Hair Style Look Book: Beachy Waves

We've got to admit, we love the beach babe style - that fresh out of the water, tousled and care-free, I know I have sand everywhere and I don't care kind of look.  And, not just for the day at the shore, but for any occasion! Pairing formal dresses or flirty frocks with tossled beachy waves creates a style that is casual, but still glamorous and romantic.  It's summer time, so treat yourself to a swim and let nature take it's course, transforming your locks to resemble the rolling waves of the ocean.  Sure, maybe saltwater isn't the best for your hair, and might leave you feeling a little grimy, but there's no denying that it can give it some serious texture and volume. If you're not a fan of the sun and salty seas, don't fret; you can easily get this look indoors.  One way is to use a styling product that essentially acts just as the salt water and helps texturize your hair.  But, if you do not have naturally wavy hair, we suggest wrapping some sections of your hair around the outside of a large barrel curling iron to create this care-free, bohemian look.  Here's a look at some of our favorite examples of this sexy style:

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Wedding Planning: Desserts

And finally, a party wouldn't be complete without some sweet treats to enjoy.  As far as weddings go, many view the wedding cake as being the pièce de résistance, and we don't disagree -- cake is delicious. However many brides are opting for desserts other than cake, or in addition to cake, and we can't argue with that either. Like your dinner menu, your dessert menu reflects your style, theme, and budget, so don't feel constrained by tradition when deciding what to do. While we always look forward to the cake cutting ceremony (and checking out the adorable cake toppers), our motto is: Let them eat cake... and pie, and cookies, and ice cream, and souffles...

1. Assorted Pies: If you're not a cake eater, then you are probably a pie eater. Pies at weddings are one of our new favorite trends. They make a wedding seem more intimate and personal, as if the bride's grandmother is actually standing in the back kitchen preparing every single pie served at the wedding. It's a nice change of pace from wedding cake, and allows you to incorporate seasonal fruits that go with your wedding theme.  Feeling fancy? Make it a la mode!

2. Ice Cream Bar: Yes ice cream bars sound like they might be a bit juvenile, but really they are incredibly fun and delicious! You can have gourmet flavors, tons of different toppings, and serve them in mini cones or bowls. They are perfect for summer weddings, and everyone loves a little bit of nostalgia. Don't forget to put the cherry on top!

3. Cookie Station: We catered a wedding a few years back where the bride asked her close friends and family to bake two dozen of their favorite cookies for her wedding. The rules were simple: it must be homemade and it must be made with love for the bride and groom. We were touched by the sweet sentiment of having your loved ones help make your big day just a little bit sweeter, and the rows of glass cookie jars really made a beautiful sight. Even if you have the cookies catered, or bake them all yourself, we think this is a great idea -- just be sure to remember that if you give your guests a cookie, they're going to want some milk to go with it!

4. Cupcakes: We know, we know, cupcakes are "technically" mini cakes, and the point of this post is to give you ideas other than cakes. But we view cupcakes as an entirely separate entity from regular cakes. They are just the perfect amount of deliciousness that fits into the palm of our hands. We love how they look with their delicate little cupcake wrappers, small pile of frosting, and ample amount of sprinkles, and we are definitely of the school of thought that cupcakes make every gathering that much better. Cupcakes seem a bit whimsical and innocent, but that's what we love about them. Coordinate them to go with your wedding colors, experiment with gourmet flavors, and enjoy!

5. The Chocolate Fountain: Dipping your sweets in chocolate makes them, well, sweeter! Whether you choose milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate the chocolate fountain is a sure-fire way to get your guests interacting and having fun.  Marshmallows, Rice Crispy treats, pretzels, all kinds of wonderful fruits on sticks - your guests will go on a dipping frenzy and love every second of it!  

6. Candy Bar: A lot of weddings we've attended have had a candy bar on the side. While it's usually not served as the main dessert, it's fun, colorful, and very decorative. You can go for an old fashioned candy shoppe look (pictured above) or only serve candies that correspond with your wedding colors. This is a huge hit with kids, but don't be surprised to see you Great Aunt Esther filling up her bag with treats too!

7. Mini Desserts: If you love everything on the list, but don't know what to choose, why not choose everything? Have a dessert table filled with a number of different mini pies, tarts, cookies, brownies, chocolates, fruit, and everything you can possibly think of.  Not only is this a huge crowd favorite, you can finally stop stressing about having to make another decision. Just pick your top 10 favorite desserts, reduce them to miniature form, and you are all set.

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Color Day: Spices of India

Namaste!  Let's continue this week's food theme with a pallet inspired by some of our favorite cuisine. Tikka Masala, Palak Paneer, Curry, Tandoori anything.. we just can't get enough ethnic foods and Indian is one of our favorites! With it's rich red, deep gold, & earthy green spices, Indian food is by far the most colorful and vibrant of them all!  We love the way these savory hues play off each other and work together to create a color scheme that invokes comfort, warmth, & passion.  This is one delectable color inspiration that we're sure will add a little spice to your home, event, or Fall wardrobe.

 Indian Spices Color Inspiration Board

Images from: Macy's,  The Sweetest Occasion, Santa Barbara Chic, Anthropologie, Alfred Angelo, Urban Outfitters, Wedding Paper Divas, Project Wedding, Elizabeth Ann Designs, I Do Inspiration, Polka Dot Robot, Taste of India 

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

         

Wedding Planning: Cocktail Hour

We've decided to make this week's posts food centered. Why?  Well, we'd hardly call ourselves gluttons but we're certainly not afraid to admit how much we love to eat!  And, when planning a party or event the hardest thing trying to figure out what you'll be feeding your guests. If you have bad decor that is one thing people can forget, but have bad food (or music!!) and your guests will be talking about it for years to come, and not in a good way. Recently we've been to a bunch of weddings and we both agree on one thing - one of the best things about a wedding (in addition to seeing two people celebrate starting their lives together, blah blah blah) is the cocktail hour!

 The cocktail hour tends to feature some of the best food of the night, and is a great way for couples to experiment and really treat their guests to a delicious smorgasbord. The trick to a great cocktail hour is tasty food that requires minimal silverware, can be eaten while standing up, and won't spill all over you.  And, as always, this applies to any event or party, not just weddings.  Think birthdays, anniversary parties, New Year's Eve, casual dinner parties - the opportunities to showcase these fun foods are endless!

Here are a few suggestions on how to make your cocktail hour as yummy as you are:

1. French Fry Bar: While french fries don't instinctively seem to be wedding appropriate, they are delicious, easy to serve, and a big hit among guests. They can be served in a number of different ways, such as the traditional funnel (pictured above), in little shot glasses, in small baskets, or just buffet style. And don't forget to throw in a number of different dipping sauces a la Pommes Frites. 

Ketchup is so passé.

2. Chinese Food Take-Out: We were recently at a wedding where one of the appetizers was Chinese food served in take-out boxes! It was ingenious: chefs prepared either noodles or rice with stir fry veggies, shrimp or beef, dumped them in a takeout container, and voilà! Pure deliciousness AND it's easy eating for the guests -- just grab a set of chop sticks and you're free to mingle.

3. Pasta Bar: If lo mein isn't your type of noodle, how about some penne? A delicious wedding trend is setting up a pasta station, where guests can choose their type of noodle, sauce, and cheese for a delicious pre-wedding treat! While we do foresee potential red sauce disasters, our motto is no stain, no gain. We love this idea because not only are there so many options to choose from, but it's a good idea for guests to start carb-ing up before they hit the open bar!

4. Sushi: Serving sushi for 200+ people can be very expensive, but we just LOVE it so we had to add it to our list. Which means if you happen to have a sushi at your event, pretty please invite us! There's a variety of different types of sushi to choose from, so have fun with it! Just remember to throw in some veggie options for your vegetarian guests, as well as guests who are more hesitant to give raw fish a try!  If you can't afford to supply a whole bar, selecting one or two rolls to have passed would be a great alternative.

5. Soup in Shot Glasses: One idea that we both love, especially for fall and winter weddings, is soup served in shot glasses or espresso cups.  Think how nice it would be to have a warm sip of butternut squash soup on a chilly evening. But to take it a step even further, you can serve small portions of tomato soup with little grilled cheese bites! We think this is very cute and creative, plus very kid friendly!

6. Fried Macaroni Balls: Another kid friendly option is to serve mini fried macaroni balls! Words cannot describe how yummy they are, plus they are perfect finger food. We love old fashioned macaroni and cheese, but if you want to go a little fancier, you can opt for fried risotto balls, which are equally delicious and just a tad bit more classy.

7.  Pretty much anything miniature: Hamburgers, milkshakes, tacos, cheese steaks, crab cakes - seriously anything that can be made into a small finger sized version is sure to be a big hit with your guests.  People love these fattening and delicious staples for meals, but of course no one would eat something large and messy during cocktail hour. Make it mini and you're good to go.  Guests will love the fact that it is tiny and neat plus they'll think your awesome for  including these "comfort" kinds of foods.

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Real Wedding: Mike and Sheryl - Part 2 of 2

Welcome back for the conclusion of Mike and Sheryl's wedding.  We've taken you through their engagement, into the getting ready and pre-ceremony shots, and now, here is where the magic happens and you see it all come together.  Sheryl and Mike managed let their personalities shine through each element of their wedding, which exuded both vintage charm and modern style. From the live musicians at the ceremony, to the mashed potato bar, to the vintage photo booth, and right on through to the sparkler send off it was apparent to all that this is a couple who not only has great style but that loves to have fun together.  

Sheryl and Mike chose to host their ceremony and reception in Newark, NJ - where they had first met.  Now, we know what you're thinking because we thought it too. Could Newark, NJ - once ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in the nation - be the perfect place for a fairytale wedding?  We were skeptical at first, but my oh my were we shocked and awed by the beauty of The Mezzanine, on the second  floor of The National Newark Building. Art Deco, bank vaults, funky teller window turned bar - the history and 1930's feel was captivating...although certainly not more so than the charm of the lovely bride and groom and the romantic and modern details that they brought to the space. 

The Dress: Pnina Tornai

The Shoes: Emilio Pucci

The Suit: Andrew Fezza

Bridesmaids' Dresses: Alvina Velenta

Groomsmen's Suits: Alfani

Flowers: Laurelwood Designs

Veil: Kleinfield

Photography: Wayne Yuan Photography

Make-up: Expert Makeup Artistry - Lauren Del Preore Iavarone

Hair: Headhunters - Annie Mees

Photo Location(s): Hilton Newark Penn Station, Branch Brook Park, 

The Mezzanine, and Broad Street Newark

Catering: Frungillo

Stationary: Paper & Inklings

Music: Ceremony & Cocktail Hour - Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra

Reception - DJ Gaza (Gary Hoffmann)

Videographer: Well Spun Wedding Films

Thanks again to Mike and Sheryl for sharing these gorgeous photos.  You both mean a lot to us and we wish you a wonderfully happy and healthy marriage.

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Color Day: Rose/Blush Pink & Mauve

So, we're gearing up for Fall here at PDR. And, while we certainly have some more Summer fun in store for you, we can't help but be enticed by Fall color schemes.  Typically blush/rose pink is considered a spring color, but when placed next to mauve it has a very warm and cozy feel to it, perfect for those cool Fall nights.   Blush and mauve is one of the hot color combos for this year (according to www.theknot.com) so, here is an inspiration board to encourage you to try it out and give your own little twist to this trendy color combo this season.

Rose/Blush Pink & Mauve Wedding Color Inspiration Board

Images from: TheKnot, BlueFly, Brides, WeddingBee, Keen To Be Seen, The Finer Things, Forzieri,

 Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, JCrew, Zazzle, Beautifully Ever After, Aya Wedding

XOXO,

Jen & Saira         

"The Office" Character Inspiration: Pam Beesly Halpert

Today we have our last installment in the women of the office.  And, of course, we've saved office "hottie" Pam Beesly (Halpert) for last.  We love Pam and often relate to her the most because, even with her quirks, she is the most normal woman in the office.  Her fashion choices are certainly the most office and age appropriate, so, our guest blogger, Lynette, has once again put together some great fashion inspirations for you for your own office wardrobe.  Take a look and enjoy as Lynette wraps up this fun 3 part series.

Pam Beesly Halpert, aka America’s favorite receptionist, has had a very interesting few years. She broke off an engagement, walked over burning coals, became an art student in New York City, left Dunder-Mifflin to work for the Michael Scott Paper Company, and finally returned to Dunder-Mifflin as a salesperson. Not to mention that she also managed to date, marry, and have a baby with the always adorable Jim Halpert. While she’s undergone a personal transformation, Pam has also changed the way that she dresses in the Office and in her life. She’s gone from lighter colors to bolder choices, and she’s switched her normal dress shirt and skirt combo for skirt suits that she wears on business calls. Pam always keeps it classy and simple, whether she’s out schmoozing customers or playing a silly prank on Dwight.

I love this entire outfit for Pam. It’s work appropriate, while adding some style to the basic shirt and skirt combo. Now that Pam has (finally) allowed herself to express a more personal side with her fashion choices, this color scheme will definitely stand out amid the drab Office tones. Not to mention that a pencil skirt is a basic that every business woman should have in her closet; whether you’re short and curvy or tall and slim, the pencil skirt always highlights your best assets!

Okay, I hate to put two shirt/skirt combinations back to back. But I loved them both too much to resist! This vintage looking combo is another rework of a classic work outfit. It covers enough skin that even Angela has to approve of it, without making Pam appear shapeless in any way. It’s classy and it’s basic, without being boring.  Not to mention the endless possibilities of belts you could play with!

I just adore this dress! Perfect for get-togethers after work, either with your boss or with your coworkers, this is such a great dress to impress! It’s got a lovely shape that would accentuate Pam’s curvy body type, in addition to adding a simple flair to the little black dress. Not to mention the limitless possibilities of changing it up with accessories, cardigans, jackets, or heels. Adaptable clothes like this dress are a must for every working woman!

Shirts like the one featured above are my saving grace. On the days when I simply can’t be bothered to pick out an outfit at 6am, I usually end up reaching for a simple button down. I love the shirt featured above because it’s a reworking of the button down that isn’t boring. It’s bright and bold, with a ribbon to accentuate Pam’s smaller waist, and it can be layered with tanks underneath and sweaters on top. It can also be paired with either slacks or skirts. This is the type of shirt that could help make Pam’s life just a little bit easier when she’s running around in the morning with a newborn before leaving for work.

And, again, Pam really really loves the button down shirt.  There is something just so sleek, kind of sexy, and yet very professional about these cute shirts tucked into a fitted pencil skirt!  These cap sleeved button downs, from Old Navy, come in a variety of bright and fun colors that are lightweight and perfect for summer and showing a little personality. Plus, they are only $22.50 each - so new moms on a budget, like Pam, will certainly appreciate the low price point.

Now that Pam has risen in the ranks to become a salesperson at Dunder Mifflin, she’s also begun to wear a lot more suits. While it’s yet another basic, there are literally hundreds of different styles to choose from. I love this black and white striped suit from Ann Klein. Its color, texture, youthful blouse, and funky accessories are perfectly suited for a casual day in the Office, while still maintaining a professional demeanor to help Pam remind everyone that she’s no longer “just” a receptionist anymore.

I also really loved this suit from WorkChic. I think that suits that stray away from the normal black ensemble are always a safe bet, yet I also know that shopping for suits with skirts can be incredibly difficult and time consuming. However, the length of this skirt makes it a pretty safe bet for the office and the detailing on the front of the skirt gives the suit a little more personality and adds some everyday flair.

So there you have it! When you work nine to five in the same place day after day, you can begin to feel as though your clothing options are limited. By choosing some simple pieces that can be matched over and over again, you’ll manage to save your wardrobe and your wallet! Pam’s simple style makes for perfect Office wear, and her new suits during the last two seasons reinforce her new profession. 

This concludes our series on The Women of "The Office". Thank you, Lynette, for helping us out with fun and inspiring posts on one of our very favorite shows.  

Until next time, dolls!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira