I think we’re going to see more fish scales in our design future. Here are five cases to demonstrate my thoughts:
The Musket Room in NYC, via Apartment Therapy
Photo by Amy Bartlam
Fiona Lynch via Apartment Therapy
Archipelago fish serving bowl, Anthropologie
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Today, we’re entering the 5-star luxury hotel called the Palazzo Dama in Rome, Italy. I know, I know, it’s tough to be surrounded by such luxury. Let’s try our best, shall we?
The Palazzo Dama is a stunning property…
Gorgeous, right? It’s stunning on the inside, too. Just look at these rooms!
Since I’ve featured so many bedrooms and living spaces since I began this Hotel to Home series, I thought it might be nice to feature a new space. As such, I’ve decided that we should head into one of Palazzo Dama’s marble-filled bathrooms.
Here’s my how-to-do-it-home recreation:
mirror, sink, towels, tiles, faucet, shower head, small mirror, sconce, toiletries
Last month, I introduced you to Needham Lane’s sleepwear collection. I’ve been wearing my pj sets ever since they arrived, and they’re doing very well. The fabric is soft, the fit is good, and my sets have survived multiple turns through the washer and dryer. Yes, dryer, too.
I packed them up for my recent trip to Toronto, and my friend Shannon was kind enough to take some photos (she found her inner Nigel Barker-noted fashion photographer). While I know models prepare for photoshoots with the help of a hair, makeup, and styling team, I prepared by waking up, brushing my teeth, and brushing my hair. I opted for a low-fuss, au naturel approach (did I have a choice?).
I actually slept in the Maxwell long sleeve pajama, and I wear this one regularly because I like the long sleeves and pants. I like the black and white checkered pattern, too.
(I’m only pretending – did I fool you?)
wearing the Maxwell long sleeve pajama
In addition to the checked long sleeve set, Needham Lane sent over the Madison fuchsia short sleeve capri pajama. It’s hard to resist a crisp white set, and I like the punch of fuchsia. The pants have a fuchsia drawstring, but I’d recommend that Needham Lane look into adding fuchsia piping on the pant cuff too.
I set up the chess board, but it was just for show (#honestblogger).
walking in pjs and slippers with coffee (why not, right?)
I couldn’t resist jumping in my PJs (let’s just call this my morning exercise routine)
wearing Madison fuchsia short sleeve capri pajama
I also brought along the Pippa aqua kimono robe. The robe is white, but it has aqua piping around the edges and cuffs. If you’re not into white, I’d encourage you to look into all the other colourful robes at Needham Lane. This would make such a nice gift for Mother’s Day or a friend’s birthday. The Pippa might just become my new go-to travel robe. It’s easy to throw into luggage, and it adds an additional layer of comfort when you’re away from home. I basically danced around in it for the photos…
wearing Pippa aqua kimono robe
I should let you know that although Needham Lane has a large selection of colourful sleepwear (not everything is black and white). And the last chance section has some incredible deals at the moment (e.g., this cornflower blue pajama is only $20). Shipping to USA is $5 and to Canada is $20. Finally, if you sign up to Needham Lane via email, you’ll get a 20% off coupon code. Bonus!
Many thanks to Needham Lane for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own. Thanks to Shannon Y. for snapping these photos. Location: Omni King Edward hotel, Toronto.
Now that you’ve seen how my friend and I spent 28 hours in Toronto, I’d like to share some more detailed news about our reunion trip, and I’ll start with our hotel.
I booked us in for a night at The Omni King Edward Hotel (aka the King Eddy) at the south end of the city. Although I had never been to the King Eddy, I knew of its reputation of one of the top hotels in Toronto, so I was easily convinced that we should try it out. I’m happy to say that the hotel and its services did not disappoint (That’s the short version of the review. If you’d like to know more, read on!). We checked into the King Eddy a little later than anticipated because we were having so much fun on our casual shopping at Bloor/Yorkville. Both my friend and I were excited to check in and plop on our beds for a bit of a rest before dinner.
I booked us in for a night at The Omni King Edward Hotel (aka the King Eddy) at the south end of the city. Although I had never been to the King Eddy, I knew of its reputation of one of the top hotels in Toronto, so I was easily convinced that we should try it out. I’m happy to say that the hotel and its services did not disappoint (That’s the short version of the review. If you’d like to know more, read on!). We checked into the King Eddy a little later than anticipated because we were having so much fun on our casual shopping at Bloor/Yorkville. Both my friend and I were excited to check in and plop on our beds for a bit of a rest before dinner.
The King Eddy impresses right from the entrance. Valet parking is available as is a park-your-own-car public parking lot about a block away. Once inside, the grand lobby awaits your attention. The architectural details in the lobby – moldings, railings, ceilings – are full of history. The hotel recently completed a $40 million renovation (forty!), and the lobby is a reflection of that. The furniture is modern and elegant, and the design theme of the hotel (chess, crowns, grandeur) is set right at the front door.
I’m honestly always a tad cautious when I check into fancy hotels. I’m usually curious to know if the place is pretentious or welcoming. Luckily, the check-in staff at the King Eddy was very friendly (Hi D!) and was able to engage in an informal conversation while maintaining his professionalism and sense of hospitality. I am a very particular customer, so I pay attention to just about every detail of an experience (so tough, I am!).
We took the elevator up to our room, and when we opened the door, we were in awe. The room was large. The suite – yes, it was a suite – had a bedroom with two queen beds, dresser, TV, and closet (with robes and slippers, I must add); a living area with a couch, coffee table, arm chair, desk area, and dining/chess table, console and TV (why have one when you can have two?); and a bathroom with gorgeous marble and plush towels. The three large closets in the suite were more than we needed, but we used them (just because we could!). We also put our luggage racks to use, and I set up the chess board just in case we wanted to play.
Shortly after we arrived, D (from check-in) called to make sure we were happy with our suite. Happy? Of course! When I jokingly asked what the heck we were supposed to do with all the space, D said that the living area is a great place for thinking! Oh, amusing! It was then that I had regretted not booking us in for a 2-night stay! (In the end, we used the living area for magazine reading…and some thinking, too!)
Shortly after we threw on our King Eddy slippers, a server knocked on our door and ushered in plates of treats. What a delightful surprise! Shannon and I had the perfect afternoon snack (scones, tea, and Niagara’s Greaves jam) by the window. Details, people, I love these thoughtful details!
The beds in our suite were as comfy as you’d expect from a 5-star hotel, and there were plenty of pillows for added comfort. The black-our curtains darkened the room and added to our restful sleep.
The bathroom, oh, yes, the bathroom. The shower was my favourite part because it was large, had amazing pressure, and a couple of shower heads…you know, because one might not be enough. There wasn’t a tub in our room, but maybe some rooms have one.
I also wandered around this historic hotel to see what it had to offer outside of our gorgeous suite. I can definitely see why the King Eddy is a hot-spot for parties, weddings, and every sort of event. The venue has beautiful spaces that can be reconfigured to suit various events. The art and architecture serve as beautiful backdrops for photos, and the recurring design themes of chess, elegance, and royalty are consistent throughout the property.
King Eddy also houses a spa and multiple dining options. Unfortunately, we ran out of time to try either, but this just means that I’ll have to make a return trip!
Check out the rooms and rates at The Omni King Edward Hotel if you’re planning a visit to Toronto and would like to be surrounded by luxury!
Thanks to The Omni King Edward Hotel for sponsoring our stay. All opinions and photographs are mine.
What’s prettier or more feminine than ruffles? Okay, maybe hearts and bows, but ruffles are still at the top of the femininity list, right? They’re great for your wardrobe and your home as you can see by today’s two-for-Tuesday.
Lanvin ruffle top, $2750, via Far Fetch 
Linen cushion cover, $17.99, H&M