High Relief

Three-dimensional details are popping up everywhere. The Reaching Up invitation available on einvite.com uses embossing to give its blossoms a subtle texture that feels good and catches the eye. The new amazing Silk Dupioni Rosette Dress from J Crew expertly swirls silk into spiraling rosettes and wakes up the senses. The bouquet is from Housemartin and its Papaya Ecuadoran roses echo the "sweet papaya" hue of the dress. Rich and enticing.

Pretty Plum Pocket

The line of pocket invitations by Marsupial on eInvite caught my eye today. Tucking all the pieces of a wedding ensemble into a neat little pocket and sealing with a custom seal definitely makes for stunning presentation. I couldn't resist pairing this plum pocket with the elegant Badgley Mischka bridesmaid's dress found on Brides.com and the amazing reception floral branch table centerpiece featured on Style Me Pretty.

Days in Sandy Linen

Today was hot. Really, really 92 degrees hot. Natural linen and cool, clear water are on my mind. Crane's Ecru Lettra Marquis Card on eInvite, J Crew's Goldwyn dress, Restoration Hardware's Del Mar Daybed, and Martha Stewart's striking pool hued blooms capture the feeling pretty well...

Striking Silhouettes

The drama of high contrast brings an aura of old-school glamour to your wedding or party that is sure to have your guests inspired to celebrate.


(Clockwise from top left)
The ring that inspired today's post: Out of the Blue on Etsy
The velvet and silk flowers: Nicholas Kniel
The gorgeous invitation: Chandelier
The teal dress: Anthropologie
The amazing lacey cake: Real Simple

Lighten and Brighten with Sunshine Yellow

Can't get enough of that mellow yellow. Paired with white, it doesn't get more clean, pure, cheerful or refreshing.
Clockwise from top left: White Yellow Floral Border invitation from einvite.com; Chamomile bouquet from marthastewartweddings.com; Becca Dress in Honey Eastern Shangtung by Jenny Yoo; Poetic Licence Women's Mint Julip Sandal from endless.com; lemon yellow cake found on theknot.com

A Balance of Warm and Cool: Yellow and Pewter

I was inspired to appreciate the warm and cool contrast of yellow and gray by the Enchanting invitation by einvite and the new shimmering pewter high neck dress from J Crew. I love the way gray offsets the sunny hue, tones it down and makes these vintage styles feel fresh and contemporary. Earrings and shoes also from J crew; calla lily bouquet found on Project Wedding.

Social Butterfly

It’s amazing how you can gain a new appreciation for something when you see it out of its normal context. When I saw this photograph that my friend Manya took in France, I gained a whole new appreciation for the monarch butterfly. As a dress, the wings of a monarch became more about pattern and color than about a flying insect that feeds on flowers. The black and white dots, bold orange patches, and powerful black lines inspired me to think outside the insect box. I thought wow, what a fantastic combination, so bold and fun, perfect for that social butterfly looking to flutter her way through a party!


Images from Top L to R:
Timeless Butterfly ring from Free People
Soutache Pebble Dot Top from Charlotte Russe
Kenneth Cole New York Black Elastic Tiered Tooth Bracelet available at Kennethcole.com
Chinese Laundry Woman’s Nuance Pump available at endless.com
Blank Skinny Classique Jeans in Orange available at tobi.com
Blu Bijoux Orange Lucite Circle Earrings available at maxandchloe.com
A Surprise Party Invitation from Checkerboard Ltd., available at einvite.com
Beaded Clutch in Black by Santi available at Urban Minx

Romantic Vintage Wedding Details

I am a lover of all things old, particularly things of the decorative variety. There is an attention to detail in vintage creations that is unmatched today, and I find it amazing when things survive through decade after decade because someone attentively cared for them. The ribbon appliques for sale on vintagepassementerie.com thrill me. As both an admirer of flowers and someone who plays with paper and ribbon as an invitation designer, I am drawn to these mini-pieces. Imagine applying one to your special outfit, your gloves, purse or hair ornament. eInvite offers a gorgeous pink damask invitation that also evokes the past, plus there is a free downloadable customized wedding favor pattern that matches at einvite.com/favors, if you are into doing-it-yourself and saving money. The cake featured on Martha Stewart Weddings can be created with the culinary stencil from culinarystencils.com. The custom wedding dress with exquisite ruffle detail is by Elizabeth Dye at The English Department and is perfect for the brave who don't fear the froof.