London Street Style

My favorite all time activity in a new city is to walk...  to walk and discover the shops and parks, explore side streets and hidden alleys. I love to walk to find her secrets. Eventually, they are always revealed...

I love the bright doors, the old brick, the red telephone booths. Some of my favorite discoveries here in London are in the neighborhood of Marylebone, in particular, a shop called 'La Fromagerie'. You can imagine the delicatessens within... a separate cold room for cheeses, shelves of delicious jams and spreads, wonderful crackers and breads, fresh fruits and vegetables... and even some long tables to sit with a friend or a book and enjoy some savory foods and wine. This represents what I love about Europe... a boutique shop that encourages eating well, mingling with friends, and slowing down... what do you think, could Vancouverites handle it??

Love Locks

Love Locks have begun showing up in many places around the world, including the Pont Des Arts in the heart of Paris. Lovers attach a lock with their names engraved or words of love scribbled, then toss the key into the Seine to symbolize their eternal love.

The origin of this phenomenon is a mystery. It is thought it may have been started by Italian tourists enacting the plot of a sentimental novel by Federico Moccia, in which the protagonists hung a lock inscribed with their names on a lamppost near Ponte Milvio in Rome, kissed and threw the key into the Tiber.

Others think the trend started in Moscow where railings on the Luzhkov Bridge are so crowded with “locks of love” that special metal poles have been added to cope with the collection.

Similar fads have been reported on bridges in Brussels, Kiev, Vilnius, the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, in Venice and naturally, the Ponte Pietra in Verona, Romeo and Juliet’s hometown.

Last year, City Hall declared them unsightly and they must be removed because they "raise problems for the preservation of our archeological heritage". It seemed a bit ironic coming from the Guardians of the City of Love...

Stumbling across the thousands of locks adorning the footbridge was a lovely surprise for me. I love spontaneous acts of love! I have a feeling that simply removing the locks will only encourage more couples to declare their love on this romantic footbridge in Paris... especially on Valentine's Day.

London Tube

First opening in 1863, the London Underground is quite a remarkable system, now having over 260 stations and 402km of track. Although I found it a bit disconcerting being so deep underground, I was also quite taken by the mazes of tunnels and stairs, many decorated in unique tile patterns. Originally, tile was used to help reflect the light from the gas burning lamps, and in some stations, the original tile work is mimicked. In other stations, and of course the newer ones, modern conveniences of escalators and elevators have replaced the winding staircases, the walls instead decorated with Hollywood movie and Theatre posters. I was more partial to the older style stations... the novelty of it all.

A Sunny Morning by the Eye...

It's February in London, and that means a lot of cold, gray days... and rain. But this morning I awoke to not a cloud in the sky. I am seemingly drawn to any body of water, and soon found myself by the Thames amongst runners, walkers and the stunning London Eye.

A Good Chick To Know... Morgan Crossing

Yesterday I photographed Jennifer Scott's (of A Good Chick To Know) incredible display suite at the new South Surrey development, Morgan Crossing. She is one of the top finalists in the search for BC's Best Young Designer!

I've seen some of Jenn's designs before, so I was expecting some cool and interesting ideas, however, this display suite surpassed any expectations! The use of space made it feel larger than it was, and the bright accents and special touches gave it such a "homey" feeling.

The bedroom felt modern, fresh and cozy all at the same time. Vintage pieces and even some masculine touches brought it all together.

I ADORED the baby room. I think the bright orange wallpaper won me over instantly. It was minimalist, yet far from empty... the perfect room for a baby to grow into.

Jenn has so many incredible ideas for any budget. From a vintage lamp that became her inspiration for the whole space, to a cool idea for a mobile in the baby room. Don't hesitate to call Jenn for a hand with your own living space or wardrobe. Not only is she talented, but you will love just spending time with her.

Panama...

About 6 years ago I had an incredible adventure in Panama. For 2 weeks, 14 of us rented our own private island with at least half a dozen surf breaks within a 10 minute boat ride. 3 planes, 2 vans and a small boat through a mangrove swamp later... voila!

For the thrid week, we went over to Bocas Del Toro, a chain of islands on the Caribbean side. The islands were inhabited by local Indians for centuries, but most of its current population are black immigrants from the neighboring islands of Jamaica, San Andres and Providencia. Very different from the Pacific side, we enjoyed the colonial architecture, brightly painted buildings and the relaxed feel. It took 'island time' to a whole new level...