Planning a wedding is fun.

Planning a wedding is fun.

There’s not much more to say than that. Ever since James proposed to me back in June, I have been swept away into this whirlwind of planning. But let me tell you, I am loving every second of it.

If you haven’t already noticed, I’m a highly detail-oriented, particular person. Some part of me thinks that maybe you will enjoy reading about my planning, so from time to time I will post little things here and there about where I am in my process.

I read in a magazine that one bride said planning her wedding was “the greatest do-it-yourself project of her life.” I thought that was really funny. But probably really true.

Every time I get something accomplished, I feel so excited and I find myself looking forward to the next detail to be figured out. My friends and family joke that my wedding will be planned by Christmas (actual date is July 2, 2011)! Who knows? Maybe it will. All I know is that I am thoroughly enjoying the process.

Here’s a little snapshot of my wedding shoes I thought I would share with you. They are ivory to match my dress (which I unfortunately won’t be posting a picture of on here, but just imagine lacy, 1920’s-vintage . . Marlene Dietrich perhaps.)

Anyway, here’s to the months to come! Happy reading!

Forget Marley, Meet Charlie.

Meet Charlie.

Charlie is our newest addition to the family. Mom & Dad were lucky enough to adopt Charlie this summer after meeting him while my cousin, Alison, was fostering him for ARF. He is now eight months old. They’re not sure if he’s a full black labrador (he’s got a bit of waviness on his back), but he sure is cute. Although having a puppy is a big adjustment, I honestly can’t imagine anyone giving him up. He really is the best puppy. He’s so obedient, quick to learn and best of all – he loves to love and be loved!

For those of you who know me and my family well, you know that my parents have been promising me a dog since I was in the sixth grade. Well, ten years later . . . and look who showed up. It’s okay, though. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

Everything about having a dog excites me. I feel like I’m finally in this dog-owners club. I can talk about my pet and dog toys and the cute little things that Charlie does. Favorite things? The sound of his padded feet as he races up our back porch steps to greet me every morning. The silly yawns. The way he curls up in a ball every day and sleeps on our bark outside for his afternoon nap. The ears! The evening time when he just wants to snuggle. The squeaky toys. The fact that he really thinks he’s a lap dog. Really. I could go on and on . .

To be honest, I used to think dog owners were crazy. They’re obsessed with their pets! And look how they spoil the poor thing. Well, all I have to say about that is that I guess I’ve fallen into the same trap. Charlie has truly won us all over.

Love Photos!

Back in August, my amazing friend Nicholas took some sweet engagement photos of my dear James and I. They took place around my house, at some nearby railroad tracks and one of our favorite places to go . . . the Marin Headlands. I can’t choose a favorite, but here is one that James & I especially love!

Here’s a link to view all of the photographs, if you please!

Nordstrom

On August 13th, I graduated from Nordstrom’s visual merchandising program. I learned SO much. Really. I never could have imagined how much I would learn! Here are some pictures of what I was working on all summer with the awesome team in San Francisco . . Enjoy!

The first day that I worked on transfers with Lisa! Introducing the TOMS wedge to Nordstrom.

Accessories Back Wall.

Matt and I worked on this Vitrine together. Vitrine is a fancy French word for tiny window.

Burberry window featuring the debut of Burberry makeup.

Christopher Bailey’s PA (Personal Appearance)!! Christopher Bailey is the Chief Creative Director of Burberry.

Anniversary Vitrine. Coming up with this concept was so much fun! I felt like the boots were running off to the Anniversary sale! And the girl is thinking, “Hm, which boot to choose? I love this boot. But I also love all these!”

I loved styling this outfit because I would totally wear it if I could afford it. Classic Stella McCartney.

Burberry Prorsum.

Burberry Prorsum in Left Market Street Window. August’s trim was inspired by Nordstrom’s 10-year collaboration with artist, Ruben Toledo.

Donna Karan in Right Market Street Window. One word : Obsessed.

All I did for this window was paint, but it was fabulous so I had to include it. Michael Bublé window.

We also installed special surprises all over the store in homage to Ruben. This girl had a GIANT paintbrush and birdcages all around.

This girl was my favorite. Stowed away back in Collector’s, she stood tall in her cage skirt base, with boots and bags all around. It is hard to see, but the fabric continues onto the floor with a transfer that reads “Where Art Meets Fashion”.

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So, there you have it. A little taste of what I was working on all summer long. Pretty cool, don’t you think? I know one thing’s for sure – I’ll never forget it!

A New Method

Hello, it’s been awhile! I’m writing to tell you about a new discovery I made. In my product development class, we’re all about sustainability.  We recently were assigned a project to change one task in our daily lives to help us have more sustainable behaviors and a conscientious outlook on consumerism. In addition to washing my clothes at cooler temperatures, I decided to try out the detergent put out by Method. It’s 95% plant based, leaves a 35% smaller carbon footprint and the bottle is made from 50% recycled plastic. The only drawback is the price at $15.49 a bottle for 50 loads (approximately .30 cents per load compared to .10 cents per load for an 180-load, $18. container of Tide), but I think the ultimate benefits to helping our environment far outweigh the cost. What do you think?

I will now be  posting more often (yes, I know), but also more about sustainbility in design, whether it be crafty-recycled projects, or just downright good-green things. I hope you find and take away inspiration as always!

Big News!

Well, big news for my little blog!  Back in February, I applied for a visual merchandising internship at Nordstrom in San Francisco. You know the humongous one with seven floors or so? Anyway, fast-forward four interviews and three months later . . I got the job!

I am SO (can’t emphasize that enough!) incredibly excited to join the company and learn so many new things. I love all the people I have met with so far and I know this experience will be amazing!

Yes. I am sad to leave Urban Indigo! I installed my last window installation today and it was definitely bittersweet. I will miss the fun and freedom I experienced there and will never forget the experience.

But as I named my blog, there is always room for change.

I am excited to embrace this new chapter of my life! Starting in June, I’ll be working full time in the city and hopefully I will get lots of opportunities to share a little bit of my new experience with you!

Here are some surrealist-inspired advertisements from Nordstrom’s SP/SU 09 season that I totally love.

More to come!

Bouquets to Art

This last Friday I had the amazing opportunity to go see Bouquets to Art at the de Young Museum in San Francisco. My mom treated my sister and I to this fantastic visual feast and what a feast it was!

Bouquets to Art is an annual exhibit where floral designers enter the museum and create a unique piece inspired by anything in the museum, be it the building itself, a view to the outside, a piece of art, et cetera. Inspired designs varied from abstract to literal interpretations. The pieces were absolutely PHENOMENAL! Here are some  . .

This piece was made with over 500 CD cases!

A beautiful interpretation of a painting of a cotton picker in the red hot sun.

Bundles of flowers mimicing Wayne Thiebaud’s pop-art gumball machines.

Radiant Sarah in front of a Richard Diebenkorn.

This was probably my favorite piece. The gradiant of red, orange and yellow callas were reaching out of the confines of dark, burnt wood. It resembled a pillar of fire and was an interpretation of my favorite piece at the de Young Museum. The sculpture that inspired this is constructed from the charred remains of an African American Baptist Church that was burned down by arsonists. The piece itself is incredibly moving and I thought the floral designer did it great justice.

A literal, but exciting representation with painted agapanthus.

My favorite flowers of the night were these little mustard-colored orbs. They’re called pincushion proteas.

This sculpture was made from over 1800 mini carnations. Did you read that? 1800(!) mini carnations!

Definitely the strangest piece I saw! A horse head made out of what appeared to be reversed sage leaves. Who knows.

Stunning succulents!

Such a fun night! I will definitely be going again next year. Live music, a bar, and so many beautiful things to see! I really enjoyed myself. If only I could have taken some of those flowers home with me!

Returning

Hello!

I know it seems (at least to me) that I have been on an eternal hiatus! With the return of school and all kinds of transitions I just haven’t been able to find the time to post. But alas, here I am again! I still don’t have a digital camera of my own, which makes it difficult to conjure up great posts since they are mostly based on visuals, but I’m  planning on returning to Room For Change in the next couple of days.  I hope you look forward to reading again; I always enjoy sharing!

R

Mount Diablo

I love Mount Diablo.  The other day James and I foolishly sped off on the motorcycle in the freezing cold weather to make a little trip up there.  But it was definitely worth it.  Although it was pretty foggy, it was still such a majestic place to be.  The colors in the scenery and the rolling landscape are truly beautiful!

High Tea

Tea parties never go out of style.  I invited my grandma over for tea today to share in some delicious snacks, soothing tea and good conversation.  I love hearing about her past in retail, owning a store, and being a buyer . . and we never get bored talking about fashion!  It was so much fun!

Homemade lemon scones by me (another one of my baking escapades) and Sarah’s infamous lemon curd – boy, is it tasty!

Tea sandwiches! Yum!

What a fantastic day with a fantastic friend!