Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Color Day: Born this Way

So, Jen had a whole color day post for today dedicated to the 4th of July and celebrating Independence day.  But, something so monumental happened this weekend that we feel the need express ourselves and therefore the stars and stripes and patriotic things will have to take a back seat for the time being.  That being said, today we are celebrating civil rights and equality. Congratulations to the LGBT community and the great state of New York for passing the marriage equality bill giving same sex couples the same marital rights as heterosexual couples. Let's keep up that momentum!

New York Marriage Equality Rainbow Pride Board

11. Kaboodle | 12. Brides | 13. Brooklyn Bride

PS: Unusually Fine is giving away engagement sessions to couples who donate at least $400 to Freedom to Marry!  Be sure to check it out!

XOXO
Jen & Saira

Monday, June 27, 2011

Bridal Shower Theme: A Day in Paris

We recently saw Midnight in Paris (which is excellent, by the way) and Bridesmaids, and are feeling very inspired by le mode de vie français. A Parisian bridal shower theme can be quirky and fun or classy and elegant, depending on your mood (and more importantly, your bride's style). We're thinking Paris in the 20s, although you can go with any era your heart desires -- Marie Antoinette is a crowd favorite. You can impose a dress code (berets and stripes or pearls and lace), serve champagne and macarons (or cheese and wine),  blast some Edith Piaf, and create a beautiful and romantic atmosphere. 

1. Invitations: Your invitations will vary depending on your theme. You can go for vintage, sophisticated, fun, or feminine. Choose wisely, as your guests will look to the invitation to guide their fashion choices.




2. Decorations: French style decor is usually in four color themes: (1) French flirty poodle (think pink, black and white; (2) très chic (think cream and black); (3) vive la France (red, white and blue); or (4) vintage Paris (warm, varying hues). So take your pick!


3. Food: The best thing about a French themed wedding is the food! Practically all the best stuff is French, and you can make it as high or low brow as you see fit (i.e. caviar v. french fries).


4. Favors: We love vintage French anything, so finding favors should be a breeze! You can always give edible items, such as French chocolates and macarons, or go for smaller trinkets. Whatever you choose, we guarantee your guests will love it.



5. Attire: Needless to say, French attire is basically anything flirty and sexy. Of course, you may want to pay up the stripes and the accessories, and opt for more or less color depending on the specific theme. Just remember to wear it with attitude!

1. Bhldn | 2. Mod Cloth | 3.  Anthropologie  | 4. Adele Marie | 5. Top Shop


Gros bisous!

XOXO
Jen & Saira

Friday, June 24, 2011

Summer Style: Maxi Dresses

Looking for something light and breezy to keep you cool in the summer heat?  Maxi dresses are simple and easy and create a look that is effortlessly chic.  These dresses are meant to be long and flowy, but you certainly aren't looking to dust the floor with it so, unless you want to get it altered, prepare to get yourself a great pair of wedges too!  Maxi dresses come in a variety of styles, prints, and colors.  Here are a few of our favorites:


1. Anthropologie | 2. The Limited | 3. Nordstrom | 4. Gap |

XOXO
Jen & Saira

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Color Day: Lemon Lime

When life give you lemons, make lemonade.. or get creative and use them as centerpieces and place cards!  Lemon and lime are a vibrant pair of colors that are anything but sour! These cheerful hues are cool and refreshing for those summer afternoon weddings or parties and are sure to create a mood that is energizing, lighthearted, and fun.

Lemon Lime Color Inspiration Board


XOXO
Jen & Saira

Monday, June 20, 2011

Rock the Boat

Boat shoes aren't just for people named Bambi and Biff. While a bit on the preppy side, they can be stylish and chic, not to mention incredibly comfortable. Wear a weathered, leather pair with a feminine dress to create a modern and hip contrast, throw on a sleek neutral colored pair with black fitted capris for some Audrey Hepburn-esque style, or embrace your inner yacht club member with a color print and Bermuda shorts.


 1. American Eagle | 2. Sperry | 3. Top Shop | 4. Urban Outfitters | 5. Target | 6.  Steve Madden | 7. Vans 

XOXO
Jen & Saira

Friday, June 17, 2011

Boho Magic

Boho chic is The Look for this summer. Think: floppy hats, loose skirts, fringe, and lots and lots of jewelry. It's a fun, playful look for the summer that will keep you feeling loose, cool and with the flow. For inspiration, check out the photos of celebrities at Coachella, or the Olsen twins daily street gear.




Mind you, accessorizing is such an integral part of this look that it warranted its own section!

 8. American Eagle | 9. thunder rose | 10. Top Shop | 11. Urban Outfitters | 12. Gypsy Warrior | 13. Forever 21

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Color Day: Teal and Navy

Modern or timeless? Formal or fun? Make waves with a color inspiration that gives you the best of both worlds.  Ocean inspired hues go a long way when yacht-club-classic navy is paired with youthful teal and crisp white, creating a look that is refreshing and semi-nautical, without going overboard.

Navy and Teal Color Inspiration Board


XOXO
Jen & Saira

Monday, June 13, 2011

Father's Day Gift Guide: 2011

Father's Day snuck up on us quickly this year!  If you're still searching for the perfect gift, but are worried you'll be short on time, here are some ideas that can help you find an appropriate gift for dad so that you're not empty handed come Sunday.  Now, every dad is a little bit different so you'll need to think about your dad's interests and hobbies when selecting the perfect gift. Is your dad a thrill seeker or tech geek? Is grandpa all about gadgets or the great outdoors?   Here are a few ideas that might appeal to men from a wide variety of ages and lifestyles.  


1. Bacon Freak | 2. Overstock | 3. Amazon | 4. Red Envelope | 5. Nordstrom | 6. Ultimate Green Store | 7. Cloud 9 Living | 8. Think Geek |

XOXO
Jen & Saira

Friday, June 10, 2011

Bridal Shower Theme: Breakfast at Tiffany's

Breakfast at Tiffany's is glamorous, stylish, and magical. From the music to the fashion and the New York City sites, it's no wonder that the film has had such an iconic impact on American pop culture It's a perfect theme for a chic and fun bridal shower.

1. Invitations: Of course, the color theme for a Breakfast at Tiffany's shower is Tiffany blue, black and white. As long as your invitations follow these colorings, your theme will come across loud and clear. You can always add images and patterns to make it more vibrant and playful.

1. Sweet Berry Lane | 2. mon cher designs | 3. peprmetpat | 4. Party Smart Designs


2. Decorations: White flowers and candles will keep your decor clean and classic. Remember, Holly Golightly is a bit scatterbrained, so no need to go over the top with decor. Just make sure you have plenty of martini glasses!



3. Food: Obviously, the theme begs serving "breakfast" i.e. espresso, danishes, brioche, mimosas, etc. You're not bound by your theme's namesake, however, and can pretty much serve whatever you want, so long as it has style. Think champagne, cupcakes, bon bons, and delicate finger foods. 



4. Favors: The perfect favor would of course be a trinket from Tiffany's, but unless you're a celebrity, that seems unlikely. You can, however, give small favors that could be incorporated to the theme, such as cigarette holders for your guests to utilize, fake tiaras, etc. Here are some ideas for more tangible gifts.



5. Attire: Audrey Hepburn's look in Blake Edward's classic film is mimicked endlessly. Generally speaking, the attire is very simple, as all it requires it a LBD. Nonetheless, your guests will enjoy having a chance to dress up and have fun, throwing on pearls, gloves, and oversized hates and sunglasses. Maybe some will even dare to wear a tiara!



We're just crazy about Tiffany's!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Color Day Theme: The Greatest Show on Earth

Come one, come all! Ladies and gentleman of all ages, step right up and prepare to be entertained by the unique, the vintage, and the whimsical circus inspiration board! Make your wedding the most spectacular show on Earth by incorporating some fun circus elements like popcorn, peanuts, bales of hay, small elephant accents, fun props, and bright colors.  Got Water for Elephants on the brain?  We do too!  So, this board is a slightly more vintage, romantic take on the big top wedding:

Vintage Circus Theme Wedding Inspiration Board


XOXO
Jen & Saira



Monday, June 6, 2011

Renegade Craft Fair 2011: Brooklyn, NY

In the NJ/NY area and trying to decide what to do this weekend?  Skip the beach traffic, gather some friends, and come out to support local artists at Brooklyn's 7th Annual Renegade Craft Fair!  If you remember, we attended this craft fair last year and were overwhelmingly impressed by the number of talented artists in our area. Unique and original handmade crafts from greeting cards to jewelry to bath products and home decor can be found here at very reasonable prices. Though some vendors will take credit cards, be sure to hit up the ATM and get some cash for those that don't (and also for the wonderful little Italian ice carts that we're hoping will be there again this year). The fair will take place this Saturday and Sunday (June 11th and 12th) from 11am-7pm at McCarren Park and will feature over 300 vendors. Here are a few of the vendors and items we are really excited to check out:


1. Daina Ceramics | 2. Bark | 3. Brooklyn Charm | 4. Coatt | 5. Julie Nolan | 6. Perch | 

XOXO
Jen & Saira

Friday, June 3, 2011

Summer Whites

Take heed, ladies! Memorial Day has come and gone, so now's the time to dress yourself in  crisp, cool, classic whites. To celebrate, make it a point this week to add a little bit of white to your usual blues, greys, and blacks. Be it a sexy white dress, a sweet white button down, or some white pumps, let loose and relax as summer time is officially here!


1. Asos | 2. Steve Madden | 3. J. Crew | 4. Top Shop | 5. Heidi Roland | 6. Urban Outfitters | 7. Banana Republic | 8. Free People | 9. Mod Cloth

XOXO
Jen & Saira

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Color Day: Orange & Fucshia

A year from tomorrow, our good friend Vik will be getting married (yay!).  With just a year left to go, it's time for V & J to start gathering ideas for ceremony and reception decor, tuxedos, dresses, shoes, etc. etc. etc. Putting together an elegant and festive Indian wedding on a budget can be overwhelming. So, this board was created, with their colors in mind,  to help get their creative juices flowing.  Bright fuchsia, cheerful orange, and dramatic chocolate brown will make for an Indian wedding that is vibrant, fun, and romantic.

Fuchsia, Orange, and Brown Wedding Inspiration Board

1. Dessy | 2. Etsy  | 3. Sandy Photo Art | 4. Wedding Paper Divas | 5. Wedding Cupcakes | 6. Shoe Metro | 7. Wedding Dresses | 8. After Six | 9. The Soul Style | 10. The Knot | 11. Smart Ideas | 12. eTuxedo |
13. Oh So Beautiful Paper
and some others that we love but that for whatever reason we couldn't upload to this board:
14. Wedding Bee | 15. Wedding by Color | 16. Wedding Wire 

XOXO
Jen & Saira

PS. What do you think of our new format?