Creative Crush: Jessica Grygo

From our Brand Content Manager, Elena Batt:

I met today’s Creative Crush, Jessica Grygo, when we were twenty-somethings and shared an apartment on Manhattan’s Lower East side. Jessica was the most glamorous person I had ever been friends with; at the time she was just starting a new job as Brand Development Manager at Candies Inc. Although Jessica had her finger on the pulse of fashion, with her sharp wit and hilarious sense of humor she could laugh at it all, too. Needless to say being roommates was a blast! We lived together for a little over a year and then fate took us in different directions; I left New York and Jessica went on to design interior spaces and windows at Diesel USA, French Connection, Earnest Sewn, Polo Ralph Lauren and is currently the Visual Director for Vineyard Vines. Her creativity and sweat is behind what we experience when we are mesmerized by a window display or give a squeal of delight upon entering one of these stores. To me she has always been a person with a gift for appreciating beauty all around her. What a pleasure is has been to be able to peek into her world!

1) What tips would you offer our readers on how to set the scene for a holiday dinner or party?

Pick one theme and stick to it, and then tell the whole story for that theme. For example if you were doing a Winter Ice theme pick key elements to bring that home for you. Birch branches for an organic, woody note, Crystal is your high, elegant, note, silver balls for a metallic note.  Then pick one color, I like purple (the forgotten holiday color). Once you have decided on your elements make sure that all of the other details incorporate them, perhaps using silver napkin rings and Birch branches as a motif in your invitations. The most important thing is to be consistent so that everywhere you look you see your theme reflected back to you. Then within that framework you can add surprising and fun touches like a crystal animal in your place setting.

2) Where do you draw your inspiration from for Vineyard Vines’s visual displays?

The Vineyard Vines identity is very New England, boating, saltwater sailing, fishing, teak wood, casual, homey and welcoming. I go straight to the source and spend time in Martha’s Vineyard, paying close attention to architectural details, and the landscape. I also go to the bars and talk to the people who live there. When I need more specific information I go to Rizzoli’s bookstore in Manhattan and look for anything about sailing, New England and Regattas so that I can look at pictures of elements like rope, sailcloth, grommets, and teak wood. Even if it’s not directly related to my work for Vineyard Vines I am always inspired by ABC Carpet and Home. Their displays never fail to fill me with wonder and awe!

3) We know you are a huge music lover, does music ever play a role in your designs?

Certain environments lend themselves well to different types of music. Big open spaces are well suited to lounge or ambient, electronic music. A more rustic, cozy space lends itself well to Bob Dylan. I always find it helpful to have something on in the background that’s inspiring when I’m working. The right choice of music can help switch my mood.

4) What’s the best advice you’ve been given that you still follow when designing visual displays?

Karen Eliot, the Senior V.P. Creative Services from Polo Ralph Lauren gave me this advice: Tell one story. Tell it well. Tell it all the way through. I live by it, and it’s made me who I am today.

5) Describe your fantasy Christmas:

My fantasy Christmas is actually very traditional, which is surprising. Usually I’m very modern, beachy and feminine. Christmas is the only thing in my design vernacular that I would do in the traditional way, starting with colors of silver, gold, red and green. A real Spruce tree, antique lead and tin ornaments, and homemade popcorn and cranberry garlands that remind me of my childhood. And they smell so good!

Jessica’s December Inspiration

Fashion Forward Friday: London Style

What better way to step out into the streets than with this popular London trend. This Fashion Forward Friday we were inspired by our UK visit where we discovered that ankle boots are THE must have for this season.

Joy’s fav were the SIMBA V Throat Shoe Boots from Top Shop. What’s not to love about a 5 inch suede heel?

We cannot wait to share more about our London adventure in next week’s Love Story and D.I.F.Y. Stay tuned to read about one of the hottest British singer/ songwriters we met &  feel in love with in London, products of the year, celebrity baby showers, and European inspiration for 2012. Until then, slip on a pair of ankle boots and enjoy your fashion-forward weekend.

D.I.Y. Ribbon Rose

Love is in the details. Having Midori Ribbon as a vendor, we were excited when we came across this great “how to” and thought we would share. Create this ribbon rose for a favor box, place card, table card, or just to brighten your day : )

A Chinese New Year Story: When One New Year Just Isn’t Enough

Joy (our “Doodler” from the SF team), kick started the Chinese New Year this weekend by welcoming her friends to a mini-celebration. She grew up in Taiwan and is always a little homesick during this time of year so she decided to bring the holiday to her home in D.C. Check out a few of Joy’s party highlights, including home made vegetarian dumplings, traditional decorations and a toast to a fortuitous new year. It’s all about life’s celebrations and we encourage everyone to make time for their own traditions.

If you’re not familiar with the Chinese New Year, we welcome you to learn a little bit more about this fun and festive holiday.

Background

Chinese New Year, also called the Spring Festival, is the longest and most important festivity in the Chinese calendar. It is a 15-day event that starts with the New Moon on the first day of the New Year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. The first day of the year can fall anywhere between late January and the middle of February. The origin of Chinese New Year is itself centuries old and gains significance because of several myths and traditions. Chinese New Year is celebrated in territories with significant Chinese populations, such as Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and of course Chinatowns everywhere.

Year of the Dragon

The celebration includes dedicating each year to a specific animal, this year we are celebrating the year of the dragon, meaning this is the year for all those born in 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012. The Dragon is a creature of myth and legend. And in Chinese mythology, the dragon is a symbol of good fortune and sign of intense power. Characteristics of the dragon include being innovative, enterprising, flexible, self assured, brave, passionate, scrutinizing, unanticipated and quick-tempered.

Check out your zodiac sign and what it means!

Top 7 Ways to Celebrate the Chinese New Year

1) Clean your house – It is the tradition that every family thoroughly cleans their house to sweep away any ill fortune to make way for good incoming luck.

2) Shop – Definitely a holiday favorite! Traditionally each family member will purchase a new set of clothes and shoes, preferably something red (the color of happiness/luck) or gold (the color of wealth).

3) Decorate – Windows and doors should be decorated with red paper cut-outs and couplets with popular themes of “good fortune” or “happiness”, “wealth”, and “longevity”. These decorations are usually red and gold.

4) Eat (a lot!) – On the Eve of Chinese New Year, supper is a feast with families. Food will include such items as oranges (symbolizing good health), long noodles (for a long life), and sweet delicacies (for a sweet year).

5) Firecrackers – Traditionally, Chinese families will end the night with firecrackers. Made of bamboo stems filled with gunpowder, they were burnt to create small explosions and were once used in ancient China to drive away evil spirits. In modern times, this method has evolved into the use of firecrackers as a celebration of the new year.

6) Red Envelopes – Younger generations will receive money in red paper envelopes from their elders. Per custom, the amount of money in the red packets should be of even numbers, as odd numbers are associated with cash given during funerals. Money is often given in multiples of 8 and 6, which are lucky numbers because they sound similar to the Chinese words for “wealth” and “smooth” (as in a smooth year).

7) 恭喜發財 (gong shi fa tsai) – This is the traditional greeting during the Chinese New Year. Instead of saying “happy new year”, the Chinese choose to say “congratulations and be prosperous”.

Most importantly, the Chinese New Year tradition is to reconcile, forget all grudges and sincerely wish peace and happiness for everyone. 恭喜發財 (gong shi fa tsai) to you all!

D.I.F.Y. = Do It For Yourself

With the New Year here, a few of us at Something Fabulous wanted to take a moment to share with you our new year’s resolution. We’ve put a twist on this classic tradition and instead of focusing on what needs to be perfected we’ve decided to focus on the positive little things in our lives that brighten our day.

Kimberly (the Gypsy) – It’s not in getting but in giving that we receive. Finding ways to support charity organizations reduces my stress, enriches my days and makes me happy. New friends, new lessons learned, new projects with purpose… life changing!

Jennifer (the Fashionista) – My happy moment comes with a perfectly brewed cappuccino. First thing in the morning, when the house is still silent, it’s the perfect time to take a minute for myself and be grateful for each new day.

Joy (the Doodler) – Nothing makes me smile like a creamy piece of dark chocolate. It’s that little pick me up that always manages to perk up my day. My advice for you? Put “eat chocolate” at the top of your list of things to do today. That way, at least you’ll get one thing done : )

We would love to hear how you are going to D.I.F.Y. this year!

Fashion Forward Friday: Tis the Season for Red Lips

Red is a universal color palette with shades for every skin tone.  No matter your nationality or ethnic heritage there is a red that can define the beauty in you. No matter the event, from office functions to weddings, this bold color will have you turning heads.

While the trees may have lost their color, your lips don’t have to. Metro DC make-up artist, Neema Ali, shares her advice on how to wear this red hot trend this winter. ”A red lipstick must have is Ruby Woo by MAC cosmetics. This lip color will shade, define and stylize your lips all in one little black tube. It’s matte finish makes it long lasting so you don’t have to touch up after every sip of coffee. Unlike some reds, Ruby Woo is mixed with just the right balance of blue and orange.”

Jennifer, the fashionista of Something Fabulous, is loving Dior Addict Lipstick this December. We’d love to hear what shade you’re rocking this season.

Nutcracker Magic

What better way to start off the holiday season than attending the nutcracker! With it’s magical sets and beautiful costumes you will be transcended into another time and place.

The Nutcracker production lies at the heart of the holiday season. Whether it is a family tradition or a once-in-a-lifetime visit, your experience of this glittering classic ballet will stay with you forever. From the moment the lights dim, you will be transported to a magical place filled with marching toy soldiers, a glowing one-ton Christmas tree that seemingly grows forever, mischievous mice, crystalline waltzing snowflakes and the Land of Sweets.

Something Fabulous loves traditions and this seasonal delight is on the top of our list. Visit the Nutcracker clip to see what this performance has in store for you. Tickets are selling fast be sure not to miss out on the holiday fun.

Bridal Candy Shop

Something Fabulous recently had the pleasure of  designing a market space at this year’s NYC Bridal Fashion Week.  Liv Hart, Accessories Designer and Founder of Enchanted Atelier and Aruna Seth,  London based shoe designer were two of our clients.  You may have seen Liv’s work  featured in your favorite couture bridal magazine.  As for Aruna, she is a favorite among Hollywood Celebrities as well as British Royalty having designed Pippa Middleton’s shoes for the Royal Wedding. These two lovely ladies and their beautiful work inspire us.

Couture accessories have never seen this much sparkle. Easily add some glam to your wedding with a jewel studded sash, swarovski necklace or french lace cap.

Check out these behind the scenes pictures. Recognize any of these fabulous faces?

We really did feel like kids in a candy store when we got a behind the scenes tour of Martha Stewart’s office. It was an experience to see her headquarters.  In fact, we are wondering why OUR offices can’t have a test kitchen and a bigger inspiration board!

Manpil, chay pa lou. Translation: Many hands make the load lighter.

As the month of Thanksgiving approaches, we are humbled by the many things, opportunities and friends for which we are grateful.

On November 1st, we have the honor of joining our dear friend Nicole Wolf in a debut event for Up From Under.

We will let the videos tell the story.

Up from Under exists to break the barrier between those in need and those who desire to serve. Whether building homes, providing refuge, or empowering those in need to rise stronger, Up from Under believes when the value of one life is understood, change can begin.

“We—me and you—are strong and courageous. We can withstand what life throws our way.  But we are bravest when we stand beside another—lending strength to the weak. We are fullest when we empty ourselves to another—even a perfect stranger. In these moments: When we lift up, support, and encourage, true change begins—in our spirit, in their lives”. – Nicole Wolf

It’s the month of Thanksgiving.  We would love for you to join us!

Click here for ticket information or to donate. We thank you!

from the Gypsy – Fabulously UNPLUGGED!

I unplugged today. For a WHOLE twenty minutes, I loosened the grip of my hand on my Android, replaced the ear buds of my headset to their resting spot, folded my laptop into it’s home in the computer bag and went out into the sunshine for a walk around our neighborhood park.

A  younger me would have first seen the shadows cast through the trees and the shimmers of sunlight peeking through them – an entry for my light journal. The more still me would have immediately noticed the folds of the bark on those trees and the texture of the elm leaves against the marvelously blue sky. But this me, the me I am today, first wondered if leaving my daughter 50 yards away with the parks and rec girl was a safe thing to do and then quietly marveled that I had just done something that everyone should do… and then began thinking about this post.

EXPERIENCES… how many do we miss every day because we are so connected that we aren’t present. Combine that reality of everyday with the emotional reality of life celebrations and the family dynamics that those celebrations can stir and you have a recipe for stress. So what is a person to do?

Cue the sunshine and bird song…

Unplug and get back to the process of your celebration, in our world that experience begins with the end in mind. Answer the following four questions, we have our customers write the answers down or we write them out in our Experiences Summary. Refer to the answers every time you start to feel overwhelmed or offtrack.

1. What is/are your objective(s) – This is the vision or memory of your day. What are you and/or your guests talking about the day after the celebration. “ That was a really great party, WOW, the food (band, dj, décor…) was AMAZING, “the bride’s dress was fabulous and the design was so different”, “that was the most intimate gathering of family and friends” What is YOUR vision/objective?

2.What do you require? The answer to this could be a game changer for the date, time, location of your celebration.

3. What are your preferences? Chivari chairs or ghost chairs, roses or peonies, satin or lace, etc. This is your wish list and it can grow and grow, so it’s good to know in the beginning what is important and how it matches up with question

4.Budget – everyone has one, what is yours? If you started with “I don’t know”, then the answers you come up with are going to help you figure one out. You might be over, you might be under and you might be surprised if you don’t answer this question.

Objectives, Requirements, Preferences, Budget will help you define and design your EXPERIENCE…

If you are planning with someone, be sure you understand the answers of your partner in planning. And, for the bride’s out there. It’s a good idea to do this FIRST before you begin dreaming about flowers and place settings. This way if you and your fiance are writing the checks you’ll understand what’s ahead of you, and if parents are helping no one will be caught in a surprise.

So, I dare you to UNPLUG… turn off the computer, dock your iPhone, stash your headset, iPod, magazines and party day-planner.

I guarantee it will be uncomfortable at first. Just as a picture is worth a thousand words, being present for the whole process of your celebration is worth a thousand memories.