Suitor Paper Products

 

Who doesn't love getting mail? Unless it's a bill, then you can send that back to wherever it came from. Unlike bills, I will gladly accept any one of these postal-greetings from Suitor, or make a nice home any one of their wise-beyond-its-years desk accessories on my already-cluttered desk. Suitor is a Chicago company that specializes in livening up your correspondence and making notes and doodles to yourself that much more interesting (and pretty). Not only do they have a full line of fancy paper products, but they also offer personalized stationary - and who doesn't love something with their name on it? Plus, the company does these special collaborations with pretty cool people, like Elise Bergman, and Kevin Aeh (seen above). As simple and chic as all of their choices are, they pack a humorous punch. My favorite is the "This needed you..." set of gift tags; they're perfect for when you know the gift you're giving in subpar, so this tag will take most likely take all of the attention away from your attempt at re-gifting. To wrap up this rant about my favorite things, I ask myself, why on Earth have they not asked me to create something yet? Do they know that I would most likely want to put my name AND face on everything?

Brick and Airy on the Parkway

 

Some might think it's a little wonky to say that this Chicago loft is just as beautiful unfurnished as it is furnished, but it totally is. The converted ballroom in The Ambassador East building on State Parkway in Chicago's Gold Coast, was stripped to bare bones (and bricks) to make way for a gigantic and airy three-level loft. This space encompasses an entire side of the building, allowing for maximum natural light to fill the cavernous room. The custom designed stainless steal kitchen is nestled in the front corner of the first floor, and exudes a certain sense of sexiness with the cold steal on the light and airy white brick walls. Come back tomorrow for a look at what the loft really looks like today, fully furnished, and nothing like Benoit Bertrand's creation from yesterday.

 

Photos courtesy of HomeDsgn.com

Rendered on the Parkway

 

Now you might look at these pictures and swoon over the beautiful furnishings and raw but chic details, but you will then be most likely be surprised to hear that this loft space is a complete digital rendering. After hours of investigating online, I finally pinpointed what the the concept behind this project from designer, Benoit Bertrand was. This loft does actually exist, but is not decorated like this. What really gets my motor running that I walk past this loft's building every single day. It's on the ground floor of The Ambassador East on State Parkway, directly across from Public Chicago, and looks absolutely intriguing at dusk when its light are on and you can barely see through the tall windows. Mr Bertrand decided to take it upon himself to render his own creation for the space, making it a warm and inviting space, that exudes calming colors and airy vibes. Stay tuned for tomorrow when I saw you the raw space of the loft, which is just as beautiful as it is (digitally) furnished.

 

Photos courtesy of Benoit Bertrand

Luxe Expands

Oh, hi. I'm back, no worries. I assume if you read Standard Luxe daily (which is probably isn't many), then you might have noticed the lack of activity. I do apologize, but I've have recently taken on a new position(ish) at a department store downtown, which now monopolizes much of my time. And I use the term "position" loosely, considering it is an internship. So in an effort to expand my educational and professional horizons, there will be cut backs concerning Luxe. The one and only being instead of the average 5 to 6 posts per week, there will likely be 3 to 4. I see the limited number of posts as a good thing, makes you want more, and allows for proper time to develop subjects, yada yada yada. So in the mean time, I'll leave you with a link to an article I recently wrote for one of my favorite shops in Chicago, Haberdash. If you click the picture above, it will link you to the article. And I also make an appearance in the Contributor's Section as well.

Cafe Life

As someone that stays away from coffee, or any hot beverage to be exact, I still appreciate an outdoor cafe. Chicago is a city that only has approximately four solid months of suitable outdoor living and dining, so I do like to take advantage of the warm weather. I can't say that I am all for taking every meal al fresco, but I do find something very smart about having an afternoon coffee, cocktail, soda, etc. outside and restaurant or on your own terrace or patio. Especially living in a crowded, enjoying a quick refreshment outside is an outstanding way to people-watch, an obviously entertaining past time. Fall in Chicago is my favorite time to do this, the weather the brisk, the people are out, and I am usually thirsty. 

Hermes, The Festival of Crafts

Hermès is one of the most luxurious brands in the world, their craftsmanship is nothing but extraordinary and their crafts are some of the most coveted pieces in the world. The century-old french company was established as a harness workshop by Thierry Hermès in 1837 in Normandy, France and became one of the leading brands for luxury leather goods. The company is widely known for their iconic Birkin bag (named after Jane Birkin) or the Kelly bag (named after Grace Kelly). Hermès has decided to share their work with the rest of the world by hosting a traveling exhibit that showcases their opulent craftsmanship. A few Hermès craftsmen and artisans are currently touring the US displaying their highly-skilled work. The exhibit includes the leather making of a bag, silk printing, saddle making, silk engraving, tie making, watchmaking, setting diamond jewelry, and sewing shirts. The demonstrations at each station are so captivating, because you can see the quality behind each item, and hear it described in its native French language (obviously translated into English). However, don't expect to see a bag or a saddle be made start to finish right in front of your eyes, a typical bag can take upwards of 15 hours, or a saddle generally takes about 3 days. The screen printing of the silk scarves was one of the most interesting processes at the exhibit, because it showcases how each color is painted on the silk one at a time with giant screens for each design-item on the scarf, so detailed! I applaud Hermès for taking the time to educate people about the quality of their items and why they are so coveted around the world. Start the educational process by watching a small video showcasing the stitching of a traditional saddle.

Luxe in Chicago

I feel like Chicago is an untouched-goldmine for luxe designers, and one of those is Summer Thornton of Summer Thornton Designs. The beautiful Ms. Thornton has a vast experience with home design, and even has worked with textile manufactures in the past, which is definitely exhibited in the work. Her designs are the epitome of chic and have that timeless elegance-quality that so few designers have now. My two favorite things about Ms. Thornton's designs are the rich fabrics she fills her rooms with, and her use of chic wallpaper. I think wallpaper is such a great way to add a punch of interest to any room, because you can get a truly ornate detail that paint can got without. But while I was perusing her website, I came across Her Advice, which I think is such a good idea for designers to do. I listed her advice below, and I think her first words of wisdom is the best. 

1. Do at least one thing your mother wouldn't

2. Reference the past, don't repeat it

3. Use patterns and colors recklessly

4. Insist on natural fabrics

5. Colors don't clash

6. Never say never

7. More IS more

Photos courtesy of Summer Thornton Design

Travel with Jack Spade

While in the Jack Spade store on Oak Street the other day, I came across this duffle bag that immediately caught my attention. I have been literally searching for the perfect duffle bag for over five years now, I'm not exaggerating. However, after seeing this duffle bag, I think my search is over, well almost, if it weren't for the price. The bag is made of Soft Waxwear, much like a high-grade cotton, which is then soaked in paraffin oils to make the bag that much stronger. And of course the bag is topped off with gorgeous leather trim and custom hardware. The two things that I liked most about the bag is that it has two buttons on each side to condense bag's width, which can obviously be reversed to let you stuff more into it. Also, David, who worked at the store told me a trick about Waxwear, he suggested every time is gets scratched (which isn't always a bad thing), you can hold a blowdryer to the scratch and the oil will reset itself, making it as good as new; I think that feature is phenomenal, especially if you were to use this bag regularly. The bag comes is three colors, a tan, a brown and a navy. I handled the brown in the store, and would say that it is the most practical. I'm sure I'll be revisiting the bag in the store frequently, waiting for it to go on sale. 

Photo courtesy of JackSpade.com

33 Club

Chicago dining is next to phenomenal, being hungry in this city is only a problem if you're indecisive. Out of all the restaurants in Chicago, there is no chicer eatery than 33 Club. With its elegant yet comfortable atmosphere 33 Club is a place for all to gather and enjoy delicious food in a luxe environment. The main dining room is a sea of tables under a two-story high coffered ceiling with geometric suspended lighting, giving the room a golden hue. The deep red walls lead up to a balcony for more seating, and a great view of the floor below, including the bar. The restaurant's unmistakable royal blue awnings on Wells Street will greet you before entering a small courtyard. I've visited 33 Club a few times and have never had a bad experience; it's a true Chicago restaurant. 

All photos courtesy of 33Club.com

The Mystery of Wilfred

I get many suggestions about what to write about on Standard Luxe, but one in particular has been a great struggle. My sister recently mentioned that I should feature Wilfred clothing because she loves their skirts and dresses. Having bought all of her pieces at Aritzia in Water Tower Place, my sister loves the classic yet chic design of all Wilfred's pieces, and I have to say she always looks great in them. However in my search to find out all about Wilfred, my search came up short. I had the hardest time finding any details or history about the designer, who I presume is named Wilfred in some capacity; almost all of my searches brought me back to Aritzia's website. I gathered a few details about the designer's current lines, including Wilfred, Wilfred Free, Le Fou Wilfred. Each collection has a unique identity that is fresh and will make any woman feel perfect. It's kind of cool that it's such a mystery, it gives the customer a sense of exclusivity. 

Wilfred

Wilfred 

Wilfred 

Wilfred 

Wilfred

Wilfred, Free

Wilfred, Free

Wilfred, Le Fou

Wilfred, Le Fou

Wilfred, Le Fou

Wilfred, Le Fou

Wilfred, Le Fou