New Neutrals

On top of all the raw bowtie ingredients I scored at 50% off day at Value Village, I had two specific requests of the thrifting universe: a light-wieght sweater in neutral colours, but not too boring, to wear instead of my old hoodie on morning walks to the bus, and a good quality tank top that is work appropriate and mildly cute but simple.  The universe delivered with almost spooky accuracy.  I could not have imagined a more perfect sweater if I had designed it myself.  This is exactly what I had in mind.  It's by Dana Buchman, whose ads I remember vividly from the early nineties and was surprized to read on Wikipedia is still designing.  I always thought of her as the American Adrienne Vittadini, who I was surprised to read on Wikipedia, is actaully American too, though born in Budapest.  Annnnnnywaaay.  The tank top is less thrilling, but exactly the right silvery-beige to work perfectly under the sweater as well as with just about everything.

Slices of Scotland - New Exhibit B Bowties

A couple of weeks ago I found this wool souvenir scarf (?) thing at the thrift store and though that it would make some neat bowties.  It featured illustrated scenes from Scotland: Robbie Burns' castle, the Sir Walter Scot Residence, University of Edinburgh etc., plus lots of lovely thistles.  I'm really happy with how the ties turned out.  Depending on which side faces out, you can identify the Scottish theme, or you can just enjoy some little snippets of the drawings.

Jungle colours

Summer time, bright colours, wishing for more sunshine!  My hair is getting long, but I'm not minding it right now.  I'm sure in a week or so it'll be driving me crazy.

The hottest new manicure trend for summer!

Just kidding.  I was playing with bamboo shoots in the back yard.

Just wait until it catches on in Japan!

Flower Crowns

 On the right bride, at the right wedding, could there be anything sweeter than a crown of posies?  OK, the one on the right is an exception, but I couldn't not put it in.  Aren't they so lovely and fresh?  In a week or so I'm going to have a whole garden full of tiny white roses, so if I had a friend getting married in the next month or so I would be getting crafty with the crown.  Maybe I could hold a tea party and make floral crown required wearing.

I used to make daisy chains and dandelion chains and buttercup chains when I was little, back in my sitting-in-the-grass days, but they were always so temporary and fragile.  It might take a real florist to get such beautiful results.

So gorgeous, all of them! 

A Good Weekend

Working on that work/life balance these days.  Work is stressful and busy, but I had a wonderful weekend in Parksville staying with a houseful of friends.  We did a bunch of outdoor excursions to celebrate the fact that there was actually sunshine: a walk at Cathedral Grove amongst the huge trees, a walk on the beach, a walk at Little Qualicum Falls, and lunch on the patio at Coombs, being watched by the famous goats on the roof.  But what was really most wonderful was just sitting in the sun, sipping tea, playing with my some wonderful little kids and gossiping with my best friends.  

I wish that we could have stayed for a week, but we have to have something to look forward to when we retire I guess...  Now I'm just trying to think happy thoughts and not get too bogged down by my heavy work load.  I've still got a friend's wedding to look forward to later in the summer, and hopeful a long weekend visit to my parents at some point.  If only the sun would come out on a more regular basis, I'm sure I'd find that extra bit of energy that I need!

Lace Love

There are some beautiful things going on here with lace overlays.  I'm always looking for lace inspiration because we have a giant box full of lace scraps at work that has some lovely pieces, smaller than a dress, but can't be thrown away.  All images Erdem Resort 2013 from Vogue.com.

Exhibit B Bowties - Update

Busy days in the bowtie factory!  We're really excited by all of the attenion they are getting.  I did a little interview with the newspaper today, and we've had more interest for a few different local stores.  The moment I'm waiting for is when I spot a guy on the street wearing one of our ties!  Gotta keep my eyes peeled for that.

One of our retailers, Much and Little, featured us on their blog this week.  Check it out.  Have a look at the rest of their website as well, or better yet, swing by the adorable shop on Main St. They carry a wonderful selection of housewares and wearables, and the whole vibe of the place just makes you want to move right in.  When I went by on Sunday, I picked out a birthday gift for a lucky friend, and I have a feeling that it might be my go-to shop for perfect gifts.

Braided Rugs in Moonrise Kingdom

Last night Karl and I went to see Moonrise Kingdom, and of course I loved it.  I know that Wes Anderson movies are not everyone's cup of tea, but I just adore being wrapped up in the sweet, elaborate world that he creates.  I can only imagine what fun it must be to work on the costumes and sets of his movies. 

In Moonrise Kingdom, I kept noticing all of the braided rugs.  They were in almost every room of the house, as well as the well-appointed tent belonging to the Khaki Scouts.  All of a sudden what was an invisible staple of every house I was ever in as a child looks like a fresh, charming decorating option!  Maybe we need a rug in our bedroom...  I'll add that to the thrifting list!

Below are just a few nice images from the webs...