Paulina Bijoux

Accept no imitation

2009-08-25T22:24:00.002-04:00

"Always be a first-rate version of yourself rather than a second-rate version of somebody else "

- Judy Garland

Lathered up

2009-08-25T21:59:00.005-04:00

What's your favourite shop to buy bubble bath at? Do you know of any lovely brands for fizzes, salts, and suds? I think Philosophy may be my best bet. Love a glamourous bath after a long day at the office. A girl has got to unwind! Vanilla or coconut scents are ideal. All I need is a clawfoot tub and a glass of bubbly.

How to be a Hepburn in a Hilton world

2009-08-22T03:18:00.004-04:00

... Apparently Miss Hilton thinks by wearing pearls and opera length gloves she is suddenly graceful. Does anyone else find this funny? I wonder which came first, the book or this photo of Paris. Knowing Paris it was probably the book, and this was her attempt at laughing it off. Kind of sad. Silly, silly girl.

Girl about town

2009-08-22T01:58:00.000-04:00

The Boys: The Sherman Brothers' Story

2009-08-22T00:48:00.005-04:00

Last week I was invited to a special CFC screening of The Boys: The Sherman Brothers' Story - a wonderful documentary about the legendary work of Disney songwriters Robert and Richard Sherman. It was absolutely incredible! Not only did I very much enjoy the film, but I also got the chance to meet Richard Sherman himself. He treated us to a friendly Q+A which was followed by a once-in-a-lifetime performance of some of the two's most noteworthy songs including numbers from The Jungle Book, Mary Poppins, and Bedknobs and Broomsticks.

Today I received an amazing e-mail from the directors of the film, Gregg and Jeff Sherman, sons of original duo. I'd like to share it with you:

Dear Ashley:

We truly appreciate your joining us last week for the sneak preview of our Walt Disney Pictures feature documentary, "the boys: the sherman brothers' story." As you saw, it's a loving tribute to our dads -- Richard and Robert Sherman -- the Oscar and Grammy-winning team who wrote world-famous songs such as "You're Sixteen," and "It's a Small World" and song scores for more than 50 movies including "Mary Poppins," "The Jungle Book," "Winnie the Pooh," "The Aristocats" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang."

We're thrilled to say our film garnered glowing reviews from several major U.S. critics and we’re hopeful you’ll be seeing similar reactions from the Canadian press and media later this week. (www.rottentomatoes.com/m/boys_the_sherman_brothers_story/)

Unlike big budget films, we’ve learned the most effective means of getting the word out on documentaries like “the boys: the sherman brothers’ story” is through word-of-mouth. You’re one of only a select few who have actually seen our film, so we’re asking for your help. “the boys: the sherman brothers’ story” opens exclusively for a limited time at Toronto's AMC Yonge and Dundas on Friday, August 21st. The success at your theater -- the only place in the world where “the boys” is playing -- will determine the studio’s theatrical release of our film. We hope you enjoyed our documentary and will help us spread the word.

Please feel free to forward this email to any of your contacts who might enjoy our movie or, if you would, please take a moment to compose your own email or facebook posting telling your friends, family and neighbors about “the boys: the sherman brothers’ story.” For anyone who would like to learn more about our film, please log on to: www.theboysdoc.com.

Thank you again Ashley for your touching, heartfelt reaction to our film and, especially, our dads' legacy. We are all very grateful.

Sincerely,

Gregg & Jeff Sherman
www.theboysdoc.com

Story of a charmed life

2009-08-22T00:47:00.000-04:00

I spy silver & sapphire

2009-08-16T17:07:00.003-04:00

I spy with my little eye...

Burberry on Bloor

2009-08-16T17:01:00.002-04:00

There's nothing sexier than a classic trench and pair of red soles. Lose the trousers and show off those gams. A lovely little frock underneath, with the lacy hem peeking out.

Burberry is set to launch on Bloor Street this October. Actually they've just opened at Yorkdale Mall, but you won't catch me there.

Stairway to heaven

2009-08-16T16:57:00.003-04:00

Imagine a mirrored staircase leading up to your boudoir? Very ooh la la. How glamourous it would be!

Photograph by Polly Wreford

Bat for lashes

2009-08-15T21:02:00.000-04:00

Photographer: Jamie Nelson

Make-up: Lottie

Art Direction: Danielle von Braun

Half-moon manicure

2009-08-12T17:21:00.005-04:00

The half-moon manicure - such an elegant look. I've been wanting to get my nails done like this for a long time now but am unsure of where to go.

If you've had any success in Toronto, won'tcha help a girl out? Which nail salon does it best?

The essence of September

2009-08-12T17:16:00.002-04:00

My favourite September cover so far this year.

The best fringe in town

2009-08-07T18:10:00.002-04:00

Trot on over to Toni & Guy on Bloor Street (at Avenue, across from the ROM) and see Paul Formusa - he'll doll you up real nice. And he does the best fringe in town.

A best friend is a girl's best friend

2009-08-07T10:15:00.004-04:00

Well my dears, it's weekend time again! What are your plans? My absolute best friend in the world (since I was 5!), Samantha, is coming to the city this evening from Kingston. I don't get to see her very often so it's going to be fun to catch up. Do you have a friend like that? One where it doesn't matter the last time you saw each other because you always pick up right where you left off? It's a rare thing, I think, but so important to have. Consider yourself lucky.

On Sunday I will be celebrating a birthday with my extremely lovely friend Shawna! Not sure what's on the agenda yet but friends from all-over are coming. I can't wait!

There she is there, Samantha Shortcake, and yes she is always that glamourous.

True indulgence

2009-08-05T21:39:00.003-04:00

My idea of the perfect Wednesday evening... spending the evening in and having 'me' time. The works: silk robe, your favourite movie on in the background, French Vogue, maybe polish your nails, and enjoying strawberries and glass of sparkling rose. Don't answer to anyone.

We like the same things & I like your style

2009-08-05T19:43:00.001-04:00

Ideal

2009-08-05T13:09:00.001-04:00

There are no words needed.

Rodate for Target

2009-08-05T11:36:00.004-04:00

Rodarte will be releasing a limited edition collection for Target this winter, and if you ask me it's mistake. Let me preface this by telling you I am a HUGE Rodarte fan, massive. But I think the brand is much too young to dilute itself and sell to the masses, all while remaining in the luxury category. I highly doubt middle American cares for Rodarte. If the sisters are strapped for cash, a smarter route would have been designing a capsule collection for Topshop or even H&M - at least that way they wouldn't have to sacrifice on design by watering down and over-editing.

To be honest I'm a little scared of what the mass version of these BEAUTIFUL knit/bandage combos will look like. I think it is going to look so sad on a cheap plastic hanger.

Is everyone forgetting the Alexander McQueen for Target collection? Hideous! An example of a true artist trading dollars for vision. It really speaks to the times, doesn't it?

Grand things

2009-08-04T22:31:00.005-04:00

Really happy for my dear friend, Ryan.

Life is so full of twists and turns. Curly, curly, curly roads. Sometimes steep, other times narrow - so steep and so narrow you feel like you might just fall off down into the rabbit hole. Work hard, love the ones you love, and always walk on the sunny side of the street. Good things come to those who make them happen, not for those who wait.

Fresh starts and bright futures.

Life and love

2009-08-04T22:16:00.000-04:00

Red umbrella

2009-08-04T20:31:00.005-04:00

The perfect way to brighten up a rainy day is to walk with a red umbrella. To stay above the rain, wear your highest high heels - it's genius I'm telling you.

Holiday

2009-08-03T13:48:00.007-04:00

What are you doing on today's holiday? Please, please don't disturb me while I'm with my Sunday Times!

Why don't you put on your bikini and heels and bring a great book or magazine out by the pool? Indulge... just don't forget the SPF! Being healthy is sexy.

On blonde men

2009-07-29T10:24:00.004-04:00

Personally I think Matthew McConaughey is a bit of a jerk, but when I saw this I laughed out loud.

Illustration courtesy of my dear friend Kimberly Dean of Dean Velveteen.

M3 Mondays

2009-07-28T10:24:00.004-04:00

My new favourite thing to do on a Monday evening - M3 Mondays at the Pantages Martini Bar & Lounge. Enjoy martinis, mojitos, and mac n' cheese for $5 each. I'll skip on the latter but I have to tell you the martinis are yummy (try the French Mistress or Blue Velvet). The onyx bar is beautiful, intimate, and located in the lobby in one of Toronto's chicest boutique hotels.

Indulge. It's a great way to begin your week.

The best nude gloss

2009-07-27T14:27:00.006-04:00

The best nude gloss goes to MAC Tinted Lipglass in 'Underage'. It's the perfect soft pale pink with a subtle shimmer. It's highly pigmented so your best bet is to apply some lip balm before hand to ensure your lips are hydrated.

*Also, don't hop on your boyfriend's motorcycle after applying, the gloss is very sticky so wait until after you arrive. Hair in your face is never a good look. If you're patient, the result is a delicious Lolita pout! xx

Buy it here.

Katy Perry in Toronto

2009-07-27T13:39:00.007-04:00

Katy Perry played The Molson Amphitheatre last night in Toronto - did anyone have a chance to attend? I was lucky enough to meet Miss Perry backstage at Fashion (s)Cares 2009 (which I covered for Shedoesthecity), and she was as sweet as pie.

This photo covered Toronto's daily free newspaper Metro, accompanied by an article bashing the performance, saying that it screamed 'fashion over function'. Writer Keith Carman continues to say, "It's a sad style-over-substance approach that winds up churning out mindless fluff." I hardly think Carman is Perry's target audience, and I also think most pop music is fluff - but isn't that why we like it? Forget the tough times and dance to your favourite pop record.

Pop stylings - The Asteroids Galaxy Tour

2009-07-27T13:16:00.007-04:00

It doesn't feel like summer in COLD & RAINY Toronto but it sure does sound like it. Danish SUPERPOP band The Asteroids Galaxy Tour is just the ticket, and with Mette Lindberg on vocals, I can't resist adding them to my August playlist. Spin it baby!

Beauty icon: Sharon Tate

2009-07-27T11:24:00.010-04:00

Lately I've been smitten with the style of the Swinging Sixties - the bouffant hair, the mini shift dresses, long lashes, and nude lips. Sharon Tate was a woman who embodied this look - her beauty is timeless.

Valley of the Dolls is a rather iconic book; I read it last year and couldn't put it down! I recently watched the film and was disappointed because, well it wasn't very good. There was no structure or character development, but visually it was beautiful, and I can appreciate it from that aspect. I'm inspired by the living doll style and have been wearing mini dresses and platform heels all summer.

"My definition of love is being full. Complete. It makes everything lighter. Beauty is something you see. Love is something you feel." - Sharon Tate

Ruby Press

2009-07-27T11:06:00.003-04:00

Great mention for Paulina Bijoux this morning on Ruby Press - one of my absolute favourite blogs. The posts are always short & sweet but they offer just the right amount of visual candy and inspiration. Miss always-in-the-know Melissa Davis, owner of boutique PR agency Ruby Press, often shares great links and ideas. She has exquisite taste that is evident in each of her postings. I suggest you head on over and check it out for yourself! Don't forget to bookmark, she updates daily. Oh and she tweets!

Ellen von Unwerth - Photographer extraordinaire

2009-07-25T11:00:00.012-04:00

"Ellen von Unwerth brings an energetic femininity to fashion photography - call it girl power. The models in her pictures have real identities, and the photos often convey a sexuality without reducing the subjects to sex objects." - American Photo

Ellen von Unwerth has got to be one of my favourite photographers. Her subjects (usually women) always look beautiful and there's a sort of comfort and strength that perhaps a male photographer might not be able to capture (except Helmet Newton of course). Even when in compromising or vulnerable situations, the model's beauty and sexuality is enhanced not exploited. Maybe this is because Ellen herself was a model, there is that shared understanding. Whatever it is it's brilliant.

Photos: Sarah Jessica Parker - HBO publicity photo for Sex and the City, Dita Von Teese for The Face UK - November 2003, Susan Eldridge for Vogue Italia - 2004, Reese Witherspoon for Interview - December 2006

Love it when you call me legs

2009-07-25T00:36:00.010-04:00

I don't care what anyone says, I will always love a romper/playsuit. There is absolutely an age when a woman should not be caught in a onesie, but that time has yet to come for me.

Frolicking beachside, picnicing in the park on a red gingham blanket whilst enjoying a slice o' watermelon, cruising on your cruiser bicycle - these are all instances in which it would be perfectly ADORABLE to be wearing a playsuit. Dress me up in Mandate of Heaven, the best place to find a one-of-a-kind little hotpant number, and I am the happiest girl in the world. Not that I ever need an excuse to go to New York, but if I needed one I think this is a pretty damn good reason.

Mandate of Heaven - at Patricia Field in Manhattan (302 Bowery) and at their flagship/studio in Williamsburg (406 Lorimer, 3rd Floor)

Mama was an ex-showgirl

2009-07-24T23:52:00.006-04:00

It's really no secret that it is my secret wish to be a showgirl, if for no other reason than to dress head-to-toe in sequins, jewels, and feathers. The Blonds are the go-to designers for custom pieces that ooze that kind of sex appeal reserved for unafraid, too-hot-to-trot, come hither types. I don't know what it is but I instantly gravitate towards this kind of beauty; maybe it's my love for retro pin-ups and 20's flappers.

David and Philippe Blond are a force to be reckoned with, and although I personally find some of the pieces to border on tacky, I just can't resist a bustier created of silver chains, spikes, and sparkle. www.TheBlondsNewYork.com

P.S. Rihanna looks gorgeous in her Blonds showstopper, but that headpiece is entirely questionable. Other celebrity clientele include: Dita Von Teese, Lady GaGa, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera.

A woman who doesn't wear perfume has no future - Coco Chanel

2009-07-24T23:32:00.003-04:00

If this is true, then I am absolutely destined for success - I have more than 15 different fragrances, and look to each to suit certain moods and time of day. Is it necessary to own so many perfumes? Probably not - but I really do love how a certain smell can take you places clothes just can't.

I can't possibly tell you what my signature scent is, because I have about 3 that move in rotation throughout the week. I always look to YSL's In Love Again for day - but I use sparingly because it's discontinued and my 100 mL bottle is half gone. It's a great scent though - light & summery. My other favourite is Miss Dior Cherie - it is irresistable & yummy (notes of strawberry, apple, and sugary popcorn), that and I'm a sucker for a beautiful advert campaign (Sofia Copploa is among my favourite directors and I just love the Parisian delight influence). For a hot night out I love a spritz of MAC's MV2 (if you love Vanilla, then this is the scent for you) - plus it is a small size so you can throw it in your bag.

I haven't smelled Marc Jacobs' Lola yet, because it isn't out in Canada yet, but as the sister parfum to Daisy, I'm sure it'll be delicious. And would you just look at that bottle? Beautiful.

Hello, Dolly

2009-07-23T00:26:00.004-04:00

Well hello, dolly.

Its so nice to have you back where you belong.

You're lookin swell, dolly... I can tell, dolly.

Welcome / Bievenue

Paulina Bijoux: The ultimate destination for visual inspiration. A place for musings, notes, thoughts, photos, and relevant fashion and lifestyle news.

An irresistable surge of energy resulting in the creative capacity that is Ashley Bartlett. Freelance writer and Fashion Jack of all-trades... err.. Jill.

Inspired by my grandmother, the loveliest woman there ever was.

Take off your coat and stay awhile, you'll be glad you did.

And feel free to e-mail me anytime!

ashley@paulinabijoux.com

P.S. I just can't stand a weak handshake.