I want to introduce all of you to a great friend of mine, and a very talented artist. Tori and I were roomies in college and as an Art major, I knew she had a special eye for chic designs. So it was no surprise to me that she went on to use her illustrations to create beautiful stationery pieces that have been featured in publications like O Magazine, Life & Style, Country Home and many others. Tori was even asked to design the invites for a recent Victoria’s Secret PINK Event.

What I love about Tori’s designs is that they express a simple elegance that many women look up to. A “Jackie O- like” style that even incorporates vintage fabrics for a truly unique and stylish look. Her inspiration comes from her late grandmother-in-law who was a talented seamstress and philanthropist. Before she died, she blessed Tori with yards and yards of beautiful 1960s fabric. Tori has used these vintage pieces to “dress up” her designs. I always look forward to seeing what she’ll do next. We’ll be keeping our eye on this one!

I know that it isn’t often that I receive a hand-written note in the mail anymore. It’s much easier to pick up the Blackberry. But sending a note is even more special now than it used to be because someone spent the extra five minutes to write, stuff and find a stamp. I love that these designs look as special as it feels to get fun mail from a friend.

Look for Tori’s designs at stores like: Paper Tree Boutique in Laguna Niguel, and A Fine Affair in Newport Beach. And of course you can always check out Tori’s designs on her website at http://www.torihiga.com.