Tranquil escape

I have long been a fan of Terrain and hadn't even had the full experience. I long ago lived near their Glen Mills, PA location except I'm pretty sure it didn't exist when I was there and if it had my interests were elsewhere at the time. Luckily for me they opened a Westport, CT location not too long ago and I finally made my way there a few weeks ago. It was the worth the wait. I can't wait to go back and urge you to check it out for yourself. It's a gardener/flower lovers paradise. And even if you are not too much into either of those things you will be sure to find something you do love. Of course the peeps behind Anthropologie are behind this little gem too. Take a ride if you're not too far...and have a little lunch at the cafe. enjoy!

Planting Fields Arboretum

I have my friend Kat to thank for letting me know about the amazing camellias at The Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay, NY. After seeing her Instagram pics I had to check it out. So a couple of weekends ago on a sunny Sunday my little man and I made our way over to Planting Fields.

I have to be honest that the main greenhouse was a little underwhelming but the camellia house made up for it. 

You have through the end of March to check it out so take a ride out to Long Island and see for yourself. I'm sure I missed some things, but when dealing with a 3 year old you have to take in what you can as fast as you can. I plan to go back again as the spring approaches because of course my arborist brother was not too happy that I made that visit without him, it's kind of our thing, runs in the blood I guess.

 One part of the main greenhouse I did love were these tilandsia, "air plants".

 

 But the camellias, these were the little ladies that just could blow your mind. So perfect.

He approved too, just taking it all in. Patient little guy I must say, guess we will wait and see if it runs through his blood as well.

Nightingale Bamford Gala Event at The Metropolitan Pavilion

I'm thrilled to share some professional images from the gala event last week benefiting The Nightingale Bamford School. It was a fabulous event to work on and I was so pleased with the final result. This was definitely a collaborative effort between my clients and I. After our initial discussions I created a sample of the centerpiece which we reworked a couple of times to get the perfect balance of texture and whimsy. It was a formal event but the goal was to have the light and spirit of the girls who attend the school to shine through in the design. "Growing Every Girl" was the theme of the event but we didn't want to be too literal in our interpretation.

A few visits to the flowers market was all it took to chose elements that were unique and textural while at the same time allowing for movement in the design for the entrance. We intentionally used many layers in the design yet maintaining a simplicity in the use of clear glass vases and Lucite pedestals. I love how all the elements play a key part in the design yet blend seamlessly together to create a really striking composition. But enough talking....I will let the images speak for themselves.

 

Big thanks to Jess of Love & Light Photographs for making a special trip just to shoot these images for me. You can contact her at {loveandlightphotographs@gmail.com}

Feature in Well Wed Hamptons

Thrilled to get an email from the ladies over at Well Wed magazine letting me know that our inspiration shoot from the City Winery was included in the latest issue. I was so busy prepping for the event last week that I wasn't able to share. 

You can check it out here or better yet, pick up a copy of the current issue.

 

See more from the inspiration shoot here.

Gratitude

I've been in this business for almost 12 years now. That means a few things. I'm a little unsure of where all the time has gone. I'm super proud of what I've accomplished in the past 5 years building Blade. And lastly and perhaps most importantly I've had the chance to meet some pretty amazing people within my own industry.

Owning your business poses some challenges every now and then and I've talked about them before. However when you quite literally fall to the ground with back spasms the morning of a huge job your business and everything you must do flashes before your eyes.

When the dizziness settles you realize, it's ok, I've got this. I've got some kick ass people in my corner. Talented designers who can pick up where you fall short, interpreting your design when you can't. They may have their own personal style, own point of view but this day they bring yours to life.

These peeps know who they are and I can't thank them enough for bringing it all to life on a day that I could not.

When I say they had my back, I mean it.

Much love to my crew.

"Baubles & Blooms" with Vicolo Mio

You are going to be sorry your missed it once you see the goodies Doreen from Vicolo Mio showcased at the "Baubles & Blooms" event last week. As if these beauties needed any help from me {they are beyond gorgeous} it was fun to add a few touches here and there to up the pretty factor just a bit.

 See that little turquoise/blue necklace in the upper right picture...yup, it came home with me along with a few others.

 There were pastel and bright hues for Spring...

 ...Emerald green took a front seat as Pantone's color of the year.

 Beachy and nautical themes for the summer.

 And one of my favorite looks, the neutral tones of browns, off white and mixed metals perfect for just about anytime of year.

If you see anything you must have, want to host your own party or to find out more about personal styling contact Vicolo Mio here.

Interested in learning more about Blade's styling services? 

Contact me directly:

anne@bladenyc.com