Blossom Style Inspiration by A Design Queen

New camera - expect to see more photos

2012-02-03T14:52:00.000-08:00

This is a close up of my dining table centrepiece


Close up of a pink orchid given to me by dear friends.

Close up of a white orchid.

My philosophy in taking these types of photos is to get inside the mind of the photo. To show only the absolute essence of a thing, rather than a literal interpretation of an object or person. I like to leave some aspects to the imagination, and to leave the view thinking, pondering or seeing something that they might not have seen in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Alexander McQueen Spring 2012 Campaign

2012-02-03T13:35:00.000-08:00

Fashion photographer David Sims has created this heavenly Alexander McQueen Spring 2012 campaign, which stars model Zuzanna Bijoch.

Milk-white skin complements the powder pink and blood-red designs with a luminous background to show off her stunning looks.The garments break through the misty feel, making colour the hero.

CLICKFORART LIMITED EDITION CHAIRS

2012-02-02T13:20:00.000-08:00

The ClickforArt Limited Edition Chairs are illustrated by some of the world’s most talented artists, the ClickforArt Limited Edition Chairs comprise of six seats, of which only 33 per piece exist.

Using the classic Wingchair and Throne chair shapes, Simone Legno, Dan Baldwin, Kozyndan, Zutto, Caramelaw and Sylvia Ji are the creative minds behind this chic design enterprise.

Each chair comes with a paper Certificate of Authenticity that is also signed by the artist, making it an exclusive and unique investment in style.

Beautiful Design for Chocolate (student work)

2012-01-19T14:15:00.000-08:00

via the dieline.com

Designed by Sarah Swanton, a graphic design student at the University of Cumbria. "My intent was to create an Art Nouveau design coupled with contemporary typography. (via thedieline.com)

Chanel SS 2012

2012-01-17T21:52:00.000-08:00

Invitation via nowfashion.com

Invitation via

itcantallbedior.blogspot.com

Chanel SS2012 showcased a BEAUTIFUL setting of a white underwater ocean. Enlarged white shells, corals and pearls made this show one of the most elegant and high- end events to start off fashion for 2012.

Invitation via nhmillustrations.blogspot.com

The playfully elegant theme was carried out, onto the clothes that floated down the runway.

Invitation via violetapurple.com
Florence and the Machine debuted her new single 'What the water gave me'. Looking beautiful, Florence sung from a clam, being a diamond in a shell.

Invitation via http://ant.ag

Invitation via thestylecavalry.com

The Chanel SS2012 fashion show was absolutely stunning. Graceful models drifting down a runway in a white underwater-inspired setting, what more could you want?

Chanel never ceases to please!

Pantone colour of the Year: Tangerine Tango

2012-01-15T18:21:00.000-08:00

Christian Louboutin Spring 2012 collection

Source: http://stylefrizz.com/201112/christian-louboutins-spring-summer-2012-shoes-collection/

YSL Woman's Cuff with detail- $640

Source: http://www.ysl.com/en_US/shop-products/Women/Jewelry/Cuffs-And-Bracelets/ysl-large-arty-brass-cuff-with-coral-detail_803182554.html#!{%22products%22:{%22209164Y161QQ%22:{%22size%22:%22L%22,%22color%22:%226603%22}}}


Elkhorn 'feather wing' cushion- $115

Source: http://followstore.bigcartel.com/product/feather-cushion-white-tangerine


Yigal Azrouel Silk Button Front Blouse- $156

Source: http://www.revolveclothing.com/DisplayProduct.jsp?product=CUT2-WS17&c=Tops&s=C&sc=Blouses&n=s&currency=USD&source=shopstyle


Pantones Colour of the Year- Tangerine Tango

Source: http://www.snaptheconference.com/pantone-color-of-the-year/

As Blossom had predicted, the 'it' colour for 2012 is Tangerine Tango. Pantone chose this ultra glamorous colour for its annual 'Colour of the year', which is based on the people of the world and what is happening around them.

In all sectors of the arts including fashion, music, lifestyle and the media, Tangerine is showing its popularity among the many.

Tangerine Tango is so beautiful and is definately a 'happy' and 'feel good' colour.

Absolutely LOVING IT!!!!

Art Deco Ad Inspiration

2012-01-05T16:29:00.000-08:00

I am looking for references for a project on which I am working, and found these delightful ads and wanted to share them.

Bras and Girdles by Kestos

Marie Antoinette Photoshoot

2011-12-27T21:41:00.000-08:00

OM Cocktails "Organic Mixology" - Certified Organic

2011-12-22T19:53:00.000-08:00

Lychee and Coconut

Wild Cranberry and Blood Orange

Meyer Lemon and Ginger

Dark Chocolate and Seasalt

Background Logo Sketch

Logo Design and Brand Strategy

Blossom was asked early in 2010 to develop a brand strategy for a beverage line based on a modern vodka formulation. This is the result of almost 2 years of brainstorming, research and development, and a project that Blossom, who developed the branding from the logo through to the packaging, is very proud of.

We wish OM Cocktails all the very best for the 2012 Launch. It's been great working with such a progressive and committed company.

"One Tree for Every Bottle Sold"
OM was developed by mixologist Natalie Bovis, aka The Liquid Muse
USDA certified organic
Contains no preservatives or artificial flavors
Coloring form organic fruits, vegetables & organic, non-GMO caramel.
Lightly sweetened with organic agave nectar instead of sugar or high fructose corn syrup.
Specially designed light-weight bottle
30% post-consumer recycled paper label
75% post consumer recycled content shipping case

OM is truly the most enlightened cocktail on the planet!

The first cocktail to market is a delicious blend of organic vodka, wild cranberry & blood orange.

Beautiful Store Windows

2011-12-22T13:08:00.000-08:00

Bergdorf Goodman holiday window

Burlington Arcade at Mackintosh

from butterflyutopia.com

Jo Malone Sloane Square

Summer Colour Inspiration - Turquoise

2011-12-17T15:27:00.000-08:00

Free People Cluster Statement Bib.

This Free People Cluster Statement Bib is a chain and pearl necklace with gorgeous pearl cluster center. Pearl colorway has fringe gemstone and etched pendant details. Lobster claw closure. $68. Buy here.

Ruffle Rings Shade

The Ruffle Rings Shade features rings of ruffles that give a simple drum shade a fresh update. Frame is iron and covered in 100% cotton percale. 11" diameter, 9" high. $39. Buy here.

Book ends -" Dream Believe"

Let these inspirational Dream + Believe Word Bookends keep your favorite reads upright. Made of green mist polyresin. 6.5" wide x 2.5" deep x 4.25" high. $39. Buy here.

Earrings from Vivre

Turquoise earrings from Vivre

found on womantospecial.com

Buy at hellocowgirl.com $40

Senso-shoes-Agnes-(Turquoise) via ilivefashion.com

from http://www.raquelissima.com ©Raquel Issima

Turquise is a lovely in-between colour that has come to represent water, and so the names aqua and aquamarine are also synonymous with this fashion forward hue. Turquoise also a valuable and popular mineral often turned into jewelry. Turquoise is closely associated with the Middle East and the American Southwest.

To use turquoise in fashion and art you can create feminine appeal with the lighter more washed out shades of turquoise imparting an old-fashioned 50s and 60s retro feel.

Colour Trend Alert - Summer Coral

2011-12-07T00:24:00.000-08:00

Lanvin Coral Pink Bow Pumps $795

Nars Super Orgasm

From left: Shipley and Halmos, Matthew Williamson, Marc Jacobs, Christopher Kane

Kenneth Jay Lane Coral Chandelier Earrings $70

de Grisogono High Jeweller 34 Perfectly Fitted Rare Corals

Coral Watch from La Mer

Small Tote · Dior. $940

Coral Coral Color - 2012 Swimwear plushswimwear.com

Summer is here in Australia and the colours in all the windows and displays are popping. The standouts are coral and melon juicy hues - and fortunately - suit moi (albeit spray tan applied).

Sources: 1. Lanvin Coral Pink Bow Pumps $795, 2. Nars Blush In Super Orgasm, 3.Source: fashionforgiants.blogspot.com, 4. from Haute Headquarters 5. from degrisogono.com 6. from lollieshopping.com 6. Small Tote from Dior via Bergdorf Goodman 7.

Christmas Theme - Beachy

2011-11-28T16:54:00.000-08:00

In Australia, we celebrate Christmas in Summer. The middle of Summer. It is insanely hot, but we are so dedicated to this extravaganza of a holiday that we go to crazy lengths to replicate an European Christmas, such as cooking hams, turkeys and puddings in sweltering kitchens.

More recently however the trend has been to embrace the summer, and we fill the house with fresh prawns (shrimp), mango, stone fruits and the beloved cherries. Many of us find ourselves on the water or at the beach.

This year my family is heading for a fresh aqua, silver and coastal theme for our Christmas tree. Last year we chose a fallen branch, and spray it silver, and handmade the decorations, mainly sue to budgetary concerns as we were moving house. This year we are getting a gorgeous, big real pine tree to fill the house with scent and pine needles. I'm hunting down starfish, and beach themes ornaments to add to my collection. Below is a cross section of stuff that has inspired me.

oceanstyles.blogspot.com

theblueporch.blogspot.com

coastalliving.com

inspirationforhome.blogspot.com

weddingo.co.uk

australiaentertains.com.au

roomenvy.wordpress.com

designinterior-marx.blogspot.com

Blossom's Own SEO Success and How We Did It

2011-11-23T17:40:00.000-08:00

Normally my blog posts are pretty, and reflect global creative trends. As the year is coming to an end, I thought I would write a post on Blossom's SEO (for those of you who don't know what this means it is Site Engine Optimisation).

Blossom has had over 11K unique visitors this month, which is an all time high, so I thought I would share some of our methods below:

Tracking Site Traffic
I use a number of tools for monitoring traffic, one of which is Google Analytics (which requires a line of code to be inserted into each page of your site) and another is Alexa (and there are also ways to verify you are the owner of your site) . I also check the statistics through my cpanel (most hosting services offer this). These are useful for keeping track of how many visitors you have coming to your site, where they have come from, which search engines are sending traffic and which keywords are working for you in paid and "organic" (non paid) searches. It also tells you the traffic "flow" through your site (which pages people like) and which pages people don't like (exit pages). There is so much information that a site owner can get from know how this affects their business and working it.

Alexa Site Information

When I redesigned my site at the beginning of the year, I made sure that all my file names contained my keywords, that all the image files had effective "alt" tags, that all my pages had the correct meta descriptions and keywords. These keywords are also repeated in the text of the page, the alt tags of the images, as well as the names of the html files. As a branding expert I cannot emphasise the value of repetition both in code, on the page and visually.

CSS Galleries
One of the key ways that traffic comes to me if that because my site is pretty is is displayed on a number of CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) galleries that showcase examples of well designed and coded websites. Examples of this include:
http://www.freecssshowcase.com/web-design/companies/www-blossomgraphicdesign-com/
http://www.cssmix.nl/website/Blossom-Graphic-and-Web-Design.html
http://www.csselite.com/showcase/designer/blossom-graphic-design.html

There are loads of css galleries with blossom, some of which I requested, most of which I found by accident). These sites are great sources of inspiration for other designers, as well as potential clients and most importantly they are higher ranking sites than mine, so by association make me look good to search engines.

Reciprocity
Once of Blossom's core valued is of mutually beneficial generosity and reciprocity - which works beautifully online. When I see a site I like I always look at who designed it, and quality sites and professional design studios always put a link/credit on the footer of a site. There are some instances when it is not appropriate, but generally if I get a credit I will put a link on my site to my client site, and generally, since they are new sites, this helps my client's ranking. Its a "win/win" and one of the values for which Blossom stands.

Twitter
Twitter is one of my main sources of traffic, so I keep tweeting (generally from ym phone after hours), tweeting thoughts, inspiration, attitudes, social comment, all of which are inline with Blossom's goals and values (which are also mine). I don't sell my site on Twitter, although sometimes I post links to new work or blog posts, for the interest of other designers, clients and interested followers. I also have Twitter linked to my Facebook page for Blossom, so when I add a page update on Facebook, it also tweets.

Twitter is so instant and intimate, that I tend to be more "me", and it truly gives an insight into my life and business. Other women seem interested and inspired so I keep it up. It is also so important to be genuine, although negative rants are never good. I have sometime made snide comments, but end up deleting them later in embarrassment. They don't server anyone well.

Facebook Page
Being a more visual social networking medium, I post loves, lust-haves and trends, as well as new work and company updates on Facebook. Facebook also send a lot of traffic to my main site, so it has a good ROI. Clients send me messages, testimonials and I help promote their businesses as well. Facebook as great for posting new work and links because people can see what the link is through the thumbnail.

Blogging
I like to show my taste in my blog, which is separate from my actual work, so that people can see wht drives me, what motivates me, what I love, and hopefully inspired other designers and style mavens. People are curious about their potential designer, so this gives an insight into my style and taste.

A Gorgeous Site
Lastly, I like to think that I know my target market. I try to keep my site up to date with beautiful boutique graphic and web design, that is fashion forward, and reflects my particular style. I change the typography constantly, refine each page's content a lot, add images, and mostly keep it fresh and unique.

Alexander McQueen - Editorial Round Up

2011-11-11T13:30:00.000-08:00

Alexander McQueen Resort 2012 ivory silk & organza embroidered bustier gown on the cover of Vanity Fair, December 2011

Alexander McQueen A/W11 ivory & silver 3D brocade fin pleat gown on the cover of ELLE UK, December 2011

Alexander McQueen A/W11 ivory pearl embroidered gown with organza ruffle train in Vogue US, November 2011

Alexander McQueen Resort 2012 khaki all-in-one, hazelnut waist belt and ocelot satchel in Vogue Paris, November 2011

Alexander McQueen Resort 2012 gold fully embroidered gown in Vogue Japan, November 2011

Alexander McQueen A/W11 black woven studded coat & black degrade leather thigh boots in Vogue Russia, November 2011

Alexander McQueen A/W11 lilac frayed organza tiered dress in Harper’s Bazaar China, October 2011

Alexander McQueen A/W11 black studded dress in Vogue China, October 2011

Alexander McQueen A/W11 black zip detail dress in Citizen K, Fall/Winter 2011

Alexander McQueen A/W11 Ivory Lancelot Dagger Wedges in Elle UK, September 2011. See them online- US: http://bit.ly/p7Iz7B UK: http://bit.ly/pOlsUm

Let Them Eat Cake - Ostentatiously Ornate Trend

2011-11-07T22:32:00.000-08:00

Source: Wedding Cakes Published: Nov 7, 11

References: bobbetteandbelle and bobbetteandbelle

Victoria's Secret Attraction

2011-11-06T13:09:00.000-08:00

"The latest from Victoria's Secret bodycare is their Attractions Bodycare Collection. The sensual collection features nourishing body lotions, fragrance mists, indulgent body creams and daily body washes. The collection has four different 'scents' or 'themes' to it which are Wild One, Love Bitten, Glam Goddess, and Sweet Craving. The bottles are packaged in interesting designs of leopard print and lace. The irresistible collection is floral, sensuous, fruity and truly feminine with accords of amber and musk."

Designed by Limited Brand. Source: The Dieline.

Paris Haute Couture: dresses to die for

2011-11-04T15:35:00.000-07:00

Giambattista Valli

Givinchy

Elie Saab

Jean Paul Gaultier

Christian Dior

Alexis Mabille

Giambattista Valli

Elie Saab

Stephane Rolland

Design for fashion and graphic design are very closely related in terms if colours, silhouettes, trends and ethos. I keep a close eye on all design from fashion, furniture, typography and the generally feel for each season as it is all distilled down into the designs that I create online and in print.

Of course, Blossom has it's own style, with a core niche market, so we tend not to move terribly far from our "look" - but we are swayed by fashion, and keep a close eye on what is going on.

This past season jewels of all sorts, embellishments and general bling has played a big role in our logo and packaging design and most sites this season created by us utilise sparkles and gems to lift the site of the browser window page.

Coral is starting to come through into sites, although pink and black are still the predominant colours we are using.

The other trends breaking through are contemporary twists on historical themes, such as the use of baroque furniture and frames, gold and ornamentation.

Too Faced Cosmetics

2011-11-03T19:44:00.000-07:00

Too Faced Cosmetics has beautiful packaging which is totally inspiring for this girly girl. Classically feminine with beautiful detailing. Here at Blossom we are swooning.

Credited from TooFaced.com

What's That Amazing Scent?

2011-11-01T14:03:00.000-07:00

In the Blossom studio I always have beautiful scents burning - being a firm believer in an holistic approach to creating an inspiring workplace, from exquisitely scented natural wax candles to soy wax melts. I believe that in order to get into the creative state of mind, I need to appeal to all my senses: sight (having a pretty studio and surrounding myself with lovely things), touch (wearing beautiful fabrics with soft carpet under foot), taste (good coffee and chai lattes), sound (music that soothes and inspires and last but definitely not least smell.

This week we have discovered the beautiful Tigerlily range of candles, filling the studio with Jodhi Meares' brand of boho beach chic.

The Tigerlily store at Warringah Mall is an oasis of beach chic (not in the tacky hibiscus/franjipani stickers on the back of the car style), but a casual bohemian look and feel, with stylish Indian and Balinese style prints, stunning fabrics and merchandised in a very personal way. in a sense it feels like we are stepping into a Bondi Beach fashionistas wardrobe.

While the price point isn't over the top, it certainly isn't budget, so to capture the essense of the brand and escape with the budget still intact, the candles, at $39 are a lovely escape.

Indulgent Product of the Week - Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Bath Pearls

2011-11-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

What do you give the lady who has everything, including impeccable style? This reinterpretation of the iconic Flowerbomb fragrance with Flowerbomb perfumed bath pearls provides an enchanting, pearly and Flowerbomb-scented bath creating a cloud of sheer luxury.

The diamond inspired jar is to die for, and who could resist the french, ballet pink pearls and the pink metallic lid is simple gorgeous.

Succumb to the temptation of a luxurious pearly bath and soak into an enveloping and memorable embrace.

Available at Neiman Marcus RRP $65.00 USD

Ornate Oil Branding - Design Intervention

2011-10-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

I.C.O.N. India Packaging Exudes Beauty on the Bottle Alone

Nothing is worse for the sale of beauty products as botched branding, while I.C.O.N. India packaging epitomizes the essence of elegance. Sure to seduce consumers with more success than their shelf mates at the shop, these intricately imprinted products show that creativity and care were taken to embellish the outside as well as the inside.

Version-X Design has taken up the brand identity for the broader range of I.C.O.N. salon goods, but this particular line demanded extra attention to stand out.

The essential oil, shampoo and conditioner are dressed in brandy-colored bottles gilded with a warm gold logo, text and accents. From there, intricate East Indian illustrated motifs enhances I.C.O.N. India packaging with gracefully etched lattice patterns on the various burgundy boxes.

I-C-O-N India Packaging Published: Jun 16, 11 • References: version-x and thedieline

Jimmy Choo XV Book Celebrates the Brand's 15th Anniversary

2011-10-25T14:19:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Choo is beloved by all fashionistas. Jimmy Choo XV, the book, is published in celebration of the brand’s 15th anniversary.

The book will showcase 15 of the shoe label’s most iconic shoes, including images of the shoes in fashion editorials throughout the years, with examples photographed by luminaries Mario Testino and Terry Richardson.

Sketches, behind-the-scenes photos and pictures of celebrities, including Keira Knightley and Hilary Swank, wearing the iconic shoes will also be included in the book.

The haute couture volume will be available at booksellers globally from February 2012.

Global Fragrance Advertising Round Up

2011-10-19T14:37:00.000-07:00

Versace Yellow Diamond Advertising

Dolce & Gabbana Advertising for "The One"

Kim Kardashian "The Voluptuous New Fragrance"

Vintage Advertising from Lentheric

Victor + Rolf Flowerbomb Advertising

Vintage Mais Oui from Bourjois

Euphoria from Calvin Klein

Miss Dior with Natalie Portman

Dior Cherie - an all time favorite ad

Chanel Chance Ad

Britney Spears "Circus" Ad

Advertising for Fun by Espoir

Vintage Coty for Emerande

Prada Parfums

Scarlet Johansson for Dolce & Gabbana

Vintage Avon "Try-On"

Nicole Kidman for Chanel No.5

Vintage Soir De Paris by Bourjois

More Chanel No.5 from Nicole Kidman

Charlize Theron for J'Adore L'Eau by Dior

Nina Ricci

Above is a round of of some of our favourite packaging and ads for fragrance across the globe. Fragrance advertising is wonderfully romantic and sells the fantasy ideals of the time. Perfume packaging and ads imbue the ethos of the time of publication and a wonderful illustration of dreams and desires.

Vintage Lingerie Inspiration

2011-10-16T18:37:00.000-07:00


Wonderbra by Dita Von Teese

Dita Von Teese, has unveiled the very first look at her new limited edition lingerie collection Wonderbra by Dita Von Teese.

Credited from http://frillr.com/?q=node/9307


Vintage Lingerie advertisement

Credited from jamesmaystock.com

Vintage pin-ups

Credited from blogs.miaminewtimes.com


Vintage ad: If nature didn't,Warners will.

Credited from myconfinedspace.com

Touch Lingerie

Credited from http://www.touchlingerie.co.uk/en/2010/09/vintage-lingerie-discounts-at-becheeky/


Vintage trio getting ready for the day.

Credited from jamesmaystock.com