Under the covers with Tracie

Last night I was whipping through The Bay, scouting for quelque chose for a shoot, and was stopped in my tracks by a delovely set of linen. This little wonder is called Sienna and hails from an Aussie firm, Aura by Tracie Ellis. The collection, smashing in black and yellow, was inspired by Victorian wallpaper and IMHO would be quite the bedroom statement maker. Loves it. Oh, and I included a close-up of the bedside table, since it has a fab nutty vibe with its mix of a Moooi Rabbit Lamp and a Patricia Urquiola designed T Table for Kartell (not to mention the great matte black wall). Here's hoping the nice peeps at The Bay bring in more of Tracie's line.

Guest blog / Julia Black: A vintage sensibility

Julia Black: I am a confessed scavenger. When on the hunt for just the right thing for a shoot, for a client, for a gift, or even for myself, I will leave no stone unturned. Just about every week I seem to end up rummaging through antique markets, thrift stores and salvaged good shops for those special things that represent an element of old world style; something that brings a measure of antiquity, authenticity and charm. But, when I’m strapped for time and need to shop somehwhere where everything isn't covered in a layer of dust, I’ll turn to a trusted favourite: Anthropologie. On a recent run through I stumbled upon a tremendous collection of all sorts of wonderful home accessories that reflect decades past. This season some of my faves have an Austen-esque Sense and Sensibility feel about them, and include mis-matched bedding, demure ruffles and faux (but romantic) antique books that are actually boxes. Now that's what I call major vintage-inspired satisfaction!

To read more posts from Julia click here, to check out her cool blog click here, and click here to see her new Get Fresh online videos for CTV!

Guest blog / Julia Black: Under covers

Julia Black: What happens between the sheets is definitely personal. But, if I may, I’d like to recommend you get to know more about who you are in bed with, at least when it comes to your bedlinens. Shopping for linens can be a complex issue, as there’s a ton to know and a gazillion options out there, like threadccount, the brand, the content, and what part of the world does it come from? On a recent trip to Vancouver I discovered a bedding company called, simply, Bed. At Bed, they pride themselves in making their product themselves, from the sewing right through to the dying, making the most brilliant spectrum of solid, patterned and striped 100% cotton bedlinens, all locally. Luckily, you don't have to be in Vancouver to get in on the Bed action, since they ship just about anywhere, but it is great to get to support a small Canadian company who are making a positive difference in the mass manufactured market we all live in. My absolute fave at Bed was selecting from all the spectacular solid colours they carry - 48 in all - and having fun mixing and matching patterns and stripes. Better still, at the end of the day you get to hop into an overwhelmingly comfortable bed and know exactly who you're zzz-ing with!

To read more posts from Julia click here, and to check out her cool blog click here.