framework BUILD YOUR LIFE IN STYLE
JILLIAN CRAGO NOT YOUR
BOYS CLUB CRAVATTA PELLIANO
AVERAGE GIRL NEXT DOOR
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37 FATHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS
DINNER PARTY ON THE FLY
THE SWEET LIFE OF BUTTERCREAM COUTURE
ISSUE 2 june 2012
ISSUE 2
june 2012
on the cover
“Our cover girl Jillian Crago was such a delight to meet. She’s one of those girls you can’t help but have fun with - the shoot was filled with non-stop laughter!”
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7 CONTRIBUTORS 8 EDITOR’S LETTER 9 10
essentials 14
CHECKLIST EDITOR’S PICKS Retro-Fitted White Hot Tropic Bloom
106 FRAMEWORK ASKS
Summer Pastimes
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107 The Framework Girl is looking forward to plenty of summer activities, including paddle boarding!
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CONTENTS
style & design
16 BLOGGER PANEL Leonie Markhorst Melissa Knight Jen Tam Alicia Quan
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SCANDINAVIAN CHIC
30
MAN MADE
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Cravatta Pelliano
38
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CONTENTS
culture & living
26 THE HEALTHY HOSTESS
29 50
THE FRAMEWORK MAMA ENTERTAINS
63
WORKING GIRL
Modern Artistry
26 ISSUE 2
june 2012
CONTENTS
features
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37 FATHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS
64 82
THE SWEET LIFE
79
HOW TO: DINNER PARTY ON THE FLY
Southwest Enchiladas Mayan Chocolate Eruption
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GIRL NEXT DOOR Jillian Crago
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CONTRIBUTORS
MELISSA SKODA PHOTOGRAPHER Steveston, BC
FRANCES VAN TOL PHOTOGRAPHER Surrey, BC
BOB HOMER PHOTOGRAPHER Port Moody, BC
many thanks to this month’s contributors!
~ love, Framework
LISA GEORGE DIETICIAN & WRITER Pentictor, BC
JULIE NOWELL WRITER Port Moody, BC
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EDITOR’S LETTER
dear...
June marks the beginning of summer here on the West Coast, and with that brings many an opportunity for entertaining. In anticipation of all the gatherings we plan on hosting and attending, this issue is full of failsafe tips and plenty of inspiration for events big and small. From this month’s “How To” (Dinner Party on the Fly, pg 82), to our five best tips for serving a healthy meal (Healthy Hostess, pg 26), Framework has done the prep work for you. Father’s Day is a few weeks away, and in the spirit of dads everywhere we thought it only fitting to gain an international style perspective from the dapper young men of Cravatta Pelliano (Man Made, pg 30). In keeping with the boys, you’ll also find our Father’s Day gift guide full of male-approved options that any dad will love. It wouldn’t be an issue of Framework without a bevy of stylish women, and this month’s ladies were an absolute delight to interview. From an artist and a creative consultant to an “imposter pastry chef,” we’ve covered the spectrum of lifestyles and careers with these amazing gals. We’re sure you’ll enjoy getting to know them through our online pages, and their Cheat Sheets! 8
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So, get ready to flex your party muscles Framework Girls, ‘cause it’s time to start celebrating in style…
BRIA LEAR, FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
editor@frameworkmag.com
CHECKLIST
THIS MONTH WE SUGGEST
the framework girl... Explores her city in search of the perfect patio Dons a sundress at every chance Enjoys reading in the sunshine with an old classic Throws an impromptu party Polishes her digits with summer brights Treats her dad to a special day Spends an afternoon organizing her closet and sipping fresh lemonade Plans a weekend picnic with her best gals
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METAL TASK LAMP INDIGO.CA, $99
VILLEROY & BOCH 12OZ OLD FASHIONED TUMBLER THE BAY, $17 EACH
SILK SQUARE SCARF J.CREW, $68
CAT EYE SUNGLASSES URBAN OUTFITTERS, $16
RETRO-FITTED MIX & MATCH FOR A MODERN SPIN ON LADY-LIKE CHIC REED & BARTON ICE BUCKET BLOOMINGDALES, $100
CLASSIC COCKTAILS BY SALVATORE CALABRESE AMAZON.CA, $10
MR. & MRS. DECORATIVE PILLOWS KATE SPADE, $40
REVERIE SOFA EQ3, $1299
EDITOR’S PICKS
ORANGE PETAL STUDS BAUBLEBAR.COM, $22 BIKINI TOP J.CREW, $66
BIKINI BOTTOM J.CREW, $58
ALL EYES IPHONE 4 CASE KATE SPADE, $40 PEPLUM BLOUSE H&M, $60
ELIZABETH AND JAMES CROPPED SKINNY PANTS NET-A-PORTER, $295
ESSIE NAVIGATE HER NAILPOLISH COLLECTION ZAPPOS.COM, $17
MINI BOWLING BAG ZARA, $70
PLATFORM PUMPS ALDO, $70
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DARA ETTINGER STUD EARRINGS SHOPBOP, $90
TARINA TARANTINO EYELINER SEPHORA, $15 MAXWELL & WILLIAMS SALT & PEPPER SHAKERS THE BAY, $5
KARLSSON ALARM CLOCK INDIGO.CA, $65
WHITE HOT KEEP COOL THIS SUMMER WITH A BLANK CANVAS GLASS MARTINI JUG THESHOPPINGCHANNEL.COM, $27
BERNARDO LEATHER SANDALS NET-A-PORTER, $295
SAARINEN STYLE TULIP DINING TABLE AMAZON.COM, $498
WRAP JERSEY MAXI DRESS TOPSHOP, $50
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EDITOR’S PICKS CLEAN ULTIMATE EAU DE PARFUM SEPHORA, $69
ACNE LACEEFFECT TEE NET-APORTER, $175 MOVADO WATCH THE BAY, $495
VALENTINA CHAIR CB2, $98
CAMERON PENDANT NECKLACE STELLA & DOT, $79
KATE SOMMERVILLE SPF 55 SERUM SEPHORA, $45
DOTTED PAPER VASE ANTHROPOLOGIE, $98
MIH JEANS PARIS CROP NET-APORTER, $175
JULIA EMBROIDERED SCARF ANTHROPOLOGIE, $89
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DRIFTER SHADES MADEWELL, $49
WHITLOCK & CO. PILLOW COVERS ETSY.COM, $40-$42
TROPIC BLOOM PLAY IN PARADISE WITH VIBRANT COLOURS AND EXOTIC FLAIR
MILLY ANTIBES BIKINI NET-A-PORTER, $100 EACH KALEIDOBUG COCKTAIL NAPKINS ANTHROPOLOGIE, $24
STORSELE RATTAN ARMCHAIR IKEA, $99
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KATE BIRD PARA ZAPP $298
EDITOR’S PICKS MOSSIMO SUPPLY CO. PANAMA HAT TARGET, $15
KISSING COCKATOOS BANGLE KATE SPADE, $148
MALIN BLAD DUVET COVER & PILLOWCASES IKEA, $25 (FULL/ QUEEN)
COSTA WOOD PLATTER URBAN BARN, $24-$56 PINEAPPLE THANK YOU NOTES CRANE & CO., $19
E SPADE DS OF ADISE TOTE POS.COM,
CAMILLA AND MARC REVIVAL MINI DRESS NET-A-PORTER, $560
HELENA ESPADRILLE ASOS, $32
BUG BUCKLE METAL BELT ASOS, $26
MEET OUR JUNE BLOGGER PANEL
THE SIGNATURE BOW
MISS MELISSA
Your go-to summer look? Mixing in color–both brights and pastels–with feminine looks. Oh, and a combination of dainty and statement jewelry!
Your go-to summer look? I’ve been drawn to really feminine pieces this season. Skirts and blouses or dresses, it’s all about simple and girly for me.
Your patio drink of choice? Fruity cocktails or a diet coke. And the occasional white beer with a slice of lime.
Your patio drink of choice? Nothing beats Sangria on a hot summer day!
Must-try trend? Anything peplum! I haven’t tried it myself yet; I find it a bit tricky with my shape. But I love the female silhouette so it’s definitely a must-try for me.
Must-try trend? I’ve been really inspired by pattern mixing lately but I am loving that pastels are on trend right now. Definitely something I’m excited to play around with.
This summer I’m most looking forward to? Spending some time with my family in the Netherlands and enjoying beautiful Vancouver.
This summer I’m most looking forward to? Relaxing and spending time with my girlfriends. I am looking forward to just slowing down...
PANEL
HER WAISE CHOICE
ALICIA FASHIONISTA
Your go-to summer look? A sheer silk blouse tucked into something high waisted (shorts or skirt)... & lots of colour!
Your go-to summer look? I have such a weakness for summer dresses. My closet is absolutely bursting with cute frocks and what’s worse is that I keep buying more!
Your patio drink of choice? I almost always just drink water - is that boring?
Your patio drink of choice? Give me some sangria and I’m a very happy girl.
Must-try trend? I’m currently looking for the perfect pieces to do a little floral on floral pattern mixing!
Must-try trend? Peplum! It’s surprisingly flattering on a lot of different body shapes and I love the vintage silhouette.
This summer I’m most looking forward to? Long days of sun and being able to eat meals outside.
This summer I’m most looking forward to? A trip to New York City. framework
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SCANDINAVIAN CHIC MARCIA AND STEIN’S CONDO IN NORTHERN BC IS A MARRIAGE OF DESIGN STYLES AND CULTURES. THE CHILEAN (SHE) AND NORWEGIAN (HE) COUPLE RENOVATED THEIR SPACE, A CORNER UNIT FACING THE PARK, TO ACHIEVE AN OPEN AND AIRY FLOORPLAN EASIER FOR ENTERTAINING AND FULL OF NATURAL LIGHT. AFTER A LENGTHY DESIGN PROCESS, FRAMEWORK WAS INVITED IN FOR A LOOK AT WHAT MAKES THIS SPACE FEEL LIKE HOME.
INTERIORS
How long did it take to achieve the look you have now? It took a good couple of years to get the look we have now and we know we got it right for us, because each time we walk into our home we get the ‘Wow’ effect and we love it, like it was brand new! Did you have to do any renovations to get to this point? When we bought the house, we tore down the traditional 19 framework
INTERIORS fireplace that had a mantel and side panels because we felt that it took more space and we wanted cleaner lines. We also cut down a wall that was part of a pocket door leading to the kitchen to open the space and make it more useable for entertaining. What was your inspiration when choosing colours and design details? One of the first decisions we made was the floor. We had fallen in love with it when we saw it in an issue of House&Home magazine. It’s called “Ipe” and is Brazilian Walnut. We loved it because it was eclectic and would allow us to use a variety of contrasting wood furniture pieces without them clashing. Then, to make the space look bigger, we used light blue on a couple of contrasting walls, and Benjamin Moore’s “Cloud White” throughout the rest. Most importantly we wanted the white to display my brother’s colourful photography pieces, which we have collected since his first exhibit. I see a lot of natureinspired elements in the decor, a lot of different woods, and some statement colours. How would you describe your home’s style? We didn’t start the design process with a particular style in mind but rather chose what we fell in love with, keeping
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in mind an organic feel and somewhat influenced by Stein’s Scandinavian heritage. With my love of color and eclectic worldly findings, together with Stein’s love for clean lines it was a great mix. You spent quite a while hunting down the right furniture for the space. Can you tell us more about this process and about what you were looking for? We wanted to create contrast with our furniture and what was important to us was the use of natural materials. We worked with a designer to help us figure out the layout and size of furniture to look for. The orange Calligaris leather chairs were a perfect size for the condo and the design felt light. We fell in love with the colour because it accented the fern triptych photograph that we have above the sofa. The sofa we had custom made from Bombast Interiors. They were incredible to work with! The store is in Vancouver and is locally owned by Russell Baker who was born and raised in Prince George. The sofa is the ‘Kit Lux Sofa’ named after his nephew “Kit” and we used wool tweed from Bute Fabrics in Scotland, UK to cover it. Our sofa is among our most cherished pieces not only because it is really beautiful but also because we love the story behind it. The dining room table we saw in Victoria and it was love at first sight. We looked for tables for two years after that
“MY BROTHER’S ARTWORK IS VERY SPECIAL AND IS THE ICING ON THE CAKE IN TERMS OF OUR HOME.”
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“NEITHER OF US LIKES CLUTTER, BUT WE LOVE THE FEELING OF WARMTH IN OUR HOME. WE WANTED A SPACE THAT PEOPLE COULD FEEL RELAXED AND COMFORTABLE IN.”
and finally decided to stop our search and purchase it. It’s called the “Safari Table” in American Cherry and is made by Design House, and manufactured in Victoria. With our love for entertaining, we knew that we needed a large table that could accommodate chairs all the way around it and not overwhelm the space. The hutch is also from Bombast. Are there any pieces in your home that have sentimental value? My brother’s artwork is very special and is the icing on the cake in terms of our home. The furniture pieces we hope will stay with us for many years to come as we love them and they have a lot of meaning for us. The space is very open without obstructions. Would you consider yourselves to be on the minimalist side? Yes, somewhat. Neither of us likes clutter, but we love the feeling of warmth in our home. We wanted a space that people could feel relaxed and comfortable in. What is your favourite thing about your home? The natural light that we get from having a corner unit with windows in every almost every room. Our home is really functional and we especially love our sunroom, which fills with light and heat. fw
“WITH OUR LOVE FOR ENTERTAINING, WE KNEW THAT WE NEEDED A LARGE TABLE THAT COULD ACCOMMODATE CHAIRS ALL THE WAY AROUND IT AND NOT OVERWHELM THE SPACE.”
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ENTERTAINING
Hostess
the healthy WRITTEN BY LISA GEORGE
no. 1 SIP SAVVY The Framework girl hosts a party that is reminisced about, in a good way! Not the kind of party where her guests wake up with a fuzzy head the next morning. How might you ask? She uses table top essentials: carafe’s of naturally flavoured water as part of her decor and a way to ensure her guests stay hydrated. Try these delicious blends: • KEEP IT TRADITIONAL WITH LEMON & LIME
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FRESH SLICES OF CUCUMBER
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MOJITO STYLE’ WITH MINT, LIME AND RASPBERRY
SET THE PACE Create a relaxing atmosphere and space out your starter, meal and dessert. This allows guests time to enjoy, appreciate and digest each course. The Framework girl wants her guests feeling satisfied, not stuffed! There is no surer way to put a party to sleep than overfed guests. 26
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no. 3 DASH OF COLOUR
T SE OP 5 RV ING TIPS IN FOR ST YL E!
Fresh colours brighten up a menu, make the spread more appealing and fill your guests with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Need more reason? Amp up your colour: • CHOOSE APPETIZERS WHICH INCLUDE BRIGHTLY HUED VEGGIES. CREATE A COLOURFUL VEGETABLE PLATTER PAIRED WITH A HEALTHY HUMMUS OR YOGOURT TZATZIKI.
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FEATURE A SEASONAL VEGETABLE IN YOUR ENTREE.
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USE EDIBLE GARNISHES LIKE PARSLEY, SHREDDED CARROT, AND RED CABBAGE LEAVES TO MAKE YOUR DISH POP
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TEA TIME no. 4
After dinner tea is a soothing way to add a plethora of nutritional benefits. Select loose leaf teas for fuller flavour. Try these tasty *caffeine free* teas:
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PEPPERMINT ~ PROMOTES FRESH BREATH & STIMULATES DIGESTION
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GINGER (TRY ADDING A DASH OF LEMON OR HONEY) ~ RELIEVES INDIGESTION & SOOTHES SORE THROATS
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ROIBOOS ~ ACTS AS AN ANTIOXIDANT & HELPS REGULATE BLOOD SUGARS POST MEAL
NATURE’S CANDY No need to look far for the perfect dessert. Try some of nature’s own; fresh fruit is a natural feature. Decadent desserts: • FRESH FRUIT PLATTER WITH THICK AND CREAMY GREEK YOGOURT DIP OF HONEY, CINNAMON AND A DASH OF VANILLA.
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CLASSIC CRUMBLE: APPLE, BLUEBERRY, RHUBARB... OPTIONS ARE ENDLESS!
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INDIVIDUAL STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKES
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no. 5
ENTERTAINING THE FRAMEWORK MAMA ENTERTAINS
Hostess with the Mostess KIDS
From one Framework Mama to another, evenings on the town are limited these days. Date nights take on a whole new meaning when you add in babysitter costs and are always combating lack of sleep. Trying to get another couple to enjoy an evening out with you… well, that just doubles the problems! With the introduction of children to our lives, perfecting the “dinner party” avec little people is the easiest way to remember our socializing of the past, treat our palates, and ensure we have the adult company we crave. These entertaining tips will help the Framework Mama throw a multi-generational dinner party, and still maintain her sanity:
FEED THE KIDS FIRST
As much as we want our children to enjoy all types of cuisine, a dinner party is not the moment to pull out the fancy food for little ones! Throw a cheese pizza in the oven and feed them before the grow ups sit down—if you want to treat them, make it a 3 cheese pizza! Simple is good.
SERVE A MAKE-AHEAD MEAL
The last thing you want to be doing is stirring pots and adding ingredients with a sticky toddler in your arms. Instead, choose fabulous dishes that can stew, simmer, or bake as your guests arrive! Try our Southwest Enchiladas and Mayan Chocolate Eruption on page 82 , for a meal even the pickiest of eaters will love.
CREATE A CAVE FOR THE KIDS
Find a place you can park the kiddies during the adult sit down. Add a TV with a pile of
DVDs, games and other kid-friendly activities to keep them entertained. Make that space transition from play zone to snooze-ville by adding blankets and other cozy items!
KEEP THE PORTIONS BITE-SIZED
The more successful family-friendly dinner parties include many small portions, served at varying temperatures and times. With frequent interruptions from the “little people” you need to be able to make dinner an organic and possibly lengthy event. Don’t put yourself in the position of pulling a soufflé out of the oven right when your guest’s child needs some parental interaction!
LAUGH OFF DISASTER
Problems will happen. Bringing two families with children together, and letting the kids run wild while the parents consume and converse, is not a fool-proof endeavor! Relax, enjoy this new form of entertaining, and clean up the mess (including the house and tired kids) the next day. The Framework Mama remembers that life doesn’t end with children, it is only enhanced! Don’t make excuses for having them, and make a point of including them in your life and activities. Kids need to know how to welcome guests (either formally, or by taking the other kiddies out to the yard to play!); by letting go of some of the formality, you will teach your children that hosting guests in your home can be done in a variety of ways. And remember, good food and great conversation go a long way towards making a memorable evening!
WRITTEN BY JULIE NOWELL
WE’RE CRUSHING ON THE YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS BEHIND LUXE, NEW MENSWEAR BRAND CRAVATTA PELLIANO, A SUCCESSFULLY STYLISH MERGER BETWEEN DUTCH DESIGN AND ITALIAN CRAFTSMANSHIP. THEIR FIRST OF SEVERAL PRODUCTS—A KNIT TIE—IS MUCH MORE THAN ANOTHER FASHION ACCESSORY, TAKING FASHION CIRCLES BY STORM WITH PURPOSEFUL DESIGN AND INNOVATIVE MARKETING CAMPAIGNS. OVER A FEW EMAILS, ONE TRANSATLANTIC PHONE CALL, AND SEVERAL TIME ZONES, FRAMEWORK BRINGS YOU AN INTERVIEW WITH THE BRAND’S 23 YEAR-OLD CEO, STEIJN PELLE, WHO IS PROOF THAT ESSENTIAL STYLE AND BIG IDEAS HAVE NO LIMITS.
MAN MADE
photos courtesy of Cravatta Pelliano
There are four of you on the Cravatta Pelliano team. How do you all know each other? I knew Bernd from university. We met each other in the first year, during introduction week, and we were both entrepreneurial and had our own companies, so right away we had something in common. Two years later we also founded a foundation for young entrepreneurial students in Holland. Adriaan is a common friend of Bernd and I. Bernd actually knew him from a young political party and introduced the two of us. The fourth person is Marin. We met through a scholarship program, the Kauffman Foundation, only a year ago, and Bernd and I were on the jury of the foundation. Marin stood out as a designer and caught our eye because he dressed very preppy. When he came before the jury we knew he was the perfect person for the scholarship, but also that we wanted him on our team. So, we recruited him—we invited him for a “godfather” style dinner telling him to show up at a specific time and place and that was it! Do you each have quite specific roles, or is there a lot of crossover between responsibilities? We collaborate very closely, but we also have very clearly defined roles. I am the CEO, and work on the strategy and the sales of the company,
the hiring and firing of employees… Bernd is the marketing guy and is in charge of the e-commerce side and the campaigns. Adriaan deals with all the legal affairs. Marin is the designer and creative director. Everything that you see and touch of Pelliano is from his hands. Who is the most outgoing? The quiet one? The charmer? That’s very difficult to say… (Laughs) None of us are very shy! If you seat all of us at a dining table, we are all gentleman in the company of a woman. We are all outgoing and want to say our piece, but we are very different in character. Adriaan is the riskaverse person, as he needs to be to balance the rest of us. Bernd is the idea guy, creating a lot of new possibilities. Marin and I are the more focused guys. We always focus on what is important this week and in the coming months to make the biggest difference. Your website has a strong masculine appeal while remaining very sophisticated and eloquent. Who is the wordsmith of the group? We have a lot of crossover, but Adriaan is the copywriter in our team, so he has more or less the responsibility for the writing style—he studied at Cambridge for a while, I think he learned it over there! Indulge us a little… We
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STYLE & DESIGN
know that “Cravatta” means “Tie” in Italian, but what about “Pelliano?”
“PELLIANO ORIGINATED FROM MY LAST NAME, PELLE. I HAD THE IDEA FOR THE COMPANY JUST OVER A YEAR AGO, ALTHOUGH IT STARTED AS A BIT OF A JOKE.”
Pelliano originated from my last name, Pelle. I had the idea for the company just over a year ago, although it started as a bit of a joke. I wanted to make my grandmother happy, and I come from an entrepreneurial family, so we wanted to found the company with my last name in the brand’s name. We needed to come up with something that sounded very Italian, so we chose Pelliano. How did the company get started? When I was studying at Cambridge for the summer, I found a yellow knitted tie at a hunting show. I brought it with me to Holland to tease my mom a bit, because it was so remarkable—let’s just say if you wore it nobody could ignore it! I thought my mom would say “Steijn what have you bought now, you can’t wear that!” But she really liked it and wanted to buy one for my father… On the back of the tie it said “Made in Italy” so I invited Bernd and Adriaan to join me in Italy to find a factory that makes these kind of ties. It was just an opportunity for adventure! We went by plane, then rented a Fiat 500 and drove through the hills of the northern part of Italy because most of the tie makers are there, in the region of Como. We found the company that makes ties for Hugo Boss, framework
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STYLE & DESIGN for Gucci and Ralph Lauren, and Tom Ford—we told them we wanted to start our own fashion brand, even though it was still a bit of a joke at the time. But they took us very seriously, and were interested in working with three young guys who had a different approach to the fashion industry. When we came back, we wrote a business plan, and Marin joined the team as the designer. The brand is a combination of Dutch design and Italian craftsmanship. We know you’re Dutch, but are any of you also Italian? No, none of us are Italian, but all of our products are made in Italy. Marin speaks a little bit of Italian, but I don’t have an Italian father or anything like that! Can you teach us how to say Happy Father’s Day in Dutch?
Ik wens alle mannen een fijne vaderdag! Your Zebra mascot, affectionately known as “Zazi” is becoming quite the style icon in menswear circles! Can you share with our readers the story behind the Zebra? The story behind it, besides the fact that it’s a proud Zebra (he stands proudly like a real man!)—is more serious. One of the design guidelines of Pelliano is to combine classical values with a postmodern twist. Back in the day you had to wear a suit and a tie, but we don’t believe in that anymore because we live in a postmodern era. Now you can wear whatever you want everyday. We found the Zebra combines these values. You have the classical values—the horse—and the postmodern twist of stripes on a horse. And when you have stripes on a horse, well, you get a zebra!
“BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP IN ITALY IS VERY IMPORTANT, YOU HAVE TO HAVE A LOT OF PASTAS TOGETHER.”
You are clearly very passionate about style and bespoke traditions. What are your earliest memories of fashion? The pictures of my grandfather. Two generations ago everybody from the guy riding the tram to the mayor of Rotterdam was wearing a suit and was dressed up nicely. I even have a jacket from my grandfather. I still wear it and it looks very old fashioned, but fashion is cyclical, and its back in style now. Today, what influences your personal style? In general, street style blogs like the Sartorialist, and normal people who post photos of themselves combining different fashion pieces in real life. Personally I really love gentlemen like Gianni Agnelli, the former CEO of Fiat. Who is the Cravatta Pelliano man? Do you design with yourselves in mind? Businesses and entrepreneurs are always thinking about target groups and the ideal consumer. We don’t believe in that at all. We have a mission and a brand that we try to make for real people, and we use our own marketing, ads and campaigns, and slogans. That is the Pelliano style. We don’t have one target group in mind that has to buy it. We thought initially—more for the business plan than
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anything—that it was the business consumer who would wear our ties. But we now also see rappers in Europe, TV hosts, and architects who have started to wear our products. This falls in line with the second postmodern part of our mission. A lot of different people are wearing it, not only in the formal atmosphere but also in a very informal way. What do you think is the appeal of a tie? A tie or a suit is like what a high heel is for a woman. You just feel a little bit more confident you know. Every man remembers the feeling of wearing a suit for the first time. For example, when you were say 16 years old, and you borrowed it from your father. Even though it didn’t fit quite right, you just felt a little bit more confident. That feeling is what we love to give to our gentlemen. It doesn’t matter if it’s a youngster or a hipster or a grandfather of 85. The pieces in your most recent collection were all named after famous characters. If you could get your ties on anyone in the world—alive or dead— who would you pick? Gianni Agnelli again. I really would love to give him our products and I’m curious about what his reaction would be. We love the tiny skull & crossbones print “What the Dot.” It’s such a
perfect representation of your cheeky approach to men’s classics! Are the prints and colours designed especially for Cravatta Pelliano? Absolutely. Marin develops all the products with our help, and the factory in Italy has made them especially for us. What is it like working with a family-run factory in Italy? I’ve heard so many times in Italian-accented English, “Oh Steijn, I cannot make this for a you, it is too difficult!” We are pushing each other to the limits and we don’t accept the status quo. Because of this we have developed a very intense relationship with our factory owner. Building a relationship in Italy is very important, you have to have a lot of pastas together. Your newest campaign, I’MPERFECT, has just launched internationally. Tell us more about the inspiration behind this… Fashion is more and more defined by real people—as seen with the Pinterest movement and the explosion of blogs—so why don’t we use real people in fashion advertisements. Staying in line with today’s beauty standards… that time is over. We dare to say that representations of these beauty ideals are imperfect, because they are not normal people. The campaign name “I’MPERFECT,” means in our
STYLE & DESIGN
“A TIE OR A SUIT IS LIKE WHAT A HIGH HEEL IS FOR A WOMAN. YOU JUST FEEL A LITTLE BIT MORE CONFIDENT YOU KNOW.”
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I’MPERFECT campaign photographed by Sascha Varkevisser
STYLE & DESIGN opinion perfect people, the people you see in the street. When you have a person who is burned, or has a scar on his face, who is missing a part of his hand, you see right away that he isn’t perfect in relation to the beauty standard right now. But you will also see that he is perfect at the same time. He is confident. He is successful and accomplished. If you see a guy who is a normal person, or has an imperfection, he is more approachable, and that is who we are designing for. We hear that you will eventually expand into a full line of men’s apparel. What can we expect to see from you in the next few years? (Besides world
domination!) First, We will soon have scarves, and in June at Pitti Uomo in Florence, we will launch a jacket line—3 jackets and one suit. We also want to go back to three hundred years ago in fashion production, when clothes were made custom for you. We want to bring mass customization in fashion and we think the supply chain, the technique, and the internet are ready to make this possible, at an affordable price. Our third goal is to change the way you shop for clothes. We want to combine stores and e-commerce into a multichannel, fully integrated experience. Our plans are ambitious, so that is why we
started small. It is the Dutch tradition. The Framework Girl loves a well-dressed man. What are your top fashion tips for young men around the world? Be yourself, and wear a cravat of course! Women love them. My theory is you will flirt a lot more if you wear a tie. Lastly, Framework is all about building your life in style. To Cravatta Pelliano, what is essential to stylish living? It’s an Italian word, “Sprezzatura,” which is the Italian art of making very difficult things look easy. fw
CHEAT SHEET DRINK OF CHOICE? GIN AND TONIC FAVOURITE CITY? NEW YORK FICTIONAL CHARACTER? BUZZ LIGHTYEAR GUILTY PLEASURE? BEING IN THE SPOTLIGHT WORDS TO LIVE BY? DARE TO THINK BIG! BEST STYLE INVESTMENT? A CRAVATTA PELLIANO TIE CELEBRITY CRUSH? CARLA BRUNI framework
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MARIN LICINA CREATIVE DIRECTOR, CRAVATTA PELLIANO0
MARIN, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE DESIGN PROCESS? I have two. The first one is the ‘blank-page’ moment—when you realize that a collection needs to appear and you have to do it, yet there’s nothing there yet. It’s a moment of panic of sorts. “Holy crap, something amazing needs to happen and I’m responsible for it!” Then you start developing ideas, sketching, things start rolling and eventually, the muse visits you. But the moment where you realize there’s nothing and you need to create is unique for creative people. You really need to define and solve the ‘problem’. The second one is when the samples come in from Italy or we go there to inspect the process. It’s always magical to see something that was in your sketch book a few weeks ago, as a rough draft, suddenly come to life. It’s fascinating to realize that if I had sketched anything else initially, I would have been holding a different tie in my hand. Of course, oftentimes the ties need to be tweaked. In some cases, our samples show that what I envisioned doesn’t work all that well in a real product. In other cases, the transition from conceptual design to physical thing didn’t go through well and we need to make sure the actual thing matches the concept more closely. But although not nearly a finished product, it’s sublimely energizing to see your ideas come to life.
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STYLE & DESIGN
CAN YOU WALK US THROUGH THE CREATION OF A COLLECTION? In the end, good designs should stem from an idea. A peg to hang up concepts on, a mirror to reflect the results in. Also, how we interact with products and in which contexts and situations they are used strongly influences our experience of them. What’s appropriate in one context, is totally wrong in another. For the upcoming collection, the team started off with two notions: first, we really wanted to focus on the contextual appropriateness of ties—as you would similarly pick a different tool to do a different job. Second, everything centered around the notion that being a cool guy, an alpha-male, really comes down to a few (inter)actions. Most of them haven’t changed in a long time. Only how they are expressed has changed to fit our environment. For example, a cool guy is a leader. Perhaps he led a pack of prehistoric men and tamed wolves in a hunt a long long time ago, or in a battle to protect their village in the Dark Ages. Perhaps he led a philosophical revolution during the enlightenment. And today, he maybe leads his business team towards a goal. The situation is different, yet the values you want to exude stay the same. “I’m in charge, trust me, follow me, I know where to go.” We thought, let’s make an outfit that shows that in a visual way. The next step, of course, is developing that idea into something tangible. Collecting memes, so to say; what little units of universal social knowledge do exude these values? How do you ‘cook’ the ingredients into a well-tasting dish? The little experiments come in the form of sketches, which we discuss with the team. Does the idea come across? Do you intuitively feel what we want you to feel? In the end, we came up with a really cool suit, in a birdseye pattern, dark grey, with wide lapels, double breasted, nice structured shoulders—all geared towards making a man look more heroic, dominant, confident. Match a silver-silk knitted tie with that (I imagine our leader guy having short-trimmed salt-and-pepper hair
BEHIND THE BRAND and being balding, with a short beard) to complete the outfit. A nice white shirt for contrast—dark and white have always been in favor of people of authority (just look at the clergy and the politicians). Once we think we have the concept nailed down, it’s time to formalize things —getting a sketched ideal jacket to be a wearable, commercially successful product isn’t easy. A tie could be just as tricky—small decisions on weight, chunkyness of the knit, which type of blue to pick, can really tie everything together or mess it up. It’s good to have these discussions early on with our producers and suppliers— getting them to understand and become stakeholders in an idea is paramount to get it exactly right. fw framework
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BLOCK LAMP EQ3, $159
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FATHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS S P O I L D A D W I T H S O M E T H I N G H E ’ L L L O V E.
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SWIM SHORTS H&M, $30
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J. CREW COTTON CHAMBRAY SHIRT MR. PORTER, $100
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FULTON STORMSHIELD UMBRELLA RAINDROPS, $55
VINEYARD VINES SILK TIE ZAPPOS.COM, $75
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WORKING GIRL
MODERN ARTISTRY
PHOTOGRAPHS BY BOB HOMER framework
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WORKING GIRL
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UCKED AWAY IN A QUIET, RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBOURHOOD, YOU’LL FIND THE HOME OF VANCOUVER-BASED ARTIST, CHRISTINE BREAKELL-LEE. THE FRAMEWORK TEAM HAS BEEN LUSTINGAFTER HER WORK FOR YEARSAND, NEEDLESS TO SAY, WE WERE THRILLED TO MEET THE WOMAN BEHIND THE ART. CHRISTINE’S MULTI-MEDIA PAINTINGS, FAVOURED BY INTERIOR DESIGNERS AND PRIVATE CLIENTS ALIKE, EVOKE AN EVERCHANGING SPECTRUM OF EMOTION, OFTEN PULLED FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. IN A DYNAMIC INTERSECTION BETWEEN LIGHT AND DARK, STILLNESS AND MOVEMENT, IT’S CLEAR THAT CHRISTINE’S CREATIVE SWEET SPOT LIES IN THE MIDST OF CONTRAST. framework
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WORKING GIRL Your home is beautiful; did you have a hand in the design and décor? Thank you—the house is definitely my style. I had an architect help design the basic layout and structural elements to maximize the natural light and create the open plan. From there, I just started a portfolio of photos and ideas I liked. Eventually, my original vision of a heritage craftsman style evolved into a modernist design. I was surprised that when I began to look at the ideas I collected, what I wanted was clearly a modern space. It sounds like a gut job! What did you start with? On the outside, it was a 1920’s bungalow in a great neighborhood and I wanted to maintain its original character and sense of place on the street. On the inside, it was a typical design from that era—no closet space, small rooms and no light or airflow. As an artist, natural light is so important to me so I tried to bring light in wherever possible. I am also fortunate to be able to bounce ideas off a few talented designers who were friends and who also understood what I wanted the house to be. I didn’t want a big house so the proportions are very modest. I really just wanted it to be simple, bright and modern. Which room is your favorite?
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The house was designed above all to maximize natural light, which I think is its best quality. I love the sitting room because it is the only real grown-up space and the east light makes the room glow. I also love the glass ridge in the upstairs landing because it makes me feel like I’m outside. Hallways and landings are generally darker areas with no windows but the space is like a small room with a glass ceiling. It is actually where I painted my first pieces because the light was so nice. I also love the kitchen because the finishes are calming. I love to cook, and, having two boys, I spend a lot of time doing that! It is simple and functional but still feels luxurious to me because of the soft palette of grey and white. Have you always lived in Vancouver? What do you love most about this city? I was born in Ontario but my family moved to Vancouver when I was five. All my childhood memories are from here and one thing I remember loving as a kid was the beach. We didn’t do many big family vacations so a weekend trip to the beach was special. It is still my favorite place. It doesn’t get better than Jericho! What is your first memory of creating art? As a child, I spent hours drawing. When I was about 10, I got a big art set for Christmas. It had watercolours, pastels—which
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I had never seen before— coloured pencils and some gooshy gel-like paint in small vials. I think I used it all day every day until it ran out and I was hooked. I also remember drawing class in high school. My teacher would walk around the class looking at everyone’s progress. She would always divert her eyes and walk around me because she knew that it rattled and distracted me. I always appreciated that she respected that… I still need to be completely alone when I paint.
now? It taught me the art of commissioned pieces, in which communication is so important, and a basic familiarity of the business.
What is your proudest moment as an artist? When I produced my first pieces and my friends just said “congratulations.” That gave me an immediate feeling that
“I LIKE THE SERENE QUALITY IN WHITE, PARTICULARLY ON A LARGE SCALE.”
As a kid, did your parents encourage your creative pursuits? Yes, but mainly because it kept me so busy! You started your career as an illustrator and textile designer—what was that like? It was good because it allowed me to be artistic and get paid for it, but the creative was always within the guidelines of the client. I had some regular corporate clients who let me work a little freer, designing the painted panels or fabric for tradeshow booths and promotional printed items for their customers. It is a different kind of business. I prefer what I am doing now because I paint what I want and what I feel, and I think that translates to what I am creating now. How have those skills influenced your artwork framework
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CHEAT SHEET: FAVORITE FOOD? Sharp cheese... and rhubarb pie.
VACATION SPOT? Anywhere warm where I can see the water—but not over 30 degrees. I also love road trips and diner stops.
DESIGN ERA? I know it’s all very Mad Men now, but I love the clean lines of mid-century modern décor. I especially like it mixed with ornate, painted pieces.
LISTENING TO? 70’s funk. I also listen to 80’s alternative, probably because it’s what I grew up with.
SWEET OR SAVORY? Savory.
WEB ADDICTION? The Sartorialist. I enjoy seeing the range in people and their style across the world.
BEST READ? Fall On Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald framework
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WORKING GIRL
Christine’s work is available in Vancouver at Walrus, Brougham Interiors, and Artworks Gallery, or by contacting her directly
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I had accomplished something important and that I should keep doing it. Shortly after that, I sold a large piece to an interior designer who chose it for a classic, traditional home. The painting “All The Way” was covered in a white, thick paint, layered over bright orange and pink with scattered graffiti in black charcoal. I loved that she mixed in my artwork in an unexpected and interesting way.
darkness.
Can you tell us a about what is currently inspiring your art?
When do you work best?
What does your day to day consist of? Do you follow a routine or wait for inspiration to strike? I love to paint, so inspiration comes whenever I can get to my studio and start working. I don’t have a particular routine, but I do all my own photography and blog posting so that is also part of my day.
I can work anytime. When
“BUY WHAT YOU LOVE AND INVEST IN A LARGE PIECE OF ART IF YOU CAN.” My life. Happiness, excitement, passion, anger, frustration, hope. All the things people feel in life. Are there any colours your tend to gravitate towards? I like the serene quality in white, particularly on a large scale. The resin also adds a lush and milky look to a white painting that I am drawn to. I try not to rule out any colours but I do like certain combinations. I also use a lot of black and grey, which I love for their strength and
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I am in my studio, I start to paint and the creativity just happens. I may be propelled by a mood, usually either very happy or otherwise, both of which motivate me to work. Do you paint more for yourself or for commissioned pieces? I paint for myself, to express feelings and sentiments visually. It does make me happy to sell a piece, obviously, but it is mostly because someone else appreciates what I have created, and I still find that surprising sometimes.
Take us through the steps involved in creating commissioned work… I like to meet face to face with the client, usually in his or her home or office where the piece will hang. If that is not possible, then I like to see a photo of the room. People tend to choose pieces that are too small for the space so I can recommend a size. I always ask which paintings in my portfolio they are drawn to so I know what feel they are after, as I find that is more important than other specifics like colour. It is the energy or the mood of a piece that I think is important. Do you ever paint with the intention of keeping the piece for yourself? Yes, sometimes I paint hoping to keep the painting. In reality, I have only ever kept one, which was one of my first pieces. It is part of a series in dark, monochromatic colours called “Reasoning.” There are so many layers of paint and lettering and I remember creating it in a mad frenzy. It marked a period of change for me and I like to remember that change, however hard, can also be good. So, it is a positive piece for me. I sold the others in the series and I miss them sometimes! Can you share the most challenging part of your job? Self-promotion is not my strongest point. I am not shy
WORKING GIRL by nature, so I can introduce my work and myself easily, but getting the word out requires organization and takes time away from my painting. Knowing the best outlets for my work, such as creative networks and exhibits open to emerging artists is something I would like to improve upon. What about the most rewarding? When I complete a piece and the process and result make me happy. Or when I get emails or calls from people who have purchased a painting and they want to let me know how much they enjoy it. Is it difficult to balance kids and a career? For me, I just work around that schedule. My kids are still young so I want to be around a lot while that is still appealing to them! My studio is close to my home and I have access to it any time. I don’t mind working later in the evening when all the chaos is over. How do you relax at the end of the day? Drinking a glass of wine with my neighbors or my special dude. If you weren’t an artist, what other profession would you explore? Set designer or stylist. I love hands-on creative work. The Framework Girl has
a love of art and design. What advice do you have for anyone looking to make a first investment in art? Buy what you love and invest in a large piece if you can. It will have more impact. fw framework
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SPOTLIGHT
life is sweet. (WHEN YOU’RE MELISSA GOULET, THAT IS.) FRAMEWORK CAUGHT UP WITH THE WOMAN BEHIND BUTTERCREAM COUTURE, TO DISH ABOUT HER COMPANY’S HAZY BEGINNINGS, FINDING A WORKLIFE BALANCE, AND HER ULTIMATE DREAM PROJECT. photography by Frances Eden Creative
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HEN YOU’RE CRAVING CAKE, MELISSA GOULET IS YOUR GO-TO GAL. HER COMPANY, BUTTERCREAM COUTURE, IS ONE OF VANCOUVER’S GO-TO VENDORS FOR DELICIOUSLY LUXE WEDDING CAKES AND DESSERTS. FEATURED ALL OVER WEDDING BLOGS AND SOUGHT AFTER BY LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHERS AND WEDDING PLANNERS FOR A MYRIAD OF STYLED PHOTOSHOOTS, HER WORK IS ARTFULLY FEMININE, FULL OF TEXTURE AND EXPLODING WITH ELEGANT, COUTURE-LIKE DETAILS. BUT THE SELF-PROCLAIMED “IMPOSTER PASTRY CHEF” (SERIOUSLY, IT’S ON HER BUSINESS CARDS!) IS ANYTHING BUT CONCERNED WITH KEEPING UP APPEARANCES. WHEN WE ASKED MELISSA TO BE A PART OF THE JUNE ISSUE SHE HAD ONLY ONE STIPULATION: THAT THE PHOTOSHOOT NOT INCLUDE ANY FRILLY, FROU-FROU DRESSES. AFTER ALL, SHE’D BEEN THERE DONE THAT, AND IT WASN’T A REFLECTION HER TRUE SELF. WITH A TELL-IT-LIKE-IT-IS ATTITUDE AND THE KIND OF HONESTY FOUND ONLY IN A TRUE BESTIE, MELISSA HAD US IN STITCHES...
You’ve mentioned that growing up, you didn’t dream of becoming a pastry chef, baker, cake decorator, or any other baking-related profession. What did you want to be? I wanted to be a lot of things, but the most long lasting was an Archaeologist. I still have a bookshelf full of the “Archaeological Review” and still think it would be pretty cool to dig up an ancient civilization. Not just the digging, I like the detective side of it, the puzzle-y aspect. There is just something totally fascinating to me about how people lived out their daily lives—women like me with kids and whatnot just doing their thing thousands of years ago; what did that look like for
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them? How did Buttercream Couture get its start? You know, I’m not entirely sure myself. I never had the intention to bake as a “career,” and there is no cake-y education or grande opening or anything so Buttercream Couture’s origins are a bit fuzzy. Most people set out to do this on purpose but for me it just kind of exploded, like the “big bang” theory. At first there was nothing and then WHAM—I’m a cake maker. I decided to make my niece’s birthday cake (which was the first decorated cake I ever attempted) and after that all these moms want me to make their kids’ birthday cakes so I was like “Sure, why not.” Then I got asked if I could do a wedding cake; fast forward a
few years and here I am. You seem surprised that people want to pay you to bake. Why is that? (Dissolves into peals of laughter.) Um, I guess cause I am not always so super impressed with what I do? Maybe? I really don’t know; it’s just odd for me. I’m actually surprised by a lot of things people do with their money, so maybe people paying me for cake is just an extension of that. What excites you about your business? What do you really enjoy doing? Checking emails. I’m not even kidding, I get totally excited about emails! There is always some really cool new thing for me to do in there—someone
SPOTLIGHT
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“I never had the intention to bake as a “career,” and there is no cake-y education or grande opening or anything so Buttercream Couture’s origins are a bit fuzzy.”
SPOTLIGHT wants a ten foot tall cake or “Hey Meliss, can you be on TV next Tuesday,” and etcetera. I also really enjoy that actual cake-decorating element, which unfortunately is about ten percent of the total cake making process but yeah, the emails are SO fun. Nifty little e-nuggets of opportunity. If making a living were no object, where would you like to go creatively? “Making a living” is no object, so creatively I can kind of go wherever. Money isn’t the motivator, though obviously Buttercream Couture needs to make enough to cover its costs (which it does) and keep me up to my eyeballs in soy lattes from Starbucks. It’s like a hobby that pays for itself; a really messy, life consuming hobby. Omg I must be nuts. Describe your ultimate dream project… Steven Spielberg asks me to make a cake that a tiny but highly dangerous dinosaur explodes out of for a tragic wedding scene in Jurassic Park IV. I have to do it on-site in a fabulous tropical location and the kitchen is in a massive tree fort. Jack Black is my sous chef, our families become bff’s, and I get a million likes on Facebook. That does sound pretty fantastic! When you’re creating something for a client, what does the process look like? framework
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SPOTLIGHT We meet over coffee and chat about all the wedding
“Don’t get competitive.There will always be someone better then you, busier then you, more skilled then you… It’s not the end of the world, it’s just cake.” details, I want to see the dress, invitations (which are surprisingly the most telling detail), flowers, the couples cake ideas and etc. Then I open a book and start drawing a cake. We nail down the specifics and then a day or two before the wedding, the oven goes on and voila! We have cake! One of your guidelines is that everything has to taste great, and if it looks pretty, then that’s even better. Have you ever had to compromise these beliefs for the sake of a client request? I have, unfortunately, and it’s no fun at all. So now I sort of ”pre-screen’ the requested order before I say if I am available or not. There have been a few times where I have had to let a client know that I am not the best suited to make their cake and I refer them to someone else. It’s awkward at
that moment, but better than spending ten to fifteen hours making something I hate. You’re not a huge fan of dyes and other unnatural additives… Are there any natural colorants you use often? Totally! There are quite a lot of companies out there now that make natural food colourings. There are a lot you can do homemade as well. Purple cabbage makes the most beautiful, muted shade of blue ever! Personally, what is your favorite dessert? Sticky toffee pudding! I could eat it ‘til I puked, then eat it again. But not one that has been tampered with, it can’t be a banana chocolate pudding or a black pepper and currant or whatever else people do to try and improve the dessert. It has to be traditional sticky toffee pudding. And your favorite dessert to make? Anything that is someone’s favourite dessert to eat; I love making the coconut chip cookies that are my sisters absolute favourite, or the chocolate cake that my husband would kill for. I get massive amounts of enjoyment from people enjoying something I’ve made. In your opinion, what is the most underestimated dessert? framework
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SPOTLIGHT
SPOTLIGHT Jell-O topped with whipped cream; I think it’s highly overlooked. And Oreos. Or just a random plate of whatever sweet things you had in the cupboards. I’m telling you, if you can arrange it well enough on the plate, it actually tastes better. It’s crazy but it’s true! Are there any baking trends you’d be happy never to see again? Cake pops! I’ve never met a cake pop that I’ve liked. I am always open to someone trying to change my mind, but I don’t think its possible. Don’t get me wrong; some of them are mini works of art but after looking at it you’d have to eat it. Ew— It’s too gimmicky. Baking abomination right there. What is currently trending? Cake pops. Good lord. Good thing we didn’t put cake pops in this issue! From your business cards to your social media presence, Buttercream Couture is injected with your signature sense of humor and a ton of personality. Where do you see the brand going in the next few years? I have a brand?! In that case, can you tell us about your biggest business-related disaster? It was a long month. We had just finished making
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five thousand shortbread cookies and baked for two huge Christmas parties when I thought it would be a really good idea to make a last minute, working model of a press brake for a client. It was a struggle to say the least—that damn cake fought me all night and further cracked my already seasonally damaged brain. Around two in the morning we finished and were moving it to the cooler when—I HAVE NO IDEA HOW—I dropped it. I dropped it *sob* I dropped it. Ok, I can’t talk about this
anymore… Moving on! What has been your greatest success? So far? That I haven’t murdered a bride. What is the worst part of your profession? Doing the dishes… Beyond the baking, what characteristics are needed to be successful in this
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industry?
define me.
Basic people skills and good breath.
As a wife and mom of three, how do you keep a balance between work, family, and pleasure?
Always underestimated… Do you have any advice for someone wanting to pursue this kind of career? Don’t get competitive; other cake makers are your friends! There are enough people willing to buy baked goods to go around so relax, there will always be someone better then you, busier then you, more skilled then you… It’s not the end of the world, it’s just cake. That’s great advice for any profession. In such a competitive industry consumed with perfection, beauty, and creative vision, you’re kind of like the “everygirl”—real, relatable, unpretentious. What keeps you grounded? Aw shucks, you’re making me blush! My husband (he’s my favourite critic), my faith, my kids, my enormous laundry pile, the fact that my life would be totally full with or without the cakes. Perspective is a big one. I don’t want to be remembered one hundred years from now as that chick who made the pretty cakes; I’d rather be remembered for something that matters, you know? In the big picture, cake perfection and beauty and creative vision are meaningless to me. Those are all really fun things, but I’m glad they don’t
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Sometimes it’s hard; the scheduling can especially be tricky. At the end of the day I know my kids aren’t going to grow up and remember how great their mother was at colour palettes—even though I really am—or that I was published or on TV a bunch or any of that stuff. They are going to remember that I went on all their field trips or that I really loved their Dad and spending time with him. They will remember the cookies I made with them and for them more then they will remember the cookies I was paid to make for others, even if the paid ones are a million times fancier. So balancing is easy if you don’t
have your head up your butt and your priorities all wrong. In this issue of Framework, we’re celebrating warmer weather with tips for summer entertaining. What summer dessert ideas do have for the hostess? Fruit is always a good choice, but only if you smother it in chocolate. Dipping strawberries or apple slices is literally a five minute undertaking and so impressive, not to mention totally satisfying. Key lime pie may possibly be the perfect summer dessert and requires no pie crust trickery so that’s a bonus. I am also a huge fan of homemade ice cream sandwiches! Take your fave cookie recipe and brand of ice cream and you have magic! fw
SPOTLIGHT
cheat sheet GREATEST FEAR? Cake pops! AIR GUITAR OR HAIRBRUSH MIC? Air Uke STYLE UNIFORM? Clothing is for the weak. NICKNAME? Melsa, Melly, Mel, Mellymel-melsa. FAVORITE MOVIE? The Princes Bride SPENDER OR SAVER? My husband just laughed out loud when I read that this question to him‌ Erm, spender. CURRENTLY CRAVING? A massage
SPECIAL THANKS THE VENDORS: Jenny Ruth from Mink Makeup and Hair Yellow Honey House for Venue & Decor
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DINNER PARTY The Framework Girl’s Guide to Entertaining on the Fly
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ENTERTAINING
PLANNING TIPS... Send party e-vites with a fun service like Paperless Post! Framework loves impromptu get-togethers, but with hectic schedules it can be tough to get everyone in one place without ample notice
Hostess.
Some revel in the role, but others? Well let’s just say they’d rather climb Everest than attempt entertaining at home. If you fall into the latter (and even if you don’t!) Framework is here to help. We believe that a dinner party doesn’t have to be a big production to have big impact. With these preparein-advance recipes and entertaining tips, you’ll have everyone asking, “How does she do it?” without putting a strain on your budget, or your time. With Summer weather bringing more daylight hours, we’re all craving some extra fun and socializing. What better time to put your hosting skills to the test?
Three Weeks PICK A DATE AND SEND YOUR INVITATIONS: This is far enough in advance that your friends won’t already be booked with other commitments, but close enough to be marked on their calendars
One Week PLAN YOUR MENU & MAKE YOUR SHOPPING LIST: Look through your pantry and refrigerator to figure out what extra ingredients you need to pick up, like special spices or sauces. Also make a second list of perishables you’ll need to buy a few days in advance.
One Day PREP YOUR DISHES AND CLEAN THE HOUSE: Buy any fresh foods and get all the cooking “legwork” out of the way. Chopping veggies, mixing dry ingredients, or cooking make-ahead items. Get your abode neat and tidy
Three Hours SET THE TABLE AND THE MOOD: Arrange your table settings, fresh flowers, and set up your party music. Do your hair & makeup and choose your outfit for the evening.
ENTERTAINING
THE MENU SOUTHWEST ENCHILADAS
Shopping List ENCHILADAS:
3 tbsp minced onion 1 ½ large green pepper 1 red or orange pepper 10-12 white mushrooms 2 carrots 2 cups frozen corn 1 can black beans, drained & rinsed 1-2 chicken breasts or thighs vegetable oil 10 lg tortillas 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated TOMATO SAUCE:
1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 lg onion, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp chili powder 1 tsp oregano ½ tsp ground cumin ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper 1 can (796ml) crushed tomatoes DIPS & GARNISH:
salsa, sour cream, red cabbage, & cilantro
yield = 10 prep time = 1hr cook time = 35 mins garnish with: cilantro & red cabbage
Get saucy.
• In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat; fry onion, garlic, chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper, stirring occasionally until softened - about 5 minutes. • Add tomatoes and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until sauce thickens slightly - about 10 minutes.
“These crowd pleasers are fool-proof, and can easily be made vegetarian or vegan friendly.” 84
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ENTERTAINING
Make Ahead This dish can easily be made in advance and kept in the fridge (2 days) or in the freezer (2 weeks). For best results, store enchiladas and sauce separately, combining when you’re ready to cook. Add 10-15 minutes to your cooking time.
carrots; cook on medium-high heat for approximately 3 minutes. Add corn; continue cooking until vegetables are softened. • Meanwhile, finely dice chicken to match the size of your vegetables. Add chicken and black beans to pan; heat on high, stirring occasionally, to let some of the moisture evaporate – about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Enchiladas • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) • Finely dice peppers, mushrooms, and carrots. • Cut chicken crosswise into ¼” slices. In a large frying pan, heat 1 tsp oil on medium-high heat; brown chicken, transfer to a plate and set aside to cool. • Add another 1 – 2 tsp oil to the pan. Add peppers, mushrooms, and 86
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• Grease a 9x13” and 9x9” glass baking dish (you will need both to fit all the enchiladas). • Distribute the filling evenly amongst 10 large tortillas, spooning down the center. Fold ends towards the filling and roll up tightly; place seam side down in baking dishes. • Spoon tomato sauce over enchiladas, covering; sprinkle evenly with grated cheese and bake in oven – 30-35 minutes until cheese is brown and bubbly.
“We layered salsa and sour cream in inexpensive shot glasses for a fun way to serve guests. Just add a miniature bamboo spoon and you’re all set!”
ENTERTAINING
THE MENU MAYAN CHOCOLATE ERUPTION
yield = 9-12 prep time = 20 mins cook time = 35 mins serve: in a coffee cup with a sprinkle of cinnamon
Shopping List 1 tbsp butter or margarine 1 square unsweetened chocolate 1 cup buttermilk (or add 2 tsp vinegar to milk) ½ tsp vanilla 1 ¼ cups white flour 1 1/8 cups brown sugar, packed 1 ½ tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda ¼ tsp salt 1 tsp cayenne pepper ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips ¼ cup + 1tbsp unsweetened cocoa 1 ¼ cups boiling water
Save time • This dessert can easily be made a day or two in advance so you won’t have to slip away from your guests for too long once dinner is over. • It’s best served warm (and microwaves like a dream), so just heat each portion for 30 seconds, sprinkle with a little cinnamon and serve. Your guests will never know, we promise!
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The Framework Girl... always saves room for dessert!
ENTERTAINING
Save time • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C); grease a 9x9” glass baking dish • In a saucepan, melt butter & chocolate on medium-low heat. In a separate saucepan, heat buttermilk until just warmer than room temperature; remove from heat and whisk together with chocolate mixture. Add vanilla. • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, ½ cup of the brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cayenne; mix well, stir in chocolate chips. • Pour in wet ingredients, stir, and spread in baking dish. • Combine remaining brown sugar and unsweetened cocoa; sprinkle evenly over batter. • Pour boiling water over top, in “S” shapes. Bake for 30-35 minutes until center is firm. Serve warm and upside down.
ENTERTAINING
DRINK UP... Use large glass pitchers or jars to serve water flavoured with lime and cucumber. Not only will it keep your guests hydrated and refreshed, you’ll have ready-made center pieces that sparkle!
MONEY SAVER Napkins CHEAP AND CHIC: Use a black permanent marker to draw mustaches on the top edges of paper napkins. It will add a playful touch to your place settings and your guests will get a kick out of their faux facial hair!
Fresh Blooms ONE AND ONLY: Single stems in a bright colour are all you need to complete your table. Choose flowers with a lot of width - one will take up the perfect amount of visual space when displayed in a small vase.
Place Settings THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX: Add flare to your place settings with plenty of colour and texture. We found our placemats at the local Dollar Store... they’re actually tiny floor mats! Layered with sky blue poster paper and basic white dishes, the food really pops.
Tried & True.
“I swear by the Southwest Enchiladas. They are my goto meal when I know I’ve got a busy week ahead, or when I’m entertaining a large group. The best part is that you can improvise the recipe with what you have on hand, and it always tastes fantastic. I like to make them in large batches and freeze individual portions for quick meals. The chocolate pudding cake is a family favourite that I’ve been experimenting with for years. Adding cinnamon and cayenne to the mix is like dressing up your basic black dress with red lips and a great pair of heels - instant style! Whether you’re having a party or looking for something new, these dishes will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.” -Bria, Editor-in-Chief framework
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girl next door PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA SKODA
Meet Jillian, a fashion stylist and social media maven. Founder of the newly launched Gold Lemon Creative, Jillian Crago’s “Midas touch” is a powerful combination of dedication, contagious positivity, and a whole lot of passion. Gracious, funny, and genuinely charming, she is brimming with qualities that make her a Framework girl through and through. In the midst of spring showers, Jillian invited us into the Kitsilano home she shares with her boyfriend Craig to talk about some of Framework’s favorite topics: personal style, home décor, and entertaining.
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Let’s start at the beginning… Where did you grow up? I grew up in Cranbrook, BC; in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. A small town girl! Has fashion always been a part of your life? Growing up I always read fashion magazines with my mom; she’s really the one who sparked my love of fashion right from the beginning. Still to this day she’s my favorite person to shop with. You’ve worked with many different clients in your styling career, from independent artists to corporate hotels. What is your most memorable styling moment? One of my most memorable styling jobs was the Opus Hotel campaign. In one of the scenes we used this incredible leopard Dolce & Gabbana gown on the model—it was stunning! We had the best team to work with; everyone was sad when the two days of shooting were over. It can be so inspiring to work with a team of likeminded people. When do you feel most creative? It can hit me at nine in the morning, one-thirty in the afternoon, or twelve at night. I’m an extremely visual person—as soon as I see something that inspires me I’ll
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I’m a jeans, flats, and tee kind of girl; the more simple and classic the better!
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sit down and work on my new company, write down ideas, create a new image board, or write a blog post. I have a file on my computer filled with images that inspire me—if my creativity is ever lacking I’ll look at that file. How would you describe your personal style? It’s very classic, with a fashion forward twist. I wear mostly shades of blue, red, yellow, and white. I also love leopard and stripes! What are your wardrobe essentials? A great pair of mid-rise boot cut jeans—Hudson and Rich&Skinny are my go-to denim brands—as well as white jeans, classic white tees and tanks, lots of silk—it’s my favorite fabric—a great watch, black blazers, my Tory Burch flats, Rayban aviators, and fun heels in cobalt blue and red. Are there certain pieces that hold special value to you? A beaded vintage clutch that was my grandma’s, and a cross necklace given to me by my dad. Also, and this is unrelated to fashion, the portrait of Winston Churchill framed in our living room—my grandpa was an artist and it was the first sketch he ever drew. Looking around your home, it’s clear your creativity extends beyond the fashion world. How framework
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do you approach home décor? Just like with my wardrobe, I need to feel inspired when decorating my home. I use a lot of white, stripes, navy, and red, mixed with Moroccan rugs, big matted picture frames, mirrors & glass. My home needs to be classic yet elegant and still feel cozy with candles & knits. Very Ralph Lauren meets the beach. You’ve definitely captured that mood, it’s so inviting! Do you have a favorite room? Our living room—I love cuddling up with all the pillows on our big, comfy cream couch! With the fireplace on and candles lit, it’s the best place to be on a rainy day… Was it difficult to decorate your home in a way that
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makes both you and your boyfriend happy?
situation?
It was a little bit of a challenge; if it were up to me almost everything would be white, but we’ve found a great balance by mixing in navy blues and reds. I also used his vintage footballs as a decoration in the living room—he loved that touch!
For every feminine touch I add, I like to pair it with something more masculine. We’ve learned how to enjoy decorating together; it’s become a bit of a weekend hobby. I always remind myself that our home needs to be as much of an oasis for him as it does for me.
What advice do you have for combining different aesthetics in this kind of
You mentioned that you entertain friends several
“I always remind myself that our home needs to be as much of an oasis for him as it does for me.”
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times a week. What do you love about playing the hostess? It’s something else I learned at an early age from my mom. I love inviting friends over to our home because I want others to enjoy the space as much as we do. Our friends in Vancouver are like our family. Can you give us your top tip for throwing a great party? Always make your guests feel right at home. It’s important to me that our guests feel as comfortable as possible. I keep lots of big knitted socks for my girlfriends to wear when they come over, in case their feet get cold! When bringing together guests that don’t know each other, you always risk some awkward moments. How best to break the ice and make people feel comfortable? I hate awkward moments, the best way to break the ice is to just tell funny stories or embarrassing moments, which I happen to have a lot of. Usually lots of laughter breaks the ice! We certainly felt comfortable in your home right off the bat! Do you have any rules of thumb for being a great guest? Whether it’s family or friends I always bring something like wine or flowers—and
STYLISH LIVING macaroons make a great little dessert to bring too! What are your hostess must-haves? Nice napkins—my pet peeve is cheap white paper napkins— lots of food, candles, great music, nice wine glasses, and cucumber water. We have to say, your patio space is amazing! How do you get it ready for summer entertaining? We just recently planted all of our flowers and bought new patio cushions, so that really brightens up the space. I also put out an overload of candles and lanterns, and strung up these great little patio lights on the fence to set the atmosphere
at night. What is your favorite meal to serve outdoors? Anything barbecued. Craig is the meat man… literally! He runs a meat distribution company so we always have an abundance of meat we’re cooking up. We eat really healthy so we’ll usually do lots of veggies and big green salads with steak, lamb, or chicken. In your professional event experience, what elements make for a memorable occasion? Flowers, music, lighting, and a great crowd; it’s all in the small details. Music can definitely make
or break the mood of a party… What’s on your party playlist? Being from a small town I love country music, and thankfully so does Craig. We always have country playing, mixed with Tom Petty, Ray Lamontagne, and John Mayer. Lastly, your new company’s name, Gold Lemon Creative, is an extension of your blog’s tagline “When life gives you lemons, paint them gold.” What is your favorite use for lemons? I love this question! My favorite dessert of all time is lemon meringue pie, so that would definitely be my favorite use for them. fw
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“I love inviting frie over to our hom because I want oth to enjoy the space much as we do. O friends in Vancou are like our famil
ends me hers e as Our uver ly.�
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cheat sheet Favorite flowers? Peonies
Style icon? 1. Diane Von Furstenberg: the epitome of a stylish woman 2. Lauren Hutton: all American elegance 3. Olivia Palermo: her style truly inspires my day to day outfits
Flats or heels? Flats, my feet are too bad to wear heels all the time
Best patio? Joe Fortes and the Granville Island Hotel
Summer essential? Sunglasses and jean shorts
Weekend getaway? The Okanagan to Craig’s family’s cabin
Cheap thrill? Homesense
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THIS MONTH WE ASKED...
“What summer pastime are you most excited for?” “FLYING AROUND THE SEAWALL ON MY BIKE IN THE EARLY MORNING OR LATE EVENING WHILE THE TEMPERATURES ARE STILL WARM AND SETTING UP MY EASEL FOR SOME PLEIN AIR PAINTING.” ~ Janice Tomich
GARIBALDI SKETCHBOOK EASEL OPUS, $124
“I AM MOST EXCITED ABOUT LONG LAZY DAYS AT THE BEACH.” ~ Mary Beth Cavanaugh
“LOUNGING POOL SIDE! ICY BEVERAGES ON THE PATIO, STARGAZING IN THE EVENING... ” ~ Lisa Gardiner 106
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“BEING OUT PATIOS, RECR SUMMER CLO SMILEY HA PEOPLE ~ Cadi Jor
FRAMEWORK ASKS
“GOING FOR A HIKE ALONG THE RIVER AND FINDING A SPOT TO SIT LISTENING TO THE BIRDS SINGING, THE HUMMING OF THE CICADA AND JUNE BUGS, WATCHING BUTTERFLIES FLIT FROM FLOWER TO FLOWER WHILE FEELING THE SOFT SUN OR GENTLE RAIN ON MY SKIN!” ~ Jeanni McBride Jones
TSIDE! REATION, OTHES... APPY E.” rdan
LADIES STAND UP PADDLE BOARD PAIWEN, $1,199
“BIKING THE SEAWALL & PATIO HOPPING!” ~ Clio de la Llave
“I DEFINITELY WANT TO GIVE STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING A TRY! OH AND EXPLORING NEW PATIOS OF COURSE!” ~ Georgia Heraty
“TRIPS TO THE LAKES & BEACHES!” ~ Krystin Tysire ELECTRA 7 SPEED CRUISER BIKE DENMAN BIKE SHOP, $435
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WE’LL BE BACK N E X T M O N T H, BUT IN THE MEANTIME CHECK US OUT HERE:
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thank you!