What's in a Paint Name

I have a strange fixation with the names of paint.  We've been thinking about painting our place, and there's something about the way a paint is named that just fires up my imagination.  The right name sets the tone for the vision, and in my mind, I can conjure up an entire scene and lifestyle based on a name.  

I particularly love the names from Farrow & Ball.  Their brand is all about being fine purveyors of wallpapers and paint in the traditional style, and this shows in the way the colours are named and how their historic origins are explained.  I love "Mouse's Back", described in the catelogue as "a quiet, neutral dark stone.  Not recommended for use with white but very useful as an early 18th century colour"  Or "Elephant's Breath", a light greyish hue with a hint of pink.  And lastly,

"Chinese Blue", a personal fave which makes me think of a Victorian sitting room filled with Ming dynasty china on display and pretty ladies sitting around sipping Ceylon tea (perhaps with these pretty cups).  There is something very regal, formal and almost gritty about these names.

above: London Clay of Farrow & Ball

Contrast Farrow & Ball's approach with Ralph Lauren's collection of paints, thanks to a tip from my friend at The Anthology.  Lauren's paint lines are categorized as various "Lifestyle Colours", and each collection reflects a different lifestyle theme.  The Modern Light line is modern and serene, with names such as Indian Sky (a light grey purple), Lemongrass (yellow tinged beige) and Sanctuary (a cool blue-green).  The Urban Loft collection is obviously inspired by the industrial lofts of NYC with names like Greenwich and Galvanized. And as an equestrian, I love the concept of their Thoroughbred line, which represents the classic, clean, All-American lifestyle with names like Adirondack Blue, Rufford Hall and Polo Green (insert image of American blue-blood, Ivy league types, playing croquette or something in their backyards).

I could pore over these catelogues for hours, just fantasizing how my home and lifestyle would differ with each line of these paints.  Question is, which one is me?

I Love a Good Banger

A good banger and mash, I mean.  And that's exactly what I got a taste of last weekend at the Three Lions Cafe and I can't stop thinking about it.

I won't do a full review here or post any pics, since my dear friend Tre at Noshwell has done such a nice job already.  All I can say is whomever thought of making a large, pancake like yorkie and drowning it with buttermilk mashed potatoes, gravy and topping it with two Cumberland sausages is genius. I also had the perfectly seared hangar steak and chips, and I cleaned the plate.  Washed down with their lovely microbrews, and I will keep coming for more.  

The Three Lions Cafe

1 East Broadway, Vancouver

HK Hit List #8

As I have said before, much to my hubby's chagrin, a girl can't have too many handbags. A bag can make or break an outfit - a seemingly boring head-to-toe can be perked up by the right tote. Case in point: I always go to my Marc by Marc Jacobs teal green patent shoulder tote which seems to clash and match with everything all at once. So, my number 8 on the HK Hit List - The IT Bag. Note: I am cheating a little here - so consider this 8.1, 8.2, and so forth.

Roberto Cavalli Leather Fringed Bag (from Net-a-porter.com): studded, fringed and leather would serve me perfectly as a day-to-day bag and matches my Matt Bernson boots.

Rebecca Minkoff Navy NIkki Hobo: electric blue paired with gold fittings is classy yet edgy. A slouchy winner. (from ravinstyle.com)

Lastly, a surprise pick to me: L.A.M.B. Darjeeling Bangalore. Here's a sweet shoulder bag that does the geometric trend right. It has mod, old school britannia style that would look smashing with a swinging mini. (From eluxury.com)

If I had a Genie...

...I might have asked him to give me a few more (ok like 6 more) inches in height so I could make the most of these sweeping maxi dresses (barefoot or in thin, weathered leather, indian sandals). Shown above: Sworn Virgin Tie Dye Rita Dress (from ravinstyle.com) made from 100% sustainable bamboo cotton jersey.

Foley + Cobrinna's Spring collection especially had some beautiful, earthy numbers. Below: Tropical Graffiti Long Dress (from shopbop.com)


Below: Elizabeth James Tulip Dress (from shopbop.com)


For my second wish: long, loose waves to complete the bohemian vibe.

Love for Denmark Style Continues

Ever since my obsession with Ilse Jacobsen and her very practical, very stylish wellington boots began, I've also developed a liking for Danish fashion.   Copenhagen especially intrigues me, and as I plan for a trip to Europe next year, I am taking style pointers from Copenhagen Street Style, where I found this delightful duo.

(all images from http://www.copenhagenstreetstyle.dk/)

HK Hit List #9

Four weeks till my trip to Hong Kong and Shanghai (a newly added destination - kind of a last minute decision). I have a hit list that I've compiled of items that I desperately want to find. Starting with #9 -Cut-Out Bootie Sandals. Here are a couple to hunt down look-a-likes for -

Stella McCartney Mesh Basket Sandals, from Net-a-Porter.

Marni Suede Slingbacks

Can Balmain Make Me Hot for Juno Awards After-Party?

I am very excited as I have been invited by EMI Music to their exclusive after-party for the Juno Awards, happening later this month.  More details to come.  More pressing though is what to wear? I need to look hot, and who does rock'n'roll glam better than Balmain? I am lusting after these reworked dirty 80's looks from the Balmain Fall 2009 Ready to Wear collection.

Christophe Decarnin's iconic peaked shoulder jacket is back for Fall and it looks hotter than ever in lux materials like leather, quilt, and satin.  Some of his Spring 09 peaked shoulder jackets channeled a bit more MJ/Thriller for my liking but his Fall jackets are sharp and modern- when paired with a slim pant, it is very wearable.  The sweetheart neckline, a cliche as recently as a few years ago, is back and looking more bad-ass than sweet, especially when the mini is microsized.  Half-train evening dresses, which forever stuck in my mind as something escorts in the 80's wore (with George Michael's "I never want to dance again" playing on a cassette in the background), look ironically hip.  As much as I despise the harem pants, Decarnin worked his magic by sliding them into sleek boots and opening them up to expose some leg.  In all, a fun, flirty collection that brings us back to the bad old 80's but in a whole new light.  There have been some criticism that Decarnin needs to step the brand up to the next level as many of the looks have been carrying over.  For what it's worth, Balmain continues with this collection as a go-to name for rocker vixens who want glitz and glamour on the cutting edge.