Love on Sunday

I am thrilled to be on Love on Sunday today with the lovely Amy! I love discovering new blogger friends- can't wait to meet at Blog Poduim (or maybe earlier???!!)

Check out some of her work- HELLO Faux Bamboo & Scandinavian accents- AMAZING- this girl is after my own heart!! I love looking at how other people live!! She is seriously fab!

Thanks SOOO much Amy!!

Check her out on Twitter & Instagram for more Goodness!!

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my design services

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

A Button Tufted Life

 Today I have Cynthia from A Button Tufted Life, here to share her beautiful home in Bayfield, Ontario with you all. Along with her husband Kent they have created a stunning retreat full of beautifully crafted finishes, antiques, and other treasures you will adore. I love the greenery that surrounds her home, as well as the way she has thoughtfully decorated it. Thank you so much for sharing your lovely space, I look forward to your future projects. 

I think Blayre and I are going to have to take a road trip to visit!! xoxo

My name is Cynthia Weber and I am a decorator in beautiful Bayfield Ontario where I live with my handsome husband Kent.

We run a custom interiors business and write a design & lifestyle blog called A Button Tufted Life... We love to travel, entertain and at the risk of sounding like an ad in the personals... we love to walk on the beach!

LC: How long have you been in Bayfield?

CW: We have lived here since 2005 but fell in love with it long before that. I have very fond memories of coming to Bayfield for weekend getaways when we were newly married and dreaming of owning property here someday.

It is such a charming community on the water, with a unique historic walking town feeling, beautiful shops and fantastic dining… It's a little jewel of a place, sort of like how I remember Niagara-on-the-lake being when I was a kid.

I think because it is such a quaint village people are surprised to find out they can get high end fabrics and furniture locally through our studio… it's the best of both worlds, big city resources with small town charm!

LC: How would you describe the aesthetic of your decor?

CW: We love art and antiques representing different styles, bringing them together in a unique and pleasing way intrigues me, I like to call it "Collected Eclectic"!

LC: When you work with a design client, how do you incorporate your aesthetic into their home while still maintaining their vision?

CW: My design aesthetic gets left at home… every client deserves to have their home reflect their lifestyle and tastes so I try to help them find their own style. If they happen to like my style then that is a bonus, it means we have a great connection before ever beginning and chances are they will enjoy spending time in our home… many of our clients become friends, and I love that!

LC: I LOVE the exterior of your home, how long have you been? Was it love at first site?

We designed and built Hoop Top House in 2008 It has been a labour of love from start to finish.
We wanted to design a house that would fit in and enhance the village.
The name Hoop Top House comes from the antique 8' hoop top door we used… the dormers and gate as well as the curves in the cobblestones all echo the theme.

The lot has huge trees, a bush on two sides and wonderful privacy making the back yard our private oasis in the summer.

Our design studio is also here so basically our lives revolve around this house.

LC: I know from your blog you have undertaken a few DIY's, which one is your favourite, and is there one in particular that you feel really improved your space that you could share?
CW: Kent and I love working together on DIY type projects… I like all of them but the one I am most excited about hasn't even been seen on the blog yet!
We are taking huge antique windows and building them into the overhang in our backyard. It is going to be fantastic! I am hoping we will be able to share the finished project by the beginning of May.

LC: What are your go to's for fabulous furnishings? Online shops, any thrifting?
CW: We love Gresham House furniture for custom pieces, you can find out all about them in my tour and interview with the owner Marilyn.
We sell their pieces, fabric, original art as well as Kent's amazing carved wood pieces on our online shop as well as through our studio. We also love buying at auction for our own collection and for clients.

This photo shows some of Kent's work. The carved fish, burl bowls and individual bread boards are all his pieces.
LC: Do you have any inspirational blogs that you could share?
CW: I love Thistlewood Farms, Karianne has a innate way of making you feel like you are an old friend over for a chat, and her farmhouse is beautiful. I also like Calling it Home, I saw you were featured over there Laura… fantastic!
LC: As the warm weather nears what are some of your favourite seasonal touches?

CW: Kent brought home pussy willows the other day and I did a happy dance around the kitchen… I also love forsythia and can't wait to see all the perennials popping their heads up in the gardens… we love to garden and having the ability to cut fresh flowers and bring them in is wonderful.

LC: Any design philosophies you would like to share?
CW: Start with what you love.
Pieces that evoke pleasant memories or treasured people always add dimension and connection… build a design around them and you will love your home.
Oh, and, don't bow to trends!
If they don't speak to you then leave them be. For more of my views on that, have a peek at my post about the pressure to incorporate trends.

Thank you so much for having me over to your lovely blog Laura, I have enjoyed chatting with you!
You are always welcome over at A Button Tufted Life... and If any of your readers are interested in following me on Pinterest or sending a " like" my way, well that would be wonderful!

Thanks Again Cynthia for sharing!! xoxo

Laura Collins Design will provide you with insight and guidance on how you can turn your home or office into a stylish reflection of your unique personality. Please contact me if you are interested in discussing the different design services I offer.

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Mary M: And the Oscar Goes Too...

L.C. Once again the Academy Awards have come and gone, with lots of fabulous films, speeches, and anticipation out of the way I have a special guest to give her take on how the night went down!!

Mary M. who I interviewed a few weeks ago, is joining us for her rundown of the Oscars 2011 Hits & Misses!! Enjoy!!

L.C. Yay!!

M.M. The Oscars… Hollywood’s biggest night!

In terms of the fashions, I have to say I was overall really impressed by the stars this year!

My picks for best/worst dressed at the Academy Awards:

Best Dressed

§ Anne Hathaway – Stunning red gown that she walked the red carpet in. Who could ask for a better escort… Valentino himself! I love the back detailing of the dress, and her diamond wreath necklace. Lovely!

§ Mila Kunis – Lots of purple on the carpet this year. This was very feminine and I love the way it looks on her with her dark hair! Gorgeous!

§ Natalie Portman – This was a truly beautiful dress, I have to admit I was kind of scared to watch her acceptance speech after her Golden Globe one, but she looked really elegant in the aubergine gown and matching beaded tassel earrings.

§ Hailee Steinfeld – this dress is so pretty, and while on the red carpet she mentioned working with the designers at Marchesa to pull together this lovely look.

Best Dressed Men

§ Andrew Garfield is in every way lovely… Handsome face and gentle voice. His suit was pure perfection.

§ Jeremy Renner – I have had a thing for him since watching The Town. He’s kind of naughty looking too in that bad boy way which I like, especially when he’s dressed up super formal in that luxurious YSL tux.

§ Justin Timberlake – Another celebrity crush, looking very nice Mr. Timberlake. Ps: you look yummy!

§ Hugh Jackman – Great from head-to-toe. I really thought he looked great in that double breasted tuxedo. 5 o’clock shadow suits him well too.

Hottest Couples

§ Jason Statham & Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

§ Javier Bardem & Penelope Cruz

§ Keith Urban & Nicole Kidman

Worst Dressed

§ Cate Blanchett – Really bad… Thought that it would grow on me, but it looks like things are growing on her… The beading almost looks “warty”. Very alien-esque with a little bit of nursery-rhyme-gone-wrong. She is an exquisite woman and almost the most talented actresses in the world; this dress was a miss!

§ Marisa Tomei – I am very fond of Marisa Tomei, but I personally did not care for her choice of gown. It didn’t appear to fit very well, and while I didn’t mind the color, the style was not the most flattering.

L.C. Mary!!! You are Amazing!! Thank you so much!!

P.S. Who were your favorites, who did you think was off point?? My faves were:

Mandy Moore, Jennifer Lawrence and Gwyneth Paltrow as usual!!

My Favorite Pics:

And last but not least...Tah Dahhhhhh: All of Anne Hathway's Dresses Thanks to Rachel Zoe... I DIE!!

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Interview: Cecily Carlyle

With the same initials as Coco Chanel, it is no wonder this girl was born with a flare for fashion. After studying fashion design in Montreal for three years, she continues to pursue her love of the arts by creating her own garments and attending art classes. And of course she stays au courant like any die hard fashionista by savoring every drop of Paris Vogue! Cecily knows what she wants, has passion, drive and her sense of humour is as fiery as her mane! She is such a loyal, beautiful person with wonderful insight on life and is a wonderful friend- C.C. your friendship has meant the world to me!

Cecily is an avid world traveller and always brings back treasures from her journeys- she has a closet full of amazing clothing with taste that has been cultivated over a life time- she will only get better with age! She will surely be assistant to a fabulous designer... it is only a matter of time- or maybe she will decide to take the reigns of her own fashion house? Who knows what possibilites the future will hold!

J'adore,Cecily!! xoxo Enjoy this interview it is fantastic!

L.C.Favorite season?

C.C. My favorite season would be summer because you can do so much more.

L.C.Dream job? What city is this job in?

C.C. Assistant fashion designer to an icon designer in NYC.

L.C.Where can you find a good bargain?

C.C.If I am looking for a deal, I'll hit the stores after Christmas when everything is on mega sale. Holt's is great for that, if that's in your price range. For all season, I would say Winners for accessories.

L.C.Movie that has shaped your style?

C.C. Le Divorce: I love the emphasis on silk scarves. I plan on wearing lots this summer. Kate Hudson is impeccable as a Parisian woman. Being John Malkovich: Catherine Keener's character, Maxine who wears Calvin Klein such as, a white dress and fuschia lips. I love this look! So simple and sexy. I'll rock the fuschia lip from time to time. Jil Sander S/S '11 and J. Crew have picked up on this trend.

L.C.Who is someone that really inspires you?

C.C. I am so proud of my Dad, Doug Carlyle and all his accomplishments. My friends Sandy Karpetz and Laura Collins who embody creativity and are so motivated.

L.C.Cecily- you are so sweet!!!

L.C.Most stylin’ city?

C.C.. Paris!

L.C.Favorite high street store?

C.C. J. Crew

L.C.Favorite Designer?

C.C.. Obviously I can't answer this so I have made categories to make it easier for myself.

• Creativity: Marc Jacobs
• Young: Proenza Schouler
• If I could own a collection of theirs: Christophe Decarnin and Phoebe Philo
• Glamour: Oscar de la Renta
• Celebrity: Victoria Beckham,...but I also love The Row, their Fall 2011 collection, in the words of Rachel Zoe " I DIE!"
• Vintage: Yves Saint Laurent
• New Designer to take over: Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli for Valentino.

L.C. Nail Polish?

C.C. Nars: Chinatown

L.C. Signature Lipstick?

C.C. Barbarella by Nars

L.C.What are your fashion staples?

C.C. Black jeggings, trench coat mid-thigh, black patent purse and boots, diamond studs, and cashmere cardigan.

L.C.Fashion Forecast 2011??

C.C. Love child! Think Marc Jacobs, Anna Sui, Dolce and Gabbana and Emilio Pucci. Bright blues and patent nude accessories. Eyelet fabric, leather (think Celine). Nail colour will be dark with just the moon and tip of nail painted. Wide brim hats may gain popularity too.

L.C.What clothing are you dying to wear this spring?

C.C. Trench coat. I am on the look out for the perfect one. And boots that won't get ruined by salt stains.

L.C.If you could invite 10 famous people alive or dead to your home for a cocktail who would they be?

C.C. Victoria Beckham, Audrey Hepburn, CK Louis, Zach Galafanakis, Marc Jacobs, Joan Rivers, Micheal Kors, Gwen Stefani, Larry David, Diane Von Furstenburg. I hope they all get along ;)

L.C.Favorite website?

C.C. style.com

L.C. Most recent purchase?

C.C. Ralph Lauren brown suede booties

L.C.Best dessert in Toronto?

C.C. The cheesecake brownie at Novo Cafe

L.C.Favorite novel?

C.C.The Year of the Flood by Magaret Atwood

L.C. Most Glamourous hotel?

C.C. Chateau Lake Louise

L.C.Perfect day?

C.C. Perfect Winter day: Snowboarding all day in Kicking Horse,B.C. with good snow and weather conditions, steak dinner, full body massage, hot tub and drinks with friends!

Perfect Summer day: Eating a pistachio croissant and latte, laying in the grass by the Eiffel Tower. Then reading and sketching in Jardins Luxemburg. Afterwords, shopping at Galeries Lafayette then eating cheese and a baguette with wine at a nice cafe down the street. In the evening watching "Sparkle time" when the Eiffel Tower glitters and then walking along the Seine.

Here are 5 Fabulous Looks that Cecily put together for us to view!!

Always Stay Fabulous C.C.,

Love you!!

L.

Marilyn Monroe & Kind Words

These are my favorite pictures of her. A true icon, and beauty, the first and last picture feels really honest, she is really baring herself as nothing other then human. I love her!!

Also you might recall my friend Sofie Marricks who I interviewed recently gave me a very kind shout out on one of my favorite new blogs, so please check it out!!

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Interview: Mary M.

Let me give you a quick run down about Mary M.

One could mistake Mary for a girl that was bred on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. She is a very dear friend of mine from Calgary (which is where I grew up). As far back as I can remember, Mary has always been exceptionally stylish and knowledgeable about the world of fashion. Put her in a room with Karl Lagerfeld, and this spunky little lady could hold her ground! She has impeccable taste, she has been an avid shopper since middle school- and she has the most incredible sense of humour- she is so quick witted, with an incredible amount of poise. We could talk fashion for hours.

This is the third interview I have done now, and I am so excited to share this one with you! It has been a long time coming that I wanted to collaborate with Mary for something on my blog, I feel like she has great wisdom and insight to share with anyone who is interested in the Fashion world, and a lot of great tips for 2011, Thank you so much Mary, I think everyone will really enjoy reading this!!

Love you! xoxo

L.C.Who is your Fashion Icon?
M.M.My great aunt Jean - she is the epitome of grace and elegance and has, without a doubt the finest collection of clothes and shoes I have ever seen.

L.C. Most recent splurge- or favorite new purchase?
M.MI recently bought a Gucci mini skirt - it’s powder blue, with a black zipper right up the front.

L.C.If you could go to any Fashion Show who's would it be?
M.M.I can’t just pick one...
Chado by Ralph Rucci
Donna Karan
Zac Posen
Dior Couture by John Galliano.

L.C. What would you describe to be your fashion "trademark" ?

M.M.Beautiful high heels.

L.C.Are there some similarities or consistencies in the aesthetic of your "Fashion idols" and your own personal style?
M.MI wear what I feel comfortable in, I’m not really one who follows trends. I wear what looks good on me - classic and timeless clothing.

L.C.One thing I will never wear or own is:

M.M.a one shoulder/asymmetrical top or dress.

L.C. What is Spring 2011's "It" outfit
M.M.I think wearing a monochromatic outfit is so stylish - a all beige/nude or light grey outfit for the spring. I am really into off-the-shoulder tops right now, they look great paired with a slim pencil skirt and some heels.

I love shoes, especially vintage shoes and I think nude stilettos for the spring/summer are a must have - patent leather or something with an ankle strap is always sexy. Camel leather strapy sandals are another staple. I bought a pair on sale from Ann Taylor that have equestrian buckles and white stitching that I love. Clothing does not have to be expensive to look lovely. It’s all about having good taste and the way you put an outfit together.

Fendi FF Superstar Patent Leather Pumps $565

Prada Patent Leather Pumps $668

L.C.Bloomies or Barneys?

M.M.Bloomingdales, but I’d rather have a day at Saks Fifth Avenue or Nordstrom, the service is impeccable.

L.C. Serena or Blair?

M.M.Serena.

L.C.What are your 10 "Must Haves"
M.M.

Red or pink leather gloves
Booties
Heirloom/antique jewellery
Cross body bags
Wolford opaque stay-up stockings
Pearl bracelets
Ray Ban wayfarer sunglasses
Soft cowl neck or off-the-shoulder sweaters
Vintage Pucci scarves
J.Crew coats - double cloth carlin coat, or trench coats for Spring


L.C. What is your go to color?

M.M.White and black are always elegant.

L.C.Favorite Movie?
M.MLove Actually

L.C. Favorite place in the world/most Romantic place in the world?
M.M.My favorite place, Honolulu, Hawaii. It’s Heavenly, there’s no other place like it.

L.C.Most Romantic Place?

M.M.Lake Louise is really romantic, I love being surrounded by nature. It’s gorgeous there all the time, summer or winter.

L.C. Signature Scent?

M.M.Viktor & Rolf “Flowerbomb” has always been a favorite of mine, as is Salvatore Ferragamo’s “Incanto Bloom”. I was given Gilly Hicks “La Perouse” as a Christmas present and have been wearing that daily, it’s so light and delicious.

L.C. Favorite Blog?
M.M.Gracefully Searching

Always Stay Graceful Mary M.,

You are such a lady!

L.

Interview: Sofie Marricks

 I have a treat, I interviewed a very dear friend for a new series I am going to do called Interview(how Original I know!!) I did one previously with Kellie Collis from Ada and Darcy which may be seen here!

Sofie's Mini Bio:

London born Marricks has always been drawn towards the arts. With her strikingly beautiful looks, and knack for drawing and painting it is no surprise that she chose a career as a Make-up Artist. As a younger girl she was always dabbling with with different beauty techniques, always leaving people to wonder what eye shadow she would be wearing the next time you saw her! After working with MAC Cosmetics for several years she learned how to truly perfect her passion- but I am sure that the love affair is not over! Now living in Vancouver and working as a Project Leader at a growing company there is no doubt that her colleagues will be coming to her for beauty advice! Thanks so much Sofie, loved your answers- and I even picked up a few tricks Hope you all enjoy!! xoxo

Please check out her blog it is fabulous!!

L.C. :Favorite look right now??

S.M. :I have to say I just watched Darren Aronofsky's Black Swan and while Natalie Portman's stage makeup was obviously amazing, it was all ballerina's the dewy perfect skin that really caught my eye! Perfect flawless skin with a natural fresh pinkness in the cheeks is a great way to start anyone's look.

I've also been loving a sheer coat of a Barbie pink lipstick - it's something fun and bright in Vancouver's cloudy weather =)

L.C. :How do you take your look from day to night?

S.M. :Throw on more eyeliner! Specifically for me, in the waterline - my favorite is MAC's fluid line in "Blacktrack" with an angled brush. I'll pare that with a medium-dark shimmery shade shadow such as MAC's "Satin taupe" or "Bronze".

L.C. :What is the one product you could not live without?

S.M. :How can I choose just one?! I guess it'd have to be mascara - My lashes grow straight down and look non existent with out it - my favorite is the waterproof Covergirl Lashblast...and trust me I've tried everything from department store brands to Sephora and it's this drugstore gem that does the trick!

L.C. :What is a great trick you have learnt over the years?

S.M. :Using a peach colored concealer to cover up dark circles. I had always thought that you use a concealer lighter than your skin - no way! For undereye circles it has to maybe even be a bit darker. It totally changes my face! Depending on how dry/oily my skin is I alternate between Laura Mercier Secret Camoflague (which is great because it has 2 colors which you can mix) and MAC Studio Finish Concearler in NW25.

Also, when using eyeliner in the waterline set it with the same colored eyeshadow on top - it makes it stay much longer.

L.C. :Make-up moment of the past that makes you cringe?

S.M. :It's definitely the weird lip liner I wore in junior high and early high school - It was just a bit too dark and it made my lips look huge and not in a good way. Also, over plucking my eyebrows. There are actually a lot of pictures of me in high school that scare me haha!

L.C. :What is your daily routine:

S.M. :I wash and cleanse my skin and then use a moisturizer with SPF 30 (I love SKOAH face lotion), then mix MAC studio fix fluid with a face primer to thin it out. I set everything with lose powder (I alternate between a bunch, NARS has a great one). Then I brush a clear brow gel through my eyebrows and use a MAC Eye shadow in "Charcoal Brown" to fill in my brows. I'll do a thin line of MAC fluid line along my upper lash line and wing it out a bit and then curl and coat my lashes with mascara. I'll use bronzer to contour my cheekbones and warm my face up a bit (I never ever tan so I fake it) and then use a fluffier blush brush to dab a little bit of blush (usually NARS "Desire") on the apples of my cheeks. If I feel like it I'll throw on a nude pink lipstick (such as MAC's "Faux") and that’s it!

L.C. :Best advice your Mom ever gave you about make-up- or anyone for that matter!

S.M. :Hmmm my Mom...I'm pretty sure she told me to wear sunscreen. Which i do every day. But the best advice I've been given is to use serums - they make skin look amazing!

L.C. :Make-up bag?

S.M. :The one I use in my purse is from Agnes B - it's the perfect size and it has a cute picture of the Eiffel Tower is a daily reminder of my Paris dreams =)

L.C. :What is your signature fragrance?

S.M. :I love love LOVE Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir - it's the only thing I wear. It's quite subtle but very sexy.

L.C. :Most expensive item in your make-up bag?

S.M. :Hmmm..the most expensive thing I put on my face are serums from both Skoah and Caudalie.

L.C. :Least expensive?

S.M. :Good old cherry chapstick - it moisturizes my lips and gives it a pretty color instead of white like other chapsticks.

L.C. :Travelling is at peak season do you have any travel tips?

S.M. :Drink lots of water and do a moisturizing mask when you get off the plane. Bring makeupwipes instead of your facewash - so it doesnt explode in your suitcase.

L.C. : Who is your all time most "Iconic" Beauty?

S.M. :I love the women of Mad Men especially Joan Holloway (played by Christina Hendricks) - I swear there is a pale red head inside of me waiting to get out! I actually look any woman of the 60's - Jean Shrimpton, Bridgette Bardot - These women are so glamorous and gorgeous and I feel like the 60's was the last of an era where people still made an effort with fashion and beauty and it was still timeless looking.

L.C. : Well said, thanks so much for all of the advice, great answers!!