What’s Inspiring Me: The Color Red

1. red “bardot” dress from kate spade; 2. model with red lips via wildfox couture; 3. suede red booties from alexander mcqueen; 4. red dress via ulyana sergeenko’s 2011 collection; 5. vintage vogue from wookmark (august 1956); 6. red valentino dress via the sole train; 7. red chanel nail polish; 8. classic red leather handbag from j.crew

This past weekend was glorious! With a well deserved weekend off, I caught up on many important things: sex and the city episodes, online shopping which involved a major chloe purchase, and my netflix wishlist which included Valentino: The Last Emperor. Watching Mr. Valentino prepare for his 45th Anniversary collection and retirement was riveting– and it also reminded me that I’ve been straight up sweatin’ the color red.I’ve managed to purchase a killer red jacket from j.crew (along with a bright red dress and sweet red pumps… opps). I’ve been rockin’ my favorite red mac lipstick for a while too. What is it about the color red that’s got me switching out the pink from my wardrobe? I think the reason why I love it most is it exudes confidence.

Considering refreshing your hangars with some new, vibrant red pieces. It’s a big color this year at j.crew and kate spade. My favorite way to wear red is to wear it from head to toe. Red dress? Check. Red jacket? Check. Red shoes, lips, belt and bag? Che-ck! Wearing all one color can be really dramatic and bold. I’d die to design an all red event with neutral touches! Someday I might be able to add the ultimate red piece to my collection: a red valentino. A girl can dream, right?

xoxo

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1 Jul
2011

Posted in: Inspiration Boards
By Candice

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What’s Inspiring Me: Independence Day!

It’s hard to believe that half of 2011 is already over and summer is in full swing! It’s hard not to be inspired by this upcoming holiday weekend so I created a fun and stylish inspiration board with you in mind. What are your favorite 4th of July traditions? I’m sure you all are attending or hosting a party this weekend– and whether it is an intimate gathering with close friends or your yearly family reunion, enjoy a little patriotic inspiration! xxoo

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5 Jun
2011

Posted in: Fashion & Accessories, Inspiration Boards
By Candice

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What’s Inspiring Me: Nautical Glam

1. jcrew.com / 2. anthropologie.com / 3. katespade.com / 4. pinterest / 5. john contino / 6. kate armor / ?7. the glitter guide / 8. pinterest

Truth be told, I’ve been hard core rockin’ a blue stripe with sequin and anything sparkley for some time. I love the idea of dressing up something that otherwise would be consider super casual. I’m on a mission to design a nautical glam wedding– with lots of glitter and sparkle! The key to achieving this look is the right balance between casual and dressed up. For daytime, I love the sequin blue and white striped shirt paired with some jeans and glitter ballet flats. For evening, the sequin skirt paired with a blue and white striped shirt is perfect. Dress it up with some understated heals, an over-the-top sequin clutch, and bold red lips. A big “installation” of crystal bracelets going up your forearm would look amazing!

Translate this into a wedding by using blue and white striped linens with glitter and sparkle accent pieces if you want to be on the more casual side. For an evening wedding, go heavy on the glitz by using sequin linens and nautical details in your napkin, paper story, food, and unique decor ideas.

Happy Planning! xo

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1 Apr
2011

Posted in: A Jubilee Event
By Candice

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A Wedding Story: Anna & Matt at The Barns in Middletown, Connecticut

A wedding with so many carefully thought out details: that was the story of Anna and Matt. They started their planning journey with a rocky start– troubled by hardships. Luckily, they entered a contest on Style Me Pretty and were chosen to receive a wedding with support by a lot of special vendors, including Jessica’s Country Flowers, who organized the give-a-way and designed all of their flowers.

They were destined to have an Alice in Wonderland styled wedding on the last weekend of summer, surrounded by 150 of their nearest and dearest. Mostly do-it-yourself, they took on a ton of projects to truly make their wedding their own. From fabric pennant flags that the bride sewed, to the wedding paper suite expertly designed by the groom (with a little help from an amazing illustrator Krista Wildermuth). Perhaps the most amazing piece of homemade décor was the antique door we suspended above their long, family style head table with dozens of antique medicine bottles hanging above like a chandelier. The sweetest part of their story is they were inspired by so many blogs and other couples!

In this kind of styled event, we were inspired by the original Alice in Wonderland and took some visual cues: pearls that the bride wore, “eat me” and “drink me” signs, a play on cards using them as favors and being inspired by them with their cake, the use of zinnias and dahlias in their flowers. But overall, Anna and Matt wanted a colorful, fun, and quirky look that represented them as a couple. We used fun and playful colors— aqua, blue, pink, red, and shades of silver to bring their vision to life.

Their ceremony took place just a stones throw from where the bride grew up at a little, teeny tiny church called Hope Valley Church. A hydrangea covered wreath greeted guests at the steeple and sweet music from a duo of violins prompted the ceremony, where Anna was escorted down the aisle by her dad. She wore an absolutely gorgeous gown with ruffles that cascaded down the back… And layers, and layers of vintage pearls collected from flea markets & antique shops. A cage veil and pretty fascinator, all from The White Dress by the Shore. Matt wore a Versace suit and tie with a pair of custom chuck taylors.

After the ceremony, guests blew bubbles and saw the newly weds off to their epic reception— complete with gorgeous tablescapes designed by us full of sweet little details, and a lot of fun. The bride and groom had their hand on every piece of décor for their wedding— we scouted vintage china used to serve guests dinner at flea markets (Brimfield, to be exact!) together and borrowed unique pieces from Anna’s father— a man who loves antiques! Each guest plucked their escort card from an antique barn door from Anna’s home that Matt hammered vintage nails into. A tag with their name on it, affixed to a skeleton key, guided them to their table. After dinner, they danced the night away with family and friends into the wee hours!

Big props to my friends at Raw Photo Design for sharing so generously these stunning images!

What seems like yesterday was so long ago– congratulations Anna and Matt! We feel so honored to have been part of your journey and are exceptionally grateful for your friendship.