Thankfully, many very smart brand experts out there can.  After consulting the oracle (Google), and reading up here and there, I can only begin to appreciate the notions of brand identity, brand personality, brand value, and brand promise. 

Personally, I like the way Martin Thoma simplifies:

“Your brand as the sum total of all that is known, thought, felt and perceived about your company, service or product…it exists only in the mind of the public. It can be created, developed, managed, influenced and even bought and sold – but it cannot be owned or controlled.”

Does the concept apply to cities then?  Think for a moment. What do you know, think, feel and perceive about San Francisco, Paris, or Hong Kong? What about Ottawa?  What do you know, perceive, think and feel about Canada’s capital? 

There are many who think that cities are brands, and it seems Ottawa is no different.  In fact, Tourism Ottawa has been working on this idea for a while now. Some very specific brand guidelines have been developed to help market Ottawa as a destination, and to extol the virtues of our fair city to the world.   For fun, I’ve condensed them here into a Wordle…

What do you think? Do these brand-building concepts speak to you? Do they accurately describe the Ottawa inside your mind?  Do they capture your imagination? Is this a place where you long to live?

This question of Ottawa’s brand interesting to ponder in the midst of the heated public discussion underway about the fate of Lansdowne Park, the Kanata Soccer Stadium, and Ottawa’s urban development in general.  The city is in a tizzy, and rightfully so.  What happens will matter to us all, and not simply because of the money. 

Even if you are not a sports fan, big buildings, significant architecture, and public infrastructure are a critical element of a city’s collective identity. Design matters.  Done right, these city-building mega projects can serve more than their primary purpose…they can inspire genuine pride in generation after generation of urban dwellers. They can even become iconic symbols of greatness; of a time and a place when people came together to contemplate a better future, and when decision-makers went beyond mere expedience by considering their investments as an enduring legacy.  

Whatever the impetus or motivation, and in spite of inevitable controversy, big things can happen. Good things. Things that can make a strong statement to the world, that improve with age, and that might actually be perceived positively through the lens of history. 

This might be one of these times in Ottawa, so more than a little public engagement is healthy.  Let’s come together, listen carefully to each other, and to invite great ideas into the discussion. What kind of place do we want to become?  Only when we hear each other will we be able to imagine our future.  Building on needs, let’s also consider our wants and use more than a little imagination. 

To do otherwise would be to miss an opportunity.

Here is the Ottawa inside my head.  This is the city where I want to live…

Mooney’s Bay, great day.

Big hills, cheap thrills.

Laughter.  Life. 

A sublime use of time.

Snow.  Sun.  Loads of fun.

Made it down.  Still around.

Vitamin D sets the doldrums free…

It was to be a fabulous evening of fun and film at the The Mayfair Theatre’s grand re-opening, preceded by quick bite at Siam Kitchen, Ottawa’s longest established Thai Restaurant. 

Admittedly, I may have been a tad nonchalant and underestimated this event’s draw…

My fella and I headed over to Old Ottawa South way early, hoping to get dinner in plenty of time to make it for 7pm when the festivities were set to officially kick off with a series of Independent Filmmaker’s Cooperative of Ottawa (IFCO) shorts.

Silly us.  We lingered too long over our Phad Thai.  By 7:15, the theatre was jammed, a long line was forming rapidly, and there was no hope of us getting a seat – even for the shorts.  Fans were buzzing and it was almost immediately apparent we had miscalculated.  So, we conceded defeat and headed for the warmth and comfort of our home theatre, disappointed we were missing an obviously out of the ordinary occasion!  

Kudos to local cinephiles, investors, and community heroes Paul Gordon, Lee Demarbre, John Yemen and Ian Driscoll.  These guys have outdone themselves, bringing their passion, their respect for history and their breadth of experience to the theatre’s rescue.  We all benefit from their contribution. 

Given the line up this past Friday night, there seems little doubt The Mayfair will remain an important Ottawa landmark for years to come! 

Check out the Mayfair’s January Schedule by clicking below, or read more about the films showing here.

Photos by me.  Movie Schedule from The Mayfair Theatre.

The experts at Westboro’s “premiere treat boutique” The Candy Store have been providing readers of their blog a real education in the world of fancy confections.  Leading up to Christmas, I’ve learned lots about Paris Caramels, a delicious sounding French concoction of milk, butter and sugar, Galler Belgian Chocolate, and Salmiak – a salted licorice  favoured in northern Europe.  If Santa’s elves have time left, no doubt they’d find some fabulously flavourful stocking stuffers at this must stop shop.

Theatre aficionado (turned activist) Jessica Ruano has published another interesting and informative article highlighting Ottawa’s arts & culture scene, this time award winning local Guerrilla Magazine. Art Smarts, with Ruano as your field guide, offers some very fine suggestions for theatre goers and arts lovers well in to the new year.  Read up here on Jessica’s blog, or check it out at Guerrilla Magazine.

The ladies over at Victoire have also been busy blogging up a (winter) storm, sharing photos and inspiration for everything from party outfits to perfect gifts. Here,  six ‘Little Black Dress’ options were proposed, and here they suggest no less than nine new pillows! Open right up to 4pm on Christmas Eve, there is sure to be something left in store for the independently-minded fashionista on your list.

Kim’s star keeps on rising.  This local blogging phenom, a driving force behind renowned design blog Desire to Inspire,was featured in the January edition of Canadian House & Home magazine.  This is no small deal, as House & Home is the undisputed king of the Canadian decorating magazine scene.  Kim’s blog caught the eye of the Editors who invited her to share her views on this year’s most important decorating trends.  Check here for an online view.

If you look closely, you will note one of Kim’s favourite local shops, Found Design. This Bank St. shop has long been a haunt of mine too, with their carefully collected selection of mid-century classics and Canadian made vintage pieces.  Mike and Malcolm have just started blogging too.  Welcome fellow bloggers, welcome!

Tracie of Youth League and the Spies has been sharing her success lately too.  This post highlights her freelance work for Ottawa Magazine and these fashion photos by local photographer Daniel Weinand, were superbly styled by her.

Ashley McConnell and Justyna Baraniencki-Andrzejak, Editors-in-Chief of Ottawa’s newest arty online fashion magazine Dinner Jacket have outdone themselves again.  The December issue, released last week, tackles Christmas from a slightly different perspective and offers an appealing look at the season’s darker side. 

And then there is Ren.  This girl is moving and shaking so fast I can hardly keep up!  Ottawafocus.com has added Bywords.ca to its roster of contributors to provide a weekly update on Ottawa’s literary scene.    Talk about a one stop shop for all things Ottawa focused! 

So, to all of Ottawa’s smart, sassy and stylish bloggers – this girlaboutOtown says Season’s Greetings! 

Step out, look back, and celebrate.  Thanks to you, Canada’s capital may still make its mark on the style map…

Image credits: Guerrilla, Victoire, Desire to Inspire, Youth League and the Spies, and Ottawafocus.com.

Keeping it simple, this girlaboutOtown can whip out the small box of baubles and sparkles that stays buried in the basement during the rest of the year, and with help, can have them all hung in less than an hour.  No “matchy matchy” on my tree, and nothing too fancy.  Instead, a very small collection of treasured objects – each with its own story – is embellished by only a few store bought balls.  This means it is the lights that shine, the tree that is seen, and the memories of year’s past that feature most prominently.   

Sunday brunch at Von’s Bistro in the Glebe seemed to be a good place to kick start a cold day.  Once my favourite hangout for dessert and high school gossip, I had not returned since.  To my surprise and satisfaction, this low key but sophisticated bistro has grown up, just like me.  Tall ceilings, dark floors and sizeable windows convey a sense of openness, while subtle lighting, colourful original art and simple decor evoke a relaxed warmth.

With jazz in the background, my mate, my little girlaboutOtown and I indulged in scrambled eggs, crepes with apples and cinnamon, and eggs benedict Florentine, respectively.  Then, we sat back, sipped on rich coffee and surveyed the surroundings, pleased to have discovered a new and different breakfast destination.  No doubt, we will return.

Following this fabulous brunch, we were off to find a fir tree…

Heading straight into town, we made our pick at the lot right outside of Ottawa’s Metro Central YMCA at 180 Argyle St.  In addition to the excellent recreational programs, exercise facilities, childcare, and newcomer services offered at the Metro Y, this important organization is helping to build our community by providing temporary and emergency housing to those in need.  Run by the wonderfully cheerful volunteers at Ottawa Y Focus, a service club dedicated to supporting the work of local YMCA centres, this Christmas tree lot offers more than a great selection of very reasonably priced freshly cut trees in a wide variety of species.  It also offers an opportunity to give back in the spirit of the season, if even in a small way. 

So, having done just wee bit of good to help in our community, we found ourselves back in a comfortable home, with full stomachs, and a lovely tree.  We three have most definitely caught the true spirit of the season once again, and will do our best to remember when and where it is most needed. 

Photos by me

However, there is some evidence this may be changing.  While utterly unscientific, promising signs have been observed that this uncommon population may be on the rise.

On the street, an increasing number of grown up men appear to be emerging unafraid to express a bit of personality through their sartorial selections. Starched shirts, sharp ties and smart shoes have also been spotted.

This trend might be attributed to a more “conservative” context here in town, or it could be the result of some kind of generational or demographic shift. 

Regardless of its cause, the effect is downright positive!    

Lets face it – grown up men walk a fine line. Those who walk it well stand out. 

For most women, there is nothing less attractive in a man than obsessive vanity, but slovenly nonchalance is equally unacceptable. 

Stuck somewhere between a deep fear of  fashion and the everyday necessity of getting dressed to go to work in a town where its casual Friday every day, too many men fall back on their chinos.  The golf shirts demand no thought or foresight and the sport coats are an effortless accompaniment.  In some locations, white socks and baseball hats are de rigueur, and suits are reserved for “the suits”.  Unfortunately, once these unspoken dress codes are established by a group of men, their patterns are difficult to break – especially if left to their own devices. 

(Hint: The girlaboutotown style council reports that typically, it is at the early stages of mating that these behaviours can be most successfully influenced.  Later on in a partnership may be too late!) 

Anyway, I count myself fortunate to call a few of Ottawa’s best dressed men my friends (you know who you are!). 

These are not business heroes, movie stars or famous politicians, and they’re not made of money.  Instead, these are great guys who take care with their appearance without taking themselves too seriously, and who make sure their outside look matches what they’re feeling inside.

I congratulate these men for raising the bar… and encourage the rest of Ottawa’s male population to follow their fine example!

For more details on “how to”, check out these basic men’s style rules from a trusted source on the subject: Holt Renfrew.

Images from from The Sartorialist, selected as one of Time Magazines’s Top 100 Design Influencers. 

Local businessman Steve Martin has attracted a considerable amount of curiosity and attention since The Gladstone’s opening earlier this fall, and the shows have been getting rave reviews.  It seems that all of O-town is fascinated by this latest audacious addition to the city’s theatre scene, astonished by Martin’s intrepid renovation of the deserted former home of the Great Canadian Theatre Company, and dazzled by the glamourous design.  Like a rush of wind on a crisp fall day, Steve Martin and the Gladstone theatre have shaken things up here in Ottawa, and are offering up something seriously fresh.

Inspired as always by stories of courage, creativity and commerce, I too wanted to know more about the man in the canary yellow jacket.  So a few weeks back, I set out to track this Mr. Steve Martin down, and see if he might be willing to dish in more detail about himself, his motivation, and his new venture.  As things turned out, he was utterly accessible and totally keen.  Early on a Monday morning, I met him outside the front doors of the theatre.  His shirtsleeves were rolled up and he and his crew were already working hard.  Between productions, they were feverishly switching sets in time for their next opening night.  “We all need to get paid” Martin said, ” we don’t have a lot of time between shows!”.  He did however, make time to sit down and talk, to offer some insight, and to share some stories.

Having been to see The Gladstone’s hit opening production “How the Other Half Loves”, I had kept the show program.  To me, Martin’s passion and warmth was evident even in written form, and the program contained some good clues worthy of further exploration.  Particularly intrigued by his repeated invitation for show- goers to “Experience Theatre”, I began our conversation by asking him what he meant.  More than just a catchy tag line, it was soon clear this is a meaningful mantra for Martin, and it wasn’t long before I found myself nodding in agreement as he elaborated with enthusiasm.

Martin’s dedication to the theatre was instantly obvious.  He expanded on the notion of a live medium with no artificial barriers between players and an audience, and he talked about the skill required by actors who must remain in character for extended periods.  Revealingly, he also lamented that all too often, one’s theatre experience is limited to the darkness surrounding a lit stage, and that many other aspects – from ticket purchase and arrival to coat check and intermission – can leave people cold.

To him, a great night out shouldn’t be contingent solely on the success of a production. Instead, an evening of theatre should be all encompassing, and should generate genuine excitement, anticipation and inspiration.  Because of this fundamental belief, real people answer the phone when you call The Gladstone for seats, there is no glass in the box office window, and smartly uniformed ushers greet you in person with a smile to check you off their guest list.  No anonymous ticket transactions at The Gladstone!  Martin wants people to feel like they’re important from before they arrive until long after the show is over, and he hopes each and every individual remembers their evening out as special event.  Here, he and I see eye to eye.

This “Experience Theatre” philosophy extends to the carefully conceived exterior architecture and interior decor, as well as a consistently high caliber approach to marketing and graphic design.  Even the clever and irreverent show programs, chock full of interesting facts and amusing anecdotes, reflect Martin’s desire to create a lasting memory.

With not much more than a gut feeling and a clear vision of what he perceived was missing in Ottawa, Martin set out to build something different, trusting in his ability to achieve it.  Searching the Internet for inspiration, he collaborated with local experts to customize The Gladstone’s distinctive marquee, refurbish the exterior and to redecorate with his “Experience Theatre” mantra in mind.  With design-builder Gordon Weima,  Judith Wightman a talented hobby decorator (executive headhunter by profession), and Ottawa based marketing firm Sum Inc. among others on the job, a remarkable physical transformation has occurred, and The Gladstone’s uniquely appealing brand has been thoroughly established.  From red curtain to cast, soap dispenser to show program and from wallpaper to website, The Gladstone does not disappoint. 

Characterizing himself as a dreamer in his youth, Martin claims he always had a vivid imagination.  Born in Montreal and raised in the Niagara region, he says whenever he watched TV, he would identify with the protagonist.  “I would imagine myself as Perry Mason” he says, “and I would always be solving mysteries or coming to the rescue.”

Never a huge fan of school, playing pretend evolved into work for Martin very early on.  His first job was sweeping up at the now defunct Maple Leaf Village Amusement Park in Niagara Falls.  It didn’t take him long to move up to master of the midway though, refining his performance skills by attracting scores players to the carnival games with the biggest and best prizes.  While facilitating frivolity and fun, he also discovered his love for acting. This led him to straight to drama class in high school, where he confirmed his passion for the theatre.  Martin still credits his favourite teacher Judy Kirland with igniting this passion, and for nurturing his dreams.

Following high school, Martin continued doing what he loved, acting in various summer theatre productions and filling in with whatever jobs were required for him to survive.  After awhile, his circumstances changed, and he decided it was time for a ’serious’ job with the federal government.  “It was a lot like acting”, he recalls with a smile, “although I’m sure that wasn’t why they hired me!”.  While working at his desk job, and still longing for the stage, Martin came upon ballroom dancing by accident.  Walking in to a studio one day, he inquired what kind of experience was necessary to become an instructor, and was delighted to be hired and then trained.  Martin began his career in professional ballroom dancing right then and there, and hasn’t looked back.

After a couple of moves, Martin eventually ended up in Ottawa with his wife Marilisa Granzotto, also a talented ballroom dancer.  They came to open the Arthur Murray Dance Studio now just up the street from The Gladstone, and the two have worked side by side raising a family and running a business ever since.   In addition to their strong and successful partnership, Martin and his wife are also committed to their family.  For Martin, the kids are a priority, and he is comfortable knowing that by doing what he loves to do and by trying his best to do it well, he is setting a good example.   Now, with his better half running the show at the Dance Studio, Martin is finally starring in the real life role of his lifetime – as hero in his own dream scene.

As much as he loves a good show, opening The Gladstone is all about business for Martin.  Convinced that there is room for a commercial theatre here in Ottawa, he is serious about the success of his endeavour.  Not wanting to rely on philanthropy or public funding, Martin knows that to compete in an “arts & culture town”, he has to provide outstanding customer service in addition top notch performances, and he knows that he needs bodies in the seats. 

It seems Martin’s midway days may have left a lasting impression.  Almost instinctively, he understands that its not just the big prize that brings customers back, it is the sum of their theatre experience.  He also knows the way he deals with people makes or breaks that experience – so he does everything he can to ensure its a good one – even if it means stepping out in a canary yellow jacket.  For Martin, that’s just show business.

Here are some more interesting insights from the man behind the marquee…

♣  What constitutes a perfect day?  Mont Tremblant with my kids.

♣ What is your greatest indulgence?  More than anything, I savour time with my kids.

♣ What are your most treasured belongings?  Photographs.  It may sound cliche, but it is true. 

♣ What impresses you?  Integrity and good service.

♣ Favourite movies?  Ooo.  That’s easy.  I’ve got five, and I never get tired of them.  The original Willy Wonka with Gene Wilder, Groundhog Day with Bill Murray, The Sandlot, The Princess Bride and A Christmas Story.  They’re all feel good stories that are funny without being stupid, and I can watch them with my kids.

♣ Favourite Ottawa spots for eating out?  Dominic over at the Trattoria Caffe Italia on Preston offers fabulous food and great service.  I’m a regular over there, and Dominic looks after me.  Oh, and Moe Attallah’s Newport Restaurant on Richmond Rd. is a local legend for good reason.  His reputation is well earned.  If its not right, he fixes it.  Simple.

An Ottawa South landmark, the Mayfair has been supplying fun and entertainment to area cinema lovers since 1932.   

Read more here, and don’t forget to check out what’s playing…

See you at the movies!

Photo from Jessica’s Flickr photostream

Featuring photography from creative collaborators John Smith, Lindsay Ralph, and Dan Ziemkiewicz, their inaugural effort is focused on vintage clothing, and profiles well known local dealer Mary Ann Harris of the Ottawa Antique Market, among others.  Well hello there!

Resolved to put Ottawa on the style map, they have challenged us all to “throw off our Smart Set blazers in exchange for a dinner jacket”. 

I, for one, applaud them! 

Just this week, I came across her incredibly informative blog, and added her RSS feed to my reader immediately.  Jessica relentlessly tracks down and compiles details about upcoming theatre, music, dance and visual arts events right here in Ottawa, and then shares her knowledge with over 900 interested subscribers.  Who wouldn’t want to be in the know when it’s this easy?

Check out Jessica’s Fall Edition of Arts Smarts.  It is a must read for the arts and culture set looking to plan the next few months ahead.

Anyway, her gushing about opening night at The Gladstone sealed the deal for me.  Although I would love to catch the current show How the Other Half Loves, what I’m really into seeing is the decor. 

Apparently, local businessman and theatre owner Steve Martin spared no expense in redoing the former home of the Great Canadian Theatre Company, and this fabulously renovated venue has turned out to be seriously swank!