Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Memorial Day {White Shoes}

Even though I don't subscribe to old-school rules, I love the idea of breaking out a great pair of white shoes for Memorial Day weekend. This look just says "spring" to me with the sunny yellow dress and coral + turquoise accessories. Pairing a crisp, white linen blazer helps highlight the lovely wedges with gold accents. This is a sophisticated style for a garden party, baby shower, or outdoor wedding!








AX Paris colorblock dress
£22 - republic.co.uk


Mexx linen blazer
€100 - mexx.eu




Vince Camuto soft leather handbag
$148 - shoptheshoebox.com


Van Peterson 925 flower jewelry
£25 - debenhams.com

Friday, May 25, 2012

Spring & Summer Weddings {What's Trending This Year}



With all the details that go in to planning a wedding, it's no surprise that the trends surrounding the ceremonies, dresses, flowers, and centerpieces are getting revamped every year. With more and more couples tying the knot and getting creative this year, there's no shortage of great trends to keep our eyes on.


Great Photo from greenweddingshoes.com


Beautiful silhouette from theknot.com
One Venue for Both the Ceremony & Reception 
Your guests (and wallet) will be happy about this one! More couples this year are opting to stay in one location for the vows and post-party fun. No need to get back in the car and navigate to where the reception is being held. Also, the bridal party will love not having to be shuffled around, making things like photo shoots much more convenient. With venues like hotels, clubs, and banquet halls, there's no shortage of indoor or outdoor options. These places often have beautifully manicured grounds, so a ceremony outside can also be possible if the weather cooperates. 

Detailed Backless Dresses 

One aspect of the wedding dress that should never be overlooked is the back. While the bride is standing at the altar all eyes are on this portion of her dress-think of all the photos taken during this portion of the ceremony! It might just be the inspiration behind so many brides forgoing the strapless look and focusing on the backless one. With beautiful lace detailing, hand beading, and sheer fabrics, this look is easily achieved and breathes new life into the bridal silhouette

color combo from to-be-charmed.com
Contrasting Colors 
Get ready to see warm autumn hues paired with airy sea shades this year as nontraditional colors take center stage. Wedding themes are drawing upon vintage inspiration and odd color combinations, so expect to see colors like tangerine and sea foam green; peach and celery; or even marigold and plum. My brother and his fiancé are actually considering poppy-red and mint-green! The whole color palette reads like an Instagram album and gives the wedding party a retro feel. 

The Rustic Themed Wedding 
While classic black-tie weddings will never go out of style, one trend that's giving it a run for its money is the rustic wedding. With many more couples going the DIY route than ever before, it's not hard to see why the rustic wedding is so appealing. Complete with wildflowers, outdoor themes, barn reception halls, and pastoral centerpieces, this trend blends heartfelt romance with natural elegance. And the best part is you can really showcase who you are as a couple and save a lot of money on things you don't really care about or need. Get the whole bridal party involved in making handmade décor! 

cute! from mybeloveds.tumblr.com



Flower Girls & Ring Bearers 
These little cuties are being given bigger roles and getting more attention then ever before. Ring bearers have been spotted coming down the aisle holding signs reading, " Here comes the bride! " Another innovative idea is to have the little pair stand in the foreground holding a large photo frame with the happy couple kissing in the background-simply adorable! 
lovely from girlywedding.com








Say Cheese! 
Last year was all about the photo booths and this trend is holding on strong this year too. In addition,pre-ceremony photo s have been popping up all over various wedding sites. But here's the catch: most couples want to stay traditional and avoid seeing each other before the ceremony, so the trick will be to stay out of sight. I've seen photos where the couple is blindfolded together, hiding around the corner from one another, or laughing on opposite sides of a door. What a fun thing to do before walking down the aisle! 






Saturday, May 12, 2012

Top it Off {Hair Accessories}


Be it a headband, scarf, hat, or feather– hair accessories are taking personal style to new levels. By giving us yet another canvas to adorn, this cute new trend is simplifying the way we think about our hair. This trend adds the finishing touches to any ensemble while providing a fresh real estate for our creative instincts.

The brilliant thing about this trend is that it translates to every occasion.  Any event offers a chance to accessorize your hair– whether you’re at the beach, in the office, running errands, or out for an elegant evening. Some of the looks are extremely effortless and take only seconds to apply– just clip them in and you’re ready to go. Small touches can instantly dress up a plain ponytail or topknot bun– perfect for the days when you skip shampooing. Or think about adding a beaded or feather headband to a simple hairstyle while running around on the weekends.  It will not only polish up your daytime look, but also revitalize your attitude and sense of style.


There are no rules with this look.  Keeping it simple or going all out is up to you. Consider a metallic accessory to transform your classic look into a trendy new one.  This is a great trick when going straight from the office out to an event.  Keep a few jeweled headbands or fun rhinestone clips in your desk drawer or purse to add instant glamour before meeting friends after work. 

This look works on all hair types, colors, and lengths.  A smart way to start experimenting with hair accessories is to try them out while doing something fun like a BBQ or party on the beach.  Don a beaded headpiece or scarf tied into a bow, or try incorporating multi-colored ribbons or shells into your braids for a beautiful bohemian vibe.  Accessorizing your hair definitely hails to the hippy trends of the 70’s.  Play upon that with wide headbands that lay across your forehead or a flower tucked behind your ear.  



For a party, why not try a few feather hair extensions or a small strand of beads around the crown of your head?  You’ll look instantly chic and no doubt turn a few heads.  Daytime parties call for flowers, fresh or artificial, to be pinned in a low rising up-do.  What a beautiful way to up the femininity of any outfit.  For more formal occasions think about a pearl encrusted barrette or a cheeky little lady hat that’s pinned on an angle to any up-do.

This trend is an inexpensive investment that will end up paying off in the long run.  If you’re having a bad hair day, simply pop on a hair accessory to complete your look.  Use this trend to incorporate feathers, jewels, and leather into your wardrobe without having to buy large, costly pieces.  It’s also a great way to recycle your outfits into something new.  By re-accessorizing timeless clothing in your closet, like a little black dress, you’ll save money for other items.  Hair accessories update your look and ensure you’re fashion-forward without having to revamp your whole closet.