July 30, 2012

Introducing Parker & Rain (and a Giveaway!)


(Images via Parker & Rain Shop)

I just got back from vacation last night and promise a recap this week. Today, however, I'm thrilled to introduce you to a fantastic new Etsy shop, Parker & Rain. Owner and designer, Alex, has created the most chic and beautiful lucite trays you've ever seen! She agreed to do an interview here on the blog and host a giveaway featuring my favorite tray, the Mint Flamingo!

Here are a few more designs I'm crushing on and Alex's interview below.




Name: Alexandra
Company: Parker & Rain
Occupation: By day, Product Manager for a start-up in Boston; By night, Leading Lucite Designer
Current City: Boston, MA / Cape Cod, MA

1. Tell us about your company. How long have you been creating these beautiful trays?
 Parker & Rain is still very much an infant! I grew up watching This Old House and HGTV. For as long as I can remember I've always had a strong opinion on art and design. In early June, I moved from NYC to Cape Cod (read: 'burbs") and was ready to build a brand. I knew I wanted to dive deeper into my creative side and find something really fulfilling. I wanted home accessories with vibrant color and pattern depth, which seemed to be scarce in the market. I made my first tray when I was seeking a catchall with a bold pattern for a side table. I exhausted my search online, in boutiques, and within major design brands. It is my firm belief art should never be limited to the walls. After many trials and many errors, I was finally satisfied with a product I wanted to put my name on. I was thrilled when Parker & Rain finally launched last week!

 2. Where do you get the inspiration for the prints you use in your designs? 
Everywhere.  It's amazing what the summer months do to a creative mind. I source most of my inspiration from art, furniture trends, and women's clothing designers. For example - Hollywood regency style / chinoiserie is everywhere lately, and I want shoppers to have the ability to bring that into their homes in a modern inexpensive way.

  3. Is your company going to venture into other products?
Big bold YES. I am bursting at the seams with ideas. I have a product plan about a mile long, but the next venture will be vintage. One perk (besides the obvious beaches) of living on the Cape, is access to amazing estate sales. I have found more vintage treasures in the past few months than I have space for. Ideally, my brand will evolve into a selectively curated shop of modern, vintage, and handmade goods for the home.
  
4. Share a little about your own personal style - what would we find in your closet and in your home? 
Definitely a mix of old and new.  I inherited great treasures from my Mother and Grandmother - so those are on display in my home and closet. Right now, I'm all about the little brass vintage treasures. As far as clothing goes, Mahi Gold, Milly, and Shoshanna. I can't leave out my daytime staple, trusty 'ol J.Crew.

5. The pink flamingo print is my favorite, as you know! Which print is your favorite and how would you style it in your home?
Right now I'm loving the blue peacock ikat and the canary yellow ikat.  Those patterns had me at hello with all their gold-flecked goodness. For me, it's all about the mix and balance of old and new, modern and vintage.

6. Where do you find inspiration in your daily life - blogs, magazines, other shops?
Blogs and their wonderful writers, for sure! Since launching Parker & Rain, I have received countless emails from bloggers wishing luck, offering a sweet congratulatory message, and invaluable advice. It is so incredible to have a network out there and readily available, many of whom have gone on to launch their own shops, brands, and design services. A lot can be learned from these incredible women.

**

Isn't she great? And oh, so stylish! Now for the giveaway!

Alex is offering one very, very lucky reader her gorgeous Mint Flamingo tray!


Simply follow the steps below and you'll be entered! Good luck, everyone!


SHARE:

10 comments

Unknown said...

Just entered! The flamingo tray is so adorable!!!

Gabby {Magic City} said...

Amazing post and giveaway! The trays are so adorable!

Unknown said...

I just entered also - so happy to see a Boston based business :)

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh! I've never seen these before! Thanks for the intro!! And PS I love this rafflecopter thing...it makes things so much easier!! xoxo

Mrs. Kindergarten...aka...Madame Spoiled said...

Oh my gosh! Julie these just made me gidddddddy! I pinky promise to serve you one of my killer strawberry cocktails next summer on this mingo tray! Of course I'll be having you over for FrogMore stew at the beach!

Love and Hugs,
Mrs. Kindergarten...aka...Madame Spoiled

Teri said...

Love this tray!!

Pink Lace and Cupcakes said...

These are super cute! Julie you always find the best ways for me to shop:)

Something Delightful by Rachel Timmerman said...

I love these trays! Especially the serveware! Thanks for sharing :)

-Rachel @ A Preppy State of Mind

Helena - A Diary of Lovely said...

These are gorgeous Julie, thanks for this giveaway! I don't enter many nowadays but couldn't resist this beauty!!

Carly said...

I love the green bamboo tray! That would be perfect for keeping makeup and perfume organized in my bathroom. Thanks for sharing this, Julie! :)