Friday Focus | What Not to Do on Vacation

May 19th, 2011

I’m off to  Palm Springs tomorrow, where it’s hot, really hot. You’ll find me hanging out by the pool, reading a trashy mystery novel and drinking  G & T’s with my hubby. Can’t wait, only one more sleep!

It’s been three years since our last holiday, just the two of us. Then baby came, exhaustion set in, and busyness took over. Easy to be married to your to do list, the master in our house. We finally gave that master a kick in the rear, and reminded ourselves who runs the show, we do!  Since we’re experts at creating to do lists we decided to let go and make a no list:

  • NO computers
  • NO answering the phone unless it’s a little one 411
  • NO pressure to fulfill our wish list
  • NO  pajamas
  • NO one else invited
  • YES  to – plan our next holiday. New York here we come.

What about  you, what’s on your holiday not to do list?

Photo thanks to Garance

Style Statement Collage | Modern

May 17th, 2011

Dear Style Statement Friends,

We asked, ” What do you want more from us?” and you answered strongly, “Visual examples of styles.”

ANNOUNCEMENT! We’re  happy to launch our weekly Style Statement Collage. Enjoy, savor and let us know how else we can serve you.

xxx C

DEFINITION | MODERN

Look & Feel: bold, contemporary, clean, edgy, exclusive, hip, latest, metropolitan, streamlined, unique, noticeable, up to date; more negative space than positive space. Sans Serif  fonts – ps – without fancy detail at end of strokes

Spirit: Modern is an idealist and visionary. They are aware of what’s been popular or effective throughout generations, cultures, and industries. They predict change; they follow change; and they revere the innovators who have come before them. They are attracted to what works. Modern believes that the greatest concepts, designs, and theories are timeless and thus aspires to have or make things that are current and relevant but that will be useful and enduring. They like to have an impact. They want to be in style and in sync with what’s happening and get anxious if they fall out of the loop or out of touch with what’s going on—on personal and social levels—and maybe a bit preoccupied with what’s cool. Modern strives to be at the top of their game. They are pragmatic risk takers, calculating but capable of taking an unexpected turn if they see something appealing and potentially wonderful in the distance.


Collage images thanks to  Canadian House & Home, Dwell, Elle Decor, Harpers Bazaar, and Vogue.

Style Statement Story | Shantel Collins, Designed Adventure

May 15th, 2011

Shantel is a wife and mother of two boys. She is fascinated by design, art, technology, and a foodie in her soul. Her heart is in serving others, she loves researching, finding solutions, and sharing information. It’s been inspiring to follow Shantel’s journey in discovering herself and to watch her share that stunning smile with the world!

How did you arrive at your Style Statement? How did it feel at first?  How does it feel now?

I’ve been a Style Statement follower for four years, waiting for the opportunity to have my own. After I was laid off, it was the perfect time to give myself a gift and a new adventure. Since having my Style Statement I feel on fire, open to what’s next in my life. I have a renewed sense of purpose and I’m not playing it safe. Read the rest of this entry »

Cheap is Expensive in the Long Run | 5 Tips for Buying Quality

May 12th, 2011

Feeling as thought you have nothing to wear and yet have a closet full of clothes. As our Manifesto of Style states Commit to Quality and it Commits to You.

What can you do to insure your wardrobe inspires and reflects you?

1. Do the math –  Why buy twice when you can buy once? You buy three pairs of shoes you find on sale. You feel like “they’ll do.” One loses its heel, one pair is uncomfortable, and you never wear the third pair. Total cost: about $300, which you may as well have donated to the Salvation Army, because that’s where those shoes are headed anyway. Or, you buy one pair of shoes made of Italian leather that fit you to perfection. Total cost: about $400. And every single time you wear them—which will be many times, because they will last for years—you feel great. You feel high-quality. You feel like you—and it shows.

2. Love it or Leave it. Wrong fit = wrong purchase. Keep moving, keep looking for the one clothing line that’s made for your body shape. ps –  it takes homework and time to feel and look good.

3. Buy for the present! Some pieces look great on the hanger, in a magazine, or on your sister but make sure  each piece you add to your wardrobe is right for you. Don’t make purchases with the intention of loosing 5 pounds, thinking maybe one day someday it will work. Those are mistakes!

4. Resale. Don’t be worried  you might  tire of a piece and  the cost may not be worth it. Quality pieces stand the test of time,  consider selling them to that fashionista friend of yours or on sites like Ebay.

5. Commit to Quality and it Commits to You. Quality clothing eliminates stress and adds ease to your daily wardrobe  choices. You deserve to feel like the best version of yourself!

Whatever you’re looking for, hold out for the best and treat it well when you find it. I’m holding out for the right purse – chic, functional without a big designer label, any suggestions?

Photo Credit: The Soul behind Tod’s Shoes

Style Statement | Life + Work

May 8th, 2011

Have a fabulous week.

Thanks to Gaile Guevara

Friday Focus | Worry is a Waste

April 28th, 2011

I’m adding one more way to cope with stress –  Treasure Moments. What about you?

ps – refer to the synnoyyms of  your 20%, Yearning Word.

Carrie, Refined Treasure

via stay fancy free

Style Statement Practice | Be Ruthlessly Discerning

April 25th, 2011

Bring into your life only what you love! Do not compromise. Think of your Style Statement as your personal bodyguard. Make sure you take it shopping with you to ward off impulse purchases and on-sale seductions. Use it on a first date, when considering a business venture or your next holiday.

STYLE STATEMENT PRACTICE

Make a list of what you are inspired to say yes to and compelled to say no to in your life.

Photo via - Garance Dore

Style Statement | Live Your Life

April 24th, 2011

The Film Out of Africa begins with the words of Denys Finch Hatton, played by Robert Redford.

What a fierce and irresistible practise, took my breath away!


Contribute to Eastern Eggs

April 20th, 2011

Holidays are lovely, for me it’s time to rest, cook, create, and be with my family. And an opportunity to make a difference, what better way  then to combine your passion with a cause.  I was drawn to the beauty of these  eggs (a gift for my son, not a throw away but one he can cherish forever) and how my donation benefits Japan’s earthquake survivors, via the Japanese Red Cross.

“Easter eggs are a symbol for rebirth and the start of a new life. Over the coming months and years, Japan has to rebuild — not just a country but homes, families and lives.”


Eastern Eggs offers a series of limited-edition wooden eggs adorned with artwork by a handful of brilliant contemporary artists. The designs are tattooed onto the eggs by the one and only Egg Bot and, once you pick our design, you can even watch it being made via webcam. There’s a suggested donation of £10, though of course you’re welcome to contribute more, and all proceeds go to the British Red Cross tsunami relief efforts.

Thanks to my new favorite website Brainpickings, read more.

My Home + Tricks of the Trade in Canadian House & Home

April 19th, 2011

Have you picked up your May edition of Canadian House and Home yet? Take a peek inside and you will find my abode! Tour through my home  -  see where I work, play and rest my head.  I’m so excited to share how I created a unique  space  as well as my tips and tricks on how make your space feel more like you. What better place than home to use as a blank canvas for self expression, so why not fill it with things you love, feel good, and are beautiful?

Take a read through the full article here.