Event Series: Introduction - Let's Partay!

One thing that I love to do, is throw parties for close friends. I've thrown everything from intimate dinners for 6 to cocktail parties of 60. 

In the following blogs, I will showcase each party - themes, details, playlists, rentals and tips to customize that special party. These blogs are to inspire you so you can customize your own. Let the fun begin!

Cheers,

Charysse

I Dare You Not to say "Like"

I want to discuss how to give proper criticism for personal use and on the job. Whether it be giving your opinion on what pair of jeans you like better or giving your two cents on that TPS report in your office - these two points can help get your voice heard...properly.

Constructive Criticism
To give your opinion to someone (and make it count) you need to give constructive criticism. You need to explain why you like something, or why you don't. By doing this, it's not just a matter of yes or no, it's getting you to think and reason on the subject. Figuring out what you like is easier than what you don't like. Why? Because we know what we like. Sometimes it's hard to put your finger on why you don't like something, and it may take time, but there is a reason for it. 

Taking Yourself out of the Equation
So let's remember, everyone has different taste. So when someone is asking you "What do you think of these shoes?" don't think of yourself and your closet - think about the person and whether it suits them and their closet. In the workplace, it works the same way. It may not be the way you would do it, but what about the person asking. Would it work for them?

By using these tips in everyday life - whether it be  personal or work related - when you give proper criticism, you will get your voice heard.

Cheers,
Charysse

Some Like it...Timeless

I've fallen in love with this timeless photo of Tony Curtis. In my opinion, if I didn't know this was Tony Curtis, I would have thought this photo was taken last week at a hotel in New York. 

This photo really made me think - there is no reason for our personal style and our home decor to make us look out of date - ever. I'm sure we all had bad moments, especially throughout the 80's and 90's, that we would like to take back. But if we stick to earlier decades to influence our life (anything between the 1920's - the 1960's), we won't have this ever happen. Remember, there is a reason why Eames never goes out of style and why Chanel can be passed down to the next generation. Timeless.

Yes, Tony liked it hot most of the time - but let's be honest...he liked it timeless as well. 

Cheers,
Charysse

Photo: GQ.com - At London's Dorchester hotel, 1957.

Tasting for Inspiration

So we know music can influence what we design. What about what we eat and drink? Can you translate that amazing pan seared foie gras with figs - or that refreshing cucumber martini into a logo? Break it down into the following:


Colour: Just as colour can be seasonal - so is our food. So start with that. Food is always more delicious when we eat in season. Take note of how the colours start to change as the seasons change. 

Usually when you have a meal - it's not monochromatic. You might lose your appetite if you were served halibut with mashed potatoes and white asparagus. So take note of the colours that are served.


Texture: Everything we eat has a texture to it. Whatever your preference, whether that be oysters that slide down the throat or a melt in your mouth avocado salad - that could help dictate the structure of what we are designing. Take note of how your food feels as you are eating it, and try and translate that.


Presentation: Presentation is key. If we're at a 5 star restaurant with those smallish portion sizes - it usually looks very pretty, almost like a piece of art. If we hit the local pub and they serve their clam chowder with it dripping over the sides - both these types of presentations can make both seem even more delicious. As designing neat and tidy can be sophisticated - maybe we could try to be a little messy, it might turn out to be just as "Delicious."


Hopefully these steps can help you expand your horizon. Sometimes it's easy to get in a rut - So get out there, loosen that belt buckle, and get inspired!


Cheers,
Charysse

AUGUST 2010 PANTONE: 177C

Something that I have detested most of my life, I now love. 

Grapefruit. Once I had it in a fruit salad and it was so bitter I couldn't eat fruit salad for years! But this summer I thought I'd give it a second chance. Now I'm obsessed. Finding any reason and any occasion to use it. That's where this colour comes in. I started to use it in design. It's grapefruit inspired and a great neutral pink for summer. Check it out in your Pantone book.

Cheers,

Charysse

AUGUST 2010 FONT: Interstate

This font rocks for so many reasons. 

The lowercase letters have slanted tips at the top, making it unique. The uppercase letters are bold and great for block lettering. It can make quite the statement. This font is known for being extremely legible. It's based on the US Highway signage. Hence the legibility.  

Cheers,

Charysse