The Guardian of Greenwich

Don't you just want to eat him up? This little man was perched on his owner's window sill and Natalie and I had the pleasure of seeing him after brunch at Pastis. We had such an amazing morning. After a wonderful brunch at New York's chicest spot, we hopped into Christian Louboutin, then Donna Karen's new charity shoppe on route to Bliss SoHo for our manicures.

New York City is truly magical and it's made me think differently about life and living. Every step of the way I kept saying to myself, "I don't want to leave!" How could I ever go back to Toronto? This city is filled to the brim with talent, energy, vim and vigour.

But you know what?

So is Toronto or any place if you bring all those things to the table. I think living is an art and as and aficionado you must develop your eye and your senses. Like a curator of life, you must appraise each day and recognize the beauty that surrounds you. And not just the obvious. Trees and flowers and blue skies are wonderful, but sometimes the true pleasures in life reside in potential.

Hate to wake up in the morning? You wouldn't if you know the finest cup of coffee or the most fragrant cup of tea is waiting for you. Hate the transit ride to work? Why would you if you're reading Vogue or your favorite novella. Can't find an amazing restaurant? Learn how to cook.

Seems to me that New Yorkers are good at making the most of the potential that their city offers them. It could be a dismal place if they let it be. And I'm sure there are plenty of dismal people there. But the overall effect is pure energy!

Good looks for the summer!

Here are a few of my essentials for summer:

1. Clean and fresh skin - Skip over tanning and opt for natural skin. Your face will get hits of sun naturally all summer and that looks much better than all-around bronzing. If you must bronze, go for a light misting of a high quality self tanner -- my favorite is Sublime Bronze by L'Oreal or dust some good powder across your forehead and cheeks. Some good brands with strong bronzing powers are Bobby Brown, Clinique and Armani.

Use foundation and concealer sparingly -- or better yet, just dot a small amount of foundation where needed in place of concealer. Lip gloss is your best summer friend -- try Lancome or Kiehls. Eyes can be minimal -- a light layer of mascara is fine.



2. Clean and fresh hair! Nothing looks better than a well coiffed pony tail when the humidity and temperature rises. Stay away from getting 'summer' dye jobs or streaks. Natural is always best.



3. Why not try a wide-leg linen trouser and a simple white tank top or tee? Finish it off with a wide brimmed straw hat and a slouchy, big bag. You'll look like a million bucks and feel ten degrees cooler than people in hip-hugging denim.



Paul Smith, Spring/Summer 2007

4. I'm not even sure if they're in or out or whatever, but I LOVE espadrilles! Whether they're flats or wedges, low to the ground or dangeroulsy high, I think they are amoung the best options for summer. And this is an area of footwear where you can spend little or lots -- although I don't see why the Payless options should be excluded:



Payless - 20 dollars!

What is be-spoken?

You may ask? Bespoke means custom made (usually in relation to clothing) -- and I always love a play on words so I added an 'n.' Wittily enough, I've now made two meanings -- custom made clothing and the act of speaking. Catching on?

To be honest, I'm tired of sites that tear down people's personal style and demoralize the masses. What I intend to do is celebrate fashion, style and the courage to dress. For I think it is a sign of true joie de vivre to take the time to look good everyday.

Armed with my trusty digital camera (and my Nikon SLR if I ever figure out how to use it) I'm going to display what I think is right and good in the world of STYLE. Oh, but I won't be limited to clothing because style transcends the clothing on your back, it takes shape in the way you live.

Perhaps I'll even sit down with my favorite fashionistas and ask them to impart some of their wisdom on my readers. Enjoy.