Fab Frocks Friday: Puppy Love

Happy weekend! To vintage glamour, Chanel and puppies, of course!

Some links for your weekend . . .

• Love stories and things left unsaid. Thank you Alison for sharing.
• A Glamorous Affair from Kelly Oshiro on Aisle Dash.
• The sweetest fiance had this request for his lady love.

Image via Harper's Bazaar.

A Little Goes A Long Way

Just look at this gorgeous room designed by Philippe Starck. Panels of chiffon and a button tufted ceiling soften the drama of the lacquered black chandelier and arm chair. A room awash in soft pink is the perfect background for a bold color accent and helps create a focal point for the room. With such an grand design, the entire room works to create a cohesive look without all the elements competing against each other.

Now you may be thinking "wait a minute, I thought this was a wedding blog. Why are we getting a crash course in interior design?" Well, we can take the a few of the design principles of interior design and apply them to your wedding. With the wealth of information available on the internet, a bride's dream wedding can get lost in the shuffle by trying to apply too many trends or subscribing to the notion that more is better, bigger is better. Highlighting a few key pieces make much more of an impact than incorporating everything. After all, a little restraint goes a long way.


Image via Bacarat.

Just Because . . .

. . . sometimes you can't wait until Friday to share so much loveliness.

Dainty pearls, beehive up-do, knee high socks, retro eyeliner, cozy sweater, and soft layers of chiffon. Perfect touches for any bridesmaid.

And if there's a soft meadow in the vicinity, all the merrier!

Image by Jimmy Backius via Elle Sweden August 2010.

The Eyes Have It

My what big, beautiful eyes you have! After speaking with several real brides and make up artists, they've all agreed that big beautiful eyelashes provide instant glamor on the day of.

To achieve the perfect mega watt glam look, I recommend using false eyelashes, and no, not your mom's 80's style pageant ones. You can find many a natural faux lash fix that will be the perfect fit for you. Not only that, the effect is temporary and you can decide on the look without having to make a large financial investment (like eyelash extensions or lash growth product).

For brides planning to have a make up artist with you on your wedding day, make sure to include false eye lashes in your trial runs. Going solo? The experts all agree, to make the look natural, practice, practice, practice - before the big day of course! Though individual lashes can require a bit more time and finesse to apply, the effect is more natural. If patience is not your forte, use a strip of false eyelashes and make sure to trim the piece to fit your own unique eyes. You can also trim the strip into halves or thirds for a subtle effect. Once your lashes are applied, don't forget to apply a coat of mascara and a little eyeliner to blend everything together.

For more tips on how to get the perfect eyelashes, head on over to Glamour for all the latest tips and trends.

Readers - what tips and tricks do you have to get that most coveted doe eyed look?

Image via Bienenkiste.

Fab Frocks Friday: Timeless Beauty

Thank you so much to Alison at The Knotty Bride for sharing with all of us the wedding that inspired this week's fab frock! Check out this beauty plus all the details over at Style Me Pretty.

And a few helpful links for all your wedding planning . . .

• Unique handmade teacups.
• Sound advice from one of the wedding gurus.
• Amazing images for all your inspiration board needs.
• Bows for the boys.
  

Inspiration in the Morning

What better way to start the morning than these beautiful inspiration boards from Sofia at Brancoprata. Each board is a study in the perfection of romance and style. But don't take my word for it, see for yourself . . .

A few of my favorites, which ones are yours?

Images by Brancoprata via Style Me Pretty.

Beautiful Dresses

Absolutely dying over the sheer loveliness of these exquisite dresses by Maria Lucia Hohan . . .

Captured in soft light, Maria Lucia Hohan's atelier is the perfect mix of romance and vintage elegance. If these don't get you in the mood for love, I don't know what will!

Images by The Cherry Blossom Girl via This is Glamorous.

Martha Stewart + HSN

As if lifestyle icon Martha Stewart could make our lives any more sweeter, she is now introducing to us the Cricut Cake® Martha Stewart Crafts™ Edition, an easy-to-use, cake decorating machine and electronic cutter that precisely cuts gum paste, frosting sheets, and much more.

Developed by the creative innovators at Provo Craft, the new machine, which is co-branded with Cricut Cake and Martha Stewart Crafts brands and comes with unique Martha Stewart-designed cartridges, will launch exclusively on HSN on July 19th.

The new Cricut Cake Martha Stewart Crafts Edition gives everyday decorators, as well as professionals, the ability to create edible masterpieces such as elegant wedding cakes, charming birthday cakes, and themed cookies or cupcakes for any occasion. The machine saves time cutting unique shapes, designs, and fonts from sheets of gum paste, fondant, cookie dough and other edible materials that would otherwise take hours with various individual cutters. Cricut cartridges with creative new designs from Martha and her team are available exclusively for purchase during the launch on HSN.

Fans can sign up for when-to-watch emails and learn more about Martha Stewart’s upcoming HSN debut at www.hsn.com, key word: Martha Stewart.

And while you're there, don't forget to check out some Martha Stewart essentials like the Punch and Stamp Kit, a 24-pk Iridescent Glitter Kit, the Scoreboard Kit, Essential Tool Kit, Essential Glitter Kit, and the Essential Punch Kit. Following Ms. Stewart’s debut in July, HSN will continue to offer customers valuable crafting tips and new innovations from her popular Martha Stewart Crafts line throughout the Fall.


Images via Martha Stewart.

Fab Frocks Friday: Feathers + Sparkle + Marchesa

Feathers. Sparkle. Marchesa. Enough Said.

For those lazy summer weekends with nothing to do but relax . . .

• Quite possibly one of the most inspiring ideas for your bridesmaids!
• Amelie + Wedding . . . why didn't anyone think of this before?!
• The cutest business cards I've ever seen!
• Please don't forget to vote for the cinderella project at the Aisle Dash Wedding Blog Awards!

Thread Social Summer Sample Sale!

If you didn't get a chance to peruse all the pretties at the Thread Social sale one Gilt, you're in luck because next week is Thread Social's Summer Sample Sale!

What can you expect at a Thread Social sale? Rows of highly coveted dresses seen in the glossies like Vogue, Elle, and Harper's Bazaar, just to name a few. This staple of the fashion set is sure to fulfill all your wardrobe needs for every summer wedding, shindig, fête, first date, picnic in the park, rehearsal dinner, and everything in between. And did I mention you can probably coordinate an entire fashion forward bridal party look with said dresses?

So get to the sale and let your creativity blossom! For all you ladies unable to take that trip to Thread Social's New York City studios, the lovely ladies will be taking orders via email, web, and phone!

Methinks it's a yes to the dress! and that dress, and that dress, and that dress . . . ;).


Image via Thread Social.

Wedding Wish Wednesday: Jorge from Waterford Wedgwood Royal Doulton

I am so excited to share with my lovely readers these tips on making registering easier! As Director and National Spokesperson at Waterford Wedgwood Royal Doulton, Jorge Perez is the authority on entertaining how to's and registering in style.

In addition to partnering up with high fashion and household names like Vera Wang, Martha Stewart, and Barbara Barry, the collections at Waterford, Wedgwood and Royal Doulton have just about everything you need to create a happy home.

Here are Jorge's Top 10 Tips for Registering . . .

1. REGISTER! REGISTER! REGISTER!

2. Register at stores that offer great registry rewards and an on-line registry service.

3. Do Not register at more than 3 establishments and make sure to register for things that “YOU” will need and use and not for what others are telling you to register for.

4. Register early (to take advantage of all your bridal functions prior to your wedding) and check your registry often on-line to make any adjustments.

5. Make sure to register for enough items (2 gifts for each person you invite) and at many different price points ($25, $50, $100, $350, etc). This makes it easier for your loved ones and group work friends to buy you the gifts you want.

6. Invite your Groom to get involved in the registry. Maybe he can register for the things that he likes, like the Bar or entertainment center.

7. Listen to your mothers! At least 10%. Remember - they went through this and feel that they have much to offer, but don’t forget that it is your decision and your table (not hers).

8. Take a very few (if any) people with you when you register. Less people means less opinions.

9. Register for more than you think you’ll need. Your registry is about your future, so register for all the BASICS that you will need to entertain.

10. Don’t Register CHEAP! Register for quality items that will be with you forever and will become your family heirlooms, like Waterford and Wedgwood.

Image via Toast and Tables.

Fashion Illustrations by Dallas Shaw

Garish bridesmaid dresses for your girls as "gifts?" Um, no thank you. For you lovely brides and readers, finding the perfect thank you gift for your girls can be as exhausting as finding the perfect dress.

Which is why I am absolutely delighted to share with you the work of my favorite fashion artist Dallas Shaw. This ultra talented artist is the go to illustrator for the fashion world's most style savvy insiders like DKNY's PR Girl, The Bag Snob Ladies, and Rent the Runway, just to name a few. Take a look at just a small sampling of her work - a breath of fresh air, I say!

Think about it ladies - your besties forever captured in a gift as unique as their own personal style. I definitely think they will absolutely love the gesture and thought!

Plus, the entire process is easy as a piece of red velvet cake! Here's the scoop on how you can get your custom illustration: each artwork is done on Bristol and in a mix of prismacolor, watercolor and pen & ink. When you first place your order, you'll be in contact with Dallas throughout the process. You will receive a rough sketch, and also a finished sketch before the drawing goes into color. Have a change of heart? Any changes made after the drawing is in color will be charged an additional hourly rate.

Also, any brides looking for a piece of artwork to commemorate her special day can commission a custom bridal illustration as well! Brides may send photos of dress, themselves shoes, etc. before or after the wedding.

Don't forget to follow Dallas on Twitter for the scoop on more of her amazing work like these darling gals, which pretty much won me over to get myself a Dallas Shaw original! For inquiries, please email Dallas at DallasShawDesign@gmail.com.

Images via Dallas Shaw.

Seriously Adorable Style

Okay, okay, I know summer is in full swing with plenty a wedding to be had (see here and here). But I could not wait till the early days of autumn to share with you these seriously adorable minis paired with adorable geometric print stockings and kitten heel oxfords.

The whole look has me counting the days on my calendar when I can break out said stockings, and maybe see a few brave bridesmaids and a fashion savvy bride take the plunge into sheer bridesmaid style awesomeness by coordinating a look much like this. Until then, I shall gaze wistfully at the above picture and be content with this.


Image from Miu Miu FW 2010 Ad Campaign via Fashioncopious.

Fab Frocks Friday: Wanna Get Away?

Gorgeous sunny weather makes me want to pack my bags and escape the city for the summer.

And for the weekend . . .

• Coverage of the Couture Collections
• Great thoughts on Successful People!
• Carmen Marc Valvo new Bridal Collection
• Say yes to the dress!
• How-to's for the big day from one of the best in the biz!
  

Image via Corrie Bond.

Vintage Inspiration for Your Engagement Session

Layered stockings, ankle socks and high heels, boho waves and braids, red lips, shorts and chiffon blouses, period pieces, and the sheer romanticism of the good ol' days. Aren't you utterly captivated by the softness of this vintage inspired fashion shoot that will be so fabulous for your engagement session.

I love how this shoot uses summer's favorite shorts in place of skirts to create a quirky tomboyish yet feminine look. And for the gents? Nothing but a rolled up shirt sleeves, fedora and dapper attitude will do.

Ah sweet love!

Images via Olivia Graham.

Flowers Chic and Cheap

Forget about fussy bouquets and ornate vases. All you need are a few blooms from your grocery store or farmers’ market, a simple container—perhaps one found at a garage sale or in your recycling bin or kitchen cabinet—and a touch of whimsy to pull it all together!

In Flowers Chic and Cheap, Elle Decor editor at large Carlos Mota shows how unexpected elements can make a style statement. For example, fill a vintage teapot with pink peonies and set it next to your bed; gather some ferns and an orange poppy in a colorful gift bag and call it a centerpiece; dress any entryway by loading a soup tureen with lemons and a few dusted-off leaves (picked from the backyard, of course).

Inside, Carlos reveals his trademark secrets for teasing the most out of flowers’ color, height, and texture, such as:

Unusual combinations make the most interesting arrangements (think posh English garden roses paired with inexpensive pom-poms). Two dozen cheap roses are perfect for a graceful bouquet when the stems are cut short, arranged tightly, and peppered with mint stems. Short- and long-stemmed flowers placed in bud vases on a cake stand are always easy and elegant.

With short lists of what you’ll need and clear instructions for what to do, plus more than two hundred gorgeous color photographs by celebrated photographer William Waldron, Flowers Chic and Cheap gives you all the practical information—and inspiration—for sprucing up your place without making a fuss.


Images by William Waldron for Flowers Chic and Cheap.

Sorbet-Land

I've got the scoop on an instant refresher for your summer wedding! This absolutely delectable citrus sorbet is guaranteed to help your guests beat the summer heat in edible style.

Because seriously, who could not be utterly captivated by these sorbet delights that look like freshly picked fruit from the groves? Or for a rustic feel, serve in your favorite vintage mason jars like the ones below. For the recipe and a little extra touch for the grown ups (thank you Campari), click here.

Fruit sorbet for the summertime. Could this be your signature dish for the season?

Images via Mowielicious.

Vera Wang Sale!

Fab Frocks Friday: All American

Barbecues, sunshine, and American spirit this wonderful Fourth of July spirit! Happy long weekend!


Image from Harper's Bazaar by Alexi Lubomirski.

A Charming Cottage

Oh, to steal away into my own little shabby chic retreat - how love would that be!

No doubt you've all seen this this utterly romantic cottage in The New York Times. What's more, all the renovations were done by the owner on a $3,000 budget. Now that is a serious D.I.Y. project.

Weekend - please hurry up. Thank you.

Images via New York Times by Trevor Tondro.