IKEA Food Styling

Food styling has always fascinated me partly because I know from experience how difficult it is to get that perfect food shot. I was blown away by the creative food styling from the new IKEA baking book 'Homemade is Best'. The book will have 140 pages that include 30 classic Swedish baking recipes. The photo concept is unique and the placement precision of each ingredient is unreal. The Stylist for the shoot was Evelina Bratell and Carl Kleiner was the photographer on the job. Both did an amazing job!

Uncooked Cards

Browsing through the Uncooked website is such a great way to start off the day. Uncooked has cards for every occasion but be warned - they are not the mushy lovey dovey kind. These cards are hilarous, sarcastic and completely random - love!

Fall Closet Clean Out

I spent a few hours last week switching my spring/summer wardrobe over to my fall/winter pieces. I tried to fight it but I finally had to face the reality that summer is officially over. A few months ago, I wrote about tips on how to do a really great closet clean out and I thought it might be helpful to re-post them since it's that time of year again.

I like to add another step though that you should do before you start the clean out: outfit inspiration. Search online or in magazines for looks that you like and create a vision board with all your inspiration looks. This will help you stay focused and will help you get rid of the items you no longer need. Below are some images I pulled for inspiration for my fall look.

1. Purge
-Make 2 piles: One pile you will take to the consignment store so this includes any brand name item that is in good shape and the other pile is for everything else which you can give to a charity.
-Women typically only wear 20% of their wardrobe so if you haven't worn it in the last year, then it's time to get rid of it.
- Only keep items that make you feel good when you put them on. And if it's too big or too tight just toss it!

2. Create Outfits
- Now that you've cleared out all the items you no longer need, it's time to start thinking of maximizing the pieces you are keeping.
- Try everything on and create outfits. Mix and match pieces so that every item can be worn at least 3 different ways. Experiment and have some fun in this step!
-Once you complete your outfits, be sure to take a picture of them laid out on the floor. This makes getting dressed in the morning so much easier. It also forces you to wear different items and not the same ol' pieces of clothing each week!

3. Fill in the Gaps:
- After completing steps 1 and 2, figure out what items you are missing - some may be staple pieces while others may be the missing link to the perfect outfit.

images via Life by Ida, Fashion Toast, Facehunter, Blushing Ambition, Fashion Magazine, Late Afternoon, Refinery 29, Chictopia

Wish List: A.P.C. Quilts

Jessica Ogden, often known as the patchwork queen, has teamed up with A.P.C. to create a group of limited edition quilts. The collaboration includes a collection of 7 quilts with only 30 copies of each one and each quilt is hand stitched using recycled bits of archived A.P.C. fabric. This quilt is the perfect blanket to cozy up with on a cold winter day. I'll take one please!

Closet Inspiration 9.28.10

After completing my fall closet clean out last week (more on that tomorrow), I found myself searching for some style inspiration for fall. I found a ton of inspiration on Tabula Rasa's website . Tabula Rasa is a boutique in Toronto's east end that is stocked with an amazing mix of both vintage and new pieces. I am absolutely in love with the styling of their look book. I would definitely wear any one of these looks!

Styling Tip: Booties & Socks

images via Chictopia

The Happiness Project

I recently purchased the Happiness Project after an incredibly heart felt blog post from Kate that really hit home. We all have a chance to live life just once, so why not make it the best life we possibly can? I was recently told the best piece advice I've heard in a long time that has to do with fear and regret. Holly from Decor 8 poised the question "Isn't it better to feel fear than regret?" and my answer was heck yes! You have two choices in life:

1 . Take the plunge while experiencing some fear. You never know what you can do until you give it a go.
2 . Think about all the things you want to/could do, but play it safe and don't take the risk. In this option you are going to risk living your life with regret and this is something I never want to experience.

I haven't started reading the Happiness Project, but I'll keep you posted on my new journey as I read through the book and make a few changes along the way.

I hope you had a fantastic weekend! I didn't get a chance to get an afternoon post together, but I'll be back to a normal schedule tomorrow. xo

Pick of the Week: Beside Herself Nest Dolls

Steve and I saw some incredibly talented artists at the Queen West Art Crawl last weekend, but one of my favourite booths was from Beside Herself. I fell in love with their work and couldn't get enough of these NEST dolls. NEST is a limited edition series of hand screen-printed soft sculptures. I completely regret not buying one, but they do have an Etsy shop so we're all in luck! I also fell in love with their super cute modern doilies which are going on my wish list!

DIY: Wood Veneer Lampshade

For instructions on how to make this wood veneer lampshade, visit my Handmade with Style blog on Sweetspot!

Recipe: Peanut Butter Gingersnap Cookies

One of my favourite kinds of cookies that I often forget about are gingersnap cookies. While I was watching the Food Network last week, I came across these delicious looking peanut butter gingersnap cookies and I knew I had to test them out. Steve and I gobbled up a bunch the minute the came out of the oven. I'll admit that I ate more than necessary, but they were freaking delicious! Click here for the recipe.

Welcome to my Neighbourhood

Steve and I went on a bike ride last night and snapped some shots of our west Toronto neighbourhood. We've been living in this area for two years now and I couldn't be happier. There are a ton of art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops all around the corner from our loft. And there is never a shortage of things to do because there is usually some sort of event or festival happening near by. I'm absolutely in love with the century old buildings and Victorian row houses! Here's a little peak into my daily surroundings...

Style Ideas: Party Dresses

Lately I've been itching for a night of dancing. It's been far too long! There's nothing like a crazy night out with your girlfriends dancing the night away to some kick ass tunes at some cheesy club. So grab your party dress and your dancing shoes and lets go!

Dresses by Motel
Shoes from top to bottom - Steve Madden, Elizabeth and James, Matiko

Wish List: His and Hers Keyholders

I love love love these keyholders! My friend Stacy was recently on the hunt for some cool keyholders and lets just say the pickings are slim. She came across these amazing his and hers keyholders and I just can't get enough of them. These are going straight on my wish list.

Coat Racks

I don't really have the space for a coat rack in our loft, but once I move into a place with a front foyer area, I would definitely love any of these options. Who knew there were so many cool coat racks available?!

1. Urban Outfitters, 2. Poaa, 3. Generate, 4. Generate, 5. Huset, 6. Alissia MT, 7. Generate

Beauty Bag Series

Head over to Wallpaper today to see what I keep in my make-up bag for Liz's Beauty Bag series!

A Big Thank You To...

I just wanted to say a big thank you to Jessica from fort & field for featuring my Sundae Bar! You can check it out here and be sure to check out her amazing online shop for fun party ideas!

Current Obsession: Combat Boots

I must admit one of my favourite parts of fall is the return of boots. Oh boy do I looove my boots (you can click here to see my collection which is growing by the minute). I just can't get enough of them. They really are the perfect complement to any outfit - they look great with shorts, with dresses, with denim, with everything! I'm currently on the hunt for an awesome pair of combat boots and I found so many great options. Which pair should I get?

1. Jeffrey Campbell, 2. Michael Kors, 3. All Saints, 4. Boutique9, 5. H by Hudson, 6. Steve Madden

DIY: Cork Covered Pencil Holder

Click here for directions on how to make this cork covered pencil holder on my Handmade with Style blog on Sweetspot.

Happy Monday

I'm back and feeling rejuvenated. This picture kind of says it all for me right now - carefree and ready to have some fun! After being away from the blog for a week, it gave me a chance to re-evaluate and become re-inspired so look forward to a new blog design and a few changes in the next few months.

I had a great weekend where there was an equal amount of work and play. I guess I'm starting to get the hang of this balance thing. I hope your weekend was lovely!

image via knight cat

Tiny Blogging Break

I recently joked that I have four jobs and later that day it actually hit me - I do have four jobs! I work full time as a Fashion Sales Agent and when I'm not doing that I'm either blogging for Eat.Live.Shop., blogging for Sweetspot or working on furniture pieces for Salvage Interiors. Needless to say these past few months have been exhausting and every minute I have is spent doing one of the above jobs.

It's been hard to balance and I have had many meltdowns (some major ones that resulted in crying in a ball on the floor), but I wouldn't change any of it. So many doors are opening for me and great things are happening. I'm looking forward to what the future will bring, but in the meantime I'm prepared to work my butt off and to do the best I can in each area. Having said that, I'm going to be taking this week off from blogging to catch up on the other things that have been piling up - this is a HUGE step for me. I promise this won't happen very often, but in order to keep my sanity this is something that needs to be done. I'll be back next week with regular posting, but in the meantime you can still catch me on Twitter.

I hope you had a fabulous weekend and have a great week!

xo,
Renee

Pick of the Week: Aporta Scarves

The temperature dropped about 20 degrees last weekend and the smell of fall is definitely in the air. When it's cool outside all I want to do is cozy up with something super soft which is why I was so drawn to these gorgeous chunky scarves by Aporta. Each scarf is handmade in the US and are one of kind. The prices range from $60 - $130 which I thought was a great price for these cozy knit pieces!

Have a great weekend!

DIY: Chalkboard

Be sure to check out my Handmade with Style blog on Sweetspot for more information on how to make this chalkboard using an old frame.

Dream Office

My home office is in dire need of a makeover along with some organization. My absolute dream office is clean looking with a ton of storage and a ton of style. I would love the space to have a modern vibe mixed with a bit of vintage. Cool shelving, a sleek retro desk, fun details and lots of organization...pure perfection.

1. message board - Crate and Barrel, 2. bulletin board - Umbra, 3. magazine files - IKEA, 4. vintage lockers - Style De Vie, 5. business card holder - Salvage Interiors, 6. vintage shelf - The Old Cinema London, 7. chair - Modern Studio Inc., 8. vintage locker baskets - French by Design, 9. throw - Pendleton, 10. desk - West Elm

Be Humble

Loves this.

via Wooster Collective

Boutique Spotlight: Labour of Love

Labour of Love opened its doors this summer in Toronto's Cabbagetown and when I found out owner Regina Sheung (who also owns Propaganda on Yonge St.) was interested in carrying some of our Salvage Interior pieces, I couldn't have been happier. The space is gorgeous - I love the stunning Victorian building with the exposed brick and was stoked to see black walls!

Labour of Love is a gift boutique that has something for everyone: funny cards (the vulgar kind that I love oh so much), double-sided printed wrapping paper, a wall full of jewellery including one of my favourite brands Biko, beloved Deborah Adams bags, and tons of quirky gift ideas. The exposed brick wall will feature a new artist every couple of months and I absolutely love the current exhibit by local artist Gosia.

Labour of Love
242 Carlton St.
416.923.8988

Lanvin x H&M

I think the fashion world went crazy last week when H&M announced their newest collaboration will be with Lanvin - I know I did! The men's and ladies' Lanvin x H&M collection will hit stores in North American on November 20th. Expect long line ups just to get in the store, but I'm sure it will be soooo worth it.

Current Obsession: Leather Detailing

My current obsession right now is leather detailing on everything! I've been searching for a pair of leather patched leggings that are not over the $150 mark, so if you find some please let me know. Leather details add some edge and interest to a plain sweater, blazer, pants, etc and its the perfect detail for this fall season. You can also add some leather patches to pieces you already own if you're looking for a DIY...hmm maybe you'll see a leather DIY on here in the near future...

1. Duffy via Net a Porter, 2. Current/Elliott via My Teresa, 3. Tory Burch via My Teresa, 4. A.L.C via Nouvelles, 5. Proenza Schouler via La Garconne

Inspiration 9.7.10

I really enjoyed my weekend and managed to stay balanced between work and some play time. Steve and I went to the CNE Sunday night and enjoyed lots of deep fried goodness (deep fried mac and cheese, deep fried butter and deep fried Snickers) - it was deep fried heaven. We went on a few rides, played a ton of games and even won some prizes. I hope your weekend was full of good food and good company!

images via Spilled Milk

Pick of The Week: Mortar and Pestles

I've always wanted a mortal and pestle, but the ones you normally see are pretty standard and quite frankly they're usually very boring looking. Now these ones on the other hand are right up my alley! The mortar and pestles by Toronto based artist Tahir Mahmood are made from dalbergia sissoo wood using the ancient technique of the lathe turning with resin colour application. I think I'll take the wood and green one please!

I'm so looking forward to the long weekend! Have a good one and I'll be back on Tuesday!

DIY: Burlap Flower Vase

Be sure to check out my Handmade with Style blog on Sweetspot today to learn how to make this personalized burlap vase!

Recent Project: Ola's Desk

I was recently given this desk to makeover for a client who gave me free range to do whatever I wanted - just what you always want to hear! I knew her favourite colour was blue, so I threw in a touch of Tiffany blue on the spooled legs and glass knobs. The rest of the desk was painted grey and treated in layers to give it a cool distressed look. Enjoy!

BEFORE

AFTER

To view other work Steve and I have done for Salvage Interiors, please visit our website here.

Recent Purchase: Boots!

So I realize that it's still blazing hot, but I couldn't resist purchasing a couple pair of boots a few weeks ago. In my past experience when it comes to boots (applies to coats as well) even it's still summer, if you love them then buy them! They will sell out and you will be bummed if you missed out (I know this from experience).

Jonathan and Olivia's Topshop

Colcci

Guest Post: Alex's Etsy Finds

Oh hello Eat.Live.Shop. readers! I'm Alex (Renee's good friend) and I'll be rambling on about how much I love Etsy today. I first discovered Etsy a couple of years ago and life has never been the same. If you have never been to this handmade & vintage community, then I must urge you to go, as soon as you're done reading this post that is. The site has everything from pottery to furniture and you can get lost for hours browsing through all the creative (and often eccentric) finds. It's delightful.

Here are my favourite items "du jour". I limited myself to 4 things, but it doesn't mean I don't love everything else less.

1. "Keep Calm and Eat Some Bacon" magnet by designdude
2. Manhattan poster by bella0429
3. Custom heart in tree pillow by cozyblue
4. Vintage lace sheer top by vonlenskavintage

I hope you find something (or things) that you love as much as I do!

Alex

Hello September

I can't believe it's already September. Oh summer why did you have to go by so quickly? I don't even have my normal summer glow! I've been super swamped this week and feeling very under the weather, so my good friend Alex offered to step in to help me out today. Stop by at 1 pm for a guest post from Alex with her favourite Etsy finds - she found some amazing goodies! And in the meantime take the time to stop and smell the flowers.

image via Oh Joy