Sara Duck – Urban Suburban Mommy

Find out why Tencel is seriously trending!

Posted on May 5, 2017 by Sara Duck Posted in Mommy Approved .

This week, Sara Duck, The Modern Curator, has some great insight about Tencel. This fabric is trending and a few pieces will probably make their way into your wardrobe shortly – if they haven’t already.

Scalloped Romper in Tencel Linen from J.Crew

I’ve noticed a pattern lately with my shopping habits. Every time I find something that catches my fancy and I check the label to see the material it’s made from, the same word keeps popping up, Tencel.

It’s no coincidence either.

From a denim culotte jumpsuit at Gap and a khaki green drapey coat at H&M to a minimalist striped duvet set from the new Toronto-based e-commerce site Merchant Sons, they all have one thing in common, they use Tencel in the material makeup.

Why is Tencel trending? I had to investigate.

Tencel (official brand name) or lyocell (generic name) is a sustainable fibre made from cellulose found in wood pulp that is turned into one of the most environmentally friendly fabrics around. The biodegradable fibre is produced with minimal impact on the environment, including an economical use of energy and water and lower emissions into the air.

“Tencel provides an unparalleled combination of durability and breathability, and with the warmer weather approaching, it’s no surprise that Canadian home decor retailers are catching on to the trend following its popularity in Europe. It’s also an eco-friendly option, which appeals to today’s conscience consumer,” says Cathy Ly, co-founder of Merchant Sons. Did I mention the price point for Tencel products is incredibly reasonable? Are you running to the shops yet?

Here are my top picks on the market right now!

Duvet Cover Set by Merchant Sons

Lyocell Coat from H&M

Lark-Manor-Pointer-Hand-Tufted-Charcoal-Dark-Brown-Area-Rug (1)

Pointer Hand-Tufted Charcoal/Dark Brown Area Rug by Lark Manor from Wayfair

Tencel Railroad Stripe Ruffle Shirt from Gap

Lyocell-Blend Blouse from H&M

Sleek Ribbed Tencel Long Cardigan by Eileen Fisher from Nordstrom

Tencel Culotte Jumpsuit from Gap

The Modern Curator

Sara Duck
TheModernCurator.ca
@SaraDuck

The Modern Curator

Three ways to style a vintage jacket

Posted on January 4, 2017 by Sara Duck Posted in The Best You .

This week from The Modern Curator: Vintage jacket – three ways

I picked up this vintage fur jacket from my favourite consignment store Designer Exchange, in Toronto. It was love at first sight (and touch!) and the price matched my modest budget, which was an even bigger bonus. Though fur and faux fur jackets are generally associated with a glam look, I wanted to show you that this type of jacket can actually be very versatile… not to mention warm for the cooler months! If you’re on the hunt for a similar type of jacket, scour vintage, consignment and charity shops where you can pick one up for steal. And, don’t forget to check grandma’s closet for any hidden gems, all it takes is some minor alterations to create a modern look with a cool vintage flair.

I’ve created three different looks below, what’s your favourite?

Look #1: Cool and Casual

Super Skinny Low Jeans from H&M/ Vintage Fur Jacket from Designer Exchange / Tippi Sweater in Ivory from J.Crew/ Cross Body Bag with Scarf Detail from Zara/ Classy St Mawes Silvertone Watch by Daniel Wellington from Hudson’s Bay/ Betty Sunglasses from J.Crew/ Chuck Taylor Hi Black Sneakers by Converse from SoftMoc

Look #2: French Femme

Fit and Flare Striped Dress from Banana Republic/ Vintage Fur Jacket from Designer Exchange/ Soft Wool Felted Beret by Parkhurst from Hudson’s Bay/ Small Love Heart Chain Bag by Saint Laurent from Farfetch/ Le Vernis Nail Colour in Rouge Puissant by Chanel/ Pattern Neck Tie Scarf from Urban Outfitters/ Put-Together Appeal Flat from Mod Cloth

Look#3: Working Girl

Ginger Split Back Pencil Midi Skirt from Choies/ Vintage Fur Jacket from Designer Exchange/ 1969 Denim Fitted Boyfriend Shirt from Gap/ Edgy Neutrals Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Golden Beige by Bite Beauty from Sephora/ Northern Lights Statement Necklace from Banana Republic/ Destine Pointed Leopard Print Calf-Hair Shoes by Karl Lagerfeld Paris from Hudson’s Bay/ Paphiopedilum Bag from Call It Spring

The Modern Curator

Sara Duck
TheModernCurator.ca
@SaraDuck

The Modern Curator

The Modern Currator

Statement earrings – the showstoppers!

Posted on December 21, 2016 by Sara Duck Posted in The Best You .

This week from The Modern Curator: Statement earrings – just in time for party season!

Earrings my own all by J.Crew/ Champagne Flavoured Macarons, Individual Marie Antoinette Tart, Handmade Marshmallows and Pistachio Profiterole from Nadège/ Pistachio Eclair and Mint Candy from Nugateau

On most days my ear gear is simple and classic. Think diamond or gold ball studs or pearl earrings. However, when I have somewhere special to go, I love to wear a dash of flash on my earlobes and I’m not afraid to go big!

Back in the ’80s when statement earrings were all the rage, they also weighed the same as a baby elephant, causing damage to the earlobes… we won’t get into details but let’s just say I know many women who can only wear clip-ons now!

Fortunately, today’s statement earrings are light as a feather, so you can wear them while keeping your lobes intact. The beauty of the statement earring is that you can keep your outfit simple (hello, LBD!) and let your bling shine. Here are my top 8 show-stopping looks.

Embroidered Drop Earring from Banana Republic

Sparkly Earrings from H&M

Long Shiny Earrings from Zara

Tassel Drop Earrings by Karen Kane from Amazon.ca

Ring It Up Drop Hoops by Kate Spade

Beaded Drop Earrings by Bibi Marni from M’oda ‘Operandi

Marmer Earrings from Aldo

Leather Embroidered Sequin Earrings from J.Crew

The Modern Curator

Sara Duck
TheModernCurator.ca
@SaraDuck

The Modern Curator

The Modern Currator

Shine on! How to style sequins

Posted on December 14, 2016 by Sara Duck Posted in Urban Suburban Mommy .

Tippi Sweater from J.Crew, Earrings my own – Similar found at Banana Republic, Metal Frame Snake Skin Clutch from Banana Republic, Shoes my own – Similar found at Ssense, Sequined Skirt from H&M, Faux-Fur Snood my own – Similar found at Indigo

Sequin details seem to be shining everywhere these days. Whether they are adorning a piece of clothing or embellishing a throw pillow, sequins are a fun way to incorporate a bit of sparkle into your home and wardrobe.

Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind, if you plan on styling with sequins.

Avoid head to toe sequins. Hello, disco ball!
Mix your sequin item with an article of clothing that is more subtle with minimal detail. Remember, less bedazzle and more balance.
Sequins in a multitude of colours can be scary and may cause blindness (wink, wink).
If sequined clothing is just too much for you, consider accessorizing your outfit with a sequin statement piece like a bag, a pair of shoes or even a slick of nail polish.
At home, less is more when it comes to accenting your sofa with a sequined throw pillow. Choose one or two (no more!) to be the focal point.

Graelian Bag from Aldo

Blazer with Sequins from Zara

Sequined Table Runner from H&M

Long Earrings with Tassels from H&M

Sophia Pumps in Sequin from J.Crew

Mini Paint Pot Nail Polish and Effects by Ciaté London from Sephora

Mermaid 2-Tone Sequin Throw Pillow by The Watson Shop from Wayfair.ca

Sequined Sleep Mask from H&M

As seen this week on TheModernCurator.ca

The Modern Curator

Sara Duck
TheModernCurator.ca
@SaraDuck

The Modern Curator

The Modern Currator

Hostess gifts & gratitude

Posted on December 7, 2016 by Sara Duck Posted in Mommy Approved .

This week The Modern Curator shares her best picks for hostess gifts and gratitude: 12 hostess gifts + write a perfect thank-you card

Master the art of gift giving, with these thoughtful hostess gifts!

Flowers are my go-to hostess gift. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t appreciate a gorgeous bouquet of blooms like the ones pictured below. Swoon!

The Farmboy, seasonally inspired bouquet from Tonic Blooms

Mini Designer Fragrance Set from Winners

Pink Champagne Truffles by Charbonnel & Walker from Amazon.ca

Porcelain Dessert Plate from HomeSense

Super Soft Yarn Dyed Scarf from Indigo

Pâtisserie At Home by Mélanie Dupuis from Anthropologie

Gold Dot Stemless Champagne Glasses from Indigo

David’s Top 12 Assorted Tea by Davids Tea

1815 Bright Mugs by Royal Doulton from The Bay

Gold French Press from HomeSense

Rosé Champagne by Moët & Chandon from LCBO

Lucky Charms Paris Scented Candle by Ladurée from Amara

Now that you have a great hostess gift in mind, it’s time to think about crafting the perfect thank-you card. As the world becomes more and more reliant on technology to communicate, the hand-written card has been pushed aside in favour of emojis, funny GIFs and memes to convey our thoughts and emotions. In fact, when it comes to writing a thank-you card, sometimes I find the large empty space daunting, and find myself at a loss for words.

Can you relate?

Here are six steps to keep your thank you card writing skills sharp as a tack!

1. Think about what you want to say before your pen touches the paper. This way your card will sound well thought out and you will minimize any spelling or grammatical errors. Take your time writing, so that it’s neat and legible!

2. Give the proper greeting (Dear is always nice) and use the correct form and spelling of the person’s name. If it’s a good friend, use their first name. If it is someone you don’t know particularly well, use Mr. or Mrs.

3. Begin your thank you card by expressing gratitude right away.

Thank you so much for…
I really appreciated the…
You made my day when…

4. Add specific detail about the gift you received, the meal you enjoyed, or whatever you are thankful for. Highlight how you plan to use the gift or why you enjoyed the meal.

That homemade au jus was perfection…
Your generous gift will go towards…

5. Use the card space as an opportunity to continue the connection with the person. Suggest tentative plans for the future.

Let’s get together soon…
I know about this great restaurant we should try…

6. Always end on a pleasant note, reiterating your thanks and with your warm regards.

Many thanks… your signature
Thanks again… your signature
With love… your signature

The Modern Curator

Sara Duck
TheModernCurator.ca
@SaraDuck

The Modern Curator

The Modern Currator

Black, white and gold – with a touch of pom-pom

Posted on November 30, 2016 by Sara Duck Posted in The Best You .

This week from The Modern Curator: Black, white and gold – with a touch of pom-pom!

Bag by Mansur Gavriel/ Book from Indigo/ Hat from Winners/ Sweater from Joe Fresh/ Pom-Pom Key Chain from H&M

I love that pom-poms are having a moment! Whether you wear one on the top of your hat, accessorize your bag with one or incorporate them into your decor, pom-poms will add an element of whimsy. Here are five more pom-pom-inspired finds.

Shoe from Winners

Pillow from Indigo

Cap from H&M

Necklace by Rosantica from Net-A-Porter

Duvet Cover Set from H&M

The Modern Curator

Sara Duck
TheModernCurator.ca
@SaraDuck

The Modern Curator

The Modern Currator

Green envy

Posted on November 23, 2016 by Sara Duck Posted in The Best You .

We’re thrilled to introduce our newest contributor, Sara Duck. Each week this spectacular style maven brings us some inspiration. She’s got the eye for a great piece, the ability to pull together the perfect look – and it’s not limited to one area – so savour these ideas and add a bit of fun and flair to your world, whether it’s to your wardrobe, your work desk, a hostess gift, your child’s room – or really any room in your home! And to enjoy more of Sara’s style, visit TheModernCurator.ca

Green Envy

Succulent from West Elm/ Skateboard by Stereo Skateboards/ Scarf from Joe Fresh/ Oil Cleanser by Tata Harper/ Foundation Primer by Smashbox/ Face Mask by Farmacy/ Bagfrom Zara/ Coat from H&M

The colour green conjures up many memories for me. I can remember, endless summers trying to perfect cartwheels on freshly mowed green grass, at my family home. I think about the lush, vibrant, green palm trees lining the beach in Playa Rincón in the Dominican Republic. And, I also try to erase the memories of my mother trying to force me to eat (every child’s favourite vegetable), Brussel sprouts (gah!).

Do you have a favourite memory connected to the colour green? I’d love to hear about it! Green is definitely trending at the moment, especially the olive-green tone, it’s everywhere! And, I predict it to be Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2017.

Here are some finds, inspired by the colour green!

Slippers from Anthropologie