Trendspotting

Rubber Bands take on Fun Shapes and New Uses!

2010-03-11T10:12:51-05:00

I have been attending the NYC gift & toy shows for years - and I love to visit with the vendors that I see year after year. Its fun to see what new products they come up with and see how many of them stay on top of the emerging trends. One of those such companies is Eastern Accent- I'm always curious to see what fresh products they bring to the show! Years ago they had the cutest rubber bands in the shapes of rabbits - and even then I couldn't help but be amazed by them. I kept trying to think of ways to use them in some way for my clients of The Holding Company. Needless to say - I wasn't surprised when they showed up in a new form at the NYC Toy Fair this past February. These bands have morphed into the new trading cards and friendship bracelets! Two companies that I could find at the show - Stretchy Shapesand Animal Braceletshave taken the idea to a whole new level! These bands now come in all different sizes, shapes and colors and apparently kids are going gaga for them. Trend spotted!

Cupcake Bands by The Paper Menu

2010-03-05T12:17:25-05:00

I received an email a few days ago from The Paper Menu describing a new product they just launched - cupcake bands - what a nifty idea! You may remember that I am a big fan of cupcakes, and now you can dress up your cupcake display! You can totally customize these bands by choosing from different background patterns, colors and fonts! Whether you own a bakery and are looking for a new way to display your cupcakes - or if you are planning a special event and would like your cupcake display to fit a certain theme - The Paper Menu's Cupcake Bands are sure to please!

Masking Tape With Style

2010-02-26T13:47:38-05:00

I am always on the lookout for innovative ways of enhancing mundane objects - so when I saw this product at the New York International Gift Fair at the Javitts Center earlier this month, I just had to post about it! Sweet Bella, a design house and distributor for some amazing products based in Brooklyn, New York featured decorative masking tape at their booth. Yes - now you can make art with your tape! You might remember my post about the fancy packing tape I found last year - well Sweet Bella takes it a step further with so many different colors, designs and sizes! Tape is now front and center - whether you use it to add some pizzazz to a package - or even in scrapbooking - the designs will be perfect for whatever project you have in mind!

Ukraine's Got Talent - Sand Artistry!

2010-01-13T18:34:15-05:00

When my friend forwarded me this clip, I couldn't help but share this You Tube video of Kseniya Simonova, the winner of Ukraine's Got Talent with everyone! If you haven't heard of or seen this young woman it is well worth watching the 8 minutes of footage. An artist to the core, she creates stories to music in the sand using only her fingers - but to just watch her in action is art in itself - enjoy!

Harveys - Fasten your seat belt!

2010-01-06T17:22:14-05:00

photos courtesy of Harveys

I am always a sucker for things that are quirky or a bit out of the ordinary - so naturally, when I first heard about purses made out of seat belts years ago, I was intrigued! Yesterday, after browsing through the Accessories Show at the Jacob Javits Center I came across the coolest looking seat belt bags I have seen! Harveys, the first company to make the seat belt bag had a booth showing off their new line of bags. The interesting graphics, smaller weaves and ruffles were just so chic and sophisticated I couldn't resist ogling them! I would definitely check out their collections online- but if you are in New York - they sell Harveys bags at The Museum of Art and Design store in Columbus Circle!

Richard Woods at Lever House

2009-12-23T11:24:49-05:00

(Image courtesy of the artist and Perry Rubenstein Gallery, New York (c) Richard Woods)

I have been passing by the Lever House building on 390 Park Avenue for the past couple of weeks and always admire the beautiful decorations. The other day I couldn't help myself any longer and walked in to find out who created this distinct work of art. Sure enough, London installation artist,

Richard Woods is behind this magnificent work! Woods installed victorian inspired panels of colorful wood on the benches, steel columns and even the floors of the Lever House lobby and outdoor courtyard. The colors are visually stimulating and the Victorian inspiration is such a departure of the modernist Lever House that its surprising it works so well! The installation called "Port Sunlight" reminds me of the fresh designs of the recently closed Domino Magazine. That magazine used to give me such inspiration, that I was sad to see it go! It is such a treat to see these exhibits in New York City - if you haven't passed by the Lever House, the installation is ongoing until January 31, 2010 so I would go check it out!

140 Last Minute Gift Ideas For Clients from the Toilet Paper Entrepreneur Blog

2009-12-15T16:49:49-05:00

Mike Michalowicz over at the Toilet Paper Entrepreneur rounded up an interesting list of last minute gift giving ideas for clients. Be sure to look for our contribution there as you stroll down list. Happy Shopping!

via 140 Last Minute Gift Ideas for Clients

Bodhi Handmade Soap - Keeping you Clean and Green!

2009-12-14T06:54:59-05:00

With only 11 shopping days left before Christmas, I thought I'd share a favorite gift idea that is not only great for your body, but helps to protect the environment as well! Handmade soap is perfect for those left on your shopping list. Who wouldn't like to receive a cute bundle of deliciously rich smelling soap? As always - it is the unique qualities of this soap that makes it one of my most favorite products. Bodhi Handmade Soap, started by two young entrepreneurs in suburban New Jersey, has all of the good stuff that will make your skin feel great. Each Bodhi bar is made with moisturizing shea butter, coconut, olive and palm oils and is infused with essential oils to create the most amazing scents! This soap has none of the scary ingredients that most commercial soap has - there are NO parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances or animal fat. Ew. The other great thing about these soaps is that they are wrapped in a plant based paper. That means when you use your bodhi bar, you can plant the wrapping and grow beautiful wild flowers. Amazing! For the holiday season my favorite scent is peppermint, I think I bought one for everyone on my list. The great flavors don't end there - they have scents like soothing lavender, rich almond, geranium, lime and orange. I really wish your computer screen was scratch and sniff, because I could share these wildly fragrant bars with you! Check out their website, they even have gift sets to make your shopping experience that much easier.

Colored Chalkboard Paint Makes its Mark!

2009-12-05T13:24:40-05:00

I absolutely adore anything that brings a new twist to an old classic. Believe it or not, I find many of these things in the historic towns of Upstate New York along the Hudson River. I spend many a weekend trolling the antique stores, gourmet markets and unique stores and find some of the most amazing things! The town of Red Hook New York is no exception. This sleepy town has some of my most favorite establishments, but by far my favorite store is Tivoli Mercantile. Everything in this edgy and hip store is specially sourced and curated by its owner, Jill Cornillon. You can find anything from clothing and jewelry to unique home goods. My all-time favorite product in the store is from their proprietary Hudson Paint Company who has just released a multi-hued line of colored chalk board paint! Started by Jill’s husband, a master paint mixologist, Hudson Paint has your ticket to make a wall in your kitchen, children’s room or even living room a living art-space! The colors are vibrant and truly stunning – its no wonder House Beautiful featured the paints in their November issue!

Goji Gourmet - Superfoods that Taste Great!

2009-11-02T23:11:47-05:00

I do not hide the fact that I love sweets - just by reading my blog you can see that I tend to lean towards the sweeter side of life - tasting chocolates and ice cream all over New York! On the other hand, I love when someone infuses a little health into my sweet treats! Goji Gourmet has done just that - their line of cookies are are made from some of the healthiest ingredients on the planet called Superfoods. The cookies, made from ingredients like goji berries, almonds, ginger and orange taste so good you would never know how healthy they are! Goji Gourmet founder, Allison Jagtiani, started this business with her entreprenurial spirit, a knowledge of the earth's healthiest ingredients and a love of baking. This passion and dedication is seen in every package of her yummy cookies. Make sure you seek out Goji Gourmet at a retailer in NYC near you!

New York International Gift Show Goes Equine With Rebecca Ray Designs

2009-08-27T07:10:17-04:00

My favorite company at the 2009 International Gift Show in New York City was, hands down, Rebecca Ray's American Couture Handbag Company which specializes in handbags, accessories and antiques. I love Rebecca's style and business for many reasons - she emblazons her beautifully crafted handbags with luxurious fabrics and depictions of horses and old American lifestyle. Her designs resemble New England in its finest, you would never know she grew up in Ohio, and resides there today! While what first drew me to Rebecca was the beautiful products she had on display, after speaking with her I realized she embodied another great love of mine: the entrepreneur. Rebecca will be hosting her very own PBS show called "LifeStyles with Rebecca" coming this October that will bring inspiration to everyone who watches it - she will be focusing on those Americans who have successfully reinvented themselves, either out of necessity because of the economy, or for very different reasons. Not only will I be keeping an eye on Rebecca's designs, I'll be sure to seek out her new show!

Community Supported Agriculture ~ Eating Local and Working Together

2009-07-31T10:59:44-04:00

I’ve been wanting to blog on Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs for some time now. I find CSA’s so interesting for many reasons. It is a definite trend that continues to grow (no pun intended!), helps people to eat local and brings so many people together between the farmers and the people who buy the produce. One of the most intriguing aspects of CSA’s for me is the entrepreneurial spirit they bring, and the fact that I have seen so many women becoming farmers and running small farms! Typically, a CSA charges about $500 to each person who joins, and in return that person receives about 22 weeks of beautifully fresh, local produce late spring to early fall! I think it’s a great way to be in touch with the local economy and eat healthy all season long. CSA programs definitely fill up early – and the earth’s bounty only goes so far, so I would do your research and find a CSA in your area today if you are looking to join one for next season! Below are a few resources that I have found helpful:

Just Food - an organization that works to develope a just and sustainable food system in New York City.

Columbia County Bounty - has all sorts of great resources on famers markets and other food related info for Columbia County, NY - and the "Taste of Columbia County" is on August 3rd - so you can taste all the locally produced food yourself!

New York City Community Garden Coalition - in case you can't get into a CSA program - Community Gardens are just as great!

Murray's Ice Cream Event!

2009-07-29T14:11:04-04:00

As you know by now – Ice Cream is one of my favorite things! When I heard that Murray’s Cheese was holding an ice cream event I just had to leave the birthday party I was attending in far Queens to taste the ice cream! The event was nice, held in the upstairs room of Murray’s and the event was packed with ice cream lovers! The Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream was yummy – but the real lesson I learned was a nifty tip that I will share with you all! All of the toppings were supplied by Knipschildt Chocolatier and if you like caramel sauce, but think it might be too sweet at times – the Knipschildt representative suggested I pour a little sprinkle of sea salt over the sauce to cut the sweetness. Well I’ll be – that was the best part! So, next time you think your caramel is a little too sweet for your liking – make sure you have a little salt to temper the taste! That tip alone was worth the reasonable $5 I paid for the ice cream!

Have no fear, if you can’t get over to an ice cream event, Better Homes and Gardens has about 23 amazing recipes on it’s website for frozen treats. So get on over there, start churning that ice cream and tantalize your taste buds! If any of you have a great ice cream shop that I just HAVE to try, please comment and let me know - meanwhile I will be scoping out my next “scoop”!

Outdoor Pianos Bring Music to the Street!

2009-07-22T10:01:19-04:00

Outdoor pianos are slowly starting to take over the streets! On Sunday, July 12th on the CBS Sunday Morning show I watched an amazing story about a project in London to bring music to the streets. 30 Pianos have been placed around London each one with the words "Play Me, I'm Yours" written on it. Artist Luke Jerram brought this event to life as part of the City of London Festival. I love the idea of music spontaneously happening around a city! Go figure, two days after I saw that segment I was walking down into the West Fourth Street station and came across a man with a full piano playing in the subway! Later I found out he was the "Crazy Piano Man", who is in fact, not crazy at all, but simply thinks its a great idea to bring a real piano into interesting places while making people happy and making himself some money! His name is Collin Huggins and I would definitely listen to him when you can - visit his website to stay on top of where he is. Here is a pic of when I saw him in the subway!

cNOTE Artwork ~ Where Sounds Comes to Life!

2009-07-16T09:28:30-04:00

I happened to be walking through the Conde Nast Building on Tuesday and saw these images that reminded me of African textiles – I was thinking it was so interesting that they were on display! As I walked closer and saw the name of the exhibit, I realized, in fact, it wasn’t African textiles – but cNOTE art by Erik Rosen. Erik, after going through a stem cell transplant procedure, started seeing the music – these colorful images are a phenomena called synesthesia – basically a misfiring of the senses. He created these beautiful images of boxes of differing shapes to represent the notes he sees. Since it reminds me so much of the African textiles I so adore – it makes me think if some of the artists of the earliest textiles also had this unique sensory experience. Either way – definitely check out Rosen’s images on view until July 20^th!

Choc-o-lait - Soothe Your Sweet Tooth

2009-07-07T17:27:38-04:00

While attending the 55^th Summer Fancy Food Show, I came across something for all you chocolate lovers to soothe your sweet tooth. With Choc-o-lait, stir up a delicious cup of hot chocolate in less than one minute. Unwrap the luscious authentic Belgian chocolate cube, stir with the attached wooden stick and enjoy! Choc-o-lait comes in four delightful varieties: dark, milk, hazelnut or real Cointreau. For those who would like to share this as a gift, Choc-o-lait offers gift packages complete with either eight Choc-o-lait sticks of each kind or four Choc-o-lait sticks and a mug.

Wedding Cake Toppers - The Icing on the Cake

2009-07-02T13:02:36-04:00

Who ever thought that the top of a wedding cake could be embellished with so many possibilities? Renellie International and One & Only Figures have definitely taken this category to a new level. Specializing in a variety of lovely keepsake quality wedding cake toppers, Renellie has created eight different interchangeable multi-ethnic partners that can be individually matched as a couple. And if you want to see your matrimonial faces adorn your special confectionary creation, One & Only Figures can definitely make this happen with magical precision. Wedding Cake toppers are definitely the new icing on the cake!

Treats on the Go Tastier and Cooler than ever!

2009-06-29T10:56:17-04:00

I have mentioned my love for ice cream before and talked about the Feverish Ice Cream truck's super cool spin on delivering ice cream in Florida, but Felecia Hatcher, Ferverish's Chief Popsicle Maker gave me the lowdown on some other really neat treat trucks! You may have heard of him before, but Matt Allen, t he Ice Cream Man is taking the idea of the ice cream truck to a whole new level - this truck's treats are free! You heard me right, the Ice Cream Man is dedicated to delivering free ice cream treats to anyone all over the country! He travels around the country stopping at music festivals and other special events making people smile all the way! How does he get to give away all that ice cream for free you might ask? Well, the Ice Cream Man is very savvy - he has big time sponsors such as Levi's and the White Stripes who pay him to post their logos on his truck! A phenomenon that I really love is that so many companies are popping up that actually let you rent a really cool ice cream truck to come to your special event - its a great way to spruce up the office picnic or retreat! There are two that are really neat: Hearts Challenger and Archies Ice Cream can be rented to come dish out the most wonderful treats, but look really cool while doing so! There is nothing better than having the ice cream truck come to you - never again will you have to chase it down the street! Gone are the days of cheesy ice cream truck music and boring treat choices!

Nine Cakes ~ Wedding Cakes with Whimsy and Style

2009-06-21T12:09:30-04:00

Nine Cakes bakery is a stop in Red Hook, Brooklyn that cannot be missed! My friend, Betsy Thorleifson, head baker and owner of Nine Cakes creates the most stunningly beautiful and tasty treats! She will create a customized and delicious desert menu for any wedding, party or special event you have in mind! While I have admired her work - looks like she has also grabbed the attention of the TODAY Show - Betsy was recently picked as one of three wedding cake designers in the 10th annual "T ODAY Throws a Wedding" to air on June 24th. She will be making a special "wine country" wedding cake for the event! Tune in and "let's go Nine Cakes!"

Recycled Paper Products - Emerging Trend

2009-06-18T09:46:45-04:00

Rag & Bone Binderywas the highlight of my last post - and the recycled paper trend continues. I happen to be antiquing in Rhinebeck, NY when I came across this amazing store called Papertrail. Although this store is not in New York City - I feel they are way ahead of the paper trend. Papertrail specializes in fine paper, custom invitations and specialty gifts - but what sets them apart from the rest was the amazing "Fashion & Fiction" paper exhibit on display at the store. Paper artists Ramon Lascano and Linda Filley's work is exhibited at the store. Now this takes recycling paper to a whole new level!! Lascano works to turn books into beautifully crafted pieces of art by folding, twisting and cutting the paper. Filley, on the other hand, is a paper couturier - she makes beautiful paper clothing over wire mannequins. I have left you with a few images below - but I strongly encourage you to make your way to Rhinebeck to not only check out Papertrail - but see all the other wonderful stores this town has to offer!

Recycled Paper Products Come to Life!

2009-06-03T22:37:08-04:00

Rag & Bone Bindery - was such an amazing discovery while I was at the National Stationery Show in NYC! I saw so many new products and ideas at the show, however the trend that I found most intriguing, impactful and fresh was that of recycling paper scraps into beautiful objects of art. I had seen the emergence of this trend at last year's show, but Jason Thompson, Founder and President, of Rag & Bone Bindery brought this trend to life for me! He was most gracious with his time at the show and eager to share his his expertise with me. He informed me of his soon to be published book, Playing With Paper and recommended I learn more about “Kusudama” the art of constructing paper balls. As a beginner I began to due my own research on this topic and I came across this video which I think is most instructive:

How To Fold A Japanese Paper Ball (Kusudama) - The best free videos are right here

Jason certainly enlightened me to the world of using paper scraps, and Rag & Bone Bindery is such the perfect place to start to enjoy the art of paper - I encourage you to visit their website. Whether you are looking for address books, journals, brag books or photo albums, the beautiful paper handiwork is sure to please!

Maximilian Sinsteden - Designing Before Leaving the Nest!

2009-05-19T10:43:35-04:00

Maximilian Sinsteden's story in New York Magazine last week really astounded me - what a young guy and such a great talent! As the story goes, he has been designing since age 3, has interned for Charlotte Moss, and currently works for her once a week. He does this during his senior year at Drew University! Wow - these pictures of his dorm room from NY Magazine don't need any explanation. His talent is apparent - and all I have to say is watch out for him - he is going to be big!

Petrie Point Designs!

2009-05-12T08:05:11-04:00

I have summer on the mind but found just the way to keep those summers of yesteryear alive! Petrie Point Designs by Susan Petrie-Badertscher are absolutely original and stunningly beautiful. Susan takes swimsuits from the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s and frames them to make the sweetest artwork. The way each piece pays homage to those intricately designed suits is spectacularly amazing! While summer might be on my mind - you should definitely take a look at Petrie Point's website - Susan has come out with an additional collection called Petrie Pint Designs using children's toys, costumes and accessories!

Feverish Ice Cream Truck ~ Hipster Ice Cream, Coming to your Hood?!

2009-05-08T11:16:34-04:00

The rain has stopped and summer is in the air! As many of you know, ice cream is one of my 5 most favorite things, and when I heard of Feverish Ice Cream'smobile ice cream truck I had to share! This isn't your childhood ice cream truck with loud repetitive music and the same old treats. Feverish, parked outside your favorite hot spot or event, brings you today's latest tunes and vegan-friendly gourmet ice cream. The best is that you can book the truck to be at your special event - they take bookings for parties, fundraisers and more. Okay - the unfortunate thing is that they are currently based in Florida, but rumor has it that the truck will be making its way up the East Coast soon. Don't believe me? Make sure you follow Feverish's twitter account @feverishmiami for the latest news!

Kips Bay Designer Showhouse - Finding Designer Treasures!

2009-05-05T17:45:31-04:00

The Kips Bay Designer Showhouse, benefiting the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club is one of my favorite events! Year after year I look forward to taking a tour of the house to explore all the treasures designers use to make it so magnificent. I have to say - I had two favorite designers this year: Garrow Kedigian and Andrew Felsher. Both designers exuded such beauty and originality in their designs I just couldn't keep it to myself! If you haven't been to the showhouse on 71st Street it is open until May 17th and I strongly urge you to get there soon!

Waverly Fabrics "Covering" the City

2009-05-01T18:09:16-04:00

Waverly is a beloved brand encompassing home fashions from fabrics, bedding, wall coverings, paint, window treatments and home accessories. Not only am I a big fan of their products and sophisticated style but I absolutely love how innovative and cutting edge they still can be after 86 years of business. Check out their current ad campaign - and you can understand just how Waverly fabrics are "covering" the City! What do you think - Brooklyn or Manhattan??

Morgane Le Fey ~ Artful Designs

2009-04-28T09:32:40-04:00

The Morgane Le Fey store on Madison Ave captivates me every time I walk by their artfully designed window displays. Morgane Le Feyis a New York City based fashion house started in 1982 by Argentinian Liliana Casabal and is based in Soho. The clothing is manufactured and designed right here in New York - I am so happy to see a long standing fashion house that has stayed local! I encourage you to take a peek into the store and see the layered wisps of fabric that are so stunningly beautiful its hard not to fall in love!

Laura Letinsky - Evoking Those Moments Lost

2009-04-20T23:05:42-04:00

When I saw the spread of Laura Letinsky in Elle Decor last month I couldn't help but feel enamored. The artist and professor at the University of Chicago's photographs evoke a feeling of loss, destruction and a feeling of "what was" that I have come to love. You might recall my post on Laura Salierno's photographs of the dismantling of The Plaza Hotel - and how I loved the fact that she was able to capture that exact moment in between what The Plaza was and what it was to become. Laura Letinsky's amazingly artistic still life photographs capture those moments people forget. The times in between the enjoyment of such objects, and the time they are discarded, put away or forgotten. While what she captures might seem mundane - I see the beauty in what was once there - and envision what could have been. Latisnky is represented by the Yancey Richardson Gallery in Chelsea - I definitely plan on taking a trip over there to marvel some more.

Toile - a New Take!

2009-04-17T18:45:05-04:00

Toile has always been a favorite of mine - but I just couldn't help but show how some amazing designers are re-inventing and modernizing this old-time pattern! Manuel Canovas , an architect and designer, sticks to the traditional toile pattern, but has made this fabric pop with his Lavandiere bedding collection featuring a bright fuchsia scape. This is sure to brighten up any room!

Now I have been a lover of NYC water towers for years, and I was absolutely thrilled to see this modern take on toile by French luxury design house Pierre Frey. The Nolita fabric is amazing as it evokes a modern aesthetic featuring downtown Manhattan water towers. What a fresh take on something so traditional!

Susan Boyle - Britain's Got Talent - An Inspiration to Us All

2009-04-15T23:09:43-04:00

Susan Boyle, the Scottish overnight sensation on Britain's Got Talent truly brought me to tears this morning. She inspires all of us to never give up on our dreams and to forget those that say we are not worthy. Susan did not seem a prime candidate for this talent show, but I am pleased to say that she proved them all wrong. Please enjoy this inspirational story.

Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent
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