Fashion

The Friday Five: Shoehorns

Judging by the shoe cloests of the White Cabana team, you’d think having a healthy collection would be a job requirement. But no, this is not the case. I wonder if my contributors would be appreciative if they found a shoehorn in their mailboxes. It would be amusing, don’t you think? To wrap up a shoe horn and put it in the mail*?

Look at how the prices vary of these shoehorns:

shoehorn_Muji shoehorn, $5.95, Muji

Koziol pip bird shoe hornpip bird shoehorn, £9.95, Koziol

Georg Jensen_Shoehorn

Voyage shoehorn, €64, Georg Jensen

silver-shoehorn__18343_stdsterling silver shoehorn, $493, Annabel Chaffer

Elsa Peretti Padova Shoehorn_Tiffany & Co_$495Elsa Peretti Padova shoehorn, $495, Tiffany & Co.

What do you think of those last two shoehorns? Almost $500 for a shoehorn? Would you buy one?

Happy Friday everyone! Have a wonderful weekend!

*I once mailed Corie a hula hoop from Kingston, Ontario to Surfer’s Paradise, Australia. That was fun! The postie looked at me like I was crazy.

Fashion: Golden Globes 2013

Well, well, look at all the celebrities who opted for shades of white at last night’s Golden Globe awards.

Fashion at the 2013 Golden Globe Awards (L to R, T to B): Hayden Panettiere in Roberto Cavalli; Isla Fisher in Reem Acra; Mayim Bialik; Amy Adams in Marchesa; Amanda Seyfried in Givenchy; Julianne Hough in Monique Lhuillier; Kerry Washington in Miu Miu; Anne Hathaway in Chanel; Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad; Helen Hunt

Who were your favourites?

Images courtesy of Huffington Post.

Movies: How to Steal a Million

Last night I watched the 1966 rom-com How to Steal a Million starring Audrey Hepburn (who isn’t a fan, right?) and Peter O’Toole. I knew it was going to be a good movie as soon as I saw Audrey Hepburn driving a sweet red sports car and wearing an all-white ensemble!

via

Have you seen this movie? What did you think?

Read more about fashion from this classic over at Fashion in Motion.

Friday Five: The Thomas Sabo Collection

Hello Friday! We’re ending the week with some bling from the Thomas Sabo collection of jewels.

Thomas Sabo bracelet, $219

Thomas Sabo special addition sterling silver ring, $359

Thomas Sabo sterling silver bracelet, $139

Thomas Sabo classic sterling silver wing earrings, $164

Hope your weekend sparkles!

Images courtesy of Thomas Sabo.

Fashion: Dr. Martens Monotone Boots

When I was a teen I used to have two pairs of Dr. Martens. Basic black leather (obviously – black goes with everything) and an awesome pair of faux-fur leopard print. I LOVED them both! And yes – it would really be cool if I found them hiding somewhere in a box of my old stuff stored in my parents’ basement. But then again, maybe I should just leave the past behind me and move forward in a pair of these…

Dr. Martens monotone 1460 boots, $120, Urban Outfitters

Design: It's Hip to Be Square

The square has escaped elementary mathematics class and has landed in the world of fashion and design!

Sparkle & Fade cage back cropped tee, $24.99, Urban Outfitters

Paul Smith Jeans white check shirt, $144, ASOS

down duvet, $109-$129, Urban Outfitters

via Benita Larsson

via Dwell

via Desire to Inspire

Update:

More squares:

– these amazing Balenciaga shoes

– this kitchen backsplash

– this backpack

Marketplace: Fierce Deer

Last weekend I attended the Home County Folk Festival here in London. There’s a festival almost every weekend here in the city but I think Home County might just be my favourite. The music is great, the crowd is relaxed, and there are always some creative vendors. This year I was most attracted to the pretty jewelry and the lace and vintage window display at Fierce Deer, a Toronto-based shop owned by Kate Swan.

pretty white lace backdrops at Fierce Deer

the Fierce Deer earring collection displayed on lace-backed vintage windows

Fierce Deer necklace charms

pretty knobs (remember this post?) hold necklaces

silver-plated necklace

a cup full of charms that are used for custom design

a creative vintage display at Fierce Deer

it’s the details – like the consistent deer theme – that make this shop so charming

Kate’s white cat – brings the shop good luck!

what I walked away with – a tiny bear on a long chain necklace – a must for my menagerie

It was great to meet Kate and to explore her charming jewelry shop. If you’d like to see more – go on and visit Fierce Deer.

Photos by Jordana.

The summer topper

Not all hats are created equal and today we’re featuring the ultimate in glam -yet practical- toppers.

The floppy extra-wide brim hat is lightweight due to its straw construction, and all that extra girth will provide the wearer with ample shade and a fun accessory whether you’re lounging by a fancy pool or heading to the beach for a day.

I’ve always wanted one and it’s looking like this will be my summer to pounce on this tireless classic. Looks great with any swim suit, a breezy maxi dress, or knee-length shorts for a day of urban exploration. We recommend it in white although the colours available are quite fun to coordinate with your suit- black, fuschia, and natural straw.

The Del Mar wide brim hat by sur la tête, $27 at Village Hat Shop

White cover

Isn’t it refreshing to see a beautiful knit all in white on the cover of a rather bid deal mag?

The stunning Lily Donaldson was photographed by Richard Bush wearing a Chanel spring 2012 dress for Vogue Russia’s July issue. I love the shape of this dress- architectural in shape with high texture value.

Happy White Wednesday, everybody! Stay cool!

Image courtesy of Vogue Russia

White Out: In Readers' Closets

Welcome to the second installment of the new series, White Out. This series gives readers the opportunity to showcase their white loves. This month I received a few photos of white clothing from our readers (okay, okay, they’re also my friends). While some shy away from wearing white because they fear accidental spills and such, I embrace wearing white (you’ll often see me in a white shirt) and it seems our readers do too.

beloved white Vans; photo by sneaker enthusiast Emily McMenemy

perfectly pressed white shirt; photo by Sarah M.

(I love that it’s also on a white hanger and on a white door!)

Vanessa sent me this photo as a sort of thank you card. It made me laugh out loud. I wonder – what exactly would you pair these socks with? I can’t say that I’m actually going to run out and buy a pair.

 

Thanks to Emily, Sarah and Vanessa for sending in these photos!

Note: If you would like to take part in the White Out series here on the blog then please submit your photos of design in white to me at whitecabana [at] gmail [dot] com. Thanks! -Jordana

Whited eyed

All the excitement yesterday about the traverse of Venus across the sun has got me thinking about protective eyewear.

For me, wearing prescription sunglasses has improved my enjoyment of the outdoors a millionfold. And I love the sunshine- but being rather unable to wear contact lenses, and being sensitive to light in general, prescription sunglasses have changed my life.

Are you thinking about getting a new pair of sunglasses this summer? I am. And the white frames do make for a very striking look, don’t they?

Neff’s Spectra sunglasses in matte white finish, $25 at Neff

Michael Kors retro Griffin sunglasses, $115 at Nordstom

Miu Miu white sunglassses, about $350 at House of Fraser

Reading: The Lab Magazine

I feel a bit sad that I neglected Issue 5 of The Lab Magazine for a couple of months. I was pumped when it first arrived (many thanks to Tony for sending it my way) and I had a good initial browse through it. But then my life became quite hectic and I have barely been at home to really sit and review it. So this past weekend I made it a priority to spend some good quality time with Issue 5.

I have to admit that even though actor Willem Dafoe is on the cover of this issue, when I first got a hold of The Lab Magazine I was actually more attracted to the large format, the shiny gold lettering, and the quality of the paper of this Canadian (woohoo!) publication. I’m such a sucker for beautifully crafted works.

The magazine’s stories and photos are beautifully and artistically arranged which made it a true pleasure to read. And because I’m not as much of a movie or music buff as my friend Drew (who initially introduced me to the Lab), I learned a lot about the lives of some pretty fascinating actors (e.g., Ty Burrell, Shailene Woodley, Greta Gerwig) and musicians (e.g., Electric Youth, Hey Ocean!). (Have I mentioned before how much I like to learn new things?)

While each article has its unique appeal, I really enjoyed the Making the Shoot story toward the end of this issue. The Making the Shoot, an international competition, invited photographers to submit their work for judging. The grand prize – a full editorial shoot – is featured in this issue. Marta Dymek, the winner, was flown to Los Angeles to photograph Selma Blair (amazing) and the results of this shoot are beautiful. I’ve included a sneak peek here and as you can see Marta’s photos of Selma are simply stunning in this editorial spread (if you want to see more – buy a copy!).

Kudos to Editors in Chief Justin Tyler Close and Jeremy Power Regimbal and their team for The Lab Magazine! It’s apparent that a lot of thought and effort went into this – and I’m sure every – issue.

Notes: The Lab Magazine is available at Barnes and Noble, Chapters, and news stands across the world. Stay tuned for more of their online presence. Thanks to Tony for sending me this issue. Thanks to Drew Nelson for introducing me to The Lab Magazine. Photos of The Lab Magazine by Jordana.

Canadian: Hudson's Bay sans Stripes

Yes, it’s true, the Hudson’s Bay Company has become quite famous for its stripes. But I actually think this white city tote would be perfect for carrying my stuff to and from the beach (which I plan on doing a lot as soon as the weather cooperates!).

Hudson’s Bay canvas city tote, $50

p.s. I know it’s called a city tote but I’m not going to let the name restrict its possible functions. Call me crazy.

Spring babies!

What a delight it is this spring to see my friends welcome babies into their lives- and mine too in the role of tante Johanne!

I’m so excited to meet these wee ones soon: baby Vivienne and my friend Christine will be visiting Toronto next week, and baby Julian and mom Kanwaljeet will be up for a visit in the coming months- he was born just last week. Congratulations to the happy families!

And while we’re on the spring chick topic, surely you heard that Diane von Furstenberg- legendary fashion designer known for her iconic print wrap dresses- has done a collaborative collection for little girls with babyGap and Gap Kids?

Here’s our pick for sweet Vivienne and Julian (unfortunately no baby boy goods by DVF but still adorable from babyGap):

DVF <3 babyGap eyelet wrap dress, $73

Onesie for Stripes Day, $14.95 at babyGap

Fashion: Details from Louis Vuitton & Zara

Lately I haven’t had much time to hit the stores in my city but on my recent trip to NYC I did take a very quick tour of the shops on 5th Avenue (I know – I feel very lucky). These gorgeous fabrics and intricate patterns from Louis Vuitton and Zara caught my attention…but I ended up leaving NYC without even one purchase (unbelievable, right?).

white window display at Louis Vuitton, 5th Avenue, NYC

dress detail, Louis Vuitton, 5th Avenue, NYC

white dots at Zara, 5th Avenue, NYC

trio of white, Zara, 5th Avenue, NYC

Photos by Jordana.

The Friday Five: Katie Ermilio

Strong silhouettes, beautiful fabrics, a bit of menswear inspiration, and a lot of femininity make for a gorgeous collection from young fashion designer Katie Ermilio. While I like many of her colourful pieces (seen here), it’s the all-white pieces that I think are really quite striking. In no particular order, here are my top five:

Photos by Jamie Beck. Visit Katie Ermilio.

Fashion: Zara

On March 14 Zara opened its largest American store at 666 Fifth Ave (52nd & 5th Ave). My parents went over to check out the action and – surprise – they snapped this photo of the all-white line-up of mannequins.

photo by BG

Lucky me – I’ll be in NYC at the end of the week so I’ll be able to check out the display in person! Zara, here I come!

The Friday Five: St. Patrick's Day

In case you haven’t heard, St. Patrick’s day is just around the corner – as in tomorrow – and while many people may opt for green beer this weekend, I’m more of a fan of the longer-lasting items below. A diamond ring – yes please! A cool clover chair – I see you! And a couple sweet clover-y tables – what an easy way to bring some good luck into your home.

Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Ring

Comme des Garcons clover wallet, 145 euros

Ron Arad Clover Armchair

Ethan Allen clover table, $259

mirrored tray table, $480

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

The Friday Five: Fashion

As you may or may not already know, I write about fashion on Mondays over at Johanne’s blog, Fashion in Motion. But every once in a while I love to bring some fashion elements over to White Cabana – in white of course. Here are some looks that are currently inspiring me.

1. I love this delicate necklace by DIYer and blogger extraordinaire, Geneva (of a pair and a spare). I think the white background is perfect for it.

DIY necklace, a pair and a spare

2. This looks like a really warm sweater. I can just imagine how soft it is.

Burberry sweater, via Pinterest

3. It’s still winter. This calls for some more winter white.

Brooklyn Blonde

4. Gwyneth Paltrow. In my opinion she always looks good but she looked especially gorgeous dressed in white at the Oscars.

Gwyneth Paltrow

5. I’m already looking forward to summer…and I’m definitely going to be wearing an outfit like Hanneli‘s. My Cole Haan is just waiting to be paired with summer whites.

Hanneli Mustaparta

Happy Friday everyone! I wish you all a fabulous (and fashionable) weekend!

Rainy days..

..are perfect for fun white rubber boots!

Initially designed for sailing use (see that no-slip gum rubber sole?) Tretorn Skerry‘s rain boot is, as the website concurs, also perfect for urban escapades.

The Skerry boot has a slip-proof gum rubber, is made PVC-free with a matte finish. The lining is micro fleece and has a removable Eco OrthoLite insole.

Genius and chic.

Tretorn Skerry rubber boots, $36 on sale

Fashion: +J (the end)

If I was in New York this weekend, my top shopping priority would be to head (back) to Uniqlo to snap up the last pieces of Jil Sander‘s final +J collection.

The German minimalist designer has done two annual collections for the Asian clothing superstore and the parting was said to be mutual.
While the practice of super-high end fashion designers doing collections for mass-market retailers has become commonplace, +J was noted for its exceptional quality at an amazing price point.
I’ll gladly vouch for +J; the cuts and the fabrics are impressive and affordable. The winter coats are chic and look like they cost $1,500 while most are under $300…if not further marked down for Black Friday. (As I write this I’m wearing the men’s fuzzy black cardigan)

Allegedly, Uniqlo will be opening in Canada at Toronto’s Yorkdale Mall…

Uniqlo +J for Women

Uniqlo +J for Men

shawl collar knitted jacket, $59.90

Dear Readers: Do not adjust your computer screens. Troy is taking over White Cabana this week and, as you can see, he’s really shaken things up around here! Enjoy. – Jordana

Fashion & Beauty: Goody Hair Accessories

A little while ago I got an amazing box full of goodies from Goody. Included in the mix of hair brushes and hair styling products were some glorious sparkly items. Seeing the sparkly hair accessories put a smile on my face, of course. Who doesn’t love to open a box that contains shimmer and shine?

Here are a couple of the shiny (white-ish) hair styling products that I’ve now added to my collection:

Amelia barrette, Goody

Mila bobby slides, Goody

Many thanks to Goody for sending along these samples. Goody products can be found at Walmart and Loblaws.

Photos by Jordana.

Ceramic danglers

These days I’m really into earthy materials and the ceramic chain necklaces by Israeli-born Daniel Zelig are elegant and surely have a lovely weight to them.

Zelig is a bright young graduate of the industrial design program at Israel’s Holen Institute of Technology. Her current accessories collection brings together her two passions: ceramic and jewelry. 

“Design represents to me the need to think, and is a way of seeing and observing. It is my way to touch people and excite them.” -Daniel Zelig

All images courtesy of Daniel Zelig.

Jeffrey Campbell Shoes

Does Jeffrey Campbell make cool shoes or what?

Jeffrey Campbell Skate, $189.95, SoleStruck

Jeffrey Campbell MR, $139.95, SoleStruck

Jeffrey Campbell Tick, $169.95, SoleStruck

I know I probably wouldn’t be able to walk in any of these shoes but they are such great pieces of art that I would be happy to display them on one of my shelves or perhaps under a glass cloche.

Rainbow White

Have you met Jessi Arrington yet? She is a colourful, happy and a self-described Lucky So and So. Her favourite colour is rainbow and her daily fashion picks barely ever include a drop of white or black. We couldn’t have more opposite colour preferences or fashion styles. But you know what, I’m totally impressed by the creative things that she does.

And…she has worn white on at least one occasion:

from Jessi’s Rainbow Birthday

I guess white is an essential ingredient in rainbows. This makes me happy.

Spex Club Eyewear

In need of affordable eyewear? Have you heard of Spex Club? This company offers a good selection of affordable prescription eyewear for men and women.

Although Spex carries a variety of colours, it probably does not surprise anyone that I’m most attracted to all the white frames. The Spex collection feels like it was made just for me!

Apprentice

Jesse

Ruby

Scout

Baxter

Bloomer

Jinx

All images courtesy of Spex Club.

Obsessed with FIAT

Well, if you’ve been following me on Twitter then you are already aware of my new found obsession with the FIAT 500. (Thanks to Caroline from Paloma’s Nest for getting this obsession going.)

Now, let’s be honest, I’m not really into cars. I don’t really like learning about them, I don’t remember makes/brands/model numbers and as far as car maintenance goes, well, let’s just say that I’ve got car washes under control.

I currently drive a Jeep and it’s the only car I’ve ever had. I really, really, really love it. But, now it’s getting old and it might just be time for me to invest in something smaller and more efficient.

In comes the FIAT 500.

FIAT 500 Pop

FIAT 500 Sport

FIAT 500 Lounge

The FIAT 500 made its début in North America just a few months ago. Founded in Torino, Italy, FIAT has been designing and manufacturing stylish and efficient cars since 1900. The concept behind FIAT was to design a car as beautiful as the hills, towns, and coasts it was built to explore. In 1957, the Nuova (new) 500 was marketed as a city car. Dante Giacosa, its designer, described it as a scooter with a roof. In 1972, the last model in the 500 series was made and production ended in 1975.

A vintage FIAT in Abruzzo, Italy; photo by Jordana

Now, after over 35 years since production of the original 500 ended, FIAT has brought a new and improved version to North America. Hip hip!

This zipity zip car just might work for me. The differences between the three models (Pop, Sport, & Lounge) don’t look to be much of a big deal (for my untrained eye, anyway) so I’d be happy with any of the three. I’ve rented Fiat cars on many occasions in Europe so I already know I like driving them. Not only that, it’s Italian. Need I say more?

FIAT rental cars in Italy and the Canary Islands (1. Panda, 2. Panda, 3. Punto; parallel parking is so easy!)

Me: The Happy Driver

If I do ever get a FIAT 500, I’d obviously have to get all the accessories to match! How perfect that this car company loves white just as much as I do! I think it might be a match made in car heaven.

First, I would get a tumbler for my latte. There are cup holders galore in this little car so maybe I’d have to get two – to treat my passengers to an authentic Italian beverage.

Ceramic tumbler, $18.95

I would use the FIAT pen to write down my grocery lists and driving directions.

FIAT Mokina ballpoint pen, $150.95

I’ll need this tote for my groceries. Wouldn’t my pasta, tomatoes and basil look good in it?

tote, $12.95

The super white FIAT watch (and the FIAT 500 car) would get me to meetings and appointments on time.

FIAT slap on watch, $24.95

Although I don’t need cuff links, I would have to get them just because they’re extra cute. I’d probably make some sort of DIY project out of them. Maybe.

FIAT 500 cuff links, $69.95

I’ll need the FIAT wallet for gas money. That’s just a given.

FIAT 500 wallet, $124.95

Now onto wardrobe. Well, first I would get some sort of cool driving gloves (but FIAT doesn’t make any). Then I would put some of the Fiat clothing into rotation – to make me feel like a hip Italian race car driver, of course.

FIAT Technical sweatshirt, $99.95

FIAT technical jacket, $174.95

And for my wee little nephews who will be passengers while I’m on babysitting duty, I would give them each one of these:

FIAT infant body suit, $12.95

So what’s stopping me? Well, it’s a major purchase. Major price tag. Major decision. Oh – and it still makes me sad to think about giving up my Jeep.

If you understand Italian, you might enjoy the videos and additional information provided on the FIAT Italy website.

In some countries (but not Canada), the 500 by Gucci is available for pre-order (if you can manage to get on the Priority List). It’s sleek and black. Click here to learn more.

For a review of the FIAT 500 from someone more experiences than me, click here.

Photos of FIAT Pop, Sport & Lounge, and FIAT merchandise courtesy of FIAT USA.

Marc Newson & the Supersized Zipper

Industrial designer Marc Newson‘s most recent collaboration with G-Star RAW has resulted in a unique collection of t-shirts, sweatshirts and pants. Striking graphic prints, bold colours and metallic finishes make these pieces worthy investments this spring/summer.

I think this white-on-white t-shirt with the larger than large zipper print is pretty cool.

Marc Newson for G-Star RAW via Dezeen

p.s. What do you think of Marc Newson’s astronaut sweatshirt?

Jewelry network

by Johanne

There’s something very cool about Nervous System‘s jewelry collection, “Hyphae.”

The design house does various household, jewelry, art and oh, you know, they like to grow rhizome-like 3D networks of nylon and enable them to interweave into beautiful jewelry that mimics human and plant circulatory systems. That’s all.

(!!!)

Nylon being what it is, the Hyphae jewelry pieces are incredibly light and flexible, so these puppies will be comfortable despite looking structurally solid. Of course we’re fascinated by the branching networks that are easily identifiable in the Hyphae collection’s cuffs, necklaces, rings and earrings.

Nature is so beautiful, isn’t it?

Rhizome cuff grown from 4 root points intertwined into a unified network, $75

Vessel earrings, $32

Mini Hyphae cuff, $55

Hyphae ring, small size, $28

River bangle, $70

Check out Nervous System’s site to watch the video as to how the Hyphae collection is made.

Images courtesy of Nervous System.

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