It’s been many years since the fashionable boutique on 4th moved to new headquarters in Kerrisdale. Happy to have them back in the Kits neighbourhood! Fab was one of the first little shops to bring designer jeans from L.A. and New York to Vancouver and what’s so funny as it so happens, is that when I surprisingly stumbled upon the store once again I was wearing a pair I had bought from them that I hadn’t worn in years. By coincidence I just pulled them out of the bottom of my drawer and said “hey, it’s been a while…let’s see if we can still get it on.” What’s even better is that they still fit and look as good as new. I realize that the items I did buy from them then, I still have and they did not go out of style.
I have my eye on the white t-shirt dress.
What’s new at FAB: some things are better tried on. I can now spot something that doesn’t quite go WOW on the hanger and know it will look great on and become a staple. Bonus – this time everything is under $100. They still sell jeans just not with the high price tag.
FAB Clothing
Ella (in stripes) and Andrea (in cobalt blue) will be happy to help you out.
2151 West 4th Ave. (between Arbutus & Yew)
Welcome back – we missed you!
They have some fun retro styles perfect for summer, lots of hats, accessories and even some choice nail polish colours by “Butter London.”
New Restaurant & Winery Review:Sometimes it’s nice to be among the first to try a new restaurant and sometimes it’s best to wait because they’re still ironing out the kinks. The latter wasn’t the case with the new Italian restaurant Baccano Osteria which was formerly known as “Smoking Dog.” The evening went very smoothly and the friendly service was excellent even if my server didn’t know all the pasta shapes I kept asking about from the menu. I was among the first people to show up for their soft opening last Saturday having spent the last few months walking by on my way to the gym, talking to owners (Cal & Patrick Corsi of Quattro) and observing their day to day progress. And anxious to try a good casual Italian place in my Kitsilano neighbourhood with an inviting outdoor space. Here is what we ordered:
A glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc to start (not very Italian but it was hot out).
The bread is made on site and because of that it’s very fresh, nice & crusty.
Jumping ahead to Secondi: Garganelli Spinci with swiss chard, spinach, shallot, butter, pecorino pepate, bread crumbs (very Italian, rich and satisfying). I would order this one again.
Also tried Due di Maiale – Citrus scented pork belly & grilled pork loin with crispy pancetta, spring peas, faro and pork demi. The belly was more tender and it was a good dish if you love pork but I was not totally crazy about the veggies because I don’t love peas.
Dessert: I had a tough time making up my mind between 3 out of 4 desserts on the menu. I ended up going with Torta al Cioccolato (translation – Chocolate Torte, ha). Dark chocolate mousse, amarena cherries, licorice creameaux (this sounds more French), panettone cake. I like this better than regular chocolate mousse because it is a lot denser. In short – rich and decadent – just the way I like it! I promised to be back before too long and I will keep my promise. Plus, I have to try the other three desserts.
A short while before dinner:
I had the opportunity to try a special wine tasting at Village Wines (a few doors away). Don Triggs of “THE Jackson Triggs” was pouring wines from his new winery Culmina which is located in Oliver, British Columbia in the Okanagan wine region.
Don holds up a bottle of R&D
With a little help from famous winemaker Pascal Madevon (of Osoyoos Larosefame), Triggs has placed an emphasis on pure quality with these wines. The label is already picking up accolades left and right and already selling like crazy. Legendary tastings such as this one only happen once in a blue moon. He has a lot of stories as you can only imagine and was going fishing after the tasting with his twin brother Ron (on the R&D wine label with him – looks like photo was taken a few years ago).
Here is what we sampled:
Decora – Decora, which by the way is latin for pretty, accurately summarizes this straight Riesling. Perfectly balancing soft acidity with bold, bright fruit flavour, it’s a work of art.
Saignee – Sure, this is a delicious dry Rosé, blended from Bordeaux varietals and displaying unprecedented complexity, but what’s got people talking is its glass cork. Is a cork still called a cork if it’s not made of cork? Focus! This is Culmina’s hottest seller so far, and it’s easy to see why.
R&D – We trust Don Triggs with a big red blend, so we were excited to try this one, which wasn’t around for Culmina’s first vintage. A little more casual in its presentation, it’s Merlot-dominant, rich but smooth. I purchased a bottle.
Hypothesis – This Meritage is one of the many reasons we trust Don with a big red blend! Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon are handled perfectly here, bringing out as much fruit and spice as possible while remaining finely tannic. In other words, is about as good as a BC red gets.
What a wonderful ending to a sunny Saturday after a nice bike ride over to Folk Fest. Love days like this.
Baccano Osteria: 1889 West 1st Ave. (at Cypress) PH: 778-379-6920
I rode my bike over to the Vancouver Folk Festival yesterday at Jericho beach.
SOULSTONES
The music sounded great and I always love wandering around to see what the local vendors are selling. Among the usual woven hanging baskets, blankets, sarongs, tie-dyes and pipes there are a few fresh surprises.
A necklace caught my eye because instead of the clear pink semi-precious stones (slightly squared off) being incorporated into a silver chain it was done with gold. Simple,casual, elegant. Margot, the friendly designer behind “Soulstones” told me the meaning behind the Rose Quartz stone I’m attracted to, and I like it even more now:
Self-love
Protection
Peace, happiness, gentleness
Healing lore: for emotional wounds & the heart (I need this stone).
There are several more suggestions but the above is what appeals to me.
Camille from “Dark Anachronisms” (in the striped shorts) makes vintage-inspired hats and hair/hat accessories. I especially like the flower crowns, not so much for wearing alone on my head (it’s a really young look) but for decorating a hat in place of a scarf. Very pretty and well detailed. You can picture an image of bridesmaids and angelic looking flower girls wearing them.
Wine & Dine – squinting in the Sunshine with my good friend Rosa who I met taking tango lessons about 12 years ago.
It has become a yearly tradition. A birthday celebration and rendezvous between two friends at the same place with a great ambience and view. I’m talking Sandbar rooftop, Granville Island. We talk about everything over a bottle of wine and discuss what has changed in the year since we’ve last been here. What were we talking about last time oh, I see…the same thing. What has changed? What have we learned? Where do we go from here? How can we improve on perfection. Of course I can’t give you all the details but there’s always lots of laughs.
Photo: Vancouver Sun
Honjin Sushidinner (regarded as having the best sushi in Vancouver – definitely one of the top places) in tatami room with adventurous visitors I met in Palm Springs who make their home in Philadelphia but travel all the time. Nice to meet up again.
Last night dinner at Cardero’s with seven other fun women before Theatre Under the Sky Stars (there were no stars in the sky last night) at Stanley Park to watch the hilarious musical Hairspray (not to be confused with “Hair” or “Shampoo”) – I loved John Travolta in the film version. The play was very entertaining with a talented cast who could really belt it out.
I speak for all women. Tank: Bear Dance Clothing (L.A.)Sometimes I want to be invisible…but it’s nice that it matches my beach bag. Coco’s Closet
And of course these two characters continue to engage me:
They look guilty. I surprised them.Waiting patiently outside Market Meats
“We’ve been sooo good so far today maybe she’ll forget about the snapping at that dog and person yesterday. What do you think she’s buying for us this time?”
You ain’t seen nothin until you WATCH THIS (1 minute video) and you will know why these dogs are SO SPECIAL:
Life is too short not to have some fun. Enjoy your weekend.
Remember the controversial ad campaigns for Benetton?
Children don’t know hate – they are taught it
They captured our attention with amazing imagery that had nothing to do with their clothes. The ads grabbed our attention because it was hard to escape many of the disturbing images which came with a message. They were meant to get stuck in our brain. I can’t remember all the sweaters I bought from Benetton but I do remember the ads.
I stumbled across this article which examines fashion’s new lifestyle approach to advertising through the lens of Jamie Hawkesworth’s India campaign for Trademark. Fascinating!Fashion advertising is an arena that, over the past few years, has evolved into an artistic entity of its own. As brands seek to consolidate and communicate a message that extends beyond the clothes they are putting onto the rails, those at the top of their game have eschewed traditional handbag shots and replaced them with montages that speak to a broader picture of lifestyle luxury – and Jamie Hawkesworth is often the man responsible.
In a market saturated with disposable imagery, it seems as though sustained success is coming from advertising with aesthetic longevity. Earlier this week in The Washington Post, Sarah Halzack noted that, in spite of an ever-expanding post-recession luxury market, flashy, logo-heavy glamour is no longer in *Vogue – a trend that is seeing profits fall for megabrands like Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton while those of their smaller counterparts (like Loewe and Miu Miu, also featuring Hawkesworth-shot campaigns) rise. “These are [brands] that really control the supply, and therefore they manipulate the market and the desire for their products,” explains luxury marketer Thomai Serdari – and, with the release of Gucci’s new campaign video and imagery this week, which has Glen Luchford documenting a softly intimate, Wes Anderson-style shoot and short film, it is clear that the big brands are paying attention.
One of the labels that is tapping into this idea of editorial-style lifestyle messaging is new American brand Trademark, whose S/S15 campaign was shot by Jamie Hawkesworth on a trip to India. “We were always fans of Jamie’s early work, particularly his series taken at a bus station in Preston,” explained founders Pookie and Louise Burch. “The images felt like documentary photography which was something we were both drawn to. We wanted to shoot the images for Trademark in the same vein so it felt natural.”
Sending Hawkesworth off with a suitcase of clothing resulted in a series of images that look as much like someone’s (brilliant) holiday photographs as clothing advertisements, just as his shots for Loewe’s accessories collaboration with John Allen are like family snapshots or his A/W15 Miu Miu campaign like an insight into a (very chic) schoolgirl’s life. In this new spirit of lifestyle shots, brands are paying to place advertising in magazines, and some of the pages that they buy don’t even end up featuring clothes.
John Allen x Loewe Photography by Jamie Hawkesworth
When a new label like Trademark makes a statement like, “The focus wasn’t on the clothing” about a (presumably fairly high-budget) campaign, it is clear that there is a shift in direction for those with the savvy to really listen to consumers: and consumers are buying into more than just ostentatiously trend-led pieces, but into an entire aesthetic. Jamie Hawkesworth presents relatable yet aspirational scenarios – an artfully-arranged pencil pot, a beautiful statue observed on holiday in India – and the occasional garment or bag just fits alongside. This is the new era of brand identity – one that extends beyond seasonal pieces – and it is one that seems to be selling.
I still love glamorous imagery in ads but I have great appreciation for where this Trademark direction is taking us.
Use rub before slathering barbeque sauce over ribs, steak or chicken.
Here are two simple but super recipes to enjoy all year long but especially now. The spices keep and if you have extra dressing you can always label it and freeze it for later.
THE RUB
This blend of spices is considered to be the Swiss Army Knife of seasonings. Use it for all your summer grilling: steak, chicken, fish & veggies. I recently used it for ribs. It has a slightly exotic flavour.
In a medium bowl, stir together:
¼ cup brown sugar (be sure to break it up if hard)
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 Tbsp. each – ground ginger, black pepper, smoked paprika,
Store in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag for up to 6 months. Makes about 1 cup.
How much to use? It depends on how much you like but here are some general guidelines:
For 1 ½ lbs. steak , use 2 Tbsp; 1 lb. vegetables, use 1 Tbsp; chicken pieces, use ¼ cup; 1 lb. salmon fillets, use 3 Tbsp.
Traditional *Caesar Salad is so last century! Here’s a nice take on a Charred CAESAR SALAD that my guests rave about:
Grill your Romaine! Use Romaine hearts, halved lengthwise, on medium for about 4 minutes or until charred in spots, turning over halfway through. Oil the grill first or drizzle olive oil on the lettuce beforehand. Serve immediately, drizzled with this dressing which also doubles as a dip by the way. Sprinkle with sunflower seeds for something different instead of croutons. Serves six.
THE DRESSNG: in a blender or food processor puree 4 oz. feta cheese, 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/3 cup non-fat plain greek yogurt, 3 Tbsp. lemon juice, 1 clove garlic and a little salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer to medium bowl, stir in ¼ cup packed fresh dill, chopped.
YUM!
*Actually I still love the traditional ways of making things but it doesn’t hurt to spice it up & do something unexpected.
“The work of art must seize upon you, wrap you up in itself, carry you away. It is the means by which the artist conveys his passion; it is the current which he puts forth which sweeps you along in his passion.” ― Pierre-Auguste Renoir
This painting holds special significance to me
Madame Josse Bernheim-Jeune et fils Henry [Mrs Josse Bernheim-Jeune and her son Henry]I know a relative of the two people in this painting. About five months ago I had brunch in Oregon with a very interesting woman who is the daughter of the little boy (yes, it is a boy) who is sitting on his mother’s lap in this Renoir oil painting. The woman I met (name withheld) is the friend of a friend I was travelling with. The woman in this painting would of course be her grandmother. Her grandparents were friends with Renoir. Her grandfather and his brother were established art dealers for the first generation of impressionists. So I looked up the painting which hangs in the Musée d’Orsay and thought I would share it with you.
About the painting:
Pierre Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) Mrs Josse Bernheim-Jeune and her son Henry – 1910 Oil on Canvas H. 92,5; W. 73,3 cm Paris, Musée d’Orsay
The model for this painting was Mathilde Adler (1882-1963). In 1901 she married her cousin, Josse Bernheim-Jeune (1870-1941) while her sister Suzanne (1883-1961) married his brother Gaston (1870-1953). For several years the Bernheim-Jeune brothers had been established as dealers for the first generation of Impressionists.
They had already turned to Renoir for a portrait of the two young fiancées, in September 1901. In 1910, he was approached once again. At his country property, Les Collettes, near Cagnes-sur-Mer, Renoir painted for Josse a portrait of his wife and their son Henry Dauberville (1907-1988).
THE BERNHEIM-JEUNE STORY
Extract of the article dedicated to Bernheim-Jeune in the Larousse Encyclopedia:
ʺBernheim-Jeune (said Bernheim), art dealer’s family native of Besançon which can be traced from the late XVIIIth century at the head of a business of painting supplies (frames and colours for the artists).
Succeeding Joseph Bernheim (1799 1859), his son Alexandre Bernheim (1839-1915) friend of Delacroix, Corot and Gustave Courbet, came to settle down in Paris in 1863, settled down at 8 rue Lafitte (on the advice of his fellow countryman of Besançon, G. Courbet). This is where Alexandre Bernheim presents the impressionists in 1874. Transferred in 1906 to 25 boulevard de la Madeleine and 15 rue Richepanse, the Bernheim gallery takes its real development under the supervision of Alexandre Bernheim’s sons, Josse Bernheim-Jeune (1870-1941) and Gaston Bernheim-Jeune (1870-1953). They organise (in particular) in 1901, the first Van Gogh exhibition, present Bonnard and Vuillard in 1906, Cézanne and Cross (1907), Seurat and Van Dongen (1908), Matisse (1910), Boundin, the ʺItalian Futuristsʺ (1912), Le douanier Rousseau (1916), R.Dufy and Vlaminck (1921), Modigliani (1922), Utrillo (1923), Marquet (1925), Gauguin (1930), having settled down avenue Matignon (1925)ʺ.
“Bernheim-Jeune indeed, is the first gallery to settle down avenue Matignon (at the corner of avenue Matignon and rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré). Its new places were inaugurated by Gaston Doumergue, President of the French Republic, for the opening of the exhibition: ʺMasterpieces of the XIXth and XXth Centuryʺ.
“I have arrived more definitely than any other painter during his lifetime; honours shower upon me from every side; artists pay me compliments on my work; there are many people to whom my position must seem enviable…. But I don’t seem to have a single real friend!” ― Pierre-Auguste Renoir
It’s obvious that shopping is not high up on the list of what dogs love to do.
First Stop. We hope she finds a card quickly so we can get outta here
These two were so well behaved but got bored when I went into almost every shop on 4th Ave. looking for a little something for myself a friend.
Hurry up….just grab any woofin card!
At this point they were not interested even when I modelled some outfits and asked for their opinion.
If you don’t make up your mind we may have to pee on this grass
If shopping was considered a major sport (isn’t it?) and entered into the Olympics I’d be a contender….and bring home the GOLD.
My husband says he will leave me if I don’t stop shopping. God, I’m going to miss that man.MAX the blue healer says “hey mates, I think we deserve a beer for being such good sports”
FYI: here is a partial list of major dog-friendly businesses:
Clothing (unfortunately not the places I usually frequent)
ULTIMATE Protein Smoothie with frozen wild blueberries, organic banana, low fat yogurt, almond milk, flax & chia seeds and the ABOVE (Brad King’s ULTIMATE Fibrelean, Wild Greens & Energy Protein – all Vegan, all amazing. And a bunch of the littlest mermaids which make it taste all that much better.
Here are some of my latest obsessions:
A pedicure with a totally different colour. Did you know that Tiffany owns the patent for the Tiffany blue colour? That’s why you will never find it. This is the closest I’ve come to Tiffany this week.Homemade Soap – good enough to EAT!
JACK, the Jack Russell Terrier from Thailand who stole my heart and is quickly taking advantage and I’m totally letting him.
He looks so innocentEspecially when he’s sleepingBut he can be a little devil. Here he pretends to be a statue.Feeling bubbly – Rendezvous with a view.
Ahhhh…a perfect way to end a hectic work week (well not quite if you know what I mean, but close enough)!
Rings: Samantha Wills Bandwagon Sunglasses, Le Specs $60
Embracing Summer. For me summer is all about simplicity and taking it easy which translates to being more lazy. Hair lighter, toenails brighter, breezy dresses, no makeup, sitting on patios until the sun goes down, eating lots more fruit, plenty of barbeques and at least one beach picnic. It’s a breeze embracing summer.
beachy bracelets
Wearing fun jewellery that never sees the light of day when summer ends, ankle bracelets (I have a crazy collection), straw hats & bags, flip-flops (or go barefoot whenever possible), roller blading (after retiring my blades) & bike riding.
Gold Ring on Left: TomTom Jewelry Wild Child Sunglasses in Black, Le Specs $80 Sunset Multistrand Necklace, Holst+Lee $255 Wild Child Sunglasses in Pink, Le Specs $80 Turquoise Capri Amulet, BaubleBar $68
I may have grown up on what is referred to as ‘the island of Montreal’ but I also lived in Jamaica which is my idea of a ‘true blue’ Island and adapted to being there like a bee to honey. It was a dream waking up every morning to blue skies and a never ending beach outside my door, walking barefoot along that beach to outdoor yoga classes, continuous scuba diving, reading a lot more books, delightful doctor birds and live music at night. Yes, I adapted extremely well.
beach necessity
Double Selfie
Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to live in perpetual summer. Maybe we need the Fall/Winter break to keep from becoming too lazy. And to get things done. Well that’s the excuse I give…to appreciate the sunshine when we get it.
Photographer (first 4 photos): Andrew Stiles at Grid Agency
Hair and Makeup: Alexis Swain at Celestine Agency.
What’s new at FAB: some things are better tried on. I can now spot something that doesn’t quite go WOW on the hanger and know it will look great on and become a staple. Bonus – this time everything is under $100. They still sell jeans just not with the high price tag.
![Madame Josse Bernheim-Jeune et son fils Henry [Mrs Josse Bernheim-Jeune and her son Henry]](https://girlwhowouldbeking.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/renoir2.jpg)
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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