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.


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


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


Got high ceilings? Be daring.


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


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...




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.



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.



purely for beautiful image: