovely and very easy to wear, don't you? I have been obsessing about them for days!

Image: via Pinterest

Color: Yellow

2013-06-03T20:25:00.001-07:00

A color to inspire.

Admitedly, as much as I enjoy trends that come and go, new ideas and fresh takes on design, I tend to take color trends very lightly. Colors that have caught my attention will always do so, I feel, despite forecasts. One color that I am constantly fascinated with, especially as the weather warms, is yellow—particularly yellow that hovers on the green side of things. (in fact, we even considered painting the Leuie shop's door this color!) A challenge to replicate or even explain perhaps, it is lovely…

Style: Simple + Bold

2013-06-03T16:26:00.000-07:00

Bold tones and shapes.

Admittedly, I think I'm love with the soft yellow denim pants, and even the pairs that were for sale at the Leuie shop for little ones sold out quite some time ago. There is something so fresh about them, and their versatility, it is no wonder that they are popular! And just a simple color plus a striking blouse or cardigan is often just as stylish and refreshing as can be, don't you find?

Images: Part Two

Interior: Onico

2013-05-30T15:23:00.005-07:00

A hair studio located in Japan.

Upon first glance, it is not so clear as to what this beautiful space is used for—but that may be part of its appeal and magic entirely. Incredibly fresh, and given such an unusual approach, this hair studio certainly makes and leaves quite the lovely impression... it is as airy as can be, with the use of wood, chandeliers (amoungst other select decorative pieces) and so much natural light.

Images: discovered via Transito Inicial + r.isobe+office for design

News: Twitter Name Change

2013-05-30T12:57:00.001-07:00

Don't forget: a little reminder!

Good afternoon to you! As you may know, my Twitter name (for years now!) was @HauteDesign, but I have just recently changed it to @sarahmklassen —now the very same username as both my Pinterest and Instagram accounts. Hope this makes things a little more streamlined and easier to remember. Have you gone through a change before?

Image: Emerson Fry

Design: Ciguë, France

2013-05-26T20:15:00.000-07:00

Ciguë: A snippet of their projects.

I love design that creates an experience—be it a shop, a restaurant, a café, a home. That feeling, one that invites and involves the senses build an experience matched with a person, a brand, an experience. One firm that certainly impresses with its ability to create a look and feel is Ciguë—a multi-disciplinary design firm that dabbles in furniture and interiors. Above and below, a snippet of a few places you might recognize…

Plus, thank you for your lovely comments on the Rue magazine feature!

Images: Ciguë | firm originally discovered via Tara Stewart

Style: Smart Style

2013-05-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

Smart style on Glamour.

Classic smart style is just that—limitless by time and place. I'm constantly on the look out for staples to add to my wardrobe that are well suited, fitted and timeless. My search of the moment is for a black blouse with white polka dots (be sure to share if you have any suggestions!) Do you have a piece you are searching for at the moment? Perhaps a new blazer or dress?

Plus, I hope you have had a lovely weekend!

Images: ru_glamour | Glamour UK, June 13, Chris Craymer

Film: Once Upon A Time

2013-05-14T08:29:00.000-07:00

By Karl Lagerfeld.

A lovely short film, exploring such an integral part of the history of Coco Chanel, and Chanel as we know it today. The film is simply beautiful, and as a shopkeeper myself, has me looking back on the first days of opening Leuie, and the mixture of emotions that one feels—excitement, anxiousness, joy, love. I would love to know, what are your impressions of the film?

And while we are on the topic of beautiful hats and lovely items to place on one's head, I had the recent pleasure of meeting a local, talented designer—a maker of fine headwear. And now, hats are on my mind…

Film: via Youtube | discovered via Popbee

Press: Rue Shops Vancouver!

2013-05-07T13:56:00.000-07:00

Follow along as I share some favorite Vancouver shops.

I am very excited to share that I had the wonderful pleasure of working with the talented Luis Valdizon to put together "Rue Magazine Shops Vancouver" for the brand new May/June issue! His photography truly captures the most wonderful qualities and unique details about each shop in such an authentic way—you almost feel as if you are there! Stop over and enjoy their great, new issue with great inspiration throughout…

* Also, a special thank you to Kelli at Rue for the kind write up about Leuie!

Images: by Luis Valdizon for Rue Magazine, May/June 2013

Style: Patrizia Pepe

2013-05-07T11:16:00.001-07:00

A candy jar full of fabulous fashion from Patrizia Pepe.

I would have to admit that there are very few pieces in this beautiful Spring/Summer 2013 collection by Patrizia Pepe that I wouldn't welcome into my wardrobe with open arms—the colors, shapes, silhouettes are all so lovely! Are there a few pieces that have caught your eye?

Images: via Popbee

Interior: Grey Calm

2013-05-02T14:39:00.004-07:00

A fan of greys for calm and neutral refreshment.

If there is one color I will never, ever tire of, that would certainly be grey. Grey that can feel as cool as ice, grey that can warm a space as sunshine on shoulders… grey that can bring color together, pattern to rest, and will forever be lovely and timeless…

Design: The Modern Flower Co.

2013-05-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

A design so pretty, you can almost smell the flowers.

The fun thing about flowers is that though the florals are the same, year after year, they never cease to leave us dumbfounded by their natural beauty… their colors… their way to change a mood, change a room, change a day… isn't this design lovely?

Images: September Industry

Style: Under Pressure + Florals

2013-04-25T10:02:00.001-07:00

Stylish under pressure.

This will be me, today, running around, hanging onto my phone and hoping to look slightly put together, though feeling anxious and excited. More news soon, but for now, isn't that jacket fabulous?!

Images: Stockholm Street Style, via Frankly Esoteric

Inspiration: Breathing Room

2013-04-23T20:15:00.000-07:00

A sigh of refreshment.

While our dear little shop is under construction of sort, (with repainting and moulding work to be done, etc.) a medley of feelings including anticipation, and the insatiable craving for peace of mind, and yes, a bit of breathing room…

Images: 01 Frankly Esoteric | 02, 07 Smokyalice | 03 This Ivy House | 04 Garance Doré | 05, 06, 08 A+B Kasha Rive Gauche Rehab

Style: A Perfume-Inspired Clutch

2013-04-19T14:31:00.000-07:00

A clutch for all things necessary.

Lately, I've been enjoying clutches—particularly a beautiful new one that was gifted to me recently, with the most incredible work. But how about this one, that looks like a pretty perfume bottle by Charlotte Olympia?

Image : via Pinterest and Fellt

Interior: Peachy Sunshine

2013-04-14T18:34:00.000-07:00

Dipped in beautiful colors and feeling.

Can a home look delicious? Perhaps, if ever it were possible, it would be this one. Painted in tones of cream and leafy green, with touches of strawberry, rose, vanilla, and golden, the home feels as if it is one—each space complimenting the next; each with such a complexity of lightness and freshness…

Images: via Nicety and El Mueble

Style: Coastal Stripes

2013-04-13T13:22:00.002-07:00

Classic stripes, instantly taking us to the shore.

The current weather in Vancouver may fluctuate… one day, it's lovely, breezy sundress sort of weather, and then, the next day, it will pick up with chilly rainfalls that touch upon the possibility of snowfall… and yet, through it all, stripes have been my favorites lately. Stripes will forever be chic on their own, or paired with a blazer and scarf… but really, at the moment, I'd love to sport stripes alongside black shorts and sandals, as we see above and below, enjoying the beautiful warm sunshine… and Venice…

—How is your weekend going?

Images: discovered via Frankly Estoric, via kyklamasha

Interior: Merci, Paris

2013-04-09T09:54:00.002-07:00

For those who adore their shop, great news.

If you enjoy Merci's many wonderful, ever-changing items—and cannot make it to Paris to shop in person—no tears—for you will be pleased to learn that they have just recently launched an e-boutique, selling many of the treasures that one finds in store! Be sure to stop by and take a look around… I have my eye on the classic paper bag, and also, some fun, floral masking tape. —And you?

Images: 01, 02, 04, 06, 08, 09 by Lisa Hjalt, as seen on her blog, Latte Lisa | 03, 05, 07 Merci

Welcome, April

2013-04-06T09:10:00.001-07:00

A new month.

Perhaps even more so than March, April truly leads us into the swing of things, full Spring ahead. And though we have had a few days of rain so far this month, the sunshine always seems to make its way back to us in due time. The mixture proves to be bright and lively, with an energizing sense of refreshment and life. Spring indeed.

Designer: Pedro García

2013-04-02T18:48:00.002-07:00

A new collection for Spring/Summer 2013.

While I've been a bit behind on keeping up with my favorite designers, I've not been short on craving a few new Summery shoes. Enter Pedro García—a new favorite designer from Spain, discovered just last year. While his designs may not be available in Canada yet (please, let a local boutique pick them up!) I have certainly not forgone dreaming about a pair. Be sure to visit their site, as many, many more designs are available online…

Isn't the new collection just beautiful?!

Continue reading and viewing…

Images: Pedro García