My First Bris

I have to admit, I was quite nervous to attend a party where the main event was watching a poor baby have its peter snipped. BUT... all my fears were assuaged upon arrival. Not only was the set-up gorgeous (a huge suite at the famed Waldrof Towers), there were glowingly proud family members chatting away, a well-versed rabbi who gave a beautiful speech about the history of the tradition of bris (which he infused with humor, which helped take the edge off of the crowd) and of course, loads of champagne and wine every turn you took. And although the baby shrieked for the first few minutes, he calmed down right back into a deep sleep almost immediately. And I, of course, touched by the beauty of the ceremony, shed a few tears. Evan and I doted on the baby later-- and marveled at the tininess of his fingernails, toes and ears— ears that evan said looked like little apricots. Congrats to the proud parents!

Sarahcuda™

I didn't design the homepage for this site, but I did design all of the illustrated pieces -- and Sarah's web programmer is nothing short of genius with this configuration. It just screams, Sarah Lacy: The Website. But what I really want to see is Sarah Lacy: The Movie. It would be a production filled with cats, twitters, DVF dresses, and awesomeness.

And yes Lacy, I'm equally as upset that Sarah Palin is trying to steal your official web nickname. I hope she sits on a tube of lipstick.

Amazing Interview!

Posted by the incredible ladies over at PapersYouLove.com... If you haven't been to the site, please visit. It's SO worth your while. Here is the interview in its entirety:

Self described as a little bit Southern and a little bit Yankee, Sophie Askew and her stationery company, Askew Design, artfully collides a posh and contemporary style with all of the charm of Southern hospitality. Sophisticated without being stuffy, Sophie is a stand out in the stationery world. We spotted Askew Design at the National Stationery Show and were immediately hooked. Sophie’s hand-drawn illustrations and skilled typography provide a chique and fresh alternative to traditional invitations. Check out Askew Designs and you’ll undeniably agree that the invitations alone are reason enough to throw a smashing celebration.

PYL: How did you get into the business of designing stationery and invitations?
AD: Through a series of career missteps! I actually started out wanting to be an attorney, and worked in a law firm after college before attending law school. Thankfully I did– it opened my eyes to what the job really entailed. It was nothing near as glamorous as the actors on Ally McBeal made it seem to be. So I left that and started working at *gulp* a singles’ club. Don’t even get me started! It was almost like being a professional matchmaker. Very freaky experience overall, and so after a few months, I found myself wanting a new career. My roommate (and best friend) told me about a design school in Atlanta that was geared for design and advertising. I signed up, and 6 months later, moved to Atlanta to attend Portfolio Center. Best decision I ever made. Interestingly enough, while there, I was recruited by Hallmark. And while I turned down the job, I definitely started to really develop and grow a small card business on the side. And here we are today!

PYL: Where do you draw inspiration for your designs?
AD: I’m an avid reader of the internet… it is such a wealth of information and inspiration. I read a TON of design blogs…. designspongeonline.com is on my daily list. I also love to take pictures when I’m traveling of architecture and fashion.

PYL: What are the distinguishing characteristics of your line?
AD: I’m an illustrator… So I find that my illustrative graphics combined with patterns and typography really help to create a unique look.

PYL: Which is your favorite design from your collection?
AD: That’s a toughie! Depends on the day, really. I fall in and out of love with my designs quickly– I can truly be my own worst critic at times. Today, right now, I would have to say Shin Dig.

PYL: Which trends should we be watching for in the future?
AD: I think the biggest trend will come from a new printing process. As much as I love letterpress, it’s feeling a little overdone now– and the market is saturated with it. I think graphics created out of typography will be pretty hot in the next 6 months. In fact, I found this amazing scarf made out of type!!

PYL: What advice do you have for aspiring paper designers?
AD: Push the envelope! (intentional pun)

Our thanks to Sophie of Askew Design. We couldn’t be bigger fans…


This interview made my year. Thank you!

I'm obsessed with this DVF ad

It is so beautifully art directed... and the dress at the end...wowzers.

Memphis Alert

I can not WAIT to go back home and see everyone--- the last time I was able to visit was around Christmas, and frankly, that's just too long to go without seeing family and friends. For those of you in town next weekend, stop by my 'rents home in the park for a big cookout. I'm also bringing the evster with me too-- since his first experience was spent in the backhouse bed with a fever and crippling head cold. Evan has vowed to eat bbq for every meal, since he was so incapacitated the first go-around. I'm going to hold him to it.

Kara's New Logo

Kara and Cody have launched a new company that will act as a home management service for people who own secondary vacation homes in Oxford, MS. For those of you who have not been to Oxford, it is by far one of the most picturesque places-- you feel as if you're on a movie set. The town is so charming. This morning, a woman on the street yelled at me for no particular reason. That was the opposite of charming.

Atlanta Bound

I'm headed to the ATL the weekend of October 4th to host another baby shower-- this time for my dear friend Julie. We just recently decided on an invite design, and am hoping that they all arrive in the next couple of days to the invitees. I also get to see Lizzie, John, Anna and Bird. And of course, Frannie, Lizzie's lovable beagle who absolutely hates Evan. We hope this time around Ev can get into her good graces.

Back to the City

This is the sort of morning, one wakes up to, which makes going back to the city seem like a really bad idea. True torture.

Final Night in Falmouth

It was one of those perfect nights--- practically no wind, gorgeous sunset, and lobster.... oh my god THE LOBSTER.... I've never seen lobs that big or that taste that delicious. As we were all sitting around, laughing, eating, and sharing stories, we all knew this was a night we would always remember. And then I promptly went to bed and slept off my food coma.

Martha's Vineyard

We decided on the first sunny day to jet over to Martha's and explore the area. While all the Geoffroys had been there a million times, we Askews were soaking in the adorable quaintness of the little island. Oh, and mom wore an embarrassing hat.

Labor Day weekend: The Rents Arrive!

We seem to have started an annual tradition-- The Geoffroy and Askew families meeting up for a fun, relaxing weekend on the cape. I had been looking forward to getting out of the city for some time-- NYC becomes unbearable in August with all the gross smells, drafts of heat, cantankerous people, and hot garbage. And while the first day was overcast (almost Seattle-ish), the next two days proved to be glorious. I'm still trying to run off the massive amounts of delicious food consumed that weekend though. We definitely indulged!

Virginia's Baby Shower: continued

Virginia's Baby Shower

Bridget, Laura and I had the fun task of putting together a swanky little baby shower for Virginia-- who wanted it to be very "un-baby showerish". Luckily, Bridget lives in a beautiful apartment on the east side with an enormous backyard area-- so we threw a coed bambino celebration. Loads of people came to give Virginia their best wishes, and among them, fellow turkeys from St. Mary's High School. And may I interject here that Virginia looks AMAZING. Seriously. I tried to sneakily score some pics of her to show, so that you can see just how great of shape she is in-- she is a true inspiration. She makes pregnancy seem SO glam. Congratulations to both her and Mateo, and their future arrival.

I'm Bacckkkkkkkk

Hi everyone-- sorry to have been so MIA lately-- many new reports to make, and new photos to share. So let's get started!

A few weekends ago, the Geoffroy family and I headed up to East Greenwich to celebrate Evan's grandparents' anniversary. The evening was truly beautiful-- dinner was served outside at a mariner with blue sky, water, and boats as a backdrop. I, of course, made myself sick by eating (quite aggressively) the endless supply of lobster that seemed to appear on our table. Later, Harborside (the restaurant) turned from a sweet, quiet dining location into a huge smashing party with live music and rowdy bar flies. Ev, Colin and I tried to hold our own and hang out with the locals, but after awhile my old lady age got the best of me, and I had to throw in the party towel.

New Home!

Evan and I met with the co-op board for our apartment last night, and they called today to confirm that they approved our application! Now let the renovations begin..... Tribeca, here we come. I'm BEYOND thrilled!

Opening Night Options

So Ev this year bought the Holy Grail of tickets--- Opening Night at the Met! This year our tickets also include the Opera Gala beforehand-- a lavish sit down dinner with a champagne reception. SO. Now I have to find something to wear, and lord, the stress! My latest obsession has been with Marchesa-- I absolutely love their couture line and am completely drawn to the delicate embellishments that always beautifully decorate their designs. Here are two of my favorites right now. And yes, they break the bank. big time.

Round one

For a service-oriented logo for my good friend, Kara. She has come up with a brilliant company plan-- I will share more when it is officially unveiled.

I'm the Worst. Blogger. Ever.

Sorry to have no updates last week-- Much, so much, has been going on. Here is a photo from this past weekend. Ev and I attended an engagement party for Julia and Doug in the largest townhouse in NYC. Or at least it felt that way. You know you're going somewhere fancy when it's a) located close to 5th ave and b) address doesn't include an apartment number. Ev and I both had a blast, and went home immediately afterwards to pack and eat pizza. Sometimes getting out of cocktail attire and into pjs brings nothing short of pure joy.

My favorite email of the week

From my friend Jean, who borrowed my umbrella on Friday night (my favorite bit in bold)...

i borrowed and then lost your umbrella.

more accurately, i borrowed then drank too much and left your umbrella at a bar on the lower east side after babysitting it all night long like it was my kid sister.

i'm an idiot. i hope you can forgive me. i'll order you a new one right away. please give me your work address immediately.

your bad friend,

jean.

p.s. i really hope that wasn't your special, sentimental umbrella. oh god. i feel awful.

Back of Box sticker

Ta da! Had a wonderful business conversation with a very large store yesterday, and, if all goes well, we will be positioned in their front-of-store section in all 5 stores! I'm hoping I will have official good news on it soon...

Napkins for Nibblies

Just sent off the file for custom made napkins for Virginia's baby shower. I just hope the manufacturer doesn't botch it up. Probability: Likely.

Baby Card Design

This is an older custom design for Amy and her little bambino. With all the recently announced pregnancies, I better start manufacturing more specially created designs for friends... Major congrats to Elise, Rennie, Virginia, and Julie

A fancy SweetPea feeder

Also found this on designpublic.com-- a really hip food and water bowl for your pet. A little pricey, but definitely worth it, considering how out-of-place most pet bowls look. Also, I love how the website's mascot is a little chick. I knew I loved this site for a reason...

Decorative Accents

Ev and I have been furiously pulling tear sheets for our new place. I stumbled upon this amazingly unique chandelier on designpublic.com -- I know Ev would not approve (we both appreciate modern design and clean lines), but I still thought it was fun piece for a room painted a darker color.

Ev and me

Sometimes, I find that the animal kingdom perfectly reflects my relationships with people.