Toronto
February 14th, 2011
Good to be Green
One day you’re a green warrior, the next you’re an eco wimp.
A visit to Kym Klopp's Eco Existence should ensure you stay on the right side of the fence. With its great selection of earth friendly essentials for the whole home, you’ll be a green-total in no time. Our picks are the smart and portable To-Go-Ware, Sal Suds cleaning products and the Luxurious Prima organic cotton comforters.
The grass sure is greener on this side.
21 Vaughan Rd, Unit 103, Toronto, 416-652-0808, http://ecoexistence.ca/
September 13th, 2010
Three Sheets to the Wind
Nothing satisfies a perfectionist more than sharp hotel corners on freshly pressed sheets.
We’re practicing our fold and tuck technique on these fabulous new bed linens from Toronto textile and fashion designer, Virginia Johnson. The quilts (US$325), pillows (US$78), sheets (US$195) and crib bedding (US$295) are block printed in India and are adorned with Johnson’s signature whimsy. Nighty, night.
At Virginia Johnson, 32 Ossington Ave., Toronto, 416-516-3366, www.virginiajohnson.com
July 20th, 2010
Lay out with Linen
With some fab finds, one just isn’t enough.
That’s how we feel about this luxurious alternative to terry beach towels—the linen Deck Towel. Lightweight and large, each throw measures nearly 2m by 1.5m and can absorb nearly twenty times its weight in water, plus sand doesn't stick. Putting practicalities aside, the main draw is the incredible fabric. Fall in love with the bright hues of ico, the bold stipes of boudewijn, or the more subtle shades of enzo. If, like us, you can’t decide, order two. Keep one for the beach and picnics, and another for your bedspread or kitchen table, as an off-registry wedding gift or just wrapping up with your man on a chilly night of gazing at the stars.
From US$50 at www.decktowel.com or order by phone from Old Faithful Shop in Vancouver, 778-327-9376.
July 5th, 2010
Playing Doubles
After appearing on tennis courts in 1933, the green crocodile has been sported on the courts, off the courts, and everywhere in between.
Now the company behind the classic tennis tee has brought that laidback feel of sportswear to the bedroom with the Lacoste Home Collection. Choose from a handful of different sets, each one inspired by the bright colours and modern styles of Lacoste’s ready-to-wear collections. The duvet sets start at $200 for twin ($250 for queen) and can be paired with solid twill sheets (from $70) and a croco-knit throw ($110). Finish off the bedroom with a classic crocodile print cushion (from $70).Love all, indeed.
Lacoste Home Collection at The Bay.
May 5th, 2010
Between the Sheets
Oprah Winfrey, Elton John and the Pope all snuggle nightly into Pratesi sheets. Ernest Hemingway used to reward himself with a set every time he completed a novel. Indeed, there are few linens as luxurious as these.
Find Pratesi, ($2,300 Queen/set) and other thread-count heavyweights (Frette, $2,300 Queen/set; Yves Delorme Duvet, $1,645) at Palais Royale Home. This new bedding boudoir is brimming with the kinds of sheets and pillows and duvets that we dream about. Of course, we may have to starve to save up for a set, but breakfast in bed will never taste better.
Palais Royale Home, 87 Avenue Rd., Suite 246, Toronto, 416-929-4081, http://palaisroyalehome.com
May 26th, 2009
Earthly Goods
We don’t wear salmon skin shoes or compostable lipstick, but we do appreciate the value of other planet friendly luxuries.
For a choice of super soft organic cotton bedding we’ve discovered Anami, a brand new store with a focus on healthy living. Pick up some pillowcases, duvet covers and shams from Canada’s Coyuchi (flat sheets start at $99) or wrap up in a natural blend Nandina bamboo towel ($65). Coming soon is Anami’s private line of pure linen sheets plus plenty more eco-friendly ways to green your home and wardrobe.
Sure beats hemp lingerie.
Anami, 87 Avenue Rd., Toronto, 647-347-8263.
June 2nd, 2008
NOSE FOR A ROSE
The Egyptians had the right idea of using essential oils and flowers to keep their homes and linens smelling Neroli sweet.
Next time you’re giving your pillowcases a press, sprinkle a dash of Miss Spencer’s rose-scented water ($10) on them. Based on a recipe dating back to the 1600s, the linen water is so delicate and subtle you could equally use it as a perfume, a hair rinse or a room freshener. Plus the charming little glass bottle makes for a pretty nightstand vase once the water is done.
Sweet dreams.
Miss Spencer’s linen waters are available at Fawn Ceramics Studio, 55 Mill St., Toronto, 416-861-9988, www.fawnceramics.com
May 23rd, 2008
LIVE WITH STYLE
If you’re like us and you wish Anthropologie would set up shop in Toronto, you may want to take a peek at LIV, a charming new lifestyle store on Eglinton.
Launched by Joanna Goodman, owner of chic bedding shop Au Lit, this 10,000 square foot, two-level store combines fashion and jewellery with furniture, linens, lighting and accessories.
Pick from delicate twinkling necklaces from The Right Hand Gal (from $180), ultra-soft cotton dresses from Bread & Butter (from $230), and gorgeous knitwear from Montreal’s Touch of Me ($110).
We loved the selection of bubbles, bath soaks and delicately scented Gianna Rose drawer liners ($21).
Don’t miss the lower level bursting with fabulous flee market finds like vintage bureaus, nightstands and chandeliers. You’ll also find a monogramming service ($25 for the first three letters on in-store merchandise) plus plenty of pretty crockery, glasses and kitchen supplies.
Trust us, you won’t leave empty handed.
LIV, 418 Eglinton Ave. W., Toronto, 416-481-2300, www.livbyaulit.com




