Loving...Flair

there has been some buzz around about this new entertaining book by decorator Joe Nye, Flair: Exquisite Invitations, Lush Flowers, and Gorgeous Table Settings (Rizzoli, $30). i have it in my shopping cart on amazon right now! this covers everything from sending your invitations to putting a scented candle in the bathroom. Joe truly gives an effortless approach to what can usually be a stressful event when you invite friends and neighbors into your home. simple elegance, ladies, isn't just about style, it's a way of life!

i do love to entertain! i wish i could do it more, but when i get the chance, i delight in looking for new fresh ideas on how to do so. it's not a competition but rather a chance to make my guests feel not simply comfortable but also enjoy a certain sense of thoughtful hospitality. i don't think most people today have such moments often. so yay for Flair and those who love to entertain well! i can't wait to get this!



{images: elle decor}

Get Your Mod On

i love Marc Jacob's 2011 Resort collection--all the mod short, short hemlines, polka dots and white piping details are so chic for summer! gotta love it, ladies!







{images: style.com}

Romantic Garden Party

good morning, ladies! i am so pleased to present to you my latest endeavor, Romantic Garden Party! with simplicity in design and a cure for the hopelessly romantic bride out there, here is a fresh take on a traditional wedding. we brought together vivacious fuchsia peonies, luscious greenery, brilliantly cut crystal glass and opulent, intricate designed invitations, to create a concept that would ignite the passionate love story of a man and a woman coming together in a life long union.





with a slight vintage flair, Annette from Swanky Tables created a beautiful dessert table by incorporating an antique white vanity, etched crystal dessert trays and bright anemones. and those extremely delicate confections? those were created by the extremely talented Le Cookie Monkey. and take it from me, they were delicious!




the tablescape was complete with a white pin-tuck tablecloth, antique gold rimmed white china, sweet crystal wine and champagne glasses, crisp white hotel napkins and a touch of whimsy with a budding peony and name card. much of the inspiration came from ease of fresh whites paired with the romance of the etched glass and fuchsia peonies. as the sun began to set in the midst of this beautiful green garden that night, the reflection of the light onto to the etch glass was absolutely memorizing.




i still can't get over how beautiful the invitations are! Megan and Jen from Hi, Friend designed a strikingly extravagant suite that exudes romance and class. by working together the rich gold and beautiful fuchsia tones, it truly becomes one of the statement pieces of the wedding.



and these peonies?! Lisa of Studio del Fiore did such amazing work creating the simple elegance of the table--gorgeous! these were simply placed in delicate bunches inside etched glass vases that came straight from our mother's and grandmother's cupboards. there was no need to make sure every vessel matched and that the beauty of the design. it's an eclectic, traditional approach to items that reside in our family and friend's homes. as for the candles, and i chose to use tall, dramatic candlesticks to enhance the romance of the atmosphere.





and of course, the crew. here we are! it was so unbelievable fun to work with these talented ladies! thank you all for being a part of this.

{from the left: Annette, Dani (me), Jessica, Lisa, Megan}


CREDITS:
Wedding concept design and production: Weddings Fresh
Photography: Jessica Hill Photography
Floral design: Studio del Fiore
Invitation suite and paper design: Hi, Friend!
Tablescape rentals and desert table styling: Swanky Tables
Desserts: Le Cookie Monkey

Preppy Chic Oscar

good morning! i am loving the preppy chic Oscar recently showcased in his 2011 resort collection. the combination of straw hats, naval stripes and taught corseted gowns has brought joy to my heart. ladies, it's a match made in heaven, him and me...*sigh*












{images: style.com}

Tiwgs & Honey

it had been a while since i peeked at Twigs & Honey and felt it was time to showcase some more of these gorgeous hair pieces, belts and jewelry. just to die for!

Sweetly Romantic

white & green is one of my favorite summer color combination for weddings. so fresh, so clean and just sweetly romantic!! i love the simplicity of this wedding. and do you see that amazing chandelier?? the tablescape is full of succulents and ferns in a collection of milk glass compotes all at varying heights and there is fun inspiration from a vintage Schwinn bicycle seen on the customized menus, place cards and even a vinyl decal on the soda bar. so cute!

this shoot was styled by Gibson Events and photographed by Josh McCullock. for more visit here!





{images: by Josh McCullock via Style Me Pretty}

Donna Karen Spring 2010 RTW

it's a little late for a post today, i know but better late than never, right? :)
i'm in need of a dress for the coming wedding months and i have found some inspiration in Donna Karen's spring 2010 rtw collection. full of breezy wrapping and weightless draping, her dresses and skirt suits are nothing short of feminine chic. there is something about Donna Karen's designs that is so alluring--just beautiful! the one above, of course, my favorite!











{images: style.com}