This weather legally permits the creation of new adjectives to describe how cold it is out there.
Such as: COLDACITY.
The positive side to it all? You could stay home & not bother to change out of your pj's. Give your closet a break.
Thursday, 24 January 2013
Tuesday, 22 January 2013
cold out there....eh???
All that I could say for a day like today is take out all your warmest clothes, dress in layers & don't forget the kleenex...
Think about what your mom used to say when you were heading off to school:
"Zip up your coat. Don't forget your gloves. Put on the hat!..blah, blah.."
Funny how it seems more reasonable as you get older.
Tuesday, 1 January 2013
she maid up her mind.
New year, new stuff, new projects.
Not spring yet, but a cold winter day after all the celebrations could be the best time for you to organize your closet....honestly... You were blessed with generous friends & siblings (& truly understand your clothing needs & taste) & they got you some great clothes or perhaps you've bought a bunch of awesome stuff yourself during those laborious, but joyful shopping moments that come about on boxing day. :)
And now you need to make appropriate space for it all.
Out with the old.
Push over the good stuff.
And slip in the new, lovely, crisp edged, non-pilled, unstained & impressionable items.
Start with either the closet or the chest of drawers, all at the same time might be too much. Get the garbage bags out & decide what to donate & what must be just put on the curb.
We all know the drill.
Getting started is always the tough part.
Do it alone, do it with a true friend or call the maid & have her do it!
Not that I endorse using printed garbage bags, lets try to be green please, but found this image which made me smile & had to share:
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.
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
2
3
4
5
6
7
Friday, 23 November 2012
get..out..of..the...dark.
are you in the dark....?
See the light.
Switch it on.
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.
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.
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:
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/
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.
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..
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)