Party Perfect!

Looking to throw a great party in the near future? Well, whether it be a holiday party, a new Year’s eve party, or maybe just an excuse to have a party, eInvite has some really fun designs available for any such occasion. We just recently released a new line of party invitations that feature, playful die-cuts, whimsical graphics and beautifully applied ribbons and crystals. Above, I’ve shown just a few of my favorites, but be sure to check out the full selection here…happy browsing!!

Iron Clad

When the Pantone Fashion Color Report indicated that Iron was going to be the "new black" for Fall/Winter 2009, I quickly got to work creating this color board to help inspire the art department here at eInvite. Strong yet understated, Iron makes traditional basics much more interesting. Neither gray nor brown, Iron is a grounding color that coordinates well with all colors in the palette. Looking for that perfectly sophisticated neutral for your living room? or perhaps your bridesmaid dresses? Go Iron Clad...it's forever trustworthy!

Iron Clad by Emily Quillen

BALLY - CHIFFON FIL COUPÈ BALLOON DRESS $3,004 - luisaviaroma.com
MAMANOUK 120 SUEDE BOOTIES $1,000 $700 - mytheresa.com
GIVENCHY - CHAINS AND BEADS NECKLACE $2,386 - luisaviaroma.com
1780s Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring : Erie Basin Antiques $4,600 - eriebasin.com
Erickson Beamon Painted Drop Necklace at Barneys New York $730 - barneys.com
DKNY Organic Grey Steel Ring - Size M1/2 - H.Samuel the Jeweller $104 - hsamuel.co.uk
Erickson Beamon Painted Drop Necklace at Barneys New York $730 - barneys.com
DKNY Organic Grey Steel Ring - Size M1/2 - H.Samuel the Jeweller $104 - hsamuel.co.uk
New Beauty Products and Innovations - Bazaar.com - harpersbazaar.com
Velvet Eyeshadow Ulta.com - Cosmetics, Fragrance, Salon and Beauty Gifts $18 - ulta.com
Lavender hand cream 75ml $20 - debenhams.com
Mascara $25 - dygcosmetics.com
Diesel Fuel For Life Unlimited 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray $58 - sephora.com
Juicy Couture - Eau De Parfum ( Travel Size ) 30ml/1oz $50 - yesstyle.com
Glimpse Eye Colour $20 - debenhams.com
background lipstick wallpaper - zeberka.pl
Kate Moss Online - Gallery - US Vogue May 2009/2~6 - katemossonline.net
Stars-turned-models - style.uk.msn.com
Tutorial - Black Ore, Super Black Smokey Eye with Gold Pop - temptalia.com
Doutzen Kroes - Fashion Model - Profile on New York Magazine - nymag.com
guitars black smoke design Layout Graphic - layoutsparks.com
Find Handmade Jewelry at Shopruche.com $16 - shopruche.com

Yay, for Houndstooth!

As of late, I’ve been noticing houndstooth everywhere and on everything. The lovely duotone pattern is no longer limited to woven wool or the Scottish Lowlands; instead, it’s become rather international. It’s been spotted everywhere from the runways in Paris, to the households of America, and everywhere in between. It's also shed its traditional color palette of black and white, opting instead, for more adventurous hues such as fuchsia, purple, green and pink.

Houndstooth really is one of those classic patterns that will never go out of fashion. It’s the perfect accent to any attire, whether it takes the form of a scarf, wallet, dress, or a pair of shoes, you can wear it anywhere and anyhow; it will always look classy. It’s also a great design element to work into any party theme. Oh, so perfect for a wedding, bridal shower, or even a corporate holiday party, it will add that special panache you’re looking for.

Above, I’ve featured just a few of my favorites that I came across while on the hunt for houndstooth. I especially love the Toffee Pumps by oh! DEER. That little touch of yellow patent leather, is oh so yummy! Also beautiful, are the invitation designs by Checkerboard. They would be perfect for a 30th birthday bash, or even a bachelor party, the possibilities are endless! Yay, for Houndstooth...now go get yourself some!

{Images L to R: Resonate Invitation by Checkerboard, Alexander McQueen Houndstooth Tote, Alexander McQueen Large Houndstooth Sweater Coat, GUESS? Black Houndstooth Split Dial Watch, Alabama Crimson Tide Houndstooth Cufflinks, oh DEER! Toffee Pump and Vogue Invitation by Checkerboard}

Dressing-up Cupcakes!

The other day here at eInvite, I was working on a project that required I draw some cupcake liners and so, for a quick visual guide, I did a Google image search for just that, “Cupcake Liners.” I never before realized how many different cupcake liners there are out there! The selection is huge, consisting of beautiful designs, perfect for any occasion, be it a birthday party, wedding, or baby shower! Here are just a few of my personal favorites that I stumbled upon, but be sure to check out the links below to see more. Enjoy!

{Images Lto R: Happy Flowers - Watermelon Cupcake Wrapper available at eInvite, Pink Zebra Baking Cups and Red Swirl Baking Cups available at Layer Cake Shop, Orange Designer Cupcake Liners via Cupcake Social on Etsy, Green Polka Dot Baking Cups via Layer Cake Shop, MINI Hillary Paisley Designer Cupcake Liners also from Cupcake Social, Green Candy Stripe Baking Cups at Layer Cake Shop, Muffin Cup Vestli Liv M available at Fancyflowers, Blue Sweet Flower Baking Cups and Brown Leopard Baking Cups from Layer Cake Shop, Muffin Cup Vestli Elenor Black M from Fancyflowers and Black Zebra Baking Cups available at Layer Cake Shop}

Eat Cake Be Merry!

I came across these beautiful cakes by Liz Shim of Eat Cake Be Merry on Brooklyn Bride today! Aren’t they just wonderful! I totally love the crisp colors and simple yet modern designs that adorn each cake! Here is just a small selection of some of my favorites, but you can see more of these luscious beauties on the Eat Cake Be Merry website. Also, be sure to read Liz’s blog where she documents baking behind the scenes…it’s oh so fun!

Gloom-Busting Balloons

With the gloomy days we’ve been having here in New England, and the incessant cold I’ve been fighting for the past week, I find myself yearning for some cheerful, funny goodness and fortunately that’s what I found in the latest edition of W magazine.

Among the high glam and glossy beauties I stumbled across a small blurb on the fantastic work of Buster Balloon…it was the tiny inflated Elvis that caught my attention (anything Elvis makes me chuckle).

Based out of Southern California, the balloon twisting genius has traveled the globe teaching, performing, and uncovering new and amazing balloon ideas to adults and kids alike. He’s even inspired famed artist, Jeff Koons (known for his own larger-than-life balloon sculptures made of stainless steel) and has collaborated with Koons on a “top secret” project. Now…THAT is something I am very interested in seeing! Until then, these fun pics of Buster’s work will have to suffice…enjoy!





{all pictures via www.acmeballoon.com}

Cross-Stitch Gets a Facelift!

Something I’ve been noticing a lot of lately is the popular craft of cross-stitching. It’s been popping up on everything from clothing, to home décor, to stationery and even jewelry. But what makes the cross stitch of today, different from that of the past? It’s the imagery. Modern patterns feature graphics taken from video games and pop culture, giving the craft a youthful, more vibrant flair. Most of what I’ve shown here is from the talented peeps over at Etsy. However, I’ve also included some items (below) from prepster retailers Stubbs & Wootton and Smathers & Branson who feature similar looks in their collections. My personal favorites are those sporting the Jolly Roger!


Images Top from {L to R}
Mustache Pin by Neawear
Watermelon Hearts Cross Stitch Earrings by thepinpals
Jolly Roger Cross-stitch by Futuregirl
Cross Stitch Monogram Initial Pocket Mirror by AdandBragButtonCo
Pinky Pin by stitchandplay
Retro Girl by DefiantDamsel
Yellow Bird on Robin's Egg Blue Cross Stitch Pin by thepinpals
Pink Camelia Counted Cross Stitch Pattern by WooHooCrossStitch
Images Bottom {L to R}
Jolly Roger (Black) from Smathers & Branson
Jolly Silver UK Slipper from Stubbs & Wootton

Fontify It!

Thanks to Jaime at Design Milk, I came accross Fontifier.com! It's an awesome website where you can actually create a font using your own handwriting. Great for scrapbooking, address labels, letter writing or table cards, once you dowload your font you can use it for pretty much anything! Well worth the $9. Above is a preview of what my font would look like. I think it could use some tweaking, but thanks to the genius that is Fontifier, I can do so, free of charge before I purchase my font! Fabulous!

Painterly Florals

Spring is just arround the corner and I can't help but be inspired by these lovely hand-painted florals. Maybe it's because it's 71 degrees in the office right now, but I swear, I can almost feel the warm air and smell the spring grass when I look at these images...just almost.









Images from L to R:
Japanese Blossoms Journal from Galison, available at eInvite
Blooming Trio Invitation from eInvite
Works by Naomi Ito
Whitewell Fabric from Designers Guild

Social Butterfly

It’s amazing how you can gain a new appreciation for something when you see it out of its normal context. When I saw this photograph that my friend Manya took in France, I gained a whole new appreciation for the monarch butterfly. As a dress, the wings of a monarch became more about pattern and color than about a flying insect that feeds on flowers. The black and white dots, bold orange patches, and powerful black lines inspired me to think outside the insect box. I thought wow, what a fantastic combination, so bold and fun, perfect for that social butterfly looking to flutter her way through a party!


Images from Top L to R:
Timeless Butterfly ring from Free People
Soutache Pebble Dot Top from Charlotte Russe
Kenneth Cole New York Black Elastic Tiered Tooth Bracelet available at Kennethcole.com
Chinese Laundry Woman’s Nuance Pump available at endless.com
Blank Skinny Classique Jeans in Orange available at tobi.com
Blu Bijoux Orange Lucite Circle Earrings available at maxandchloe.com
A Surprise Party Invitation from Checkerboard Ltd., available at einvite.com
Beaded Clutch in Black by Santi available at Urban Minx

Color Me Canary

It only seems natural to discuss the color yellow after covering pink and orange in last week’s blog, however it also appears as though yellow is the “it” color of Spring 2009. Pantone, a leading color source which provides color standards to design industries, predicts that the public will embrace many tones of yellow this spring.

Similar to a sunny day, yellow shines with optimism, clarity and happiness. However, when used on its own, yellow can be a bit over whelming, so it is best paired with other colors, or used sparingly as a pop value. Yellow will advance from surrounding colors and instill intellectual energy, as well as spark creative thoughts. It can be used to perk up subdued palettes of blues and grays, or to carry out a summery, citrus theme when paired with pale orange and green. Very pale yellows can even work as neutrals when partnered with dark or rich colors such as chocolate brown. For an eye-popping effect, combine yellow with blue as they are high contrast and will add a splash of excitement to any décor, or ensemble. Going for a high-tech look? Mix yellow with neutral gray and a dash of black, this sophisticated combo is perfect for a home-office or gym.

So whether it be with a pair of bright yellow rain boots, or a canary colored end table, may you find that little bit of sunshine to brighten the days ahead! Here are just a few that would brighten mine…


{images Top L to R}
Tory Burch “Jada” Stretch Crepe Strapless Dress available at Nordstrom
Solid Silk Elizabeth Halter from JCrew.com
Sterling Silver Cushion-Cut Yellow Stone Ring with Goldtone Accents available at Target
Merona® Double Breasted Jacket available at Target
Women's Xhilaration® Tanya Strappy Sandals available at Target
Tanner Krolle Yellow Large Cutter Handbag available at Overstock.com
Juicy Couture Snakeskin Buckle Bracelet available at Nordstrom
Trollsta Side Table from Ikea
Marimekko ® Tamara Sheet Sets available at Crate&Barrel
Hunter Original Rain Boot available at Nordstrom
Geometric Pattern Frame available at Target
BR Monogram silk/cashmere cardigan from Banana Republic

Orange You Glad for Pink!

Perhaps it’s the lack of sunshine that the New England winter brings, or the prospect of spring months ahead, or maybe even the fact that Valentine’s Day is around the corner…whatever the reason, I can’t get enough of bright happy hues lately. One color combination that’s got my head all toasty is hot pink and vivid orange. Positive and cheerful, this powerful duo is perfect for shedding the winter blues. Electrify your days by adding a splash of pink and orange to your wardrobe, home décor or correspondence. Here are just a few ideas to get you warmed up…



Images from top L to R:
Monogram gathered shift dress from Banna Republic
Flare Stationery by Checkerboard Ltd. available at einvite.com
Stockholm Stad Cusion from Ikea
Bow Group Mirra clutch from Kate Spade
1950’s cotton pink and orange stripe summer dress from Paper Dress Ltd.
Cortez Pillow from Crate and Barrel
Beidermeier Side Chair from Veneman Furniture
Liza patterned peep-toe heels from jcrew.com

The Natural Choice

Sometimes I get a little overwhelmed with all the red and green that inundates everything this time of year. I thought I would refresh things at bit for you (and for my own sanity) with a more neutral palette for this party inspiration board. Ruffles, city sippers & holi-decor in natural tones and lush silver...without the old standbys. Yes, red and green you have been left curbside. Here at eInvite we have some fashionistas and foodies, so I can’t wait to see what everyone has in store as we get posting about party inspiration.

This year I have been seeing and loving ruffles. They are so full of texture, proportions and are just plain fun. I am loving these tops from Rachel Roy (top) and Madison Marcus (bottom).The silver and white tones are great for formal events or to wear with your favorite jeans. Add a little sparkle and your good to go.

The natural elements are also seen in these home decor items that exude taste and sophistication. The Glacé Christmas Stockings are from Ballard Design and the The Olive Branch and Tree of Life Menorahs’s are designed by Michael Aram and are available at Neiman Marcus. Their description of the artist just make you want to have them in your home.

A little holiday refreshments always make the noise and the bustle (and Uncle Robert) a little more festive. Serve up some new ideas and start some new traditions. Now what holiday is not complete without a little Alchedemia? I was greatly inspired by weekend fun to add some cocktails to my post this week. St. Germain is my new favorite discovery. A liqueur made from elderberry blossoms of the French Alps. Their logo is actually the little “bohemian” bicycler that delivers the blooms from the mountainside. I happen to just love the aroma and the taste is so much like the juice our family makes from the same flowers in Brasov. It brought back the summer.

St. Germain Martini
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Grey Goose vodka
- .75 oz St. Germain
- 1 oz juice of a lime or lemon

Shake in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass and serve with your citrus slice.

Images and recipes for the Lava Lamp & Two Turtle Doves, the other libations were from cocktailtimes.com

Variety is the Spice of Life!

Ever find yourself in a last minute frenzy searching for a birthday card, or know of someone who continuously shows up to parties without one? Many times I’ve hurried out the door with the perfect gift, just to realize I don’t have a card to accompany it. In these situations, I often wish I had something on hand, tucked away at home, for that special occasion. Lucky for me and for fellow procrastinators alike, eInvite sells all-occasion greeting card packs! Not only are these lovely assortments practical, they’re beautifully designed and illustrated as well. Check out this Greeting Card Variety Pack by Hello! Lucky.

Containing 18 greeting cards, this pack features nine fabulous designs that are perfect for any occasion. Each cream fold-over card is blank inside and hand-printed on an antique letterpress. This pack is quality, function and fun all-in-one! An excellent choice for the mod chic who is always on the go.
Equally as marvelous is the Wild Jungle All-Occasion Pack by Red Cap Cards.


This pack of 25 cards, features five charming illustrations by Carrie Gifford that include appropriate phrases such as "Happy Birthday," and "Thank You.” Suitable for all occasions, each card is printed on cream paper and is blank inside. This assortment is anything but ordinary, making it a great gift for even the most eccentric of friends.
So, whether it be a gift to yourself, or for that special procrastinator in your life, these variety packs are the perfect little something for the up and coming holidays. Put an end to last minute shopping and be sure to check out these and similar products at eInvite today!