Monday, June 30, 2008

Shop Friend: The Pampered Girl

Thanks to my sweet cousins, I finally had a chance to visit The Pampered Girl salon in Hayes Valley. I had wanted to visit for the longest time, as this was top on my list of places to host my sister's bridal shower with its scrumptious vintage chic French decor!




above: I absolutely love the pink and black color scheme. Our feet soaked in old fashioned enamel basins and the decor was so soothing and feminine. I could hardly take my eyes off of the little details like the framed silhouettes and black faux fur throw pillows. It is such a lovely, intimate place that I highly recommend it for anyone looking to throw a special shower or soiree. Click here for info!

Friday, June 27, 2008

I'm in floral heaven: Natalie Bowen

The wonderfully talented floral designer, Natalie Bowen, paid me a visit the other day and gave me this gorgeous floral arrangement. I am always in love with her work, due in part for her play on both natural and whimsical elements. If you are looking for someone who is truly attentive and a joy to work with go and visit Natalie's site. And Click here for a previous post when Natalie created picture perfect arrangements for our studio.


above: Peonies are my favorite. And I smiled every time I glimpsed those funky yellow martian pods. Thank you Natalie!

Cupcake Friday: Best of the Bay Area

I attended SF Magazine's Best of the Bay Area event last night where guests ate their way through the many amazing restaurants featured by the magazine. I finally made it to Kara's Cupcakes and went to snap a picture and lo and behold...thievery! A hand swooped out of nowhere (witness incriminating photo on right) and snatched the very LAST two cupcakes of the night!
Needless to say, I was a bit devastated, but there were plenty of other delicious treats to be sampled throughout the night.

Hope all of you have a happy Cupcake Friday!

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Tattoos by Night: Jean Paul Gaultier

Switching out of dreamy, pastel chiffon today... A short bit ago, I did a post on a certain "anonymous" member of our team who went and got a tattoo. I forgot to mention in that post that halfway during the tattoo, someone noticed that she was getting the wrong color! Luckily it turned out beautifully...but what a permanent mishap that would have been! So leave it to Jean Paul Gaultier's couture runway tattoos. If you look closely, the models are wearing painted nylon sleeves. Very awesome!


Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Midsummer Nights: Chanel Couture

And speaking of ethereal, I found the detailing and adornments in Chanel's spring couture line to be absolutely dreamy...

Paper Bride: Etienne Brunel

Looking to glow on your wedding day? As promised, here is a wedding gown designer based in Paris who creates wearable paper wedding gowns! Etienne Brunel custom designs ethereal gowns made of two layers. The first layer is sculpted to the bride's body while the outer layer is made of filter paper to create an ethereal effect as the bride moves and poses in the sunlight.


above: the diaphanous materials are waterproof and flameproof.

above: You can also make appointments for fittings at Maison Blanche, a beautiful country manor just outside of Paris.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Paper Couture: Annette Meyer

Artist Annette Meyer creates such alluring art installations and fashion. And everything out of paper and disposable wrapping materials from around the world, including this period dress!


above: A paper creation from her Flora Danica Series.

I'll be back later to post up actual wedding dresses made from paper that are wearable!

Monday, June 23, 2008

Stop the Presses: A Baby Shower at Chronicle

All work and no play? The brilliant team at Chronicle Books took time out to throw a baby shower for their creative director and they did not disappoint. Leave it to them to transform an office space into the most adorable, chic little baby shower...just take a look!

above: When I received these pictures, I started to drool a little. It's no secret my weakness for sweets and anything in candy-colored palettes! And I truly love the way in which their work space became such a warm and intimate place to celebrate the special occasion.

above: All decorations were hand-made from recycled print proofs. Candies from Miette. Delectable cupcakes made by studio manager Jenna Cushner (who along with Vanessa Dina came up with this vision of sweetness!). And thanks for sharing Anne, you're the best!

Photos by Aya Akazawa

Friday, June 20, 2008

Happy Friday: A Little Slice of Art

Such gorgeous weather here in the city. So much so, instead of our weekly cupcake, everyone in the studio has been out and about. This piece of cake is actually inedible, scrumptious art created by artist Sherry Koyama and is available for purchase at Red Cake Gallery.

I am off for a run and some tennis myself. Enjoy the sun and have a Happy Friday and weekend everyone!

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Thursday Dare: Anything is Possible

above: Stella McCartney workout wear. Reach for the Stars!

I just found out that friend and running/swimming/biking extraordinaire, Yuko, took fifth overall at her first ever triathlon in Hawaii. Yes, you heard me right...first triathlon. Not only that, but she had only begun training this past year! Ten mile runs across the Golden Gate Bridge at 5am could only be pursued with the purest of intentions. And I'm sure it was her belief and passion that carried her across the finish line and well beyond her expectations. Congrats Yuko--you rock!!

So naturally, my Thursday dare is to be inspired. Having a few doubts about something? Cut it loose--it's time to go outside your comfort zone and reach for something you can believe in.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Vintage Chic Wedding: Vanessa McKellar Productions

I am a sucker for vintage anything...throw in a wedding and I can call it a day.

Vanessa McKellar Productions is an award winning production company based out of Texas and I just loved their wedding videography of vintage chic couple, Megan and Randy. The bride could not be more Audrey-perfect and the the video seemed like it came right out of a romantic, vintage vignette. Click here to view the video.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Jellyfish for the Wall

And to conclude, these prints by Amy Walsh are one of my favorite incorporations of the jellyfish...


above: printed on pages from an 1887 botanical book. Available through Wonder Cabinet at Etsy.

Lace Jellyfish

Here are two more posts today to round up my jellyfish crush!



These Lacy Jellyfish frames by Elide Endreson are both whimsical and chic. Available at Red Cake Gallery here in SF.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Jellyfish in Vogue

...and here are some chic little jellyfish pieces to wear. I'll wrap up my little fetish for jellyfish with some cool artwork later!
above: Another Alexander Mcqueen gown (this one jellyfish inspired) that makes me blink in awe. Pretty resin necklace. Sterling silver jellyfish earrings by John S Brana.

Jellyfish Whimsy

I've always been a little afraid of jellyfish... Take that back, a LOT afraid. So of course, like crocodiles or stingrays, if they're on a shirt or a necklace or repeated silkscreened onto a pillow they suddenly seem so whimsical and cute. Lately I've been seriously in love with jellyfish and have a new appreciation for this delicate but dangerous creature (so long as they are in 2D)!

above, clockwise: pillow. I love these prints for the kitchen or kid's bedroom. t-shirt.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Cupcake Friday: What a Babe

Since we've been ogling babies this week I couldn't resist posting this cutie for Cupcake Friday...

above: Ahh yes...we've got a cupcake Friday addict in training. My friend's son, Won, just turned two and he couldn't keep his eyes off of his baseball cupcake!

above: He is too adorable with his bubble-soaked/ slicked back hair and a shirt that reads, "I got my muscles from my dad." What a heart breaker he's going to be!

With that I bid a Happy Friday and a Happy Father's Day to all of you!

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Father's Day Dare

Don't you love these photos of our beaming, proud "new dad" customers? While our boutique and studio still attest to having the best and brightest customers around (er...no bias here!), I wanted to post these up since Father's Day is fast approaching. Here's a reminder that our dear ol' dads were smiling ear to ear right from the day we were born. Always there to help with homework, the one to silently pack up strollers, lug suitcases on vacations and give advice on worldly matters, it's always nice to commemorate their efforts and give them some superhero status. Which leads me to this week's dare...

above: With his very awesome design background, this Dad lent his expertise in designing the baby announcements!


above: I wish I could zoom in on the photo of their beyond adorable daughter who was born with rock star hair (little layered tips that were naturally highlighted!).

Father's Day Dare: I know you probably have a great golf video already picked out, but how about accompanying it with a card or letter with a list of reasons why Pop is your superhero? I don't know about you, but my dad lives to retell old, embarrassing memories of when we were his wild monkey children. Even if it's a phone call to go down memory lane, a little bit of that will go a long way!

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Notebooks for Gratitude

A bride of ours wanted to give thank you cards for her bridesmaids but found she had so many cherished things to write that she needed more space. Little notebooks of the same color theme as your wedding (but each of a different pattern and print) will offer plenty of room and be charming gratitude gifts!

above, clockwise: Pamplemousse notebook, notebook by Ivaart, Earmark journal, Red Berry Branch notebook

D-Bros Notebooks

The Japanese based designers D-Bros are always so clever and amazing with their products and designs. I just love these whimsical little notebooks!

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Groom's Cakes: Just Fabulous Pastries

Look closely! You can actually sink your teeth into these playful groom's cakes from Just Fabulous Pastries in San Diego!

above: Don't put this one on your lap!


One of our customers is giving a one-of-a-kind cake for her dear dad on Father's Day...what a brilliant idea for the dad who has everything!

Monday, June 9, 2008

Shop Friend: Minted

We are so excited to be a part of a newly launched online company called Minted! It offers exquisite stationery and invitations from sixteen independent brands...many of whom are our lovely paper and uber talented paper friends and colleagues.

above: (top left) our "Buttercup" is an exclusive design we created for Minted. (bottom) "Lovely" can be ordered in many different colors. We just finished one in olive and we were so impressed with the bride's color selections!

above: Chic and classic, our "Chandelier" invitation suite in black and white.

Friday, June 6, 2008

National Doughnut Day

How in the world could I possibly have missed this? It's National Doughnut Day today...

above: click here for MSN's city guide to top Doughnut shops around the country. And don't forget your free krullers. In celebration, Krispy Kreme is giving away free doughnuts today at participating locations!

Cupcake Friday: Corn on the Cobb

These corn cupcakes are too adorable...and at the studio, we'll do anything to convince ourselves we aren't consuming too much sugar, even if it includes disguising cupcakes as vegetables!



above: click here for a tutorial on What's Cooking America on how to create these cupcakes. They are perfect treats for a summer BBQ.

Have a Happy Friday everyone!

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Thursday Dare: Sit Down Dinner

In our little shop newsletter I often give customers a dare for the week. And this week I want to ask all of you if your dining table is more of a resting place for your laptop bag than it is for plates!

If you are guilty of the above, then whether alone or with your gang, lose that laptop bag and give yourself a nice sit down dinner. Throw away those excuses (my place is a mess, I come home late, I don't know how to cook, it's tedious and boring)! If you ask me, the last excuse answers the ones that precede it. We are all in such a hurry--sitting down for dinner is often the one and only time in the day we are giving ourselves and our loved ones a "moment."

I have some very inspirational customers who have great little "quick" tips:
--Set the table the night before. I'm not talking fine china and silverware (but if you have it, might as well go for it!). Putting out plates and silverware ahead of time will ease you into the spirit of things.
--Think of sit down dinners at home as a way of cleansing and taking a break from all of the rich, heavy, cholesterol laden dinners out during the week. Heidi Swanson is an inspirational friend who writes the popular blog, 101 Cookbooks. If you haven't visited, you need to--she provides a recipe a day along with a beautiful photo and it is all with health and taste in mind! Heidi has also written a cookbook called Supernatural Cooking. A BIG congrats goes out to her--it has been nominated for the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award! If you want to know more about her new cookbook, click here to see my QA with her. above: today's recipe on 101 Cookbooks is for a yummy Sushi Bowl.

--If you can't cook it all, then treat yourself to gourmet homestyle take out. Above: on Polk Street we have Andrew & Co. It can be a bit pricey, but you can't beat their Shepard's Pie or Won Ton Noodle Salad.
--a customer loves sit down dinners at home because you can "pig out in peace" after a long day or week at work. To make it more special, surprise your significant other or treat yourself to your favorite wine (or beer). "Put on some music, light a candle...shut the telly off and shut your mind!"

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

All a Flutter: Kotur

Do you ever wake up with a creative hangover? Sometimes I wish I had this Alexander McQueen photo handy when someone asks how it's going (and the feathered one for when it's foggy out and I am running late on deadlines)!

above: For more practical purposes, I LOVE the limited edition clutches from Kotur
using vintage brocade from a couture house. Chinese Chippendale chair from Biggs Powell.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Feather Fantasies: Alexander McQueen

Cadenza's boyfriend just bought his first new place which is perfect in every way except for a little pigeon problem. I thought I'd humor her and show her some feathered couture that would definitely keep the birds away!

above: Alexander McQueen's gown from his Spring/Summer 08 collection. Feathered chair (and yes it is functional!) from Five Ten Studio.

Couch Potatos Unite!

I don't know about that term. Instead of couch potatoes, how about "work potatoes" for those of us who catch up on work while sitting on the couch? I have been obsessed with finding a "c" table or tray table lately that will partner up with my sofa and provide a nice little stand for my laptop.

I am actually digging the lucite tray and little red Ikea tray!
above, clockwise: Maku side table. Slim metal tables from Crate and Barrel and CB2. Lucite breakfast tray. Acrylic "c" table from CB2. Bahn tray table.

Monday, June 2, 2008

Camp Malibu

I just got back from a beautiful wedding in Malibu over the weekend . The couple could not be more charming and down to earth and their laid back attitude was translated in a laughter filled ceremony and reception at a camp just across the way from the surf!

above: guests leisurely made their way up a winding dirt road planted with camp signs to the ceremony location where we sat on crisp, paper lined benches. the gorgeous organic floral arrangements blended seamlessly into the outdoor setting. I could not get over the huppah which was made of driftwood with kumquats, artichokes and cucumbers spilling out from moss.

above: the bride wore a simple, white lace shift with flats while guests were instructed to go casual. open table seating and a picnic lunch followed by lots of dancing concluded a truly warm and joyous day. it was so wonderful and inspiring to see the bride and groom so at ease on their special day, so much so I couldn't resist hopping down to the beach afterwards!