Beaux Mondes

Snow Day

Winter arrived today. Right after my rose bushes started budding under the assumption spring was on its way. I was looking at my garden earlier this week when I noticed new sprouts in the ground and buds on the shrubbery. What a contrast they are now against the snow.

I tossed on a touque and took Phoenix out in the backyard to play. He sat for a while on the deck staring in sort of awe of the snowflakes. With the mild weather all season, we were just as mystified. On a side note, I love how pink his nose turns when its chilly out. Precious or what?

We live right in the heart of Durand and are lucky to be on streets lined with mature trees that arch over the road. And with the snow capped roofs on all the Victorian houses, it looked like a winter wonderland outside.

We can't think of anything more fitting for a Canadian winter day than The Pillow Boot. Our moms wore them way back when. We're wearing them now. They are a classic. Cougar produced a limited edition run of these for the winter season. And we love them.

Handmade Edition

We have a great admiration for independent designers and artisans. And we always encourage you to shop local, wherever local may be for you. When you purchase a handcrafted item you know you are getting a quality piece made with love and care. For this edition of Things We Love, we found beautiful items right here in Hamilton, in our neighbouring city Toronto, and as far as Richmond and Portland.

1. Nicole Tarasick screenprints these Canadiana themed pillow covers out of her Toronto based studio. We first discovered her designs at the Interior Design Show last year and have adored them since. Among the cheeky prints you'll find grizzly bears, a map of Canada, the Great Lakes, and the YOW airport code. Visit her Etsy shop to purchase online -- you can also add a feather fill.

2. Annie Cunningham of thief & BANDIT, is an artist and designer originally from Canada, and now working out of Richmond, Virginia. She handprints turbans (!!, you know how we feel about them), tanks, scarves, braided bracelets and even leggings. We love the colour combinations and playful patterns of all her designs.

3. Corrine Anestopoulos, the designer behind Biko, handcrafts whimsical jewellery out of her attic-turned-studio in Toronto. She combines vintage elements with modern styles using metals, natural stones and even quirky brass pendants like telescopes, acorns, wishbones and fortune cookies.

4. Hetterson designer, Hannah Peterson, began by designing dresses, and has since expanded into clothing, knitwear and leathergoods. We love to follow the Hetterson Journal, for a behind the scenes look at what Hannah is working on. One of her recent creations is the satchlet (satchel + wallet combo). Cute or what? And how gorgeous is the toffee colour of the vegetable tanned leather she uses for these satchlets? She handpaints the stripes in different colours like rose gold, tangerine and lemon yellow.

5. Our friend and knitwear designer Tara-Lynn Morrison, handknits beautiful pieces right here in Hamilton under the label Good Night Day. We adored her recent collaboration with Audrey Cantwell of Ovate on slouchy knit touques with vintage fur pom poms, and loved the twist to her classic merino wool sweater by adding leather tassels. Now Good Night Day is has created one-of-a-kind scarves (31 in fact) for Of a Kind. They are handknit with fair trade, thick and thin wool that is naturally spun and dyed by a women's collective in Argentina.

Accoutrements

When Judi McIntyre, owner of Accoutrements first contacted us she said "New boutique on King! French flavored!" We immediately thought French Macarons! Finally! This isn't in fact what she is carrying in the boutique at all, but all the other pretty, little indulgences she offers are equally satisfying. Nestled in the International Village, Accoutrements has found its place amongst a thriving community with over a century of history. Judi finds charm in the sound of nearby church bells or the sight of police on horseback coming down the street. "I love the big city feel of Hamilton with all it's unique neighbourhoods. I choose 264 King Street East because it is located in the International Village and my boutique is French inspired," explains Judi. Though her home is in Burlington, she loves the history and character of Hamilton. "How many businesses can boast of being over 100 years old!" Judi enthuses. The International Village formed in the mid 1800s with a range of merchants from tailors, milliners, confectioners, a blacksmith, watchmaker and flour and feed outlets serving people who travelled by rail. Today it's home to over 100 merchants and services.



The boutique is inspired by Judi's many travels to Paris. "I drew inspiration from their shoppes, and designed the space in a classic French way," she tells us, "My vision was to give people the same delight that I have experienced upon entering a beautiful French shoppe." The tall ceilings create an open, airy environment and are complimented by the 'greige' colour scheme, distressed wood and metal elements. Accoutrements offers housewares, gift items, specialty foods and apparel. Whenever we shop we're on the hunt for interesting Canadian products. Among the items in store, we love the soaps by Lothantique, especially the marine scent. There's also an extensive selection of fine foods and serving ware from the Wildy Delicious collection Petite Maison that would make perfect house warming or hostess gifts. "I enjoy the process of sourcing beautiful things for my home or seeing the delight of my friends' faces when I've presented them with a gorgeous little gift," explains Judi, "So I opened a boutique which is the perfect venue for this passion."

These specialty mustards by Queen Mary Gourmet Foods caught our eye right away. Dirty Martini, Royally Hot English -- not exactly your traditional flavours. We learned the mustard seeds are cultivated in Alberta and milled right here in Hamilton at the oldest mustard mill in Canada. Did you know that Hamilton is home to a thriving mustard seed industry?

The boutique has a lovely assortment of items that fill one's home with character. You'll find everything from dishware, clocks, frames and dried flowers, to wreathes, cookbooks and home decor. As Judi tells us, time is always of the essence for customers. For this reason she offers a unique collection of specialty items to make it easy for customers to find many items on their list. But if you have a bit of time, Accoutrements is a shoppe to get lost in and enjoy the beautiful products and setting. By continuely sourcing new products and information for her clientele Judi provides the special attention and service that is unique to independent stores. 

"I am always in search of little luxuries to make my life and others around me richer and more fulfilled," says Judi. Be sure to visit her website in the next few weeks as she shares bits of inspiration and information about events, product launches and tips on decorating and entertaining on her upcoming blog.

Accoutrements
264 King Street East
Hamilton, ON
L8N 1B7