(Vintage) Gifts on Film

Lamp $95

New to the shop is this beautiful vintage goose-neck sunlamp with original bulb, which can (and should) be replaced with a regular tube bulb unless you want to get a tan.

Industrial Caddy $45

I WANT SUMMER. I recognize that all of my recent posts have been about summertime. Bring your drinks around in this caddy, or leave it on a sideboard as a mini bar cart. That is the way I would like to have styled this but I don't keep lots of different alcohol at the shop. Just mixers (do you believe me?).  All of these beautiful drinks were purchased at the Mercantile on Roncesvalles, which is like cooking heaven.

Gifts on Film

Silver Glass Lanterns L $56 S $26

There are so many new things in the shop these days like the lovely black wall in the background and the silver glass lanterns that makes me really resent the snow that fell last night because they scream 'back patio on a summer night'. I guess I could trick myself into thinking that they are 'getting cozy on the couch watching the oscars with a wool blanket' lanterns too (pffffft).

Continuing with the theme of candle light, these galvanized candle tins. Going on a picnic and need some candle light?  Tah-dah! 

Galvanized Candle Tin $26

But wait there is more! How on earth are you going to light all of your new candles? Don't worry buddy, I've got you covered.

Oversized Matches $4

There are the some of the 'new' new additions to the store, I will be posting soon about the vintage items soon, trust me, you are going to like it.

Have fun watching the oscars! xoxo

Please excuse us whilst we change

An impromptu idea has turned into a monster here at the shop! So if you stop by today, please excuse the mess, and if you walk by and see me up on a ladder wearing painting clothes, with merchandise piled all over the place and you think to yourself, surely that place must be closed, you would be wrong friend! Open for biznass as usual just don't sue the pants off of me if you trip over a can of paint or something. I also highly recommend listening to Steely Dan today, it's good workin' music.

I also just realized that it is time to take down my beloved 'spend some money on your honey' banner, and I am plum out of ideas for window displays which is a first for me. Any suggestions?

TYPESET DRAWERS

Howdy partners,

Leah here. It's been a great day so far. It feels like spring! I biked here this morning and for the first time in a while it was brighter outside than in our warm cozy little empire...

Anyway, I was so happy to walk in and spot three beautiful typeset drawers on our wall because if you've got a soft spot for knickknacks (like I do) you probably spend a lot of time wondering what the eff you should do with them...

Here's one my dear friends (Hannah & Jimmy) filled with their loveliness and hung above their couch. 

Pretty perfect if you ask me.

(photo courtesy jimmezei.tumblr.com)

typeset drawers $35 each

p.s. blooming daffodils not included

xoxo

Roxy Music

Over at design mecca Emma's Design Blogg, Emma has done a retrospective of 1982 in honour of the year of the cat. Lots of great icons of pop culture, and this amazing clock clock, that I had never seen before (should I be embarrassed)?

There were lots of other beautiful images and some great music videos, but the one thing that struck a real chord with me with the video for 'more than this' by roxy music. I don't think I have actually ever seen Brian Ferry before, because I would have remembered those weird glances, and weird pelvic dance moves, all wrapped in 'dad / Jesse and the Rippers clothing.

Anyway, go check out Emma's blog for some inspiration, and try not to get to creeped out by Roxy Music.

WE ARE OPEN TODAY

In honour of Valentine's day the shop is open today until 6, then I must go home and get my romance on!

xoxo R+E

Nickle Pin

$60

See that tiny beaver in my hand? It is a pin made by local designer Micah Adams that is building a microscopic beaver dam in the jewelry case here at the shop, and it is carved out of a nickle. Good thing tomorrow is Valentine's day because I am in love <3

Happy Valentine's Day (almost)

Last night we hosted a Valentine's dinner for friends of Russet and Empire. Now that I work in retail it feels like Valentine's is as big as Christmas ( I know that is twisted). We had a really fun time and gave me an excuse to a) build a red tent around our dining room table b) make an entirely red menu  c)make garland, one of my favourite things, and d) take these photos to share with the whole interenet.  I highly recommend stopping by your local dollar store and buying a few things to spice up tomorrow night's dinner*

*hot tip- dollarama sells actual brand name 'crazy straw' heart shaped straws!

 crazy straw portait of the love birds

 kanye west stopped by...

beet risotto and french red onion soup with heart shaped crouton

3 different garlands= I had a good week

Happy Valentine's Day Lovies! 

Vintage Valentines

All images from this flickr stream

Eye Candy for a Crappy Day

I just came across this video on Oh Joy! while sick at home on the couch, and now I'm feeling pretty inspired to put on some lipstick and matching nail polish. Kate Spade always has the most thoughtfully styled promotions...

Spend Some Money on Your Honey Suggestion #3

Here is the first official saucy suggestion, but maybe the best one so far.

POLAROID CAMERA!!!! $45 + a pack of polaroid film from the Impossible Project + a bottle of prosecco. One out of three of those are available at the shop, and you definitely have time to order the film (I just ordered some and it came in about a week), and there are 3 LCBOs in the vicinity of the Junction.. Easy AND sexy. Everyone wins. 

Spend Some Money on Your Honey Suggestion #2

The Little Hatchet pendant by Toronto designer Rob Southcott. I wish I had a photo of a lovely lady wearing one of these because they are actually quite dainty and beautiful on. They are coming in to the store in a VERY limited number (like 2 or 3), so if you would like one of these pretty AND functional lovelies, come by tomorrow- or give us a ring at 416.649.0042.

Adventures In Babysitting

Hi Hi. Leah here.

Sooo, the lovely blanket of snow that covered our fair city yesterday has melted into that distinct mélange of dirt, salt and wet sludge that is oh-so Toronto! It's sunny and not too cold, and with the right pair of boots, a perfect day for shopping!    

         

Speaking of our dear dear metropolis, TORONTO COASTERS are back - get 'em before they all sell out again!

On another note, I redid our sign!        

(I fear for its life with the constant splashes 

of passing cars... so here's a pic...)

So, Micah is off 'til Sunday and I'm babysitting the Empire for a few days but never fear, I've got things under control... for now.
Stay tuned for more fun!


xoxo R&E

Spend Some Money on Your Honey Suggestion #1

Tartan souvenir of Scotland photo album broach $37. Your BF can email me at russetandempire@gmail.com to set this aside for you. It's perfect and you need it.

XOXO 

Come Up to My Room 2011

Toronto design week is usually the most fun party week of the year but this year I had the unfortunate experience of having food poisoning through the whole thing. I only got to go to one of the many parties (to show off my red moons of course), but I had to leave after about 10 mins... I also popped into Come Up To My Room for a few minutes right before it closed on Sunday and it's a good thing because I got to meet Rob Southcott who designed the totem stacking tea cups that are here at the store (his room is featured in the top two photos).

bye-bye!