Silver Fox Energy at A Black Tie Wedding

Posted on December 6, 2023 by tina

Silver Fox Energy At A Black Tie Wedding: Finding Your Style Voice

The silver fox energy at a black tie wedding I attended blew me away, and here’s the story. The silver foxes owned their outfits with an unparalleled panache, and amidst them, I found my place, armed with a firm grasp of my Style Voice. Wearing an ensemble that echoed my personal aesthetic, I felt a surge of confidence and comfort. Picture yourself at a sumptuous black-tie wedding, a setting far removed from the familiar comforts of home. Surrounded by extravagance and the implicit expectation to dress in a certain manner, I anchored myself in a vital truth: style is an intimate affair, a mirror of our inner world rather than a mere response to social cues. Embracing what felt genuinely ‘me’ empowered me to confidently showcase my own style amidst the lavishness of the occasion.

Witnessing a Mosaic of Style Expressions

The venue was aflutter with guests, each interpreting the black tie code through their unique lens. Their poise and assurance radiated, underscoring that style isn’t tethered by geographical confines. Amidst the dazzling variety, a group that stood out was the elegant silver foxes, both male and female. But the women, defying age stereotypes, confidently donned bright colors, mini dresses, ball gowns, and so much more. Their flair was a testament that personal style transcends age.

Staying True Amidst Glamour

In this ocean of diverse outfits, my choice resonated distinctively. Genuine style is about embracing what feels right, without external pressures. Rooted in my personal comfort and conviction, my fashion narrative that evening was clear: a blend of simplicity with a bold undercurrent.

Appreciating the Diversity of Style Icons

As I stepped into the venue adorned with opulent decorations, I couldn’t help but notice the myriad of age groups and styles on display. The guests exuded confidence and sophistication, each interpreting the black tie dress code in their unique way. It was a true testament to the fact that style knows no boundaries. In a world where fashion trends come and go, one truth remains unwavering: style knows no age or geographical boundaries.

Transforming Simplicity to Elegance

I gravitated towards a modestly-priced COS dress, symbolizing my love for simplicity. Yet, it was the personal flourishes – a resplendent embroidered silk scarf and coordinated sandals – that amplified the elegance. This moment was a vivid reminder: true style isn’t about expenditure but personal ownership.

Silent Stories Spoken Through Attire

As hours danced by, my outfit narrated tales of my identity. It mirrored my penchant for the understated with a spark of panache. Through fabric and design, my attire effortlessly resonated my core beliefs and individuality.

Extending Style Beyond Clothes

The wedding was a clarion call, reinforcing my belief that style pervades every life dimension. Just as I have a signature fashion voice, the same philosophy guides me at home and in my everyday choices, ensuring harmony, authenticity, and comfort in every corner of life.

Confidence in My Style Voice: Comfort as a Guiding Light

Amid the sea of sophisticated ensembles, I didn’t feel out of place with my style choices. What sets personal style apart is the ability to confidently wear what resonates with you, irrespective of external influences. The regional style expectations that could have easily swayed me were mere whispers in the wind. I was armed with a firm belief in my own taste and a deep understanding of what makes me feel comfortable and confident. My style voice echoed a sentiment of bold simplicity – a philosophy I embrace wholeheartedly, even in the midst of an upscale event like this.

A Dress, A Scarf, and My Style Voice

For the event, I decided to adhere to my style voice’s mantra of ‘Bold Simplicity’. I chose a $180 COS dress that embodied simplicity in its design. But it was the way I personalized it that truly made the ensemble my own. A heavily embroidered silk scarf draped around my shoulders added an element of opulence, while matching sandals completed the look. This transformation taught me that style isn’t defined by price tags; it’s defined by how you wear what you wear, and the vibe you exude.

Unveiling Your Story Without Words

As the night unfolded, I realized that my outfit, much like everyone else’s, was telling a story. My dress and flamboyant scarf were an introduction to who I am and what I stand for. They whispered about my personal style voice, speaking boldly about my preferences for simplicity with a touch of extravagance. And the best part? I didn’t have to utter a single word; my attire was a representation of me, my values, my heritage and my authentic self.

Beyond the Price Tag: Embracing Self-Confidence

At an event where luxury fashion is often on full display, it’s natural to wonder if our own attire measures up. The question of cost can be particularly intimidating, making us question whether our outfit is “good enough.” As I looked around at the silver foxes, I was reminded that true style is not determined by the price tag. Confidence, comfort, and individuality are the real hallmarks of a well-put-together ensemble.

Integrating Style into Every Facet of Life

Attending the wedding deepened my understanding that style is much more than clothing; it’s a comprehensive lifestyle philosophy. This philosophy extends beyond the boundaries of fashion, influencing every facet of our lives. Whether it’s in choosing attire, curating a living space, or making daily decisions, I’m guided by my style voice which is ‘Effortless Bold Simplicity’. This approach is about more than aesthetics; it’s rooted in feeling comfortable and confident, and staying true to our authentic selves. By weaving harmony and authenticity into every aspect of our existence, we ensure that our personal style voice is not just seen, but lived in every decision we make. Does your Style Voice say it all?

As we navigate the intricate tapestry of our lives, this approach stands as a testament to the multifaceted nature of personal style. It signifies that style isn’t limited to clothing, but rather it’s a reflection of how we choose to live and express ourselves in every dimension. So, let’s embrace this lifestyle approach, infusing every choice with the same spirit of authenticity, confidence, and bold simplicity that defines our unique style voice.

Closing Thoughts: A Celebration of Individuality

Stepping away from the grandeur of the black tie wedding, I carried with me a renewed appreciation for the profound impact of personal style. It’s a force that transcends generations and blurs geographical boundaries, serving as a reminder that we’re all threads woven into the global tapestry of self-expression. The elegant silver foxes and the diverse assembly of guests served as living proof that style knows no age or geography – it’s a universal language that unites us all.

The event wasn’t solely a celebration of love; it was an ode to the beauty of style and self-expression. The silver foxes, each donning their distinctive and elegant ensembles, underlined the notion that fashion is an exquisite canvas upon which our individual personalities come to life. Embracing our uniqueness while respecting the choices of others is a transformative journey toward self-assuredness.

In the world of fashion, the price tag becomes secondary to the way you carry yourself. Whether your attire costs $180 or $1,800, what truly matters is the confidence and authenticity with which you wear it. As we navigate our personal journeys, let’s always keep in mind that style celebrates our individuality, weaving a narrative threaded with confidence, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to staying true to ourselves. So, let your style voice resonate, let your choices reflect your essence, and let your journey be a testament to the power of embracing who you are.

As we journey together in celebrating and mastering our unique style voices, I’m excited to share that registration is now open for ‘Silver Style On The Go: Mastering Your Style Voice’. This program is designed to help you travel light and look great, ensuring your style speaks volumes wherever you go. Join us in this adventure of fashion and self-expression. More info HERE

Building A Home – A Long, Layered Approach.

Posted on May 7, 2022 by tina

*Room designed by Lassel Fragtrup. The focus is on the entire space. The furniture melts into the room so that the fireplace and coffee table take centre stage.*

“Ornament is Crime” Adolph Loos

Architects are not decorative. Our focus is on the spatial. That is, how can we make our spaces better. How can we make them appealing without any decoration at all. While part of an architect’s practice absolutely focuses on dressing interiors and adding finishing touches for clients (myself included!) there is always an eye fixed on the bigger picture. The form, the function, the relationship of built areas and voids, each space as it relates to and works with the other spaces– it’s always there in the back of my mind. The dip into some HGTV buzz words, the bones of the house are equally important (and influential on the space) as the finishing touches to make a space feel yours, feel authentic. And, any decoration that is added to a space has a reason to be there. It is meaningful.

A ‘decorated’ room by Sarah Richardson. The symmetrical end tables, lamps and pictures and the matchy-matchy accessories make the room feel decorated rather than evolved. The carpet is the most spectacular thing in the room and gives some hints about the owner’s personality. I’d like to see more personal items in the space to make it feel more authentic.

*This room feel more authentic. There is no symmetry or matchy-matchy in the space. The neutral backdrop allows the owner’s of objects of art to speak on behalf of the owner.*

Speaking of HGTV– I’ve been thinking a lot about the many, many, interior design shows that have been on in the last 10 or 20 years. For a lot of people, either design lovers, the design curious, and (before Netflix and Hulu… HGTV is vintage!) those stuck watching TV on the couch at 2pm when sick and nothing else in on… these design shows are the first taste of ‘interior design’.

The shows typically all work the same. You get a tour of a home that the owners love, but it needs a ‘refresh’. The TV design team comes in and whirls around with tape measures, fabric samples, a carpenter with a pencil behind their ear, and an interior designer with fantastic hair. Then, the house is a construction zone and everyone wears a hardhat (can it even be done in time?!). When the paint is dry (our first glimpse into the “makeover”) we get a lot of short and quick shots of people bringing in furniture, a pillow gets fluffed and placed just so, maybe some new candlesticks are tastefully added to a mantel or bookcase (perfectly styled), and usually a photo of the couple/family is placed somewhere with a wink and the host exclaiming ‘time to show the homeowners!’. Then we have the REVEAL. The home owners see their new home and often it’s a lot of ‘oh wow!’.

*From Youtube to exemplify the idea of the ‘reveal’*

I really dislike the reveal. Also called the ‘install’ by Interior Designers.

Think of it this way: It’s difficult to smooth a layer of textiles and trendy furniture (we cannot forget the ultimate trendy Matisse print!, framed or unframed, you know the one) over a room and expect it to work. It’s like trying to ice a cake in delicious home-made buttercream when the cake itself is half-cooked or tastes like cardboard. It just won’t taste the way you want it to, nor will it last (will you think back and say, hey– that cake worked great last time, let’s do it again with a bigger budget?).

The ‘install’ feels a little like this cake. Homes feel staged. Inauthentic. Devoid of personality. The owners are presented with an ‘instant’ room. Over time I have come to learn to treat interiors with as much consideration and thought for the occupants/owners as we do the structure. It is difficult to go down a checklist of what is popular now and build a room that both feels like you and will still look good and still feel authentic in 5 or 10 years. There is a focus to make this transformation instant and exciting (which makes for good TV…) rather than considered and layered. How many people really fit and love the current trends of shiplap, a sheepskin throw, muted neutrals, and an abstract painting that a consultant selected without input? You deserve a home beyond trendy and decorative.

*A room we have seen over and over. Shaker cabinets with sheepskin and lemons. Styled to offend no one.*

Your home should feel relevant. Truly, the only way to make your home more authentically you and different from everyone else’s is to have your home evolve from your experiences, history, culture etc… The most interesting and exciting homes are those that display these unique aspects and spark questions and interests and can be the basis for a great story.

As I said, architects are not decorative. Certainly, one thing may be chosen over another for aesthetics or great lines (we all have our weaknesses), but the idea of pure decoration is a classic architectural no-go. I love homes where people have a really good foundation (great space, good colour palette, wonderful furniture– think a great cake recipe) and over time layer it with all those finishing touches a la HGTV that come from family, travels, art that you picked because you loved it– not the closest Ikea or Target (a good icing).

Everything has a connection and a story. The lamp was found next to a garbage bin in New Delhi. The sculpture is by an Indian artist found in a gallery in Varanasi.

In my own home, things are a bit idiosyncratic. But it works. We have a mix of collected ceramics, art, family photos that blend with a modern home because we made space to highlight the things that are important to us. Our personal touches get pride of place and everything has a story and a connection to my family.

*Slow collecting over years from our travels. Put collections on trays to frame them.*

Consider the Eames Case Study house in the Pacific Palisades– a completely modern home, an absolute machine for living. And yet, it feels lived in and loved because it is filled with personal items and things from the Eames’ travels. A classic modern box dressed with absolute personality.

*Inside the Eames Case Study House in Pacific Palisades*

*A great example of how this couple has added their personality to their home.*

Another family friend has an equally striking home– lots of white and neutrals and softness that complement the taste of the owners, but the entire space is punctuated with objects they find beautiful.They set a strong foundation that showcase the things they love.

It bears repeating, architects are not decorative. We can’t help but see the relationship between everything in a space, it’s what we’re trained to do! To really build a space that works, it is a slow and involved process that should feel like you each step of the way.

The obsession with instant fixes and trendy makeovers that build up to a ‘big reveal’ might make a space feel fresh, but does it really work? Do you really love it? Do you feel like you’re living in a magazine shoot that wasn’t built for you?

In summary, your home does not need to be perfect from the get-go. There is no downside to taking your time and layering yourself into a space with colours you like and things you love. It may not happen over a weekend, or make for great TV– but you will slowly build a space that reflects your taste, your experiences, your story.

Studio Tour: Francis Bacon in Dublin

Posted on November 19, 2014 by tina

We had the opportunity to see Francis Bacon’s reconstructed painting studio in Dublin a couple of years ago.

Francis Bacon was one of the leading figurative painters of the late twentieth century. He lived and worked in 7 Reece Mews, South Kensington, London, from 1961 until his death in 1992. The studio with its heaps of torn photographs, fragments, of illustration and artistsâ€™ catalogues provided many of his visual sources. It’s documented that his studio became his complete visual works. Apparently, Francis rarely painted from life.

The dust was deliberately mixed into his paint. The studio was cluttered, paint splattered with thick layers of debris and toxic pigments. Which apparently exacerbated his acute asthma.

Francis Bacon’s entire London studio was transplanted and reassembled – every paintbrush and speck of dust, along with the walls and floorboards â€“ to the Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin, Ireland. The studio took three years to reconstruct in a Dublin art gallery with every detail of the work-space faithfully re-created.

The studio was donated to the Hugh Lane Gallery in and a team of 10 archaeologists and conservators spent three years dismantling the room and its contents and transporting them across the Irish Sea.

Bacon was born in Ireland to English parents but he left Ireland when he was a teenager. He died in Spain in 1992. Â According to Brian Clarke, Francis Baconâ€™s executor, “Bacon once said that he’d never come back to Dublin until he was dead,”

“And I think frankly if he were here today to see what happened, I think he’d be touched but I think he’d probably roar with laughter as well.”

Francis Bacon’s studio was the ultimate creative mess. I recommend a visit if you are in Dublin.

Meet Artist Ben Wilson, the Millennium Bridge Chewing Gum Man

Posted on September 29, 2014 by tina

After a trip to the Tate Modern in London, we headed over to meet a friend at Kings College. We walked over the elegant, sinuous Millennium Bridge. Itâ€™s has been a couple of years since our last visit and this time we noticed that everyone was looking down and pointing, not the sort of thing you expect to see in the middle of this busy thoroughfare.Â The once magnificent, pristine bridge has definitely aged.

The metal rungs of the bridge are now the repository for discarded chewing gum. Itâ€™s a bit shocking to see the how little regard people have for their cityâ€™s icons. I am always surprised that so many people do not consider discarded cigarette butts and chewing gum as destructive litter.

The silver lining however is that Artist Ben Wilson, aka The Chewing Gum Man, apparently a regular sight on the bridge, takes these disgusting remnants of peopleâ€™s chewing gum and turns them into mini works of art.

Many of the pieces are commissioned by tourists and locals commemorating their visit or someone in their lives. The intricate paintings can take hours to make.

Ben likes to create art that means something to the people who ask for it. This was a tribute to victims of the Japanese Tsunami.

This image shows people on the bridge looking at Ben’s artwork andÂ St Paul’s Cathedral at the end of the Millennium Bridge axis.

Itâ€™s the endless possibility of patterns that seems to excite Benâ€™s creative mind. As Ben explains â€œsometimes I can look at the shape and I can see what I want to createâ€¦the gum gets stuck between the tread and takes on an echo or a form of the bridge.â€( quote is from (image from Inspiring City)

The Millennium Bridge has now become an experiential, free, outdoor art gallery. In his words, about painting onto discarded chewing gum, â€œitâ€™s not criminal damageâ€ he tells me â€œthe chewing gum is already there Iâ€™m just transforming it into something beautiful that people would like to look at.â€ (Quote is from Inspiring City)).

This may be the ultimate expression of â€˜taking lemons and making lemonadeâ€™. Ben Wilson has taken trash and turned it into an amazing interactive tourist attraction.Â Now if he could only turn his hand to those cigarette butts. (The 3 image above are from Inspiring City)

Street Style: London

Posted on June 30, 2014 by tina

These are some street style images from a recent trip to London, England.

Cobalt blue Hermes bag in Chelsea.

Vancouver Evening Style

Posted on October 14, 2013 by tina

Recently, I was at a friend’s birthday party at La Pentola Della Quercia in the OPUS Hotel Yaletown, when I looked up and saw something SPARKLE.

At the bar was a beautiful bride and her groom having a nightcap in full wedding attire. The brideâ€™s retro style was very evocative, and evidently she had designed the beaded, low-back gown, accentuated with jewelry and sparkly shoes.

Seeing this bride, just dripping with glamour, I got a distinctly nostalgic feeling. The look is such a welcome departure from the conventional, puffy or â€˜pufflessâ€™, strapless wedding dresses that seems to dominate the wedding scene.

This Gatsbyesque style dress by contrast is not only glamourous, itâ€™s practical. Â Â A bride, according to traditional wedding designer Reem Acra, â€œâ€¦wants the glamour, but she wants the flowy dress â€” so she can move â€” the sexiness and the embellishment,â€ she said. â€œAll these elements, in my mind, are saying â€™20s.â€

Jenny Packham, an evening wear and bridalÂ gown designer in London, comments, â€œIt was a wonderfully liberating time for women, to wear modern no-fuss clothing.â€ Thereâ€™s a â€œstrong contemporary relevance,â€ she added.

You donâ€™t want to overdo it though and risk looking like a period piece. Â Instead, like this bride, update the look by focusing on the Art Deco embellishments and dress cut. The long reverse pendant necklace is playful, and accentuates the bare plunging backline of the dress.

Back to the party……cousins with style.

Vancouver Summer Street Style

Posted on August 4, 2013 by tina

Retro revival style, as seen on the streets and beaches of Vancouver.

Chateau Marmont: LA’s Notorious Icon of Hedonism

Posted on August 1, 2013 by tina

Little did I know when my daughter suggested we have a drink at the Chateau Marmont, after a day of home tours in the Canyons, that it was the quintessential Los Angeles Hotel. Apparently the Eaglesâ€™ 1977 song â€˜Hotel Californiaâ€™ is rumoured to be about the Chateau Marmont.

I have to thank the Vancouver Art Galleryâ€™s latest show called, Grand Hotel: Redesigning Modern Life for enlightening and informing me of the hotelâ€™s notorious reputation for being the ultimate hedonistâ€™s hangout. Without seeing this exhibition, I doubt I would have delved further into the seedier history of Los Angeles. Although I knew something was up when the hotel staff asked me to put my camera away. Anyone who knows me, knows, this is very hard for me to do. I did manage to sneak a few pictures, but my friends were nervous about being thrown out, so I had to limit my shots. We did see some recognizable faces in the courtyard so I assumed this request was in deference to their guestâ€™s privacy. Evidently the Chateauâ€™s tradition of carefully guarded guest privacy dates back to its opening in 1927.

The hotel was loosely modeled after the French Loire Valleyâ€™s Chateau dâ€™Amboise and was purposely built and envisioned, as a place where entertainment industry talent could feel at home. The hotel was designed to allow guests to come and go discretely, resulting in the Chateauâ€™s reputationÂ as a place for intrigue and indiscretion.Â Most importantly, guests could come and go without being observed by the press.

The Marmont was originally conceived as a deluxe residential apartment complex. However, with the onset of the Great Depression, changes to the business model were required, so the Chateau became a hotel instead. The new owner capitalized on the flagging economy by purchasing antique furniture from estate sales, resulting in the Chateauâ€™s distinctive style, so loved by visitors.

In the late 60s and 70s the Chateau Marmont was very popular with musicians and became the locus for the emerging Los Angeles music scene based in the Laurel Canyon. According to the exhibition, Grand Hotel: Redesigning Modern Life, the Marmont was a retreat for some of the most famous musicians of the folk-rock revival, including Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Jim Morrison, The Mamas and the Papas, and the The Byrds. The Marmont emerged as the place to meet, hang out, jam and engage in a variety of shenanigans.

The exhibition further explains, â€œThe stories are legendary: Janis Joplin wandering the halls at all hours of the night in a drug induced haze; Jim Morrison, in a fog of Jack Daniels and LSD, falling from his second-storey window and injuring his back; Led Zeppelin, in a juvenile gesture of rock â€˜nâ€™ roll tomfoolery, famously riding their motorcycles through the lobby; and Alice Cooper engaging in a spirited game of nude football. The Marmont assumed a tawdry feel in the 1970s, becoming a place to score drugs, entertain suicidal thoughts or hide from the world for a while.â€Â John Belushi died of a drug overdose in his room, Bungalow #3 at the Chateau Marmont. Below is a 1956 view of the Marmont bungalows.

It wasnâ€™t just musicians who made the Chateau Marmont their home. It also was a favourite place for old Hollywood from the 1930s through the 1950s. â€œDeals were made, careers established and destroyed, and relationships were forged and broken within the hallowed walls of the Marmont.â€ The founder of Columbia Pictures is known to have told young actors, â€œIf you must get into trouble. Do it at the Marmont.â€

Personally, we found the service to be incredible. When we were indecisive about which wine to order, our server brought us 3 varieties to try! I want to thank my agents provocateurs, Shelina, Devon and Paisley for making our Chateau Marmont experience so memorable! When in Los Angeles, pay the Chateau Marmont a visit, and if you are in Vancouver, go see the show, Grand Hotel: Redesigning Modern Life.

Listen to Lana Del Rey’s interview on youtube where she talks about why she uses the Chateau Marmont in her videos.

Photo credit: All black and white photos are from the Vancouver Art Gallery and all others are taken by me.

What Makes a City Vibrant?

Posted on July 25, 2013 by tina

Vibrancy is People.

“A city is about having a center, or an intersection people tend to associate with culture, gatherings, and activities. A vibrant city has a core and a pulse that is always beating and when you visit that core place your spirit is lifted and you leave having experienced something new and different.” (from CEOs for Cities)

Keeping our cities vibrant: Vancouver’s example:

Citizens of Strathcona rejected a freeway through Chinatown in 1967Â “Immediately, protest came from every part of the city, and a crowd of 800 people gathered in City Hall to shout down the consultants’ proposals. The Chairman of the city’s planning commission resigned on the spot, and a year later, the plan was scrapped. Apparently, the spirited editorializing of the local papers in favor of cutting out civic blight with a concrete knife had influenced no one but a handful of architects.â€ read more

Keeping our cities vibrant: Toronto’s Kensington Market’s example:

Having just spent a few wonderful days in the Annex and Kensington Market, I am so happy to see a neighbourhood pull together to voice their concerns over the negative impact of big box retail.

â€œPeople donâ€™t walk to stores in a walkable city, they walk through neighbourhoods with stores,â€ said Vaughan (a Toronto City Councillor) while at the podium. â€œBig box is the antithesis of a walkable city.â€ read more.

Have a look at Toronto’s Annex and Kensington Market through the eyes’ of a traveler (me).

In the lanes of the Annex, graffiti artists show their work. Every garage was the canvas and the lanes became the gallery.Â Â For some, their work is political.

People are at the center of vibrant, livable cities.

Ray Kappe: Architect, Urban Planner and Educator, California

Posted on July 16, 2013 by tina

A TRIBUTE + RESOURCE

An internationally recognized architect, urban planner, and educator since 1953, Ray Kappe‘s much awarded and published work is considered to be an extension of the early Southern California master architects: Wright, Schindler, Neutra, and Harwell Hamilton Harris.

Some good advice In the words of Ray Kappe:
“I’ve always sought out the edges, the views, and a feeling
of expansiveness.”

“I was once asked what I think are the ten most important principles that helped make me a successful architect, planner, and educator…

(1)Â Think positively, not negatively.
(2)Â Accept structure but know that it is to be questioned and broken when necessary.
(3)Â Always be willing to explore, experiment and invent.Â Do not accept the status quo.
(4)Â Know yourself and keep your work consistent with who you are and how you think.
(5)Â Maintain good moral and social values.
(6)Â Be humble, honest, compassionate, and egalitarian.
(7)Â Have conviction about your work.
(8)Â Be open and say yes to most ideas and requests. The good ones will be valuable, the bad ones will cease to exist.
(9)Â Allow employees and fellow workers freedom and the ability to work to their strengths. Avoid hierarchy.
(10) Money should be the residual of work, not the goal.Â But do not compromise your worth.”