Tommy's Turf

One of my favorite things that have come about because of my blog has been my friendship with interior designer Tommy Smythe.  I used to watch him on Design Inc. with Sarah Richardson and literally laugh out loud at all his funny quips.  Now I get to experience them in person and this time on his turf in Toronto. Not sure if he'll let me see his new home but I sure am going to try.  Until then, let's take another look at one of his previous chic homes that was featured in Canadian House & Home.  If that Hermes blanket is missing after my trip, I don't know anything about it. 

Photos by Michael Graydon for Canadian House & Home

Toronto Here I Come!

There's that joke that David Hasselhoff is really big in Europe.  Well, I don't joke when I say I'm really big in Canada.  I love my loyal readers to the north and can't wait to visit Toronto this week.  Besides my conversation with Tommy Smythe and book signing at Indigo Books, I look forward to visiting his sister Christie at Smythe and his office at Sarah Richardson Design.  I'm also being interviewed for CBC (talk about nervous!) and hope to stop by Canadian House & Home.  I can't wait to meet all my blog and twitter friends but most of all, I can't wait to luxuriate in my room at the brand new Four Seasons Toronto. Exciting eh?!

Join designer and TV personality Tommy Smythe in conversation with interior designer and style maven Heather Clawson (that's me!) about all things chic and stylish as well as her new book Creativity at Work on Thursday, November 8 at 7:00pm at Indigo Manulife Centre, 55 Bloor Street West,Toronto, Ontario, M4W 1A5.

Photo via Ryan Michael Cheung

Chic in Canada

I was excited to see Christie Smythe and her business partner Andrea Lenczner featured on The Coveteur this morning.  They are the Toronto based designing duo behind the wonderful fashion line Smythe, worn by The Duchess of Cambridge on her trip to Canada last year.  But more exciting to me is that Christie Smythe is the sister of Tommy Smythe who you know from his HGTV shows with designer Sarah Richardson!  Here is a little look at Christie's home with a few pieces that even came from her brother.  As you know, The Coveteur features clothing and accessories over the interior design so I'll have to see if it's been featured anywhere else recently. But it's even clear from these few photos that chicness runs in the Smythe family! 

Photos from The Coveteur

The Fresh Prince of Canada

I was familiar with the brand Joe Fresh but it wasn't until I attended the grand opening of their new flagship store last week that I really fell in love.  My favorite Canadian interior designer Tommy Smythe knows the owner Joe Mimran and his wife Kim Newport, the designer of Pink Tartan, and was kind enough to invite me along as his date. The store is located in a landmark building that I will talk about in my next post that includes a famous Bertoia screen and sculpture.  These alone are worth visiting but you will be glad you stopped by once you see the amazing striped shirts and dresses and other chic pieces.  I think summer is the perfect time to spend less on clothing since it tends to get dirty due to suntan lotion, self tanner, and let's face it sweat.  You really can't beat the prices at Joe Fresh but you better beat the crowds since many of their items sell out fast.  You've been warned!  

Joe Fresh owner Joseph Mimran

The Tulip Dress was popular at the party.  Joe Fresh does not have e-commerce yet but I heard that you can call the stores and have them ship you an item if you have a FedEx account. 

The famous Bertoia screen.

I saw women carrying this Marine Dress at the opening night party and I'm so glad I scooped one up for myself.  At $29 it was a steal and now it seems to be sold out. The stripe is also orange not red since the signature color of Joe Fresh is orange, just another reason why I love them.

I actually went back for this Marine Boatneck Tee.  The fabric is heavy quality for a shirt that is only $19!

I also picked up this Striped Dress in another colorway for $29. I actually would have bought more if they hadn't been sold out of lot of popular items.  I will definitely be stalking the stores weekly from now on!

The Bertoia sculpture original to the building. 

Photos courtesy of Joe Fresh.