Little Dorrit (BBC’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’s story) was one of the best period dramas I’ve ever watched. Amy Dorrit had such a humble soul, she was always dutiful, selfless and content regardless of distressing matters in life or people that come, go and change. Physical confinement and social constrains didn’t dampen her spirit as long as she could smell the sea air and have friends that can share her troubles. Rich or poor, she was always the same girl who was honest about her feelings, an admorable characteristic that I hope to preserve in myself too. Here’s a Dorrit Inspired wear, a modern twist to her hooded cape, her sewing basket that she carries around for work and simple accessories like the locket and hankie for memory keeping.
[ cape jacket, heart locket necklace, nautical cable bracelet, straw tote, a pocket hankie, grey suede loafers ]
One of my favourite scene in the show was the confrontation made by John Chivery to Arthur Clennam, because Arthur simply just does not get it, typical of some men I think. This scene was such a turning point to their happy ending, I was so touch because it came from John, the sweetest, sweestest boy.
“How can you say you don’t know it, anyone with eyes could see it, these walls know it and you are so lofty, so far above the rest of us, you don’t even notice it. All the time, I was breaking my heart over her, she was breaking hers over you.” – John Chivery
Towards the end, life for Dorrit seems to lighten up, she confessed her feelings, discovered her identity and was liberated from people that wanted her to be the person who she wasn’t. Here’s another Dorrit inspired look if she had lived in our century, this is what I think she’d look for spring, something colourful but still modest.
[ Isabel Lu woven printed maxi dress, basket handbag, pink opal ring, small leather journal, frilly umbrella, vintage gold brushed link bracelet ]
This year has been a year of finding little delights. Every other week or a month or so, whenever I get the chance, I’d pick up a batch of flowers (never more than $10) and arrange them on my work desk and around the house. I find that just a little nature, something pleasant to look at in your space can transform how you feel and work in the environment. I feel like I can sit longer at my desk even though it doesn’t contribute much to productivity, but it definitely does the trick to make your space more inviting, harmonious and positive. It really is the smallest things in our everyday life that makes you a better and happier person once you start to observe them with gratitude and joy.
Recently I’ve been busy with projects, birthday celebrations (mommy & I) and rearranging my room/work space to better fix my posture and the overall workflow. What a perfect time for some music and candle mixtures to help my mind relax and stay zen despite all the things happening and thing that will be happening for weeks to come (Japan!). Now I have an iPad (thanks babe), all the more excuses to cuddle in bed with it till wee hours of the night and not get up in the morning. The plan was to pick up a couple of books and get back to reading, now it’s all going to be done on the iPad with eBooks. I find that even though I’m trying not to stare at another screen during my free/down time, sometimes it’s just unavoidable and most of the time unstoppable, like my eyeballs are glued to the monitor. At times like these, I close my eyes to let it rest and release my other senses to work. Play a couple of tracks, light some candles, do some stretching, boil water for your tea, call a friend to catch up and just sit back.
black dice cafe where I met Asian Elvis in a 50′s retro bar/ irresistible spring scent : Gardenia in mercury glass from Chapters
I had a blast working with RateHub on this infographic. Show some love and spread the infographic to your fellow home buying friends and shine some light to skeptics who’s lost hope on the Canada’s housing market. Not to worry, the research’s provided for you from lovely people of RateHub, letting you know that the Canadian market will have a soft landing, cool eventually, but not crash. Thank God!
Who doesn’t want a little pop of colour in their office or study space? I think these agated stone coasters from Rablabs looks beautiful on any surface. Match it with handmade gemstone rings [from Midwest Alchemy] and you’re set for tea time.
“When you take an object – a rock or pebble – from any given place (whether on a trip or vacation), you acquire a memory of that time. And when you look and feel the texture of these pocketed novelties, they exercise the mind on specificity – the exact place where you took it from, the smell, the time of day or why that particular object attracted your attention in the first place.” – Carly Waito
Amazing hyperrealist mineral paintings by Carly Waito, a Toronto-based artist. Read more on her interview here and her exhibition here.
Would you rather be strolling down avenues, admiring your made-up looks through glass store windows or would you rather be somewhere by the lakeside, contemplating your appearence as reflected through the surrounding nature? champs elysees – xoxo | the surface – nikolinelr
As I was browsing through Gilt, I fell in love with their Industrial-Rustic collection for the home. I just had to compile some of my favourite pieces that I would die to have in my future studio or kitchen. I really love metal, rusty look, partly because the material reminds me of a time where form and function preceded the unnecessary frills and excess, but also I find that corrosion brings in a new kind of a warmth, where man-made metals are weathered and aged into lovely earth tones.
[3D rustic metal numbers 3 & 0 by Zentique] [chunky highball tumblr from Canvas] [Arteriors Home's stedman chandelier] [como copper flatware from 10 Strawberry Street] [bistro iron counter stool + triangular spring side table made from Four Hands] [Avant Art's vintage giclee prints titled "Land Camera" & "Romancier"] [Lazy Susan's horn & bone photo frame + aged patina metal bowl] [edison style cage bulbs made by Bulbrite] [marble gloss glazed vase from Alex Marshall Studios] [Aidan Grey's antique math sticks]
This week, we captured similar shapes in contrasting settings. From feeling austere, disciplined to feeling indulgence, liberated, from passive gazing to active consumption, from bare solids to frothy overflows.
Stone sculpture, Nara Park, Japan | Chocolate milkshake, Jack Astors, Canada
It’s hard to settle down after a busy week, but you need to. It’s the weekend, so relax and have a cup of something you enjoy and share this moment in the company of dear friends or someone you love.
