Realistic Chic

Guest Post: Arcadian Lighting

2011-10-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

Well, while I haven't been around as much as I'd like, degree completion happening within the next couple of months, I am so pleased to announce my first guest post: Jenn from Arcadian Lighting! She will be showing us just how lovely a dash of colour in the hall can be! Perfect for this lovely fall season! Enjoy...

Hello there! I'm Jenn and I'm a writer for Arcadian Lighting, an e-commerce website that specializes in top lighting ideas and trends from around the world. I had a Holly Hobbie light fixture when I was a little girl, and since then I have loved home decor and accessories. My two favourite things are perusing high-end interior design boutiques in my hometown of Montreal and scouring the net for inspiring blogs, one of which is Realistic Chic, where owner Shannon shares her favourite things about fashion, decor, and more. I'm excited to be guest posting here today about colourful halls - thank you Shannon!

A dash of colour in the hall always makes a big impact. Even though this is a transitional space it doesn't mean that homeowners should scrimp on style. A great colour scheme, a few choice pieces of furniture or wall decor elements, and a one-of-a-kind light fixture are all that are needed for a fashionable hallway. Here are eight spaces with a dash of colour in the hall.

Wallpapered bliss

A hallway covered in rich wallpaper can be extremely eye-catching - the deep reds and golds shown here match the rich woods beautifully.

Homey opening

This front hallway in delicate pale blues and white is clean and crisp, while accessories such as the lamp and scalloped detailing on the stairs gives it a homey feel.

Not mellow yellow

A loud shade of yellow gives this hallway a sunny disposition. The white doors and big puffy mod ceiling light tone down the bold hue.

Complimentary chic

Patterns and solid colours, like this two-toned hall, make an ordinary space extraordinary. The painted portrait is also interesting.

Pretty in pink

Although not a traditional hue for a dash of colour in the hall, the pink and white seen here looks very pretty and becomes a unique yet stylish choice.

Hot and bold

Flashy pink is mesmerizing in this modest hallway, while the shabby chic accessories keep the space funky and fun.

Traditional floral

What's so sweet about this hallway is that the blue and white wallpaper is mimicked in the fabric on the chair, and the wall lights are simple mini candelabras that give the set-up charm.

Running colour

A dash of colour in the hall comes in the form of a vivid striped stair runner as well as a collection of vintage watering cans on display on top of a shelf.

Do you like the post? What's your favorite color? Get the lighting fixtures to match your favorite color at Arcadian Lighting.

Image credits: { 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 }

Thanks Shannon for letting us do the guest post in her blog!

I Heard through the Grapevine...

2011-09-14T23:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, a lovely little birdie posted something on Facebook that had me singing Hallelujah! Let me explain. While our neighbours to the south sink again into a precarious economical downfall, a downfall so bad that there are "ghost malls" in almost every state (no seriously, look), Canada's retail livelihood is booming. Target is coming soon, Anthropologie has opened a few Canadian locales in the past year alone, Ikeas and malls galore are expanding across the nation. And...the pièce de résistance...

Topshop is coming to Vancouver!

Why is this such a big deal? Case(s) in point:

Gorgeous. Can't wait.

Rest ye...

2011-05-19T14:56:00.001-07:00

Today is the 475th anniversary of the beheading of one of my favourite monarchs: Queen Anne Boleyn (you may have taken her title away, Henry, but she'll always be Queen to me).

Here, in ode to the tyrant king's better half, is a salute to renaissance royalty:

A fitting start to a day like today, drink your morning coffee from this Henry VIII inspired mug and watch his many wives disappear, $12.95:

I can't decide if these unique handmade dolls are creepy or cool (probably both), $40 on Etsy:

This replica headpiece is to die for. Wait, is that in bad taste? I really wish there was a ren faire in Vancouver so I wouldn't feel so insane for wanting one of these merely to sport while I sashay around in my apartment. $55 on Etsy:

And of course, who could forget Anne's iconic 'B' necklace? I know I've mentioned this must-have piece before, but anything so epic in fashion history deserves as many plugs as I can muster. Parish Relics:

To you, Your Royal Highness, Queen Boleyn, "The Most Happy," I wish you peace as those who meddle of your cause do know you are innocent, and judge you the best.

Worth a Thousand Words

2011-05-05T10:21:00.000-07:00

The first batch of cookies made with my new mixer!

They are super gooey and soft, but with a crisp edge. Just the way Grandma use to make!

Early Bday Gift...

2011-05-04T18:57:00.000-07:00

Today I feel like Gollum in LOTR when he finally gets a hold of the ring and the look of sheer delight passes over his face "It's mine! My own! My precious!" Why? Because I awoke to Canada Post buzzing at the door and delivering this:

Yes, this gorgeous Kitchen-Aid Artisan Series mixer in 'Ice Blue' is ALL MINE. But that's not all: I also received the Ice Cream Maker attachment. Hooray! The best part in all of this was that I wasn't even expecting it; my lovely mister bought it for me as a (really) early birthday gift. I have no complaints with the premature nature of my new toy's arrival...after all, now I can make chocolate chip cookies without that annoying little hand mixer. Apparently this bad boy can make up to 9 dozen cookies at once! Truly it is The One Mixer of Power.

Now I am off to make the inaugural batch of cookies...with Khaleel's help!

Before and After: Coffee Table

2011-05-03T17:53:00.000-07:00

This project, one of my 101 goals to complete in 1001 days, was just aching to be done over the semester break. The table had been staring at me with its ugly scratched up and dated finish for over a year now, so it was time for a facelift.

The cabriole legs were what caught my attention when I found this mid-century piece for $25 on Craigslist. A few cans of white high-gloss spraypaint later, et voila! L'objet d'art c'est magnifique!

The happiness I get out of beautifying my home borders on perverse.

A Royal Spread...

2011-04-29T02:27:00.000-07:00

I figured since I'm up at 2 in the morning, watching CBC for the 5th straight hour and eagerly anticipating the impending ceremony (t-minus 35 minutes!), I'd offer a look at what my coffee table is adorned with:

The macarons are a French touch to the overtly Birtish day, just to keep with my roots:

A lovely antique cream and sugar set I bought on ebay a while back. Simply love the claw feet!

Devon cream and blueberry/raspberry scones are a last minute alternative to the Queen's Biscuit Cake I had posted I would make (I seem to have sneakily eaten all the baker's chocolate in the house without without being conscious of the fact). The Devon cream, however, is not made with marscapone because I did not have it...instead I substituted a light cream cheese. Really though, it's pretty much the same. The trick is to add a pinch of lemon zest to the cream before beating it. Trust me.

Oh, just don't burn your scones, like I somewhat did to the bottoms of mine. I doubt the Queen would tolerate her scones with the underside scraped off with a butter-knife.

Oh my goodness! Will is in the abbey! Sooooo excited! I like that he doesn't seem fussed that he's all but lost his hair. Updates to come!

Worth a Thousand Words

2011-04-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

Awesome? Oddly, yes. I'll be waiting for 1am tonight...I have macarons and tea at the ready!

via Fabulous K

Fashion Friday

2011-04-22T12:27:00.000-07:00

I've been obsessed with period dramas - especially their wardrobes - for quite some time now. Yet, shamefully, I have still to make a true era replica with my humble little Janome. The worst part is: I've already bought the fabric...bought it ages ago. No, instead I've been occasionally purchasing the odd replica piece (or even original) from the likes of Ebay or Etsy, with paypal funding provided by sales of vintage items from my own Etsy shop. A lovely cycle of e-shopping, to be sure. Anyhow, you can get gorgeous items at Salvation Army prices, if you look carefully enough. Cases in point:

From Ebay...

A lovely army green circa 1950's shirt-dress with sufficient pleats to make room for a petticoat:

A delicate white-work Edwardian blouse, at LEAST 100 years old and still in great condition:

Another one, but with a higher Gibson girl-esque collar and lace edging:

Now I just need a bustle-skirt to go with the tops and a pair of pointed leather ankle-boots!

From Etsy:

A Regency-style green velvet gown complete with empire waist, puffed short sleeves, and lace detailing (my favourite piece!):

I'm thinking it might make a good Halloween costume. Perhaps go as Miss Lizzy Bennet? Hmm. I will need a bonnet, if that's the case.

I really should get down to making those Georgian-style summer gowns. It's just that pleating is a royal pain in a seamstress' tuchas. Oh, well. That's what semester breaks are for: computer games, BBC period dramas, and sewing!

The Royal Wedding Hubbub

2011-04-21T12:57:00.000-07:00

Is it sad that I'm just as suckered in to the hype over Will and Kate's impending nuptuals as normal people are over things like Christmas, the Olympics, or Spring Break? Please don't answer that.

The April 29th wedding event is just around the corner and, with my finals now over, I find myself planning special things I can do (and you too!) to enhance my viewing experience. Here's what I'm thinking:

First, bake the Queen's Chocolate Biscuit Cake. This is Will's favourite and what he has chosen to be made for his bride at their Reception. It's painfully simple to make and doesn't even require that you have much in your cupboards (i.e. perfect for the starving student or paranoid hermit).

You'll need:

- 20 Arrowroot Biscuits (the box of baby digestive cookies you got in that Christmas gift basket four months ago)
- 8 oz Bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped (if you don't have bittersweet, you can use semi...but it will turn out a little extra sweet)
- 1/2 cup sugar (even starving students have this)
- 1 cup whipping cream (borrow from your mum)

Instructions:
Line a smallish loaf pan with waxed paper; set aside. Break biscuits into 1/2-inch pieces; place in a large bowl. Place chocolate in heatproof bowl. In saucepan, stir cream with sugar; bring to boil over medium heat. Pour over chocolate and whisk until smooth. Add 1 1/2 cups of the chocolate mixture to biscuit pieces; stir to coat. Pour biscuit mixture into prepared pan; smooth top. Cover and refrigerate cake and remaining chocolate mixture separately until cake is firm, about 4 hours. Remove remaining chocolate mixture from refrigerator; let come to room temperature. Invert cake onto serving plate; peel off paper. Using small palette knife, spread remaining chocolate mixture over cake. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Slice thinly. Looks like fudge, tastes like cake!

Next, for the wedding viewing, make sure you have some lovely tea (or wine) on hand. Pour generously for either. Works best if you have lovely vintage china to use, but if not, any old mugs or stemware will do.

Set out any nice linen napkins you might have, and if not, substitute in a pretty shawl or chiffon scarf as a table runner:

Napkins only $2 US on Etsy.

Dress as if you were off to Sunday brunch with your Grampy at some lovely garden somewhere. A kooky hat or fascinator is a bonus:

Etsy is such a great place to find these; this one is $26 US.

Monday, May 2nd, I will post photos from my little day of wedding watching. So get some Anglomania up in you and stay tuned!

Fashion Friday

2011-03-11T10:34:00.000-08:00

It's that time again for me to corral as many current fashion essentials as I can for a Spring roundup. I've been shopping a little lately - okay, a lot - and after sifting through some of the painful 70's cowboy revival pieces plaguing our gallerias these days, I've found some great and affordable items that will pair effortlessly with almost anything this season (and well into the rest of the year and beyond). Here's what I love:

This has already been covered, but sparkly gold pumps (and flats) are seriously hitting every style mark for me right now. So chic and timeless, they can go incredibly dressy with a cocktail mini or downright casual with jeans and a classic trench (or even extremely formal with a wedding dress, a la me). Of course, trench coats are another must-have for your wardrobe since they never go out of style and always lend a polish to any outfit. I've already mentioned the on-trendness of white jeans, but if you're getting tired of the jean look, you can also go with white "Treggings," a hybrid of trousers and leggings (I kid you not). Tarnished gold accessories and frilly floral scarves make great add-ons to any ensemble.

American Eagle Outfitters Pocket Tee
$29.50 - ae.com

H M Coral Tank
$9.90 - hm.com

H M Trench Coat
$39.50 - hm.com

American Eagle Outfitters Boyfriend Blazer
$50 - ae.com

American Eagle Outfitters Ankle Jean
$20 - ae.com

BCBG Max Azria Glitter Pumps
$80 - heels.com

H M green flat shoes
$29 - hm.com

Dorothy Perkins Dark Leather Handbag
28 GBP - dorothyperkins.com

Art Deco Bracelet
$42 - maxandchloe.com

Miss Selfridge Floral Shawl
14 GBP - missselfridge.com

H M Sunglasses
$6.90 - hm.com

American Eagle Outfitters Leaf Cluster Necklace (Silver)
$19.50 - ae.com

What do you think of these essentials? What items (present or not) are a NEED for you?

Fashion Friday

2011-03-04T10:10:00.000-08:00

Who thought it was a good idea to use Dolly Parton as a fashion inspiration? Apparently H&M did. I typically adore the place, known for its accessible styles at more than affordable prices. HOWEVER, they can come in with a few misses now and then. This time though, the miss was substantial. Just walking through their store yesterday resulted in a myriad of what seems to be bad yearbook photo inspired jean ruffles - complete with a healthy dose of acid wash - and leather fringe. Then, as if it wasn't enough of a Greek tragedy to have such embellishments on the clothing, they threw it onto the shoes...which are platform. Two words: God awful. I cannot begin to tell you what a travesty it will be for anyone to actually purchase, nonetheless wear out in public, these mid-70's and 80's abortions. I've said it once, and I'll say it again: "What happened in the 80's should STAY in the 80's."

A Whole Lot of "NO" by Realistic Chic on Polyvore.com

H M "Please Kill Me" Jumpsuit
hm.com

H M Jean "Teen Witch" dress
hm.com

H M Jerry Seinfeld Shirt
hm.com

H M Tan Ruffle Skirt
hm.com

H M MC Hammer Pants
hm.com

H M Lace Fringe Vest
hm.com

H M Disco Stu Shoes
hm.com

H M Hooker Heels
hm.com

H M Rhinestone Cowboy Bag
hm.com

H M Village People Vest
hm.com

This list begs the question: who exactly are these items created for? Is there really some young filly living in a relatively urban area (since H&M only exist in somewhat-high populations) who sees those faded denim and cork hooker heels and thinks "WANT"? The lace fringe vest???? THE PAISLEY MC HAMMER PANTS???? Does such a person really exist? While the attempted mash-up of tacky-70's-cowboy-hippie-Randy Travis-on peyote is a complete FAIL, there were still some redeeming pieces in H&M's Spring collection. Here's a look at some right items and how to put them together. We'll call it romantic-boho-safari-chic:

A Whole Lot of "YES" by Realistic Chic on Polyvore.com

H M Peasant Dress
$19 - hm.com

H M Blouse
$34 - hm.com

H M Tunic Top
$29 - hm.com

H M Blue Tank
$9.90 - hm.com

H M Ballerina Flats
$29 - hm.com

H M Gladiator Sandals
$19 - hm.com

H M Bag
$29 - hm.com

H M Stone Ring
$4.90 - hm.com

H M Gold Leaf Necklace
$6.90 - hm.com

H M Scarf
$14.90 - hm.com

H M Sunglasses
$4.90 - hm.com

H M White Jeans
$34.90 - hm.com

H M Stone Bracelet
$6.90 - hm.com

Thoughts? Disagreements? Unabashed admissions of liking the fringed cowboy thing? I'd say you can tell me and I won't judge you, but I have to admit I'd be lying. <3

Worth a Thousand Words

2011-03-02T13:35:00.000-08:00

PERFECT.

A fabulous friend of mine shared a link with me last night...to a photographer's blog who shot her friend's wedding...a wedding at Swaneset...IN THE SNOW. Needless to say, when I saw this photo I squeaked like the mermaid in Splash when she broke the TVs:

Because of this, I no longer dream of rain on my wedding. I want snow!!!

Worth a Thousand Words

2011-03-01T13:52:00.000-08:00

This image makes me so excited!

via weheartit

Worth a Thousand Words

2011-02-28T16:26:00.000-08:00

Gypsies.

Coveting Cable Knit

2011-02-28T10:03:00.000-08:00

Recently I posted a look at decor trends for 2011. Erin, a lovely and stylish reader, messaged me asking where she could find one of the extremely cozy looking cable-knit throws to build on her monochromatic bed scheme. So here is a roundup of some of the more reasonably priced throws (since a cashmere one can get up to $600). The inspiration:

Horchow has white ones on clearance (so get them while they last), $49.90:

Sears has these in tan or grey, both of which compliment a muted palate nicely, $49.50:

They also carry this patterned ivory throw, $99.99:

Here's another in a slightly different style of knit, $69.50:

A be-tasselled one from West Elm, $69:

Another from West Elm, in a ruched knit, $69:

Classic one from Pottery Barn, $79:

Another from PB, this one with a reverse side covered in a faux sheepskin, $99:

A pure white one in a waffle pattern also from Pottery Barn, $99:

Ikea has something similar, $45:

The best one, however, is on Amazon, Ralph Lauren, $89:

Be sure to take note of the fabric type. Acrylic means it will pill (just in case: pilling happens mainly in man-made fibers and looks like loose ends balling up on the fabric surface) and show stains profusely. 100% Cotton is best. Wool Cashmere is obviously very luxe, but at several hundred dollars on average, cotton is still your best bet. Also, depending on your comfort level with online shopping, most of these places have stores locally (except for Horchow and Amazon which are online only, and West Elm, which is in Toronto and all over the states) so you're bound to find something just by taking a drive. I would peek into Winners as well. Great deals there.

Fashion Friday

2011-02-25T10:48:00.000-08:00

I'd like to take today's Fashion Friday - if you can call it 'fashion' - to address something that's been offending my eyes as of late. I'm looking at you, shoulder pads. Didn't you walk out circa 1988 when my mom finally retired that hot red polyester wrap-dress number - complete with the sequin appliqué along the bust and 3-inch thick patent-leather belt - to the back of the closet? Why, oh why are you venturing out into the world again? And on the neck-sides of some people I really thought knew better, no less.

These bleeping things are invading the award season this year at an alarming rate. This one is especially terrifying because you can actually SEE the pads. Looks like her tacky lace top is on its time of the month:

Tiffany Hines is channelling Liberace meets Liza (two counts of God-awful) in this nightmare. It's like her shoulder pads took her to the ice capades and left the rest of her skirt at the arena:

At first I was sure this one wasn't really Anne Hathaway's fault; I was resolute in believing Elle simply forced her into this atrocity:

Until I saw her in this at the Golden Globes recently. Why, Anne? Why?

It seems to be a growing epidemic:

Now, I'll admit this one isn't so bad. The flowy chiffon just gives the impression of shoulder pads, instead of Leighton actually being puffed up with them. Still though, I'd be weary of anything even remotely resembling SP's at this point:

Pads, you and I have never gotten along. I find you almost as detestable as bras under see-through tops or copious amounts of zippers used as a design embellishment. However, I advise you to heed this warning: keep up this rate of infection and you'll easily top my kill-list.

Loving...

2011-02-24T19:17:00.000-08:00

...all the Gatsbyness going on these days!

First, there's all the hype about the recently "discovered" NES game based on the book that you can play online here. In the game - which is more addictive than finger bowls of champagne - you play as Nick Carraway, the narrator of the novel, traversing New York from the Valley of Ashes to the West Egg. You must follow Gatsby, who's mesmerized by that annoying green light in the distance. The goombas and turtle-duck-things have been replaced with flappers, hobos, and pompous waiters who are so caught up in their hobo flapper waiting ways that they'll mow you down unless you fling your hat at them, Oddjob-style.

Loving that stunning 8-bit damask wallpaper.

But that's not all the Gatsby the entertainment world is bestowing upon us: there is a new film adaptation on the horizon (the old one was released almost 40 years ago and was only alright), directed by Baz Luhrman no less. Obviously that means the movie will be spectacular, especially since it stars Leo DiCaprio as the debonair Jay Gatsby and Tobey Maguire as an unassuming Carraway (he usually irritates me but I must admit he does fit this role). The only thing that seems a little off is that they're apparently shooting it in 3D. It's not Terminator or Avatar, or any Cameron-esque film that would benefit from such a format, so this makes me a little apprehensive.

Also, my Fitsgerald Penguin classics collection recently came in the mail. No one does cover art like Penguin. I should really say "no one does cover art like Coralie Bickford-Smith," but as of late, tomato-tomahto. They are simple black and white covers with a foil finish in gold, silver, and copper. My shelf now oozes nouveau riche (click the images to see bigger sizes):

LOVE.

Want gratuitously more Gatsby? Then click to go past the cut, ol' sport.

Since Gatsby has the ability to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing books to date, it comes as no surprise that cover art for the book garners some simply lovely work. Case(s) in point:

(1945)

(1965)

The original (1925)

Jan Tschichold's Iconic style (1950)

Not my favourite (1960)

Graphic novel adaptation...yes, that's a seahorse (2008)

(1973)

Tamara de Lempicka's sumptuous "Young Girl in Green" Art Deco painting was borrowed for this one (1998)

No idea when this one was made, but it's gorgeous!

And of course, the Penguin hardback classics edition (2010)

I'm thinking of having a Gatsby themed dinner night sometime. Too lame? Wanna come?

Worth a Thousand Words

2011-02-23T15:25:00.000-08:00

Delicate.

New Blog Look for Realistic Chic!

2011-02-23T12:51:00.000-08:00

Hooray for extreme bouts of procrastination with school work! Doddling on the completion of yet another essay may seem loaferish and unproductive, but for me, it always results in the accomplishment of something else (such is the life of an eternal project person...so many started, so few finished). Case in point: my blog got a face-lift! I realized that I hadn't addressed the shoddy structure and overly-busy look of my blog since its debut over a year ago. Since I was procrastinating on posting here for so long (of course, that was when I was incredibly productive with essays), I missed Realistic Chic's one-year birthday by a long shot, and thus am just now making up for it.

After about 13 hours of nit-picking over script - because using a basic and therefore non-optimized template will inevitably result in aspects my OCD requires me to tweak - the look is complete. I've made my own social networking icons, category images, title header, and favicon (that little chair icon that shows up to the left of my blog address in the top bar). I got rid of a lot of the clutter I had piled up on the sides; although if you still wish to access links to the free online decor/lifestyle magazines I had previously listed on the left, you can now find them all by clicking the lovely little button that will take you to a page dedicated solely to them. Admittedly, the most challenging aspect was fiddling with the fonts to ensure they appear the same in all the major browsers (BIGGEST pain in the tuchas) and editing for proper link functionality after tinkering with all the script for said fonts and embedded images. I'm sure there are still some browsers out there that will see the page links just under my blog title as some horrid bolded out mutation of a sans-serif, but for the most part, it should be alright. Anyhow, if you want to know anything more about how to use the programs I've used, or info about fonts, tricks, or tweaks, just ask! I am more than happy to share my experience. Please let me know what you think of the new design in a comment below. Feedback is always highly appreciated!

One thing I learned:I am not cut out to write script more often than the very rare blogging instance. My mind is still thinking only in trues and falses. Beep.

Template generator used: Artisteer
Favicon generator: iconj
Image alterations and creations done in Adobe Photoshop CS4
Amount spent on new look: $0.00

MUST WATCH!

2011-02-22T10:44:00.000-08:00

This new music video is all sorts of lovely. Totally put me in a great mood for the day!

She & Him - Don't Look Back from Merge Records on Vimeo.

Worth a Thousand Words

2011-02-21T13:40:00.000-08:00

One word: Gingham.

via the Selby

Home Trends for 2011

2011-02-21T09:01:00.000-08:00

I know I did a whole spot on what colours and fashions to watch out for, but I figure trends for 2011 are so much more than mere colour. Here is what I think will hit the mark in interior decor and living for the year...

Let's start with a look at what's out:

- Espresso furniture, especially in a melamine finish. This has actually been moving out for the past couple of years; it's just that now, it's downright tacky. The only exception seems to be antiques with aesthetic integrity that would be compromised if painted.

- "Keep Calm and Carry On" or "For Like Ever" posters. In all their should-have-never-been-trendy-in-the-first-place varying colours and/or sayings. Of course, this falling out happens right when the phenom bursts at the seams, showing up as pencils, mugs, mini-books, notepads, and whatever other paraphernalia Chapters Indigo can get their hands on. Burn them. They were never cool anyways.

Also, particularly disturbing, I found a virtual Keep Calm t-shirt you can buy for real money on Second Life. The look of the model wearing said virtual shirt should be even more incentive to keep far away from this sad little fad:

- CFLs. They don't last nearly as long as promised (some of my 7-year guarantee bulbs have died after less than one year). And they can take forever to "warm up" when you first turn them on; this is especially annoying if you are only in the bathroom for a minute or so to do your business. Get LEDs instead. They're a bit pricey, but we're going to switch every bulb in our house once they come down a bit more in cost.

- Owning certain books just because they are well-known decor icons. I'm looking at you, Cabinet of Natural Curiosities and I Married Adventure (follow link for ungodly amount of photos featuring this book; yes, it's a good read, but that doesn't mean you need to shove a feather or flower in its pages and snap 940924967 pictures of it). God forbid you decorated your whole room around one of these books:

- Foo Dogs. I think I read this on an e-mag recently, so I know I'm not the only one. Everyone seems to have these little teal lion-dog-things. Retire them, along with whatever other design cliché you had squished in the middle:

What's in for 2011 and beyond:

- Nature inspired furniture. No longer will bringing the outside in be limited to nic-nacs and what you stuff into clear vases; from lamps to chairs to rugs to tables, having materials in their most raw form will be hugely popular. Ergonomic chair shapes popular in the early 2000's, but now made entirely out of sustainable materials like bamboo. Sheepskin rugs. Driftwood accents. Clay and leather too. This trend even has a name: Neo-primitive. Yeah. You heard me.

- Monochrome interiors. This one is not my thing, but layering varying shades of white/ivory/nude is getting big. This also plays into the nature vibe nicely. To pull this off, make sure your focus is on texture. Different looking fabrics and materials piled on top of or next to each other so that the contrast is most visible will be key to making this look work for home or fashion:

- Skeletal design. Looks like bare shelves in the kitchen instead of cupboard doors, chairs with carved wood backs instead of upholstery, and acrylic accessories. Anything that lends a light and airy feel to a space is welcomed. This is probably due in part to how our homes are, on average, much smaller than they were in any other decade. Clogged up looking tiny rooms are just not attractive:

- Books. Believe it or not, books are actually becoming a trend to decorate with. I mean, while this has always been the case, it is much more prevalent and even growing to be political in a way. Methinks the culprit is those ridiculous Kobos and other electronic readers. Those loyal to tangible literature in all its dust-jacket page-creased glory seem to have taken a moral stand against these new-fangled gadgets (my completely biased self included). It could be because us paperform-aficionados prefer to show off just how many books we've collected (albeit likely not all read). It could be because reading a glowing screen for five hours on a rainy day strains more on the eyes. But most likely, it is because we believe these e-readers are an insult to an art-form that deserves better. Books are art, whether some agree or not. Antiques must be treated delicately, and can even have hand-tipped drawings. They have texture. They look beautiful in photographs or in paintings. People treasure them and pass them along to younger generations as keep-sakes. Most of all, books, depending on the author and edition, appreciate in value. The only fate that awaits the digital imposter is the garbage dump. As I recently saw on a fellow English-undergrad's Twitter: "BOOKS DON'T DIE." Indeed.

- Tea. This pairs nicely with the book trend. Gourmet and specialty tea shops are opening up everywhere. The trendier parts of Vancouver (i.e. West End, Kitsilano, etc) have one every 10 blocks now. It's no Starbucks hysteria, but it's a start. Tea will be the new thing for the next 10 or so years as people realize the health benefits of green and herbal teas with much less of the milky fattiness of the espresso-based bevs at coffee shops (See? Told ya espresso is out). In every major mall there is now a loose-leaf tea store where you can choose from several dozen different types of teas and buy them by the gram. Gift shops have all but moved away from selling cutesy coffee mugs and are now promoting infusers, ceramic and glass teapots, funny shaped leaf strainers and lovely china sets. My two favourites right now is the classic masala chai (although no one makes this better than my fiancee's sister) and vanilla earl grey. Mmm.

- Vintage china. This is such a cute by-product of the tea fad. You simply can't even look at blogs that focus on pretty things nowadays without being bombarded with swirled handles, intricately painted cup basins, and coordinating but not matchy-matchy saucers. So. Friggin. Cute.

What design or fashion trends have you noticed? Which ones do you wish would just go away? C'mon you can tell me. This is a safe place.

Worth a Thousand Words

2011-02-18T13:30:00.000-08:00

One word: Home. I'll be going back to the island (to Victoria) for a brief time this weekend. It's my best friend's daughter's 4th birthday! Happy Bday Claire-bear!

Fashion Friday

2011-02-18T10:13:00.000-08:00

Brace yourself... Anthropologie has started its own wedding website. Oh, if only I had another two to three large to blow on gorgeous party dresses, crystal headbands, and satin peep-toes. If only. What I love most:

This shrug is so Jane Austen-esque. WANT.

How long till Christmas?