all things pretty: March 2011

Thursday, March 31, 2011

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Who are you?

I’m a décor stylist and part-time crafts facilitator. I’m a sunshine happy person who loves everything colorful and is obsessed with polka dots … and yes stripes too!

You're the authority on …

Gift wrapping!!!

What do you love?

I love collecting ribbons, doing all sorts of crafts and taking pictures of my godchildren.

What makes you happy?

Spending time in my crafts room, sitting flat on the floor, doing something creative!

What inspires you?

Seeing the potential in what something could be.

How do you go about organizing and event?

I start with a good concept and then create an invitation (which basically acts like a mood board!). From there I go on a hunt to find inexpensive items to be used as décor for the event. I am great at organizing everything, with to-do lists and all, but somehow I always end up staying up till 2am the night before the event. That’s actually my favorite bit, taking last minute inspiration and turning it into creative decorations and finishing touches.

What not to do when organizing an event?

Don’t stray away from the theme. A good theme inspires and excites people. It allows for great photographs and turns a special event into an unforgettable event.

Tell us about your most successful event and why?

The most recent one, other than numerous baby showers and kids’ birthday parties, would be a Mad Hatters Party. I recently arranged this for a friend turning 30 after her husband begged me to help out with the décor. I’m so happy I did because I could see that she appreciated all the effort and everyone had so much fun! There were cut-out bunnies stuck into the grass, teacups hanging from trees and cake domes filled with teacups and treats. The photo corner I set up captured the fun and excitement of the whole day and she will always be able to have those special memories caught on camera.

Any cute tips, tricks or secrets to share?

As mentioned above, create a photo corner. Use one or various colorful backdrops, this can be a simple piece of material hung up. Now put a few props nearby for guests to improvise with. I made some cut-out letters for guests to spell words with and everyone loved this. Ask guests to be creative when posing for their pics. After the party these photos can be emailed to them as a thank you for joining in your special day.

Favorite shop/s?

Probably the whole of Hermanus. From interesting and cheap objects at PEP Home to more trendy décor at Beach House Living. Beautiful frames and mirrors at Anza Curtains. The factory shops all over and Romantiques for vintage finds. The list goes on and on …

Carla’s favorite quote

“have nothing in your house you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful”

William Morris

Favorite websites

http://www.etsy.com/

http://www.marthastewart.com/

http://www.nicepackageblog.com/

Favorite shops for gift wrapping etc

http://www.ebonyandivoryribbons.co.za/

http://www.merrypak.co.za/

Wedding trends

I love following wedding trends. That said, I’m still a firm believer in customizing your wedding to reflect you and your partners character to make this very special day even more personal.

Here is a few super cool trends I’ve been watching. What’s even more impressive is that with the digital age I’ve been to weddings that’s spot on - on trend. From the cupcake wedding cake to the bon-bon table.

Let me know if you’ve come across any interesting trends you’d like to share.

Enjoy

Xxx

Pre wedding shoot

A lot of couples have caught on to the engagement shoot for multiple reasons. One is that these photographs are sometimes included in their wedding invitations and the other is to be enlarged and showcased in their homes. I love it!

Have a look at this gem of a local photographer I found. Her work has inspired me so much that I just had to share. http://www.janibphotography.co.za/

Vintage

Modern interpretations of vintage allows for exquisite detail and elegance. There is also the Shabby Chic vintage trend that is a bit more quirky.

Mellow yellow

Yellow being such a happy color has worked it’s way into décor, fashion and events as the biggest trend for 2010. Still going strong it is always lovely and refreshing to see couples opting for more sophisticated color schemes than the norm.

Red shoes

The ultimate unexpected twist of wearing red shoes makes for the most amazing wedding photographs.

Polka dots

Playful and fun. This polkadot inspired wedding stole my heart.

Studio / rooftop weddings

City savvy couples opt for the more industrial location with a cityscape. The food and drinks should complement the theme so opt for a sushi menu and cocktails. The blank canvas of these spaces allows the couple to build their wedding from scratch which in most cases is a huge advantage.

Barn weddings

Barn weddings have taken the place of the hotel / wine estate events. More personal with a subtle play on rustic.

Library weddings

This trend resides mainly overseas but what a great place for a wedding if you think about it. Stately and reserved with the smell of books all round.

Carnival inspired weddings

For the more playful couple with keen sense of design, a carnival wedding will be just the ticket.

Bon-bon station

The bon-bon station has replaced wedding favors and is also a clever way to save money and loads of fun.

I have come across very involved bon-bon stations that included delicacies straight out of Paris and then equally cool ones that only had old fashioned sweeties.

For a good cause

More established couples opt to donate their wedding gift money to the charity of their choice and the organization then sends out individual thank you cards to the guests.

Honeymoon fund

For the young couple there is a new trick called the Honeymoon fund. It goes around the reception in the form of a piggybank and guests can make their donations. I know of a few couples that have been able to cover their entire honeymoons on this lucky little pig.

Invitations

Your wedding invitation should echo the feel of the event. Keep it consistent by having the stationary done in the same style. Elsje is my favorite graphic designer in this field. Have a look at her gorgeous work. http://www.elsje.co.za/index.html

Save the date

Along with the invitation goes the ‘save the date’ card that has taken on all shapes and forms from bookmarks to fridge magnets. Very clever.

Online weddings

Websites like www.theknot.com lets you have personal space with a log in only for guests where all the pics from the engagement to hen night and batchelors goes. Instead on a open social network that is not so personal. They also allow guests to rsvp online and this is then easy to track.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Great ideas for kids' rooms

In September this year, we (extended) will be adding a new member to the family and the excitement is unbearable. I have found myself prowling the kiddies sections for ideas and find it hard not to spend every last cent on baby stuff.

I found this gem of a kids’ décor shop in Northgate Island called Kids Living. Do yourself a favor and visit their exquisite show room with the most inspirational themed rooms. What I love most about them is the way they have put a sophisticated spin on the theme with bold use of color against a clean white canvas paired with an eclectic mix.

Kids living

http://www.kidsliving.co.za/collection.html

The truth is that kids’ rooms are great spaces for adults to play in. There are no rules and it’s all in the name of fun.

Have a look at these ideas. Enjoy xxx

Framed cut up photograph

www.realsimple.com

photo credit: Alexandra Rowley

Reading corner

www.realsimple.com

photo credit: Hallie Burton

Tutu side table

www.realsimple.com

photo credit: Mark Lund

Blackboard paint: Painting a panel or wall in blackboard paint not only creates a space for your child to draw or you to help explain homework, but adds depth to the room.

Wall art: Add a personal touch by enlarging a photograph of your child or baby and cut it up in strips to be framed individualy. This creates a great focus point with good rythm on an otherwise bland wall.

SJP side table: Probably the most adorable side table for a girls room ever is this one decorated with a pink tutu. I would actually consider on of these for my own bedroom ...

For the love of books: All children should have a cozy corner like this one to snuggle up on and be read their favourite fairytale to.

Globes kids room

http://www.liqpix.com

Circle chalkboard

http://28.media.tumblr.com

Globe trotter: Such a clever idea to add world maps to the walls that compliments the subtle blue wall color and finishing it off with the floating globes from the ceiling.

Round it goes: I absolutely love the sophisticated color palette of the room on the right. How refreshing and very graphic with bold shapes.

Pink moodboard

credit: Margaux Smit

Girls only: This is my little cousin's doll house. Pretty in pink with all the frills a little girl could want.

Room to move: The large bed with misquito net sits well within this big room. I love the fairy lights around the mirror that could also do as an alternative night light.
Bunny hugging: The pink doll house spills over in the garden with this playful pink bunny from Tin Town.

Le petit dolly: Every little girl needs a miniature doll house to play with, just as boys needs a tree house. It's wholesome old school stuff that I love.

The golden oldies: Why not add these old darlings to your childs' collection of dvds.

Nils Holgerson

http://www.kalahari.net/dvd/Nils-Holgerson-Episodes-1-25/268/32540588.aspx

Heidi

http://www.kalahari.net/dvd/Heidi-Box-Set-1-Episodes-1-25/2/32540585.aspx

Pinocchio

http://www.kalahari.net/dvd/Pinocchio-Box-Set-1/2/32590061.aspx

Saturday, March 26, 2011

NEW vintage

It looks like everyone from graphic to fashion designers is being inspired by vintage. Not just reserved for ‘stinky hippies’ but all the rage in all the right circles.

I have always loved going through my mom’s box of old dress patterns and linen cupboard with a large collection of ‘lappies’ she’s collected over the years.

There is something wholesome about all things vintage. Transporting us to a time where woman where elegant and dinner parties all the rage. A simple time with beautiful attention to detail.

My suspicion is that Cath Kidson had a lot to do with this new wave of inspiration. With her gorgeous mix of florals, strips and polka dots that no trendy mom will be caught dead without. Luckily Boardmans now stock a limited rage of her crockery and I even found a Cath Kidson notebook at The Space in Cavendish Square.
.

Cath Kidson http://www.cathkidston.co.uk/

I have found that this trend is especially popular in the wedding industry. With pastel color palettes and details of lace, crystal and silver it truly creates a whimsy to this very special event. The duck egg blue and vintage pink combination is still my favorite.

Pastel wedding collage prettychicky.com

Stationary has made a comeback against the odds of the email replacing hand written letters. The feeling of receiving a letter or postcard will forever be more exiting than receiving an email.

The craft room / sewing room have taken the place of the home study that has been shrunk down to a laptop.

Sewing vintage collage http://media.onsugar.com/

Having a collection of vintage buttons, old heave duty fabric scissors and velvet ribbons has always been a dream of mine. Especially having a focus wall showcasing the scissors above a beautiful sewing station on a ultra modern glass top table for the sweet mix of old and new.

A lot of blogs are dedicated to this theme now and I love it. It’s inspired me to buy a sewing machine and to sew away my Saturday mornings with. I can’t think of anything more wholesome except for maybe baking a cake from scratch.

Vintage fashion moodboard:

Fashion shoot – vintage inspired http://uraraa.blogspot.com/2010/09/club-monaco-spring-2011.html

Sewing thread http://2.bp.blogspot.com/

Vintage dress maker’s pattern https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUeyASlPFvSzThLIdy7sJd7eJpn74mhYD3M_16vogRPUYpO-ReUrqaxYAU2E0KyTVp1IJ2IKalCO_gkMulAZlZAhelBj6pajGRZAXSZMFAsd-y7ddSQzYw1hYH36_UeIY6PdEnoBPV64r/s400/midvale+sundress.jpg

Jacket graphic close-up vintagegoddess.blogspot.com

I will keep on featuring vintage as I stumble across new and exciting things. xxx

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Welcome to the first DOTS vs STRIPES blog entry. We have created this platform as a visual diary to share with you on our journey where we will showcase beautiful items, décor ideas and our take on trends.

We will share cheap ways of adding that special something to your home and clever things to make life easier. In a nutshell – HAPPY things.

Enjoy xxx

I’m still not over the ‘bunny, bird and heart’ trend

About five years ago my creative director at the time had about six porcelain bunnies that she wanted to get rid of and put them on my desk as an Easter gift.

While a lot of people think they are super kitsch I believe it’s these quirky little touches ‘used in only sparingly and in the right place as surprise elements’ in a décor scheme makes all the difference like the white ceramic bunnies seen in veggie gardens or on a all white pigeonhole bookshelf between books.

As time starved creatures I think we are looking to add things to our homes that make us happy. Inspired by memories of the Beatrix Potter books and the little blue bird in Heidi we hang on our childhoods where things moved at a slower pace and where uncomplicated.

Also a good example is the heart shaped items you get in retail that seems to still be going strong. Wood, ceramic, metal, barbed wire with a rusted finish, just about any medium you can think of.

My heart collection has grown considerably over the past few years and I’m now in the process of showcasing them on a focus wall. I have bought a set of three heart mirrors and a red chopping board from Clicks that was cheap as chips to say the least. The collection also features woven hearts, wooden and ceramic ones that makes for interesting textures.

Remember back in the 90’s how big the ornate rusted crosses, chicken and cow ornaments for the kitchen, the collection of blue ceramic ornaments on the pine shelve and little golden cherubs where?

The bunny, bird and heart shape is a wonderful update of these. I just hope they are not going to become dated like the turquoise Uno if you know what I mean.

On a flight to Durban a few years ago I picked up this book from Exclusive Books called ‘Happy Kitty Bunny Pony, A Saccharine Mouthful of Super Cuter, by Charles S. Anderson Design Col with text by Michael J. Nelson. A collection of images from postcard kitsch to amazing prints. I would recommend this read with incredibly funny text to the picks to anyone with a fascination for quirky.

Have a look at these all inspiring pieces and interiors showcasing them.