Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Preston Catalogue


Lent out a TON of pieces to Preston Catalogue for their September issue.   Preston is a "luxury  lifestyle publication" that features design, architecture, fashion and art. 

I received my things back today (box above).  Can't wait to see what they do with the pieces.  The styling and photography are amazing in this mag. 

Browse here for an online issue from Preston.
http://www.prestoncatalogue.com/PC10/pages.html

Sunday, August 22, 2010

I Hate Perfume



I went for a run the other day and did not have a very good one.  You know the days when not even "te-te-te-te-telephone" can get you moving and jogged into Ewanika (http://www.ewanika.ca/) on Bathurst for a retail energy boost.  I always run with my debit card tucked into a pocket.

There are some great new canvas-treated leather handbags but what really caught my eye was the range of perfume from Christopher Brosius of Brooklyn, NY entitled CB I Hate Perfume (http://www.cbihateperfume.com/).  Here is the thing, I really do hate perfume.  I hate the falseness of it, the uniformity, the unnaturalness and the blanket coating of sameness that perfume lends, all in the pursuit of individuality.

When I smelled Christopher Brosius' water based scents I fell in love.  He makes scents such as In the Library, that bring back memories of wandering around the best vintage book store on a cold and windy day or Black March that captures that damp, earthy smell of anticipation in early spring.

I am going back to Ewanika tomorrow to break my perfume ban.   The next time I am in NYC I might just make an appointment with CB for a custom blend. 

http://www.cbihateperfume.com/

Friday, August 20, 2010

Press!


Must update the House of Groves site with press info

Here is a start.... (on the blog instead!)

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Tweeting....

@houseofgroves

School for Stylists




A new school for stylists is opening in London called the London College of Style.
Founded by celeb stylist Wendy Elsmore and former stylist Kate Smith.
Classes start this fall.  They even have e-Learning.


http://www.londoncollegeofstyle.com/


I've included a clip of legendary fashion editor and stylist, Grace Coddington.  I love the line "I'm told the very modern thing is not to touch the girls."

Monday, August 16, 2010

Found! Vintage Chairs


For our never ending reno.  When will it be over??? Damn you, reno gods.
Our temporary house, a coach house, was uncomfortable for the first month, charming for a few afterwards (it is a little slice of Hansel and Gretel in the city) and is beginning to get irksome. 

In the long interim, we have been browsing.  We found two gorgeous vintage chairs from Montreal.  What to cover them in?  There is one school of thought that is backing cow hide.  I think it would look gorgeous, but I don't know if I would ever be able to sit on them with bare legs.   Decisions....

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Cowboys and Vampires and Couture! Oh my!





I went to a play earlier this week called The Haunted Hillbilly, based on a book written by my friend Derek McCormack.   Derek is the Tom Ford of words - edited perfection.

Live music, talented actors, delicious language and a couturier vampire. Could you ask for anything more?

A description of the play from the production company, Sidemart.ca:

Haunted Hillbilly is a theatre-show-event, a cowboy carnival caper with a big ole dollop of deep country. It's a cautionary tale, about the rise and fall of the Lonely Boy, a guileless bumpkin turned supernova superstar by a meddling, impeccable vampire couturier.

Wallace Simpson and Annie Hall


Wallace Simpson



Diane Keaton as Annie Hall



What do they have in common?

They (in combination with a gorgeous felt hat that I found in a little vintage shop) are my inspiration for Spring Summer 2011.

I love the tailored ease of the 30's and 70's. Maybe it is in response to the heat we are having this summer, but I am longing for feminine dresses that aren't too twee (to quote Emma Thompson on Audrey Hepburn. And, though I love Audrey Hepburn, I really do not like My Fair Lady. If you haven't heard the fuss yet, here is a link to her comments http://www.cbc.ca/arts/media/blogs/popculture/2010/08/emma-thompsons-harsh-audrey-hepburn-critique.html)

Friday, August 13, 2010

Le Showroom

Gearing up for Spring/Summer 2011! Designs are underway, fabrics selected and samples being sewn.

House of Groves will be presenting at Montreal Fashion Week for Le Showroom and also in Toronto. Toronto details to follow....

If you are in Montreal on September 30th, it is open to the public on the last day. Drop by and say hi. (Don't worry, I'll update before then!)

montrealfashionweek.ca

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Surprise!



I was purusing the Fashionism.ca page (part of Sympatico) and had a surprise - me!

fashionism.ca/fashion/contentposting/storming_the_runway/4c09fde1

Because I am not a huge fan of pictures of myself, I'm posting one of my faves from the runway.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Fall 2010 Trend Report

Fall/Winter 2010 trend reports

Full-skirted Dress
http://www.fashionmagazine.com/fashion-file/slideshowarticle/1372/5/



Criss-cross Tail Dress

70's Flare - Long and Lean
http://www.fashionmagazine.com/fashion-file/slideshowarticle/1372/9/



High-waisted Flared Pant

White
http://www.ellecanada.com/fashion/trends/fall-winter-2010-11-trends-report/a/34637/2



Cashmere and Leather Dress

Lace
www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/trends/2010-2011-autumn-winter/100716-romantic-lace.aspx



Lace ruffle blouse



Lace and leather dress