Monday, December 27, 2010

For That Glow

Treat your shoes to a day at the spa. Start with a hydrating cream to nourish the leather and work out those wrinkles and fine lines. Saphir's shea butter based cream is a winner.





Now put on some wax to protect the leather. Keep the product natural: wax is all you need, and Kiwi has been the name for basic polishes.






Buff with a brush. The more you do it the better the shine; and we can all stand to be more vibrant can't we? A horsehair brush, in keeping with the natural products theme, is the way to go. For that extra touch of luxury, buff with a sheepskin mit for a shine that says, "wow".




Friday, December 24, 2010

Hot and Heavy

















Thursday, December 23, 2010

Enjoy Responsibly


Perusing through swatches, those collections of fabrics and skins, is one of life's true pleasures. The sensual delight of leafing through nature's materials - silks, linens, cottons, wools, felts and leathers to name a few - is intoxicating. One touches and caresses the samples. Eyes widen. The mind wanders, and the heart grows fond of the possibilities.

There will be materials too rare and dear to ever own something made in it, and the sheer number and variety of materials available could not possibly be rendered into a wardrobe over a lifetime. But what is intoxicating is being able to see and feel a finished piece - a tie, shirt, suit, hat or pair of shoes perhaps - when all you have is a swatch of material before you. Thoughts of a piece or two can easily turn into an order for three.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

The Right Touches


Saturday, December 4, 2010

A Fitting Day


London-based bespoke tailor Jonathan Quearney was recently in Vancouver as part of his North America trip. I last saw him in March when I was measured up for a coat, and I have been looking forward to my fitting ever since. Having a swatch of the fabric I picked out helped the past nine months go by, but nothing can speak for actually having the garment on your back.

At the fitting, the coat felt exquisite - made so by the cutting and tailoring. It is true what they say, that it is difficult to imaging the fit and feel of a bespoke garment without having gone that route. With the requisite measuring, chalking and pinning accomplished, the coat will return to London where it will be adjusted, finished and sent back to me. I wait again; afterall, it was a fitting day.