PAPAYA! BLOG

Happy New Years!!!

Happy 2011!  May you take flight this year!

New Years Sparkle: 2011 Reinvention

Planning to go out on New Years?  To be honest I've never had an amazing time on New Years.  I actually get a little nervous to get ready only to get swarmed by people and end up back home.  But I'm up for some surprises this year!  And my closet is full of sequin bits I hide all year thinking I'll pull them out for New Years!  It's such a grown ups holiday and feels a little like a cocktail prom no?  When else does everyone go all out?  This amazing picture has been on my bulletin board this month from British Vogue.  She's more painting inspiration than real life idea, but finding a gold roller jacket sounds pretty good!  And if anyone has crepe paper and is feeling brave...go for it! 
I'm feeling like this year is all about reinvention.  That's my theme.  And clothes and what's going on on the outside are very inspiring to me this year.  I'm ready to translate things to the exterior in as many creative ways as possible. I plan on coming out of my own closet so to speak with new dudds and less fear.   Viva 2011!  What are you gonna wear? Credits:Gold sequin pic, girl with two cigs, Etsy sequin butterfly, crane shirt, pink silk blouse, butterlfy blouse, screen printed wrap.

On Board!

 
On my desk top. In my office. 
In Kathleen's Office Studio Mindy's ("Mindaloo's") office...  And Gina's Office...

Papaya People's

Much of the PAPAYA! gang is missing but we managed to get half of us (and some friends) out for a much needed Christmas cocktail.  We're always a festive bunch and it was nice to take a breather from work together.  
 Hope you get to take some breathers this week too and celebrate with your family and friends.  Besides...it's only 5 days left in 2010!  xxoxox...Anahata

Christmas Spirit in the House

After our adventures in Guatemala it was such a lovely feeling to come back to our warm, snuggly house and plop ourselves back into winter mode.  And people I am not a winter girl!  I grew up in Alaska and have seen enough winter to last a lifetime.  So my joy around this years holidays is a welcome feeling for me.   There's just something great about a new year in our house and continuing to break in the space little by little. I'm feeling more settled and more satisfied by the sentiments of home.  Wishing you all warm, movie vibes and holiday relaxing with extra doses of sugar and wine by the tree or fire.  We'll be doing just that next to old faithful plastic tree!  xoxoxox...

From the studio...

I know it's a little bit of a tease to share fresh-from-the-drawing-board goodies.  But I can't help myself. This lovely lady won't be available until late spring but this is a sneak peek at an early incarnation...The PAPAYA! studios are bursting with fresh designs, new products, projects and collections we've never been more proud of.  But it's all still in the behind the scenes stages.  I'm just bursting with anticipation.  It's a great feeling.

Poster Love

Remember when posters were so cool? Guess what, they still are...especially in bold graphics, chunky fonts and neon colors in thick white frames.  I'm loving The Poster List right now and have scooped up a few goodies for Christmas gifts.  (And love this...I received a confirmation email and friendly note from a real person...so appreciated these days!) Hope your holiday shopping is filled with unusual finds like these!

Guatemala Trip

Just got home from a trip to Guatemala this week!  Reflecting on this experience has me half sleeping, half dreaming at night.  I still taste the cilantro chicken soup, homemade tortillas, coffee and chile chocolate.   We made our base camp the stunning town of Antigua.  A town literally made up of secret gardens, courtyards and homes so old they sing with history.  The streets are just walls with giant wooden doors and each one hides an amazing haven of color and age old gardens.
It's a little bit of torture knowing you are so close to one of these courtyards and you can't get in.  But the streets are cobble, church bells are ringing and the people are so kind you forget the rest of the world.  This is one of the courtyards across from the towns main park inside what used to be one of the sprawling home compounds.  They told us the next courtyard in this home houses a servants body who was caught having an affair with the wealthy husbands wife.  He buried him near the fountain to remind her!  This colonial place is so rich with stories, tales and history that it's impossible not to day dream and speculate the whole time. And the people are mesmerizing.  Cultural hybrid descendants of the Mayan people, indigenous Guatemalans stun us with traditions rarely left in this world.  I spent as much time as possible combing through their hand crafted textiles and working on my "game face" required for bargaining.
 And I am of course a champion shopper.  Lets not forget the options!  (and of course I brought the worlds blurriest travel camera.)  If you're a foodie this is also a decadant universe.  chefs from around the world are taking advantage of mind blowing ingredients and the dreamy courtyards and colonial rooms to create dining experiences that only exist in movies! In this spot we had fresh juices, locally grown and on-site roasted coffee & chocolates and delicious empanadas.  And that's just for afternoon socializing!  
This is a special, decadent and seemingly protected land and a place I will treasure and hopefully continue to explore in the future.

Flora Bowley Painting Sale!

Hi everyone! Here is an amazing opportunity to collect an original of Flora Bowley's artwork. She is having a sale  and there are some wonderful pieces there. Flora has licensed much of her artwork with PAPAYA! and while we love seeing it on paper wrap sets, journals, tote bags and stationery, it is also fantastic to see the originals. Excellent one of a kind Christmas presents!

Papaya's Newest Luxe Totes have arrived!

Great News! Our newest line of Luxe Totes have landed in our warehouse! They're the ultimate in arm candy, as they are both functional and beautiful! Our bags are made with a durable oil cloth material, have really modern oversized silver eyelets, with snap closures, interior pockets, inner zipper pouch, and decorative coordinating lining. And on top of that, they're water resistant! (Which we've tested to be true, living in rainy Oregon!)

We hope you love our new line, as much as we do!

 

Do you have a favorite out of our newest designs?   ... We'd love to hear from you!