designbungalow

hello db readers!

2009-12-29T13:03:00.004-05:00

Bonjour mes amis, just a quick update many new things to come this year. One major item is that I will be posting more often. Stay tuned ..........as you can see the site has changed already. Send me your ideas, new products and comments with 'news 2010' in the subject line. Boy I've missed you ;)

2008-02-28T13:46:00.003-05:00

a new creative challenge.......can you dig it? can you conquer it? can you represent hugo to the fullest? show them what you are made of. go a head, don't be shy, go on....create.

'HUGO Fragrances just announced the launch of a new creative challenge, HUGO Create. In 4 rounds, participants are challenged to turn the iconic HUGO fragrance bottle into something innovative, irreverent or otherwise exceptional. HUGO Create is a new and innovative competition for creative people from all-over the world. HUGO Fragrances give them the chance to express themselves and develop unique designs for the iconic HUGO fragrance. The design contest wants to act as a spotlight for creative talents from around the world. Are you a designer, illustrator, photographer, artist, student or creative at heart? Show the world your talent & win! The 10 best entries of every round will receive cash prizes of 500 US-$. The work of the round winner will be published in i-D magazine. The HUGO Create contest is now open for entries. Don’t hesitate! Participate! To view all information, complete rules & submission guidelines and to download the HUGO Man Bottle footage, surf to the hugo create website.

make things happen with the hugo generator? what's that, check out the site_it's cool. need more info hit them up here:hugocreate@rockandrollagency.net.

chapeau amour....

2008-02-28T13:32:00.003-05:00

miss me?

how's this for a fab chapeau? simple divine!

designer john galliano debuted the christian dior fallwinter 2008-09 collection in paris on feb. 25, 2008 with colour and shapes reminiscent of dior’s 1960s theme “never forget the woman."

via the star. i sooo, dig that hat.......gotta have it.

toronto's own graffiti man

2007-10-29T10:05:00.000-04:00

yo! yo! Yo! if ya'll didn't know about 'elicser' know ya know. he is one of our very own toronto graffiti artist's and an illustrator mr. jabari elliott, better known as elicser. his work is all around the city, but i know i was immediately won over by his whimsical characters when i saw him in the red bull music academy. he has a pull out poster and we have proudly posted it in the little mans bedroom nook. alongside our mad bunny posters by 'dream caffeine' from the usa. it's all rockin' and i really was drawn to the retro banana seat bike. he sounds chill and cool too - he so enjoys people dodging in the craziest busy area of spadina.

the gun with doves - this was published somewhere, i know i've seen it before.

cravin' chocolate | tokyo style

2007-10-26T12:54:00.000-04:00

ahh, luscious sensuous chocolate. my top pick is Green & Black's dark 70% chocolate made from organic cocoa beans or if i'm feelin' sassy i'll go for cocoa camino's premium Fair Trade Certified and certified organic chocolate 'chili and spice' [or g+b's ginger followed by espresso].

then again 'nine out of ten people like chocolate and the tenth person always lies.' these are the words of an american cartoonist john g. tullius - love that quote. 'views on chocolate' the world from the perspective of chocolate by acclaimed designer and chocolate curator naoto fukasawa who hauled in about 70 creations by around 30 creators for display this past july 2007. wonder if it tours - might melt no? maybe the idea should tour and each city rounds up 30 design wonders and voila a museum show! that's it, i'm gonna look into this one_ look out t.dot cholatier's. get a load of the detail and some serious chocolate skills below:

this one really turns me on: from the chocolate exhibition at the new 21_21 design sight space in tokyo: play king kong with this miniature "city made of chocolate," imagining yourself crashing through semi-sweet office buildings and flinging about menacing bosses. by naoko tone and atsuyoshi iijima. oh, i see the brains churning ideas already.

and my second fave, runner up yoji ishii`s piece “germination” sprouts a little green stalk from an earthy chocolate bean from the chocolate exhibition.

natsumi toyama`s “100% chocolate.” from the chocolate exhibition

“412-810″ by HIMAA are individually made chocolate keys from the chocolate exhibition

my heart goes to this one: a british photographer, james mollison`s larger than life photos “cacao pickers” displayed with comments as to their meagre wages and violent environments. alongside roomfuls of mouth-watering objects in chocolate design, it`s a poignant statement about the human cost of consumption. [fyi-kenyan born james mollison is contributor to i-D, the U.N. refugee agency and colors magazine]

red chocolate: a strong colour impression, indeed: hisashi hidano`s 'c.red.' [great name!] from the chocolate exhibition.

dutch slides

2007-10-26T10:40:00.000-04:00

greg is not lovin' this dutch dream but i think it's fantastic. white on white with a spark of green grass. three pronged slide by richard hutten found in the public spaces at that incredible parkrand building in the western garden cities of amsterdam. the complex contains three so-called outdoor rooms. richard hutten designed a children’s room, a living room and a dining room. these are spaces where residents can rest between the private domain of the home and the public park. um, what i would give to have that in toronto_ this would solve 'where to have the wee ones birthday party' in a split second! although our little bugger lugs b'day is in the depths of 4 feet of snow _ still i could whip me up some designer winter wonderland birthday party there! you dig? oh, toronto_ catch up, catch up!!!!!! and the kid would go bonkers when he saw all those white elephants _ he's the king of all animals be it jungle, desert, farm, zoo, pets, you name it we also have it _ thank you schleich.

it's dutch design week _yo!

just in case you were wondering:

richard hutten [1967 zwollerkerspel] graduated at the academy industrial design eindhoven in 1991. that same year he started his own design studio, working on a variety of projects such as: furniture-, product-, interior- and exhibition design. he developed his 'no sign of design' and 'table upon table' concepts. he is one of the most internationally successful dutch designers; a key exponent of "droog design", in which he has been involved since it's inception in 1993. his work is part of the permanent collections of, among others, centraal museum utrecht, stedelijk museum of modern art amsterdam, vitra museum weil am rhein, san francisco museum of modern art. philippe starck used some of huttens designs for the interiors of the delano hotel miami and the mondrian hotel los angeles.

exclusively contemporary.....

2007-10-25T13:09:00.000-04:00

current view of 235 bowery....okay, its a grey day but i'm sure it will shimmer. hopefully i will be able to update this post with real pics as i will be in nyc for the opening weekend! woo hoo!

wow, nyc is getting its little museum devoted exclusively to contemporary art dubbed 'the new museum'. the new digs are designed by cutting-edge, tokyo-based architects sejima + nishizawa/SANAA is opening it's doors on december 1st, 2007. [even their website is minimal 'need us, call us here'] they have designed a breathtaking facility that will feature beautifully proportioned galleries, a theater, an education floor, a new museum store [yeah! more to feature and shop for!], a café, a top floor event space with roof terraces, and more. to read more about the new museum of contemporary art click here. my favorite part: okay_ other than the fact that it is downtown manhattans first art museum ever built from the ground up _ at seven stories the structure is a shimmering metal mesh-clad stack of boxes, off kilter. it twinkles thanks to the exterior anodized expanded aluminum mesh and the many windows and skylights that offer super shots of the cityscape. and well.....they also did that little 'dior' store in japan.

the new, new museum, new york, usa [2003 - construction began 2005]

dior store, tokyo, japan [2001 - 2003]

extension of the institute of modern art, valencia, spain [2002]

gimme cocco baby!

2007-10-25T10:19:00.000-04:00

coco bloom belongs in contemporary living spaces with its iconic form and comfortable nest for baby. you will oogle and aah, while rocking mini gently. with its curved, single-piece frame with cozy comfort seat; this lounger is perfect for any and all living spaces. features: • formed in shades of stylewood™ or plexistyle™• smooth self-rocking motion• 5 point padded safety harness, adjustable for growing baby • micro-suede™ seat pad available in vibrant colors and easy clean for maximum comfort.• no assembly required _ available at ella and elliot at 188 strachan avenue toronto [call 1.416.850.7890 for pricing] or hit modernseed. yup, definitely makes me want to have another baby. bloom baby, my new fave. bloom baby founded by four dads, need i say more _ read here.

fatbiy + dwell ...sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!

2007-10-25T09:36:00.000-04:00

dwell fatboy original via jukka setala with dwell™ the original fatboy. . .made for serious lounging, is now available in two dwell™ designs: chocolate and fuchsia. these bold, modern designs were created in stripe and dot opposites.the fatboy original was designed in finland as the new alternative to the "beanbag" from the past. grab a book and cuddle with your mini. this huge bag will surely become your mini's favorite spot to read, play, jump or do just about anything! made of a practical and easy to clean nylon with a special coating, a simple rub with a damp cloth and your fatboy will continue to look new. the inside filling is made of tiny EPS cylindrical pieces [expanded polystyrene packaging.] $299.00 [US] at good ol' modernseed. and we love it! why do you ask? because we have had our sassy silver sumo lounge omni for 4 yrs and although it is monstrous in size, especially if you live in a shoebox like we do - but we can't give it up? [we have a sumo because of a 'big deal' trade show booth we did - let's not go there shall we] keeps the kids off my minotti during a play date and their own safety space if they need to wrestle. i do wish we had more beads to fill it a tiny bit more. and a good scrub down from time to time and and clean and new. [fyi -jukka setälä from finland designed the fatboy® in 1998 as the beanbag from the 21st century.] and yes, the sumo lounge is the cheaper option but fatboy has more design options_the choice is up to you my dear readers.

reclaimed love

2007-10-22T09:30:00.000-04:00

piet hein eek is notorious for making functional pieces out of materials that are abundant: scraps. whether it be metal, aluminum oak, tree trunks, plywood, polycarbonates _ you name it he can will be inspired to reclaim the ideal scrap and design it into an evolving project. a project that flourishes over time may become and multiply into a collection of pieces he simply continues to add on to. although famous for his ceramics, his other self initiated works include a children's line that i don't think many are aware of, children's pieces designed and made with passion.

tree trunk child's table 100 x 60 x 50 cm
200 x 60 x 50 cm € 1.030,00

srapwood high baby-chair 40 x 47 x 80 cm unlacquered € 450,00 lacquered € 495,00

go-kart € 3.540,00

child's bed lacquered 126 x 65 x 100 cm
unlacquered € 495,00 lacquered € 675,00

but all of it is incredible, he's an industrial genius _ see for yourself below:

superdeluxe chair white leather
stainless steel € 3.200,00

aluminium stackable stool 38 x 38 x 42 cm € 192,00

ceramics jug ceramics, small € 885,00

table 90 x 250 x 78 cm € 2.159,00
chair 52 x 38 x 83 cm € 560,00
linoleum tabletop and chairseats available in various colours

polycarbonate cabinet 9 section
42 x 102 x 194 cm €5,850

vippig

2007-10-19T20:19:00.000-04:00

hmmm, ikea vippig kids seesaw. so simple we will have to give it a test run. when we do we will let ya know how it turns out and if it's worth the $49.95 or if it just looks pretty. vippig motto: rocking helps develop a child's sense of balance and the brain to sort sensory impressions. designed by martin f rosquist the guy who also designed this stelton product a cheese and and butter shaver in 1997.

did we mention how much we adore stelton? still, i'd buy the rocker just as a sculpture for the kids room, weather he used it or not.....but i better not i still get flack for buying the sibi olga - okay maybe because sibi olga was 5 times the price but he still rides it.

clock cool

2007-10-19T12:35:00.000-04:00

we are so diggin' the moma store's four-inch-diameter clock that has blue l.e.d. 'numeros' and an ac adapter. made of plastic casing with metal components _ three AA batteries included $35 bucks is a steal _ gimme, gimme, gimme, gimme! but the test is always -'what does that alarm sound like?' i mean i don't want to be tossed outta bed we just want to be beautifully awakened and if that's the first thing to look at in the wee hours of the dark morn' then i think it's a keeper. [p.s. it's found in the wicked moma catalogue ....order your catalogue on line - 10.00 US]

jac flash

2007-10-19T08:15:00.000-04:00

we know the guy who put together this little hot retailer's space on queen west, he's a cool dude and pal o mine and the shop rocks. we met jaclyn's parents [co-owners] on the eve of nuit blanche when they were closing shop and we hope a whole lotta ahoppin' goes on there. there first day was the bomb and we hope the good fotune sticks around. can't wait to see the launch of the website mr. budd, you rocked it. and she sings _ can you dig it?

perle gaget

2007-10-18T13:50:00.000-04:00

perle trivet by dedicated product and graphic designer's adam and harborth, 2004 perle is a modular, moveable trivet designed to protect table surfaces from hot serving dishes. it can be configured into various shapes to accommodate multiple dishes in a variety of sizes. made of porcelain beads and red leather 95. 00 US @ momastore.

t33 lamp a la paris

2007-10-18T10:42:00.000-04:00

elsa from paris just sent us these cool pictures of the fresh new t33 lamp designed by mahmoud akram for triode modularity. this little number is laser cut and finished with an inox frame which formulates a repetition of one single plexiglass module. the t33 will be launched at the maisons & objets fair january 2008. triode is a design company based in paris with a team of talented designers such as mahmoud akram, guillaume bardet, tod bracher, christian ghion and rebecca selosse creating objects that mix decoration and design in a typical french style.

my kinda facade...

2007-10-18T01:02:00.000-04:00

good god, i must be going back to l.a. soon or something _ lot's of posts for los angeles lately. i'm so torn - la, nyc, la, nyc, toronto, la, nyc, montreal?, ooh, miami. then there is the rest of the world _ goodness, if i could travel the places we could go. so if you are in the city of angels, check out this hollywood hills modern beauty. it just floats, so gracefully like there is no science to it, like it was meant to be, enveloped in it's surroundings. letting the outside in from every side, profound and proud _ owning it's hillside......or:

'california hillside typology reinterpreted by dramatic opening on all sides to surroundings:
a narrow and sharply sloping site led to the creation of a house both integrated with the topography and open to city views below. retaining walls double function to extend the first floor living area into the hillside and to form garden terraces on two levels. ten and twenty meter steel spans allow for unrestricted access to the surroundings and frame uninterrupted views over los angeles. deep overhangs provide solar protection for double glazed walls that slide away to create continuous open spaces from interior to exterior, transforming the local hillside typology by allowing the house to be formed by the topography and opening directly to it in every direction.'

when do we start packing? to move in, for good? you can be my neighbour, won't ya be? ;).

oh yeah this extraordinary bit of architecture was designed by xten architecture _ distinctive, modern, contemporary. stay tuned for more on them shortly - they rock it.

farfalle

2007-10-17T13:36:00.000-04:00

gosh. it's wednesday and it feels like it's draggin on and on and .....yawn. maybe if i wear this today everything will be groovy. this will definitely make everything better, a butterfly chapeau. pretty.

photo: BENOIT TESSIER/REUTERS
alexander mcqueen paired with milliner philip treacy to create an extreme, yet elegant, collection of clothes and hats – an homage to the late isabella blow, the british eccentric who helped launch both their careers _ globe and mail _13/10/07.

stan the man

2007-10-17T11:15:00.000-04:00

we were commissioned by our youngest client yet _ 8yrs old, to do a book for flat stanley. stanley flew to us for a consultation in our studio and we gladly took him on a tour of toronto. he is currently on his way back to the O.C. with presentation in tow. good luck stan, grade two is a tuff bunch.

[blogger is having a brain_fart...it won't post pics......stay tuned]

dream it_build it_drive it.

2007-10-16T14:32:00.000-04:00

i love how the website shows the little gals playing with the cars, so cool. we have a few of these and we are huge fans of automoblox. such a smart toy, seriously. it's like the modern transformer but a car and loads of imagination. come on , teach your kids to build, live and create outside of the box _ buy automoblox. good solid fun. for little and big boys and girls.

these are the new 2008 limited editions ....just in time for pre xmas - you heard me, xmas. and no, sadly we can't get them at target or any big box stores but if you click here you might just find out where in a state near you, canada, the UK or japan! okay and the design - absolutely beyond a dash of style....and there is always vroom for more for the kid!

S9-R Sport Sedan

C9-R Sportscar

X9-X Sport Utility

available at the toy space 106 bathurst st in toronto. [approx. $39.95 - $42.00 CDN plus taxes]

sebastian brajkovic

2007-10-16T09:55:00.000-04:00

sebastian brajkovic developed homegrown: crops that you grow in the same place where the daily ritual of eating takes place. growing and eating what you have grown yourself gives you tranquillity and the chance to enjoy life to the fullest. the lamps contains growlamp bulps. for growing you could use metal halide or lamps with more than 6400 kelvin light, for blooming you need light with a lower color. simple, elegant, perfect.[design academy eindhoven 2006].

he also showed in milan this year with the ever popular 'lathe chairs' [design academy eindhoven 2006]

super_cool.

pane e aqua

2007-10-15T13:42:00.000-04:00

when in milan hit rossans orlandi's 'pane e acqua': a historic “tabaccheria” in the established magenta neighbour has become an innovative restaurant and bar which is open from 9 in the morning to 11 in the night. the restaurant designed by the architect paola navone [you know, the lovely lady who designs for everyone _ poliform, casa milano, illy caffe, cappellini, dreamland at heimtextil.....] for design curator rossana orlandi follow the spirits of the lo spazio, just two steps behind the corner on the same street. the interior mixed of contemporary and vintage design pieces and industrial lighting's and tables gives a unique charm of old and new. everything is for sale. the cooking is simple and natural, all the ingredients are homemade and the selection of wines is far from the obvious choices, basically made on private producers. the restaurant is open from monday to saturday. this woman has it all.

video casa

2007-10-13T12:30:00.000-04:00

gang, the outcome of these video art installs is too gorgeous not to post. you can not disagree can you. and this is way beyond a plasma installation, read and see all about it here. video art, this is the ticket!

architect antoine predock _ the 'dallas house' he designed for 'deedie and rusty rose, a 'theater of trees'. impeccable. [the life-size computer animated tree whose branches undulate hypnotically, as if blown by a constant imaginary wind, seems practically made for its new location in a former water tank] photo: dwight eschliman

terence riley and john bennett’s miami house _ bennett an architect, designed their house on miesian principles also used digital technology to turn their walls into art. photo: dwight eschliman

house for jeanne and michael klein, the architect mark dubois had two main issues to play with: light and art. dubois turned the front courtyard into an outdoor viewing area, with a projection screen stretched behind a sheet of glass - a giant viewing window! apparently each part of the house comes alive through out the day - morning noon and night. who wouldn't love to come home to that! photo: dwight eschliman

most of the owners of these homes have an extensive large art collection to work and collaborate with. which is my favorite - i'm torn, they are all so inspiring and gorgeous. did anybody notice there's no snow in any of these digs? i bet the snow would make it even better.

stellar flooring creation

2007-10-13T11:23:00.000-04:00

this rug is covering the entire world! well, europe anyway and soon it will hit toronto and my guess is that we will be able to get it in january at king and spadina. but i think it is inspiring and a magnificent piece of art, design and flooring - spectacular BUT who cares what i think, right? this little field has hit more shows and won more awards than we even know _ the prestigious, mythical parisian centre george pompidou has purchased a piece for the background of his museum!

little field of flowers rug [2006] designer_ tord boontje for nani marquina
winner of the 2007 red dot design award, monsieur tord boontje the industrial designer was commissioned by nani marquina [love them to death!] to create his little field of flowers rug [2006]. similar to marquina's roses rug, this design uses die-cutting to create the shapes of flowers and leaves. with six distinct shapes of flower combinations, in three different tonalities, this design creates an intriguing composition that's all about movement, texture and color. a witty whimsical approach to a floor covering, boontje brings the experience of walking through a meadow into an interior space. the rug is hand-loomed using a manually actuated loom, and features both looped and cut pile. together with the nonprofit care & fair, nani marquina is fighting against illegal child labor in the manufacturing of carpets. available at dwr little field of flowers rug - small $4,000 now $3,600 or large $6,000 now $5,400 [semiannual 10% sale] comes in plum or olive.

this flooring has participated in all types of state-of-the-art and trendsetting design expositions, here's just a few:

nanimarquina stand at maison & objet 2007

SIDI cologne showroom [they have a few showrooms]

nanimarquina stand at il salone de milano

scoot and rock

2007-10-13T11:10:00.000-04:00

this beechwood scooter becomes a rocker when turned upside down. this fantastic piece was made in the 1950's by the team hans brockhage and erwin andrä; it will be $1,200 at the booth of sarah latham-kearns. it's for sale at a show over at the armory in nyc: through sunday_ where: 69th regiment armory on lexington ave at 26th st for more info: [212] 255.0020.

juicy lick and stick

2007-10-11T13:54:00.000-04:00

i love flavor paper. the name says it all. produces unique vintage, contemporary and custom handscreened wallcoverings that will add a burst of flavor to any environment. we posted way back and now they have settled into their new digs and are bringing it on back.

who: flavor paper ~
'founded on the oregon coast by a guy named ted, the small handscreened wallpaper company flourished in the age of aquarius. many years later, some young designers seeking striking wallcoverings discovered ted’s greatness- just days before the designs and equipment were to be destroyed. knowing what had to be done, these young designers headed west to save ted’s legacy…relocated to the bywater district of new orleans, flavor paper continues to print using ted’s traditional printing methods, but with greatly increased accuracy and detail.

contact flavor to see samples of fine handscreened wallpaper designed in ted’s days or fresh from the next generation of flavor paper designers.'

steady 70 miami beach fl.
steve levine’s ssteady 70 is a photography team that specializes in fashion, architecture, and interior photography in nyc and miami. they recently did a fashion shoot inside glottman architecturedesignfurniture in miami beach using some flavor papered walls flavour did for art basel. flavor Paper steals the spotlight! totally!

and yes the one on the bottom is actually scratch and sniff - yes, you heard me!

and check out their digs - love it!

besides, who doesn't love anyone who does lenny kravitz?

rocker lenny kravitz’s sexy creole cottage

posen backless - ARMOUR!

2007-10-11T13:05:00.000-04:00

today i believe i need to be wearing this backless number to battle the design desk dilemmas. no to mention the million other things i am juggling at the moment [i.e. peanut butter on my shirt that was meant for the kids sandwich].

i will accompany this illustrious backless number with my invisible cape and the following shoes - damn it!

Zac Posen taffeta dress, price upon request. At www.zacposen.com.
Photo: Philippe Cometti

Chloe.
Photo: Firstview

revamped starck...........

2007-10-11T12:43:00.000-04:00

here's a designer dilemma, do you re-do a 'starck-ified' space [as in phillipe starck]?

Photo: Fred R. Conrad/The New York Times

the royalton hotel got a new do by architecture firm roman and williams. they made the lobby super cozy. the rooms got new digs by [bottom near left] charlotte macaux perelman, of studio cmp [she did a stint with starck in london - the sanders]. read all about it here, i think the new look is worth it. it's good to change it up once and while. don't cha think? and it's nice to spread the design love around. could you imagine working with these groups?

stunning shot of the lobby, really.

up 2 u!

2007-10-10T17:22:00.000-04:00

dimitra+bill are at it again with their magical wears at up to you and this is whats got us cranked:

charger cradle
this hammock for you charger is one of those things that should have been invented years ago. instead of plugging your phone or ipod into the wall and balancing it on the nearest piece of furniture with wires trailing all over the place you can have it all sit nice and neatly in this cradle. you place the pins of your plug for the charger through the holes in the cradle and plug into the wall as you normally would. each cradle comes flat and can be easily folded into shape ready to be attached to the wall by your charger. even comes with a nice soft "velour" interior to ensure your device sits comfortably while charging. $15 available at up to you 1483 queen street east, canada tel: 416-778-6487

all that designer power rammed into all of our designer superstars and this is the best part:

tag business cards
the concept for this card design came to being during a holiday party. the designer ran out of his own business cards and turned to scratching out the details on cards he had accumulated, in turn filling in his own information. each set comes with 20 business cards, a vinyl holder and 1 pen. use the pre-scratched cards to permanently inscribe your name and contact information. impress clients/associates while adding your own distinct spark to the professional world. $14 available at up to you 1483 queen street east, canada tel: 416-778-6487

other than the designer having issues with someone else choosing thier suggested writing utensil, makes practical sense - no? and for the green obssessed: how many business card so you have laying around or are ready to send to the land fill?
and if you have some time on your hands, head over to their up stairs shop to catch this:

kinder surprise exhibition [crca 1988-1995] at up to you until december 31, 2007

kinder surprise, also known as a kinder egg, is a confection originally intended for children in the form of a chocolate egg containing a small toy, often requiring assembly. kinder surprise eggs have been around since 1972, when they were invented by a swiss-born industrial designer called heiri roth. it was he who masterminded the idea of creating a toy that could be fitted inside a chocolate egg and yet be put together to create a toy that could end up bigger than the capsule it came out of. a key to the success and huge popularity of kinder surprises is the wide variety of toys made. while 90% of the toys produced are plastic, there are a few which are metal and wooden. in europe, their popularity has spread beyond their intended market, and they have become a cult phenomenon among discerning adults. however, in the united states the cpsc issued a recall of the eggs in 1997. consequently, banning any future sale of the kinder surprise egg due to potential choking hazardsWhat makes the kinder surprise great design? the answer to that is as simple as the egg itself, common sense. and that crazy yum chocolate is made at ferrero. want to know more click kinder here.

exploitation or passion?

2007-10-10T12:40:00.001-04:00

sick teeth
marla olmstead: six a StuArt gallery, 17946 ventura blvd., encino [this past august] via LA weekly

you can view this master piece child in a documentary here. is she a child prodigy? is your budding artist a child prodigy - no matter what they may be good at are they a child prodigy? or does mass marketing and media make them a prodigy? they are kids they have to have talent, right?

i'm stumped with the criticism and the question of 'what is art'. but at the same time i would do the same thing with the little man as long as he was happy. and if someone wanted to represent his work and the outcome was art followers i think he would be happy. the media attention could be overwhelming for anybody no matter what age, don't yo think?

so much controversy and criticism: 'was it really marla olmstead's work?', 'did her parents have a hand in her creations?' remember she's a bright little 4 year old, the same age as our little monkey, maybe even your little hot shot. explore marla's world in the kid-documentary by director amir bar-lev in 'my kid could paint that' [this little flick premiered at both the sundance and toronto film festivals, and now you can catch it in new york and los angeles]. get sneak peak at mykidcouldpaintthatmovie.com. what do you think? [yeah and she is adorable to boot]. for me the most important thing is: marla continues to paint because of balanced and protected family life and is unaffected by the attention her artwork has relieved. but most importantly she still a kid before she even paints a canvas, she runs, jumps, plays with friends, goes to school, gymnastics, loves to cook, gets happy and sad just like every kid we love and know. and i would be honoured if our kids met, i'm sure they would have a ball. if you are every in toronto marla let us know, we would be tickled pink to show you around.

'zane dancing', marla olmstead a StuArt gallery via LA weekly

gallery show, image from marla olmstead website

objectoronto

2007-10-10T10:32:00.000-04:00

OBJECToronto: art exposition of contemporary craft + design is toronto's annual urban arts event for the promotion of unique artist-made objects. the three day event gives exposure to canadian designer-makers who create work that reflects a convergence between craft, art and design. the artists and galleries participating work in a range of media including metal, clay, textiles, jewellery, wood, paper, plastics, glass, and mixed media. at OBJECToronto the public has an opportunity to meet artists, discover galleries and view or purchase works that are a growing and vital component of the toronto arts community. now in its third year, OBJECToronto 07 once again takes place at the gladstone hotel. this year the event includes a number of satellite exhibition venues situated around queen street west's gallery district.

info: friday october 19 - sunday october 21, 2007 venue: gladstone hotel and satellite galleries in the queen west gallery district.

opening night: friday from 6 - 9 pm 1214 queen street west, toronto gladstone exhibition admission $5 [includes catalogue] hours: fri. 5 - 9 pm sat. 11 - 6 pm sun 11 - 5 pm

OBJECToronto acknowledges the generous support of the ontario arts council and the toronto arts council

this is just a few of who wil be there, it all looks incredible:

ken gangbar, 'balanced off center', porcelain sculpture.

marina dempster, 'receptive'

ying yueh chuang, 'plant creature group', ceramic sculpture.

pamela ritchie, 'rubber brain ring', silver, rubber, ribbon. [sorry, we haven't a website for here but we do know she ia a professor at nscad ]

brad copping, 'collecting sap', glass sculpture.

we will be there checking out all the design objects we can see! thanks a bunch ken!!!

new from chilewhich!

2007-10-10T09:59:00.000-04:00

chiliewhich is rockin it hard, see whats new:

chilewhich hospitality: chilewich products fuse sophistication and style to create a modern alternative to tabletop dressing. the durability of the yarn, its tremendous design versatility and the fact that it is washable, helps hotels and restaurants reduce both energy and laundry costs while maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic. placemats and table runners are available in an array of textures and colors-we can also customize our spun vynyl, woven lattice and signature woven vinyl products to fit your requirements such as non-standard placemats, tray liners and table covers. click here for more information.

seating cubes and benches.

new table top items : napkin rings.

we want this: woodgrain

recreating the look of plain-sawn wood by weaving vinyl yarns on industrial looms, this unexpected and inventive approach produces a beautiful textured pattern that combines the beauty of natural wood grain with the durability and practicality of a man- made material. offered in four colors, pecan, driftwood, dogwood and tan. Woodgrain gives designers an additional choice of sophisticated fabrics. woodgrain is available as plynyl tile (18"x18"), W2W (6' rolled goods), custom mats and as fabric suitable for upholstery and paneling — the fabric can also be backed for use as a wall-covering. woodgrain available july 2007.

and not to mention..............

introducing! the chiliewhich exclusive line of roller shades and panel systems by chilewich. long regarded as one of the most innovative design companies in the world, the shade store is proud to offer chiliewhich's first-ever window treatment collection.

LV subculture at MOCA [LA]

2007-10-10T09:20:00.000-04:00

wow! showing soon in los angeles......merci elsa!

a louis vuitton fleeting store in takashi murakami's exhibition at the moca. for the retrospective devoted to takashi murakami at the moca [los angeles], the french designer jean marc gady sets up the very first store settled in an exhibition. initiated by louis vuitton, this "cultural commercial" space will offer to sale and sight products generated from the collaboration between the brand and the japanese artist. the concept should provoke some teeth grinding while pushing to the limits the warhol's prophecy that theorized the crossover between art and commerce. a vision followed religiously by LVMH that increases collaborations with contemporary art stars to the point of inaugurating shopping at the museum. for this first historic, jean marc gady kept the classical codes of vuitton's stores but immaculated them in a tonality resolutely more "white cube". customary louis vuitton wooden walls left place to a white gloss-finish paint. glass is replaced by mirror polished stainless steel. the wooden floor mutes into 'chilewich', a highly resistant braided technical material that resumes the gigantic checkerboard associated to the house identity. ditto for the walls covered with white varnished panels for a gallery space result as high as this unique corner. designer born in paris in1971, graduated from the blue school in 1997, jean marc gady has been the subject of several permanent commissions from the VIA and has established a wide activity sphere that covers stagecraft, design or interior design with customers such as: louis vuitton, apple computers,bacaratt, moet & chandon, christofle, sephora, line roset, liv'it, guerlain. jean marc gady has been in charge of the artistic direction of store display windows and events for louis vuitton between 2002 and 2006 and recently created his own creation structure. '©murakami' at the moca from october 29, 2007 to february 11, 2008

just breathe........

2007-10-09T10:19:00.001-04:00

there's nothing left to do but believe........
another day, just believe, another day just breathe........
these shoes + the dress below = another day staring at the ceiling.......

oh! stella!
stella mccartney platform pump pink satin $595.00 at bergies.

just breathe.........
[verse:telepopmusic:breathe]

details have got your back

2007-10-09T09:43:00.000-04:00

well, i am speechless. stupendous. stellar. super fab.

maybe this is what we will wear today.

nab this little jil sander black wool dress with sun-ray detail, $1,875 a bergies.
photo: philippe cometti

roaming art

2007-10-09T09:34:00.000-04:00

the mobile art container, a project by non other than zaha hadid [that website makes me crazy in love] and karl lagerfield [hmmm, they have the same style of website] - yes you read me right. the fashion superstar and architect are sending art into space........zaha designed the stark white UFO exhibit space and karl came up with melding 'chanel' with contemporary art and design. read more at the sunday mag here. soooo superstar smart.

archibald quincy jones

2007-10-06T13:08:00.000-04:00

i'm goin' back to cali, cali..........yeah, on our budget........i don't think so. but we can dream that we will be moving here:

photo: axel koester for ny times [axel is a great name too]

archibald quincy jones, (1913-1979) was a prolific Los Angeles-based architect and educator known for innovative, modernist buildings and pioneering work in urban design. his work on the mutual housing association [1946-50], a cooperative community, advanced a high standard for affordable modern homes creatively sited to maximize privacy, views, and outdoor space. read more about archibald here [so love the name archibald] part of the mak architecture tour 2007 los angeles october 06, 2007 - october 07, 2007 [ongoing] press release and media info here.

stuart haygarth tail light chandeliers

2007-10-06T12:48:00.000-04:00

stuart haygarth tail light chandeliers. the berlin based illustrator, artist, lighting designer has collated and arranged hundreds of plastic truck and lorry taillights into towers of light. read his bio here. also showing at the inaugural exhibition 'grandmateria' at gallery libby sellers in london, england. [part of the london design festival]

and i totally dig spectacle........

2006 SPECTACLE
'spectacle is created from 1020 pairs of prescription spectacles which are linked together to resemble a traditional tiered chandelier. by using prescriptive spectacles which were once an essential tool for seeing an interesting analogous line is drawn between their old and new purposes. a mirror ball light effect is produced as the light is refracted through the several layers of lenses. the chandelier comes in two sizes. materials : acrylic platform, plastic framed spectacles.
LARGE : 1.0 m diameter at top, 2.3 m length, 1020 pairs. SMALL : 80cm diameter at top, 1.5m length, 620 pairs.
edition of 20. price on request.'

brooklyn pride

2007-10-05T15:53:00.000-04:00

while you are at it, nab one of these dynamite brooklyn bridge tee's to go with that hot cap of your little dude or dudettes. love it!

hand block printed white ink on brown tee or onesie. available 3 months to 24 months $24.00, by serimony invitations and announcements 421 court street brooklyn, ny 11231 718.797.0679 info@serimony.com. we really dig this one in navy.

and these colours are available for toddlers in from 2 yrs to 6yrs. 24.00

[our 4.5 year old wants one of these, he says it matches the picture mama took in new york that hangs in his nonie's kitchen - so funny! ]

the hat is back!

2007-10-05T15:26:00.000-04:00

the hat is back, for both mama and the wee one. i've been collecting hats for a long time and just recently acquired a few more [new addiction?] and we just picked up these 2 dazzling kid caps. this kid has style too! it’s never too early to make your mark in my books – or protect yourself from the elements [apparently one day the snow will be coming!]. these caps are for boys and girls who want to dress up or dress down, sand cassel kids hats are fun and functional, fashionable and durable. and just like the grown up kids these hats are carefully crafted with the same eye for style and detail as the goorin big kid lines [meaning the whole family can get capped out!] sand cassel kids hats are as unpredictable and unique as the kids who wear them.

pick up this sand cassel 'fox glove' at scooter girl on roncessvales for 29.99 plus tax

pick up this sand cassel 'rocco' at scooter gorls on roncessvales in toronto for 29.99 plus tax

we picked this one up last year [dubbed 'bandit'], but you can order this one or any hat from goorin online here or contact goorin brothers headquarters 1269 howard street, san francisco, california 94103 phone: (800) 862.0100

explore design

2007-10-03T15:46:00.000-04:00

so many design shows, so little time but this little design dittie includes education and informing parents about design. so if you want to be a designer of some sort - be it snowboards, video games, industrial, jewellery, graphic or have a passion for fashion maybe you might want to support 'explore design'. its a design through education fair for youth and there is a scholarship section too - click here to learn more.

explore design

wednesday, october 10, 2007 9:00 am - 8:00 pm thursday, october 11, 2007 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
METRO TORONTO CONVENTION CENTRE NORTH BUILDING, 255 FRONT ST. W TORONTO, CANADA

tickets include access to all of the exhibits, seminars and keynote speakers. single tickets $15 [ONE DAY ATTENDANCE] $25 [TWO DAY ATTENDANCE]

hint, hint!

2007-10-03T15:21:00.000-04:00

fresh, clean and no caffeine. i would drink this just because of the marketing and packaging, can't wait until it hits the canadian market! we are not soda people at all, the little hot shot loves juice but i water it down any chance i get - hey there's no jumpin' on the sofa at our casa - if i can help it. but this drink would make life a whole lot easier with so many flavors of water to choose from. and to boot you can order it to your front door! and we even dig the website, so refreshing and cool!

hint is simple: pure water, nature's original refreshment, accented with a hint of natural flavor. No sugar, no artificial sweeteners: Hint is a refreshing alternative to sodas, juice and other sweetened drinks and it tastes great.

hint is available in many specialty markets and is also sold in fine spas and hotels. to find out where you can purchase hint in your area or to request more information, please use our feedback form or email drink hint at info@drinkhint.com. if hint is not yet available in your favorite store, please ask for it. they are adding new stores, spas and hotels every week and are also interested in school and corporate lunch programs. hint is made in san francisco, california and i bet if we look hard enough we may just find it a whole foods in toronto, when i find out i will let ya know.

2007-10-03T14:59:00.000-04:00

believe it or not our little man finds derrick hodgson's work pretty interesting. we have seen it at magic pony gallery before, one of the little guys favorite queen west urban street culture stores. little man loves to peruse the gallery in the back that shows some of toronto's finest original works of imagination. magic pony is showcasing toronto's own derrick hodgson's mutated pals. his work is a cross between graffiti, cartoon and contemporary design and you can read more about his major recognition here. we love all the work from blocks of perception to graffiticharacter works, i want one for the little monkeys room and he does too.

check out the artist himself thursday oct 11th 20077-10pm at magic pony gallery 694 queen st west, toronto on tel: 416.861.1684. exhibit runs october 11- 28 2007 [the exhibit showcases new mixed media work that takes us deeper into his abstract world influenced by nature, growth and death]

snappy baby me*me

2007-10-02T13:32:00.000-04:00

snappy baby vintage clothes dubbed me*me are a magical stylish kids collection. [named after julia's new offspring? we wonder? how adorable!] unfortunately for us veteran mamas, the affordable fashionable pieces currently only go up to size 4 - but they say they are working on expanding to larger kids sizes. and i just have to say - we want it preloved! this bambino line stays true to the preloved concept if recycled one of a kind outfits, exclusively designed and mad in canada. the one of a kind finds are hand picked and crafted so that the y can be well worn by you little ones and hopefully passed down from little sunshine to little sunshine. onesies, hoodies, sweaters skirts and pants made for boys and girls with fashion love and durability. available at preloved in toronto_413 Queen Street West, Toronto, on M5V 2B7 [416] 504 8704, montreal_4832 boul. St-Laurent, Montréal, qc H2T 1R5 [514] 499 9898 and i hear vancover too. way to go preloved! [pst, they have a new ladies bamboo fabric line ane they are coming up with a home line too!]

our little nuit blanche

2007-09-30T13:14:00.000-04:00

little man started his evening off in the buggy front row of the common cloth fashion show, complete with live band and had a blast_shakin' and a clappin' at the common cloth models. then we moved on up queen west where there was DJ shaken and pompom makin' till the little monkey crashed. what a fantastic vibe the city had last night. and god love the stroller moms and dads, it was tough maneuvering around all that were looking up but we made it through the gobs of crowds. and the DJs at the drake _ loved it! and today we are off to the bunch family party.......stay tuned, gotta love t.o. culture.

protect parker

2007-09-28T12:27:00.000-04:00

there is a 20 month old boy, who lives his life in a bubble in toronto.

his name is parker deslauriers and he was born with a rare condition 'that is an ADA-deficient and combined immunodeficiency'_ he lives his life in a bubble. he and his awesome parents just returned from italy in search of a gene therapy treatment, the treatment is parker's best hope for long-term survival.

i post this in hopes that someone who reads can help support or simply follow his journey via his parents blog: http://www.scidada.blogspot.com/. read more here at the star. maybe someone in the design world can help support or fundraise for an amazing cause: a little boys life. there is an account number and donation information on the blog site, let's help keep a little boy happy and healthy.

i hope his parents don't mind that i used this picture from their site, his is so adorable.

today must have:shoe

2007-09-28T12:00:00.000-04:00

pumps for today.........

jonathan kelsey metallic/leather pumps, sleek design in supple leather with shiny metallic leather at toe and heel. self-covered chunky heel, about 3½" leather lining and sole, padded insole made in italy [note: this style runs large; for best fit, please order one half size down.] $585.00 hit saks

pumps for tonight.........
jonathan kelsey suede/patent pump
supple suede gets its boost of shine from a patent leather cap toe and heel.
self-covered chunky heel, 4½", leather lining and sole, padded insole _ made in italy
$675.00 at my other fave saks.

camp D2

2007-09-28T10:35:00.000-04:00

canadian creative twins setting up camp in milan, and the store is a design delite.

wood from top to bottom, wood imported from canada. complete with antler chandeliers, a bit of metal work, with birch logs, and wood slats from the ceiling, clean and sublime. oh, yes 'he wood'.........

and they of course imported rhianna for the fashion show. go canada.

simple abode

2007-09-26T13:46:00.000-04:00

why can't our space look like this? this home designed by new york architects thomas phifer and greg reaves is a compelling balance. a graceful steel and glass pavilion sits hushed amidst the lush green trees, while it silently reflects the landscape around it. what a vision. modern nature. simple materials. natural light, what a delight!

read more here. see more here.

wearing today........

2007-09-26T13:34:00.000-04:00

this is what i feel like wearing today ;)

shot taken by daniel jackson - makes my heart melt.

you can nab this little 'pick me' up number up at my favorite shop barneys nyc.

[fyi - giles black double-duchess feather dress, made to order via barneys new york, falke hosiery, manolo blahnik for christopher kane shoes. ahh, the life.]

mini clubman

2007-09-25T13:45:00.000-04:00

introducing........my future clubman, the mini clubman.

can't wait till it's ready. [you know, this is the in-between car until we are really ready for a gas guzzlin' cayenne.]

shown at frankfurt 2007 car show, hits sales in europe fall 2007

canada will get it's debut in early 2008.

lacoste maclaren

2007-09-25T12:44:00.000-04:00

well, if the casa moderne is decked out in poliform, living divani and the like........ then why no top it off with the new [not yet available] lacoste maclaren? it's spiffy in a super preppy kinda way no? a throw back to high school maybe? could you do it, could you push the logo laden rig?

we ourselves are maclaren supporters of the 5 second fold volo, the little monkey still prefers to be paraded around in his black on black ride. besides, it's the only 'kid pusher' that fits in the mini. but would we lug around the light weight lacoste? - prada, maybe baby. greg can rock on and give you the complete low down here.

yeah and y'all already new about maclaren challenging award-winning design visionary philippe starck to revolutionise the marketplace with a range of premium quality, versatile, aesthetically pleasing, yet radically innovative nursery products - right? the results - ergonomic, practical, and modern. had this been around 5 years ago i think we would have this one instead, i mean we have the stark line from target [no longer available]. but then again there it is in all it's glory: the white hot volo! oh the conflict. ah heck, it's the practical side in me and considering the volo we have has hit some serious terrain in high park it would the the white for sure. looks as though all the buggy companies are asking those haute couture archetypes to design a pram these days, even maclaren: burberry, owen, shanghai tang, the exclusive maclaren leather series, kate spade, lulu guinness, starck.....i mean they can't go wrong that little buggy zips along the side walk. definitely keeps up with my hectic schedule.

fyi - the maclaren site used to be hard to get to and find [i.e. maclaren racing, etc] and now this is the new linky pooh: http://www.maclarenbaby.com/ca - cute site, simple.

okay, i think 'i likey', maclaren.

wall inspirations_must haves!

2007-09-25T10:50:00.000-04:00

finally! david rockwell, of rockwell group the designer behind the dramatic interiors of the tiny culinary masterpiece manhattan's restaurant nobu 57 and country, has finally left his mark at maya romanoff. rockwell created 3 incredible lines of wallcovering concepts for the manufacturer - stiched: a hand-dyed paper that emulates fine lacquered leather forming the backdrop for rows of organic stitched lines. blanket: soothing layers of fine wool are stitched with contrasting thread, creating a striped effect that enhances the highly-tactile appeal textures in non other than _ vinyl. and double take: type II vinyl designs, including a base corrugated texture and three imprints of patterns that move with you when you swagger through a room. these wall inspirations can run you about $130 to $200 a yard and samples are not yet available but double take is ready for purchase this fall. outstanding!

this photo is of a feltlike wool blend with “the warmth and calming quality of a favorite blanket,” Mr. Rockwell said. “It’s a surprising combination of comfort and glamour, and wraps a room and its inhabitants in a soothing embrace.” check it out at maya romanoff. and read more at nyc times.

available via Telio160 Pears Avenue, Suite 400 toronto tel: 1.416.968.2020 or inttor@telio.com

Shigeru Ban

2007-09-25T10:21:00.000-04:00

monsieur shigeru ban, he shocked nyc a couple of years ago with his stacked shipping containers on display alonside the hudson river and now he makes his nyc mark in condominuim architecture on manhattan's west side with a project dubbed 'the metal shutter houses' magnificent. when do little man and i move in? beyond hot. read more here.

the metal shutter houses, at 524 west 19th street, are scheduled for completion in fall 2008.

this was a temporary museum housing an exhibition of large-scale photographic works by artist gregory colbert from march to june in 2005, it was constructed with paper tubes and 148 shipping containers. 20m-wide by 205m-long and 4500㎡-surface.

craft unmasked

2007-09-24T17:22:00.000-04:00

ontario crafts council is putting on a masquerade soiree complete with martinis, cocktail supper and silent auction. if you have the time, come on out to support the board of directors of the ontario crafts council attend and 'craft unmasked'. a night that supports their talented group and programs, a night filled with music by live jazz-blues by 'ganache'. if you need a mask you can head on over to the guild shoppe at 118 cumberland street in yorkville for a selection that will be on view starting sept 15th_masks are encouraged, but not mandatory.

craft unmasked

thursday, october 11, 2007, 6:00pm at the SHAMBA space
48 yonge street, 12 floor [corner of wellington], toronto
tickets are $175.00 each [or 10 for 1575.00]

grand prizes include:
hand-blown glass by jeff goodman, sculptural ceramics by alex yeung, tickets to roy thompson hall and massey hall
and more to come... for tickets info contact katherine mckellar at 416-925-4222 ext 222

even cooler is that we have written about our very own strong, talented, canadian craftspeople right here on d_b! [anne sportun, robert akroyd, john glendinning, eva milenkovic, peggy mersereau, lily yung, shelly purdy, robin rice, arounna khounnoraj, paul rodrigue ...and soon more!]

niut blanche edition!

2007-09-24T16:37:00.000-04:00

if you're thinkin' you're too cool to boogie, boy oh boy have I got news for you......get a load of our pals over at the bunch family party! they have done it again_ they are blasting off their season with a fabulous idea dubbed 'the nuit blanche edition'. how smart! the kids dance party at the lula lounge integrated with the scotia bank nuit blanche gig! everybody here tonight must boogie, let me tell ya' you are no exception to the rule........

party goer tip: wear a white tank or tee for an optimum glow in the dark boogie experience.

'get on up on the floor, cuz we're gonna boogie oogie oogie till you just can't boogie no more (boogie) boogie no more you can't boogie no more (boogie)boogie no more, listen to the music....'

if you 'boogie till ya can't boogie anymore', take a break and help the bunch crew build a white city in celebration with the awesomeness of toronto and it's all-night contemporary art thing _with your kids + family.

we hit this gig almost everytime and each time is tons o fun. envoyer un e-mail à vos questions pour le parti de famille bunch ici.?

'there's no time to waste, let's get this show on the road, listen to the music and let your body flow. the sooner we begin the longer we've got to groove, listen to the music and let your body move.....'

now this will keep the kids moving! get down, boogie oogie oogie, get down, boogie oogie oogie.......

[$10 for grown-ups, $5 for kids at the door, kids two-and-under are free, no advance tickets, yummy food, grown-up drinks, hanging out with friends and a whole bunch of dancing.]

equestrian weekend

2007-09-21T19:26:00.000-04:00

little man is heading out to the pasture to ride the horses this weekend.
so while we are galloping along, have fun at these little spotlights:

the moon show _ porcelain artist/designer julie moon's tell me that you love me show continues at le gallery [1183 dundas west, 416-532-8467] until september 30. hopefully we will have time to catch that one when we get back.

architecture days, the hugely popular mag architectural digest has a travelling design festival that hits toronto September 24.

then maybe trot over to gibsone jessop gallery [55 Mill, building #4, 416-360-6800] where monsieur brian gluckstein opens his 'green lounge' that will feature eco-aware decor on september 24 at 6 pm - ends September 30.

and maybe get yourself primped for for booby ball 6, if it's touched your family or friends like us, you'll know it's a good thing.

and for all those design divas that have high style needs but have to do it on a dime.......hit the style garage backyard boutique this weekend.

mark you calendars and start saving your pennies for the clothing show saturday sept 29 2007 and yummy mummy is have a huge fall sale at lilith come oct 12 - 13 2007 if anyone is in the midst of having bambinos.

and you might want to pencil in that nuit blanche, make sure to hit the website to plan your route for sept 29 2007 because there's 195 sites to see. i think we will start training for the event as soon as we dismount those horses.

giddy up!

have a child architect?

2007-09-21T17:21:00.000-04:00

a chick we know who lives in nyc [whom by the way just got a gig that landed her an extremely cool retail ditty in madrid - jealous!] sent me this link to hase weiss. the name translates to 'white bunny', a german toy and furniture company created by 2 mothers that have designed a minimalist dollhouse, modular to say the least. anna pfeiffer and ulrike rumpenhorst make toys for their kids, wooden modular kitchens and an uber minimal dollhouse. fantastic toys that leave so much room for imagination, to grow and construct any way your kiddie desires_ its so simple. buy the the suitcase, it's a great way to hold a bunch of rooms complete with stairs then fill it with an array of their modern furniture and a hand made doll family.

i know a few big kids that 'doodle by day' that would love this more than the toddlers out there.

and the modular kitchen - they even made a tiny movie.

funny, as i am in the midst of typing this _ our little prodigy just asked me to check out his house he just built outta his lincoln logs - get it outta your system now buddy. and gracias señora lavazza, keep us posted chick!

miu miu love

2007-09-20T14:47:00.000-04:00

this is how i feel today.

sassy st. cocco handbag _ i love you.

simple sophistication.

miu miu st. cocco hand bag
crocodile embossed leather handbag with zip top and double handles. 18½"W X 12"H X 6½"D. made in Italy. available in brown or off white [my pick] at a saks fifth ave. near you $1,095.00.

casa de tile

2007-09-20T11:59:00.000-04:00

while the little genius is out at a very important play date, i had a mini moment to peruse an issue of food + wine [aug 2007]……………… i stumbled across a little periodical about the owners of the esteemed heath ceramics. I have posted heath ceramics here in the past and it is heart warming to see their handsome little abode in sausalito california published. they managed to make their habitat – a bungalow, a collective of glossy organic heath ceramics and it was passionately done. the duo were mindful of the simple space and produced a resourceful modern dish of style, a style inspired by their passion of skilled craft easily felt in each tile. the obvious canvas of desire – in this case glistening ceramics, add an influence of beautiful nature and practical ideas from the environment.

as practical as ceramics may seem, the couple were mindful of little details that are found tucked in every corner, details that sprinkle a dash of vibrant modern essence. it seems as that they have just he right mix of vintage and modern bits and pieces to ground the artisan tiles [love that vintage fireplace].

a great family enjoying each other in every nook of their private sanctuary, dog included. and that baby [yes a toddler named jasper], I just want to pinch the cheeks!

[apartment therapy has a great bunch of pics look here!]

mama could use a new set of these......

2007-08-30T16:40:00.000-04:00

i swear by my perfect precision cutting, slicing, and dicing global knives, but i could use a good zoom in the right direction of knives if persuaded to use the 'chroma type 301 porsche knives'. i was once a sous-chef and i have some cooking activity under my belt. [yes, once upon time i dabbled in the catering culinary world before i made the swift decision to turn over to design]. but these puppies would make the kids diner look better than the cover of 'martha kids' magazine! grab a set of those and then toss them in the back of your 2008 Porsche Cayenne_available at fluid living in the distillery in toronto.

idbazaar

2007-08-30T15:42:00.000-04:00

where interior designers shop the world_ sound exciting? a reader named cyril left a note about this great link [thanks for the db love cyril!].

idbazaar states that they are 'an international dealer network showcasing fine art, antiques, artifacts and much more, directly to the interior design profession & collectors. we provide quality services to help interior designers & collectors locate the finest pieces, and a simple, secure system for communicating with dealers. our network lets designers & visitors shop internationally with ease and allows dealers to showcase to potential buyers they might never reach otherwise.'

check them out, over 500 art + antique dealers from 20 countries, a buyer network, photos and inventory ....click away without leaving your desk my sophisticated global shoppers, what are you waiting for?

hottest bathrooms via retaildesigndiva

2007-08-30T15:20:00.000-04:00

retail design diva is looking for the best retail bathrooms ever, inspired by simple form, modern materials and let's be frank shall we: spiffy clean. if you know of a bathroom near you that strives to combine great public design and is as clean as a laboratory give retaildesigndiva a jingle and let her know!

my pics:

whole foods markets_canada + usa

starbucks _canada + usa

st. germain hotel_toronto + montreal

the distillery district + restaurants_toronto

st. paul hotel_montreal

holt renfrew_toronto

barneys new york_usa

saks fifth ave and the off the 5th outlets_usa

have i missed any toronto? let me know!

any posh night club in toronto - lobby, kultura....

retail design diva!

2007-08-29T12:33:00.000-04:00

retail madame 'strang' over at retaildesigndiva writes a mean blog that y'all better check out. it's a weekly thing and she has the scoop on all things retail. she's been a supporter for a long time and i am also one of hers. she left me a note and she's one to check out! thanks heather, i'll be in touch soon!

[ love the logo;) ]

iweardoyou?

2007-08-29T12:08:00.000-04:00

their tag line .....iWEAR......check them out.
interesting stuff in north carolina_ iWEAR is a brand that represents your individuality. focusing on all that you are and all that you strive to be. unlease your ego, because in the end it's not about what you wear, it's about what iWEAR.
always the the encouraging boost for your ego 'i splurge ...do you?

iWEAR ...do you? is proud to introduce their new signature piece designed for and sold exclusively at the new splurges boutique of north carolina. to purchase the exclusive "i splurge ...do you?" pendant necklace please contact '

yeah, yeah i know, i've been super busy with some clients and the babe but my tiny hot stuff starts S.K. in 5 days so i have some 'designer bambino' creative back to school shoppin' to tackle, yo!

stay tuned for my personal 'designer bambino' creative back to school shoppin' hot list.....you know ya wanna know!

my question is.......did ya miss me? _smooches........stay tuned.

leave a note!

2007-03-01T10:06:00.000-05:00

keep'em coming..we love comments - good or bad! freedom of expression.
generate conversation! thanks for participating!

julia - great point of view. sorry to disappoint you about the IDS07 concept space post but always stay tuned and think of the other side of things, trust me just because something makes sense to one person doesn't necessarily make sense to others. and we know, you should have seen the critisim we got when we participated. keep the comments coming and thank you for following! and don't worry we will add the link to croma design - go croma go! design away, don't let what some people think let you down. heck maybe we will post about them too!

IDS07 | pottery gangbar

2007-02-27T17:25:00.000-05:00

the latest and greatest from mr gangbar himself. if you missed him at the annual interior design show in toronto..........get a load of this:

[i really dig this wall application - IDS booth 2007, ken gangbar]

p.s. zee ken gangbar website is being reworked at the moment, we'll keep you posted.

IDS07 toronto | nuit blanche

2007-02-23T16:21:00.000-05:00

le nuit blanche. not sure that it was as glittery as they wanted the white gala to be [it's a convention center after all] but the turn out was big. after all that can be said about design.... it's really all about the dollars and cents at these things. lots of line ups for everything you name it - coats, parking, drinks, food and then the fancy yellow party isn't for everyone after you dish out the dineros for white gala ticket. yet, kudos to the toronto interior design show for using a fashion forward option of brown carpet for 2007. in the past it had been blue and i even think that they tried grey one year but overall the brown was a sure winner, it made you want to stay a little while longer. the show exuded style and the brown grounded all the booths, especially those that scream at you, are too timid or simply over done.

at this point as over exposed as us designers are - i mean do we really need an annual trade show for decor? - isn't it just another excuse to get dressed up and have a drink every year. this year i mingled and chatted, i wasn't able to hit any of the talks but i hear the speakers were top notch. i was a little disappointed in the teeny kids section especially since buying your kids bigger, better, over priced paraphernalia is THE hippest trend this year. and yeah, dwell from nyc was there.

as always a winner in my books is the studio north, where local talent has stole the show for at least two years now - go canada! a great visit chatting with the pottery diva herself, mademoiselle pascal giardin from montreal is always so refreshing. she is not only a talented artist but working with her in the past was always so pleasant - really makes you love a project more when there is enthusiasm within the whole team. although i think her piece exhibited in a concept booth wasn't showcased as beautifully as it could have been, clearly not a fault of her own. [yo! be sure to check out this ladies updated website - hot!]. missed mr. gangbar again, seems we will never meet but his installation was great! and john and arouanna of bookhou are another one of my faves. but also check out vancouver's 60 grit design, edmonton's thinkitem [prototype section] and ant-design ID [love the punch press chair], quebec's anton with some zippy clay lights.

then there's the concept spaces, i took a gander at those with a veteran super designer [we both have a couple of IDS booths under our belts, so lets say we are open to ideas yet equally critical at the same time].

concept space theme: come see what the kids are up to 'offspring'

booth 01: a conceptual, airy, great use of artist lilly young and budget conscious - yet it worked no matter how you looked at it.

booth 02: a box..... ****Magnum opus****. and the furniture to die for - most excellent - wouldn't expect anything less from an impeccable showroom - stupendous layout!

and so we move on to booth 03: wowza. now this is what we are talking about people, there is some serious talent happening in every nook and cranny of that showpiece. and the passion from architect donald chong cannot be matched - there was an incredibly enthusiastic story for every inch of wood, glass, art or window. eagerness and sheer passion, a sure love for building beautiful spaces. he made us veterans extremely proud to be standing there listening to an equally proud architect. it was almost if you were in his home. and the execution - perfection, makes it worth even mentioning his name. i need to go back again as i feel i missed something, each trip back will unveil another design detail.

booth 04: the fantasy creation that represented a livable space, i surely appreciate the reference to natures beehive and the modularity works. it's link to urbanization and theory of 'smart growth' is an idea that if studied further may actually work in the far future. you could have shot a movie in it. adaptable design for all....maybe. progressive you might even say.

[rumor on the show floor was that IDS was desperate for commitments and had exhausted the roster of designers in the city so the looked to the 'newbies in need of work'. i don't agree but that's what people were saying. and even if it were true some of the committed players far surpassed any of the visitors expectations]

a quick shout out to the aerialist's, i'm sure we all have seen them before [2 of the ladies are from my hood, up the street actually - dubbed 'girl in the sky']. and the violinist, i've been a fan for years. my little 4 year old is even mesmerised by him.

slid into the press party - watching people from the corner grope, drink, chat it up and boogie was fun. everyone from decorators, media, artists, designers, hairdressers [jie, i wonder who that was? - couldn't resist that one], architects and sales reps hit the bar drinking one after the other. i dug the yellow accent too.

until next year......

mix future interior

2007-01-10T13:56:00.000-05:00

leave it to me.......to find a $59.60 magazine at chapters indigo in toronto.

you know me...go big or go home. it's thick, visual, matte and could the images speak for themselves anymore, please? ah, yeah, and did i mention paper wieght - goodness gracious, it's sooo nice. except that price tag, or serious spenders only.

magazine: mix future magazine brought to you via global color research limited tm - has a comprehensive news and features sections reporting on global ideas, people and products in all aspects of design, along with an essential guide to international exhibitions. [kinda like me, without the guides or areoplane fees...for free...wink, wink].

magazine type: 4 main themes ~ Observer, Stories, Diary and Forecast ~

[observer: stories on every important area of the interiors, architecture and design industry, from lighting to the newest developments in surface treatments.
stories: matters that affect the modern creative professional. Forecast: Colour palettes expanded into inspirational trends, twelve months in advance of the season.
diary: previews of the best international design exhibitions, fabric showcases, new designers, art exhibitions and design books.]

delivery: quarterly - published 4 times a year and distributed internationally

damn auzzies....why cost so mucha?

[so, uh....just so ya know 'global colour research limited tm is the latest portfolio aquisition is the UK agency for RAL colour systems on RAL products' ]

zebra madness

2006-11-15T15:01:00.000-05:00

i have to give a shout out to my gal, the hottest chick in the flooring industry - ever! and she is backed by some fabulous co-workers who just 'rock' - wink, wink. anyways.... i had this dilemma..... my little monkey is the king of the jungle, sea, farm - you choose - and wants to be a zoo keeper when he grows up. so.... we were trying to figure out how to make his day and incorporate his love of Les animals - in a minimalist modern designer way. how? why? isn't it our house and not the little guys?

i'm not a lover of animal prints by any means but i broke down, we got this, via interface flooring. it beyond works like a gem with the black board walls, crisp white walls and ikea shelves. it is a little dizzifing [is that a word? dizzying], but he is the grand master of the zebra carpet and is in animal heaven, it's commercial grade and woven if i may add.

it was that or succumb to an all out zebra patterned area rug from pottery barn kids that woulda put us out $400.00 [CAD] bones plus 15% tax. no designer discounts from them either and if i got tired of the animal magnatism i couldn't really justify tossing it or passing it onto another jungle master. so, when we put two and two together and figured out how it would work - interface saved the day. besides, when it overwhelms me; it gives me a great excuse to move to another area of calmness and lay down....for a minute until the rhinoceros arrives, grunting.

interface born free carpet tile [modular tile], glass back, 1m x1m, black and white only. hot!

let's face it, even though they have a residential carpet tile line available in showrooms through out northamerica thier stuff can be used anywhere. if you have the eye, you can make it work.

[fyi: Interface is the worldwide leader in design, production and sales of modular carpet and a leading manufacturer and marketer of broadloom carpet, panel fabrics and upholstery fabrics. Headquartered in Atlanta, Interface has manufacturing locations on four continents and offices in more than 100 countries.
In business for more than 30 years, Interface is a leader in industrial ecology. With the vision of becoming the world's first environmentally restorative company by 2020, Interface is pioneering management and manufacturing processes that will achieve this goal. watch the a powerful moment in the Canadian documentary The Corporation,on dvd, interface is green as they come and the best! ]

diesel sample sale

2006-11-15T14:53:00.000-05:00

yo! toronto...if you didn't get enough of the roots warehouse sale [where there was next to nothing come saturday morning, can you say - JUNK?] then maybe you can find some action-satisfaction in the style department over at surplus whom, by the way is hosting another jubilee of a SAMPLE SALE featuring none other than DIESEL better yet DIESEL KIDS.

Diesel for successful living sample sale
nov. 16, 17, 18 + 19th
thurs. + Fri. 10:00am - 9:00pm
sat. 10:00am -5pm
sun. 12pm - 5pm

this one rocks everytime. you go in, browse, try on and leave happy.
peace out.

and....we're back!

2006-09-13T13:35:00.000-04:00

sooooo .... i guess i have some splainn' to do. ah, heck simply put, the little man and i enjoyed the summer together. after the familia left to go back to the O.C. at the end of april, he attended a drop in centre located 10 houses down the street until the end of june [who knew? we had no idea that it was there, we've been walking up and down the hood fer like 3yrs], signed up for gymnastics one night a week - my little tumble king. we explored the wonders of high park, chasing caterpillars, birds turtles and mucho exercising for mama. i also took on a design job for a charity and a couple other clients, kinda funny how things work out, as i told everyone 'no working this summer, just enjoy the kid as long as the savings will let us'. then with the loads of work i had, little man went off to nonnie's house and i had a few nights out traipsing about town, hitting a patio...or two, or three then i just lost count.

but in reality i think the entire summer i was gearing up mentally to face the little man STARTING JK! junior kindergarden people! junior kindergarden, 5 mornings a week, back to school shopping and what will my mini style guru wear his first day? well, needless to say there isn't much to buy for a kindergardener other than a backpack and a new pair of shoes [classic check vans, no doubt]. threw in a handmade dress shirt and underpants. and off to school we went. i had butterflies in my stomach walking him. took first day of school photos, met the awsome teacher and he ditched me for the toys. the second day he told me to go home. and i cried the whole way. sniff sniff.

never fear, design bungalow will always be here! i just had to have a moment [ok, 3 months], buhhht i have saved all the comments and emails and will be posting them and commenting on them all shortly.

love always and best friends forever,
designbungalow.

adios to toronto's 'style mecca'

2006-09-11T17:48:00.000-04:00

i'm one of those people who when it hurts soooooo much, i just can't speak about it. and well, this is one of those times [the entire summer actually] ......caban is closing its doors for good canada. toronto. [if you didn't already know, like the rest of heart broken design gurus. WELL, now you do!]
hit the queen street location for fast deals, and i mean step on it!
they are closing in 3 days.

i've known for months, i still can't bear to even think about the cloud white shopping mecca locking its doors for good.

must .... go.... now..... weeping..... immensly......

boo. hoo. boo. hoo.

[yes! i know at times, scratch that - it was an over priced design mecca, but it was ours. DAMN YOU RALPH LAUREN. DAMN YOU. HAVE YOU NO FAITH IN CANADA? gosh,it was the place to browse on a sunday afternoon, a place to inhale design with my babe in the buggy, always inspiring even if it was just the scent of a candle. and now where to? big box ikea? not the same, you know what i'm talking about toronto ...don't you.]

bonne fete

2006-09-05T15:21:00.000-04:00

hier était mon anniversaire.

joyeux anniversaire à moi!

vous remercier aussi tout ceux qui m'ont souhaité un joyeux anniversaire !
Je suis 24 ans vieux.... encore. :)

p.s. will catch up with you all shortly......

peddle chic, fantastique!

2006-06-01T16:19:00.000-04:00

read all about the jorg&olif dutch bicycles here.
the duo from vancover: rob and jane - 'continue to develop the brand based on vision, fun, and good old-fashioned hard work'. peddle on over to their bicycle boutique in vancover or hit lileo at the distillery district in toronto this weekend and take one for a spin. vroom, vroom!

up to you

2006-06-01T14:22:00.000-04:00

check out this uber cool toronto duo, a brother and sister venture: bill doufekas and dimitra doufekas. they have been in the biz for a couple of years now [2004].
she was a former teacher now a new age renaissance woman [actually it went more like this: 'a mild-mannered university student lived with her family in suburbia. after being disillusioned with her career as a teacher she quickly discovered she had "popular taste." originally created up to you to showcase independent designers, she has now vowed to use her shop to encourage individuality'].
and he is self described as a lover of all things beautiful or as they put it: 'his early years have been mysteriously shrouded in unconfirmed sightings and verbal reports. soon after the millennium he began to immerse himself in the study of underground designers. he has since become proficient in all that is considered wonderful.'
their fun and lively space is thought of as a form of retail therapy, in which everyone is invited to enjoy. a space where you can peruse everything you may need for small living, all perfectly aligned for your shopping pleasure - just like home. and if you can't catch them over at their place located in 1483 queen street east, they just recently hooked up an online shopping outlet. fab finds, awesome designs, just for you toronto.
*FREE AIR GUITAR WITH EVERY IN STORE AND ONLINE PURCHASE, YO!!!* for limited time only, of course.

yo, yo, YO!

2006-05-26T17:23:00.000-04:00

let's see, where shall we sample shop first?
well, toronto this is the weekend of the preloved anniversary sale. then then there is the sale we heard about via ken gangbar's studio, his sister's company has a couple of sample sales a year for women's fashions. les details pour toi:
location: gangbar / winslade
19 Mercer St. #200
times: fri. 9-4
sat. 10-5
sun. 11-4
what?: teen flo
betsy johnson hand bags
free people
g-1
cynthia steffe
autumn casmere
charlotte trantola
cash only + support the cause: bring an item of non-perishable food to be donated to a food bank. come one come all!

then when you finish there, hit the distillery district for a huge and rare event a lileo with their 'pre summer sale'.

after you spend gobs of cash at lileo, spend more on a sofa at fluid living during their 'may 2006 sale'.... simply take a seat to rest your tootsies at least.

then later, go online or hit urban outfitters on yonge st [south, across from the eaton centre] in toronto for their 'choice stuff on the cheap sale'. while you are online you just may as well finish the whole weekend off with a shopping stint at anthropologie's 'semi annual tag sale'.
fun, wow!

piggy piggy

2006-05-24T20:12:00.000-04:00

if you ever needed a piggy bank, here you go.
in silver + gold finish. [not real]
$150.00 bones US.

queen west fest

2006-05-20T11:20:00.000-04:00

the west queen west has a new website, but most importantly there is a wqw fest on the weekend of june 16-18th, 2006. a weekend long shin-dig celebrating the businesses in the 'hood' featuring a sidewalk sale and yoga in trinity bellwoods park on the saturday. it's not to be missed. 'take a walk to the west side' between bathurst street and gladstone avenue where you will find the queen west arts + design district. [fyi 'the west queen west business improvement area [WQWBIA] is the voice of our business community. it is committed to designing and investing in programs that enliven local business. the WQWBIA will also act to enhance the attractiveness of the community and advocate it as one of toronto’s most alluring destinations to shop, visit and do business.' just so ya know.] hope to stretch with you in the park.

vintage deals

2006-05-19T12:23:00.000-04:00

come one, come all.... to the preloved anniversary sale. shop owner julia grieve and designer peter friesen have reduced the prices of their summer stock 30-50%, its their 11th anniversary sale. hit the shop from may 25th-28th . its hard core, man. they have the hotteset redesigned vintage tee's in town. preloved 613 queen street west or montreal + vancover.

papier noir

2006-05-19T10:30:00.000-04:00

funny.
get yer black papier right here: reading toronto.

and that advertising, dee-lish!

slick miss k

2006-05-17T19:08:00.000-04:00

the miss K table lamp by no other than philippe starck in 2003 pour flos, italia. this racey little number will surely spark up a glow atop your beside table, no? yeah, yeah, sure it's an injection-molded PMMA frame avec an injection-molded polycarbonate diffuser and finished with high-vacuum aluminization process but we all knew that right? you need a 100 watt halogen bulb which is gracefully included and a $180.00 bones, US that is. wow, the cord is a whoppin' 56” long and is fitted with dimming switch.
sexy.
grabem' online at moss nyc, interior elements in toronto or any authorized flos dealer.

way better than a kartell or ikea little number

roots targets

2006-05-17T15:31:00.000-04:00

get yer t-shirts, get yer t-shirts! for friday may 26, 2006 when thousands of men and women across the country will wear a fashion targets breast cancer t-shirt to work or to school to engage in the fight against breast cancer.
t-shirts are available at roots a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every fashion targets breast cancer item will support rethink breast cancer.who can resist their motto: buy one, support two! how could one resist?
support your boobs, any boobs really, men and women alike.

studio gangbar

2006-05-16T17:09:00.000-04:00

monsieur gangbar is running a pottery class at avenue + davenport in toronto starting thursday may 26th. [hopefully he still has room fer yah]
if you need more info give ken a holla at www.kengangbar.com or 416. 532.4284.

above image courtesy of ken gangbar, IDS 2006.

joe 'fresca'

2006-05-16T16:33:00.000-04:00

hear ye, hear ye ... ladies joe fresh flip flops $3.00 bones CAD y'all! [as shown in the image above the white ones in bottom corner]
yup, flip flops in every color imaginable, so head on over and grab a pair at a participating lowblaws near you today!
again, ladies joe fresh flip flops $3.00 CAD!
and while you are there, i also suggest these other summer joe fresh must haves:

lace pintuck short sleeve shirt $17.00 CAD

fiesta sundress $24.00 CAD

shrunken pocket blazer $24.00 CAD [as seen in top corner of above image -pretty snazzy, it actually fits well!!!]

mimran does it again, yo.

dance bunch

2006-05-13T12:17:00.000-04:00

hey toronto, we are going here today! little man and i have a pre mama's day date.
later dudes. [more on these guys when we get back]

oh, frank ...so sleek.

2006-05-13T10:35:00.000-04:00

form?
sensibility?
caution?
slick?
sensual?
seductive?
magnetism?
mod?
what do you see? what do you feel?
you decide.

frank gehry for tiffany's [..if you didn't ALREADY know..] available online summer 2006 or hit tiffany's LA and NYC or read tiffany.ca.

just might have to get:

torque rings + bangles $15.00-$1500.00 US each.

fold cuffs + rings $ 250.00 - $550.00US each.

fish bracelet in wood + sterling silver $2400.00 US.

fish pendants in sterling silver $750.00 Us each.

an unusual array and assortment of gemstone's and finishes available in his collection. so, is it a celebration of style considering tiffany's has finally hired a new designer for the first time in 25 years? pricing may vary from what has been posted.

boon is hip!

2006-05-12T12:40:00.000-04:00

went to the website to request some info and found this lucky little number.
INTRO-ducing...... flo! way cool and from the sounds of it, only $14.99 US. thats a steel!
oh yeah, flo is a water deflector and protective faucet cover WITH bubble bath dispenser concept!
SCHHHmart! and apparently there are more boon dreams on the way, keep an eye out for them.
AND THAT LOGO! HOT PEOPLE HOT!

greg knows, greg always knows.

sacco - to ya!

2006-05-12T12:12:00.000-04:00

lame [avec accent ague?].
lame.
silver lame.

sacco lounge chair in all it's silver glory circa 1968, zanotta, $515.00 US. makes me want to dance.

correction, makes me want to ...shake down, break down....

ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin' alive!!!!

aaahh freak out! le freak, c'est chic!

don't blame it on the sunshine, don't blame it on the moonlight, don't blame it on good times, blame it on the boogie! ok. i'm done now. ;) [...won't you take me to funkytown - laughing too hard now, gonna potty in my pants]

via moss online nyc.

shipshape at anthropologie

2006-05-12T10:51:00.000-04:00

could this get any prettier? [or expensive] at anthropologie - i'm a virgin, so bare with me.

branch coral chandelier sand and sea chandelier that twinkles. handmade - of resin and paper mache from france for...i'm sorry did it say $8000.00US plus professional hardwiring required? Red. 36" h, 36" dia. pretty though.

abalone chandelier, swags and swags and more swags of pearlescent shells cascading over four electric lights, while silver-foiled links and a matching canopy offer classic refinement. plug included, for $1900.00 US - I HOPE SO! plus professional hardwiring recommended. 60 watt max, hmmm, not so much wattage for that price, but definitely a fab ceiling statement.

beachy lobster quadrille platter celadon porcelain with olive and bivalve shells scattered about a meticulously rendered lobster. ug, hand wash. japan. $78.00US. i see, a cheese platter, lots of cheese.

i dig it, graphic-ally speaking. naranja dinner plates in batik floral - the burst of colour could work on a freshly set all white linen table with hot chartruse florals. great, they are dishwasher safe AND a set of four gets all the guests covered. portugal. $40.00US

mini man would love it! $14.00 US for the school of fish dishtowel, an adorable slice of undersea life.

classic. a delicate starfish tealight with spiny, matte porcelain and tiny holes allow candlelight to flicker through. $18.00 US each. little guy would dig this too. they carry an array of sea urchins too.

have we all seen this before? it's a copy no? correct moi if i'm wrong. silhouette cuckoo clock
italy. $278.00US

anthropologie. a bit too femme pour moi but like all places if you dig, you can streamline your design. good luck! i LOVE thier numerous options for super SEXY tops! anyone know if there is an outlet?

modern lines for mama

2006-05-12T10:09:00.000-04:00

yo, shake that caboose on over to caban. they are spruced up for spring and that ain't even the half of it. catch a glimpse of caban spring 2006:

graphic love. sexy.
bird cage lanterns, $35.00-$65.00CAD

summer neccesstiy.
caban stripe matt, $30.00-$250.00CAD

spruce up your boudouir.
mia floral table lamp, $115.00CAD

super fresh.
bordered linens, $8.00-$80.00CAD

slim it.
j brand skinny jeans, $225.00CAD
[i'd buy these just because of the letter 'J']

designed by you know who ...[uh, philippe starck pour kartell y'all].
charles ghost stool, $188.00CAD

flower shower.
damask shower curtain, $40.00CAD

coral inspiration.
roost coral program, $20.00-$95.00CAD

fresh. exciting. [....think and hum the tune from 'kool and the gang']
turquoise stones, $10.00CAD
[gonna hop on over to caban to see if i can buy this whole number -LOVE IT!]

never goes outta style.
normann copenhagen water carafe, $65.00CAD
[WANT IT!!!!]

sheer simplicity.
miro vases, $30.00-$80.00CAD

as they say...'lighten up'.
european dome lamp, $195.00CAD

pretty.
tinted glassware, $10.00CAD each

hable bliss

2006-05-09T13:50:00.000-04:00

antiques. upholstered pieces. quilts. desktop. pillows. totes. coveted storage items. gardening accessories. outdoor. towels. kitchen. lampshades. stretched canvases. photographs. folk art. vintage lamps and chandeliers.

thats what you will find at the infamous hable construction of new york. i’ve been following these gals since 2002, which is when they opened their first retail outlet in nyc... and they still got it goin’ on! a place where sensible hable bags, pillows, and storage accessories sit along side desirable treasures. in 2005 they launched opened another retail location along with a new + improved e-commerce site.

they have recently closed the nolita location shop and freshened up their perry street location. head on over for some spruced up spring ideas. [although they say that hable is exclusive to their website, I’ve seen it at saks fifth avenue this past xmas …hmmm?].

these are a few of our desired dapper hable things:

chocolate fig branch wool felt applique pillow, hable construction 2006 $210.00 US

ivory blacked susan wool felt applique pillow, hable construction 2006 $155.00 US

ivory, chocolate, red poppy 1 wool felt applique pillow, hable construction 2006 $160.00US

14"x18" clementine bead canvas pillow [limited], hable construction 2006 $125.00 US

espresso bead hideaway storage, hable construction 2006 $215.00 US

navey cosmos canvas garden belt, hable construction 2006 $ 65.00 US

grommetted gift tags, hable construction 2006 $3.00 each US

orange mum storage box 13" x 11", hable construction 2006 $ 98.00 US

ivory, ambrosia blocks wool felt applique pillow, hable construction 2006 $200.00 US

avacado smiling skull wool felt pouch, hable construction 2006 $ 55.00 US

maybe i should just live there. and don't forget the aprons and coasters. AND! if you are on a budget, check out their tag sale area.

tar-jay bebe

2006-05-06T14:27:00.000-04:00

yup, it's official. mini is addicted to target.
he can spot the logo a mile away, even when grandmama has no clue how he spots it and its about a block in front of her - god bless'er.] so for him we went. first to the bargin dollar section at the entrance, then onto books [for the infamous pop up shark book] and then on to the preschool toy section he loves so much. to see the animals. the german company[made in china of course ??] schliech that he admires forever, and ever and ever. they have every animal you can think of. horses especially. followed by jungle animals, elephants to be exact and then onto farm animals. $4.99 US a piece.
move onto the play wonder kitchenette [$79.99] US and he is in heaven. gadgets to boot. usually we end up leaving 10 minues past closing and then he instructs us to turn left out of the parking lot and move on to wegmans where he browses the health food isles for bargin healthy snack alternatives. he's a funny little guy. as we head to the border he passes out in his carseat with a smile + new horsie in hand.

here are a few of our great finds at target:

tara jarmon tie necklace dot print $12.99 US [floral option too]

tara jarmon round handle bag $29.99 US [comes in black too]

boon frog pod drainable bath scoop and bath organizer $24.99 US [what steel, got the last one]

looking to pick up next time at target:

manhatten oak veneer desk on sale $90.00 US

manhatten oak veneer computer cart on sale $59.00 US

play wonder kitchenette $ 79.99 US
all fantastic and compact for small living!

benetton sample sale

2006-05-04T10:05:00.000-04:00

where there's one, there's many.... united colors of benetton sample sale toronto!
may 05th 3:00pm - 8:00pm may 06th + 07th 10:00am - 5:00pm.
just in time for mama-sita day.

quicksilver | roxy sample sale

2006-05-04T09:59:00.000-04:00

yo! toronto, shake yer caboose on over to the quicksilver sample sale! starting today may 04th from 12:00pm - 8:00pm until may 06th. this train will be rollin' on in there for the little boys goodies! [ and maybe something fer mama too, we shall see ]
surf on dudes, surf on.

sleek bentwood

2006-05-04T09:44:00.000-04:00

....at target! $19.99 US for a wonderful sleek bentwood stool with a modern natural birch plywood finish.

wall paper plates - oldie...

2006-05-03T14:01:00.000-04:00

but a goodie....its been posted by many before me but great for spring so i jumped on in to pass it along to you.
heavy-duty melamine finally becomes an object of desire with these pretty plates [set of four]. designer pop ink drenches the plates with color images that are molded into melamine for a durable finish. finish with a packaging in a jewel-like acrylic display box and you are ready for a patio party with kids!! so many styles to choose from, you be the judge $40.00 at velocity art + design.

pop ink is cool. it was created by charles s anderson design with the manufacturing support of french paper company ....thus pop ink! who produces products based on ideas and artwork from some of the most talented contemporary designers illustrators, photographers and writers in the industry [as they say so themselves]. smart team.

glitter-atti

2006-05-03T13:33:00.000-04:00

flash them with this the next time you uncork one.
a gleaming $180.00 US from the splendid forge de laguiole of france, aptly named the le sommelier corkscrew.....avec glitter handle, the acrylic handles are embedded with lame [sexY!] fabric mixed with practical stainless steel blade.
every princess should have a sparkly one.
available via moss online.

doll it up...

2006-05-02T16:23:00.000-04:00

have a spring fling at urban outfitters.

squircle plate 4 for $16.00 of 6 bucks each, tons of hues to choose from.
wall art of your choice: mum, scribble flower or eucaluptus $68.00 each, 16" sq.

summer grass pillow or morning glory $ 60.00 each.

interesting, hmm... from urban outfitters a scroll deco screen in black $240.00 US, that could do the trick if you have small digs to work with.

[blogger is having a tantrum....post photos as soon as it stops]

hello netto

2006-05-02T15:50:00.000-04:00

not only do they have boutiques here and there but they are having a spring sale at 40% off!

HAPPY SPRING!
shop netto collection now!
have a peek:

teepee, netto collection was $300.00 US now...$180.00 [plus shipping]

stroller blanket, netto collection was $135.00 now...$81.00.

yeah!

perfection.

2006-05-02T14:25:00.000-04:00

flawless.
period.

will own this bag.
will own this bag.
must own this bag.

could it BE more perfect?

miu miu black calfskin bag $995.00 CAD holt renfrew, toronto.