Thursday, July 16, 2009

Midnight Vintage/Modern

There's no back story behind this post; it's just beautiful inspiration.

Vintage/modern style is ever so present these days. From wedding...to fashion...to even invitations, achieving the shabby chic look with soft hues and antiquated elements is totally dreamy in my book. Have your photographer use light in creative ways to whip up images that will make your wedding totally modern, yet very timeless. Pair that with a gorgeous color scheme and you'll leave your friends and family gazing at your wedding for years to come.  Enjoy.
 MidnightVintage
Image credits: Wedding Imagery by Our Labor Of LoveFrench Gift Tags via EtsyPretty Pillow by 5eizen via The Inspired Bride

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Late Summer Wedding {NY Times Style}

Hamptons
Every once in a while, I wander over to the New York Times Weddings & Celebrations section on their website and I indulge myself in a few of the whimsical and romanticized weddings that their Vows writers cover. There is something so classic about the announcements that it feels like you are stepping back in time and reading a vintage newspaper. The announcements always mention the bride as the daughter of so-and-so, and the groom as the son of so-and-so as though they are regal and renowned. They talk about the bride and groom's childhoods, how they met, and their careers. It's all so romantic.

Today, I read about an artistic couple, Elizabeth Wood and Gabriel Nussbaum, who met at a film festival in the Hamptons, and now live in the West Village. Their home was once occupied by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. How cool is that? Even cooler is the fact that Wood and Nussbaum spent time in Louisiana donating their time and talent to children after Hurricane Katrina. Wood taught the children film, while Nussbaum taught theater. They created a documentary using footage the children shot. Shortly after, they were engaged and married in Amagansett, New York.

Continue reading "Late Summer Wedding {NY Times Style}" »

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Rustic & Modern: The future Mrs. Ronald Weasley's dream wedding

Caution: Spoiler Alert (don't read if you don't want to know!)

It's that time again! The release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is just around the corner! Being a die-hard fan of the novels and movies, you can imagine my excitement. Yes, I am a Twilight series lover, but first and foremost I am dedicated to J.K. Rowling's creations.

Today's post is in the eyes of Hermione Granger. The tension between her and Ron has been prevalent from day one. It is clearly obvious that they should (and will) be together forever! So let's say "I do" to the Granger | Weasley nuptials with rustic elegance. Natural surroundings, candlelight, and owl details are just some of the ideas that we can incorporate in a chic way. Who says mythical can't be modern? Enjoy.

Hermione'sDreamWedding

Image Credits:

Tree ImageryMaurauder's Map (perfect for direction cards!), Owl printHarry's Enchanted Flying Car (for Hermione & Ron's send off - let's hope they get there in one piece!), Emma Watson, Golden Own Earrings via Etsy (something borrowed from Luna Lovegood), Candlelight Reception or Breezy Outdoor SettingChandelier Lighting via GreenWeddingShoes blogPatterned Tile invite via Invitation ConsultantsRustic Reception Fall Foliage Cake via Brides.com

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Fall Wedding Invitations: This Season's Best

Fall
You'll have to forgive my short blog hiatus. We've been working so hard on our Red Leaf Papers line of original party invitations, and on top of that I was on vacation for a whole week. I now need a vacation from vacation. So, anyhow, onto the topic at hand.

It's June and tons of brides are ordering fall themed wedding invitations. Being in the event/party industry, you get to celebrate holidays even when they're more six months away (like designing Christmas cards in May). We're always ahead of the calendar, and I don't mind because I get to see gorgeous, seasonal invites all year long. Above are my favorite fall themed invites. Tell me-- in what season are you/did you/ would you like to get married?

From left to right: A Natural Classic, Amaretto Chantilly, Green Apple Delight, and Golden Sentiment.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

We're Designing Like Little Elves

Here are some more new designs from our Red Leaf Papers Line. Only 3 weeks till our album drops in stores. We are so excited and had to share more of our designs. As you can see we love modern, clean, colorful creations. We hope you do too!


Rlp1 Rlp2Rlp3

Rlp4Rlp5

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Best,

All of us who design at RLP

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Letter Perfect

The trend of utilizing typography in home decor has been a long-lasting trend that continues to inspire. You can spell out your own personal style with letters of the alphabet. Throw in some numbers and you're truly spellbound.
Letterperfect

Letter perfect ideas:

  • Organize your home office with colorful letters and numbers. Make labels or decorate your calendar with unique lettering that will make special events stand out.
  • Spell out reminders around your home with lettered blocks and magnets.
  • Take your typography to the next level: artfully design your wall in collage-style groupings. Oversized numbers and letters like Alpha Art (above) create colorful anchor points for your wall.

Other notable images: Vinyl Decals'More' Light, Typography Print, and Home Pillows via Etsy.  Party Raffle & Bar Sets via Apartment Therapy. Enjoy.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

You Say It’s Your Birthday… It’s My Birthday Too!

My birthday is a running joke between my husband and I for the fact that he says that I start celebrating my birthday a month before the actual day.  He is probably right.  I am sure that I am not alone in the fact that I love my birthday, and I love it even more because it’s a summer birthday.  The fact is that summer birthdays are arguably the best because of all the fun things you can do, especially if your summer birthday is accompanied by blue skies. 

Summerbdays (3) Here are some of my favorite things to do for a summer birthday

• Your birthday with friends at a lakehouse. 
• A summer-themed birthday barbecue
• Evening beach party
• A casual pool-side soiree
• A mini-vacation for the weekend

Happy birthday to all the summer birthdays!

Images: Cake from Martha Stewart, Tiki Bar Invitation, Glass Centerpiece from Martha Stewart, Orange Drinks from Hostess With the Mostess, Birthday Gift, Birthday Dog and Beach Scene.

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Color Inspired | Purple

Today's post is an ode to one of my favorite colors: purple. While perusing our site, I came across a few items that served as inspiration eye candy. Purple is always fashion-forward and can be used in so many different ways; classic when paired with black or white, punchy in unison with neon brights, or majestic as a jewel tone. Enjoy.
Positively Purple
Image Credits: Purple Pom Pom Flower, Long Necks Print, Purple PillowTranslucent Purple CutleryLimited Edition WatercolorPurple Reception, Audrey Hepburn Pocket Mirror.

Invitation Inspirations: Glass of MerlotVintage Blond Bride, or Jewel Notes.

 

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Honeymoon Style Inspiration | Buenos Aires Argentina

This weeks inspiration is all about honeymoon style! Featured destination: Buenos Aires!

Buenos aires!

Ok, so I know that when it's summer in the states, it's winter in South America, but I couldn't resist these lovely new Anthropologie fashions! The bright colors and artsy nature of them immediately made my brain gear towards Buenos Aires. My hubby and I almost traveled here for our honeymoon, but are opting for a re:honeymoon there hopefully sometime in our near future.

Some reasons Buenos Aires is so appealing:

  • Awesome places to stay & boutique hotels such as the Faena Hotel+Universe, Hotel Home, & Art Hotel Buenos Aires (see above imagery)
  • Artsy & fashionable districts such as Recoleta, Palermo, or Retiro
  • Parks and notable streets & avenues to peruse
  • Famous architecture
  • The ever-popular Argentine tango (don't forget to sneak in a lesson while traveling!
  • Beautiful scenery (visit Iguazu Falls on the Argentine/Brazilian border; breathtaking views that put Niagara Falls to shame, or so I've heard...)

There are probably so many more things to do here than I could ever list, but if you're looking for a travel destination with a little edge, Buenos Aires and the surrounding areas are a must-visit. It has that chic European flair with spicy Latin flavor that is sure to please.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

The Gift Of Paper

Print+Pattern

It is an ongoing joke with my family and friends that I am a horrible gift wrapper. It's not that I am messy by nature or do not like crafts, I simply run out of patience.

The fact of the matter is I love giving presents to others and am equally in love with the paper industry. I always choose great wrap and bows to adorn my gifts, but it always has this imperfect quirk to it...whether there's not enough/too much tape, or I did not measure correctly resulting in a little paper patch to cover my mistake.

Why can't someone who designs for a living, who has a {healthy} obsession with color and pattern, and loves accessorizing get it down to a science? I do not know. Here are some things I do know.

1. There is an invitation to go with every gift wrap design out there. Coordinating paper style with your greeting card or invite is not only fun to do, but it also shows the gift receiver that you wrapped their present with love and a conscious creativity. Make it about the whole package. I've paired eieio's summer of love & flex | red patterns with our Grape Gloss & Chic Bauble invitations.

2. Big things come in small packages, so whether you're wrapping an item of clothing, a book, or a board game, choose a paper that will really shine. There are thousands of patterns out there, and while I do enjoy a solid color here and there, well-designed papers are tres chic. Whether you gravitate towards retro-inspired, whimsical, or perhaps minimalist looks, there are endless possibilities.

3. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. The three r's have been ingrained in our minds and for good reason. Fish Lip Paper Designs uses 100% recycled paper and prints with soy inks. Forward-thinking designers are constantly coming up with ways to reduce impact on the environment. Make sure you do your part and make your gift a little greener.