Wednesday, August 22, 2012

NYIGF 2012

This was my first year attending the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) and wow, pre-tty amazing. If I even attempted to cover everything I saw or experienced I probably wouldn't have to do another post until something like December, so I have decided to cover one topic of interest.....my  pint sized pillow fetish, yes, yes pillow fetish.....

First, let's talk about COCOCOZY.   Besides seeing her wonderful collection, I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting it up with Coco.  What a FABULOUS personality, completely INSPIRING! I have been a fan of her blog for some time, such a thrill to meet in person. I luv the clean sophistication of her graphic designs along with the serene color palette, then adding splashes of bold of colors.

(photo: courtesy of: Cococozy)

(photo: courtesy of: Cococozy)

These were some of my personal favorites:



Another fav was PEHUEN Home.  Description for this line...LUX with a capital La La LUX and at the same time a very comfortable and casual feel.  Casual and chic, always a winning combination for me.



And just when I think I have been CHEVRON-ED TO DEATH....it pulls me back in..
I seriously wanted to roll around in this booth and bury my face in these throws, but rest assured I did exercise professional restraint...this time.


My next stop,  Ryan Studio.  I named their collection "The Bold and The Beautiful"(I know, I know). Bold colors and patterns, Beautifully executed.





Then I sauntered over to Eco-Accents.  Always curious about what people are coming up with in our "Eco" world so I took a peek.  


I love the "tongue and cheekiness" of their ocean/beach themed collection. The graphics are intentionally fun and sketchy, almost caricature like with vibrant colors.   The fabrics, appropriately casual (burlap, jute fringe and natural cotton).  They offer way more than pillows so check out their website http://ecoaccents.com/




After my pillow haze, I stumbled on this little gem of a company Liebenswert which means "lovable" in German.  My mother would call it a "wash tub" plain and simple, but they have made it into whimsical outdoor seating.  The top/seat is removable with storage inside, very solid and sturdy.  I love creative thinking outside the box.  Casual, Cute and yes, Lovable.......so apropos.


I can so see these on a deck at a great casual summer party!
(Please ignore legs in the  shot, I am working on my photog skillz.)



I thought their marketing material design was pretty "Liebenswert" too.



My final NYIGF 2012 inspiration exhibitor gaining major cool points for overall fabulousness-ness is, drum roll please.....STAY TUNED.   I feel an inspired illustration coming on.....









Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Getting Married!

Well I'm already married.  Sorry if you had a moment of unwarranted  excitement from my title.  Yes, I happily tied the knot years ago with my one and only, but I can't get enough of wedding event design and fashion.  Sometimes I redesign my wedding in my head over and over when I am feeling particularly creative, romantic....or extremely bored (whichever comes first), but in the design and fashion world with ever changing and evolving styles, who can resist?


My latest wedding interior and style crush is a french bohemian theme....I hate the term "theme', but mmmmmm this is it. The place I would start?  BHLDN  (pronounced "be-hol-den). BHLDN is Anthropologie's wedding line store that has vintage-inspired, bohemian wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, shoes, accessories, jewelry and wedding decorations...INSPIRED DESIGN...........PURE ROMANCE. Check our their Houston grand opening video:



BHLDN + Houston from BHLDN on Vimeo.

I was introduced to BHLDN by one of Anthropologie's project marketing execs (who by the way has one of the coolest jobs EVER) and I was instantly in love.. (uh not with the exec, with BHLDN of course).  The interior store design and detail is amazing.  Now they have a store in Chicago as well as Houston, so all you Texans and Shy-Town-ites should check them out.   If me and hubby were just getting ready to jump the broom, this would definitely be the place we would skipping off to .....


What is your wedding event style inspiration??