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!

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!

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!

Bling!

One of my favorite gifts this year : kate spade terrytown metallic iphone case. Can you stand it? For a girl who can hardly resist metalic gold in any way shape or form - a blinged out cell phone case was a home run! Oh how this sends me! Bling is fun + fun is Good!