We leave town this coming week and it seems I’ve been in search of the perfect in-flight purse for a while. We travel a fair bit, both for business and pleasure, and for several months now I’ve been searching for a bag that would a) sling over my shoulder, messenger bag style, b) be large enough for in-flight needs, such as a magazine or two, a bottle of water, wallet, cell phone, etc. and all of the other stuff that I need to carry around, but not so large that it feels like luggage and c) is hot for less than $100. Is that too much to ask?

Last week, I found this bag, by Simply Vera (Vera Wang’s line for Kohl’s):

(My bag is actually white and black, not olive like the photo). You can’t tell from the picture, but when you wear it with the strap over your shoulder, it folds in half quite neatly, so the straps hang down instead of standing up.

I haven’t traveled with it yet, but I have been using it on appointments for the past week (it’s just the right size to hold my datebook and random paperwork) and I have to say: I LOVE IT! It’s small enough for everyday use, but large enough to be functional for business meetings. I’ve had six people (random strangers off the street) stop me to ask me where I bought it. So, all in all, I’d say it’s a hit! And it’s on sale right now, so hurry!

I can’t wait to fly with it….

Here are some photos of a package we delivered on Friday! This bride was so inspired by Heather and Shan’s invitations (see this post and this post for more about them) that she had us create a very similar concept, although it’s still very unique to this particular bride and groom. I love some of the personal details that they included in their package (which included a booklet invitation, accordion-style programs for the ceremony, menus, and rehearsal dinner invitations), including a poetic rendition of the couple’s story, as told by the groom. Their color scheme is black, ivory, and a delicate blush pink.

I’ll post more photos as the event draws closer, but in the meantime, here is a sneak peak!

It’s time to celebrate: we got a new scanner!

Okay, so I know that’s not really a big deal, but we haven’t had a working scanner in over four years and I’m sick of running to Kinko’s any time I need to scan something.

So in honor of the new piece of hardware on our desk, here’s a little self-indulgence: a few of my favorite photos from our wedding. All were shot by the fab duo from Bartlett Photography.

We only just recently discovered the blog and website of April Greer Photography, and may I just say: HOLY COW! How have we not discovered her before? I just spent a shameless amount of time browsing her portfolio and website. Just be warned - if you visit, plan on spending a couple of hours there!

Friends of ours, who happen to be getting married this weekend, alerted us to April’s fab work. (They also happen to be pictured above in those hot engagement photos). I can’t wait to see the wedding photos!

I have the tendency to perk up a bit when I hear of things that Lisa Ling is doing…for one, she’s a beautiful, talented, intelligent journalist. But the real reason I take notice of her doings is that we graduated from the same high school. It’s a quasi-celebrity “factoid” that’s always stuck with me, so I take note when I hear her name.

She got married recently, and her beautiful event was featured on the InStyle weddings website. Gorgeous dress, chic decor, etc… But my favorite part: their wedding invitation told guests: “If you’re cool, you’ll dress Asian chic.” LOVE IT! This is a prime example of using an invitation to set the tone!

found via celebrityweddings411.com

images via instyleweddings.com

One of this week’s deliveries consists of a sweet set of orange and white letterpress invitations that are now on their way to the bride and groom in Brooklyn, New York! I’ll only post a tiny sneak peek for now, since these will be heading out to wedding guests soon. The orange color scheme makes me excited that spring is almost here!

I find myself many times looking at signs, advertisements and other collateral critiquing the way copy has been set. Especially do I notice this in headlines and (in the worst case scenario) (gasp) logos. I think to myself, “why didn’t the designer take the time to set the type correctly…why didn’t they take the time to look and see that the “R” is way too far from the “N”…why didn’t they take the time to…kern?!?!” Then, I end up just screaming “my eyes!” and walking away. That is why I love this “Kern” zip-up from Veer. I’m sure many have see this before, but figured it’s concept is good enough to show again. A great gift for any designer you hear saying “my eyes!”

Other great merchandise from Veer include these great “I draw pictures all day” tee-shirts and notebooks, which Whitney loves to use to take notes with when we meet with our clients. Since this is what many think a graphic designer’s life consists of - it’s a good tongue-in-cheek way to say we do a little more that.

Lastly, I can’t leave out this great umbrella - you know, since we live in Seattle.

all images via www.veer.com

I’ll offer our congratulations to one of our spring weddings a day early - Justin and Maggie will be married tomorrow evening at the Bellevue Arts Museum. They’ve been a fun couple to work with and I love the consistency through all of their pieces, from the invitation to the menus to the cocktail napkins.

color scheme: deep cranberry, pure white, charcoal gray

motif carried throughout: tulip

Justin and Maggie’s ingredients:

• invitations with postcard rsvp and schedule of events card
• custom stamps
• cocktail napkins
• buffet menus
• buffet label cards
• guest book signage
• hand towels

We are sure Justin and Maggie will have a beautiful event! Congratulations from our entire team!

One of our recent projects was building a new website for Seattle-area specialty store, Table Top Shop. Yes, the store is as fun as the name! The Table Top Shop team needed an updated online presence that would reflect their style and unique offerings to the upscale Seattle hostess.

If you’re in the Seattle area, be sure to visit their U-District or Bellevue store for plenty of wedding, dinner party, or home decor inspiration. They offer a wide array of fine linens, table top accessories, and decor for the home. The Table Top team is quite knowledgeable and their passion for entertaining is contagious.

Lastly, good news for area brides: they offer a wedding registry! Check out their newly re-designed website for locations and details.

It’s that time of year again…tax time. Doing our taxes always makes us try and think of better systems we can put in place to be more organized for next year (as organization for us is a constantly-evolving thing). These products from The Container Store fit the bill perfectly…

This dry-erase monthly planner is magnetic too, so important notes etc. can be attached directly to it! It would be fun to get twelve and have our entire year planned out on one office wall. That may be a bit overwhelming, so I think maybe we’ll do three and then be able to view our schedule three months out.

This bulletin board has a sheet of powder-coated steel over a self-healing rubber board, making it an all-in one board for all of our needs, be they magnetic or push-pin! Love it!

Being that we subscribe to a plethora of wedding and design magazines, they often stack up and spill over our desk, taking over valuable workspace real estate. These magnetic (notice a magnetic theme today?) wall-mounted magazine holders look like a perfect solution!

all images via containerstore.com