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Art and Design

Inspiration | The Pastel Palette

I don’t normally gravitate toward pastels — I’m more of a jewel tone kind of gal. Maybe it’s because soft pinks and baby blues turn my complexion the colour of the walking dead, but I tend to avoid them.

I can’t this spring, though. They’re e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e (pastels, not zombies).

So I might as well embrace them. These images are so gorgeous, so unique, so warm and soft, they remind me how much I love pastels in design and art work. A little girly girl, maybe. But a lot ’50s, too.

And I love the thought of wearing pastels on my nails. If I had a six-year-old niece she’d totally give me a manicure like this.

Have you been watching Garance Dore’s Pardon My French series? It makes me fall even harder for the blogette. She’s such a fun-loving talent who seems full of energy, it’s equally exhausting and inspiring to follow her adventures.

Three out of four of these pastel-y images are from French blogs, by the way. And I didn’t even do that on purpose — it was my Francophillic subconscious. Le sigh.

[Images from Pandora, Ensuite, Tales of Endearment, and Garance Dore.]

March 14, 2012 by

Home | Braden Paul Prints

Your living room is about to get a whole lot cooler. One of The Anthology’s favourite photographers, Braden Paul is selling prints of his photographs for a very limited time (only until January 20th) and these are just a few of my favourites. You’ll find plenty more on his website, like this one and this one, which would also make rad wall art.

I’m thinking of getting a big, glossy version of the second one above. You know, so sitting in my living room will feel like being at a concert. Also, I have to admit I’m inspired by the funky oversized photos in the van der Woodsen penthouse on Gossip Girl, but don’t tell anyone because that’s the most embarrassing inspiration ever.

8×12 prints start at $100. You can order directly from the photographer at braden@bradenpaulphotography.com

January 11, 2012 by

Home | Kermodi Ornament

I have long been a fan of Kermodi Living Art (don’t you think this would make the perfect office plant?).

So I fell hard for Kermodi’s understated, almost terrarium-esque ornaments at Vancouver Special. One of them is now nestled among the mason jars (used as tea light candle holders) and cake plates (used as candle stands) on the antique rolltop desk in my living room.

It’s all part of my new grown-up holiday decor initiative. Well, that, and my inflatable Snoopy Claus lawn ornament wouldn’t fit.

December 18, 2011 by

Bookmark | Spell & The Gypsy

In The Anthology’s Bookmark column we explore some of the most inspiring places on the wild, wild web.

It might be far from spring in North America. But guess where the warm, sunny days are getting longer instead of shorter?

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Australia! Which is where sisters Elizabeth and Isabella, the creative minds behind Spell & The Gypsy, live.

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Reading their blog is like living in an eternal summer.

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Spell & The Gypsy chronicles the work, photo shoots and inspiration of the two Byron Bay-based artists, designers, and boutique-owners.

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If you’re down under you can visit their Spell Boutique in person and if you’re elsewhere in the world, you can live vicariously through their beautiful blog. So make like a bourgeois bohemian and bookmark it already.

P.S. Bookmark The Anthology while you’re at it.

November 17, 2011 by

Diary | Love + Mark’d

By Erika Renfrew

The art of handwritten notes seem lost with the wonders of the worldwide web.  (Then again, who doesn’t love a great blog?)

No stranger to the online world, Vancouver style blogger Olivia Lovenmark swapped her keyboard for paper and a (glitter) pen to launch a stationery line called LOVE + MARK’D. Inspired by her summer travels, her designs are adorable and customized with the right amount of sparkle. They make me miss the charm of personalized notes.

Olivia hosted a trunk show with fall stationery, friends and sweet treats in her oh-so-festive apartment.  Thanks again Olivia and Marie (that would be her adorable kitty) for welcoming me into your home.

I feel like this post would have been fitting on a LOVE + MARK’D card…

 

October 23, 2011 by

Art & Design | Alberta Ballet’s Jean Grand-Maitre

Never in my life have I seen so many nude body suits.

And I certainly wasn’t expecting so many of them at the ballet (then again, where else would I expect to find so much head-to-toe spandex?). Before the dress rehearsal of Love Lies Bleeding, I sat down with Alberta Ballet’s incredible artistic director Jean Grand-Maître, who choreographed the piece that chronicles the story of Elton John’s life.

It’s cabaret meets Broadway meets Vegas. And it’s set to Elton John’s music. But does it include “Tiny Dancer,” you ask? Well, I’m not going to spoil it for you.

You’ll find my interview on Vitamin Daily.

October 17, 2011 by

Bookmark | You are the River

In The Anthology’s Bookmark column we explore some of the most inspiring places on the wild, wild web.

This week’s spot goes to the LA-based blog You are the River, a beautifully curated site filled with all things creative, inspiring and design-y.

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Especially home decor — think chic homes with white walls, rustic wood tables and lots of built-in bookshelves (my favourite kind).

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Plus, beautiful graphic pieces.

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And lifestyle-y things, like a mini review of San Francisco’s Plow restaurant.

So if you haven’t yet bookmarked You are the River, hop to it. And bookmark The Anthology while you’re at it.

[All photos from You are the River.]

September 15, 2011 by

Diary | Contemporary Art Gallery’s 40th Anniversary

If you asked me how old Vancouver’s Contemporary Art Gallery was, I would have guessed… oh, about seven.

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And I would have been very, very wrong. Because it just turned 40.

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I stopped in for (I hate to admit) the very first time yesterday to join them for the anniversary festivities.

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And I fell head over heels — not just for the gallery, but for one of its current exhibitions by Corita Kent. I would love to see her bold bright pieces on my walls.

P.S. I would like to see you on The Anthology’s Facebook wall.

September 9, 2011 by

Bookmark | Scout & Catalogue

In The Anthology’s Bookmark column we explore some of the most inspiring places on the wild, wild web.

When former Aritzia creative director Breanna Musgrove left Vancouver for the beaches of Mexico, she chronicled her adventures and creative pursuits on her blog Scout & Catalogue.

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Now that she’s moved north once again, she catalogues the making of her textiles and accessories line (which goes by the same name) from her Toronto base.

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Inspired by secret coves and all-day siestas, Scout & Catalogue’s aesthetic is a little beachy, a lot bohemian.

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And I think you just might love it.

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So bookmark it already.

P.S. Is your bookmark bar in need of a little more love? Well, add The Anthology and then take a look at the first, second and reader-submitted third features in the series.

P.P.S. I’ll be on Breakfast Television Tuesday morning and I’ll be bringing an entourage of male models with me. (Only because I’ll be talking men’s fashion. I don’t always roll like that.)

August 22, 2011 by

Bookmark | My Vibe My Life

Each week in The Anthology’s Bookmark column we’ll explore some of the most inspiring corners of the internet.

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For the inaugural post, it’s only fitting that we turn to Kelly Wearstler’s My Vibe My Life.

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The interior designer turned designer designer balances over-the-top glamour with rock-and-roll cool so beautifully, I’m addicted to her aesthetic.

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And I think you’ll also love the behind-the-scenes look at her designs in progress.

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So if you haven’t already bookmarked My Vibe My Life, what are you waiting for?

Have an idea for a feature in The Anthology’s Bookmark column? Send a note to kdundon@theanthology.ca.

P.S. Bookmark The Anthology while you’re at it. Duh.

July 8, 2011 by