Friday Business Cards.....wood

This morning, I was joyfully handed this card  by the fabulous Ms. Anna Lathrop who owns Gourmet Galley.  I have had the privilege of working on many weddings with Anna over the years.  I am so happy for her to have collaborated with another friend of ours, Christine Toner, who owns Stonington Design and Paperie, to rebrand Anna's amazing company. Christine and her sidekicks always seem to get it right.  This is a perfect example of knowing your client and producing pieces that will get you noticed. Using extra extra thick paper and letterpress printing, Christine and her crew were able to tell Anna's story.  And if you don't know Anna's story,  please check out Gourmet Galley and if you're lucky enough, a handmade scone at her kitchen table.  Bravo Ladies!!!

Friday Wine Tasting...

Wine of the Week
Flavium Crianza Bierzo, $8.99

I had never heard of the Mencia varietal until I discovered this amazing wine through my friend at Country Roads Wine Shop in Marlborough, CT. It is a new favorite! Who said wine had to be expensive to be good?!

What the experts are saying about it:

With a creamy body and smoky structure, this spicy Spanish red is a great discovery. Bursting with ripe fruit and zesty flavors from the unique Mencia grape variety, the wine is delicious on the palate with soft ripe fruit flavors, and sour cherry aromas. -via Marketviewliquor.com

"90 points for 9 Bucks" - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"This wine is too delicious and too inexpensive not to try at least one bottle of."-Mitch Ancona

"The Mencia varietal is considered to be the direct ancestor and precursor of Cabernet Franc and hails from the plantings of the earliest Roman settlers in Bierzo some two thousand years ago. In the Bierzo, the average age of the vines is quite old and the contemporary emphasis on quality wine rather than quantity has led to the formation great states producing great wines like this delicious mencia. - Wine Advocate

TRUE & WESSON Philosophy # 2, 3, 4, 5

Inspiring words written by an inspiring person. 

When artist Eric Smith was diagnosed with cancer, he "learned the importance of saturating each moment."  So he decided to create a poster series based on quotes that helped him stay "strong and hopeful".  The proceeds of the sale were donated to the Live Strong Foundation.  Check out his new project  We Live Now which is a "collection of quotes, thoughts, stories, lyrics, creations and other various mediums pursuing the idea of living now and inspiring us all to grow, live meaningful lives and be happy!" The project is open to anyone who wants to submit! True and Wesson LOVE to collaborate, so who knows.....

Feather Headbands

I have been searching for the perfect feather headband and while searching on Etsy I discovered this gorgeous collection by Stylesmith. Since we are talking about feathers this week I couldn't resist in sharing this great find. It is such a fun way to accessorize.

Spend Less... My Love of Online Shopping

I discovered this wallet on Etsy and couldn't help but laugh. If only it were that simple...

I have to admit I am totally addicted to shopping. When I lived in the city I couldn't go one block without popping into a store to check out the latest fashion, and would get so excited when I saw the new colors appearing in the store windows all over Manhattan. I loved to see what each store would do with their displays and how I would incorporate those key pieces into my wardrobe. Since leaving Manhattan I have developed a new love of shopping, online shopping, which is worse because now I can shop any time of the day or night, and always find time to check my favorite stores online before beginning my day. So while I love this wallet, and the subtle reminder to live simply and spend less I can't help but share my favorite online shopping sites with you.

www.shopbop.com (every single day they update their site with new pieces and designers)
www.pinkmascara.com (sometimes when something is sold out on shopbop I can find it here)
www.revolveclothing.com (best site to buy a pair of jeans)
www.urbanoutfitters.com (I love combining inexpensive pieces from urban outfitters and forever 21 with more expensive items from shopbop or saks)
www.jcrew.com (J.crew will always be at the top of the list, I love the colors, comfort, and their shoes are absolutely amazing!)
www.neimanmarcus.com (great site to buy a dress for an upcoming event)
www.nordstrom.com (amazing customer service)

Happy Shopping!

An EVENT you wont want to miss!

Our friends at Stonington Design and Paperie and the White Dress by the Shore are hosting an incredible event this Sunday at the newly renovated second floor of the White Dress in Clinton, CT.

Details: March 1st from 1:00-3:00 PM

Featuring: Karen Bussen, event planner and celebrated author of a series of wedding related books entitled ‘The Simple Stunning Collection,’ Justin and Mary Marantz Photography, Beth Chapman from the White Dress by the Shore and Christine Toner of Stonington Design and Paperie. And Flowers by the super talented Yumiko of Hana Floral Design.

Moderated by WTNH anchor Ann Nyberg the panel discussion will focus on the topic of personalizing your Wedding. The discussion will last about an hour and give brides the opportunity to ask the experts their own questions.

It will be followed by a champagne book signing sponsored by R.J. Julia Booksellers of Madison, featuring six of Karen Bussen’s Simple Stunning Book Collection.

You must RSVP if you would like to attend as I know space is limited. 860.669.4596

Cafe Routier

Last night a bunch of us ladies, all former New Yorkers (True Event (me), Hana Floral Design, Leslie Dumke Photography, Jennie Fresia Beauty Library, and Chocolate Creative Design) got together for a brainstorming, creative, fun dinner at one of my favorite restaurants on the shoreline, Cafe Routier.

It is a piece of the city on the shoreline of CT which is one of the reasons we all love it so much! The food was incredible, service amazing, and of course the company and entertainment around the table was the best around. If you haven't been to Cafe Routier I highly recommend it for a romantic dinner, girls night out, or cocktails for happy hour in their lounge.

Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine

Lucinda and I were invited to collaborate with Yumiko from Hana Floral to design a table for the latest issue of Grace Ormonde Wedding Style New England. The photo shoot was held at the Winvian, a totally amazing hidden gem in Morris, CT.

Inspired by a painting that they provided, we designed the table to be a mix of vintage and modern pieces. We used ghost chairs and glass candle holders on the tables for modern elements and brought in vintage accents with the broaches on the chairs, the rich fabric on the table, Lenox china and porcelain bird napkin rings.

Inspiration for Table, Almond Branches in Bloom by Vincent van Gogh

Our Table as it appeared in the Magazine.
(image by Ron Manville, Wedding Style New England pg. 9)

An Orchid "chandelier" was designed to hang from the ceiling over the center of the table, it was such a dramatic centerpiece. Glass Candle holders from CB2 added modern accents to the table.

We selected the Lenox Chirp China pattern for the place setting.

Modern ghost chairs were wrapped with tiffany blue satin ribbon and pinned with vintage broaches to display the escort card on the back of the chair.

Table Description: A mix of vintage and modern. Peacock blue dupioni featuring small arrangements of coral peonies set under a floating branch with white phalaenopsis orchids.

Table Design, China and Flatware: True & Wesson, Stonington, CT
Location: Winvian Morris, CT
Floral Design: Hana Floral Design Mystic, CT
Linen and Glassware: Party Rental Ltd. Teterboro, NJ
Chairs: Taylor Creative Inc. NewYork, NY
Stationery: Stonington Design + Paperie Clinton,CT
Photography: Ron Manville

Feather Board

Inspired by Monday's Font and my absolute love of feathers as a design element, I was so excited for today's post. I love feathers almost as much as I love yellow, so when designing my business cards with Lucinda those two elements had to be included. (I am even thinking of wallpapering my new office with the feather paper from Fern Living)

I love feathers because they are playful and whimsical, delicate, soft, rare and a bit exotic. You could have alot of fun incorporating feathers into your wedding.

I hope today's board will give you some inspiration to use feathers or to identify your own design element.

1.Feather Head Piece, by Rosa Clara
2.Peacock Clutch, via Etsy, $85
3. Bridal Bouquet, source unknown
4. Bridal Gown, via Etsy, $800
5. Feather False Lashes, by Shu-Uemura, $50
6. Feather Capiz Frame, by Urban Outfitters, $14
7. Feather Bouquet, via Brides.com
8. Feather Jimmy Choo Shoes, image from Adeline and Grace Photography
9. Jose + Maria Barrera Feather Cuff, via Neiman Marcus, $865
10. Peacock Feather Silkscreen Necktie, via Etsy, $30
11. Roost Porcelain Feather Ornaments
12. Place Setting, via Snippet and Ink
13. Silver Plated Feather Shot Glass with Cocktail Picks, by the Well Appointed House, $65
14. Feather Hoop Earrings, by Alex Monroe, $415
15. Letterpress Notecard, by Night Owl Paper Goods, $14
16. Feather Chandelier, by Haldane Martin
17. Feather Head Piece, via Etsy, $92
18. Feather Purse, via Brides.com
19. Feather Parasol, by Pamela's Parasols, $120
20. Peacock Dinnerware, by Anthropologie, $14-20
21. Feathers in Platinum and Diamond Earrings,by Cathy Waterman , $15,410
22. Cake, by Ruth Drennan Cakes
23. Sue Wong Feather Dress, via Edressme, $570
24. Escort Card, source unknown
25.Napkin Ring, by Etsy $20 for four

Oscar Trends and Bridal Fashion

Mermaid

Melissa George, Dress by Dolce and Gabbana

Vanessa Hudgens, Dress by Marchessa

Metallic (beaded)

Leslie Mann, Dress by Pamella Roland

Anne Hathaway, Dress by Armani Prive

Sweetheart

Natlie Portman, Dress by Rodarte

Angelina Jolie, Dress by Elie Saab

Cream

Taraji P. Henson, Dress by Roberto Cavalli

Even Rachel Wood, Dress by Elie Saab

Asymmetrical

Kate Winslet, Dress by Yves Saint Laurent

Freida Pinto, Dress by John Galliano


Bridal + Bridesmaid Dresses following the Oscar Trends

Mermaid

by Vera Wang Collection 12588

Metalic (beaded)

by Lazaro LZ3903

Sweetheart

Portia, Jenny Yoo

Cream
Sascha, by J.Crew

Asymmetrical

Serena, by Thread

Monday Typefaces...Feathers for Sarah

There is nothing sexier, more feminine or whimsical than the feather in either graphic design or events. In weddings, 

it is being found in everything from paper, dresses, accessories, tableware and even bouquets. In graphic design, it has the ability to take a strong logo and make it as feminine, flirtatious and fun as its owner.

feather fonts:   www.handmadefont.com    lily piyathaisere

true event design: www.chocolatecreativedesign.com

Friday Wine Tasting...

Wine of the Week
Mas Delmera, 2007 Tempranillo, $7.99

When we first moved to East Hampton, CT I discovered a true gem of a wine store in the neighboring town of Marlborough called Country Roads. The owner of the shop, from Australia is the nicest person you could meet. Greeting each customer with a smile and her Australian accent she glows with personality. And she is amazing for discovering really incredible wines for under $10. So I thought I would share with you each Friday my pick of the week, since most of you probably won't make it out to this part of the state.

However, if you are ever on Rt 2 in Marlborough, you have to hop off the highway and visit her store. Every bottle has a tag on it with her personal review of the wine, which makes shopping for a bottle of wine a true experience. I have never gone wrong in selecting!

Friday Business Cards.....yoga

Friday morning is considered my "yoga day". Sadly, I haven't been in quite a while.

So when I saw these business cards I became inspired. For me as a graphic designer there are two important elements that inspire me: creativity and humor. Hopefully Friday business cards will do the same for you.

Flow yoga, www.businesscards24.com and Yoga One, Phil Jones

RI Wedding Show... Oceancliff and Rosecliff Mansions

I am going to be at the Oceancliff bridal show this weekend with Miss Erica from Adeline and Grace Photography. If you are looking for something to do I suggest taking a ride to Newport and visiting us at the Oceancliff. It is going to be quite the event!

After the bridal show tour the mansions, take a drive along the water, do a little shopping and definitely grab a cup of chowder. One place I will be sure to stop on my way out of town is the Newport Creamery, it is never too cold for ice cream!

An Element of Whimsy... Balloons

Via Snippet and Ink

Via Coco + Kelley

Via Amy Atlas Events

Recently I have seen balloons popping up all over the place and I am loving it! Balloons are such a great way to add an element of whimsy to your wedding or event and a really cool way to add a splash of color.

Save the Date... Totally outside the box.

I am always on the hunt for really interesting save the dates, and I have to say this is one of the most original I have seen by far. Inspired by The Graduate the couple recreated the last few scenes from this classic movie. I would be so excited to be a guest at this wedding. It looks like it would be a really fun affair!

DIY... Wine Glass Candles

I am totally in love! I discovered these darling lampshades while reading an old issue of Blueprint Magazine last night. And they are so easy to make!

Simply drop a tealight into a wineglass, and roll one of these gorgeous parchment shades from Dekoop into a cone shape. Tuck tabs in place and place the shade on over the glass to create a minature lamp, $14 for three, chalesandmarie.com.