Prepping for a Big Year

Christmas was a blast, great time spent with friends and family! The Wii is bananas, I am having crazy fun in between plotting how Laidback will take over the world next year, lol.
In the spirit of preparation for all of the big things ahead for Laidback check out this video on the so called dotcom bubble, definitely an inspiring take on technology.
Look out next week for how we will be celebrating the New Year as we prepare for a new site launch, new collection of designs and some great new collaborations for the upcoming year. Till then keep it Laidback and Happy New Years.

Bust Craftacular Follow-up

The Bust Craftacular is almost a week gone by, but I couldn't let it go with out giving you an update and some flicks. The event was jam-packed all day, a constant flow of folk. There was never a dull moment. I got to meet a lot of great new people and customers and chill with some great crafters and designers. It was great.

Me and Laidback throwin up "L's" all day Big Fun






New and Old Friends

My friend Dawn that always has my back came down to spend a few hours and help out.


Joi from Stereoette


Donna from Resurface


Stephanie for Swigg with her graphic designer boyfriend Lee


My neighbors at the show from Sarah Apple. They were even cool enough to school me on gnomes. People were loving their gnomes.



Hella Packed all day!!!

Give Thanks

Mad praise and thanks for today God. I hope everyone is taking the time to revel and enjoy their families. I welcomed a brand new nephew in on Monday and have been reveling in family time ever since. Laidback is thankful for nearly a year in the biz, a lot has happened this year and we still have to make it even better. I am thankful for you too for checking out the blog.

Shop N Mingle 2007, Bigger and Better

Well it's that time again. Shopping, drinking, eating, and merriment uptown. The Shop N Mingle is where Laidback made it's debut last year Come check us out again this year. It's gonna be a blast.
Harriet’s Alter Ego for the 4th time is taking their campaign
on the road (well across the bridge anyway) and headed to Harlem
for the 2007 edition of their successful holiday shopping mixer,
‘Shop-n-Mingle’.
One of a kind fashion finds, Open Bar, Music & Cool Swag is more than a few reasons why Shop N. Mingle 2007 is a must attend event.



Harriet’s Alter Ego presents…
Shop N. Mingle 2007
Uptown’s Premier Shopping Event

Hosted By Celebrity Styleaholic Najwa Moses

Music Provided By DJ Lynnee Denise

Sunday, December 2, 2007
1pm to 7pm
National Black Theatre
2031-33 Fifth Avenue b/w 125th & 126th

Emerging Designers * Beauty Makeovers * Complimentary Cocktails & Desserts * Free Goodies * Live DJ

JUST ADDED...

MENSWEAR LOUNGE CURATED BY JAHREAM

FEATURING YUME & OTHERS



Sponsored By: Going.com, Vitalicious, Miss Jessies, NUVO, Eclectic Soul, Larabar, Function Drinks, Glaceau Water, Caranda Fine Foods, The Sweet Spot, Taitu's Botanicals, FashionIndie, Styleaholics and Experience: Harlem

The Lifestyle: 2008 and on!!!

For those of you who didn't know and though Laidback was simply a pillow company. Get a life! The laidback lifestyle that is. See how it is all going to come together.

Take a peek at what I am working on for the new year. (The pink is off in the Fly Bd, no matter how much I tweak for web)

Throught The Wire

My heart goes out to Kanye West and his family for the loss of his mom Dr. West. I always related to their relationship, it somehow reflected my son and I and our bond. Laidback grieves all loss, but it really hurts to loose a mom.

Working Feverishly

The holiday season has got me working hard and pretty short on posts. However you can check out my latest Homestylin post over at Honey.
I am also busy working on preparation to expand the line to include duvet sets for next year. That entails running to the Cotton Library (pictured above)which is really a cool place. I am also working on setting up a temporary office/showroom for the upcoming market in January and setting goals for the Laidback, so yeah I am a busy bee.

Holidays are Here, Work to Do

Well the Holidays are quickly coming up on us. Laidback stockings are getting cut and sewn like crazy. A lot to do these coming weeks. Laidback will be a part of the Bust Craftacular and Harriets Alter Ego Shop N Mingle both in Decemer. So much to do, so little time and I hope to see you guys there. So we can all eat, drink, and be merry. More details will be coming soon.

Unforgivable

Well you guys understand the Laidack hustle. I forgot to tell you that I did not survive editing on the Big Idea Oh well.

The Big Idea.. Unforgivable

For any one that hasn't been following this blog. I love "The Big Idea" That is my must see tv. Today I had the pleasure of checking out the show. The guest on the show was none other than Mr. Unforgivable himself, Diddy. He was a good interview and seemed extremely modest and maybe even a little nervous. I like that side of Diddy, it was real. It will air in a week or so and we can see if I survived the editing table, because yours truly begged her way into asking a question, pillow in hand. We also left with a gift bottle of Unforgivable.

Holiday Postcard

I am in the midst of finalizing the holiday postcard for the mass mailing to introduce the stocking collection. What do you think?

New Colors

I decided to switch up the Ol' Play denim color. I am in search of the right blue denim. I am liking this vintage wash right here. The vintage denim is now replacing the lt denim color. Any thoughts?

Also look out for the upcoming Luxe line of micro suedes. This is a lime suede pillow from a set that I created for an exclusive client that wanted the records printed on micro suede. They provided the fabric, it is absolutely fab.

New from laidback/ Holiday Stockings

I have been playing around with the idea since last year of doing a new take on the traditional Christmas stocking. So I did it the way only Laidback can rock it. It's 100% denim in one of your favorite styles "Headline" and yeah I did it.. I took it to the bling. However overused a term, the style is still hot. Check out the monnograms. Tell me what you think? These styles are limited editions and limited quality. Pre-orders will be accepted online starting 10/19.

New Model Condo's up in the BK

Anyone that has been living or been to NY knows that developers are building in every inch of land available. One of the newest developments to go up is a condo building in the heart of the BK, very Mondrian in feel from the outside. The developers are our latest fans having brought Laidback to help style the apartments to make them more attractive to the younger funkier set. Big up to Jillian for having great taste and being a pleasure to work with.

Apartment Therapy Design Meetup

The Apartment Therapy design meetup is tonight in the Design Within Reach in Soho. Great time to network with fellow product designers and get introduced to new designers and ideas. Come on down at 7pm.

The Next Generation

Anyone who has been down with the blog or who knows the Laidback chick personally knows that my must see tv is the Big Idea. I missed this episode but Ephraim represents to me the possibilities of this generation. We are the future. Keep entrepreneurship alive. Get your hustle on!

Harlem does Project Runway

I cant even begin to say how hype I am about the next season of Project Runway. While Liadback does not endorse the majority of reality tv, I absolutely love PR. It encourages me and makes me step up my design game every time I watch it. Now I have known people from past seasons, but nobody quite as fab as Carmen of Sistahs of Harlem.
I actually met Carmen earlier this year when she spoke on a panel about Harlem and fashion. We immediately vibed and talked about the state of our youth and our responsibility to them. She is very smart and innovative and quite a talent. I look forward to this season and the exposure that this will bring her and Carmia, her business partner.

Laidback X Clutch Magazine

A few weeks ago I posted about one of my favorite magazines, Clutch. Lo and behold I am in the new October issue. Check it out here

Missing 1 Star

I love this new Macy's commercial that represents the brands and stars of the store. The only star missing is Laidback..soon and very soon coming to a department store near you.

Workin

I know I have been MIA for a minute but I am still here. I am steady working on the new collection. Stay tuned for the new collection and site redesign. Big Things Poppin.

Beautiful Reality

Just as I was talking about how Essence has recently diappointed me with their content. I logged onto the site to copy the url for the last post and caught a glimpse of what made me fall in love with them as a preteen. Essence has a new online reality dating series starting tomorrow morning at 10am. The clicker for me are the women featured in the series, they are young, beautiful and articulate. They are the exact opposite of what mainstream tv has been portraying women of color as recently in reality tv. The beauty is what I aspire to and have grown to become and that is my reality. Thank you Essence, you just scored one if the show is as good as the teaser. See teaser here (it's on the upper right side of link)

Must Read

One of the best magazines out right now covering black culture is Clutch. They are a monthly online mag that updates daily with a blog that covers current events, fashion and music. Growing up I was an Essence chick, I always wanted to be in the magazine (Hell, who am I kidding, I still do, lol) but the flava and content that I grew up on with Susan Taylor is gone. I have not brought a copy since last year and it deeply saddens me. However, Clutch does it for me, and I look forward to being up in there very soon.

Sept 11

I want to send prayers and love out to my NY family and to everyone affected by that horrible day. Afrobella, one of my must read daily blogs challenged us to remember the day. It was hard to put in words, but I along with many others recalled the very moment our lives changed for good. I still love NY, but it will never be the same, but hey I ain't going nowhere.

Store Hopping

It is always great to check out a great boutique that has great product and merchandising. However it is even better when a few of the items in the great selection are yours.. The best boutiques have items that are unusual and generally not found in mass marketed stores. Check out the way the items were merchandised at both the Studio Museum Store in Harlem and A&G Merch in Williamsburg, BK.

Studio Museum: Also check out the way the t-shirts were folded to brazenly and repeatedly remind you that Black is Beautiful, love that!!


A&G Merch: Love the color play in the merchandising, the bed looks so fun and lively. Peep the box below the bed with the brightly colored Laidback pillows waiting for someone to pull it out and chill.

A&G Merch

Fashion Week and AllHipHop Week

Well Summer is a rap and we are officially back to business.
The business of fashion is in full gear with it being Fashion Week. Yesterday I was not feeling well so I missed two fashion events I really wanted to check out. Luckily it is just getting started. I am going to try and hit L.A.M.B. Tracey Reese, and Baby Phat for sure. I am also looking for the weeklong celebration of AllHipHop.com
Click here to check out the line up.

New Honeymag Post

My new post is up for the Honey magazine site. I will have a new article up on design and the home every Monday morning in the Homestylin column. The weekend threw me off, go check it out now!!

Laidback in Real Simple Magazine

Hit the newsstands and check out the latest issue of Real Simple (Sept) and catch a glimpse of Laidback helping to make a bold statement. Unfortunately you don't get a good look at the laidback signature graphic styles, but we're in there..

Homestylin With Honey Magazine

Fret no more all you urban fashionista's who use to run to the newsstands to cop Honey Magazine.. they're BAAAAAAACk. The magazine is no longer tangible, but in ever means equally as hot and informative in it's new virtual state at Honeymag.com. To add to all of the excitement, I , the ladiback chick am a part of the program. I will be blogging about keeping it stylish in the home for honey on the newly added Homestylin blog. Settle down and go check it out here

The Big Idea

My latest must see TV is The Big Idea, the Donny Deutsch talks show that chronicles entrepreneurs that have hit it big or who are on the verge of hitting it big due to that one big idea. I am hitting the cnbc studio for a live taping today. Everyone needs a little inspiration to get them going full speed ahead. Great place to connect and feed off of some new energy too.

Mad Style

Was caught in hell a traffic yesterday on my way home from the city and saw this chick riding her bike. Traffic was so bad I was able to snap a few picts. Crazy Stylin, I would love to know what she does and what her homestyle is like. Just thought I'd share. If you know her tell her to shoot me a link.

Back to School (Technology)

Here at laidback technology is everything!! Don't skimp and these lil goodies will last all 4 years of school and then some.

I don't care if you are not a graphics, video or design major, front like one. Go with a mac, and the mac book pro is the way to go.

Upgrade your ipod (everyone has one by now) with a voice recorder. Gone are the days of the mini cassette.

A digital camera is a must to capture the college moments. A little Canon will do the trick without breaking the bank.

You won't need any of these things if you cant get your hungover, partied to much, hung out with my boo behind up in the morning. The days of catching another minute are over when you have to run after your clock to make it stop. Now you are really up. Sure it cost more, but not quite as much as that 8 am class that your parents paid for.

Back To School (The Room)

In the spirit of everyone preparing to go back to school I am going to highlight some of Laidbacks favorite back to school items all this week. We of course will focus on the design of the room, technology, stationary, book bags,fun items, and misc. crap that would delight us if we were heading back to school. You don't have to be heading back to school to enjoy these items either.
It's all about feeling at home when you go away to school. If you have any other favorites share them. Laidback hearts school days, lol.


Of course you have your favorites from Laidback. Laidback offers you comfort, style, and a great conversation piece the moment your roomie opens the door and looks at your side of the room they know you are funky, fun and have great style. Don't forget these bad boys unzip and are machine washable.

When studying or taking a study break, if these badboys fit on your tiny side of the room the are a must have. Easy to read on, watch, tv, cozy up, or just take a nap. Its a Fatboy.

Lighting.. PB teen has done a good job of knocking off some of the best designs in lighting. I would pick up some of these pieces for my home. Some pricier than others, but all full of personality and color.

Studio Magazine

Laidback is in the Summer Issue of the Studio Magazine, a design magazine put out by the Studio Museum. They were highlighting good reads and great finds for your home. They listed your favorite, The vinyl "Ol Play" however they misprinted the price. Anyhoo.. check out the shop, there are truly some great finds.

Good Hair is Laidback!!!

One of my favorite sites, Afrobella blew me up today for rocking dope hair. When I say laidback is more than just a pillow, it is style, and style is from the rootah to the tootah as my mom use to say. My stylist also is a Bronxite, Dehilia is her name, and natural haircare is her game. Naturally Twisted is located within Diamond Cut Barbershop at 4635 White Plains Road.

Breaking News!!! or is it Broke News

Check out what's floating around on the web.. Fact or fiction?!??!

Follow Me

I know I have been gone for a week. Nothing exciting no new major developments but I have been working on the Back To School (BTS) events and campaign getting ready for the season. I am also a part of the twitter community and have linked the blog to my account. What that means for you is that you will now be current and get a little insider look into my day and my goings on. On the right hand side are my twitter feeds, it basically answers the question of what I am doing at the moment. Don't get it mistaken it will not chronicle my "every moment (wink)" but it will give you a peek into the daily activities that help shape the Laidback empire.
there is also a link that says follow me if you are on twitter make me a friend and we can keep up with eachothers goings on.

It's all in the Wrap

Wouldn't you eat more chocoalte if the packaging were as hot as this and it supported the arts? The packaging was done by ten NYC graf artists and a portion of the proceeds benefits All Stars Project, a childrens art organization.These can be found at Chocolate Bar

Hand Soap

The beautiful thing about designers is that many of them have a quirky sense of humor and create literal designs. It doesn't get better than Foliage's Handsoap. I would love to see these in various shades. They are freakishly adorable. A great surprise in the guest bathroom.

Paul Smith Football

For those of you that don't know I am the mother of an 8 year old boy. Anyone who has kids, seen kids, been to a house with kids, know that they are messies and will leave there toys just about anywhere. However to steal from their design aesthetic or lack of, with leaving their toys about the living room floor I would love to try that with the new Paul Smith soccer balls. I love the idea of having the super sheek yet laidback brightly stylized living room. A few paintings, some graf above the sofa. A really modern club chair, a great sofa and then a ball or two just beside the sofa as though a child just forgot about it. This time the child is me with strategically placed nearly $400 dollar leather soccer balls. I love it. I would love to have both styles.