Trendspotting

Tote Bags - the Must Have Accessory for Fall

 
Charlotte McKeough was ahead of her time when she reinvented the brown paper shopping bag in 1996. Even New York Magazine agrees totes are this season’s must have fashion accessory. McKeough’s line of “Brave Brown Bags” are a witty play on the classic paper carry-all. But aside from having a sense of humor, these totes are stylish and practical too! Every BBB is made BY HAND using the company’s unique waxed fabric. I love Charlotte’s passion behind keeping the bags rooted deep in artisanal tradition. And so do her followers--BBB has expanded their collection to offer 4 different styles! I’ve gotten so much wear out of my classic BBB, it may be time to brave-up and try out a fabulous new tote for the fall.

Muji Gets Modern with Their Collapsible Speakers

The “speakers” category is really taking off. I was at a show the other week and I was amazed at how many companies were focusing on this product. From collapsible, to customizable, to speakers shaped like a purse—these objects are just as much about looks as they are about sound! There are so many fun ways to dress up your very own speakers for the next event. Muji and the Macbeth collection feature great lightweight options, and if you’re looking to customize any contact us at The Holding Company!   

 

Anthropologie's Paint By Numbers Rugs

Anthropologie is one of my favorite stores. All of their products have their own unique spin and their new Paint by Numbers Rugs are no exception. Now, their Paint by Numbers Rugs join the members of the nostalgia club along with: glee clubs, ping-pong, hula-hoops and flash-cards. I love this new twist on the paint by numbers sets from my youth. And, just like your childhood creations, you have the option of hanging the rug up on your wall! With this latest inspiration, I may have to buy a paint by numbers set and take a trip down memory lane.

 

 

Camps Meet The Growing Challenges of Parental Separation Anxiety

Todd Heisler/The New York Times
Parents try to get their daughters' attention before the official start of visiting day

Lake Bryn Mawr a girls' camp in the Poconos founded by my grandparents 87 years ago, was featured on the front page of the NY Times today. The article, entitled Dear Parents: Please Relax, Its Just Camp, highlights the growing trend of parental separation anxiety. Pictured above . From cell phones to medications special professional liaisons are now being employed to handle these sensitive issues.  Before the advent of voicemail, email and text messaging, the role of reassuring parents fell to my grandmother.  I wonder what she would be thinking today?

Cooper Hewitt Design Museum Exhibits Watercolor Interiors

House Proud: Nineteenth-century Watercolor Interior from the Thaw Collection.

On August 12 thru January 25 2009 New York City's Cooper Hewitt, National Design Museum, will showcase Eugene V. and Clare E. Thaw’s collection of nineteenth-century watercolor drawings, which meticulously detail the era’s interior furnishings and document the social, cultural, and aesthetic development of European domestic life. The collection includes examples of English, German, Russian, French, Italian, and Austrian domestic spaces. Selected objects from the Museum’s permanent collection will complement the drawings.

Roger Mellon Bearce

I have been on the lookout for interior renderings since 2000 but antique dealer Christopher Hyk's private collection is by far the most intriguing. This is  definitely a trend that should "be seen and noted" for design inspiration. Can't wait for the Cooper Hewitt show to open. 

Charles Eames Stamps: Always First Class

I was so inspired by the ICFF show in May 2008 that when I saw these Eames postage stamps I couldn't wait to purchase them myself! You can too at USPS.com for $6.72 per sheet.

 

Looplaa™ Hooplaa: Get Stuck on Velcro®!

Looplaa™ Lampshade

Northern Irish artist and designer Rachel O'Neill has created a collection of products called Looplaa™ made from hook & Loop fasteners, more commonly referred to as VELCRO®.  These playful pieces are used as decorative lighting, wall and floor coverings, body adornment or children’s toys.  I'm stuck on this whole concept.  It's great.

Eco-Bags the New Swag

....................................The A&P / Elizabeth Haub Bags

We are seeing increased momentum towards eco-friendly shopping bags as the people's choice, as well as an industry standard.  From various state legislation outlawing plastic bags to mainstream brands embracing reusable bags as the giveaway du jour. 

Walmart introduced their reusable bag in October 2007 and is sponsoring a 1 million Reusable Bag Giveaway that will take place on Earth Day, Saturday, April 19th.  While, New York's D'Agostino supermarket chain is wrapping up a contest that encouraged New York University students to design its new non-woven, recyclable fiber D'Ag bag. The winner will be announced on Earth Day.

Here are two custom Ancora bags created from recycled paper.  The Key Food bag is made from their actual in store promotional banners!

The Holding Company created this 100% cotton bag for Avon's Mark brand.  Envirosax makes this 100% hemp bag.  We love their line so much we gave a bag to our clients as a Spring gift.

Discover Your Inner Banksy with Stick & Peel Wall Art!

It's like stickers for grown ups! I've been watching wall art for years and it is amazing how far it's come.  Now anyone can create an environment that reflects their unique style.

Chalkboard Walls are Very Now

Media Walls maybe be a thing of the future but here's a trend we can all have fun with right now.

Chalk board walls may not resonate high tech but that doesn't stop them from being very cool and lots of fun. Shown here in the home of Laura Bohn, an interior and architectural designer, the wall is a place for guest to  express themselves.  Laura's home was recently featured in Cottage Living.