Gekd Boutique

Rock-a-Frock

Ati @ Gekd Boutique — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:41:17 +0000

Okay- I just about fell on my face when I found out about this store that has the most ah-mazing designer frocks. Which designers, you say? How about Carolina Herrera, Monique Lhuillier, Tracy Reese, and the like. Oh! And it doesn’t stop there. You can also take a designer handbag and some jewelry out on the town to accessorize your couture ensemble. Think of the possibilities for Mother-of-the-Bride or Maid of Honor attire. “I couldn’t possibly afford that,” you say? No worries- you can take it all out on loan. How great is that? You don’t have to consume! By all means, you can enjoy the finer things in life without the hefty price tag and a reminder in your closet that seems to scream in neon lights- “You spent way too much on me and I don’t know when you’ll ever wear me again.”

credit | www.dress-sf.com

JaiHonna German is the owner of Dress, which she touts as being the “Tux service for women.” I say that, “It is about time!” I know there are shops out there that rent out jewelry and handbags, but it is high time that we are able to rent a designer dress for that all encompassing event that will change your life and finally, you don’t have to go without that life-changing dress and you don’t have to part with a life-changing amount of money. Ha! All you have to do is go to Dress, Rent-a-Dress, and Rock-a-Frock. Here’s to the genius that is Dress! Cheers!

Playlist | Babyfather by Sade

Ati @ Gekd Boutique — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:05:44 +0000

Recently purchased Sade’s new release, “Soldier of Love” and it is of course, another phenomenal one for the books. I have a few favorites, but this song immediately hit me as being perfect for a father-daughter dance. I’m a little obsessed with songs that are perfect for the father-daughter song because so many of them are just over-used, over-worked, and recycled (going green does not apply to your wedding playlist- please inject personality here). So without further ado- sit back, relax, and let the sweet melodies that only Sade can produce- take you away.

We were waiting for the bus
No-one much around but us
Then I see this young boy cut a look at me
I’m stunned
In a daze
He had the whole street set ablaze
It’s only love they say
Makes you feel this way

She liked his eyes she wanted more
The baby gonna have your smile for sure
He saw a lovely girl
Smelling sweet and soapy like fresh air
She saw him looking acted like she didn’t care
That’s how we knew
And so love grew a flower
A flower that is you

Your daddy knows you’re a flame (x4)

Even to the angels it may sound like a lie
For you child
He was the troops and extra backup standing by
For you child
For you he’s the best he can be
For you child
For you he’s the best he can be
Oh child don’t you know
Your daddy love come with a lifetime guarantee

Your daddy knows you’re a flame (x2)
Yeah daddy love you child
Your daddy knows you’re a flame (x2)
Daddy love you yeah

It’s only you he’ll say
Made the young boy hungry for the man he is today
It’s only love, love, love, love
Can make you feel this way

Your daddy knows you’re a flame

Real Paper | Braganza Baby Shower

Ati @ Gekd Boutique — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:05:26 +0000

My sister-in-law, Melody of KTD Floral Design is having a baby and I won’t be able to make it to her shower due to the fact that I’ll be attending Lara Casey and Jeff Holt’s Making Things Happen intensive in Las Vegas. I’m bummed and excited all at the same time. Bummed because this is probably going to be Melody’s last baby, but I’m really just kicking that word probably around for the sake of Melody’s sanity. I’m not entirely sure that it will be her last. Excited because I get to meet Lara Casey, Jeff Holt, and oodles of industry people that I admire, stalk, and idolize because they’ll either be attending the intensive or attending WPPI! It’s schmoozing at it’s absolute finest! Hobnobbing with the best of the best! And eventually, Melody will meet them all, too. She is our consultant, after all. So Mel, just keep in mind that I’m taking one for the team, girl!

In honor of her last pregnancy, we- The Divas (what we have dubbed our close circle of wild women)- came up with a fair-themed baby shower and I wanted to make sure that the invitations were a reflection of how fun this event was going to be. I won’t lead on as to what will be taking place until after the event is over as Melody and some of the guests that will be there are avid readers of the blog. However, I do want to share the end-product with you. It is a gate-fold invitation that was printed on both sides, so as to save money and trees by not having to use extra paper.

Here’s to wishing you the best of luck and a successful birthing experience, Melody! We can’t wait to meet the newest addition. Let that little boy in your belly know that he needs to talk to the Man upstairs and send a good little soul to bless my belly, too.

Eye Candy | Glad You’re a Grad!

Ati @ Gekd Boutique — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:22:28 +0000

We’re quickly approaching graduation season and the studio is abuzz with party ideas for graduation parties galore! We’ve had some serious activity in the office and we’d like to share all the news, but let’s say that we’ll do it in small doses, eh? Just know that I haven’t forgotten about my commitment to you and this business.

On the graduation front, I’d like to share some fabulous news. My dear friend, Kia Gregory of Kia Gregory Photography is offering a fantastic special on some Senior Portrait Mini Sessions. Check out the flier below and get more information on booking, here! You absolutely must take a look at her work. It. Is. Phenomenal.

Logo | Kamaile’s Krafts

Ati @ Gekd Boutique — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:50:00 +0000

We do a lot of wedding monograms, but I haven’t really had the opportunity or the confidence, I should say- to post that work. I spend too much time comparing my work to the work of other stationery designers and I don’t know why. There is enough work for all of us and enough clients to go around that will either gravitate towards my style or their style because no matter what- we all have a pretty distinct customer that we may attract. I obviously, attract those who have a close connection to the Polynesian islands and this logo was no exception. You may remember that I blogged about the logo and process here.

Well, I finally got my hands on some of the Kamaile’s Krafts‘ collateral. I can’t wait to see the pictures Malou will send with her actual merchandise attached to the tags. These pictures are of questionable quality, but it will have to do until I can get my hands on a camera that shoots better quality pictures. I hope you’ll bear with me and look past my inability to take descent photos

I added a sweet border of island-inspired palm leaves and flowers to give it even more of a vibrant, colorful, and tropical feel. The frame around the back-to-back “k’s” really gives it a strong, and clean finish that is sure to be able to stand on it’s own if Kamaile’s Krafts decides to expand their brand.

Let us work on a logo for you! And just in case you were wondering- we do much more than island-inspired logos. We’ll do whatever you like and we’ll keep working until we get it right.

Playlist: Spend My Life With You

Ati @ Gekd Boutique — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:48:21 +0000

I never knew such a day could come
And I never knew such a love
Could be inside of one

And I never knew what my life was for
But now that you’re here I know for sure

I never knew till I looked in your eyes
I was incomplete till the day you walked into my life
And I never knew that my heart could feel
So precious and pure
One love so real

Can I just see you every morning when
I open my eyes
Can I just feel your heart beating beside me
Every night
Can we just feel this way together
Till the end of all time
Can I just spend my life with you

Now baby the days and the weeks
And the years will roll by
But nothing will change the love inside
Of you and I

And baby I’ll never find any words
That could explain
Just how much my heart my life
My soul you’ve changed

Can you run to these open arms
When no one else understands
Can we tell God and the whole world
I’m your woman, and you’re my man
Can’t you just feel how much I love you
With one touch of my hand
Can I just spend my life with you

No touch has ever felt so wonderful
(You are incredible)
And a deeper love I’ve never known
(I’ll never let you go)
I swear this love is true
(Now and forever to you)
(only for you)
To you
Can I just see you every morning when

I open my eyes
Can I just feel your heart beating beside me
Every night
Can we just feel this way together
Till the end of all time
Can I just spend my life with you
Can you run to these open arms

When no one else understands
Can we tell God and the whole world
You’re my woman, and you’re my man
Can’t you just feel how much I love you
With one touch of my hand
Can I just spend my life with you

Can I just spend my life with you
Can I just spend my life with you
(Forever here with you)
Can I just spend my life with you
Can I just see you every morning when I
Open my eyes

Infinite Bliss

Ati @ Gekd Boutique — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:08:20 +0000

My husband and I have been married for about a year and a half, now. And call me crazy, but I dream everyday about where and how we’ll renew our vows on our 10th Anniversary. I know for sure, that I would only want our immediate families and really close friends to be there. For a while, I figured that it would take place in New Zealand, but then I saw this

Source: Conrad Hotels & Suites in Bali

This is a photo of the Infinity Chapel in Bali. How fitting is the name, “Infinity?” The water seems to be an infinite picture of pristine and calm. You can see right down to the bottom and lose yourself in all the serenity of those rocks. My heart warmed as the idea of walking down that long aisle, into that architectural dream of glass, into the arms of the man that I love- passed over me. My first rational thought after I awake from this dream? “Let’s do it!” I mean, just look at this beautiful wedding in Bali, which was shot by the ever-so-wonderful and one of my favorite photography teams-MangoRed of the Phillipines.

Photo Source: MangoRed featuring the wedding of Ron Chan & Pamela Ong

Go to MangoRed to see more eye candy from this gorgeous wedding. They have pictures of a reception that just won’t quit. MangoRed- they’re international baby!

This Sweet Sweet Life

Ati @ Gekd Boutique — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:16:10 +0000

If I had to do it over again and I had $1000 or less to make it happen, but a ton of family and friends who were willing to help (and I do)- I would enlist all of my baking buddies and myself to make something as decadent or as fun as they like for my Sweet Soiree. I would also have it at my sister-in-law’s home because she has a TON OF SPACE to pull something of this magnitude off. I’m sure you can find the backyard of a friend or family member, or maybe even a picnic area at a park- to do the same.

Day event? I’d put up fun and colorful DIY decor like pennant banner flags, which I would string up high, in a zig-zag fashion across the yard. Then sweets sweets everywhere, borrowing plates, stands, tablecloths, and buckets from every single friend, auntie, and grandma you could possibly imagine. I’d borrow long tables from a church that I attend and cover the tables with rolls of fabulously-found-fabrics from the Discount Fabric Store. I’d borrow chairs from my dining room and from that of my friends and family members to add to the homespun feeling of the event.

Night event? Everyone bring your Christmas lights! I’m stringing those across the yard, as well! Candles candles everywhere! The set-up is still the same and your dessert tables look something like this

SUH-WEET!

{Image Sources | L-R, top – bottom: 1 & 5. These have been in my folder for a really long time, if anyone knows- please feel free to shoot me an e-mail. 2 & 4. Once Wed 3. Martha Stewart Weddings 6. Style Me Pretty 7. EAD Weddings}

And your first dance starts out something like this…

How sweet would it be just to break out with a pop and lock routine to say thank you to everyone who helped’? Old-school!

OR you can opt for the slower sweeter version. Either way… this sweet sweet life is well on it’s way to really livin!

Logos and Updates

Ati @ Gekd Boutique — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:05:45 +0000

I’m currently working on a custom invitation for a baby shower. I would tell you the theme, but the celebrant is an avid reader and I don’t want to give away the surprise. Stay tuned though, it’s going to be uber sweet and I’ll be posting it soon. I’m also in the market for a letterpress machine- so let me know if you come across any. I’ll swoop down on it like an eagle.

I’ve also been working on some logos for a couple of different companies. I thought I’d take this time to show one of the completed ones to you so that you know I’m not just idly twiddling my thumbs.

This logo was done for Malou Smith, owner of Kamaile’s Krafts based out of Sunnyvale, California. Her website and overall branding is under-going some changes right now and I’m excited about her impending success. Her products have a very strong island vibe and so I thought I’d create a frame for the back to back K’s that mimicked the shape of a traditional Hawaiian quilt pattern. I created several variations, but just as I suspected- she picked this one out of the bunch. I created new business cards, product linesheets, postcards, and product tags/ packaging. She’s getting everything printed as I type this and I can’t wait to show you the final products.

I would show you the others, but those companies aren’t ready to go public yet. Stay tuned, though… lots of exciting things going on.

Ask and You Shall Receive

Ati @ Gekd Boutique — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:04:40 +0000

So remember when I told you that plans for a business partner fell through? I was a little brokenhearted about it for a while. Just a wee bit. Then I decided to carry on with my consultant, Melody and be done with it. Then, my bestie, who I didn’t even think read my blog sent me a text message saying, “I didn’t know you were picking up a business partner.” Just for a moment- my heart stopped and I thought to myself, “I didn’t think you’d be interested.”

Me: Yeah. It didn’t work out, though.
BFF: I’ll help you if you need it.
Me: Oh cool. Did you want to come on as a consultant?
BFF: No, I wanna be partner.

Instantly, Lara Casey’s post came to mind and I started thinking about taking risks.

Me: It’s a lot of work.
BFF: I’m not scared of work.
Me: True true.

The next day I sent Jennifer Alvarez- my best friend- the contract. Today, Jen is now- my business partner. Taking a risk, never felt so right. She is the owner of Jenuine Sweets, which will soon be re-launching under a new brand and name. Stay tuned for that, as well. I love having the exclusive on what’s up and coming on her baked goods. I hold the coveted title of “Jenuine Sweets Taste Tester.”

Our new adventure will be interesting, for sure. One thing I know, though- I can totally count on her.

Here’s to taking risks and making things happen!

Cheers!