Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend

Okay, I'm a simple girl. Sure, I like me some pretty and sparkly jewels but I'm not Elizabeth Taylor. Geometric shapes and outlines are seen in decor and fashion for a couple seasons now. I'm the type of person who teeters between styles and find myself loving the urban and edgy look but going back to vintage girly girl with a modern twist styles. But what I love about this trend is that it's taking something that usually looks extravagant and makes it modern and simple.

I stumbled across a couple of items that caught my eye that fall within the lines of the geometric outline trend. This a great cushion by graphic designer, Leonora, of Yellow Heart Art. I'm a big fan of her stuff, so check her out! The diamond cushions are terrific.

I'd love to have a large one and several mini ones sitting in a little corner of my home, scattered and spilled out on the floor.

I'm really liking these charms by Geometric Land.  Even though it's an outline of a diamond, the brass takes the preciousness and prissiness away from it.

Diamond Charms - by Geometric Land

The settee and console table designed by American Designer, Darrell Landrum, in the late 40's to 50's has lines that remind me of the geometric setting of a diamond. 

 

Check out the fun and whimsical store decor of Hansel, a Singaporean womens wear label and their usuage of paper art:

All photos courtesy of Hansel blog

Of course, if someone were to give me the real thing, I wouldn't reject it.  Even it it's the dreaded Marquis/ Pear shaped diamond:

DIY - Space Invader Pillow

It's been a while since I've posted a DIY. Here's something I did back in October. I made this duvet cover and pillow set for a video game enthusiast as a birthday present.

Here's a simple way* to create the a space invader decal but you can use this method to add any simple silhouette. 

What you'll need:

• two types of fabric (I used cotton flannel)
• double sided fusible (iron-on) interfacing
• scissors
• ruler
• pins
• iron

1. Find a picture of the character that you would like to put on your cushion.

2. Take a look at the interfacing.  One side will have the "wax" the other side will have the "glue".  Put the paper print out on top of the wax side of the interfacing and put the fabric underneath the interfacing so it touches the glue.
3. Carefully pin the three pieces together but make sure the pins are neat and straight - no puckering.
4. With a sharp pair of scissors, carefully cut the pattern out.  If there is a hole in the pattern (i.e. an eye) cutting an "X" makes it easier to cut it out neatly.
5. So now you have the design in front of you - keep those pins in there.  Get that iron ready.
6. Flip the pieces over so the fabric is facing you.  Iron just at the top so that the interfacing is stuck to the fabric.  Now that everything is secure, take out the pins.
7. Straighten everything out and continue to iron.
8. Wait about 10 - 30 seconds, or until the fabric and interfacing is cool.  
9. Now flip it over to the paper side - peel off the paper
10. Now if you already have a cushion cover or if you are making your cushion from scratch, you can now take the decal and pin it on the cushion.
11. Make sure you're happy where you've pinned it because once you activate that iron, it's set.
12. Run the iron over the decal and the cushion - and you're done.
13. I put the decal under the sewing machine using the zig-zag setting and secured the design against the cushion.
14. Repeat the same instructions using the opposite color if you want to have two different sides for your pillow. 

*If you only want a black silhouette, you can just get black interfacing with the adhesive on one side, cut out the pattern and "viola", you're done!  Even easier!

Here's a couple other pillows I've made using this same technique:

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DIY - Headboard

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DIY - Upside-Down Planters

News Flash - C'est La Vie Consignment Boutique

So what is consignment?  You bring your unwanted but fashionable clothing to the store and the consignee will go through your items and choose what they feel will be appropriate for their customer.  The store staff will price the items and sell them in their store and you split the profits.

I've been consigning with C'est La Vie Consignment Boutique for years and have developed a friendship with boutique owner, Faustine Faure.  I'm such a frequent customer that she knows my consignment number by heart.  Her store is a mix of vintage items and more contemporary pieces that you would see in H&M, Aritzia, and Club Monaco. 

Here's a great example of mixing vintage and modern pieces.  This look would probably cost at least $500 brand new.  But the tank top is by a local designer and was priced at $25.  I was just crazy about this skirt but it was too small for me and it pained me to know that I had to pass up the great deal.  This skirt is only $25!  I threw in some pretty accessories to complete this spring look.  The green 80's style belt was only $14 and the vintage patent leather heels are $30.  A complete head to toe look for under $100. 

The second look is something I bought a couple of years ago.  I got the red H&M polo for $7 and the 80's linen skirt was about $25.

So here's an example of my recent experience with consignment.  I popped by C'est La Vie and checked my account and I had $30 to pick up.  The beautiful poncho was only $45 dollars and since I do consignment with C'est La Vie I get an additional 10% off.  So this poncho cost me $10!  Love it!

Faustine and I sat down together to chat and chow down on dim sum.  I picked her brain about vintage, fashion eras, and the consignment business.

Tell me about C'est La Vie Consignment boutique:

People always think that C'est La Vie only sells vintage but it’s a mixture of both old and new.  But I do love the quality and uniqueness of vintage.  For the price that you pay for vintage you can wear something that inspires the top designers like Louis Vuitton.  I really do try to keep my store affordable.  I have some designer jeans that sell for $250 dollars if they are brand new and I price them at about $30 - $50.  I know that it's tough for the people who bring them in but I have to be priced well so people can afford them and they understand that.

Some new and contemporary looks:  1.  Talula Babaton suit (2 pc) - $50  2. Talula Babaton dress - $40  3.  Costume Nationale jacket - $45

How did C’est La Vie get started?

Luscious mink, rich leather gloves, and the most fabulous hat

I was always doing it in France and worked in vintage shops.  When I came to Vancouver I discovered this different type of consignment.  In France consignment shops are more conservative and less fun.  So when I saw the consignment stores in Vancouver I fell in love; it’s very different.  But I was only a consignor and brought my clothes in for the store to sell and I only wanted to do it as a hobby.

Then my daughter was born and I took a break for 3 years.  My mom was the one who pushed me to open my own store.  I had saved some money so I didn’t have to work and focused on raising my daughter.  Then I looked and saw that still I had 10K and I got a loan on top of that.  I chose Main Street even though there were already so many stores. 

I’ve been thinking about opening a second store and Gastown has been appealing.   I love the old style with the bricks.  I’ve often thought about going to Toronto or France.

What’s your favourite era?

Well, I really like mixing things from different eras and different styles so I don’t have a favourite period.  But I love certain things from each.  I love the fabrics from the 40's and the shape of the jackets; the curves just have a beautiful way of accentuating the body.  But I love the 70’s hippie flow and I love things like platform shoes.  From the 60’s, I really get into the tougher looks with the belts and motorcycle style.


So your boutique is bright and pink with a late 60’s to 70’s vibe.  Does your home have a similar look?

Yes, I think so.  My home decor is very 70’s and the walls are bright orange with accents of green.  At the time I started the shop, I really liked pink and orange together.  It’s funny because pink isn’t even my favourite colour.  But the colours popped into my head and I just stuck to that idea and went with it.  I think it’s fresh, bubbly, and it reminds me of the colours that you see in the clothing from India.

I see some fashion icons on C’est La Vie’s walls such as Jerry Hall and Twiggy.  Who has influenced you?

I grew up in fashion because my mom was a fashion designer and I was always around it.  I went to runway shows and flea markets at such a young age.  I was always reading fashion magazines.  My mother was a designer for many different brands.  It has been so important in influencing and inspiring my fashion and style background.

It's always a pleasure to learn about what drives people and what their passions are.  For Faustine, it's fashion and mixing different styles of clothing together from different eras and create a look that's unique and personal.
You can also find pieces from C'est La Vie at local vintage clothing sale events such as The Chosen Ones that is held at the Waldorf Hotel and The Beggar's Banquet (blog post in the future!) in Gastown.

Here's a couple of my favourite pieces that I've bought over the years from C'est La Vie:

1.  Two piece vintage wool dress with cropped jacket - $50   2.  Talula Babaton silk dress - $35 (regular over $150)  3.  Vintage wool crepe dress - $35

Take a stroll into C'est La Vie to see what surprises they have waiting for you.  They're located in the trendy Main Street neighborhood.

Open 7 days a week 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm
3247 Main St.
Vancouver, BC
604-876-2284
www.cestlavieboutique.ca
Consignment terms and conditions

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Laura of "On the Racks"

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The Journey to Cartems Donuterie

Everyone is talking about Cartems' donuts.  They're not your run of the mill donuts.  They're handmade by skilled pastry chefs and the ingredients are sourced locally.  Donuts are made daily - not frozen. Currently housed in the Gastown hood at 408 Carrall, this pop up donuterie had some serious traffic.  Pals, Mark Tagulao, Rajesh Narine and Jordan Cash will be updating us on the permanent location in the nearer future.

So, here is my journey to get my hands on these donuts:

9:00 am
Woke up a groggy mess

10:00 am
Finally got out of bed - still a groggy mess

11:15 am
Head over to the Gastown hood to meet Sally who tells me Cartems has already sold out of donuts.  They opened at 11:00 am!  The calvary will bring their reserves at 12:00 pm.

NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

11:30 am
I loiter around Gastown, hitting up a couple of vintage stores.

The window @ ArtSpeak

12:00 pm
Modest line up starts.  Anticipation is building.  Yes, I know, these are donuts, for crying out loud.  But I heard they are good.  Really good.

12:15 ish pm
Doors open, the crowd is happy, we're excited.  We want our donuts.

You can order online in advance and they deliver in the designated area

12:20 pm
Rajesh Narine apologizes and thank us for our patience - he's a nice dude.  I didn't have a mean bone in my body for these peeps.  I spot the much talked about Earl Grey donut and add them to my 1/2 dozen order.  Also included are the Camp Fire, 2 Carrot Cake, and Cinnamon Sugar donut.  There was a Slow Heat donut and they sold out of the Maple Bacon Donut.  Next time, my friends.  Next time.

These are so good.  Earl Grey Donuts - I call them my Crack Donuts.  They're addicting.  Dangerous.  Sigh.

And I'll have two of these, please.

12:30 pm
Grocery shopping and wanted to get home so badly to eat my donuts that I forgot to pick up miso paste.

1:00 pm
So, now it's me and this box of treasures.  Voila - let your eyes feast on these beaut's. 

Knock Knock

Hello, my pretties

I dig in for the Earl Grey.  Slightly euphoric. Delicious, slightly crispy on the outside.  Dense.  Fragrant.

Oh yes, you and me.

1:05 pm
There are voices coming from the box.  I open it.  I could have sworn the carrot cake donut winked at me.  I teach that damn thing a lesson and eat it.  Wonders if I should call a therapist.

1:10 pm
Making tea and the donut box is still open.  I am weak.  Hand is reaching into the box and it's beyond my control.  The Camp Fire donut disappears.  This is getting out of hand.

1:20 pm
*uck it.  See ya later 2nd Earl Grey donut.  Now decides to put the box with the remaining donuts at the top of my jacket closet - out of reach.  Closes closet.  I am safe, for now.

Turquoise, Teal, Aquarmine Home Decor

Every once in a while I toy with the idea of changing the colour scheme of my apartment.  Currently, the colours that fill my home are these:

But I've drooled over many turquoise, aquamarine, and teal coloured pieces that I've been tempted to change things up and bring in some pieces that change the vibe of my place up a bit.

Here's a little gallery of pretty turquoise items that have caught my eye:

Courtesy of Love the Hays

Courtesy of A La Mode

Courtesy of Core One

Courtesy of Crystal Cattle

Courtesy of Sunny Sunflower House

Courtesy of Retro Verigo Vintage

Some gorgeous rooms with a similar colour scheme:
 

Courtesy of Decor Pad

My Favourite - Jonathan Adler in Coco Cozy

Coming up soon - Faustine from C'est La Vie

Image courtesy of C'est La Vie

What I find most inspiring is people taking something old, typical, used, ugly, beautiful, odd or strange and making it their own.  A couch that would normally look bland and boring can be spruced up with a couple of fantastic pillows or an upholstery change and it will have a personality that matches the owner.

I feel the same way about clothing.  I have a good mixture of vintage and modern items and love the process and result of mixing it all up to create a look that expresses who I am at that given moment.

One my favourite spots is C'est La Vie, a vintage shop that also does consignment in the trendy Main Street hood of Vancouver.  I've been a consignor and a shopper for years.  The owner, Faustine, is what I call an Upper Crust Bohemian Parisian.  She's a bit different - from her clothing choices, her eclectic taste in music and her quirky ways.  She is passionate about vintage clothing and has a wealth of information to share.

So now that we're getting into spring cleaning mode, she'll certainly have some tips on what is hot for Spring and maybe even point us in the direction on some cool combos that we can try with what we have in our closet.

Stay tuned... Faustine and I are going to share some wine and chat, and you get to hear all about it.