Let your imagination grow..Pantone #116 & Rubber Ducks..

When someone double dog dares you, you know you have to take the challenge with head held high. So when good friend, the Fabulous Miss Amy Graver, marathon runner, mother of two and owner of the graphic design firm Elements, challenged me to an inspiration board duel....I was game...Bring it on I said...

So when that sneaky Miss Graver picked Pantone 1-1-6 c and told me it was for a rubber ducky party, my knees began to wobble a bit...I mean..I do like yellow but it really is Miss True's love. Yet I was determined, and with my head held high, I delved into the world of Pantone 1-1-6 c will a little help of my favorite friend turquoise..

Miss Graver's beautiful and inspiring board!

I just love the pinwheels!!

Check out her blog!!

one: sunshine pinwheel :: fresh lemonade chalkboard sign
two: Gelato spoons :: rubber duck floating in glass bowl :: popsicle-themed invites
three: yellow frosted cuppies :: polka dot ribbon :: confetti :: washi tape banner
four: baby duck soap :: mimosa's :: daisy-topped gift boxes
five: twinkle little star wall banner :: yellow and white invites
six: yellow whirly pops :: yellow ribbon :: make your own gelato cups
seven: tubby bucket :: homemade pinwheels
eight: polka dot invites :: bath goodies

my color inspiration :: Pantone 116 (rubber duck yellow), mint green, turquoise

Tada!! Here's mine!

shower curtain:anthropologie, yellow box: cannelleetvanille, cannelleetvanille, chair, anthropologie

vintage tin ducks; etsy, pom pom drinks: martha stewart, feather boa,

pom pom pillow, The Story about Ping; etsy, art: ffffound, tart, foodbeam

good day soaps; weheartit, squash flowers: cannelleetvanille, cup: cannelleetvanille

glass balls with feather: chocolatecreativedesign, polka dot cake: countryliving , shorts, anthropologie, duck invite, etsy

So stay tuned for more from the dueling designers...

Thank you Miss Graver for opening my mind and allowing my imagination to grow!!

LSW

Fashion Pick of the Week... Toms Wedges

I have been searching and searching for the perfect yellow shoe to wear when working events. Last year my patent leather ones from J.Crew took a real beating. I still refuse to retire them but they are starting to look a little sad. This year I have set out to find a pair that is fabulously cute, not a flat (cause I just feel too frumpy), but comfortable enough to wear for 10 hours straight of being on my feet. I have yet to test out the 10 hour requirement but so far these are at the top of my list for a summer must have. And even better for every pair of Toms shoes purchased they will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need.

p.s. If you are thinking of getting a pair don't wait. They are already sold out on the Toms website in the most popular sizes, I luckily discovered Adrenalinesurfandskate.com

Tuesdays are for Mood Boards... Eclectic Summer Wedding on the Water

Connecticut River Museum, Essex CT

This board was created for Theresa and John's upcoming July wedding at the Connecticut River Museum in Essex. Essex is a quintessential New England town, with the most adorable main street, lined with antique stores, gift shops, restaurants, the Griswold Inn (a historic inn) and one of my favorite wine bars in the state. It is the perfect location for guests to stay, all within walking distance to the venue.

When I first met with Theresa she described the mood as whimsical and fun, with unexpected personalized details, eclectic, and crafty. Theresa is a fashion designer so I knew that we would have alot of fun in designing her event. The color palette reminds me of the perfect summer day, bright accents of yellow like the sun and varying shades of blue and turquoise like the water. Lots of detail, layers of texture, and vivid pops of color! Can't wait to share the pictures of their wedding with you which will be shot by the uber talented Dave Robbins.

The Persistence of Yellow...

Today I walked into the Red House, to my studio to find a pretty little present sitting on my desk, that instantly brought a smile to my face. I have to admit my birthday is one of my most favorite days of the year. And for everyone that knows me you know that I love to celebrate not just one day but an entire month. So when I walked in after having a completely crazy morning, to this fabulous shiny package sitting there it made me so happy. Inside the silvery wrapping paper and pink bow was a bright yellow book, that was oh so fabulous! The Persistence of Yellow, a book of recipes for life! It really is the perfect gift, and from one of my most treasured friends, Miss Jennie!

You will find the book sitting beside me at my desk perched on a pedestal for all to pick up when you visit me in my studio. Inside on every page are tidbits of wisdom that are surrounded by bright, sunny, happy, energetic yellow!

Two of my favorite pages:

On Tuesday she woke up and realized she had forgotten the definition of the word Impossible. She decided it must not have been important. #230

" And what does it feel like?" we asked. "Well" she said, leaning over to us like a secret "it feels like a gust of wind blowing inside your heart. It feels like bright yellow paint." #81

Tuesdays are for Mood Boards... Modern Summer Wedding

Images

Row 1: Taylor Creative, West Elm Zig Zag Carpet, Jonathan Adler via La Dolce Vita

Row 2: Taylor Creative, Jonathan Adler via Porch Light Interiors, Taylor CreativeRow 3: Dandelion Ranch, Ikea white Lak coffee table, Sperry Tents
Row 4: Taylor Creative, Ruffled Blog

I designed this board for a bride and groom I recently started working with that are getting married at a private residence in Connecticut. Sondra (bride) described the mood as sophisticated and elegant but vibrant and fun. Modern Elegance, with black and white as a base and bold colors as accents throughout. Inspired by the incredibly talented Jonathan Adler we are going to bring in modern patterns and textures to create different layers of design, from the cocktail hour to the main reception tent. I am just in LOVE with this design and the colors, perfect for a summer wedding!

Tuesdays are for Mood Boards.....State Fair..

Dress: Anthropologie ,Vintage Cookbook: OldCookbooks.com

Sorry for the delay on Tuesday Mood Boards, but better late than never I say. I just got back from a fabulous trip with the monster and the grandparents from the Bahamas today, but before I went, I thought I would order up this amazing dress from Anthropologie. Unfortunately, items have been flying off the shelves over there and I have learned that the early bird gets the worm. So I will just mourn over the dress and hopefully it will pop up somewhere...Anyway, the reason I fell in love with it in the first place, was it so reminded me of Stonington. Everyone thinks that we are purely about sailing, scallops and portugeuse sweet bread but we are also about farming and agriculture. The North Stonington Fair, which happens in the first week of July, kicks off the fair season in Connecticut. It may be small but is chock full of cotton candy, tractor pulls, pony rides, Ferris Wheels, animals shows and my favorite, baking contests. So this board is an homage to where we have been getting those fun, whimsical, colorful and homemade ideas that we have been seeing from Martha Stewart to Style Me Pretty.

Vintage poster: Flickr , Snow Cones: Design Sponge, Fair Image: Weheartit.com, Silverware:Mochatini

Duck & Train Tie: Hermes, Wedding Dress: Stephanie James, Lollipops: BridalFairbytheSea, Poster: Etsy

Apple Pies: William Sonoma, Quilt: Spoolsewing.com, Plate: Anthropologie, Tomatoes: Cannelle et Vanille

Vintage Pail: Etsy, Menu:Mochatini, Vintage FeedSack Bag:

Flavored Syrups: Design Sponge, Glass: Anthropologie, Tractor:, Vintage Recipes: Amazon.com

Board designed and created by Chocolate Creative Design.

LSW

Tuesdays are for Mood Boards.....

I love cocktail rings. It's something I don't have in my jewelry box but I think I need to make room for some. I have been trying to challenge myself and stay outside my comfort zone in terms of colors for Tuesday Mood Boards. Although, when I saw this image from the uber talented Phil Poytner, there was absolutely no question of comfort. Ms. True may be the queen of yellow, black and white but I just love how beautifully that the tonal purples and yellows seem to dance with one another. Sheer, flowy and filmy fabrics are seriously hot for Spring 2010 and an easy way to incorporate into a wedding. The color palette actually reminds me of a house where I grew up, where in early spring, about a zillion crocuses would magically appear overnight.

I guess I am ready for spring...can you tell?

A Spring Wedding in the Garden...

Girl Image: Phil Poytner, Dress Image: Debi Treloar, Earrings: Anthropologie, Tie: Hermes, Shoe Image:Weheartit

Vintage poster:Flickr, Shoes: Anthropologie, Vintage Poster: Flickr, Shoe: J.Crew, Necklace: Anthropologie

Vintage Hat Image: myvintagevogue, Plate Image: Lilac Image: thisisglamorous, Dress:Weheartit, Wedding Gown:Vera Wang

Necklace: J.Crew, Suitcase Image: Weheartit, Bridge Image; , Bouquet Image:Instyle Weddings

Flower Image: FFFFOUND, Cupcake Image: FFFFOUND, Wedding Gown:Rosa Clara, Glass: Anthropologie, Lips Image: , Dress:Nordstrom

Flower Image: Imgfave, Top: Anthropologie, Plate Image: Imgfave,Vintage Poster:AllPosters

Board designed and created by Chocolate Creative Design.

LSW

Candy Corn Inspiration Board...

I think you could have alot of fun with this color story. It can be for any season, but I thought in honor of candy corn, my favorite candy, and the fall I would focus on those details. I just met with my first bride that is interested in incorporating Halloween details to her wedding design, they are getting married at the Branford House at the end of October next year.

1. Image by Meg Smith via Snippet and Ink Blog
   
2. Image via Amy Atlas
   
3. Image Image via Style Me Pretty
4. Image via Snippet and Ink, In paper cones, Terra Chips
   
5. Image from Martha Stewart Weddings via Snippet and Ink Blog
   
6. Image via Martha Stewart
   
7. Image via Style Me Pretty
   
8. Image via Style Me Pretty
   
9. Image via Snippet and Ink, Rubber Stamp
   
10. Image via Martha Stewart
    
11. Image via Martha Stewart
    
12. Image via Style Me Pretty
    
13. Image via Snippet and Ink, photo by Myrtle and Marjoram
14. Image via Snippet and Ink, Donuts by Krispy Kreme
    
15. Image Parker Palm Springs, photo by Jose Villa, via Snippet and Ink Blog
    
16. Image via Snippet and Ink
    
17. Image via Style Me Pretty
    
18. Image via Martha Stewart
    
19. Image via Martha Stewart
    
20. Image via Style Me Pretty
    
21. Image via Snippet and Ink, Ties from Geoffry Beene
    
22. Image via Minted
    
23. Image via Snippet and Ink, photo by Myrtle and Marjoram

Rainy Day Fashion...

Fabulous Marc Jacobs Yellow Rain Jacket, via Net- a-Porter

Yellow Rain boots from Tretorn and they have a heel!

I need to find out how I can purchase this fun, ruffly yellow umbrella, finding a cute yellow umbrella is not as easy as I thought.

Swims, Galoshes for your shoes, brilliant!

I heart this adorable Rain Cape! Satoria Vico, via designvagabond blog

Yellow Umbrella Day, That would make me happy on a rainy day to see a park full of yellow umbrellas, this blog is all about umbrellas!

Since the rain is refusing to go away in the Northeast and we are all stuck in this lovely rain pattern I thought I would share some of my favorite rainy day fashions. If you can't beat the rain you might as well look cute splashing through the puddles! I love wearing something bright on days like today.

Best Shoe Award... It's all about Yellow!

image by Leslie Dumke

I think the last time I won any kind of award was in high school when I played basketball, which seems like a lifetime ago. So to win an award from the fabulous Miss Dumke for my shoes, totally made me smile. I hope on this rainy, dreary, cold day, my new, bright, yellow shoes will bring some sunshine into your day. They also make a great accessory to your bridal ensemble and are currently on sale at jcrew!

Great Gatsby Inspiration... Katie and Ben

*Color Inspiration Board via 100 Layer Cake

Today I am so excited to share with you some of the details for one of my favorite couples, Katie and Ben, and their upcoming fall wedding. They are getting married in September at the Branford House Mansion, a gorgeous venue on the Connecticut shoreline. Guests will arrive for cocktail hour in the mansion then be escorted outside under the stars to a tent perched in the middle of the great lawn, surrounded by 180 degree views of the water. Katie loves the romanticism and elegance of the Great Gatsby, and the flair and sophistication of French fashion and European style, combined with the modern elegance and whimsy of the Art Deco movement, all of which have been sources of inspiration as we are starting to design this incredible affair.

Recently we started working with Erin from Lucky Luxe who captured the essence of this era perfectly in the design of the save the date. This postcard is the first taste of what is to come.

Saltwater Farm Vineyard... Unique Venue in Connecticut

Saltwater Farm Vineyard, is the host site of our upcoming event on May 3rd, and one of the most unique venues in CT. Located in Stonington, CT, owners Merrily and Michael Connery took an old airport hanger and transformed it into a winery that is set on more than 100 panoramic acres - 15 of which are planted with six varieties of grapes, and bordered by tidal marshes, and vistas of Long Island Sound. The old runway forms a path down the center of the vines leading to a small beach where you can get the most amazing pictures along the water. It is the only winery in the state that is set on the water.

This past July Lucinda and I had the opportunity to work at the vineyard with an incredible couple in the wedding featured above. We are so excited to introduce all of you to this amazing venue, and even more excited that it will be the host site for our upcoming event with special guest, Abby Larson from Style Me Pretty.

Vendors we collaborated with on the wedding:
Hana Floral Design
Black Dog Photography
Rentals Unlimited

Aaron Katz Band

Happy Yellow Monday... Cb2 in Chicago

While in Chicago this past weekend I discovered a CB2 store that I literally could have been in for hours. I am in love with all of the stuff they have in their catalog and online but to see everything in a store, to be able to pick it up and touch it, the products all took on a new life. I wanted everything! It is a good thing I had to fly home otherwise I would have left with much more than a pillow and a placemat. Both yellow of course!
It was almost like they knew I was coming and designed an entire living room and office for TRUE event. Just look at this fabulous stuff! Next on my list is the zebra print rug and yellow chair for the studio.

Thoughts of Spring... Yellow makes me happy

With the change of the clocks this past weekend I am desperately longing for Spring. I found these images and fell totally in love with the bright colors that decorate these houses. Now if only I can convince my husband to let me paint our front door yellow...

For now I will celebrate thoughts of Spring with these images via With a Flourish. What fun it would be to create a wedding board from these images.

Inspiration is everywhere, just take the time to look around.

Pantone® Color of the Year for 2009... MIMOSA

I was so excited to see that Yellow (Mimosa) was the pantone color of the year. A color that is rich, vibrant, bright, energizing and makes us all feel a little warmer, especially this time of year. (-5 degrees this morning in CT)

This is exactly why I was inspired to choose yellow to be one of my company's prominent colors.

So in honor of Mimosa and the launch of True Event I have created a board with some of my favorite yellow things!

1. Fairfax Bedroom Collection, by William Sonoma
2. Chinese Laundry Scarlett, $70, by Piperlime
3. 2009 Spring Ready to Wear Collection, by Monique Lhuillier
4. Silk Gala Clutch, $88.00, by jcrew
5. Hanky Panky, $32, Signature Lace Boy Short, by shopbop
6. Danielle Nicole Kristi Mini Hobo, $575, by Neiman Marcus
7. Lemon Toile Salad Plates, $32, by, Pottery Barn
8. Mac Stowaways Eyes 4, $36, by Nordstrom
9. Daisy Pillow, $24.95 by CB2
10. Juicy Couture Jackie Print Ruffle One Shoulder Dress, $258.00, by shopbop
11. Bandeau top and matching Bottoms, $34.50, by Victoria Secret
12. Yellow Flower/Feather Jana Hair Clip, LF Jewelry Designs, by etsy