BHLDN looks good with Unveiled by Checkerboard!

{images: headpiece, dress: BHLDN via aisledash; wedding: michèle m.waite; flowers: sprout;

invitation: unveiled by checkerboard at eInvite}

Sneak peaks of the new wedding collection by Anthropologie are all over the internet, officially launching on February 14th, the day of love. How excited I was to see how well they pair up with the Unveiled wedding invitation collection by Checkerboard. Just presently launching on eInvite, this exciting line has a global heart with a city spirit. The soft colors of natural ballet pink in this selection are accented with luxe satin creating a vintage allure with bohemian flair. The trifold invitation has a pocket behind to hold accessories.

Stay tuned for some more "Beholden" inspiration.

A Royal Wedding Gown

{Images from Top to Bottom: Vera Wang, Elizabeth Emanuel,  J.Crew, Jason Wu, Prabal Gurung, Rachel Roy, Tommy Hilfiger, Valentino, Badgley Mischka, Tory Burch and Christian Lacroix via AOL StyleList.}


Hello and happy Thursday, hope this finds you all well. I’m sort of giddy to share this post with you today because it combines a few of my favorite things; wedding dresses, fashion sketches and royalty! Oh my! These awesome sketches are from some of the world’s top fashion designers and feature designs for Kate Middleton’s royal wedding gown. Which one is your favorite? Mine is by far, the Tory Burch design, second to that, would be either the Vera Wang, or the J.Crew gown. Leave us a comment and let us know! I’m sure Kate would appreciate the input ;}

A Steampunk Future

{image from offbeatbride.com}

"Steampunk" is an aesthetic, growing in popularity, that presents the future from the imagined view of the Victorian age. Steampunk gets its inspiration from a combination of Jules Verne and H.G.Wells to contemporary retro futuristic sci-fi films such as "The City of Lost Children" and "Hellboy". It is a mix of 19th century industrialism with exposed steam pipes, greasy etched gears and Victorian style varnished dark woods, ornamental brass fittings, velvet, tin, with the added utilitarian beauty of worn leather and glowing electrical vacuum tubes.

{image from offbeatbride.com}

This antique vision of the fantastic has shown its influence in areas ranging from fashion, modifications to laptops, televisions and phones to collectible re imaginings of historical figures and even "Star Wars" in the form of action figures. Now it has even made it way into weddings; grooms decked out in long coats and vintage vests and top hats accented with antique goggles, riveted brass and other factory style garments. Brides gowns move away from traditional white to darker tones with Victorian flourishes, lace, fingerless gloves and industrial style jewelry. Even wedding cakes are getting the fondant sculpted treatment.

{image from technabob.com}

Stripes

I was just pouring over a few new summer catalogs and magazines and am suddenly seeing stripes…



{L to R from the top: Sunbrella® Awning Stripe Outdoor Pillow, Cape-stripe underwire top, Veranda Stripe Skirt, Come One, Come All Booties, Baggu X3 Stripes, Kids' Classic cotton double-stripe belt, Sunbrella® Round Umbrella - Stripes, Kelsey Pant}

Bridal Shoes

{stunning wedding shoe choices by zanotti, valentino, and jimmy choo via net-a-porter}

With Bridal Fashion Week in full swing, I just wanted to accessorize a little. Since I am a "practical" shoe girl (meaning I can justify almost any shoe purchase), I thought it would be quite logical to purchase wedding shoes that you may wear again. Since weddings are a time to splurge a little, I found some great choices on net-a-porter that compliment alot of the trends we are seeing this week in dresses. Blush is a big one, that ballet pink, or barely there hue is a favorite of mine. I love the earthy pink, it's fashion forward and compliments any skin tone so well. I also like all the textures, feathers and touches of glitz. Think of how great these honeymoon shoes would be! From aisle to isle, choosing a great pair of shoes that peak out from under your dress can really make a statement. If you want to go with the short dress trend, they are a must! I can't wait to see what the week unfolds!

Ruffles

We saw this trend emerge last spring/summer, but its back this season. Big time.



{L to R from the top: Gabriella Dress; Waves of Ruffles Shower Curtain; Ruffle Bikini; Petal Sandal; Flutter-By Necklace; Flannel Ruffle Cascade Jacket; Cirrus Bedding; Tutu Tank}

Marella Ferrera

{images from Marella Ferrera.com}

Ooh, I was kind of taken away by the organic and free form sweetness as well as the edgy advantgarde style that is Marella Ferrera. This is her line "Goddesses" for Rome Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010. I love the earthy and bright colors together giving way to a surprising palette of sorbet under layers and flowing lightweight fabrics. They are mystical and fantastic.

She also mixes in semiprecious stones, yarns and unexpected bits-clues and styling derived from her goddess inspiration. The lines are loose but so feminine. I am drawn to the texture and the organic visual nature of every piece. Read her bio, Marella Ferrera seems to be ethereal herself.

I have been working this week with flowers from our favorite flower shop, Sprout. The image I shot with my phone reminds me of the organic layers and natural colors that I see in the clothing. I love the grays and neutrals with lavender and pink tones. Don't you want to touch it?

{image of Ambrosia Rose from Sprout flowers}

This rose is also my prediction of one of the most popular new flowers for bridal bouquets this season. Like the Mocha rose, tones of chocolate make this flower an amazing and unique choice for wedding. They can be paired with almost any color and look so dramatic with touches of dark chocolate and black.

Iron Clad

When the Pantone Fashion Color Report indicated that Iron was going to be the "new black" for Fall/Winter 2009, I quickly got to work creating this color board to help inspire the art department here at eInvite. Strong yet understated, Iron makes traditional basics much more interesting. Neither gray nor brown, Iron is a grounding color that coordinates well with all colors in the palette. Looking for that perfectly sophisticated neutral for your living room? or perhaps your bridesmaid dresses? Go Iron Clad...it's forever trustworthy!

Iron Clad by Emily Quillen

BALLY - CHIFFON FIL COUPÈ BALLOON DRESS $3,004 - luisaviaroma.com
MAMANOUK 120 SUEDE BOOTIES $1,000 $700 - mytheresa.com
GIVENCHY - CHAINS AND BEADS NECKLACE $2,386 - luisaviaroma.com
1780s Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring : Erie Basin Antiques $4,600 - eriebasin.com
Erickson Beamon Painted Drop Necklace at Barneys New York $730 - barneys.com
DKNY Organic Grey Steel Ring - Size M1/2 - H.Samuel the Jeweller $104 - hsamuel.co.uk
Erickson Beamon Painted Drop Necklace at Barneys New York $730 - barneys.com
DKNY Organic Grey Steel Ring - Size M1/2 - H.Samuel the Jeweller $104 - hsamuel.co.uk
New Beauty Products and Innovations - Bazaar.com - harpersbazaar.com
Velvet Eyeshadow Ulta.com - Cosmetics, Fragrance, Salon and Beauty Gifts $18 - ulta.com
Lavender hand cream 75ml $20 - debenhams.com
Mascara $25 - dygcosmetics.com
Diesel Fuel For Life Unlimited 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray $58 - sephora.com
Juicy Couture - Eau De Parfum ( Travel Size ) 30ml/1oz $50 - yesstyle.com
Glimpse Eye Colour $20 - debenhams.com
background lipstick wallpaper - zeberka.pl
Kate Moss Online - Gallery - US Vogue May 2009/2~6 - katemossonline.net
Stars-turned-models - style.uk.msn.com
Tutorial - Black Ore, Super Black Smokey Eye with Gold Pop - temptalia.com
Doutzen Kroes - Fashion Model - Profile on New York Magazine - nymag.com
guitars black smoke design Layout Graphic - layoutsparks.com
Find Handmade Jewelry at Shopruche.com $16 - shopruche.com

Yay, for Houndstooth!

As of late, I’ve been noticing houndstooth everywhere and on everything. The lovely duotone pattern is no longer limited to woven wool or the Scottish Lowlands; instead, it’s become rather international. It’s been spotted everywhere from the runways in Paris, to the households of America, and everywhere in between. It's also shed its traditional color palette of black and white, opting instead, for more adventurous hues such as fuchsia, purple, green and pink.

Houndstooth really is one of those classic patterns that will never go out of fashion. It’s the perfect accent to any attire, whether it takes the form of a scarf, wallet, dress, or a pair of shoes, you can wear it anywhere and anyhow; it will always look classy. It’s also a great design element to work into any party theme. Oh, so perfect for a wedding, bridal shower, or even a corporate holiday party, it will add that special panache you’re looking for.

Above, I’ve featured just a few of my favorites that I came across while on the hunt for houndstooth. I especially love the Toffee Pumps by oh! DEER. That little touch of yellow patent leather, is oh so yummy! Also beautiful, are the invitation designs by Checkerboard. They would be perfect for a 30th birthday bash, or even a bachelor party, the possibilities are endless! Yay, for Houndstooth...now go get yourself some!

{Images L to R: Resonate Invitation by Checkerboard, Alexander McQueen Houndstooth Tote, Alexander McQueen Large Houndstooth Sweater Coat, GUESS? Black Houndstooth Split Dial Watch, Alabama Crimson Tide Houndstooth Cufflinks, oh DEER! Toffee Pump and Vogue Invitation by Checkerboard}

Holiday Parties

a few things I love about holiday parties:
~ an invitation that sets the tone {eInvite.com}
~ a stunning red dress {ann taylor}
~ an exciting menu. cocktails and hors d'oeuvres with a twist {food network and elle décor}
~ stylish décor {west elm}
and of course, spending time with my favorite people!

Neutrals and Plums

{images: jcrew infinity bracelet, jcrew bride's maids dresses, jcrew flower girl dress, balsa and coral bouquet by krislyn via 100 layer cake, headpiece by via etsy}

Neutrals and plums are everywhere, accented by magenta and maroon, bringing eclectic and rich tones to wedding days. A great fall or winter palette, it can even emerge into the spring with tones of the seaside lavender. A wonderful accent of black can be seen in the balsa and coral bouquet, designed by Krislyn, found on 100 layer cake. Lastly, etsy is rich with professionally handmade goods that add a wonderful unique touch to your celebration.

Loving Preen

{preen, british and edgy via design centre, dublin fashion house}

Cirque Du Noir 2009

{scott boilard working his octo-magic with "deep sea" in the art fusion}

{jessica burhans illustrator extraordinaire sketching away}

{payal kripalani and derek ring work magic in minutes}


{derek ring on the dark side, recently featured on behance and fuel your creativity}

{creative black attire winners, 2 of which were our own scott boilard and jessica burhans}

{esthema of boston}

{liz charbonnier, erin wolczik and emily quillen and cynthia woehrle}

{artistic guests rocked the creative black, todd rawley and aaron white,
both winning contest prizes}


{scott boilard and me, michelle may having fun in the fusion, oooo check out the hat I made at a workshop at sprout before the festivities, graciously hosted by cathy walsh}

{andreea waters getting caught in the shot of guests watching the art fusion}

{extraordinary flora and candy du noir by Cathy Walsh of SPROUT}

{this handmade "ghost rider" mask by scott boilard definately won some votes for best costume}

ALL OF THESE AMAZING IMAGES BY THE VERY TALENTED

LOUIE DESPRES

Sunday night at Bocado in Worcester was filled with creativity, as the folks from eInvite stepped out onto the dark side to support the Worcester County Food Bank. {Yeah, we party like rockstars!}

You all were invited...Live violin from Onur Dilisen and then the rest of Esthema joined him to set the tone and kick off the evening. We celebrated with a live art fusion, a silent art auction, and prizes for best creative black attire. There is always next year...

additional pix can be view here

A "Rare Bird" flies into Salem

{image of Iris Apfel via wicked local}

Iris Apfel is having an exhibit at the Peabody Essex museum in Salem. This morning driving into work I happened to catch a plug for it on the radio. Immediately my interest was peaked as Iris's personal style is so ecclectic and without any sense of convention.

Visit the Peabody Essex Museum for a taste of fashion, enjoy Salem during this wonderful month of All Hallow's Eve and maybe you will even spot Isaac Mizrahi himself as he stops by PEM on November 3rd for a sold out talk with Iris Apfel. The platform of the chat is personal style. Or catch Unzipped, a film featuring Isaac Mizrahi at work, showing at PEM on Saturday, December 5.

Fashion Week Invitations

(click image to see larger)

I can’t believe I didn’t stumble across this sooner, but apparently the editors at The New York Time Style Magazine showcase their favorite national (NY) and international (Italy & France) invitations to Fashion week on their blog, The Moment! How exciting! Talk about pushing the envelope; these designs are amazingly creative! From the extremely elaborate to the very simple and rustic, each invitation exemplifies an attitude, an energy and of course a style. I can’t even imagine being flooded by these beauties and then having to decide which show, or event to go to…ah the life! I’ve gathered just a few of my favorites here but be sure to check out more at The Moment and get your inspiration on!

{Inviations Top from L to R}
United Bamboo, Hayden-Harnett, DSquared, Celine, Ports 1961, Louis Vuitton, Libertine, Bodkin, Anna Sui, Slow and Steady Wins the Race, Commonwealth Utilities, Preen.

There's No Place Like the Shoe Department.

Having grown up watching the "Wizard of Oz" at least 51,000 times and being well-known for my love of red shoes, this made my day. For the 70th anniversary of the flick, Swarovski has gotten together with some of the best shoe designers on Earth to re-imagine what Dorothy would wear for ruby slippers today. I have to say, she's looking good. Best part is they're being auctioned off to benefit the Elisabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Apparently more than just the tinman got a heart!

{image via The Frisky}

Ralph Lauren

So inspired today by the Ralph Lauren 2009 Fall Collection. Scrumptious hues from champagne to mauve with subtle earthy goodness. The textures, metallics, satin sheen and velvet shimmer adds life and depth to the eclectic, but contemporary mood of this collection. Translated to what we see as desingers, like the surge in shade of purple tones for wedding over the last year. I am glad to see the mature and evolved palette that is keeping this jewel in play for this year.

Exciting time for fashion!

{images: vera wang fall 2009 via instyle}

Of all designers, Vera Wang is one that stands alone for me. Her edgy and sophisticated forethought is amazingly accurate. The latest InStyle mag has gotten me so fired up about today's fashion. The epitome of the times, her grasp of texture, line and color, femme and mod interpretations are perfection!

By the way, i love what is happening with shoes. Have you seen the latest? Avant-garde at the most conservative labels. I am loving the guts and gusto.

Fallin' for Kate

I'm just loving the fabulously fun colors of Kate Spade's Fall collection! Such an inspiring alternative to the more traditional rust, olive and brown that appears every fall...


{all images via katespade.com}

Judy Geib Glasses

I love these glasses by Judy Geib. The intricate details are gorgeous!

{Judy Geib}