Happy Mother's Day

My Mom found this in the New York Times several years ago. (I don't remember the exact year or source, but it may have been part of an ad.) She had me transcribe it onto a piece of paper so that she could make copies and distribute it to friends and family members. Ever since, my brother, sister and I have received a copy - without fail - on Mother's Day.

Here's another version that I created. As you will note, the perspective has been altered a bit. I wonder... have you ever heard anything similar to the sentiments below?

I am, indeed, lucky to have a Mom that says all of these things... and more.

NOTE: I don't want my Mom to come across as some aloof airhead. She is anything but. I should have mentioned that my Mom is a very bright, intelligent and well-read woman. Some of her sayings above aren't always serious.

Renowned Artist Appearance @ Saks Fifth Avenue

One of my favorite American artists from my generation is Waddy Armstrong and these days, it appears as though I'm not alone. After all, it was his artwork that inspired the Saks Fifth Avenue 2009 Mother's Day Catalogue. (I mean, I feel like I know a celebrity.)


If you've seen any of Waddy's pieces, you will surely agree that they are both organic and modern in a most fashionable manner. He paints a botanical series using "hybridizing" - a term he coined to mean "the creation of visual elements from different plants and trees that are combined within a single composition." His works draw inspiration from the pure beauty of nature, but include a modern interpretation of what is real. It's natural - say - with a twist.

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Waddy grew up in San Antonio, but attended the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design in 1999. He's moved around a bit (his past includes a stint in New York), but returned to Texas to settle down a few years ago.

He and his family now call San Antonio home (again), but Waddy is anything but "settled down." In addition to meeting the demands of various galleries, art shows and individual collectors across the country, he's also drummed up a steady corporate following. The new Hyatt Hotel in downtown San Antonio is one of many businesses lucky enough to have some of his paintings.

As a friend (and a fan), I can tell you that Waddy is not only a seriously talented artist, but also an incredibly nice guy. Don't you love seeing friends and acquaintances enjoy such great success in their lives? I sure do. (Well done, friend.)

Waddy will make a special appearance today (May 9) at Saks Fifth Avenue in San Antonio. Join the celebration from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. (If you are lucky, maybe he'll even give you an autograph.)

More Mother's Day, Final

It is Thursday today, so you've only got a couple more days before Mother's Day is here. I've already purchased my Mom and Godmother their gifts, but they are coming from across the Big Pond (the UK) and they haven't arrived yet. I'm not exactly thrilled about their delayed arrival, but I can't do too much about it either. I thought I'd share this simply because perhaps my anxiety might motivate all of you who wait until the last minute to go ahead and get something together.

As you continue to ponder the perfect gift, my final category of gift suggestions are inspired by the "Queen Bees." While I believe that there are many mothers out there who deserve to be treated like Queens - especially on Mother's Day - let's not confuse these suggestions with that notion. In this instance, the term "queen" is used to describe those mothers who love luxurious goods. "Luxury" can be defined in a few different ways, but this list is for the Mother's that have - well - slightly more expensive taste. (It's always nice to dream...)

Enjoy!

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1. Pineda Covalin@sloan/hall; 2. VSA necklace@Galeana;
3. original artwork by Waddy Armstrong;
4. lipstick@vivre; 5. paper tiara@A+R; 6. DVR blouse@net-a-porter;
7. chocolates@shopping.com; 8. wallet@Louis Vuitton; 9. bracelet@eluxury;
10. throw@Leontine Linens; 11. heels@Neiman-Marcus

More Mother's Day, Part 2

The Craftster

I love to create. My mind is constantly aflutter with new ideas of what I could make or manufacture. It's easy for me to imagine myself as a modern day superhero-type craftster. "Faster than a sewing machine! Handier than a glue gun! Able to create beautiful ball gowns with a single stitch!" (I'd definitely have a pink cape.)

To all the creative, crafty Moms out there, these are great gift suggestions of projects she can do, things you can make for her, or adventures you can both partake in together!

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And because many of them won't be immediately recognizable, I thought I'd explain each entry with a few more details than the earlier posts:

1. A homemade paper bouquet is cute and kitschy. Besides never wilting, one of the best things about this arrangement is that it comes in a kit. All of the materials are packaged together and there are specific directions for how to assemble it.
2. A picture book is a great thing for everyone to enjoy. I'm a diehard Mac user, so I'd use iPhoto to create one, but there are plenty of other services out there that can do it as well. (Try Snapfish, Shutterfly or Kodak.)
3. The craft revolution is upon us and this is, perhaps, most evident in the rise in popularity in activities such as knitting and crocheting. Why not knit your mom a scarf? Or have her knit one for you? Again, this neck warmer project from Wool and the Gang comes in a kit so it's all there for you to do or to give.
   
4. Amy Butler is an artist who lives in Granville, Ohio (also home to my alma mater, Denison University, by the way). She's created a hugely successful business with her sewing and textiles. Why not toss Mom a pillow or two from Amy Butler? Perfectly posh for the front porch swing.
5. Sublime Stiching was started by (almost local) Austinite, Jenny Hart. Inspired by her mother's creations, she began making easy to follow embroidery patterns - perfect for even the beginner stitcher. Embroid a cute scene on a handerchief or pillowcase and Mom is sure to cherish it forever.
6. For the novice sewer, Singer has created a darling purple sewing machine. It's a beginner's dream as it's loaded only with the essentials. A Mother's Day arrival will ensure enough time for a go at this year's Halloween costumes.
7. Why not give Mom a craft class? There are lots of local shops that offer a number of classes in different mediums. If you are in San Antonio, try the Southwest School of Art and Craft or Tres Rebecas (call 210.224. 5733 for more information).
8. "Handmade Hellos" is a fun book. Written by the two sisters and designers who own Hello! Lucky letterpress, they've compiled 25 craft ideas from various paper artists. Why not try your hand at creating a card for your Mom?

The Sugar Mama

Sugar usually gets such a bad rap, but an indulgent treat every once in a while isn't bad. There are so many sugary delights to chose from out there, so why not marry them with an fun gadget or accessory? It makes me want to have an old-fashioned tea party. "Coffee or tea? One lump or two?"

Check out my fun selections for the Sugar Mama:

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1. sugar roses; 2. double-thermal cups; 3. cookies@Lily's Cookies;
4. cupcakes@Kate's Frosting; 5. French macarons@Paulette;
5. Kusmi tea; 6. kisses handkerchief@avrilloreti.etsy.com;
7. Nespresso milk frother; 8. heart-shaped sugar cubes; 9. French honey

For all the latte lovers out there (or for those of you who have Moms who drink lattes), I MUST mention the Nespresso milk frother. Pour in the milk and push the button and all your work is done for you. It creates a friendly, frothy accompaniment to your morning espresso (be it iced OR hot)! Yes, it does hot and cold.

After my friend Elizabeth introduced it to me in her kitchen, I couldn't stop talking about it. My sweet godmother gave one to me and it's like nothing I've ever seen before. Plus, it has certainly saved me a few bucks at the coffee shop.

More Mother's Day

Yesterday I began to post gift suggestions for Moms. I started out with what I thought a more "Classic" mother might like.

Following are suggestions for the "New" or "Expecting" Moms. (My sister just had a beautiful baby girl so we've been very focused on this very special segment of mothers this year.) There's nothing like the excitement of a new baby and this Mother's Day category deserves LOTS of attention.

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1. Flip video camera; 2. pillowcases@UncommonGoods.com;
3. door hanger@etsy.com; 4. child portrait@Langmore;
5. silk robe@Saks.com; 6. pedicure from any local salon; 7. onesie@zazzle.com;
8. Kate Spade custom stationary@You're Invited; 9. necklace@Bloom Maternity

I think most of the things I've listed here are self-explanatory, but in case you don't recognize the Flip camera, this is one worth mentioning. The Flip is a video camera that is the size of an iPhone, so it fits in any purse. It's easy to use (we're talking one button to record) so even the most - ahem - technologically-challenged Mom can figure this one out. And it plugs directly into any computer (thankfully it's PC and Mac friendly) so video clips are ultra easy to share with grandparents, other family members and friends. Simply record, upload to YouTube and voila - you're done.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is upon us so I've been on the search for the perfect Mother's Day gift. I thought I'd share some of my picks in case you need a little assistance.

I've rounded up a selection of really great things and have categorized them according to how I might categorize Moms. That's a hard task because if your Mom is anything like mine, it's way too difficult to put her under only one heading. That's why I was careful to select cool things that would work for all types... regardless of how I've put them together.

Throughout the next few days, I'll be posting different suggestions. You'll note that I've included things from all over, but have marked those that can be purchased in good ole San Anton.' (It's always nice to support your local shops, after all.)

Check out what I might choose for the "classic" Mom.

1. Hermes scarf; 2. Jo Malone perfume; 3. Flare candle@Galeana;
4. P.Jamas nightie@Lin Marche; 5. tulips from Martha Stewart;
6. Reed & Barton picture frame; 7. spa treatment@The Watermark Hotel;
8. monogrammed heart locket@Target; 9. bronzed baby shoes;
10. soap and 11. handwash/lotion@sloan/hall

Cinco de Mayo

Budweiser has single-handedly turned Cinco de Mayo into a celebration in the US. Though it's not an official holiday in the US (or Mexico, for that matter), it IS reason to munch on a few tacos (if nothing else).

Luckily, we are blessed with some of the finest Tex-Mex in the country here in San Antonio. Whether savoring the BEST breakfast tacos at Cocina la Mexicana (on Fredericksburg Rd.) or enjoying a margarita at Rosario's (on S. Alamo), here are a few outfits that would be perfect for the occasion:

By Day

By Night

All items are available at Galeana (except for the shoes... head over to LeeLee for those beauties).

Mustache Envy

Look what's poppin' up all over etsy... Mustaches!

1. majestyinc; 2. avrilloreti; 3. imadeyouabeard;
4. somethingshidinghere; 5. isette;
6. sewbettie; 7. bullfight; 8. breadandbadger; 9. lupin

From key rings to disguises to fabric to jewelry, who knew the Tom Selleck accessory of the 80s could provide such easy fun?

Out and About {in Galeana}

A lovely woman with her beautiful son. She wears Odd Molly from Galeana.

Celina E. with her son
(photo courtesy of Kelly O'Connor)

My Favorite Fashion Illustrators

I'm certainly not the first person to write about fashion illustrators - but DANG! - there are a few that I think are tremendously talented. Kat Macleod, Stinna Persson and Ruben Toledo are all included in that list. Their work never becomes old.

Kat Macleod is an Australian-based illustrator. She has a girly-girl feel, but still takes on a look that is both alluring and wonderful. Her work has been featured in pubs like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, but lucky for us, she's done the illustrations for a few books, "Like I Give a Frock" and "The Cocktail Book."

Images via The Jacky Winter Group

Another woman I've become a huge fan of is Stina Persson. A Swedish-based illustrator, Stina uses different mediums (watercolors, acrylics - even photos) to create her unmistakable look. She's worked with corporations like Coke, Absolut Vodka and Godiva, as well as editorials like Elle, Marie Claire and NYLON. Her works have an air of sophistication and glam to them that's hard to beat.

Images via Stina Persson

The last illustrator I'm going to feature today is Cuban-born Ruben Toledo. Toledo isn't only the husband of Isabel Toledo, the designer who dressed Michelle Obama at the inauguration. He is an artist and sculptor by his own right. Perhaps best-known for the national fashion ad campaigns he has done for Nordstrom, his illustrations are witty and immediately recognizable. You'd think Nordstrom would get on the ball and publish a book of all of his works, but alas, no such luck. Thank goodness he's taken matters into his own hand with Style Dictionary.

And if you just want a good reference to various fashion illustrators over the last century, look no further than 100 Years of Fashion Illustration. Author Cally Blackman does a great job of collecting a number of different works by several different illustrators.

Happy viewing...