From knives to wedding dresses and healthy snacks to fashion-forward glasses my obsessions this month are nothing if not varied.
1. Of the things I never knew I needed a Japanese knife is pretty high up on the list. However after recently slicing and dicing my way through crudités for a small Grade 2-sized army in a friend’s kitchen I realized how pleasant a beautiful instrument can make a thankless task (even though the little darlings didn’t touch the veggies and went straight for the pizza). The knife in question was a handmade stainless steel exquisitely engraved number from Knifewear in Inglewood (1316 9 Ave. S.E.). I am sure owning such an item would make me a Master Chef-worthy contestant overnight.
2. Whether you wear glasses all day or just for reading they are one of the most important items in your wardrobe. Just like hair they are seen every day and should work for your face shape skin tone and fashion sensibility. The Brass Monocle (Mount Royal and The Core) celebrates its 35th anniversary in Calgary this year. Founder Garry Hapton says what makes the business stand out is personal service and the exclusivity of the lines it carries. This independent optician goes the extra mile to secure unique and fashionable eyewear travelling to New York and Paris to hunt for frames from small innovative manufacturers like Anne et Valentin and Theo.
3. Organization makes me happy and so do bags but I hate the inevitable clutter and chaos involved in transferring items from one bag to another. That is why I am obsessed with the pouches from Truffle (onetruffle.com). They are clear (so you can see what you are carrying) functional pockets of happiness made from high-quality fashionable fabrics. The idea is to fill them with your essentials so they’re easy to find and bag transfer is less of a gamble. Now people who need to compartmentalize (like me) can switch roles — mother fashionista business woman or whatever your daily life demands — in a serene orderly fashion.
4. Many of us start the year with good intentions and dutifully brown bag our lunches for January then February hits and we are out of inspiration it’s cold outside and that chocolate bar really will help us get through that 4 p.m. meeting. If that has been your pattern consider arming yourself with some healthier standbys to get you through the mid-afternoon slump. Munch Better (munchbetter.ca) is a Canadian snack subscription service that puts together a selection of treats that get delivered to your door or desk — including better chocolate bars — and might just save you from that convenient vending machine.
5. For exquisite wedding dresses and beautiful evening gowns Ette is Calgary’s go-to destination. A wedding dress or evening dress should be crafted and designed with care and quality to transcend trend and remain something you love for years to come. Whether you want something simple made from silk or intricate lace and beading this boutique has something to capture your heart. Ette (800 16 Ave. S.W.) carries a large selection of high-end designers such as Jenny Packham Giambattista Valli Inbal Dror and Marchesa.
