Shop Visit: Esther Lee of @thiswildheart

We recently had the pleasure of having Esther Lee from the Toronto-based blog This Wild Heart visit our shop in Parkdale. We met Esther last year while selling at a local market alongside fellow vendor Rugged Lot, who specializes in hand-crafted leather goods made by her husband, Roy Lee. We're big fans of Esther's Instagram account, which showcases her beautiful photographs of captured moments around the city, so we thought to ask her a few questions about her aesthetic, inspirations and favourite spots in Toronto:

What is your design motto?

Simplicity is key.

All my design influences come from the idea that less is more. We're moving into a small home soon and I know this is going to help us make the most of our space and not live on top of one another! 

Where/whom do you look to for inspiration?

Everything inspires me. I find myself constantly people watching, finding inspiration in peoples' outfits and style, in architecture and what surrounds me and from what I find through social media/ Pinterest of course!

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

I would say my design aesthetic is fresh, simple and minimalistic. I'm not a huge fan of colour but if they're muted and put together just right, they can be the perfect amount of colour I need! I adore things that have multifunctional purposes. For instance, I find myself using a lot of glassware cups as vases as well.

What is your favourite hidden gem in the city?

This is a tough question! I love my local coffee shop spaces like Early Bird Espresso and Sorry Coffee Co, but my favourite place to go for some inspiration is Allan Gardens. It's a free public space and no matter how many times I visit, it never ceases to take my breath away. It's my go-to place for inspiration and all things pretty!

What is your ideal way to spend a day off?

Grab some coffee, maybe even brunch, people watch for hours, visit Allan Gardens, and finish it off with a picnic in the park with the hubby for dinner just before sunset.

What inspired your Slow Living content section?

I found myself feeling inspired by local people who I've been fortunate to meet at events or gatherings. Each contributor has their own special talent or hobby or small local business. They inspired me to showcase what they have to offer as much or as little as they'd like to share. Thus, Slow living is a reminder to go back to remind us to appreciate the little things and gratitude for being surrounded by so many talented people who we are fortunate enough to learn from and be inspired by.

Thank you Esther for taking the time to answer our questions! We're thrilled to announce that we've teamed up to offer both our followers and Esther's a chance to win a Cambie blanket! For details on this exclusive giveaway and Esther's blog post about Cambie, please visit This Wild Heart.

(Photos 2, 3, 4 + 5 taken by Esther Lee courtesy of This Wild Heart and Photos 1 + 6 of Esther at Cambie, snapped by us)

87 comments

Such lovely blankets!

Kayla March 06, 2016

These blankets look so comfortable!

Katie March 06, 2016

I love love love these blankets. I would be over the moon to win this giveaway!

Nadia March 06, 2016

I’ve wanted to get a Cambie blanket since my friend received one for her birthday! I fell in love with it and it is amazing how versatile it is! I can’t wait to have one in my own home ?

Marissa Boey March 06, 2016

Lovely textiles! :)

Zena March 06, 2016

I’m a giant fan of color, so I was intrigued by Esther’s comment that she isn’t…it made me consider what I could remove from my living environment to make the remaining pieces more evocative. Great post & contest!

Shannon Wianecki March 06, 2016

Most beautiful blankets and beautiful people!

Katelyn March 06, 2016

Love these blankets! So beautiful!

Caroline T March 06, 2016

Such an amazing giveaway! I’ve been saving up for a Cambie blanket to add to my page-turner book and tea sessions after a long days work!

Amanda O March 06, 2016

Love Cambie blankets!

Katie March 06, 2016

Such gorgeous blankets, would love one for our home!

Julie Lavelle March 06, 2016

Just lovely ❤️

Katie K March 06, 2016

Lovely. Thank you for sharing.

Rebecca Harp March 06, 2016

So cheery! Love those blankets!

Nix March 06, 2016

Inspiring – I love to support small businesses with big heart! Plus I’m with her simplicity is key!

Janessa Porter March 06, 2016

I get such a warm fuzzy feeling when I think of alpaca. I would love to own a small heard of these graceful, gentle animals. The warmth that their wool is superior. These blankets are stunning. Thank you for such a lovely post.

Deb March 06, 2016

I used to weave blankets a few years ago but had to give up the craft due to a lack of time after opening my flower studio. Cambie blankets bring back memories of sitting in front of a loom, working away and watching the pattern unfold. Most of the blankets I created were given away as gifts. I would love to add one these beautiful creations to my home.

Tina Riddell March 06, 2016

TWH is one of my favourite Instagram accounts that I follow. Glad to see her featured!

Nicole March 06, 2016

I just love these!

Erin Chenoweth March 06, 2016

Love your blog beautiful. The blankets and throws are just out of this world:)

Farrielle Verstraete Farrielle Photigraphy March 06, 2016

Love that you two are collaborating!

Zanna F March 06, 2016

Just lovely! Glad I found this post!

Julia March 06, 2016

Beautiful beautiful work, I love this feature so much. These Cambie blankets look amazing, I would love to have one of my own.

Chelsey Sisson March 06, 2016

These look so cozy!

Sarah March 06, 2016

So beautiful and lovely! My very closest friend is traveling to Peru next week. I would love to own one of these blankets! And perhaps share or give to my friend as well!

Anna foster March 06, 2016

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