PIFA: Blogger Photo Shoot

Me leading the pack with my IPhone.

Last Friday I attended a fun event - the PIFA bloggers photo shoot.  To promote the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA), bloggers were treated to a private media tour around the city of Philadelphia, and took some pics in front of the city's most beloved sites.  The day was a fantastic way to get revved up for PIFA and the start of the festival on April 7th.


PIFA bloggers under the 81-foot Eiffel Tower.

One of my favorite sites was a brand new installation at the Kimmel Center featuring an 81-foot, light-filled model of the Eiffel Tower.  It was pretty amazing to see in person, and starting on April 8th, visitors to the Kimmel Center will be able to enjoy free wine tastings and nightly performances under the Eiffel Tower throughout the week.


Yo Adrian!  You can't tour Philly and not take a pic in front of the Rocky Statue.

They'll also be giving French lessons from April 11th-28th every night at 5:00pm.  I am definitely going to go and practice my limited French.  I really need to learn some new phrases for the next time I visit Paris.


The final photo of the day on a Philadelphia trolley.

The whole event should be as fun and electrifying as last week's photo shoot.  Check out more info about PIFA at PIFA.org, and on the Twitter and Facebook page.  And you can see more photos from the shoot on the AphroChic Facebook page.

Enjoy!

{Photographer: George Widman Photography LLC.  This is post is brought to you with the support of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts}

Elizabeth Gordon Studio

I credit Twitter for introducing me to the work of so many interior designers I would not have connected with otherwise.  Recently I learned about the Elizabeth Gordon Studio on Twitter. One visit to the website, and I fell completely in love with the design portfolio.  A mixture of fine finishes, an injection of ethnic style, and some of the most amazing ceilings I have ever seen definitely grabbed my attention.

This LA Design Studio is all about mixing luxury and comfort in one eclectic vision.  

After reading about Elizabeth I wasn't surprised to find out that she had worked for six years with Kelly Wearstler Interior Design.  While Elizabeth definitely has her own unique style, the glamour that's associated with Kelly Wearstler surely shines through in her work.

Take a look at the Elizabeth Gordon Studio and be inspired.  

{Images: Elizabeth Gordon Studio}  

Original Art: Helping Japan

Japan Relief

The tragedy in Japan still weighs heavily on my mind, as I'm sure it does for many of you.  A few days ago my husband and I were watching the news and heard about the story of a brave young woman, 24 and recently married, who stayed at her emergency post while the tsunami was headed towards her town.  She did not leave her post, and instead conducted the emergency alert system saving thousands of lives.  I could not stop crying as they took her parents to her post to view the aftermath.  It looked as if a bomb had hit the building.  It was amazing to think that this young woman, who was likely sitting there watching the wave approach, did not move, but instead followed through with her duties until the very end when that wave very likely took her away.  The story of this one woman shook me to my core.  She was so young and brave, more brave than I could ever imagine being, and she sacrificed herself to save so many others.  Many in the town thanked her for her sacrifice, stating that if they had not heard her voice over the alert system they would not have sought higher ground.  So many in Japan acted heroically on March 11th, and now it is our turn as citizens of the world to do our part in acting to help those in need.  With aftershocks, and a growing nuclear crisis still facing the country, there are many ways that we can all get involved and help raise money for food, water, shelter and emergency aid.


Print 070/365

On Etsy there a number of incredible artists who are using their talents to raise money for Japan.  Many of these artists are donating 100% of the proceeds of sales to the Red Cross and other life-saving organizations.  These pieces are just a few of my favorites that speak to the need, the feeling of hopelessness and at the same time, the great feeling of hope for a nation that truly needs our help.


Sun Ray Girl


Hope and Peace Paper Crane


Help Japan

A purchase of just one piece of art can help so many.  Or donate directly to the Red Cross to help Japan.

PIFA: ?uestlove's New Spin On Old-School Paris

As the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) is set to begin next week, I am most excited about the performance by Philadelphia artist ?uestlove of The Roots.  Not only am I huge fan of his twitter feed (hands down the best tweets ever!), but I love his music.  ?uestlove will be mixing old-school Parisian compositions with modern instrumentation and hip-hop to form a one-of-a-kind piece, Philly-Paris Lockdown.  You can catch what is sure to be an amazing performance on:

April 17th
8:00PM
Verizon Hall
Kimmel Center for Performing Arts
Purchase Tickets

For more information on PIFA, visit both Twitter and Facebook.

{Image via Hustler of Culture.  This post is brought to you with the support of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts}

I'll Be Speaking At High Point Market!

I am so excited!  Next week I will be attending High Point Market in North Carolina.  I have never been before and have heard it's an amazing event.  I also have the honor of participating as a tutor for the April 5th event, Marketing Yourself by Design, co-sponsored by ASID and The Editor At Large.  If you're coming to High Point, I hope to see you at the event!  Here is a description:

An in-depth experience with a panel of experts will provide pointers and tips for marketing yourself online through blogging, email outreach, social media, and more. Panelists include Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan, Apartment Therapy; Michelle Adams, Lonny; Brian Patrick Flynn, Décor Demon; and Margot Austin, Style at Home.

Following the one-hour presentation, sign up for 15-minute intensive tutoring sessions that put you one-on-one with nationally acclaimed bloggers and online gurus: Tobi Fairley, Tobi Fairley Blog; Jeanine Hays, AphroChic; Marisa Marcantonio, StyleBeat; and Brian Patrick Flynn, Décor Demon.

The presentation is open to all, but tutoring sessions are limited and open on a first-come-first-served basis.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Panel takes place 12:00 p.m. Noon.
Tutorials take place 1:00-2:30 p.m.

100 High Restaurant, Showplace West

Kelly + Olive: Ideas You Should Steal

I was so happy to participate in an effort by Lauren Paradise and Courtney Davis from one of my favorite design blogs, Kelly + Olive.  A couple of months ago I received an email from them about their latest project, an effort to raise funds for Dwell with Dignity.  The idea was to feature fun home projects from 17 home, craft and lifestyle bloggers, and place them all in one totally cool e-book that's available to all of you!  For just $1, you can get tips on how to make an end table out of a suitcase, create your own rug, and style the perfect pillowscape on your sofa (that one's from me).



To check out my tips on styling pillows in seven easy steps, and more fun activities from some of your favorite bloggers, including Kirsten from Simply Grove, Sherry and John from Young House Love, and Anne from The City Sage, download your copy at Kelly + Olive.  100% of the proceeds will go to Dwell with Dignity and will help to create beautiful homes for families in need.

As the weekend approaches I also wanted to let you know about some other places you can find me on the blogosphere:
- Check out my skype chat with Torrey McGraw from Grind & Thrive.  It's all about my journey from attorney to blogger to designer.
- I also had A SMALL CHAT with Rebecca Orlov from Loving.Living.Small this week.  It was all about small space design and bringing in lots of color and pattern.  Definitely check it out.

Enjoy and have a great weekend everyone!

Elle Decor Goes International

Artist's home in Beirut

Have you seen the April issue of Elle Decor?  It just hit newsstands last week and it is fabulous!  Elle Decor just keeps getting better and better (in my opinion), and this international issue does not disappoint.


Family friendly London abode

Featuring homes in Beirut, London, Brazil and Paris, these homes showcase the beauty of global style that has equal parts modern design and cultural appeal.


London Townhouse

I absolute love this around the globe tour.


Bahia, Brazil (love those sandals!)

Now, if only I could see these amazing spaces in person!

{Images: Elle Decor}

PIFA: From Bastille To Broad Street

Philadelphia City Hall

I absolutely love how the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) is connecting two of my favorite cities - Philadelphia and Paris.  Many may not know the connection that these two cities have with one another.  But as a Pennsylvania girl I grew up learning about Benjamin Franklin's many travels to the City of Light, and Thomas Jefferson's love for all things French.  And who could blame them?  There is something about France, and Paris in particular that is absolutely alluring.

Next month, PIFA will be presenting an interesting talk at the Athenaeum of Philadelphia that looks at the architectural links between France and Philadelphia.  I'm an absolute architecture buff and can't wait to sit in on this discussion and learn about all of the connections.  For instance, did you know that Philadelphia City Hall was constructed in Second French Empire style?  That's a photo of the building above.  I pass it daily, and the design never ceases to amaze me.

If you're in Philly, catch From the Bastille to Broad Street: The Influence of France on Philadelphia Architecture, April 7 - August 9, 2011 at the Athenaeum of Philadelphia.  

And you can find out about more PIFA events on Twitter and Facebook.

{Photo by Carol M. Highsmith.  This post is brought to you with the support of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts}

AphroChic in EBONY & Home Accents Today!

I had to share with you two bits of really great news!  AphroChic is featured in the April issue of EBONY Magazine, which is on newsstands now!  You can see our Boerum Hill pillow in the "Get The Look" section following the fantastic article on supermodel Veronica Webb's global-inspired home.



Check it out on page 119!



You can also find AphroChic's Brooklyn Life Indoor pillow featured in the March issue of Home Accents Today.  We are honored to be included in the premiere trade magazine that spotlights work in our industry.



Flip to page 17, and check out Tracy Bulla's "Shop Talk" feature that's all about pink!

Thanks to my incredible PR team at Ink PR for making this March super-exciting and to all of you who keep supporting AphroChic!

AphroChic Brooklyn Event!

Fabrica Store Window

Last week, I was in one of my favorite places - Brooklyn, New York - to celebrate the launch of our Brooklyn Renaissance Collection.  It was a beautiful pre-Spring gathering hosted by AphroChic, kat flower and Fabrica.  So many people from the Brooklyn design community came out to celebrate and enjoy a lovely evening in the city.  Here are few of my favorite photos from the event.  You can view more on the AphroChic Facebook page.


AphroChic Brooklyn Renaissance Pillows


AphroChic Fort Greene Placemat


AphroChic Reflection Wallpaper, Brooklyn Life Runner


AphroChic Silhouette Pillow


AphroChic The Beat Placemats


From Left: Kathleen Hyppolite, kat flower; Jeanine Hays, AphroChic


Demi Adeniran, Owner of Fabrica

I have to give a huge thank you to my incredible sister, Angela Hays, who styled the event.  Demi Adeniran, owner of Fabrica, the beautiful store that the event was held in.  Kathleen Hyppolite of kat flower, whose floral designs just lit up the space.  My dear friend Chante Lasco who stepped in as our photographer for the evening.  The owner of Scratch Bread in Brooklyn who provided amazing breads and homemade mozzarella that was just delicious!  And the amazing Samantha Hahn who brought our Brooklyn watercolors to life and created a special watercolor piece for the celebration.


by Samantha Hahn

We still have some limited edition prints from Samantha Hahn available for $30 each.  If you are interested in purchasing a signed, 8x10 print for your home, please email me at aphrochic{at}me.com.  There are only a few left, so hurry!

Images: Chante Lasco, Jami Saunders Photography, Samantha Hahn

PIFA: Angelique Kidjo

Mark your calendars.  On April 24th, Grammy award winner Angelique Kidjo will be performing at the Kimmel Center during the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts.  Born in Benin, West Africa, Angelique is an international songstress, blending music from her West African roots, R&B, soul and jazz to create original works.  It's should be an absolutely amazing performance as she sings with Hope: An Oratorio By Jonthan Leshnoff.  For more info on the concert, visit the Kimmel Center.

You can find out about more PIFA events on Twitter and Facebook.

Update March 21, 2011:  Sadly, Angelique Kidjo will not be performing at PIFA.  Sussan Deyhim will replace her as the alto vocalist for Hope: An Oratorio on April 24th.


{Image: Kidjo.com.  This post is brought to you with the support of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts} 

Meet Marcia Prentice at The Foundary

One of my favorite people, interior designer Marcia Prentice, is hosting a curated sale on The Foundary next week.  She'll be showing off her favorite designs, styles, and chic items that will be the perfect fit for your home this Spring.  The best news - AphroChic pillows will be on sale as part of Marcia's curated event!



Check out this cute video for the sale that includes our Reflection Pillow (Marcia is lounging on it in the photo above!).



And visit The Foundary blog for an interview on what inspires Marcia as a designer.  The Foundary event begins Monday, March 21st at 10am CT.  You won't want to miss it!

{Images furnished by Marcia Prentice}

Original Art: Katie Evans

Katie Evans creates quirky illustrations that are absolutely adorable.  Katie, a graphic designer for Kate Spade New York, has a growing portfolio of work that is popping up in some really cool places.  You may remember the print above from the inaugural issue of Matchbook Magazine.



I love Katie's light-hearted and fun illustrations.  They are sure to bring a smile to your face.



She also has her own line of hand drawn stationery that's sold in her etsy shop, Hello Hello Design.



Check out Katie's shop and her portfolio which highlights some of the wonderful work she's done for Kate Spade.

Enjoy!

{Images: Hello Hello Design}

Reynaldo Gonzalez's French Quarter 'Pied-a-terre'

New Orleans designer Reynaldo Gonzalez has restored an 18th Century Creole townhouse, and completely modernized it using eco-friendly materials and work from local NOLA artisans.  The end result is a gorgeous abode that blends rustic and glamorous elements seamlessly.



I love the mix of rich finishes.  Glass, wood and high gloss pieces make the space feel rich and luxurious.



A bedroom in soft lavender feels warm and cozy.



And the bold wallpaper print in the dining room adds a cool pop of pattern and color.

View more of Reynaldo's portfolio right here.

{Images: Reynaldo Gonzalez}

New Shop In Town: Mustard Seed Collective

One of my favorite bloggers, Adrienne from Mustard Seed Collective, has launched a brand new etsy shop!  This blogger has gone from posting about great design, to designing her own collection of note cards and announcements.



Featuring original designs printed on recycled paper, these notes cards are absolutely lovely and would be great to send a special note or even frame for a little wall art.



You can peruse all of Adrienne's designs right here.  I hope you love it as much as I do!