A Stroll Through Stratford Ontario

Ivy covered patioSummer is slowly sliding out of sight. The weather is cooling with every new day and prompts me to make good use of every scrap of sunshine that makes an appearance. So when the weekend arrived, the boy and I made plans for a little escape to a town named after the birthplace of the bard, Stratford. The town itself bares little resemblance to its counterpart in the England (although I have to say that at times the amount of tourists can be proportionate), you can still discover a European flare in its nooks and crannies.

Although the weather for our morning jaunt to Stratford, Ontario wasn’t promising, we made the forty minute drive outside of London. As we strolled the streets bundled in fall layers, the sun finally made an appearance and the afternoon was a truly relaxing escape.

Callan Books and GalleryAnitques in Time store    Queen Jubilee FountainStone bench by stone wallBalconies in the sunQueen Jubilee fountain lion headI made sure to make a beeline for the river to get a peak at the swans before they are officially lead to their quarters for the winter. Though fowl seemed to abound along the banks of the Avon river, I wasn’t able to catch a good sighting of the swans. Oh well, I guess I’ll have to make a date for next year’s Swan Parade.

Ducks by the river

Weekend Edition

Porter Magazine and macaronsWeekends are made for catching up on magazines and indulging in treats (after you’ve finished with all the chores left over from the rest of the week!). After I’m done with some house cleaning and grocery shopping, I plan on taking some time for myself and tuning out the world. If you can find some time for yourself this weekend, here are a few links that you’ll enjoy!

  • New York Fashion Week wrapped up on September 11th. It’s always a picturesque whirlwind of celebrities and the very best of style. I love seeing what the designers have dreamed up for Spring 2015.
  • Although you’ll find me browsing through the London markets on most Saturday mornings, I wouldn’t mind going to the market with Marissa Cox in the tiny village of Gordes in Provence. What a perfect place to find something for a weekend brunch.
  • I don’t feel so bad saying goodbye to summer berries when pears like this are in my near future.

Luxury – An Insider’s View

Xray lighterXray congac bottleXray LouboutinXray cameraXray corsetXray saddleXray gloveXray shoeLux InsideI stumbled across this exhibition at Holt Renfrew in downtown Toronto. A collaboration with Institut Francais, the photographs give a literal insider’s view into some of the most internationally renowned, luxurious objects recognized by style lovers around the world. My personal favourites are the Louboutin heel, the Hermes saddle, and the jewel like image of the cognac bottle.

The exhibition runs until September 18th, a perfect excuse for a trip to Holt Renfrew…and maybe a little shopping!