leahbrier.com

Thank Noah it’s Friday

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I don’t pretend to be a designer, but when it comes to an aesthetic I know I have one — I know what I like. And sometimes what I think designers forget about is really thinking about what people like and feel connected to on a personal level, rather than just designing for the sake of design and/or design community accolades.

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I like 4 packs of toilet paper. I just think they’re compact and convenient, tasteful and practical. A lot of this preference may have to do with the fact that I grew up with Costco- sized, gargantuan and all-imposing 1-million packs of toilet paper; they made toilet paper more about its actual purpose than it’s aesthetic appeal. Now that I live alone, grabbing a soft and cuddly 4-pack makes me feel like I am on that quintessential NYC sitcom, grabbing TP and orange juice at the corner bodega when I just happen to (probably literally) run into Mr. Right.

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But, ah, I digress. There is something about the size, fit and simple design that gives the 4-pack its own little spot in the package-design-appreciation section of my heart … along with all Apple products, cleverly folded boxes and everything created and sold by Muji.

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Why is it that so many of us never put thought into our undergarments? They are just as important, and can be just as beautiful as anything else we put on. Yet our culture has taken us from a time of custom-made lace slips and seamed thigh-high stockings to one-size-fits-all boxers and briefs.

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I have a few beautiful nightgowns and some adorable tap sets that my mom has given me over the years. Not only are they beautiful, but they are functional and I love to wear them as my little secret under dresses, especially in the winter as an extra warm layer.

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I just wish we could all put a little more care into the things we put on our body, beyond our jeans and t-shirts. For instance, I try to wear yoga clothes to my yoga practice rather than sweats because I think it helps me focus. I also like wearing proper pajamas to bed (even though I love lounging in a comfortable pair of lacrosse shorts) because it makes me feel like sleep is more of an occasion. I hope men’s pajamas catch back on — they are so handsome!

I absolutely can’t wait to see this. I think I am going to treat myself to some good old fashioned entertainment tonight, and finally see this movie! Heard great things about it.

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Thank Buddha it’s Friday

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I think working in a creative industry can really dry up our personal wells of creativity. I have spoken to a lot of art directors who tirelessly create for clients and are so exhausted by work that they stop creating for themselves, in their spare time and in their real lives.

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While I don’t produce creative work the same way as an artist, I do have to constantly be at the top of my game, thinking creatively all the time, and that has made it hard to be creative outside of the office. When I really started to feel the stress from the lack of creative expression and release, I decided to change it.

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I use my blackberry to capture theories I come up with on the fly. I have a memo on my phone called “Working Theories” that allows me to jot down those key findings. I do yoga so I can train my mind, body and spirit to work together more cohesively.  And I search for inspiration, just so I can be around it, whenever possible (blogs, museums, the outdoors, etc.)

I’m heading off the grid for the weekend to the Berkshires, my family has a cabin in Becket, MA. I have so many memories of being there when I was young, and I love sharing it with friends. Not to mention there has already been snow there so it will be a cold and snowy adventure!

A few months back, during the May grey and all the rain, I strolled into the Jonathan Adler store on the UES. I was immediately drawn to the colors, the patterns, the needle point pillows and the amazing wallpaper (which I am currently installing in my kitchen). What really amazed me was the use of color that perfectly saturated the entire store. Jonathan Adler’s work is harking back to the good ol’ days of true decorative sense. I picture his knick-knacks, perhaps a little worn, tattered and well loved, in the house of the women of Grey Gardens, or in a classic 6 uptown owned by Muffy and her poodle. He is taking a step away from the simple design aesthetics of the today, the Ikea’s and the CB2′s. Unlike the clean lines and simple color palettes of the ever popular Swedish KD designs, Alder’s work really speaks to me with the bright pops of color and the true heart and soul in his pieces.

A 20-something deciding, and learning, to start living life in high heels. It’s not as easy as it looks people!

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I have spent most of my life in comfy flats, converse sneakers, Minnetonka mocs or flip-flops, but recently I have decided that I need to unite my weekend life and weekday life by introducing heels into my everyday wardrobe.

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The hardest part for me is simply facing the fear. I wonder every time I put on heels, even if I have worn them a million times before: Will I suddenly be in crippling pain and then humiliated by having to finish my day walking barefoot !?!

But I think this is an important transition to make. I walk taller in heels — literally and figuratively –  head up, shoulders back and confidence high. My legs look better, and that’s always a plus. And I think I just take myself more seriously in a great pair of heels. Granted, I also have some amazing flats that definitely deserve respect in their own right! But I am hereby declaring my attempt to welcome my heels to the days of the week that do not begin with ‘S’. (And please, don’t say ‘break a leg!’)

After yoga, when I get home and I am showered and fully relaxed, I lay in bed or stare at the mirror and try to say to myself:

Nothing in this moment needs to be different for me to be happy

And it really works!