comfortable luxury = convenient living

the only currency that is accepted and valued in every culture, throughout every age, is time. when we save time, when I give of you my time, when we spend time together, there's a special air. one of the biggest facets to comfortable luxury is having a life of convenience. here are some things you might love. I know I do.
-- towering trees need deep roots and a sturdy stump. I'm loving the stump portable tablet and device holder! Take this tiny hunk of rubber where ever you go - it's the perfect holder for your favourite devices. from iPads, iPhones, kindles, nooks, and any other iDevice you may love, this is a travel must. US$24,95.


-- we're always on the go. and let's face it, we need to be drinking more water. and always having to buy a new bottle of water adds only adds waste to the environment, wastes your budget, and wastes your time. that's why I love recyclable bottles. the Bkr Bottle is easy to grab, provides the perfect pop of colour, so you'll never forget it, and is made of glass - so it doesn't change the taste of your beverage like metals or plastics can. Glass bottle, silicone sleeve and gasket, polypropylene cap. FDA-approved, BPA-free, BPA replacement-free, phthalate free. US$28.


I don't mean to sound like an alcoholic, but i love cocktails. maybe it's the relaxation, the community and entertainment of sharing good times with good people. I love to make every hour happy. and I must say, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the bar selections from bloomingdales. planning a cocktail party is so easy. invite some friends, make a few floral arrangements, light some candles, keep the snacks simple (chex mix, fresh fruits, cheese, nuts), make a signature cocktail and chill it in a big pitcher so you don't have to keep mixing individual drinks, and have a few mixers/selection of liquor. bam - instant fiesta.

fixed faucets

It's not often that I fall in love with entire collections. Especially when it comes to furniture that's produced en masse. For the outdoors. But I must tell you, I am absolutely in love with the Majorca collection for outdoor spaces by Restoration Hardware. I can't get enough. Maybe it's the European inspiration, the quality and value I associate with the brand, or the fact that it is the epitome of comfortable luxury for your outdoor space.



And I'm especially loving the mixed-media of the fire table. The cold, dense nature of the concrete paired with the modern invisibility of glass makes for the perfect medium for the propane fueled fire feature.

Laguna Concrete Propane Fire Table - Rectangle

US$1995

Fire up a blaze instantly and provide hours of warmth. Our propane fire table pairs state-of-the-art fibercast concrete with clear glass panels that shelter the flames. The tabletop surface around the fire offers ample room for drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Decorative lava rocks fill the receptacle.

• Made from heat-resistant fibercast concrete, with weathered slate or sand finish
• Like oatural stone, will develop a patina when left outdoors; finish varies, and no two are exactly alike
• Receptacle filled with decorative lava rocks
• ¼"-thick tempered glass panels shelter the flame from breezes
• Features battery-operated ignition (AAA battery included)
• Comes with recessed glides that allow for proper leveling of the table
• Adjustable flame control
• Vinyl fire table cover included
• Attaches to a standard 20-lb. propane tank (not included)
• 8' connector hose included
• Burns eco-friendly, non-toxic propane
• Rated at 50,000 BTUs
• Some assembly required
• For propane use only; cannot be converted to natural gas
• CSA-approved for safe, sustainable, clean-burning fuel by the Canadian Standards Association, the sole organization that provides electrical and gas standards for the US and Canada
• For outdoor use only
• Coordinating propane tank cover available in weathered slate or sand finish (sold separately)
• Sand is Catalog and Web only

Shown in weathered slate.

one for you, one for me?

A client and I were talking the other day about my blog. He was looking around his apartment, taking a visual inventory of all the things he had amassed over the past few years, and got to thinking. Almost everything in his apartment came from my suggestion - whether through casual conversation, specific request, or recommended on my blog. And I must say, I'm kind of jealous. Piece by piece, I'm hoping to own most of them as well. Comfortable luxury isn't about going randomly and stuffing your house full of expensive things. Comfortable luxury is all about convenience, feeling casual and relaxed, and knowing that there's something special happening. Your favourite cashmere sweater. A hydrating body wash. The warm glow and fragrance of a fabulous candle. Freshly laundered linens.

And just so you know, I'm not paid to recommend the products and services you see here. If someone gives me something for free, and I review the product, you'll know about it straight away.




-- Yellin' for Yellow! I love yellow. It's the perfect pop of colour, especially when paired with navy, black, chocolate, white, or khaki. For those of you who "can't wear yellow", try layering it over another more neutral colour. For example, layer a chocolate brown tank under a bright yellow tank, so the colour nearest your skin is the colour most suited to you.

I'm loving this yellow jacket and stripped tank from Akris Punto. If you've never heard of Akris or Akris Punto, they're a Swiss brand under Creative Director ALbert Kriemler. Akris, the higher end couture range, and Akris Punto, they're ready-to-wear collection, feature some of the most exquisite tailoring and versatility - especially in the functionality and ability to mix-and-match separates.

Leather High-Collar Jacket: Top yourself in this sunny leather Akris Punto jacket. Luxurious, modern and radiating with the rigor and vigor you expect from Albert Kriemler. Sun leather. Notched stand collar; open front. Long sleeves; bracelet cuffs. Fitted silhouette. Made in Switzerland. US$ 2300 Striped Scoop-Neck Top: Yellow stripes envelop this Akris Punto top for an uncomplicated look to add to your wardrobe. While these stripes can stand alone, they show well under a jacket. Yellow and white striped knit. Scoop neckline. Sleeveless. Fitted silhouette. Pull-on style. Cotton/spandex. Made in Switzerland. US$ 325

sprite style

add some bubbly fresh, crispy flavours to your style and instantly wash away the winter blues.

-- neon. Marc Jacobs' stinky rat t-shirts come in the perfect colours. I wear his t-shirts when I exercise, as added prevention from reckless cars whilst biking or running and affectionately refer to them as "construction cone orange", "electric tennis ball green", "oh-my-god, that's bright yellow", and "hyper pigmentation pink". Layer these colours with your tone-on-tone khaki, gray, or black, and you'll be set for an incredible night out. Just remember: limit the use of these intense shades or you'll end up looking more billboard and less Beverly Hills.


-- prints. Floral, animal, geometric, haphazard. Channel your inner Missoni, Roberto Cavalli, Etro, and DvF. Even conservative brands like Theory have invited themselves to the printed party. Pair a fantastic tie-dye printed blouse under a blazer for work, and then swap out the dress pants / skirt for your favourite skinny gray denim, and you're instantly transformed from business power to social star.


-- check out these brands, too: Isabel Marant, Cathy Waterman, and Hoorsenbuhs.