The Pop Five

Fall is in the air in Atlanta. We plan on enjoying the gorgeous weather this weekend and head here tomorrow for some pumpkin patch fun just outside the city.

Here are my favorite things from this past week.

I might need to invest in a cast-iron skillet to make this deliciousness from the November issue of Food & Wine.

Image © John Kernick

I remember when this original piece published in New York Magazine. I’m fascinated by the recap of where these women ended up 15 years later.

I’m so drawn to this piece on Santa Cruz in the most recent T Magazine. I had no idea the sister team behind Rodarte are from a town just outside of there. In my next life, my twin sister, Ann and I will work together!

Image: Photographs by Stephen Shore. Styled by Ashley Furnival at Jed Root.

I’m totally using this template for a Pac Man pumpkin this year.

Gogo Ferguson’s tour of Cumberland Island on CBS Sunday Morning is such a gorgeous segment.

Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.

I am not the most adventuresome person when it comes to fashion. But, recently I was introduced to Leslie Tessler, the designer of luxurious outerwear. Her line is a little outside the box, going beyond the usual go-to jacket or sweater for fall. Just look at these capes!

Tessler’s collection is the perfect balance of classic with an edge. (Don’t they look like something Jackie O would’ve worn?) The designer is about to have her first baby and I cannot wait to see what it does for her creativity. Until then, there’s so much to enjoy about Tessler’s current collection.

I’ll get to view the line in person on October 19. (And meet Tessler after several sweet emails and a lovely phone call). If you’re in the Atlanta-area, be sure to do the same.

Images: Courtesy of the designer 

The Pop Five

If superheroes were real living things, I must let you know that I’ve been one for the past week or so. Here’s what I was up against: one very sick Margaret, which made me very sick, two visits to the doctor (for Margaret), one allergic reaction to antibiotics (again, Margaret), Dan in DC for work, the first bit of press about a book project I’m working on published, which led to loads of phone calls and emails and all sorts of other great stuff with me having to respond talking like Demi Moore because I can’t breathe through my nose. Oh, and Otis ate a pair of Margaret’s socks and lived to tell (err bark) about it.

Please do not take this as me complaining. Having a week like this makes me feel as if I can accomplish anything in life. If I can manage all this, there truly isn’t anything I cannot do. And there’s no greater gift than that message. I’m grateful for this week and all the support I’ve had (from near and far) about the Clermont book.

But, if everything went away tomorrow, I’ll know I’ve been promoted to superhero status. So there’s that.

Enjoy your weekend!

I started watching Scandal quite late. I only finished season two on Netflix Wednesday, just in time to be up to speed for season three’s premiere last night. Good thing I didn’t play this drinking game or else I’d still be hammered.

Doesn’t the Smithsonian exhibit, Yoga: The Art of Transformation sound so interesting? It opens Saturday, October 19 in Washington, D.C.

I ♥ Tennessee Williams. If I lived in NYC, I’d want to see this! The modern set looks stunning.

Image: Courtesy of Michael J. Lutch

A horticulture firm in England created a tomato and potato hybrid called the TomTato. I’m intrigued and think it would be amazing in a steak salad!

Image: Courtesy of BBC

An artist mom collaborating with her four-year-old is genius.

Image: Courtesy of busymockingbird.com via Buzzfeed

Blabla Kids

So far, one of my favorite parts of being a parent is drawing on my own imagination and watching Margaret’s eyes light up. I love telling her stories; she is such a kind audience, listening ever so intently.

Margaret’s own sense of wonderment led me to blabla kids. I’m in love with everything this adorable company sells (the cutest mobiles, dolls, bedding, bean bags, and clothes) and there are several things I’ll gift for little Margaret’s birthday next month.

I interviewed designer and founder Florence Wetterwald about her incredible children’s lifestyle company. Wetterwald and I chat the trials of running a business based on handmade products, design inspiration, and kiddos. Such a treat!

danapop: You seem to be branching out a bit, going from mostly toys to what appears to be more of a lifestyle brand with bedding and clothing added to the mix. Was that a conscious decision?

Florence Wetterwald: It was a natural evolution … blabla has a philosophy of life and beauty that flows through everything we do. From our characters, our photos, our little movies, our daily lives. Experimenting with cloth was another way to express ourselves. I like to draw. When I design, I often start by sketching ideas on random pieces of paper, napkin, grocery list, paper tablecloth. I cut them and collect them until the doll finally takes shape. So when we started to create a bedding line, my assistants suggested we used my sketches and that’s how it all started.

dp: Since the bulk of your items are handmade, from a business production standpoint, how did you manage to grow your business in ways but still keep up with the output of products that were already selling well?

FW: Our products have been handmade by the same artisans for the last ten years. We have a good understanding of each other’s skills. As we evolve and grow, the experienced knitters have been training a new generation of talent. They are very proud of that. We are also in constant contact with them. We e-mail drawings and pictures back and forth a lot, I go there at least twice a year and we have a team on the ground who supervise production and quality.

dp: What was your first design? Was blabla intended to be a company selling just that single item?

FW: Our first products were hats and sweaters with little finger puppets sneaking out of a pocket. We were charmed by the traditional knitted Peruvian puppets when we discovered them at local markets and started to make a collection of our own, in cotton, with our own colors. Then one day, we decided that it was time for the puppet to get out of the pocket and it evolved into a doll and then another doll and another. The kids fell in love with them instantly and it became really inspiring to create new exciting characters for them. It all fell in place naturally.

dp: How does your own background and perspective (albeit through travels or through childhood) influence your business? Does Atlanta come into play at all?

FW: My unusual childhood in France and my travels around the world, certainly have an influence on my characters and my sense of colors. As far as an influence on our business maybe in the sense that we are a company, which cherish old values like time, nature and people.

Atlanta is a big city, yet it feel like a village, it has allowed us to create a very friendly working environment.

dp: What inspires you and how do you counter that with today’s changing tide in technology?

FW: My inspirations are very unpredictable, they always sneak up on me when I expect it the least. It can be an old movie for a costume, a memory of a place for a mood, a piece of cloth for its color, a family member for his temper, a friend’s pet, a stick’s shape … but mostly it’s about what I would like myself, if I were a kid, that day. Technology … hmm what technology?

dp: Where do you see blabla heading?

FW: Who knows. The kids will tell us. We trust them.

All Images: Courtesy of blabla kids

The Pop Five

This weekend I plan on taking it easy. Dan’s work is always nutty this time of year and I’m wrapping up several big projects, so I don’t really want to make a bunch of plans. Plus, I’m still reeling from Wednesday’s season finale of, Broadchurch. Did not see that one coming.

It’s officially #sweaterweather. I’m digging this one. Speaking of #hashtags, this video that flooded every social media outlet recently is hilarious.

Fall, sweaters, and football! My gorgeous niece, Emily, made USA Today!

Different people have different measures of success. I’m just putting it out there that the second I can afford a Jenny Packham dress and have an actual need to wear it I’ll have made it (if only in my mind). This one is so striking.

My sister-in-law recently introduced me to Pepperplate. I can’t wait to noodle around on this site and app.

Don’t these Honey Chai Roasted Almonds look amazing?

In Bloom

Did you know a group of jellyfish is sometimes called a bloom? I like that. It makes me think that when we collaborate or are around one another we’re in bloom.

I’ve had a lot floating around in my head lately and feel the need to reconnect, so I’m taking a breather this week from danapop.

I need to be in bloom. See you next Friday!

Art of Style, Ginny Branch

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I just want to escape into a world of fantasy. That dreamy quality life often offers before the muddiness of things like reality set in. Ginny Branch somehow captures this lovely state with both romance and whimsy. The prop and wardrobe stylist creates magical moments through natural elements with vignettes for event and editorial clients (Design*Sponge, West Elm, Whole Foods, Martha Stewart Weddings, Style Me Pretty, to name a few), which, ultimately look like a Pinterest board brought to life.

I find Branch’s work powerfully inspiring and am particularly interested in the new direction of her business: live event workshops called CAMP. I was lucky enough to interview her recently where we talk collaboration, visual storytelling, and of course, the nuances of creativity.

danapop: I want to get lost in your vignettes – how did you develop your aesthetic? Are there particular things (pieces, props, eras) you’re drawn to?

Ginny Branch: Well that is really kind! I have always been a bit of a sentimentalist and been drawn to antiques that have been well-worn and loved. Also I tend to be attracted to handmade wares, especially ones that show the work of the hand. I truly love imperfection in every way because it feels more comforting.

dp: I can’t imagine there being a straight line to follow in your field – how did you get started and where do you want to end up?

GB: I went from studying fashion + fibers at SCAD in Savannah, to retail and visual merchandising in NYC, to photo styling in Atlanta. In a dream world I would continue the path I’m on. I love styling but I’m also so excited for CAMP and the potential that it holds. Sharing knowledge and learning from others is kind of a dream. I am a people person to the nth degree so being around creative and passionate people really brings me to another level of joy. I’m really thankful for the CAMP team, their talents, and what they are sharing with others.

dp: How did the idea for CAMP come about and what do you hope someone gains by attending a workshop?

GB: CAMP came to fruition when a group of us wanted to collaborate and create an organization that provided classes, workshops, retreats, and lectures for creatives. A place that supported a variety of creative pursuits that aren’t necessarily offered in a traditional learning center. We hope to create experiences and cultivate relationships that nurture right-brained thinkers and makers. Our hope is that attendees are able to hone their crafts or learn new skills while developing meaningful connections and expanding their circle of friends.

dp: I imagine there’s a level of stress and high-energy on photo shoot days. How do deadlines help or hinder your creativity?

GB: The prep can be a little stressful depending on budget constraints or time constraints. I’m not always given a long lead time to pull props, but thankfully I have a fairly substantial inventory to rely on and a wealth of great resources and relationships I’ve developed over time.

dp: What is your favorite type of client and why?

GB: Food and bridal editorial because those are my two favorite ways of storytelling. There is a romance and a gentleness to both that I connect with. I thought I wanted to be a fashion stylist but I really found my voice in food and bridal. I love collaborating with my clients and I am always grateful when a client is willing to venture out of their comfort zone for a shot.

dp: How does Atlanta influence you creatively?

GB: Atlanta influences me because of the people in it. I was a little hesitant about moving back to Atlanta from NYC but I am completely in love with my hometown (minus the hot summers and a poor showing of public transportation). I love the pace, which allows for a little more thinking time and room to create. Atlanta has a great cost of living compared to other big cities and amazing restaurants. Our food scene is pretty righteous.

dp: When you’re not working, where can you be found?

GB: Either at home with my cute husband and our beloved beagles. Or hanging out with my sweet gal pals.

dp: What’s the one thing you rely on the most to do your job?

GB: Teamwork. The people I work with is 75% of why I love my job. I’m constantly inspired and learning from the talented folks I collaborate with.

Images: All Photographs Courtesy of Ali Harper

The Pop Five

Fall always feels exceptionally busy at our house. It begins in September with Dan starting birthday season for all of us (September 18) with Margaret and me following in November, anniversaries (the launch of danapop on October 14, wedding October 18) and then Thanksgiving and Christmas. So, I’m gearing up for all that.

It’s a festive and fun time in our house, and all of our favorite. This week, particularly, I’m feeling a bit nostalgic because it was a year ago this time that my family and friends threw my baby shower. It’s hard to remember Margaret in my belly, but I look back at it all so fondly.

However, through the reminiscing, I managed to find some great things on the web this week.

This is a really cool timelapse video from Saturday night’s lantern parade on Atlanta’s Beltline. So fun!

After working in news for years and working at CNN on September 11, 2001 it’d be tough to not mention that day here. This piece, about this photograph originally printed in Esquire’s September 2003 issue. It makes me weep.

Image: AP Photo/Richard Drew/FILE via Esquire

OK, I need to lighten it up a bit and this cowboy soundtrack by children’s book author Sandra Boynton sounds absolutely adorable. I just know my little blue-grass loving bebe will love it.

Image: Courtesy of Sandra Boynton via NPR

One of my favorite writers, Ruth Reichl, just inked a three-book fiction deal with Random House. Cannot wait to read what she puts out in this genre.

Image: Courtesy of AP

While we’re on the subject, I read (and loved) Wild by Cheryl Strayed and the story out this week on her long-long half-sister finding her after the release of her book is just as wild!

Image: Joni Kabana/Courtesy Knopf

Monkey Mind

I’m a thinker. Correction: I’m an over-thinker. I overanalyze, dissect thoughts and actions, and replay scenarios that have both happened or are on the verge of happening over and over in my mind. This is the simple way of saying I have a monkey mind. Daniel Smith writes all about this notion in his book, Monkey Mind: A Memoir of Anxiety. Like him, I’ve found my own prescription to aid in the broken record that sometimes plagues my thoughts. For me, a steady diet of yoga and meditation works wonders for my well-being. Both calm and allow me to think of present tense to help me live a life with deeper connections. In short, it helps me not sweat the small stuff.

But, there are things, currently—big things—that are keeping me awake at night. And so I thought, maybe these things are keeping you up too?

I’m worried about my job, specifically its security. Most of my peers roughly between 2008-now either have been laid off themselves or know someone who has, allowing an influx of freelance workers, much like myself. I’m a member of what is dubbed the creative class; this niche group of folks enjoys the benefits of a flexible schedule but the downsides of being contract (no benefits, month-to-month variances in income, highly competitive market) might be tipping the scale to just go back to work full-time.

Education worries me, not for myself, but my daughter. I live in a city that is currently sifting through the baggage of the public school’s cheating scandal, the largest in our nation’s history. Not a fine moment for either Atlanta or public schools in general. Am I wrong to hope that my child gets a better public education than I got (or at least comparable to) in Leavenworth, Kansas?

This fear monger world we live in has me terrified of the food we put into our bodies. Even what you think is healthy isn’t safe anymore. I just want to eat natural, pure food that doesn’t require an entire paycheck for wholesome stuff.

While we’re on health, I lose sleep over the fact that my twin sister doesn’t have health insurance. On to childcare … huge chunks of my paycheck goes to ensure Margaret is not just passed from swing to play mat as a form of care giving. It’s a bit overwhelming. And lastly, war. Not should we or shouldn’t we, but what are we doing for those who’ve fought and are now returning home. Because as best as I can tell they have more mental injuries than we know what to do with as a country.

So, that’s my monkey mind of the moment. Job security, healthcare, childcare, food systems in the U.S., education, the cost of war, you know, teeny problems. I wish I had a solution to calm these stressors in my head. Hopefully, soon, there will be some peace all around.

Image: Courtesy of Laura Edelbacher

The Pop Five

I tend to get in fashion ruts. Anything denim, black, and striped appear to be my go-to styles, mostly. Well, since September is all about endless inspiration with Vogue’s legendary thick issue and the start of New York Fashion Week yesterday, this week’s installment of the Pop Five includes fashionable finds.

Here’s to wearing something unexpected this weekend!

I love a good U.K. import and my friend, Mara, clued me in that Bloomingdale’s is having an invasion at the moment with select exclusives on British designers. I’m obsessed with this Karen Millen dress. (And plaid is so on trend!)

I love the adorable blog, Pirouette. Its covers kiddo fashion, travel, and family. Isn’t this crochet camera so sweet?

Image: Courtesy of La de Dah Kids via Pirouette

Maybe it’s my Midwestern roots, but for me one of the best parts about autumn is the sweater selection. I adore ones from Pure Collection, which contain every color and style imaginable to flatter anyone.

Image: Courtesy of Pure Collection

Fashion often begins with accessories and handbags, and stylists from here to here preach investing in the good stuff. Check out Bella Bag. The luxury shop is owned by Cassandra Connors, who sources authentic vintage, designer handbags and sells them both in her showroom (in Atlanta) and online.

One of the most recognizable names in the realm of fashion blogging is Garance Doré and while her site is gorgeous, I love her whimsical illustrations even more.

Image: Courtesy of Garance Doré