up Up and Awayyyy...

Every so often our skills are put to the test and it usually comes about when there is an approaching celebration in my family. Being the invitation go-to-gal in the group all fingers point to yours truly and the stakes are usually quite high. This years request came from a very special little man in my life who {for the moment} is, shall I say... aviation-obsessed! Be it what it may - a paper airplane birthday invitation was the object of my endeavor. Thank goodness I just so happen to be married to an expert paper airplane engineer who so kindly aided in the design {I love utilizing my local resources!}

Once he had the whole thing mapped out I went to work and well... the finished piece is nothing short of perfection! So into par avion envelopes they will go and then prepare for their departure soon there after. The best part? They FLY, they really really fly!

Plant the Seed? Yes, please!

Behold the seedling! One of our coolest concepts to date, this save the date was designed for an even cooler couple with a brilliant wedding concept! Utilizing the local resources, their succulent themed wedding will not only be stunning but sustainable too! This save the date is simply stated and perfectly plantable - what more could you ask for? Designed with the environment in mind all one needs to do is dig a whole in their yard plant this save-the-date into the ground and it will grow - no, really... it will! Printed on seed paper and tucked into a kraft envelope this set is effortlessly impressive. Up next are their invitations... the stakes are high and unconventionalism is on the menu. I am beyond excited to dive into them and will most certainly post them upon completion - so DO stay tuned!

I feel like dancing!

I feel like dancing - kicking up my heels! Good things are happening and good things, as far as I can see, are on the horizon! This time of year always seems so fruitful - filled with all things good. On a personal note, the end of summer and the beginning of fall brings forth such celebratory times. There's always a dozen or so birthdays, anniversaries and weddings not to mention the onslaught of autumn - my absolute favorite time of year! Living in San Diego we get robbed of the falling leaves and instead are bathed in warm sunlight and balmy weather - but it doesn't stop me from indulging in fall's glory. I'm happy and creating in all kinds of mediums. Be it invitations for winter weddings, fall birthday parties, Halloween Soirees and swanky holiday parties or just whirling around in my kitchen whipping up fall delights - I'm relishing in the excitement of this time of year! I'm busy over at Kelley Lilien Design as well - fall seems to summon the 'back to school' fever in all of us - branding and re-branding clients are crawling out of the woodwork and galloping in my direction! You aren't hearing complaints from me... instead - I say 'Let the fun begin!' So, if I had a pair of sparkly pumps, and well - I probably should, I'd put them on and dance today... good things are on the way!

Feature : Exquisite Weddings Magazine "Love Letters..."

It is always an absolute delight to be featured in the press - the fall issue of Exquisite Weddings Magazine decided to shine a little light on Pink Dot Press! Although not our maiden voyage in this publication, subsequently I was otherwise interviewed for my thoughts on the latest in invitation trends in Love Letters from The Heart [pg. 42]

Interviewed by Trisha Ryan, a contributing writer for the magazine, I dished on all things hot heavy with regards to latest in wedding invitation trends. Seems that more and more brides just want something different, be it bold color combinations, unconventional layouts or just plain unexpectedness. The central theme remains the same - the modern bride wants a handcrafted feel that is modern in taste and style. There's plenty more where that came from so, pick up a copy and read on! Thanks Trisha + EWM for the interview, it's positively praiseworthy!

Dark-Decadent-Debonair + Dressing the Part [3]

Aristocratic and debonair, these charming invitations are fit for a swanky affair! Drenched and pressed in smokey black ink, each piece bestows an original illustration - sophisticated... don'tcha think? For two adoring New Yorkers, both happily submerged in creative careers, these invitations were to be the crowning jewel to their sumptuous city inspired wedding. What I love most about this set is that it's classic and clean yet dark, slightly mysterious and whimsical too. It's serious but fun, most of all it's decadent, dripping with drama and perfectly suited as such! The backdrop to this wedding is so eloquently emblazoned by way of New York City skyline on the custom envelope liner. This pop of rich Cabernet on creme is that little element of unexpectedness that makes me clap my hands with glee - it's exciting, and isn't just about everything better when a little excitement is involved? Which leads me to the 3rd installment of 'Dressing the Part.'

Supposing that I were expected in attendance, and dressing the part by perfectly matching my attire to these lovely invitations, a dainty little black dress would be a must! Perfectly tailored with an impeccable fit, this little black number would certainly call out for some drama by means of accessories. I'm thinking this aristocrat collar would be the statement made along with these darling pumps. Not for the bashful, these accessories are bold and delicious like their envelope liner counter part. Lastly a cocktail ring - a big one - and just because. This just might be my most inspiring ensemble yet, an immaculate paring to this dazzling invitation set!

Pink Dot Pretties

Behold... the Bubble Necklace! And the constant torture from jcrew continues. Just when I thought it couldn't get any more amazing - they do this. My obsession with the big and the bold has only been fueled by this marvelous storm of pink bubbles. It's lady like, it's PINK, and it's bubbly - it makes me want to sip champagne. For now, I will throw it on top of my pile of endless wants and hope that some day it can cuddle next to it's soul sister atop my dresser.

THIRTY + the GOOD life

Thirty is fast approaching - and by fast I mean almost 2 weeks away! Admittedly, I'm looking forward to thirty. I like to think that this coming decade holds so many treasures yet to be discovered. One thing for sure that I am holding out for is - the GOOD life! And by the GOOD life I mean - Week long Palm Springs get-a-ways with the gals - impromptu pool parties and days spent clad in nothing but resort wear - nothing but it! It's a strange fantasy that I have but, let me tell you, it's real! I envision gliding around in lovely little ensembles such as this frock by trina turk. Always awesomely accessorized, I dream of dripping with jewels - most notably, this gold vintage Key [my maiden name, really, it's Key!] pendant and these citrine sparklers both from Tiffanys. With a mean vintage scarf collection already intact - I'm thinking that thirty deserves nothing less than a Herems vintage scarf to add to the burgeoning pile of wants. I just love this one, it's called Finish - and it's divine! With all those weeks spent leasuring in lavish Palm Springs I'll certainly need a new pair of sunglasses to shade my maturing eyes from the blazing sun - I think these Avalon glasses would be perfectly suitable for such! Lastly, and not for nothin, but am I wrong in assuming that once a girl reaches thirty she's pretty much entitled to a 'big girl' purse? Like the ones you see in the windows of those stores that you just don't dare go into - because you have no business going into...? I wouldn't mind one of these 'Big Girl' purses.

Alas, I'm hoping that thirty allows me to indulge in my wishes, celebrate the things that make me happy and when I can - live the good life. In this new upcoming era both in personal and professional arenas I hope to push the envelope in every single direction and with the GOOD life as my inspiration, thirty is bound to be Magnificent!

Circus Chic + Dressing the Part

It is with sublime pleasure that I unveil this magnificent wedding set belonging to Rory + Lindsay. The inspiration for this was the fore mentioned circus chic, bestowing an 'anything goes' sort of attitude {LOVE IT!} This couple is so fun and modern {an architect + interior designer team} and they have a wonderful sense of humor as well! Each piece carries it's own color combination - the invitation in blush pink and hot coral, the reply in kelly green and cool grey, and the parking card in bright saffron and robin's egg blue - all coming together in a playful array of whimsy. The sturdy kraft envelopes were then dressed up to match with punchy and bright envelope liners. This set just drips with fun... which brings me to... the second installment of 'Dressing the Part' {No.2}

Speaking of dripping with fun... my 'Dressing the Part' ensemble for this wedding would be nothing short of fabulous! My chosen frock would be this delightful Caranday dress perfectly accessorized with this broach both playfully mimicking the invitation set precisely. Shoes? well, none other than these saffron hued Carmen Peep toes - I'd like to think of them as 'parking card pumps!' This impossibly darling costume is not only the perfect pairing to this invitation set but could quite possibly be the reigning ring leader at this circus chic soiree.

the GOOD life!

This amazing photograph, Poolside Gossip, taken by the oh so talented Slim Aarons [a legendary socialite photographer,] completely characterizes the essence of my current state of mind. I'm captivated by its haughtiness - 2 ladies succumbing to the pure indulgence of gossiping whilst poolside - this is decadence at it's best! Not only am I spellbound by the backdrop, the architecture, the era, the hair, but the feeling that this photograph evokes. When I look at this image I can't help but add to the lavishness by thinking: it's a Tuesday morning in Palm Springs - just the girls - yes those most certainly ARE champagne cocktails they're sipping - and, not only are they partaking in an exchange of top secret information but they are also planning and impromptu pool party for later that afternoon, and I'm invited!! I can't help it, that's just the way I see it. This has absolutely nothing to do with custom invitations or announcements, but it has everything to do with delighting your inner vivacity - giving in to what makes you happy. Moments like these are rare and should be savored - tucked away in a safe place for subsequent reminiscing. So, lets remind ourselves to always celebrate the things that make us happy, indulge in our wishes, and when we can live the good life - it's better!

Dressing the part

These invitations are hot off the pink dot press - and they KILL me! There is something about this juxtaposition of classic and modern that makes such a lovely paring. I love the contrast of the classic one color semi-formal invitation set against the uber-modern super bold Greek Key envelope liner. I'm such a lady of bold bright flamboyant color - but this deep inky-navy-ness sends me over the moon! I think it satisfies the need to over indulge in a frenzy of BOLD that makes me love it so much. This bride and groom are too cute and were a delight to work with - and although I only know them on a client/designer basis, I'd like to think that if I were to attend this darling little soiree I'd dress the part. I'd douse myself in this delicious  navy Ruffled cotton-sateen frock from jcrew, and pair it with these 

Lyla peep toes heels. This ensemble screams classic-modern-chic, is just so undeniably lady like not to mention proper - you know in that Betty Draper kind of way. I'd like to think that showing up dolled up to match the invitation is the perfect way to dress the part!

wedding bells are ringing!

This has been such an exciting month... Pink Dot Press has been putting the finishing touches on some of our favorite wedding sets to date! With each new season, we try our hand at BIG ideas always doing our best to push the envelope [no pun intended!] This season is no exception. It seems our determination for the distinctive and  the extraordinary didn't go unnoticed either. This fall we'll be featured in Exquisite Weddings Magazine [on stands this August] with yours truly dishing on the in and outs of invitation trends! How FUN! Be sure to pick up a copy... I'll be sure to post again when she officially hits the stands!

a very PINK-dot-press baby shower

I LOVE a good party - and I love babies even more, so when my sister-in-law Megan was due to be showered I jumped at the chance to rain down pink baby-ness all over her! It was a surprise [the best ones always are] so I wanted it to be an explosion - and lucky for me she's expecting a girl so a party drenched in pink was the perfect plan! The invitations went out asking family + close friends to help celebrate Mommy Meg and her sweet little Egg...

Being in San Diego throwing a swanky backyard bash is a piece of cake! We dolled up the back yard in lovely shades of pink and sprinkled baby shower bits and pieces through out. We kept it easy, simple and celebratory. The end result was nothing short of adorable - I like to think backyard-baby-chic! 

The shower was small and intimate allowing for a little bit of decadence! From the flags in the food to the Baby Megg Pop Quiz all the way down to the little babies nestled inside their pink eggs atop the brownies - no detail was spared! The entire process was brilliant fun and allowed for the inner party planner in me to par take in pure pink indulgence. I have always wanted to throw a baby shower and am so glad I was able to do it, pull it off with out a hitch and of course shower a marvelous-mommy-to-be! 

{eeeeek! I can't wait to be an Auntie!!!}

MAN shower

a MAN shower? Yes, a MAN shower! It might not be tradition, but in these modern times - anything goes. These invitations are simple - sweet - and to the point - no holds barred! I love them for all that they are and all that they represent : a modern attitude and a sprightly sense of humor. These were a delight to create and an absolute pleasure to bestow!

I need this, more than I need air!

Yes, that's right - more than air! It's 100% amazing in every way! Its the Chandelier necklace from jcrew - and I need it. It's the largest explosion of crystal clear bubbles faceted into wearable art that I have ever seen. This 'dazzling necklace featuring two strands of smooth glass and faceted acrylic beads with brass and crystal rondelles hand knotted on poly thread.'I bet it weighs ten pounds - and certainly the best ten pounds you could possibly tie around your neck. It serves many purposes today - not only has it inspired me big time, but, it has also landed it's pretty little self on my 'I need this for my 30th birthday list' I'm loving this right now - loving!

Rory + Lindsay : save the date

A most delightful little breath of fresh air! I just love this save the date - they're hot off the pink-dot-press and they're simply splendid! They've been paired with a brown kraft envelope and are the beginning of an amazing wedding invitation set to come. To be continued...

circus chic

I am loving this new concept I developed : circus chic! It's so fun, punchy, bold  and whimsical - it's my perfect recipe! I like to think I march to the beat of my own drum - circus chic is just that! Even more delighted that this will be the latest concept applied to a fabulous wedding set that is in the works! Stay tuned...

Design * Sponge Sneak Peek : Pink Dot Press

So totally tickled pink about our debut on design * sponge! Alas our awaited sneak peek is up! I almost fell over when approached about the feature and I have to say I am so pleased with the published product! I like to think that my house is an extension of how my mind works - and with the 'party all the time' mentality that I live by, the space in which we live is just that! Click here to see the entire feature... enjoy!

Inspiraition : pagoda umbrella

I'm inspired today!  What ever the occasion, there is nothing I love more than adding a little bit of drama to the ordinary, and this pagoda umbrella is dangerously dramatic! It's bold, it's fancy, it's glamorous and a little whimsical - which is my favorite recipe.  It's a little 'Suess-y' - and in my book - that's always a good thing! I'd love to look out my window everyday and see one of these posted proudly above my patio table. Upon first glance a million ideas and delightful inspirations come to mind. I love finding objects that serve more than their fare share of purposes. Although this lovely pagoda umbrella has little to do with graphic design - today it most certainly, certainly does!

Bishop

LOVING this sweet little announcement we just finished for the Foster family.  The long and skinny orientation compliments the series of snaps that mama wanted to use. I love the lightheartedness coupled with the simplicity. Such a breath of fresh air, and such a lovely way to announce an even lovelier little creature!

MTV Movie Awards Style Lounge

Here is the official layout of the sponsorship deck we designed for FMPR's MTV Movie Awards Style Lounge suite. The golden globe Style Lounge was a blast - and although we'd love to be at the upcoming MTV Style Lounge - we can't... but the deck sure looks good, doesn't she?

Happy Birthday, Baby!

I can't believe she's one today, my sweet isla fay! This little girl is the light of our life - pure sugar and spicey and everything nicey! Today is your day, happy-happy birthday baby-boo!

photo LOVE

Her images are clean, crisp and fresh. Her ability to capture the essence of love, life  and beauty is extraordinary. She is impossibly talented not to mention a marvelous woman. Her name is Carrie Cook and owner of urban baby photography. I had the absolute pleasure of working with Carrie this past summer when she shot my darling little family. I had seen her work a few years prior and knew that the second I had baby number 2, SHE would be the one to photo us! The second she came in the door her warmth filled the room. There's something about her that once in her company you can just go ahead and let your belly out. For 2+ hours she worked her magic and the end result was beyond my wildest dreams. I knew the photos would be lovely - but I had no idea that they would bring me to tears upon first glance. I know, I know, it's the mom in me - but she truly has a way of visually capturing moments, personalities and emotions in a way where you'd think she's known you for years. She has such great style and it shines  through in all her work. She posted a little ditty on her blog about our family shoot, and although I am partial to our special photos, every single image she takes is amazing!