carrie*connects

Over at Barney's the revolution has begun ... again!

Yes, there was the anticipation, the fan-fare and the ribbon cutting - done by none other than Tom Brokaw.  IT was the annual unveiling of Barney's world famous holiday windows last night.  

Barney's holiday theme this year, Have a Hippie Holiday, was inspired by the 50th anniversary of the peace symbol.  As New York Times writer Phil Patton writes, "which was devised in 1958 by Gerald Holtom, a designer, for the nuclear disarmament movement. As explained in “Peace: The Biography of a Symbol” by Ken Kolsbun (on sale at Barney’s) the symbol was designed to combine semaphore sign symbols for N and D (for nuclear disarmament) and to suggest a person with arms raised in appeal." 

 

The windows are timely and created in the spirit of what I think is just the right note for this year.  Barney's has also matched its window dressing and decor to some very cool, custom products, featuring the Peace Sign.  Jonathan Adler, Fornasetti, Crockett & Jones have all caught the Peace Sign buzz .  As part of the promotion they're also raffling a cute carbon neutral Volkswagen Bug (shown above).

Neiman Marcus' ridiculously cute kid's book

My mailbox has been filling up lately with gorgeous fall catalogs for clothing, gifting, decorating, and home design products that are so tempting they literally make you drool.

So when I got the new Neiman Marcus Kid Book the other day I was really taken.  The cover with a blue parakeet making a nest in the little girl's hair (shown left) is trademark Neiman's - super creative, and always with an artful edge. 

I was also really excited to see our client Petunia Pickle Bottom's stupendously stylish Cake Cosmopolitan Bags featured on page 22.   This bag is an innovative home run for designer and Petunia founder DeNai Jones, who created it.  With it's vintage roots and vivid fabric detailing, it photographs well - but the real fun is when you see it in person.  It's a showstopper of a bag.  I've taken various models from the Petunia Cake collection out for a spin on the streets of New York on the way to press meetings and events, and passersby never fail to stop and ask about it.  Yes, it's a baby bag, but only if you put baby stuff into it.  Otherwise, it's a nice lightweight, expressive accessory that carries oodles of items without losing it's shape that both moms, and non-moms can enjoy. 

Petunia Pickle Bottom also has a really cute Petunia store online at the Neiman Marcus website.  Products from the much adored baby bag collection for men and women are offered. 

Right now, Neiman's has a special event through September 15 - if you spend $175 on kid's products (which includes the Petunia Collections) you get a special NMKids gift tote.  Be sure to see the NM website for more details.   

Fawn by Petunia: Dewberry Collection

Petunia Pickle Bottom's luscious Fawn Collection is an infant bedding ensemble like no other.

Created from the most delightful brocades and linens one can imagine, the various sets will get your imagination whirling with possibilities.

Here we're featuring Dewberry Roll.   Designed by DeNai Jones, this fabric is an ode to vintage wallpaper from the art deco era.

Dewberry Roll is made from scrumptious brocade and 100% linen. A pink aster scrolled medallion motif dances across a flax colored background.  Flax colored linen sheets and a soft, brocade edged crib blanket complete the look.

The Crib Set includes an ultra plush bumper with box-pleated corners and brocade ties, an elegant box-pleated crib skirt, an incredibly soft double sided velour linen and brocade blanket, a 100% cotton matching fitted crib sheet and a linen and brocade accent pillow.  About $580. 

Dewberry Roll is also available in the super innovative Cariboo Bassinet Set.  Cariboo is a remarkable line of bassinets designed and made in New Zealand.  The Fawn Bassinet Bag features simple yet elegant touches that enrich and personalize the beauty of the Cariboo.  About $158. 

   

Petunia celebrates fall with Moon Over Macau

As Petunia Pickle Bottom welcomes Fall, their new collection of fabrics and products are rolling into stores across the country (and the world for that matter). 

One of the Cross Town Clutch Collection's most fabulous new additions is this design, which DeNai Jones playfully named "Moon Over Macau".

The stylish motif of fog colored pansies strewn across a black background is dramatically set off by a marigold, buttercup and grass green hand embroidered detail.  The look reminds of a romantic moonlit night, and is the perfect accessory for an evening out with family, or to compliment a favorite pair of Fall boots.  The glazed fabric promises years of faithful wear, while the hand embroidery gives the bag a couture feel.   

Created to be diaper bag, but offering so much more appeal, Moon Over Macau is matched with a black water resistant liner and straps, many pockets for diapers, wipes, and creams, and a changing pad, which babies tell us they find very comfy (see one of the Petunia babies below).  A wristlet lets you dangle the bag as needed, or attach to the handle of a stroller very easily.   The bag is PVC free, and also comes in Touring Tote, and Boxy Backpack styles.

   

Key Party - a simple gift with a big idea

Spotted on NeimanMarcus.com - these incredibly creative keys. 

Made from pewter and Swarovski Crystals, each measures 3 inches long.  Order one and take it to your neighborhood key-cutter.  Prices range from $55 for the crown key, to about $60 for the Fleur-de-Lis and Cross Keys. 

Gifting the new mom: Rock with a little Red

With a little help from your friend red, winter is a lot cheerier.  Set against a background of snow, or a forest of green, red is a color that suggest boldness and power.  Just the energizing message a new mom needs.

Here we've picked some of our fav's from our clients Petunia Pickle Bottom and Hand Picked Pumpkin. 

Above is from the new glazed collection at Petunia.  This one, Sightseeing in Sumatra has a modern flair with its distinct graphic design and black trim. 

Since it's water resistant it's the bag to have in the snow and wet weather of Winter.

Below are a few more picks that would be treasured by every new mom.

 

Scrumptious Sling Week - day 4 - Petunia's Teaberry Roll for two

Vintage wallpaper fueled the inspiration for this remarkable print designed by DeNai Jones. 

Distinct medallions are set against a brown background.  It's a beautiful neutral combination perfect for holiday.

Part of Petunia Pickle Bottom's Serenity Collection - the sling is tapered at the shoulder and curved at the base.  About $91. 

Comes packaged in this beautiful Petunia Pickle Bottom gift box.

 

Scrumptious Sling Week - day 3 - Morning in Mumbai

Imagine something so gorgeous and soft that's Eco friendly too.  Made of super comfy 100% organic cotton the Sojourn Sling Collection is a must have for moms who love style.

Designed by Petunia Pickle Bottom, Morning in Mumbai has the sporty flair moms need for everyday errands. 

The prancing plum colored peacock motif of this sling is set against 2 shades of green.

The knit fabric stretches for an easy ride.  The pouch style design makes it safe and easy to put on.  It can hold a baby up to 32 pounds, and comes in S, M, L. 

The Morning in Mumbai fabric is also available in glazed diaper bags from Petunia.

Shown below is the Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack which can be worn as a shoulder bag, backpack, or clipped to the handles of a stroller as shown.  The PVC free glazed fabric of this bag makes it super durable and great for the winter months.  About $162. Be sure to note the beautiful hand embroidered flower detail on the flap of the bag below - makes the bag really special.   

 

Scrumptious Sling Week - day 2- Petunia's Baroque Roll Serenity Sling

This is truly one of the most elegant baby slings you'll find anywhere.

The Baroque Roll is part of Petunia Pickle Bottom's Serenity Collection.

The sling features a cerulean and venetian blue brocade design that was inspired by Victorian wallpaper. 

Tapered at the shoulder and curved at the base, this is a comfy ride for babies, and a gorgeous accessory for moms.

Comes in S, M, L.  Pair with a bag from the Baroque Roll fabric collection, or a lush Receiving Blanket as shown below, for a really remarkable gift set.

 

Scrumptious Sling Week - day 1 - Petunia's India Ink

Very versatile but strikingly unique, India Ink is part of Petunia Pickle Bottom's  Sojourn Collection.

Featuring fabric designed by Petunia co-founder DeNai Jones, India Ink is 100% organic cotton.

The striking batik inspired medallion pattern reverses to solid crimson.

This pouch style sling is easy to put on, and simple to stow in a diaper bag. 

The design is tapered at the shoulder, and curved at the base seam for the most comfort for both parent and baby.

Comes in sizes S, M, L, and retails for about $91.

Match this gorgeous sling with a diaper bag from the Petunia Pickle Bottom glazed collection. Check out the lovely collection below.

   

girl sweet girl, boy sweet boy, boxed onesies for everyone

Soft and stylish, these pre-washed 100% organic combed cotton Onesie Sets from Petunia Pickle Bottom are what every little baby wants to wear (just ask them - they'll tell you!)

Petunia Pickle Bottom Onesies feature kimono style neck details,
soft stretchy 100% organic cotton knit for comfort and movement, and strong, yet easy to use enamel coated color matched snaps.

Sets are available in two size ranges: 0-3 months and 3-6 months in Girl (colors are butter, olive, rose and chocolate), Boy (colors are butter, olive, sky and chocolate) and Gender-Neutral (colors are butter, olive and chocolate).

Each set is packaged in a pretty PPB Signature gift box.

make both a mommy and a baby gurgle with joy

In colors and prints that are both mod and scrumptious, Petunia is adding to their very popular sling collection for fall/holiday.

Packed in adorable gift boxes, the two collections, Sojourn (organic cotton knits) and Serenity (brocades) are certain to be on everyone's wish lists later this year.

The two new 100% organic cotton Sojourn Slings are:

Afternoon in Katmandu -  Petunia's bestselling motif of Peacock feathers is reprised in this design. Chocolate and aqua feathers float with a paisley feel over a cream colored background on this organic Knit Cotton. A subtle diamond pattern is traced out in aqua. The sling reverses to aqua solid knit. This design matches Afternoon in Katmandu diaper bags from the Glazed Collection.

Parisian Pansy - you'll be reminded of French lace and dancing Can-Can girls with this lively ode to the City of Lights. It features black pansies dancing over a blush background bedecked with polka dots. Made of Organic Knit Cotton, this sling matches Parisian Pansy from the Glazed Diaper Bag Collection.

The three new Serenity Sling brocades are:

Kimono Roll - a bed of Crimson Red bejeweled with an intricate black medallion motif. The sling features an interior black water resistant liner that matches Kimono Roll diaper bags and receiving blankets from the brocade collection.

Tigris Roll - a sea of Chocolate Brown set off by a mirrored peacock design in venetian blue. Sling features an interior venetian blue water resistant liner. Matches Tigris Roll diaper bags and receiving blankets from the brocade collection.

Black Orchid Roll- a subtle but dramatic pairing of black on black floral orchid motif makes this brocade super stylish. The sling features a crimson water resistant liner. Matches Black Orchid diaper bags and receiving blankets from the brocade collection.

Cake Cosmopolitan Carryall for Mother's Day on TopButton

The adorable website TopButton.com came out with their picks for Mother's Day and among the fabulous gifts chosen was our client Petunia Pickle Bottom's Cake Cosmopolitan Carryall (shown here in Chocolate Cherry Cake). 

They write:

New Mom: If sleep was for sale, we know that's probably what any new mom would ask for as a gift, but since it's not available on shelves (and really, who is she kidding, she won't get a good 40 winks worth till the kid’s at least 18), the next best thing? Stylish mommy accessories! Diaper bags have certainly come a long way since the duckie/clown phase, but this takes the cake. Literally, the Cake line from Petunia Pickle Bottom (the diaper bag ELITE) are not only as gorgeous as a normal tote, they are also practical when not many great looking bags are. The must-have Cosmopolitan Carryall  has multiple pockets (outside and in) including one for a cell phone 4 bottle pockets, a zippered changing pad pocket, and an interior antique brass key clip. It’s not just a gift, it’s a necessity.