barkingCLOSET: 2012

Saturday 15 December 2012

they are so snood-y!

A snood.

It's an odd word no? For many it probably doesn't mean anything, maybe it'll just make you chuckle since it is kind of a funny word. It's actually a fantastic item, a tubular type scarf (for those who are not familiar with it). And if you don't have one, get one!! Especially if you live in the great white north for super coziness. It's such a popular accessory right now, comes in a variety of weights and qualities you could pretty much wear them all year long. A definite must for the winter and great for both sexes, though adorned more readily by women.

I really like the chunky ones that gather around your head so you don't need a hat and are perfect for a long winter walk. Actually with some of the styles you could pull them over your head as well if it gets windy or snows. Functional. A 2 in 1.

They could be found everywhere in a range of prices. Of course the cashmere ones are super mushy soft, but there are a variety available, try a few so see which one suits your style. Some wrap around 2-3 times, other snoods are like oversize turtlenecks and just pull over and let it sit loosely around your neck. Definitely a hot accessory. Love them.

http://lovetrish.blog.cz/1102/snood-scarf

http://www.designermenswear.biz/designer-clothes-online/snood/

http://www.kitmeout.com/2009/10/burberry-snood-aw-2009/

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703740004574514061253793806.html

http://indulgy.com/post/p099llryb1/chunky-cowl-snood-in-purple-hand-knitted

http://www.collectivehabit.com/minkpink-salt-peppersnood.html

http://www.dorothyperkins.com

http://www.asos.com

And for some trivia. A snood used to be a term used for the nets women wore on their heads to keep their hair in place. I think today's version is is a nice update and a definite better option for men :)

Photo: Wikipedia.

Tuesday 4 December 2012

take two: in the hood.

Gustave Bloom Hicks loves his hoodies :)

There are a few key pieces of clothing which are consistently present in my life, lived in and loved and in a constant need to acquire the new coveted version.

I am talking about the hoodie.

Personally I am a pure cotton lover, specifically the denser quality ones with the inside brushed for extra lush coziness. Of course cherished by students of all ages, they are worn by a great part of the population. Have you looked at the construction workers lately, especially as winter settles in? They wear hoodies. Pair it with a blazer or leather jacket and you're good to go to the office or for meet up at a bar with friends. And they are synonymous with the active look, from hikers, gym rats to yogis. And of course, hoodies are just as popular as umbrellas when it's raining. Sure, they have a bad rap, linked with hoodlums and such, but lets face it, they are a fantastic staple right up there with denim, tees and flip-flops.

Not sure if it's your thing? Surprisingly I have met a few people who aren't fans of hoodies....hard to believe. It's got something to do with hood being annoying... (?) no, ok, I do somewhat understand, but there are so many versions out there in different qualities, that surely if you took the time to try a few, you would be swayed to buy into them. Stick to heather greys, they will go with everything and of course black as a second option gets that modern edge, even more versatile.

1. http://pinterest.com/pin/54254370482455653/http://pinterest.com/agentflo25/art-i-like-inspiration/http://pinterest.com/North/a/

http://pinterest.com/pin/221731981625088658/

2. http://pinterest.com/pin/222646775299018007/

http://pinterest.com/pin/279926933058755066/

3. http://pinterest.com/pin/248331366922697341/

http://pinterest.com/pin/54254370481612892/

4. http://pinterest.com/pin/163959242654112057/

http://aritzia.com

5. http://pinterest.com/pin/156429787026766456/

6. http://pinterest.com/pin/163959242654112057/

7. http://sweet-station.com/blog/2010/02/ipod-hoodies/

Friday 23 November 2012

get..out..of..the...dark.

are you in the dark....?

don't panic, switch on the light.

See the light.

Some people have it so together. They get dressed in 5 minutes and even manage to do in the dark. But either you work, lets say, as an electrician and coordination is really not a must or you leave the house looking a bit of a strange mess.

Switch it on.

OK, so you have invested in a fabulous full length mirror to look at (see 'mirror, mirror' post), but what's the point if you can't actually see yourself?? You need decent lighting and effective lighting. Your bedside nightlight might get you to the bathroom at night but it ain't the best for getting dressed. If you can't see the difference between the black and navy sock, you need to work on your lighting situation.

Perhaps a ceiling light and a bedside light will do a better job together. Some lights create weird unflattering shadows (we women know these things) so try and see what is best. Overhead fixtures are perfect for those early mornings when you get up before the sun does, just select one that gives off a flattering light and adds beautiful design to your room. It all adds a positive ambiance for getting dressed.

A bright side table light that gives a clean light might be ok, but chances are you might need a secondary light.

http://www.motiqonline.com/2011/12/05/modern-decorative-lamps-with-excellent-visual-comfort/small-led-bedside-lamp-dina/

ok, so this one is good when going to bed...

http://bedroomdecorideas.org/page/8/

Recessed light, also known as potlights definitely give an even light distribution. And a dimmer is essential.

http://bedroomdecorideas.org/page/8/

Got high ceilings? Be daring.

http://veneerdesigns.com/blog/?tag=lighting

A grand chandelier will just make getting dressed an affair. I love the black.

http://www.statelykitsch.com/our-bedroom-part-3-ceiling-fans/

I love ceiling fans, especially during hot summer evenings, much nicer way to stay cool instead of air conditioning. I even enjoy the subtle hum they make.

Monday 19 November 2012

stream lined AND sexy.

Behold the beauty of it. Lovely streamlined design and looks so hot!

Designer: Hosun Ching.

Some people are terribly-fabulously creative and have an amazing eye for beautiful lines. It was a 'want it' moment for me when I saw the pictures (I do own a great armoire from Ikea in a similar concept, but this one is just heavenly). Kind of a take on some kitchen pantry designs I have seen in the past, the type that are hand made, giving much considerable thought on spatial organization and made with love. Besides the design, it will always remain yours, move it along with you as you travel and head into a new home.

It would be a fantastic way to practice minimalism within your wardrobe (see 'aspire to it' post) since it has a compartment for everything, from shirts, dresses, sweaters, shoes and accessories. If it doesn't fit then you must naturally edit and remove a piece that just doesn't belong anymore, making room for novelty. Of course you could cheat by having your fall/winter stored away in the basement storage while you are enjoying the spring /summer selection, allowing for maximum wardrobe capacity.

There are always ways to cheat...

http://www.hosunching.com/Walk-in%20portfolio.html

Monday 5 November 2012

mindful-ness.

mindful definition: conscious of or aware of

It is a popular word & state of being today. The concept of mindfulness. Being aware of yourself, your thoughts, your environment, your needs, other people's needs, your home, your inner world and the outside world. Being aware of the 'today' because it is what is happening, the now, the moment in which you are actually a participant of.

I participated at a Zen workshop this past weekend at the beautiful White Wind Zen Community in my neighbourhood. I have been quite curious about the Zen Practice since I have met Shikai Zuiko, a monk from the centre. It was a lovely experience and it has created a certain awareness since my participation. I loved the visual simpleness and the order of the space and enjoyed the serenity and sparse-ity. Lately I am more conscious of my real needs vs my 'desired' needs. What I need in order to be content vs what is more fluff and perhaps really not necessary. Pairing down and my interest in that concept. Though I do believe in indulging in the little extras, I would say that as of late, I do contemplate a bit more of which indulgences are really going to make a difference.

http://www.wwzc.org/book/about-zen

What does this have to do with your closet?? Hmmm, well my intention is not to over dramatize the importance of a mere closet, but to bring about a consciousness of how it does impact your day to day. I know that if the core of my closet is organized, clean and available then it always makes my day or an event I need to go to start on a good foot. I would also say your mind state comes into play as well. Getting dressed when you are frustrated, late and unorganized will probably stress you out, and imagine, you haven't even stepped out the front door yet...

Take time to organize, be more 'mindful', be aware of all aspects of your life and how they impact you. Feeling overwhelmed? Take a moment or a few minutes if you have the time, breathe and collect your thoughts.
then open the closet door. :)

Practice of Zazen.
Try to attain proper posture for Zazen. Seated straight on a zafu, back tall & straight, knees touching floor, hands in position. Eyes open, cast down.
Gustave does his best.

http://mro.org/zmm/teachings/meditation.php

http://mro.org/smr/newzealand/what-is-zazen/

purely for beautiful image:

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/indepth/cultural/kie/zen/kie_zen_01.html

Tuesday 30 October 2012

aspire to it...

Found a new inspiring blog through a string of many blogs, about two guys who changed their lives in order to live more minimally and fruitfully through the practice of 'minimalism'.

the blog: http://www.theminimalists.com/

Check out one of the 2 guys, Joshua Fields Millburn, concept of an organized & focused closet.
nice....
http://www.theminimalists.com/apartment/

Thursday 25 October 2012

make an impression.

http://www.4men1lady.com/2012/08/welcome-new-sponsor-wallpaperedcom.html

wallpaper...

Ok, so it might be a little too much for some, but for others it can take your closet into another viewing dimension. It's all about making the closet so attractive that you just want to open it up and view the insides. Embellishing your closet from within with wallpaper is like the cookies with the chocolate chunks or brownies with the icing, scones with the cream...

You've organized it to a very realistic level, yet adding this feature just makes it delicious! yes... delicious. You know, when you've just finished a home project you are proud of or made a purchase for your home like a great leather couch, a painting or a 54" flatscreen TV, you just want to place yourself in front of it and look at it. Admire it. So fantastic! Well, beautifying your closet can give you that feel good feeling.

Of course it depends on the size of your closet, no point in going through all that work when you add all the clothes and then you can barely see the pattern. Size it up, see if it's realistic. I would keep the pattern simple or at least monochromatic so it doesn't interfere visually with a colourful closet.

And if the inside of the closet is not an option, you could always consider doing the one wall where the closet is. Walk in closets, as usual, have the benefits of being very flexible and well, spacious, to allow for many dimensions and possibilities.

Be daring..

http://pinterest.com/britanysimon/storage-solutions-fancy-closets/

http://delysiastyle.com/2010/11/26/beautiful-closets-and-dressing-areas-youre-so-vain-2/

http://www.sweetandlovelylife.com/2012/sweet-and-lovely-closets/wallpaper-closet/

Tuesday 23 October 2012

sparingly arranged.

Though it might be difficult to really bring your wardrobe to a focussed, dynamic, minimalistic and efficient state, it is always an inspiration to view other's accomplishments and rouse our own clothing borders. Some manage it all too well and it is reflected in their day to day appearance and mind state as in the lovely image in the framed photo below.

Uncomplicated. Serene. Simple.

My best recommendation is to regularly edit and to purchase clothing which will add value and possibilities to your wardrobe. Especially during a change of season, when you move to a new space or get a brand new job. Clothes are only clothes. Keep your favs and give the others to a charity you really like, it makes letting go easier knowing it will be reused and re-loved!

http://www.rumid.dk/Interior1/interioer-artikler/indretningsinspiration-a-la-svenske-hope--/

Wednesday 17 October 2012

wired.

We all have them.

love them, they are free.

hate them, they are annoying.

If not in the bedroom closet, they are in another space or perhaps in the laundry room. Leftovers from the dry cleaners most probably, or from our parents when we move out, somehow they are there, they multiply, funnily enough, totally opposite of our sock situations.... Can't even manage to throw them out because they are somewhat functional, like a single paperclip, never know when you might need a piece of wire to solve an issue.

Guilty as charged.

Of course I have some, but they are transitioning out the door. I mostly use them for thin strap clothing by bending up the corners, I have to be honest, does the job, hate the look. But I have recently bought some amazing fuzzy velvet covered thin hangers which really replace wire hangers nicely. Of course replacing all hangers does mean you will have to purchase the new ones and some come at a cost. So ease into it, buy them in sets of 6 or 12 packages, you will see a huge difference in the closet.

Go Ikea.

Though I would like to emphasize the importance of wooden hangers. Especially for men, also applicable for women. It is imperative for blazers and coats otherwise you will find yourself with oddly shaped shoulders in the garment. The heavier the garment, the more important to get some!!

So Neat...

http://soulifemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/hangers-mens-shirts.jpg

And don't pile too many layers on a single hanger. Either you will frustrate yourself when you have little time and can't see it or it just gets forgotten, never to be worn. Or God forbid, you find it and it is no longer in style...

Inspiration...

http://freshome.com/2011/10/04/33-exceptional-walk-in-closets-to-accentuate-your-fashion-collections/

Buy It...

I would recommend to have at 3 type of hangers:
1. thins velvet covered hangers: for shirts, camisoles and slippery clothing
2. wood hangers: blazers and coats
3. clip hangers: pants and skirts