Color Day: Winter White, Cream, and Gray

Anyone get engaged over Thanksgiving and looking to plan a winter wedding for next year?  Here's a great color combo for you that features cream paired with gray and white for a chic, yet comfy cozy winter look.  Neutrals are calming and inviting and this color combo definitely relaxes us and feels very luxurious, despite it's simplicity. We can just imagine how romantic this would look with the soft glow of candle lights all around!

1. Elizabeth Anne Designs | 2. Robert Blancaflor | 3. Lauren Ashley Clements | 4. A Stylish Design | 

5. Talia Events | 6. cococozy | 7. Style Me Pretty | 8. Once Wed | 9. Zazzle | 10. woomi | 11. Modcloth |

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Faux Leather Fashion

Are leather pants and jackets really back "in"?  You bet there are.  And, with all those Cyber Monday sales going on, today is a great time to get a discount on those faux leather leggings, bomber and motorcycle jackets, and leather trim dresses that can take you stylishly through this winter season.  Now, too much black leather can make you look like a dominatrix so you have to be careful. The trick here is to find things with small leather details or mix bold leather pieces with softer, more feminine ones for a look that is professional and appropriate for work, social gatherings, etc.  Or, tone down bold leather pieces with casual wear like jeans or t-shirts for an instantly chic weekend look.

1. Victoria's Secret | 2. Urban Outfitters | 3. Net-a-Porter | 4. ASOS |

5. The Limited | 6. Nordstrom | 7. Express | 8. Modcloth | 

PS: We are gearing up for the PDR 12 Days of Christmas.  Just like last year, follow us and comment on a December post or "Like" us on Facebook to be entered for a chance to win one of our fun giveaways!  Also, we're still looking for gifts to give so if you are a vendor and would like to donate please contact us at paperdollromance@gmail.com

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Black Friday

Hope you're all stuffed like turkeys and ready to shop the Black Friday specials.  Maybe you've missed the door busters, but there are still some great sales out there for today and through the rest of the weekend.  Here are some great deals we found from some of our favorite sites so you can do your shopping online and avoid the traffic and stampedes:

Modcloth: 'Tis the Season Sale - Get 50% off new styles!

Anthropologie:  Take an additional 25% off all sale items!

Banana Republic:  35% your purchase - Today only!

ASOS: 30% off Winter Styles

The Limited: 50% off original ticket prices - Today only!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Color Day: Navy and Orange

Searching for a Thanksgiving centerpiece today (among the glitzy baubles, snowmen, and reindeer) was like finding a needle in a haystack.  But, it certainly helped us realize two things.  First, don't wait until two days before Thanksgiving to buy a centerpiece (although it was on clearance!!) and second, we probably should start posting some winter things because Christmas will be here before we know it.   So, for the last fall inspired board we have warm, bright orange paired with dark,cool navy.  This look can actually work for fall nights or summer days as it can be warmed up for fall with soft candlelight for a cozy and romantic look or cooled down for summer with Khakis for that yacht club preppy feel.  Maybe you're going for something modern and unexpected or maybe your just crazy for the Mets; either way this color combo is sure to be a home run!

1. Wedding Bee | 2. Pretty Chicky | 3.  LaBelleVieDesign | 4. I Do Inspiration |

 5. & 8. Green Wedding Shoes |  6.  sharpmindsthinkalike | 7. Georgica Pond |

 9. DigiBuddahPaperie |10. Dessy | 11.Wedding and Rings |

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Nice Bootie

Our trip to the mall this weekend helped us scope out some of the things we hope to pick up during those black Friday and cyber Monday sales. One of the main items on our list is a cute pair of booties.  Recently Jen went on a boot bender and ordered at least a dozen boots from Zappos before finding the perfect pair of knee high boots to fit her wide calves. But while knee high boots are sexy, and great for those of us who can't bear the thought of giving up our skirts in the winter, the hassle that comes with finding a pair can be frustrating. Measuring calves, packaging and returning, struggling to zip them - it's all very time consuming and somewhat stressful. So, put down that measuring tape and focus your energy on snagging yourself a great pair of ankle booties. Ankle booties are really popular right now and can be dressed up for work or down for casual get togethers. Wear these heeled booties with your jeans and sparkly top or a cute dress and tights for a holiday worthy look that is casually cool and chic:

1. Nine West | 2. Anthropologie | 3. DKNYC | 4. Kimchi Blue |

5. Seychelles | 6. Jessica Simpson | 7. Madewell | 8. Steve Madden |

XOXO
Jen & Saira

Peter Pan Style

We love Peter Pan collars this season. We love the soft, demure school girl look that can still be sexy and professional. Think Michelle Williams and Carey Mulligan, ever graceful, stylish, but with a little bit of edge. While this look can be a bit youthful, pair it with a pencil skirt or sexy heels to give it a grown up look. Also, steer clear from barrettes and headbands... that may be overkill.

1. Alloy | 2. Forever 21 | 3.Yes Style | 4. Asos | 

5. Top Shop |6. Nordstrom | 7. Urban Outfitters | 8. Modcloth

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Color Day Themes: Breaking Dawn

The most important wedding of the whole year (all of you who thought it was the royal wedding were sadly mistaken) is finally here.  For years we've waited to see this wedding come to life and finally the wait is over because at midnight tomorrow we have the chance to see Bella Swan marry Edward Cullen in all his sparkly vampire glory.  Sure we're not camped out in front of the theatre but that doesn't mean we're not totally excited about the premiere of Breaking Dawn!  We've seen just a few images from the Swan/Cullen wedding, but what we've seen so far looks romantic and enchanting.  Here's our take on the Bella and Edward wedding complete with hanging flowers, mismatched purple dresses, and more!

Bella and Edward Breaking Dawn Wedding Inspiration Board

1. Infinite Jewelry | 2. Calvin Klein | 3. Briderella | 4. Whipped Style | 5. sandalwoodart |

6. Emmaline Bride | 7. A Thousand Threads | 8. Brides | 9. Amazon | 10. The Wedding Party Studio |

11. BHLDN | 12. dmagazine |

The Rules of Engagement (Gifts)

The holidays are nearly upon us and couples everywhere are sure to take advantage of the magic of the season by getting engaged.  So ,with all these upcoming engagements, sooner or later you're going to be invited to your first engagement party and, like us, will have no idea what to get the happy couple! The bridal shower covers the couple's domestic needs and the wedding gives them some cash to build their life on, but what does an engagement gift mean? Well, for starters, it's not meant to break the bank. As we've already discussed, you have plenty of gift giving opportunities coming up, so let's keep the present giving at a reasonable level. Next, think of things the couple may want or need in their wedding planning. Finally, have a little fun with it. Take the couple out on a wild night out, give them monogrammed towels, treat them to a spa day -- your gift doesn't have to fit in a box! Here are some engagement gift ideas that we think you'll find helpful.

We're not going to lie, we got this idea from the movie 21 Dresses. A membership to the International Wine of the Month Club is a great gift for the happy couple to unwind with. You can specialize your gift package based upon type of wine and duration of the gift. This gift may be a little pricier, but definitely a great gift for the right couple.

This gift is a little more practical and affordable, and perfect for the busy bride. A wedding planner, such as the one pictured above from The Knot, will help the happy couple in planning their pending nuptials. The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner comes with worksheets and check lists, as well as money saving tips and a FAQ section.

Get some wedding art to commemorate the big day. Something simple like this customized print from lollieland would be a nice gift for any couple. Personalize it with the couple's wedding date and colors (if known) and you have an intimate and affordable present to celebrate the couple's big day.

A restaurant gift certificate is a great idea when you're looking for a last minute gift or are unsure of what to get someone. Everyone loves going out to eat, and for some reason a restaurant gift certificate feels a bit more intimate than a regular gift certificate. Just pick a nice place that the couple either frequents or would like to try, and make the budget large enough to include drinks, appetizers, coffee and dessert as well as dinner.

We love this personalized doormat by damngooddoormats. It's a great gift for your nerdy friends, and will make a nice addition to their home. Just double check that the bride intends on changing her name, otherwise it can result in an awkward conversation!

One of our favorite gift ideas is purchasing a fully stocked picnic basket. Bed Bath and Beyond has a bunch of different styles for different prices. Most baskets come loaded with plates, napkins, glasses, and cutlery, but there's always room to throw in a bottle of wine, some jams and spreads, and chocolate to give the gift a more personalized touch.

Or, chip in with some friends and get them an "Experience Day".  There are a variety of adventures and lessons to choose from, such as a Philly Food Cart Crawl, Dolphin Watching, or even a lesson in Ballroom Dancing to get them prepared for their first dance as husband and wife!  Whichever you choose, it's sure to be a fun time.

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Bridal Market Recap: Carolina Herrera

Somewhat classic and somewhat edgy, the Carolina Herrera Fall 2012 collection is perfect for the modern, yet traditional, bride.  Complete with beautiful eyelet details, fun unexpected color, romantic tulle ballgowns, and dramatic textures this collection was certainly a stand out one for us.  This collection is a more timeless option than some others we've featured and one we think will universally popular.

Images from Robert Mitra via Brides.com

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Color Day: Bridal Market Recap - Vera Wang

Can a designer really pull off a Bridal show without even a spot of white? Well, during this Fall's bridal market week, Vera Wang showed us just how possible it is. Vera's fall bridal collection for 2012 is certainly unique and non-traditional. Instead of your typical bridal whites and ivory, the audience was treated to a beautiful and unexpected array of nude and black gowns that would be suitable for any bride with a little bit of an edge.  Here's our inspiration board inspired by the cutting edge Fall 2012 Vera Wang collection!

Nude and Black Vera Wang Fall 2012 Collection Inspiration Board

1. The Garter Girl | 2. She Knows | 3. O.P.I. | 4.  Vera Wang Collection | 5. Pour Le Chou Chou |

6. roomofyourown | 7. Chictopia  | 8. Weddingbee | 9. Handmade by Meda

Bridal Market Week Recaps: Jenny Packham

When we saw Kate Middleton in that exquisitely beaded pink Jenny Packham dress back in June we secretly hoped that it might be a hint towards where the designer's Fall 2012 Bridal Collection was headed. And, needless to say, we certainly weren't disappointed. A little bit Gatsby, a little bit goddess, and even a little bit medieval, the Jenny Packham collection is the perfect mix of vintage elegance and bohemian charm.  We love love love this designer and the antique quality of these dresses, complete with intricate beading and a romantic sparkle that is truly glamorous.  This collection is so fantastic that we had a hard time choosing just eight pics, so be sure to click the link to brides.com to view all 30 equally gorgeous dresses!

Images from Jenny Packham via brides.com

XOXO
Jen & Saira

Bridal Market Week Recaps: Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier really knows a woman's figure, as you can tell by her gorgeous collection of flattering gowns The softly textured gowns in her Fall 2012 collection certainly do not disappoint and we can't get enough of that flowing chiffon, detailed lace, and exquisite draping!  Here's a look at some of her whimsical, romantic, and dreamy dresses that really do take our breath away:

Images from John Aquino via brides.com

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Color Day: Always a Bridesmaid

Color always comes to mind when you think weddings! Typically the first things people ask are "have you set a date?" and "what are your colors?".  Bridesmaids dresses come in all colors and can help pull your look or theme together. So, in light of our Bridal Market Week recaps, here is a sample of some of the beautiful dresses and colors we can expect to see for Fall 2012. Click the links below the photos to see the full collections:

Images from Brides.com

1. Wtoo | 2. Watters | 3. Alfred Angelo for Disney | 4. Noir by Lazaro |

5. Ivy & Aster | 6. Jenny Yoo | 7 & 8. Alfred Angelo Collection | 9. Monique Lhuillier |

XOXO

Jen & Saira