Talk About Interesting Design: Kate Middleton's Wedding Dress

Now I am sure the billion people watching the royal wedding this morning can all agree that Kate Middleton looked gorgeous. She really has done Princess Diana, may she rest in peace, proud. 

While watching the wedding, I couldn't help wonder if the princess followed the old tradition of having her something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.  From reading the other blogs and news coverages this is what I was able to piece together.


Something old: The gorgeous sapphire engagement ring that William gave her, which once belonged to Diana. 


Something new: The gorgeous wedding dress designed by British designer Sarah Burton. The design was so tastefully done. I loved the V decollete and how it had a "princess's" silhouette. I am sure this dress will be replicated for many brides to come.


Something borrowed: The Cartier Halo tiara which she borrowed from the Queen. The diamond crusted tiara was given to the Queen by her mother on her 18th birthday. 


Something blue: Although Kate's engagement ring can also be her blue, I am almost certain she may have something hidden under her skirts, maybe a blue garter? We will never know.


I curtsy to the royal newlyweds and wish them many happy years to come.

Talk About Interesting Design: Artist Holton Rower

I am fascinated by Holton Rower, a New York based artist. He uses a unique “pour” technique to create hypnotizing art. The video, directed by Dave Kaufman, speaks for itself.  I am sure you too will be impressed. 

More information about his exhibitions can be found at www.holtonrower.com

Talk About Interesting Design: Oscar Red Carpet 2011

I feel a bit empty inside now that the award season has come to a close but last night's Oscar Red Carpet has left us loads to talk about. Should I start with the best dressed or the worst? Let's save the best for last.

I got excited as Anne Hathaway swept the red carpet in a red Valentino but she missed it a few times with her other 7 gowns. The white Givenchy was way too hippy. The Vivien Westwood was too costumey, and so sad to say that the gunmetal Tom Ford was not cut right for her shoulders. Other than the Valentino, I would have to agree that the custom tuxedo by Lanvin looked best on Hathaway.

We don't except much from the well known villain in Harry Potter, Helena Bonham Carter, and she did not surprise us with her velvet costume. She explains it as a tribute to costume design and a way to camouflage her "derrière".

What left me without an answer is why Reese Witherspoon dressed like 2001 Oscar winner Julia Roberts. The two looks were so similar and left me confused. If you have any answers please let me know.

As for the best dressed, I know everyone is buzzing about Mila Kunis who was dressed in Elie Saab but the decoltage tattoos do not cut it for me, or Michelle Willams who gave Chanel a bad name and what was Nicole Kidman thinking trusting Dior and his kimono?

Best dressed? My favorite of them all would be Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein. I love the way she stylized the dress with the Louis Vuitton brooch, initially I thought it was embroidery. The gown draped her trim figure perfectly. I am sure Calvin uses Gwyneth as a muse all the time. Mandy Moore came in second with her Monique Lhuiller dress. The sequins were perfectly placed to make it look like the dress was off the shoulder. I think I am just in love with the iridescent look this year. Would love to hear who you thought was best and worst dressed.

Coffee Love

It always feels great to get love from other bloggers. I would love to thank Li who has included me in their blog about the love of coffee. www.meekiyua.blogspot.com Li is also the designer of LiPeony an etsy shop that is quirky cute imaginative art.

Thing A Day – Day 1

I know I’m a few days late to post this blog about Thing A Day, which started Feb 1st, but better late than never. The truth is I am a bit technically challenged and couldn’t figure out how to post at www.thing-a-day.com. To rewind a bit, this event is to challenge artists/designers to be creative and write about their experience for the month of February. I took the pledge !!!


Day 1. Although this book was designed prior to this challenge, I made a few more, in different colors, to jot down and sketch my ideas and inspirations. So here you have it the Diagonal Inspiration Book. It makes a great addition to my hand woven ribbon stationery collection. What is unique to other sketchbooks is the page layout. One page is a journal page (lined and topped with a motivational quote) and the facing page is blank for sketches and doodles. Let me know what you think about my new product in the comments.

You can now order your own Inspiration Book at Etsy. http://www.etsy.com/listing/67413785/handmade-inspiration-book-on-etsy-choose They are all made to order in your color selection. Choose up to 3 colors from the 20 color selection. You can also have this book personalized with your full name or a personalized message.

It's a {NewNew} School Year!

Head back to school in style with great gear from The {NewNew}.

Heading back to school doesn't mean shopping only at those big box department stores. There are plenty of unique hand crafted items that will have your kids (or you) going back to school in style.

Read full blog http://thenewnew.blogspot.com/2010/08/its-newnew-school-year.html

Quote of the Day

"Motivation is like food for the brain. You can not get enough in one sitting. It needs continual and regular top ups."-Peter Davies