This past weekend was absolutely beautiful, weather-wise, here in Seattle, so we took an opportunity to do a little shopping in downtown Ballard, one of our favorite areas of the city. There’s a great little grouping of shops, cafes, restaurants, and galleries in Ballard - you can definitely lose yourself in some of the shops.

image via lucca’s website

My favorite store to stop by is Lucca, a nifty little boutique that carries everything from antique chandeliers to sweet-smelling home care products to journals and stationery. Lucca carries some of our favorite items from some great designers, including journals from Nataka Joy and Delphine.

images via collective’s website

We also stopped in Collective, which I had never been to - and I have no idea why we never discovered this fab store before! Collective is a family-run furniture resale shop that carries a wide selection of some really awesome high-end vintage furniture. I wish I had brought my camera to share just how great this store’s selection is. The prices are very reasonable and we will be regularly keeping tabs on their selection for sure.

Find more information about shopping and eating in Ballard at the following sites:

InBallard

NW Source Guide to Ballard Shopping

I took a quick trip to Barnes and Noble this morning and stopped dead in my tracks when I saw a display for new stationery and gift items from designer Jonathan Adler. The entire line is adorable!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this umbrella - since we are type-crazed designers who happen to live in rain-drenched Seattle, I think it’s perfect!

The umbrella is sold out online but you may be able to find it in store - find other items online at barnesandnoble.com.

It’s been much too long since I’ve posted in-depth! We’ve been busy with some new custom clients as well as getting ready for 2008. Here’s a glimpse of a few of the things that have been on our radar these past couple of months!

Last year we were privileged to work with the Columbia Tower Club and their talented event staff to design for Panache 2007, an intimate bridal show showcasing the work of elite Seattle bridal professionals. We’ve been asked to do so again for Panache 2008, and it’s been a fun project to work on.

Don Boshears, one of the Private Events Directors at the club, asked us this year to develop the theme, feel, and color palette for the show, which was such an honor. To begin, we started brainstorming and created a color palette of oranges, pinks, and golds:

This has carried through so far into vendor invitations, print ads, and postcards - as time progresses we’ll be able to work on a few more pieces that will tie everything together. Please join us, if you can, on February 17, 2008 - we will definitely post more details as the show gets closer!

We’ve had several of our clients tie the knot these past couple of months - so many that it’s been impossible to keep up with posting about all of them! One of my favorite things about designing custom stationery for weddings is that we get to work with some truly unique couples - no two visions are ever alike! It’s definitely a great way to keep our design muscles flexing!

Stephanie and Bryan - married October 6 in Poulsbo, Washington at the beautiful Kiana Lodge

Marquez and Michael - married September 8 in Santa Barbara, California

Karin and Patrick - married November 3 in Fontana, Wisconsin

We also had the opportunity to spend a week on the Oregon Coast - it was a great opportunity to relax, recharge, and also to work on some new projects for 2008! The sunsets were absolutely amazing every single day.

We’re excited to continue sharing with you what’s new as 2007 comes to an end and 2008 begins. Keep an eye on the blog for updates and new products!

Thanks to the October wedding I was just in, I can proudly say I have 7 bridesmaid roles under my belt. The red, satin, strapless, tea length dress just worn will be joining the other 6 dresses in the back of my closet.

Thankfully, in most of the weddings I’ve been in the bride has consulted with us bridesmaids, so we were able to opt for dresses we all agreed upon. Four of the seven dresses in my closet have promising futures - perhaps to be worn again on an appropriate occasion. The other three….

Surprisingly, most brides are not that demanding. They WANT you to be in their wedding. After all, you are related or a friend…maybe both. You are doing them a favor. They want your input. They want you to look your best. Thankfully most brides will not go to great lengths to make all of her bridesmaids look horrible so that she is by far the most glamorous gal of the ball! She wants you to look and feel like a princess too.

BCBG Taffeta Halter Dress - available at nordstrom.com

Bari Jay Iridescent Taffeta Dress - available at nordstrom.com

A day needs to be dedicated to shopping for dresses. The bridesmaids need to arrange their schedules and get together to make a day out of it. Make it fun!

Since the bride probably has a rough idea (if not firm idea) of what she likes, she probably has provided you with general guidelines - color, fabric, style, etc. Respect these guidelines: remember, you’re here in a supporting role, which means you want to support the bride’s vision!

Remember not to get depressed about sizing. Generally, bridesmaid dresses run smaller and fit a bit differently than normal dresses. Don’t get a smaller size expecting to lose a ton of weight. It is easier to take in than to take out and not quite as disheartening. Alterations can be pretty pricey, so don’t forget to take that into account. Better to have that dress fit you perfectly! You do not want to be self conscious on your friend’s special day.

I have been in a couple weddings with dress mishaps. Note: Beaded straps are not always the best idea. Especially if you enjoy dancing as much as I do, and may get a bit carried away, flailing arms in every which way. The proper undergarments are absolutely necessary. Have an emergency kit on hand, not only to help with any dress mishaps for you or your fellow maids, but also for the bride. Double-stick tape, safety pins, mini sewing kits, stain remover kits - have it nearby!

J Crew Ella Silk Faille Dress

Ann Taylor Karen Strapless Dress

Banana Republic Asymmetrical Dress

If you haven’t already done so, be sure to check out Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book of wedding vendors - it launched late last week and we’re honored to be a part of it! Abby and Michelle over at SMP have collected together a great resource for the discerning bride. Be sure to take a look!

First of all, I am a huge advocate of checklists for everyday life. I’m not just talking about the normal grocery list you are used to creating, but lists for everything! The possibilities are endless. If it’s a task, an item to purchase, or even a goal for the future, WRITE IT DOWN. I cannot even describe the satisfaction I revel in as I get to cross an item off my list, preferably with a red pen. Truthfully, at times I will put something on my list after I have already completed it, just so I have that feeling of pure accomplishment. Abnormal? Possibly!

Checklists are the essence of organization. Say that 3 times to yourself. Drill it in your brain. To be a successful bridesmaid, organization is needed. If you didn’t know this already, here’s something I’ve learned: Weddings zap you of your time…energy….and funds. Hopefully that was not a newsflash. Everything needs to be budgeted out. My suggestion? A glorious spreadsheet. Spreadsheets and lists are one in the same. They are partners…the Bride and Groom of organizational bliss, if you will. Get a pad of paper out, do it all on the helpful computer, or combine the two. Start thinking of the things you will need to purchase for your ensemble: the dress, the shoes, the jewelry, the accessories. Then think about the actual big day: hair, makeup, toes, nails. Ponder over the bridal shower and girl’s weekend: hotel cost, meals, transportation, decorations, shower food, cake, and gifts. Am I forgetting something? Most likely. But I think you get the main idea! Next, start writing in another column how much you think those items will cost, preferably a range. In the 3rd column you can dictate how much you actually spent, although it may be a bit depressing. See below for an idea of what my own “Budget” spreadsheet would look like:

Now this was just a quick list to give you a basic idea. Don’t dwell on those budget figures because you probably have a better idea of what you are going to spend. You might even want to separate the events into 3 separate lists: Wedding, Bridal Shower, and Bachelorette weekend. Then it doesn’t seem like you are spending a whole lot of money all at once! If you have been deemed the Maid of Honor title, remember that more responsibility comes with that title. There is no need to fret. You will have help from others and your amazing lists. You will not need to spend all the money on your own. Divide things up.
Right next to the budget I like to have an itemized “things to do” list with appropriate dates that the action needs to be carried out. See below for a rough idea.

The sky is the limit, but organization is key. When you think of things, write them down! Fun ideas, places to go, etc. Granted, our brains have great memory holders, but don’t make your mind work too hard! You will be delighted to see those abstract thoughts organized onto paper and soon…the wedding planning will become effortless. For those who prefer pad and pencil to screen and mouse, check out some of my favorite organizational products from Russel and Hazel and See Jane Work.

from left to right:

• audrey a6 essential note pad
• lined jotters
• slim three-ring binder
• audrey a5 companion book - each page is half-lined and half-blank for recording notes and sketches

all available at russelandhazel.com