Savoir Faire in Blue and White

All too often we see photographs of either fashion or décor in magazines or on the internet and we swoon and gasp and wish that we could achieve the same look for a fraction of the price. However keep your mind open, that what you see should serve as inspiration only. We don’t want to create looks or rooms that seem as if they have stepped out of the pages of a magazine. Take elements of what you see and incorporate them into your own life.

For example a couple of weeks ago I did a post that features a little hand painted blue and white box from Peru, that can be purchased at Ten Thousand Villages along with a matching tray.

Yesterday, while doing some research I came across the below table and mirror in almost exactly the same design, however this time the design has been created with inlaid mother of pearl and no doubt costs a fortune. The other thing here is that with so much pattern happening, I think it does look a bit overdone; however this is open to reinterpretation for your own interiors.

So of course we all want the mirror and the table and few of us can afford it or have the right setting for it, however there is no reason that with the Lucite chair, and white side table, glass lamp and said box and tray that we can’t achieve a similar look for a fraction of the price! A vintage mirror with a periwinkle blue frame would set it off perfectly!

Have Fun!

Savoir Faire in the Can

I just couldn’t resist this selection of watering cans below. I need to get a new one as my vintage galvanised tin one is on its last legs. However I do think I need something a bit more practical that some of the ones below.

I am a bit partial to this green vintage for everyday use. Looks practical too as the spout is long, just right for getting underneath bushy plants.


The crème de la crème of the bunch are these two. The first being sterling silver by Christopher Dresser for Liberty and Co back in 1910, and the second being a stainless steel number from Anders Ljunburg. At first glance it is not evident that it is a watering can which is why I like it so much.

The wonderful Victorian silver and brass would be just perfect for you to water your parlour palms in the breakfast room.

Finally this modern design from Pascal Charmolu is just a masterpiece of design with the handle and spout being one!

Saint Laurent Miss!

What are they doing in Paris? Menswear collections for 2011 from the major houses are just not pushing my buttons. First we had Balenciaga with few pieces that I actually liked and looked more like it came from H&M, and now Saint Laurent, with a silhouette that is hardly flattering.

It seems that they all must have got together before putting pencils to sketchpads and agreed on a few things, like high waists, thick belts or cummerbunds and pleated trousers. I wonder if they all just tossed a few ideas into a hat over drinks one night pulled some out and said, ok are we all in agreement?

I am sorry all you hip young guys out there, but pleated trousers are just not flattering! Believe me they are not, no matter how many times you see them on the catwalk! There a re a few elements harking back to menswear of the 1930’s otherwise I am sorry to say, I think it is boring.

Silver Plate Savoir Faire

When one went behind the scenes of any hotel or restaurant up until the early 60’s you were usually met with row upon row of a plethora of silver plate! From cutlery, ice buckets, coffee and tea pots, creamers, coupes etc etc. Before stainless steel became popular silver plate was it! If you were in the better hotels, it was invariably produced by one of the better firms, such as Mappin & Webb of England or Christofle of France, all with the name or crest of Hotel on it.

I have been collecting bits and pieces for a while now, and use it regularly. It doesn’t matter that none of it matches, that is the beauty of it. A set of knives from one hotel, teamed with a set of forks from another, makes for interesting dining as you can invariably start a conversation around the pieces.

However please don’t full into the trap that because it is vintage that you must have a vintage shabby chic interior! Use it creatively and decorate with it, just remember that less is more! For example these wonderful ice cream coupes planted with succulents would look fabulous on a classic Saarinen Tulip table!

Cutlery is good enough for everyday use, as it is very hard wearing (do remember it was used by 100’s of people everyday)

Use silver dishes and platters in the bathroom or anywhere that matter. A small silver plate display would look fabulous on the below coffee table.

Usually pieces can be picked up quite reasonably at markets, thrift stores and eBay. Have fun with it and bring a little savoir faire into your everyday life.

Don't forget the Savoir Faire giveaway ending Friday!

http://david-toms.blogspot.com/2010/08/savoir-faireaway-giveaway.html

Balenciaga Monday!

I can only try and hazzard a guess as to why the great Balenciaga and Carmel Snow (The Anna Wintour of her day) are shopping for a new coffee percolator! Maybe Carmel wants the master's advice on which will work best in her Paris appartment? This is so far removed from the gracious perfumed salons of Haute Couture, that there has to be a story behind it!

Savoir Faire Hit or Miss?

While Balenciaga under Nicolas Ghesquiere has carved a successful niche in women’s fashion over the last couple of years, the menswear offerings seem to be a little off the mark. With Ghesquiere, Balenciaga went from a dormant house with lots of history and heritage to one of the hottest of the decade. Original designs drew on the heritage of the master himself and were updated for the 21st century with panache and savoir faire.
Previously Balenciaga’s menswear had been at the mercy of the licensees, and now the house seems to be placing a more direct hold on its menswear designs. One cannot deny the bold use of colour and the inspiration behind the spring summer 2011 collection pour home, however it seems a little to literal for my taste. Some pieces and silhouettes work, while others seem just a little to passé like the pleated trousers and zebra stripes.





I love the looks above and below.

These ones not to sure about.

Is this what we really want for men from Balenciaga?

Don't forget to enter the Savoir Faire giveaway posted on Friday!

Savoir Faire in Cologne

I am such a devotee of eau de cologne. Not the stuff that is called ‘eau de cologne’ that is just watered down versions of perfumes on the market these days, but the real stuff usually from Cologne in Germany hence the name.

4711 (see post on 4711 http://david-toms.blogspot.com/search/label/cologne), Roger & Gallet’s jean Marie Farina and Atkinson’s Gold Medal are all favourites. Eau de Cologne is a classic pick me up without being overwhelming especially in these hot months of summer

I had heard of Johann Maria Farina in Cologne however have never tried their version, however the packaging alone is enough to make me want to go and purchase. I imagine the scent is very similar to all others with notes of bergamot and neroli predominating.

Supposedly the oldest fragrance house in the world it is still a family concern. Looks like a trip to Germany is order as I cannot find a stockist here in Canada!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway!