Behind The Scenes: The Cass Clutch Video

For the past year [or so] I've been working on designing a handbag:  The Cass Clutch.  Having no experience in the leather industry, in sewing nor in fashion, I challenged myself to learn what I needed to learn and then some.  Working with Sven Design, a Berkeley leather studio, I had several prototypes made before settling on the final materials and design for the bag.  Vintage inspired, the Cass Clutch resonates with both modern and classic sensibilities.  Two weeks ago,  we filmed a lifestyle video for Kickstarter showcasing the bag in its many uses.  It was featured as a clutch worn under the arm, as a fashionable tote and as a stylish briefcase carrying a laptop, a clipboard and a business folder in addition to other everyday essentials.  As its release nears, I'm realizing just how much I've enjoyed the "process" of getting to know the product, all the talented people involved and the many marketing strategies for building a brand.  From scouting film locations, securing a picture car and a video team, to picking a model (and styling both the model and the home), it has all been super exciting!  I couldn't have done it without the help of all of these generous people:  NR & AR who let us use their home,  Beverly Jane Peatross, who showcased the Cass Clutch so beautifully, Noisy Savage (the accomplished men behind the cameras), Skip Z. for trusting us with his 1969 Lincoln Convertible, Jennifer from Good, Unlimited for script support and Sven Design for believing in me and masterfully guiding me along this voyage.  Many, many thanks to all of you!!   

I look forward to seeing this through!  

There are still a few things that need to fall into place before the Kickstarter campaign launches, so in the mean time be sure to follow and like Cass Clutch here and here and stay tuned for the website launch as well.  Any inquiries can be sent to info@thecassclutch.com

Thank you, and for now, enjoy some behind the scenes images from the Cass Clutch video shoot: 

Photo:  Jayson Carpenter 

Botanical Inspiration: Plants And People

Lately I've been drawn to images of people and plants together.  Of course, seeing botanicals in their environment is always inspiring, but seeing them used as props is actually delightful.  Here's a collection of my favorites so far.  Whether just for fun or for marketing purposes, utilizing leaves to style a photo can add both interest and intrigue.  Next time you're looking for a whimsical photo with friends or need an interesting set detail grab a palm frond or an interesting bloom and snap away. For more of my favorite botanical images follow my Pinterest board here. 

Images: 1./2./3./4./5./6.

At Home: Bathroom Inspiration

At home, we're gearing up for not one, but two bathroom renovations.  Built in 1953, our mid-century home reflects that period well, but it also requires modern day updates.  Two of our back to back bathrooms are a good example.  My initial inclination was to take these adjoining rooms and turn them into one luxurious bath area.  However, after living in the house for a few years, I realized how convenient and practical it was to have two separate ones.  Based on the images on this pinboard, I created a room inspiration that pays homage to the original design while incorporating modern amenities and details that tie into the rest of our house.  Since the bathrooms are adjacent to one another (and because I'm completely OCD),  I'm going to have them mirror one another.  Here are some of the details I have in mind thus far:  

1.  Wall mounted vanities similar to what's currently in place (minus the laminate counter and yellow sink.  Ugh).

2.  Brass fixtures and Silestone counters to tie into our recent kitchen renovation.

3.  For the accent wall:  a patterned tile from Fireclay Tile in Old Cairo.

4.  Remaining tile:   Fireclay tile in Peabody (which matches our existing concrete flooring perfectly).

5.  And of course, leave enough room for an oversized potted plant in each bathroom.    

 Follow along to see how these rooms materialize.

Botanical Inspiration: False Aralia

For this week's Botanical Inspiration I'm introducing the elegant False Aralia plant.  Its jagged edge foliage sprouts in a coppery color, then turns to a  deep, dark green as it matures.  Although the leaves resemble those of a marijuana plant I assure you, the two are not related.  Placed in a brightly lit spot without direct sun light (since this would burn the delicate leaf edges) and with regular watering, the False Aralia will flourish and grow into a large houseplant with several woody stems.  What I like best about this plant is its delicate leaf formation.  Especially when clustered with broad leaf plants, such as the snake plant, it will lend contrast and softness to a botanical grouping.  Take a look:

Remember, plants add life to any space.  I will be happy to suggest the right ones for your home.  

Update On An "Out And About" of January 9, 2014

Two years ago, while shopping for clients at the SF Flower Mart, I stumbled upon Farmgirl Flowers.  The booth immediately caught my eye since it was abuzz with creative floral energy.   Botanical arrangements were being arranged with locally grown materials to be delivered throughout San Francisco via bicycle.  With my trusty camera in hand, I began capturing the moment and interviewing the owner of this unique operation, and, of course, I had to blog about it.  

Just this past Sunday, Farmgirl Flowers was featured in the New York Times Business section.  What an amazing accomplishment!  The founder and owner, Christine Stembel had a vision of supporting local farmers by selling seasonally inspired bouquets while keeping prices affordable.  Is is so rewarding to witness a fellow entrepreneur get the recognition and attention she so richly deserves.  Here's to ingenuity and perseverance!!!