From the Desk Fridays: Vacation Inspired Colors

This week, I shifted my focus to my other big project that I'll debut at this year's National Stationery Show. And once again, I have the Pantone chips strewn across my desk as I work through color selections. I can't seem to get away from the sorbet/summery hues, and I think it might have something to do with our trip to Florida next week - or the fact that it's felt like Florida here in NY for the past few days. I've been gathering lighter & brighter clothing for the trip and am drawn to all things bright, floral and striped. And I think my yearning for all-things-summery is carrying over into my projects. Luckily, with this project in particular, I think it'll work quite well. I'm excited to share it with you all early next month, just before the show.

So, I bid you adieu. I'll be back Monday, April 19 with some sunny photos and likely, more summery Pantone chips:)

Have a great weekend and a great next week!

And the winner is...

Coral & Lavender Rose!

Thank you all so much for your opinions & suggestions! I went with my gut and chose the colors that were speaking to me the loudest.

I know these colors above from J. Crew are a bit softer than mine - but how lovely are they, really? I might have to ditch the red, which was going to be the ribbon color. Might go with a calf brown instead. Or maybe even black. The ribbon color needs to go with every month, so it's a bit tricky, but I have a little time to figure that out.

Stay tuned for a sneak peek of the 2011 Calendar in just a few weeks!

And the Playing Continues...

I told you color was everything. It's definitely the thing I stew over the longest when finalizing designs - and especially for this - the cover of the 2011 Calendar! It's big. Everything else is done. Printed & printing. But I can't decide on this simple color combo. It might be the sunshine filling the room right now or my serious dependence on warmer weather or my craving for all things sorbet and water icy - but I'm leaning towards these cheery colors: Coral with Lavender Rose and Coral with Dusty Rose - and possibly ditch the red. Are they too girly, though? Besides you, Tommy, most of my customers are women, anyway. But still. Are they? Does it matter?

[btw, I was leaning towards combo #3 yesterday because I love turquoise and red, but I don't think that brown is punchy enough for this.]

Playing with Pantone

This is how I decide on color. I move Pantone chips around on white paper like puzzle pieces until they fit just right. The pairs on the left are in contention for the calendar cover and must go with the red on the right. I think I have a favorite, but which is yours? 1, 2 or 3?

Wilco

We saw Wilco this weekend in Montclair, NJ. I've seen them many times, but this one seemed distinct. To start, their set was, well, a set. These standing lamps lit with the music, the backdrop popped with lighting, they gave away two dinners for two to local restaurants, and half way through (and without stopping), they changed sets and did an entire acoustic set. It was pretty great.

See more photos from the Seattle show of this tour here.

[photos by Richie Wireman, courtesy of Wilco]

From the Desk Fridays: A Classic

I'm pretty sure I posted this last year, but it's too good not to share again.

Reminds me of one of my favorite Dad stories. Growing up, my dad, his brother & sister would each get tall chocolate bunnies in their Easter baskets. My dad & uncle would eat theirs immediately. My aunt would save hers. So, for days, my dad would take a bite of the bottom of the bunny & put it back. So the bunny got shorter & shorter in the basket. As if no one would notice?! Smooth, Dad, very smooth. :)

Have a great weekend. And Happy Easter!

Florence and the Machine

Another great band I'm listening to these days. On repeat. Especially this song.

[Check out more Florence and the Machine here]