Color Day: Black, White, and Red

The newest Twilight movie comes out TODAY and we wouldn't be prepared for "Eclipse" without a vampire inspired color day! The covers of the Stephenie Meyer Twilight books all sport the same theme, black with bold white and red graphics.  Black and white can represent opposites, Jacob Vs. Edward or Good vs. Evil for example, and red is the color of love, anger, and, of course, blood.  Now, it's easy to incorporate these shades without going totally Dita Von Teese or having your friends and family thinking you've suddenly gone "goth". These are classic colors and nothing can ever compare to the elegance of simple black and white, think 007, tuxedos, pearls, little black dresses. Choosing red as your accent ensures your space, event, etc. has just the right amount of passion and drama.

Black, White, and Red "Eclipse" Color Inspiration Board

Images from: Steve Madden, Forever21, Bakerella, HM Creative Supplies, Planet Wall Art, Name Your Wish Images, Jasmine Bridal, Little Black Book, PriceGems, Lunarrastar Jewelry, FIAZCO, The Kitchen Sink 

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Twilight Character Inspiration: Bella Swan

It's Monday, dolls!  And that means Friday, and the release of the newest Twilight movie, is so close we can almost smell that sweet sweet breath of Edward Cullen.  Eclipse (Book 3 of the Twilight Saga), will be coming out the end of this week and, though we may be embarrassed to admit it,  it's really got our blood pumping.  To control our excitement, we created a Twilight inspired character inspiration for this week. Isabella Swan is easily one of the most popular characters out there among tweens, teens, and women everywhere, thanks to the world-wide fame of the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. We are incredibly huge fans of Stephenie and the Twilight series, and have decided to share with you some of the current items out there that we are sure Bella would die for.

Forks, Washington is certainly not known for sunny days or sweltering heat, so a hoodie is a great way to keep cozy, when your wearwolf space heater isn't around. We like these from American Apparel because they are soft, warm, and come in a variety of colors.  Can't choose just one? No problem -- go for the two-pack!

Snuggling up to Edward Cullen would give any girl the chills, so Bella would need a variety of sweaters to get her through the week. Plus, hoods are essential on rainy days! In searching websites for inspiration, we actually happened to come across the exact sweater she wears without even realizing it!  Here is the green hooded sweater that she is seen wearing in New Moon, available at PacSun.  

No tomboy would be complete without a flannel/plaid shirt!  This is perfect for fixing up motorcycles or just hanging around La Push with your pals.

Clumsy Bella always opts for a great pair of jeans!  All that motorcycle riding, tree hopping, and rainy weather is sure to take a toll on your wardrobe, so investing in a well made, versatile pair is essential.  We suggest a classic pair of Levi's, like these boot cut ones.  Plus, these jeans are actually called "Bella"!  Coincidence?  Perhaps.  Either that or they read our minds... but that would just be crazy... right?

Of course, you'll also need a nice parka to keep you warm.  If you want the exact Bella coat, you'll be looking for the blue BB Dakota one.  But, if you don't like the idea of carbon copying, we suggest going for a Bella inspired jacket, like this one from Urban Outfitters.  

Coverse All Stars, like these, are perfect for moody, awkward Bella.  Bella's wardrobe is always casual and understated,  so a simple shoe that goes with everything is important. Chuck Taylors are the best shoe for an offbeat, low maintence girl like Bella.

Bella also wears a Turquoise Cuff such as the one pictured above.  Jewelry, like her wardrobe, should be simple, understated, and nothing that would draw too much attention because that would be sure to make Bella uncomfortable.  This turquoise cuff is delicate and beautiful, but casual enough for every day wear.

We're ready to be dazzled!

XOXO,
Jen & Saira

Young, Broke, and Addicted to Retail

Who doesn't love a bargain?! Serial shoppers like ourselves are always looking for a great deal and a way to keep a little cash in our pockets, which is why we're so excited for today's guest blog post!  Our friends, Lauren and Ashley, teamed up to bring you this fantastic post and share their secrets about finding bargains and the coolest trends at reasonable prices. Thanks ladies, for contributing to our blog!  Readers, we present you with "Young, Broke, and Addicted to Retail" by Lauren and Ashley.  Be sure to leave them some love :)

Like most women, shopping is one of our favorite things to do, but we all know how expensive it can be to stay on top of trends and look fashionable. Since our love affair with retail became a full on addiction we've had to learn to work within our financial constraints. This is a how-to guide on becoming a bargain maven by shopping what we like to call the "discount circuit".  Whenever we are craving a shopping session or looking for a particular item the "discount circuit" is the best way to get started!

TJ Maxx: Price point is clutch and the return policy is very forgiving. This is a great place to find salon quality hair products, designer perfumes, handbags, and sunglasses at affordable prices. Plagued with irregular sizes, it is best to try everything on. Real and costume jewelry selection is decent. However,  it tends to be time consuming to sort through the overstock of Jessica Simpson, Baby Phat, Betsy Johnson and American Eagle (to name a few).  Locations vary in level of selection when it comes to handbags, shoes and accessories.

Marshalls: Again, price point is clutch and return policy is favorable to the customer base.  Typically has a better handbag selection than TJ Maxx, but every location varies in their level of selection (some also advertise a mega shoe section). The same issue applies with irregular sizes, especially when it comes to bottoms, so always try on everything. In our experience, Marshalls has been lacking when it comes to jewelry and perfume selections.

Forever 21: Their clothes won’t last forever but this is a great place to go when looking for trends on the cheap. There is always a huge selection and the store is always being stocked with new and different pieces. You can find costume jewelry, belts, hats, and sunglasses under $20 (actually most merchandise is around or under $30). If you're worried about being age appropriate, then be cautious with prints, styles, and lengths of skirts and dresses. Forever now offers a "higher end" selection as well, with slightly higher prices for somewhat better quality. In addition, Forever 21 also has a plus size section in most of their stores.  And if you're a vegan or animal rights activist, then you'll be pleased to hear that Forever 21 locations offer shoes usually in synthetic materials, but are still very cute. The drawback: The return policy is non-existent -- they only offer store credit, and that's if merchandise is returned with a receipt within 30 days, and jewelry is always non-refundable. 

H&M: Another great place to get trendy threads for less. This is a European label, so if you have curves keep in mind that their sizes run narrow. You can find fun and disposable costume jewelry as well as other affordable accessories here.  The layout of the store also minimizes the overwhelming feeling that can take over when faced with racks and walls of clothing.  Typically the front of the store is where you can find office attire and more dressy pieces, and as you progress you will find clothing arranged by trend/age group/gender and color.  It's a great place to build on your wardrobe basics without breaking the bank.

Century 21 Department Stores: If you are looking for long-term quality investment pieces for your wardrobe this is THE hot spot. It doesn’t get any better than an entire department store devoted to deep discounts on designer labels: Diane Von Furstenberg, D&G, Free People, BCBG, Calvin Klein,  Armani, and  Michael Kors to name a few.  Great seasonal selection and a shoe department that carries a wide array of styles (we get excited just thinking about it)!  From casual to special occasion, you are bound to find something, and we promise you will get a lot for your money. Locations are few and far between, but certainly worth the drive.

Loehmann’s: Another discounted designer label store with lots of variety and great for deals on sunglasses, handbags, and jewelry. The perfume selection is very impressive, from Gauthier to Paris Hilton, at much cheaper prices compared to regular department stores or perfume dealers. Loehmann’s is home to an eclectic mix of international labels like Etienne Aigner and Carolina Herrera and classic finds like Cynthia Rowley and Calvin Klein. With so many labels and so many styles, we promise you won’t leave empty handed, but you will definitely leave with cash to spare!

Daffy’s: If you enjoy unique European designs at discounted rates this is an ideal shopping location. The shoe and handbag selections are hit or miss, but if you are looking for a special occasion dress this should always be a starting point. 

Of course a savvy shopper can save money in any store, just remember the sale rack is your friend! Keep these retailers in mind and you are sure to stay in style and out of debt.

Frugality is fun!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Color Day: Chartreuse and Raspberry

Todays color day celebrates summer with bright and fun chartreuse and romantic raspberry red.  "What the heck is chartreuse", you ask?  Well, it's a fancy little name for "yellow-green".  Not quite lime but not quite yellow, this in between shade is unique and not usually found in most weddings or general decor/wardrobes.  Most people feel this color is too bold but we'd have to disagree! This hue can easily be toned down with neutrals like taupe or white.  We suggest using this retro color in small doses and accenting it with the fresh and feminine shade of raspberry red for a cutting edge, modern, color combo for summer.  

Raspberry and Chartreuse Color Inspiration Board

Images from: neawear, ellemoss, LamaWorks, AbbaDabbaBags, Laundrymonster, ghostacademy, Elizabeth Ann Designs, It's a Jamie Thing, Southern Weddings       

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Hairstyle Look Book: The Poof

Happy Monday, Dolls!  We had a crazy hot weekend here in NJ and spending so much time outdoors in this weather  is certainly not doing wonders for our hair.  Even the sleekest hair can turn into a puffy frizz ball in just a matter of minutes, so what's a girl to do? Find a great style that is versatile & keeps the hair off your face! Sky high or slightly teased,  the poof is one of our favorite, most versatile, hair trends for the summer.  This simple look is an easy fix for those of us looking to beat the humidity and looks sleek and sexy regardless of if you're wearing your hair down or up! It's perfect for a day at the beach, a night out with the girls, and even for a wedding (both as a guest and bride!).  All you really need is a couple bobby pins, a comb, and some hair spray and voila! Instant poofage! Of course you could always cheat and get a Bump It (although we haven't figured out how to use ours just yet), but whatever you decide, wear your hair tall and proud like the confident girl you are!

Happy teasing!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Showers of Stationary

Today's post is brought to you by our good friend and self proclaimed stationary snob, Hillary.  Hillary, a PR professional from Cranford, NJ,  is the first of the fabulous guest bloggers we have lined up for you this summer and we can't thank her enough for being kind enough to write for us and help us out.  So, without further ado, here's Hillary's first post, "Showers of Stationary".

With summer comes weekends of sunshine, shorts and swimsuits but don’t forget what other season it is – the season of bridal and baby showers! As you look up gift registries and head to Babies ‘R’ Us, don’t overlook one important aspect of your shower gift – the card of course! Here is a handful of classy cards, and notes of where to find them, you might consider accompanying your gifts this season:

These bridal and baby greeting cards by Snow and Graham can be picked up from NJ and NY gift shops including one of my favorites – Perch Home in Maplewood, NJ. If you don’t live near Essex County, NJ take a look at where other Snow and Graham cards are sold in your area here.

This Welcome Baby card by Eggpress is not over the top with ducks and diapers as most baby stationary is! The modern colors and bold print are great!  You can find Eggpress stationary at various shops in your area.

This Wiley Valentine card will shower any bride-to-be with the happy thoughts you send her way. Find this card and others in your area by checking out their website!  

Looking for something a little more magnifique?  This French-inspired new baby card from Smock, the first US Letterpress shop to print on Bamboo paper, is tres bien!

And, finally,this sweet pea letterpress card by Papyrus is both simple and subtle.  Find this card and many of the company’s other glittery, colorful cards at their stores throughout the tri-state area as well as at Target or Borders near you.

Thanks to Hillary for contributing to Paper Doll Romance with this great stationary post!  Leave comments to make her feel loved and be sure to check back for more posts from Hillary in July and August!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira 

Color Day: Sea Green, White, and Khaki

Misty sea green, soft white, and warm khaki come together in this surfer's delight color combo, perfect for your beach wedding, home, or summer time event.  This medley is inspired by sea glass scattered across the sandy beaches and rolling waves, with their white crests, crashing on the shore.   It makes us want to kick our shoes off, dig our feet in the sand, and let our worries drift away with the tide.  A fusion such as this one serves to evoke the calm and carefree feelings that we're sure will keep you cool as a cucumber, even in the most stressful of times.

Sea Green Wedding Color Inspiration Board

Images from: Ashley's Bride Guide, ShopBop, Juicy Couture,  Debenhams,  BravoBride,   Hampton Jewels,  Minus One,  Beach Grass Cottage,  Giardino,  GreenCycledDesigns, Utah Bride Blog,  BrooklynRehab, David's Bridal

Hang Loose!

XOXO,
Jen & Saira

2010 FIFA World Cup: African Inspired Style

It's no surprise that soccer is the most popular sport in the world -- the excitement, the energy, the good looking men -- there's just nothing like it when it comes to sports.  Now, we here are PDR would not consider ourselves huge sports fans, however, we do make an exception when it comes to the FIFA World Cup.  As soccer (or football, as it is called basically everywhere else in the world except the US) fans around the globe watch the 2010 FIFAWorld Cup this year in South Africa, we've decided to channel a bit of our energy into finding great items and apparel that are sure to strike your fancy.  So, as a tribute to the host cities in South Africa,  here are our picks for traditional African-inspired apparel and accessories available in American fashion (Go USA!).

Welcome to the Jungle. This bold African Graphic Printed Top available at Urban Outfitters would be perfect for your every day safari.

Look radiant while relaxing on the beach or taking a stroll through the plains in this colorful African inspired dress available at Anthropologie

This fun, bright, tribal print skirt, available at Forever 21, is the perfect staple for any summer soiree.

Or, to add a little ethnic flair to your office attire, try pairing your pencil skirt with this tropical-like top, currently on sale at The Limited.

 

This sequined, tribal print tank, available at Charlotte Russe, will have you relaxing and singing "Hakuna Matata" in no time at all.

This colorful African print hobo, by DellaLA, scores major points with us.  While maybe not large enough to hold your vuvuzela, it will certainly fit your wallet, camera, water bottle and all your regular essentials.

It never hurts to cinch a sheath dress with a belt.  These colorful African Textile Belts, by dsenyo, are not only beautiful, but purchasing them helps to create job opportunities for women in central Africa.

 Ten Thousand Villages, a non-profit organization, has great accessories handmade in Africa. Purchasing these fair trade necklaces above help support artisans and the local economy in Kenya.

While it's true we talk a lot about luxury items on here, it is important to remember that we always must do our part to help support those less fortunate. We like these bracelets, handmade in South Africa, for their style, but we like them even more knowing that every purchase we make goes towards providing food for families in impoverished areas.

GOOOAAALLLL!

XOXO,
Jen & Saira