Sarah Walker The Curated House, Author at The Curated House

The Toronto Christmas Market

So I quietly mentioned last week that a friend generously invited me to join her on a dreamy, whirlwind adventure, spending two inspired days exploring the Scandanavian city of Copenhagen. Truth is, I’m still pinching myself.

The number one thing on our “to-do” list while in Copenhagen was to get to The Tivoli Christmas Market. I promise to share more about that amazingly Christmas-y experience in the days leading up to the 25th. I’m really not being a tease. I mention all of this now because I am SO excited about our very own Christmas Market happening at The Historic Distillery District. Having just been to one of the premiere Christmas Markets in Europe, I can say with all sincerity that The Toronto Christmas Market is oozing with the same kind of charm, ambiance and Christmas spirit you would experience in Europe, and it’s all right here in your own {Toronto} backyard!

The Distillery District is a National Historic Site, home to the largest collection of Victorian Industrial Architecture in North America. The cobblestone streets have a way of transporting you into another place and time, and the gorgeous, early 19th-century-style strings of lights that are hanging between the buildings add to the magical mood of this place and event.

Just as in Copenhagen, the streets are lined with sweet, gingerbread-style huts housing vendors of all kinds. Glühwein {or “Glogg” as they call it in Denmark} is a hot mulled red wine aperitif synonymous with outdoor European Christmas events. Its warming, fragrant goodness is available from various vendors throughout The Toronto Christmas Market, the perfect way to warm your hands and constitution as you wander.

There are of course many vendors offering Christmas ornaments and gifts. From evergreen saplings to Niagara fudge and bees wax candles, the variety of options make it a wonderful destination to find that something special or unique on your list while soaking up the Christmas spirit. We even found chocolate-dipped bacon, which will christen the top of my son’s stocking this year {shhh, don’t tell him!}. Not sure if it makes me the best mom in the world or the worst mom in the world that I’m giving my son chocolate-dipped bacon? I just keep telling myself it’s only once a year. Once a year.

Beyond the obvious visual charm of the cobblestone streets, the permanent galleries and shops that are open throughout the year make The Distillery District the perfect location for The Toronto Christmas Market. These lovely local purveyors offer a toasty reprieve from winter’s chill and an inspiring place to warm fingers and toes while exploring many more beautiful and unique wares.

That being said, it’s the fact that this is an open-air event that makes it so authentic to the European experience. While in Copenhagen, I was amazed to see literally hundreds of people riding bikes in the snow and subzero temperatures. In Europe, life is an adventure to be experienced, no matter what the weather is doing! No shopping malls to weaken one’s constitution! The Toronto Christmas Market is an authentic taste of that way of life, with lovely food vendors peppered throughout to help you recharge and make the whole experience that much sweeter.

With winter days shortening, you don’t have to stay out past your bedtime to experience the romance of the Distillery District all lit up for Christmas at night. I highly recommend planning your visit for late afternoon and into the evening so that you can experience the lights in all their twinkling glory. Like a blanket of glittering starry skies, they are clearly there to wish you the happiest of holidays.

The Toronto Christmas Market is open daily until December 16th. If you live in the Toronto area and have been struggling to find your Christmas spirit, this is the destination for you. Guaranteed to melt any grinchy heart.

Wishing you a warm and happy Tuesday, filled with the courage to adventure out into your life, no matter the weather.

xo
s.

By Sarah Walker The Curated House|December 11th, 2012|0 Comments

Make Something Mondays | Sarah Hillock

It’s always inspiring to me to learn about how people realize their calling. For artist Sarah Hillock, it came unexpectedly. Traveling on a break from studies in figurative painting and drawing at OCAD University, Sarah was hiking through a field when she found herself greeted by the warm and intelligent affections of a herd of cows pressing against the fence, each one competing for her attention.

The encounter flooded Sarah with the memories and emotions of an early childhood spent in the adoring presence of just such creatures on her family farm in rural Ontario. At once her life history, passion and talent collided to form the future direction Hillock’s body of work. Sarah returned from the trip and painted her first bovine portrait. Hillock hasn’t looked back since.

I will confess that I am not commonly drawn to the subject matter of farm animals in fine art, but Sarah’s paintings feel more figurative than farm animal to me. Each creature is depicted with such personality and engagement that I find myself drawn in unexpectedly and entirely. With each piece, there is something in the eyes that speaks of a dialogue between creature and girl, and I feel transported into Sarah’s story as I drink that in. I was truly moved when I saw Sarah’s work for the first time – in fact, it stopped me short in the midst of a fast-paced walk. I found myself immediately engaged with her passion for rural life and the beauty of the creatures she honours in her work.

An avid traveller, Sarah now chooses her subjects from fields and farms all over the world. Hillock’s work has been included in collections and exhibitions all across Canada, and she is currently working on an upcoming exhibition with DeLuca Gallery in Toronto.

Wishing you an inspired Monday, where at least one moment of unexpected beauty will stop you short and make you linger.

xo
s.

By Sarah Walker The Curated House|December 10th, 2012|0 Comments

Deck the Halls with Festive Frocks

It’s here! The season for holiday soirées is upon us, and with it the opportunity to trim our trees with ornaments and trim ourselves in festive frocks that are just perfect for this jolly time of year.

Today I’ve pulled together five lovely outfits from Anthropologie to offer you some inspiration for finding your own unique style as you step out for this party season.

The Dress: Lasercut Sheath, The Earrings: In Rome Earrings, The Handbag: Nicolette Box Clutch, The Shoes: Converged Bow Peep Toes

The Dress: Goldleaf Cocktail Dress, The Earrings: Southbound Plume Earrings, The Handbag: Genji Deco Clutch, The Shoes: Sweetheart Vamp Pumps

The Dress: Paisley Scroll Dress, The Earrings: Polished Planes Earrings, The Handbag: Jewel In The Rough Pouch, The Shoes: Sheer Scallop Peep Toes

The Dress: Mirela Silk Dress, The Earrings: Brae Dew Drops, The Handbag: Sea Mosaic Clutch, The Shoes: Pointed Cutout Wedges

The Dress: Heian Sheath, The Earrings: Kretsa Chandeliers, The Belt: Frayed Grosgrain Belt, The Handbag: Eminonu Clutch, The Shoes: Hearted Wingtip Mary-Janes

Not content simply to play dress-up on paper, my friend Jenn and I decided to transform our recent tree-trimming party into what my English cousins call “a fancy dress party.” Here are two of our favourite Anthro frocks on two real-life friends who delight in the details of these gorgeous garments as much as we do in the details of the ornaments we placed on the tree.

PHOTO BY GABRIELA HANSEN


PHOTO BY GABRIELA HANSEN

As a girl with curves, I typically choose a fit-and-flare shape over a sheath dress in order to accentuate the positive while…well…not over-accentuating the especially curvy parts. But this Lasercut Sheath won my heart with its delightfully modern and feminine details. I just had to give it a try. The great news is that it also won over my girly hips with its charmingly subtle and stretchy side panels! I love the visually lengthening centre column of the delicate cream laser cut-outs contrasting the backdrop of subtle pin-dot black fabric. The knee length silhouette adds to this dress’ truly classic and elegant finesse. I have no doubt it will be a staple in my “occassions” wardrobe for years to come.

PHOTO BY GABRIELA HANSEN

I just love the way the warmth of this Goldleaf Cocktail Dress compliments Jenn’s creamy complexion and lovely red locks. The details are rather spectacular. The belt of this sequined dress looks like a laurel wreath of honour wrapping around her waist, and the Southbound Plume Earrings were truly made for this outfit.

PHOTO BY GABRIELA HANSEN

With the weekend upon us, I’m sure many of you will be getting ready for your own social calendar of festive events. I have no doubt that {with Anthropologie‘s help} we’ve solved your “what to wear” dilemna today! Wishing you the loveliest time of connecting and celebrating with friends and family at your holiday gatherings this year.

Many thanks to Anthropologie and to Gabriela Hansen for her photography.

xo
s.

By Sarah Walker The Curated House|December 7th, 2012|0 Comments