Out to Lunch

Re-cap from Amy's wedding

2011-03-08T18:51:00.001-08:00

MOG purse, MOB with her purse, and then M Kat at the hotel room... still sporting her Sara Lloyd purse!

Vogue- Austraila

2011-02-13T09:10:00.001-08:00

I wish I could dress like this... pictures shot by Nicole Bentley

Spring Studio Pictures

2011-02-07T17:04:00.000-08:00

Working for the online shop to debut in March!

Inspiration at its Best

2011-02-03T16:20:00.001-08:00

Laura and Kate of Bowerbird

Meet Amy

2011-01-31T18:39:00.000-08:00

Amy, one of my first friends at Georgia, met Michael Kane in one of our summer school classes before freshman year. When school started, Michael took Amy to the first football game. From that date on, there was no looking back. Now, six years later, Amy and Michael are getting married!

Together, Amy and I worked on the mother of the bride and mother of the groom clutches. With a little brainstorming...
and a look at the dresses...
We came up with two clutches!

Brooch Bouquet

2011-01-16T15:35:00.000-08:00

This weekend's mission: brooches. While it was too cold for the Chelsea flea market, I scanned the web. I found a gold mine of a site Fabulous Brooch, which did not make me feel too bad about missing out on the markets. While going crazy with google and brooches, I discovered the concept of bouquet brooches...

New Year-New Projects

2011-01-11T17:51:00.000-08:00

I am scheming seven bags for a possible new wedding! I can't tell you who the bride is, but I can tell you I love her style. The anonymous bride chose magnolias as her theme, so we are focusing on a green and white color scheme.

And a little bit of yellow and gold too...

Amongst the subtle golds, whites, and greens, she has one pop of color poppy...
This is what we have in the works...

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T11:19:00.000-08:00

Rock the Runway

2010-11-13T07:24:00.000-08:00

My sister Molly debuted her Senior Exit show last week. A senior at Alabama, Molly participated in Rock the Runway for her graduation credit. She was so nice to match my bags with all of her outfits-

Here is Molly with my parents-

The Cold Weather

2010-11-02T21:27:00.001-07:00

The weather change in New York reminds me of this old Kate Spade ad Campaign. Wondering what Kate is up to now? Click here

Button Spree

2010-11-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

On Friday afternoon I went on a button shopping spree after finding this shop- Tender Buttons.
And I had fun photographing my purchases...

Bubble Photos

2010-10-28T19:45:00.000-07:00

West Village Apartment

2010-10-27T16:37:00.000-07:00

Last night One Kings Lane featured Tori Mellott for their Taste Maker's tag sale. This sale reminded me of how much I loved her West Village Apartment, featured in Domino a few years back. The use of a small space and great design work is amazing!

Final Photos

2010-10-22T09:12:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to say the final photos from the bubble shoot are finished! Lauren and I are working hard to get this new website up and running. Here is a preview of our bubble collection photos and a photo of our Photographer Zach Hyman.

Tara's Office

2010-10-10T10:09:00.001-07:00

My bedroom/studio/office space looks absolutley crazy trying to get my new website up. One day I hope to have my own office space, and this is exactly how I want it to look. To bad my office is my bedroom... This is Tara Gerrrard's Charleston office which was published in this month's Traditional Home.

Behind the Scenes

2010-10-10T09:36:00.000-07:00

I am updating my website, so clients can purchase purses off the site. I am also adding new aspects like my blog. While updating these things, I thought to update the photography too. To do this, I hired Zach Hyman to help. This weekend Zach, Lauren, and I orchestrated a photo shoot filled with bubbles. Here are some behind the scenes photos. The final images will come later this month!

mimosas to celebrate!

Spotted

2010-09-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

This picture found itself on brides.com this week! Click here to find the post on their blog Aisle Say.

Also, this clutch was spotted in Vermont- worn by Lee Maynard

It is official...

2010-09-27T21:09:00.001-07:00

I am creating a new website with the help of Zach Hyman and Lauren Rayner. Zach is my new photographer, and Lauren is my web designer and stylist. We are having a photo shoot soon with these three models- Miranda, Chloe, and Grace. I can't wait!
Grace is my great Sara Lloyd model coming back for the second year in a row!

#1 Inspiration

2010-09-21T04:59:00.000-07:00

Kate and Andy Spade

Remember Dane?

2010-09-19T12:15:00.000-07:00

This has post has taken my absolutely FOREVER, but remember Dane?

Anna's boyfriend-
Anna asked me to decorate his room. She requested neutrals and something to cover up his carpet. I am not used to decorating a guy's bedroom, so this took me a little longer than usual. It was a lot of fun though, finding new resources I am not familiar with. Dane recently bought his house in Charlotte, so we have more room to work with. We can purchase "investment pieces."

Two inspiration shots I found:

A few of thoughts...

1) A headboard:

Sundance

2) Bedding

pottery barn

3) Bench to create a seating area at the end of his bed

Wisteria

Surrounded by two of these chairs

Wisteria

4)Wisteria is one of my most favorite sources, so I also found this rug
I consider wallpaper an investement. Before covering your walls with expensive paper, you need to make sure you will stay stay there for a while. I found this room by Steven Gambrel and thought it would be a great idea to cover Dane's bathroom with maps!

Meredith Jollay Roberts

2010-09-19T08:09:00.000-07:00

Remember the wedding purse I did for Meredith? I used the flowers from her mother's veil to create a special purse fit for a bride. Meredith sent me a picture of the final turn out. Here is the professional shot by Vue Photography:

Good-Bye

2010-08-30T06:58:00.001-07:00

To Amagansett...
and outdoor dining...

pink wallpaper

Rinne Allen via Beauty EveryDay

Shelter

Little Blue Deer

Meet Anna Henderson

2010-08-29T18:01:00.000-07:00

After helping Laura with her bedroom, I am on to Anna's living room. Anna recently moved from New York to Charlotte, so she now has space for a living room.

Her only request is her chocolate brown sofa from Pottery Barn-

Here are a few inspiration shots for my color scheme: chocolate brown, aqua, cream, and sage:
What I am thinking:

1) To paint the ceiling in this Benjamin Moore color-

(it looks more aqua in person)

for example...
2) Then to keep the aqua theme for window treatments-

curtains from Pine Cone Hill

3) Two Upholstered Chairs from Ballard to sit directly across Anna's sofa-
4) Accent pillows for the sofa and chairs (all from Hable Construction)-

brown and white for the white chairs

sage and cream pillows for the chocolate sofa

5) I had a hard time choosing between the area rugs from Ballard, so I am leaving it up to Anna-

6) A clear coffee table for a simple effect from CB2-

He does not know it yet, but next up... Anna's boyfriend Dane and his new bedroom-

Laura's Bedroom

2010-08-25T12:21:00.000-07:00

Meet Laura:
My good friend who needs a little help with her bedroom. This is her only request-

a mirrored dresser from PB.

So, I looked through my inspiration folder, and I though of this room for Laura. Published by Traditional Home-

Very chic and clean with a few pops of color- just how I think of Laura. I pulled together my easily accessible sources in NYC and came up with this plan:

1) A Classic Headboard- to center the room and use with her mirrored table

headboard online at Wisteria

2) A Rug... it is now time to bring in a little color. I might be pushing it with the purple, but Madeline Weinrib has a great selection of carpets. This one comes is a few different colors.

carpet from Madeline Weinrib

3) Curtains- I want to keep the fresh white color palette

Muted Gleam Curtains from Anthropologie

I would put them on this rod...

Eterne Curtain Rod in Pewter

and use these knobs to pull in a turquoise accent-

Melon Finials

5) Bedding- keeping the fresh white look, simple bedding from West Elm. It is also organic to keep Laura green!

Organic Matelasse Duvet Cover and Shams

6) Pillows- these pillows will go on her bed to bring in and add color. Two of the large turquoise pillows behind with the black and white in front

West Elm

Jonathan Adler

** After Laura receives her huge bonus this year... a few extras come into play

1) Waves of Ruffles shower curtain

2) A Vanity- Vintage Chic Furniture via Etsy... you always share a bathroom in New York so a vanity is a key to getting ready

3) A painting from Katherine McClure (pulls a little more turquoise into the room)

Look who has a blog...

2010-08-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

Tibi

Roberta Freymann

2010-08-23T08:26:00.000-07:00

Recently, I revealed my goal in life to my sister: walking into the J Crew store and being able to buy one of everything in my size. I can see myself wearing anything Jenna Lyons chooses! Last week... I decided to add another store to my dream. I discovered Roberta Freymann on the Upper East side. If you wrap my whole personality and style into one store.. this is it!

The Upper East Side Store:

East Hampton Store:

Seeds and Fruit

Ironically, Olivia Palermo designed a few jewelry pieces for Roberta. She also is the face for Tibi's store opening in Japan... I think we have similar taste.

I also love her latest ad campaign:

first two photos of Olivia and ad campaign from Habitually Chic

Alternative Choices

2010-08-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

Remember my post about headboards? I still have not found one. I am brainstorming alternative ideas because of cost and practicality. I am trying to not collect too much furniture while I live in NYC. Right now I am thinking screens...

Shelter

Bellissimo and Bella

Another option are decals from Janey Mac's Etsy shop. The jury is still out... I am not sure how I feel about them.

Sweet Competition

2010-08-16T07:24:00.000-07:00

I hate to post about competition... but I just came across these bags from Mar Y Sol and I love them! All of the pictues I got from their site

Ballerina Skirts

2010-08-12T12:09:00.000-07:00

imageamplified.com

I have always wanted to own a Ballerina Skirt, and I found my chance. Kristin Klonoski created a ready-to-wear line, Astrophel + Stella, after working at TIBI for many years. Kristin is originally from St. Simons, and she is the reason for my first ever attendance at a Fashion Show in Bryant Square Park. Here is her version of a ballerina skirt- the lindsey dress:

More ballerina skirts:

Blog Thank You!

2010-08-11T19:27:00.000-07:00

I have a blog thank you to my good friend Maggie Griffin. Maggie and I worked together at Heery's Too in Athens, and she started the idea of making my bags as bridesmaid's gifts. She has two great blogs Gainesville Griffins and Bellissimo and Bella. In her post on weddings she included this great shot-

Zach Hyman Photography

2010-08-10T10:02:00.000-07:00

photo from Zach Hyman Photography

Last night Lauren Rayner, my graphic designer, and I worked on launching a new website for the Holiday season. We are brainstorming new photography ideas. I love the idea of using my bag's vibrant colors against muggy bleak city scenes. Lauren introduced to me to the work of Zach Hyman. I can not get enough of his creative/fashion work! Take a look at his webiste here.

Garden and Gunn

2010-08-09T07:34:00.000-07:00

As you know from an earlier post, I love Haskell Harris's Garden and Gunn blog Belle Decor. That is why I was so excited to see Haskell post about my friend Tracey's beach house. I love how Haskell describes herself as "wanting a House with soul, a house that's seen things come to pass." Here is Tracey's house in Eastern North Carolina:

photo taken by Haskell Harris

Tracey's house reminds me of one of my favorite places on Long Island, Oak Island. My favorite place to receive an invite to. Oak Island, like no other, runs on a generator and is only accessible by boat. A board walk lines the entire Island, enclosing 40 historic beach homes. Each home has been on the Island for over 100 years. Here are a few photos I took from my recent trip:

I am back...

2010-08-03T17:07:00.000-07:00

I have taken a bit of a break on my blog. The summer has taken me away between traveling and my sister Molly living in NYC. Molly has interned for TIBI this summer. Speaking of... Amy Smilovic created a facebook site where she posts inspiration boards. I can't get enough of them!

all photos from TIBI Facebook

who wouldn't want to be Jenna Lyons?

2010-05-02T20:13:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered who Jenna is from J Crew's Jenna's picks? Well, that is Jenna Lyons, the Creative Director of J Crew. Jenna is someone who is walking in the dreams I wish to fulfill. First of all she has the most amazing closet I have ever seen. She also owns a brown stone and is the creative director from one of the most inspiring and talented clothing companies!

She starts the day in her amazing kitchen...

Then gets dressed in this closet...
Comes home to relax in her beautiful brownstone...
Can take a bath in here...
And spends every weekend in her amazing back yard...

The five images above are from Living Etc.

While not in her brownstone, she is at work in this office. Here inspiration board is amazing!

The two photos above are from the Huffington Post

Right now the current picks from Jenna are inspired by her Turks and Caicos trip. This jacket is calling my name with the bead work.

Image from J Crew

Latest Project

2010-04-25T12:57:00.000-07:00

Get Married.com interviewed me on the bridesmaid's gifts I make. In the article, I talked about my latest project. I created a clutch, for a bride, out of flowers from her mother's veil. I was very pleased how it turned out. Here are some pictures (sorry for the bad resolution, they were taken on my camera)!

3 Wishes...

2010-04-13T17:42:00.000-07:00

Here are three items I would love for the Fairy God Mother to bring to my apartment:

1) A collection of prints by Peggy Wolf-

All framed in these PB Gilt Frames-2) Three Soap Studioo screen printed pillows for my bar stools-
3) Last but not least, an Amanda Talley painting-

I personally think the artwork above will finish off the final details of my new apartment!

Spring is in the Air

2010-04-12T20:21:00.000-07:00

Oh so happy to see color!

AP Interiors

Melissa Rufty

Preperation for Easter

2010-03-29T07:46:00.001-07:00

This weekend I visited the TIBI store on Wooster in Soho. I had to get a preview of the Spring line. I am headed to St. Simons for Easter, and my favorite part is visiting the TIBI outlet. It is the best kept secret. The designer of TIBI, Amy Smilovic is originally from St. Simons, GA. Her mom runs the TIBI store there where all of the clothes are shipped out. After all of the TIBI clothes are put out in the department stores, Amy's mom sells them for a discount at the St. Simons shop. Here are some pics from the soho store. They are from a party TIBI had last Wednesday to benefit TRI.

I also wanted to share one of the rooms Amy designed at the Cloister-

image from The Love List

Blog Thank Yous!

2010-03-24T19:10:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to have hit two different blogs last week, Flower Magazine and Southern Femme. The first, Flower Magazine, started by Margot Shaw, is a quarterly magazine dedicated to floral design. The magazine's mission is to "enrich your life through the knowledge and beauty of flowers." I am featured on their blog by Abby Waller as a "Floral Fashion Friday/Flower Find." Here are a few pictures from the website I loved:

Secondly, Megan LaRussa featured me in her blog, Southern Femme. Megan left New York to pursue a fashion career in Alabama. After leaving a trend spotting company, she created her own trend blog from her home town Birmingham. This blog, Southern Femme, catorgizes itself as "an Alabama Girl with a love for fashion" who brings fashion advise down south. Megan did a spotlight on my clutches after meeting me out in NYC. Here is a picture of the trendsetter Megan LaRussa:

Rebecca Ward comes to Kate Spade

2010-03-10T19:28:00.001-08:00

Last night on my way to dinner club, I stopped by to see Rebecca Ward's tape installation in Kate Spade's Broome street store. It was amazing! Of course so colorful and bright like everything Kate Spade, Ward's work complemented the Broome Boutique and made me jump towards Spring. Here are a few pictures from the opening party:

pictures from: the owls are not what they seem

Facebook Pages

2010-03-07T13:52:00.001-08:00

This week facebook-page requests have flooded my inbox. It is so fun to see lots and lots of my friends creating their own creative companies, from fashion to interiors. Here are a few I have joined this week:

Stiles by Liles- Liles Hill Thompson
Liles is a personal stylist in Atlanta, GA. She can fulfill any of your shopping needs!

Maggie Grace Design- One of my friends in New York, Maggie Drake moved home to Baton Rouge to create her own jewelry company.

LK Clothing- I have posted about Kathryn before, one of my friends from Fabric Design, just introduced her spring line!

Margaux Interiors Ltd- Clary Bosbyshell has joined her mom to make a mother-daughter decorating team in Atlanta. The photos I included are from their recent press in Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles.

Even though Amy is not a personal friend of mine, I was still excited to get a request for her page, Tibi. Right now if you tell why you are the biggest TIBI fan, you have a chance to win a fashion illustration by Amy!

Headboard Crazy...

2010-02-25T19:58:00.000-08:00

At age 23 all I should "have to have" is new shoes, clothes, etc. But, a headboard climbs the top of my "have to have" list right now. Here are a few things I find very inspiring...

Real Living- Michelle Adams

Lonny Magazine

Pottery Barn

Design Sponge

Nestegg

Celerie Kemble

GetMarried.com

2010-02-24T19:06:00.000-08:00

I am so flattered to be featured on Get Married's website this week! I am featured as one of the editor's pics. The website used the above photo that Zeke Smith took at Holly's wedding. Get Married is a great resource out of Atlanta, for anyone planning a wedding!

Holly and Bo

2010-01-29T16:04:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to finally post Holly's wedding pictures. Holly and I studied abroad together in Cortona, Italy, and I was so flattered when she chose my purses for her bridesmaid's gifts. She used Zeke Smith as the photographer at her wedding, and he did an amazing job. Here are some of the pictures I can not get over!

Until then... see you later!

Satsi

2009-11-16T09:36:00.000-08:00

The other night I went so fortunate to go to dinner with Satsi and learn all about her dress line, Satsi. Here are some of her sketches I love!

Hello November

2009-11-02T19:00:00.000-08:00

I can't believe November is here, but I am ready for the excitement to start! My favorite time of the year, New York is slowly transitioning into the Holiday spirit and events from shopping sales to parties start. Too many things to look forward to... For one, the Tibi Sample Sale starts November 11 (i think everyone knows my obsession)
Next, the book signing for Nicki Hasslem will happen in our showroom this month! One of the most famous British Interior Designers, his clients are as impressive as Princess Diana. He recently came out with his new book, Redeeming Features.
Busily getting ready, Sara Lloyd Ltd. is debuting at a trunk show in Tusaloosa, AL, hosted by my sister. I decided to invest in new business cards for the show. I was so excited to find these from Pixiel Press on Etsy. Take a look at their site for great stationary and calling cards
I am also thinking of Holiday outfits while planning for the season to come... I have fallen in love with this Kate Spade top... maybe selling five purses at the trunk show will get it in my hands by the first Christmas party

Local Support

2009-10-22T20:37:00.000-07:00

A little late, I just received Summer in the South, the first magazine issue from the blog Beauty Everyday. Summer in the South, filled with inspirational photos, is a collaboration of Rebecca Wood, Rinne Allen, and Kristen Bach blog Beauty Everyday. The blog is based out of R Wood Studio, my favorite pottery and one of the most inspirational places to visit in Athens.

photo via Design Sponge

I love the color cominations R Wood uses. She has a great site where anyone can read about the studio and purchase the original artwork. Below are my favorite shots taken from the site. The photos I have included are all from R Wood's website, taken by Rinne Allen.

Studio Bon- New Obsession

2009-10-11T19:37:00.000-07:00

I am in love with this new line, Studio Bon. Just picked up by Schumacher, Bonnee Sharp has started her fabric line out of Texas, where the fabrics are screen printed. Bonee gives each fabric a fun, whimsical twist which makes the graphic designs inviting. I dream to have a buisness like this one day!
This image brings me back to my screen printing days in Fabric Design.

New Photos

2009-09-21T19:54:00.000-07:00

With a new website in the works, my friend Lauren Rayner and I constructed a photo shoot on Saturday. We put together a story line, taking place in Greenwich village. Here is a peak of what is to come...

Debut of Dowtown and Penny Morrison

2009-09-19T08:46:00.000-07:00

Wednesday night our showroom, Claremont, held a party to welcome Downtown Furniture out of LA and Penny Morrison to the team. The party was great! Penny's fabrics went over well. Her bohemian printed linens are perfect for the design market right now. It was also fun to have Robert Wilson, the ownder of Downtown, in town. Below are two of the pictures from the party. Robert covered his chairs in Penny's fabrics below.

Wall Art

2009-09-13T19:16:00.001-07:00

As my apartment is coming along, I am trying to find inspiration for a new painting for our living room. Right now I am LOVING Sharon Dowell's city-scape paintings. Here are a few from her website:
And... I can apply wallpaper! Here is our finished kitchen. The wallpaper is Adena Pin Ring from Adelphi. Steve at Adelphi was nice enough to lend extra paper from a previous project!

The Hills

2009-09-01T18:56:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture from Holly Hill's wedding. She had two great photographers, Genya and Wesleyann of Vue Photography. Take a look at their website for more great pictures!

Where I would like to live...

2009-08-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

Windsor Smith's LA Home (House Beautiful- September 2009)

Fashion inspiring Interior Design

2009-08-16T18:19:00.000-07:00

One day, I hope House Beautiful publishes a spread on my home, if the purse business takes off. These are part of my crazy dreams I pull together in my spare time! In the showroom, I like to put together schemes and make up a living room full of fabric I can not afford, just to prepare myself for my future house. My friends in the showroom think I am crazy! Because of my love for fashion and interior design, I love to see the insides of fashion designer's homes. Here I pulled together three of my favorite designers: Michelle Smith of Milly, Amy Smilovic of Tibi, and Kate Spade.

First Michelle Smith of Milly: (pictures from Elle Decor October 2007)
Amy Smilovic of Tibi: (pictures from Connecticut Cottages and Gardens)

Last but not least- Kate Spade: (pictures from The World of Interiors)

Kate Spade

2009-08-04T16:32:00.000-07:00

I still remember when I received my first Kate Spade bag. To this day, I still get excited about the upcoming seasons of Kate Spade. Privileged to intern for "Katie", I am obsessed and inspired by her philosophy and business skills. Her out take on her photo shoots and attention to detail amazes me. Here are shots for her fall clothing collection:

Below is by far my favorite outfit... I am saving for the fur coat!

Tracey and Laura

2009-08-02T18:58:00.000-07:00

My favorite models!

Weekend Project

2009-08-02T17:43:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak peak of my new apartment. This is the entry to our kitchen; the only part that is completed. I received a little bit of inspiration from the pictures that follow.
Inspiration-

Charlotte Moss- House Beautiful

Domino

Maximillian- New York Magazine

King Fly

2009-07-31T20:22:00.000-07:00

I just received an Facebook invite to join the King Fly group. Rachel Pepper, a fabric design grad like me, has started her own bag, hair clip, and bracelet line called King Fly. Her work is amazing and original! Look at the pictures below. I am in love with the photography too!

Contact Rachel at kingfly@artlover.com

Wedding Season

2009-07-27T19:05:00.001-07:00

After a little inspiration from the Bachelor tonight, I am writing a short post on weddings. In the process of making 18 bridesmaid's gifts, weddings are on my mind! I also designed a special purse above, for my college roommate Tracey. Nice enough to advertise, she wore the purse to a wedding in her hometown.

Todd's Event Design out of Dallas, plans beautiful weddings (from what I can see in his site). Cheers to Ashley and Jono, two of my good friends in New York, who recently got engaged. I found out about Todd's parties through Ashley, who decided to use Todd as her wedding planner. Here are great pics from his website:

Travis and Company

2009-07-06T20:03:00.000-07:00

While in Atlanta last month, I spent an afternoon at my Aunt's showroom Travis and Company. Aunt Ann introduced me to a great new line she just picked up, Of the Young and and the Restless. Started by two girls from the South East, Pearce Williams and Courtney Loadholt, they focus their line on prints from nature with contemporary style. Here are a few of my favorites from their collection-

www.designspongeonline.com

www.apartmenttherapy.com

I also obsessed over this painting my Aunt found in France. I need to find the name of the artist, but what a great, simple idea for fun, contemporary wall art.

More pictures from Ziabird...

2009-06-29T21:04:00.000-07:00

One of my old teacher's from college, Meghan Moser, lives in the Wilmington area. She stopped by to take a few pictures for me. Here they are...

Ziabird

2009-06-27T19:45:00.000-07:00

Moving on up, I now have four stores carrying Sara Lloyd handbags. The lucky fourth goes to Ziabird in Wilmington, NC. I am especially excited about Ziabird. This particular store carries hand made work from 30 artists around the country. I am flattered to be a part of the group. Here are a few pictures from the opening I missed...
If you are ever in the Wilmington area, stop by Lumina Station at 1900 Eastwood Road to take a look at Ziabird.

Michael Jackson

2009-06-27T09:38:00.000-07:00

Though Michael Jackson's death has nothing to do with a design blog, I do want to express my sympathy for the Jackson family and my love towards Michael. Ask any of my friends, I can perform the whole Thriller dance, and I have always been a huge fan. On that note, I want to share the album cover my grandfather did for the Jackson Five. I hope to inherit it one day!

LK Design

2009-06-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

I caught up with one of my good friends from Fabric Design Kathryn Adkins yesterday, and I came to find out she has started her own line, LK Design. Her and her sister have created this clothing line out of their apartment in Atlanta, and have shown at the Atlanta Merchandise Mart twice. I am so proud of her! She has been picked up by nine boutiques! Here are a few pictures from her collection:

All pictures are courtesy of Kathryn and found at this flickr website.

Chelsea Flea Market

2009-06-13T17:27:00.000-07:00

From the help of the Chelsea Flea Market, I have taken a new twist to my clutches!

My favorite vendor on 6th Ave...

Bedrooms

2009-05-18T20:21:00.000-07:00

In New York, the only room you have to decorate, at your own will, is your bedroom. Your bedroom serves as your living room, reading room, dinning space, etc. Here are a few images I found that I am loving right now:
Dream on but this image is fun- Anthropologie

Claremont

2009-05-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

I am so fortunate to work at the Claremont showroom in New York! At Claremont we carry our own line of fabrics, and other ones such as: Rosa Bernal, George Spencer, Nicholas Herbert, Simon Playle, and LeManach. At Claremont we cater to color. This includes our wide variety of cotton, silk, and various velvets. Last week I took home a few discontinued fabrics from our clean out! We are in the process of re-vamping the showroom. This is because, Dowtown, the LA based furniture line, is coming in. Here a few of my favorite fabrics....

Pictures of our showrooms....

Madeline Weinrib

2009-05-15T19:59:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite fabric designers, Madeline Weinrib, now designs handbags! I discovered Madeline's work in the ABC Home Store this summer. Her area on the top floor showcases rugs, pillows, and fabric. I immediately fell in love with her e-cots and bold graphic prints. This is why I was thrilled to find out about her new clutches, which made a debut in June’s issue of Elle Décor. All the images below are from Madeline's website.

"Tale of Toad Hall"

2009-05-13T20:30:00.000-07:00

June's issue of Architectural Digest just hit the stands! I am over excited to grab my copy this month. The reason for, my Uncle, Jack Davis, designed a house in this issue which reminds me of home. The house, a small cottage in Tennessee, tucks itself behind lots of land. I am from Georgia, not Tennessee. Even though, I still appreciate the quaint cottage style, lots of outdoor room, and a lakeside. Here are pictures from the article:

Elizabeth Bauer Design

2009-05-10T16:47:00.000-07:00

This weekend, while having friends in town, we shopped all over the West Village. Going through lots of familiar stores, I discovered a new one, Elizabeth Bauer Design. This great interior design store consumes itself with funky antiques and re-vamped vintage pieces. Everything from the walls to the carpet shines brightly. Elizabeth's eclectic taste and sense of color makes the perfect comination for her store. Here are a few photos I found from her website-

Elizabeth convinced me to buy Domestic Art by Papercity magazine. I am so excited! Lately, I am on a new tangent where I am collecting coffee table books. Elizabeth thought my new collection needed a book like Domestic Art to start it off. The book collaborates numerous spaces featured by Paper City. Here is a picture of the cover from Amazon-

Dream Spaces

2009-05-04T19:58:00.000-07:00

I know the Kips Bay Show-House appears on every design blog right now, but I have to share my excitement and love for Bunny William's room. Where I work, Claremont Fabrics, provides lots of fabric for Bunny William's interior design group. I had heard of Bunny's excellent taste for traditional homes, but I saw her finished work, for the first time at the Show-House. These pictures do not do the room justice, but the room amazed me. She did an amazing job of keeping the room traditional and adding a new flair. I dream to live in something like this one day! Pictures from House Beautiful-

Little Surprises

2009-04-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

image from Barnes and Noble

After working for Kate Spade, I learned the appreciation and thoughtfulness of a hand written note. Even though they are not hand written, one of my favorite aspects of a Kate Spade bag is the note inside, explaining how to care for the bag. The note is written on a kelly green card and put inside the perfect size envelope. I just love the touch! The Kate Spade fanatic that I am, I saved all of the cards I have received.

From this, I thought of the idea to leave a note in my bags, explaining their story. For example, where the fabric is from, where I found the buttons, and why the purse is so special. Today after work, I discovered a random paper and stationary store I could explore forever. Filled with envelopes, wrapping supplies, pens, and paper, I found the perfect note to put inside my bags. It is very basic, which lets me add my own design to the note card and envelope.

Here are other great stationary places:

Dabney Lee Stationery

The picture above is from their blog

Swoozies

These notes are so fun! They are very simple and get the point across! One day... when Sara Lloyd is as big as Kate Spade... I will have my own place cards made. For now, this is what I have designed from the random stationary store in the East Village.

Jack Davis

2009-04-26T18:31:00.000-07:00

My grandfather's experience as a cartoonist inspired and drove my move to New York. He once was in my shoes, moving here blindly. All though he hit a lot of closed doors, he has pursed a successful career for last 55 years. Making his break with MAD magazine, he successfully works as a free-lance Cartoonist. I am consider myself fortunate to have his drawings at the tip of my fingers. I asked him to create a cartoon for my bridesmaid orders, which is shown above. He wanted to play up the ugly bridesmaid scenario, but I made him keep the cartoon realistic. He drew the the image in black and white so I can fill in with color. I am so excited to start using this image for tags, my website, etc. Here are other drawings he has done for me...

Bella Bikinis

2009-04-25T20:34:00.001-07:00

As of next week, there will officially be three stores selling my bags! My clutches are venturing down to Statesboro, GA, to Bella Bikinis. I have never been to Statesboro, but I have found a niche there with girls using my bags as bridesmaid's gifts. Hence, this is how I have gotten in contact with Bella Bikinis. Bella Bikinis has a great selection of swimsuits, and they will fulfill all your summer wardrobe needs. The store is located at 721 South Main Street. Here is a preview of some of the spring bags arriving there this week...

Perch

2009-04-21T17:46:00.000-07:00

I love discovering new businesses that other old art students are creating. For instance, today I got asked to join the Facebook group Perch, LLC by Kathryn Byrne. Kathryn and I both graduated from the Lamar Dodd School of Art. I majored in Fabric Design, and she majored in Printing and Painting. Hence the print making skills, Kathryn has started a business Perch, making headbands out of handmade paper. Here are a few photos from her Facebook group:

Michelle Adams

2009-04-19T18:58:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite fabric designers, Michelle Adams, has come out with an organic bedding line. Michelle worked for Domino magazine straight out of college and a year and a half later, started her own fabric line, Rubie Green. Michelle's line is all organic fabrics. I have a special interest in Michelle because I absolutely love everything about her blog, and she was so helpful to me when I moved to New York. Michelle gave me lots of advise on how to find a job in our industry. Here are a few pictures from her website.

Pre-Easter Blues

2009-04-14T17:48:00.000-07:00

Not accustomed to a cold Spring in New York, my four day beach break over Easter weekend broke my winter blues. The great weather, bright colors, and seafood excited me for the months to come. To get ready, I made a few bright clutches with fabrics from my apartment. Here are pictures I took for my website, while in St. Simons.

Haskell Harris

2009-04-13T18:25:00.001-07:00

I just arrived home from a great weekend in DC, with my old college roommates. While catching up, drinking wine, and enjoying each other's company, my best friend Tracey introduced me to the blog Belle Decor for Garden and Gun Magazine. One of her family friends from home, Haskell Harris, has started working at a Garden and Gun, in Charleston, SC, after leaving Cottage Living. Her blog is amazing, informing readers about design from fabrics and interiors to architecture. I was most impressed by the house Haskell has redone in Birmingham, AL. She took on the cottage below as a side project, while working at Cottage Living in Birmingham. I am so intrigued and jealous of her opportunity to restore a full house. I would die to decorate and re-construct my own loft in New York... one day!

Spring Flowers are Blossoming...

2009-04-13T18:18:00.000-07:00

As everyone knows from my purses, I have a fetish for flowers. As I was going through my new spring magazines, I noticed funky flowers are in this season. Here are a few ads that caught my eye, and were torn out of my magazines immediately.

Fendi

Channel

Alexander McQueen

Tibi

2009-04-13T18:11:00.000-07:00

I finally attended fashion week and went to the Tibi show! I am a huge fan of Tibi, especially because the designer, Amy Smilovic, is from Georgia. Her fall 2009 line, inspired by the 80's, with bright colors and peacock prints, looked amazing on the runway. The make-up artist Makky, from Mac, said he based his make-up decisions on "a decade when optimism was king, and neon colors ruled." Here are my favorite pictures from the show. The picture are from WWD.

Village Photo Shoot

2009-04-13T18:05:00.001-07:00

Today could not have been more perfect. I ate breakfast outside in the West Village. The leaves were changing, people were shopping, kids were trick or treating, and there was not a cloud in the sky. After eating breakfast, my roommate and I decided we could not go home. Therefore, we went crazy taking pictures for my website, saralloyd.com.

This is my favorite shot! We found a great old bike chained to an iron fence on West 10th. The bright colors of the basket attracted me immediately.

"Living Large"

2009-04-13T17:58:00.001-07:00

Today at work I looked through the newest issue of Elle Decor and found a great article on Nanette Lepore called "Living Large." The article was written by Kathleen Hackett and does a great job showing Nanette's townhouse in the West Village. Its fun to see someone I am so inspired by living so close to me in the city! The house is decorated by Jonathan Adler, whose store is around the corner from my apartment! I love the quote from Nanette saying she decorated her house with "appreciation for the past, a passion for Hollywood glamour, and a lust for life." Here are images from the article, she fits into her home perfectly!

Mina Perhonen

2009-04-13T17:41:00.000-07:00

While in Japan this summer, I discovered a great designer Akira Minagawa and his amazing line Mina Perhonen. As a fabric design major I am drawn to his intricate fabrics and delicate embellishments. Here are a few examples...

I don't know if I could pull off this purse, but I LOVE the idea. Mina Perhonen reminds me of Kate Spade in his quirky designs. The Japanese girls looked so cute and chic carrying these bags around Kyoto! They come in all different colors for every season.
This by far is one of my favorite jackets. I just love the collar!

The Beginning

2009-04-13T17:31:00.000-07:00

Following design blogs is one of my favorite activities in New York. I love discovering new designers and reading about their latest adventures. I am fascinated with the number of design blogs and all they have to offer. I was a little hesitant, but I decided to go for it and create my own. Here I hope to share my inspiration and what fun things I find in the city. The picture above is from my room and a portion of my inspiration board. I hope you enjoy!