1950’s Chinese Navy Diving Helmet
Available at Space Lab, 230 East Pender. $2,995
Every space should have a statement piece – something that draws focus and offers insight into the overall style perspective of the room. This vintage diving helmet takes that to a whole new level; an original, this was the Chinese version of the American Mark V. The piece offers great interest as a historical artifact, but from an aesthetic level, it is simply stunning. Solid brass with some nickel plating, it fits perfectly into one of the strongest design trends for the upcoming season – warm mixed metals. Standing roughly 16 inches in height and depth, this helmet is ready to steal the show in your style story.
Vintage Kimono
Available at Duchesse Vintage and Such, 430 Columbia. $120
As we move into cooler weather, every girl is hitting the streets hunting down a collection of fabulous pieces to layer up without dragging down her style. Ladies, the hunt is over; add some style to your wardrobe with this vintage kimono. A thin piece perfect for layering, it is made from a mix of raw and soft silk (read: Fits comfortably under your well-loved denim jacket for an ideal Vancouver autumn outerwear combo). Try it as an alternative to a blazer to amp up the style at work, or over your fave little number for a knockout evening getup. The palette adds some summertime warmth with a saturated apricot, perfect for a rainy Van-city day!
Mantel Blue Area Rug
Available at Burritt Bros, 3594 Main. $9,440 at an 8’x10′ size
Area rugs are one of the fundamental elements of successful design; not only do they offer functional warmth and softness underfoot, but they also visually ground a room, offering a perceived area for room decor to develop. Whether oversized or an accent piece, rugs provide an opportunity to play with pattern and texture. My recent love has been for tone on tone neutral rugs (think – a white on white silk blend for an ultra glam appeal) but I have also found myself attracted to a new palette – muted blues. This Mantel Blue rug from Burritt Bros offers an old-world feel with the distressed effect of the medallion, beautifully accentuated by the soft steely blue and natural colourway. The epitome of handcrafted, this beauty is 100 per cent hand spun, hand dyed, and hand knotted in Nepal from a 50/50 blend of Himalayan wool and Chinese silk.
Alex Coral Cuff by Loren Hope
Available at LYNNsteven Boutique, 225 Carrall. $95
Art Deco glamour meets modern day edge with this handmade piece by Loren Hope. The stronger elements of the wide antiqued brass cuff are juxtaposed by the feminine Austrian rhinestones and large coral stone; true to the brand’s design philosophy, each piece is handmade, offering both style and quality. This collection by Loren Hope is the only non-Canadian line carried within the LYNNsteven boutique, a must-stop shop for those in the know. This Gastown gem has been bringing the women of Vancouver a fun, flirty, and fashion-forward style selection five years next month.
Bingo modular table/seat/bed
Available at Vancouver Special, 3612 Main. $395
Bingo is multi-functional living at its finest. Ideal for small space urban homes, the piece is a convertible three-in-one furniture element that solves the logistical dilemma of guest comfort versus floorspace, in style. When completely closed, the Bingo is a chic side- or coffee-table with a metal top tray and cool folded effect. Remove the tray, and you have an accordion-esque pouff for extra seating. The most awesome feature? Unfold it altogether and you’ve got a chic guest bed for one. Constructed of high density polyurethane foam with a (removable) wool felt fabric finish, the Bingo is available in fifteen colours. I love pieces that add functionality with a big dose of awesome! If you’ve got more room to play, try using multiples as statement seating within an open concept space.
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