From NY to SF

Wedding inspirations (ethnic vs. traditional)

One of my closest friends from Duke is in the midst of planning her wedding right now - one of my VERY favorite things in the world.  I love, love, love planning, and a wedding is pretty much one of the most amazing things a girl gets to plan.

So I've been looking around to help out with inspiration for her (and also just because it's a guilty pleasure).  Her wedding will be an Indian wedding, so I've been on the lookout for beautiful pictures of "cultural" fetes.  (That's what the wedding websites seem to call weddings that aren't of the the "I do / I do" variety, I'm not really sure how any wedding is any more "cultural" than another, but anyway).

I thought I'd post a few beautiful pictures of attire - "cultural" and otherwise.  And I'd love your comments on these and all things wedding, and any pictures you'd like to share!

First, a Christos gown.  I almost bought a gown by Christos - it was the runner up - but in the end I went with a Vera.  Can't really go wrong either way.  I love that this dress is so elegant and ethereal, and I especially love the tulle neckline and bodice detail.  FABULOUS.  And a great solution for all the brides who don't want to do strapless.  My thoughts on that:  strapless dresses are a bit of a red herring.  Your wedding dress is not going to fall down the way your average strapless dress might, so brides need not worry so much and be overly concerned about avoiding strapless.  Wedding dresses have a ton of boning, construction, and tailoring so you're really not going to need to worry. 

And here are a few pictures that I love from this wedding on Style Me Pretty. I love the colors, the flowers, the subtle variations in the sarees.  I am just learning about the different traditions, options, and styles for Indian weddings . . . so much fun!  The bride and groom have chosen a hybrid approach to the attire, with bridesmaids in sarees and the bride in a white gown.  It looks great, and I think a bride should do whatever she wants on her wedding day!

Gladiator shoes: sandals vs. flats vs. heels - take your pick!

A quick post about another trend (or two trends in one, really).  I thought that gladiators would make there way out last season, but alas they have not.  I have grown to like them more though, especially in their new, more blingy incarnation.

I bought two pairs of gladiator-esque shoes so far, with the common element being interesting textural, studded leather.  And in keeping with the current economic climate, neither pair will break the bank.

The first one is not exactly the pair I bought, but it's a close substitute and a totally adorable Steven sandal.  I love the pewter color.  The second is a pair that I own and get constant compliments on whenever I wear them.  Michael Kors flats, exclusively at Nordstrom.  The third is another Kors pair with a 4.5" heel (3.5" if you exclude the platform) that I just discovered, absolutely love, and may have to buy as a result of this post.  Sigh.  And no, that's not too high, especially if you're 5 2" :)

 

Must have for summer: Ikat

I am not a huge fan of florals in general - I prefer more geometric prints.  Which is why Ikat is one of my fave looks for summer.  You'll see it all over, but the most accessible place to find a multitude of styles and colors is an old reliable, The Gap.

I bought the peasant top (below in yellow) in purple - it is beautiful.  There are tons of choices in store (just a few online) and you can't beat the price points.  The fabric is super soft and all of the pieces are great.  If you're squeamish, go with a scarf!

This is the beginning of my new blogging philosophy - more posts, less content per post.  I'm hoping that means I'll be able to write more often :)  Stay tuned!

Wedding budget: lighting vs. flowers?

The answer:  lighting is a definite MUST and will give you an amazing bang for your buck.  Do not leave it out of your budget if you want to create the perfect atmosphere for your wedding.

I haven't given much wedding advice so far, mostly because there is so much information out there already.  However, something that is often overlooked when planning a wedding is the importance of lighting.  People focus on venue, flowers, linens but tend to ignore lighting, other than perhaps one of those stencils on the dance floor.  (My lighting designer was ECSTATIC when he heard that I absolutely did not want a "C & D" monogram projected for my wedding.  Apologies to readers who incorporated that particular effect.)  Lighting creates the mood for the event, makes it memorable, and can have a far greater impact than flowers.

So what did I do?  Amber uplighting on all of the columns in the room.  A "cool" lighting scheme in the bar, with a patterned gobo (bubbles).  A "warm" lighting scheme on the walls - more amber, with a very organic, blurred gobo.  An even "warmer,"  rose lighting scheme on the dance floor with yet another gobo - this one was the most distinct pattern and was a bit of a combination of the two.

If that means nothing to you . . . take a look.  Lighting by Jon Retsky of Got Light in SF.  Here's a link to all of the lighting photos from the night.

 

Boyfriend Jeans vs. Skinny Jeans

Hands down, no brainer, clear winner - the boyfriend jean.  My poor skinny jeans are sitting, folded in the back of my drawer with no hope for seeing the light of day.  Then again, my skinny jeans have zero stretch in them (not for the faint of heart) so they were already at a slight disadvantage.  But I wore them faithfully all last season and switched to the JCrew skinny cords for fall.  However, when walking through Bloomies a few weekends ago I saw the most adorable mannequins situated in between the Vince and Denim sections (be still my heart).  They were decked out in boyfriend jeans, Vince white shirts, and Theory blazers with the cuffs rolled and collars popped (to show the pinstriped lining).  I die. 

I tried on all three of the brands on the mannequins - Seven, Paige, and J.  While I love J Brand jeans, they were a little too distressed to wear to work so I had to let them go.  The Sevens were a little slimmer and very soft, but they didn't have my size and I wanted to go all the way with the "baggy" boyfriend look, so I settled on the Paige Wilshire style.  A-mazing.  I would wear them every single day but that would ruin my reputation.  My suggestion for fit - go with your "true" denim size.  I'm usually a 26, sometimes a 25 if I'm afraid of too much stretching.  I went with the 26 after trying both, because the whole point is to have them look big.  If I were taller, I might have even sized up to get the true effect but alas at 5' 2" it is not really in my best interest. Anticipating your next question, my shoe suggestion is a rounded toe heel.  I've been wearing mine with purple patent round toed pumps (Kate Spade), black suede wedges (also Kate Spade), or my favorite booties.  I have actually worn the outfit as shown at Bloomies and gotten many compliments, and I've dressed it up a bit with a fun silk BCBG blouse.  Here are fun pictures and links so you can get the full idea.  In the spirit of the current economy, I've tried to find "bargains" whenever possible ;)

Paige Wilshire in Rebel Wash.  Don't pay full price - shop around until you find them on sale.  Retail is $220, I paid $140ish (that's with CA sales tax).

Seven Josephina Boyfriend Jeans in Vintage Cal.  Wouldn't pay full price for these either.  You can see from the pictures that this is a slightly slimmer fit through the legs.  Very cute.

Theory blazer.  If you don't have one of these in your closet already, shame on you.  No, seriously you need at least one one.  I have three - black two button, gray three button, dove gray two button.  Turn up the cuffs for a super cute peek at the piped lining. [Not sure why this won't align properly, whatever Typepad.]

BCBG silk ruffle top.  No idea why they've styled this with the collar all the way buttoned.  Silly, and definitely not the way to wear it.  This is a pretty, girly top to glam up the bottoms a bit and go for a less androgynous look.   

Kate Spade purple patent pumps to finish off the look.  DON'T pay full price, these are seasonal and should drop.  I paid a fraction of what they're charging at Zappos. 

Finally, Kate Spade black suede wedges.  SO chic and ladylike, you need these shoes, especially at the price.

That's all for now - happy shopping!!

Recession Fashion

I have barely shopped at ALL this fall, like most of America.  With Retail Sales at their weakest in 35 years, I'm sure that your inboxes are full of coupons and deals.  A few weekends ago I took advantage of the Gap Friends & Family discount (30%).  While much of the merchandise was disappointing, to be honest (are they SERIOUS with the polyester sweaters), there were a few hidden gems.  Here are two of my fave pieces:

This top is very current, with the puff sleeve details and pretty bodice, and easy to dress up or down.  Unfortunately the model has pushed up the sleeves so you can't tell how cute they are.  Annoying, but trust me on this one.

 

I also bought this adorable bubble skirt, which is also very versatile and comes in both a tweedy-neutral as well as a dark purple color, so if you still haven't bought anything purple this season here's your chance.

 

I wear this as an outfit, with black tights and my fave booties which I bought this summer at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  Love them.  Buy a pair, you will NOT regret it.  Mine are black, but here's a pic in grey so you can see the details.  I don't see them online anywhere, but here is a link to a similar pair, on sale at zappos.

Happy shopping! 

i die (for burberry)

So last post I was talking about purple . . . and then I got an email from NM featuring this AMAZING Burberry Prorsum trench.  Sigh . . .

 

 

Must haves for Fall!

It's been quite a while since my last post and I have left you all out on a limb with no fall fashion advice!  So sorry.  Since I am now in post-wedding, biggest-recession-of-our lifetime, money-saving mode, I will satisfy my shopping urges by giving advice to all of you!!

Hopefully you've gotten a jump on your fall shopping, but just in case here are the things you NEED to know in order to look current. 

Trends not to miss:

Navy is the new neutral.  Instead of going for the same old boring blacks, try a rich indigo.  It's warmer and it's still a great basic.  Go for a pair of matchstick cords from jcrew - you can't go wrong.  I am OBSESSED with mine.  (Yes, skinny legs are still in for fall, you can't escape it.  These are flattering on many shapes and sizes, go try them on!)  The picture on jcrew.com is hideous - ignore the awful fuchsia pair and just trust me.

Purple is this season's electric blue.  You MUST buy something purple.  No getting around it.  I have a fabulous Rory Beca silk dress, which I can't find anywhere online (sadly).  If you can pull off the color, buy a silk blouse or dress.  If you can't, then go for it with a fun bag or headband.  I love the botkier purple bag shown here. 

 

Orange is also very in, but can be far harder for everyone to pull off.  I bought a VERY cute silk top which i have worn a ton (with my navy cords ;).  This adorable cami showcases two trends - orange and ruffles.

If you are concerned about warmth, layer the cami under another must-have, a long mens-style cashmere cardigan.  Here's the jcrew version.  I realize I'm a little jcrew-heavy today, but their fall collection is really, really great - so much style for so little $$$ (relatively speaking).

I have left you with no shoe or accessory trends, which is very sad . . . stay tuned for the next post :)

embrace the trend: maxi dresses

the maxi dress trend is obviously not new.  it's been going on for at least a year in hollywood.  i ignored it for a while, for various reasons.  i thought it might be a fad, that i might be too short, that i would look preggers, that the dresses were too hippie-dippy for me.  (for those that don't know me, i am hardly a hippie, i am a yuppie through and through.)

but i digress.  last week, i broke down and bought a maxi dress.  in ORGANIC COTTON no less.  and i love it.  it is amazing.  i am obsessed.  it's by Gypsy05 and i found it at y & i on chestnut in SF.  here's the website, but they're totally sold out so i suggest trying to find one at a boutique near you.  i went with black.  i tried other colors, but they just weren't me . . . although i encourage you to embrace color.  here's the dress in red, b/c that's the color that had the celeb pic of LC, and who doesn't love the hills.

for the men that read this blog, let me throw you a bone here.  i also bought a case of rubaiyat last week, which is a DELICIOUS, special, red wine blend by cakebread.  it's very manly, because it is specifically known for it's ability to pair well with grilled food.  a "barbeque" wine (although having spent 4 years in NC, it's not bbq, it's grilling people, get with it).  there's a summer special on it right now ($10 shipping), so get ordering!

wedding planning

i have been quite remiss about posting recently.  there are two primary reasons - one, i got a new job at yahoo! (yay) and two, damon and i are getting married in september.  the combination of the two have led to a very fun yet very hectic summer.

i love to plan, and wedding planning is the ULTIMATE in planning.  needless to say, i love it.  i am happy to help any brides-to-be.  if you are feeling overwhelmed, just comment and i'll see if i can share any words of wisdom. 

one of my most recent accomplishments was an inspiration board for my event.  in order to finalize the decor (linens, flatware, china, crystal), lighting, flowers, etc I had to be able to communicate my vision to all of the various designers and vendors that i had researched and hired months ago.  i found two amazing wedding design blogs, snippet & ink and style me pretty.  combined with the knot and flickr, i set to work.  here is the result . . .

mood:  elegant, romantic, urban, autumnal
colors:  platinum grey, bright orange

it's meant to be a communication of the overall look and feel of the event, not to depict the actual details and choices.  those are going to be a surprise at the wedding!