Lovely Lavender Eyes

Yesterday, Hollywood star, human rights activists and beauty legend Elizabeth Taylor passed away.  I have to admit, I have only ever seen one of her films, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.  However, I think her beauty, her marriages and her grand glamour have become the things of legends - so much so, that people "knew" her without ever really knowing her.

Taylor's most standout beauty feature were her eyes, often called lavender or violet eyes they sparkles and seem to be the centerpieces for all of her beauty photographs.  In a very Old Hollywood way, before colored contacts, fake tanning and botox, a young Taylor was lovely with lavender eyes.

To bring a little bit of that color into your own life, and just in time for Spring, here are some favorites:

Lovely Lavender from L - R:  Plissé silk-chiffon dress by Alberta Ferretti at the Outnet; Brian Danielle Pink Amethyst Pendant Necklace at Max & Chloe;  Lavender Bloom False Eyelashes by Shu Uemura; Waterford "Alana Prestige" Pitcher at Bloomingdale's; Sweet Lavender Silk Top by Catherine Malandrino; Color Design by Lancome; Natalie bandeau bikini by Lisa Marie Fernandez at the Outnet; Dried Lavender in Clay Pot at Pottery Barn; Barbet Long Dress by Odylyne at Shopbop; Williams Sonoma Essential Oils French Lavender at Williams Sonoma

May we all have a reason, even if it is a rainy Thursday, to be glamorous - just like Liz.

Light as a Feather

Inspiration can come from anywhere, a song, a season, and as we've seen here a dress.  Lately I have been piqued by the Beyond Vintage Feather Dress; in silk and dove gray it might be the perfect dress for spring and it would transition seamlessly, with the ease of a feather, from day to night.

Beyond Vintage Feather Dress at Barneys New York

Let's see how a feather inspires an entire wedding scheme.  With the hues of dove gray, creams, golds and the softest shade of pink the look is elegant, sophisticated, soft and airy. 

Dove Grey Feather Wedding featuring: a wing ring; Elie saab dress, $2,696; Miss Selfridge feather earring, 8.50 GBP; Wing ring, $18; Amazon.com: NYX Cosmetics Nude On Nude Natural Look Kit 9 Eyeshadows 2..., $9.75; Amazon.com: Club Pack of 24 Artificial Light Pink Peony Silk Flower..., $75; Amazon.com: Metallic Gold On White Peacock Feathers Paper (Hambly..., $1.22; Votive Candle Holder Windlicht ab 24,95 € im Impressionen Online Shop, 25 EUR; Valentino Lace-trimmed shawl, $1,395

 

Here are some key items that stand out and are easy to replicate for any space: the sweet gilded bird cage for cards, or best wishes; the long table shrouded in twinkle lights and branches; soft and feather light peony flowers; the soft glow of candle light; a feather detail on a boutonniere; the wisp of silk chiffon on a wedding gown; dainty feather earrings as a gift for the girls.

Inspiration can come from anywhere - I hope you are surrounded by things and people that inspire you.

How I sparkled on New Years Eve

On New Years Eve day, at around 10 am we decided we would be having dinner at home.  At 1pm we decided that our friends who also either didn't make or love their plans would also have dinner at our house.  At 3pm we grocery shopped.  At 8pm everyone arrived.

How did we do it?

Well the cooking and cleaning was a team effort, but the getting dressed was all me!

It was cold, but not freezing so I wanted to be comfortable without neglecting the holiday spirit and all traces of sparkle.

More CeCe...

I paired a new cashmere crew neck sweater (Bloomingdale's after Christmas sale) with a J. Crew sequin pencil skirt that I picked up last fall, and suede boots that have been around for a long time.  Outfit #3 is a very close approximation of what I wore.

I loved this outfit.  Seriously, I mentally gave myself style kudos all night long.  Going monochromatic was easy and it looked beyond polished.  While the gray/silver tones might not have been exact, it all worked because of the sparkle in the skirt and that natural fibers in the sweater the look felt warm and luxe.  I love the idea with playing with this look in other colors, I just tend towards gray.

Where else would I wear it: Office holiday party, luncheon - with the right crowd, dinner out, anytime you want to really shine with sophistication!

Sparkle on New Year's Eve

Over the last few days I assembled some favorite looks for New Years Eve, and when I put them all together I realized they all had something in common, a lot of sparkle!  Now, if there is anytime that you can or should sparkle it is probably New Years Eve.  

I tend to have mixed feelings about New Years Eve, there is a lot of pressure to have a great night, go to a great place and wear a great outfit.  Well, I can't help you with your plans, there is OpenTable for that, and for the company, well you're on your own, but at least for the outfit I can be of assistance.

More Vince...

Look 1: If you're invited to a fancy party, cocktail or black tie, I am all for ditching the black dress and going with some color.  The dress is a classic fit, so in a way it pares down the boldness of the teal, and I personally love the playfulness of the clutch.

Look 2: This look says to me, "I will not the weather win!" As in, it is so cold, but it is New Years Eve and I am going out and looking good.  Party on sister.  You know my affinity for maxi skirts, and sparkle, and this look has it all.

Look 3: A year ago friends of mine hosted a part with the dress theme of "business sexual", this outfit is that.  I love the Lolli pants from J.Crew which are just as happy swilling champagne as they would be at work in the Spring.

Look 4: Okay, I give.  This is a fantasy outfit.  However, it is attainable.  Our good friends at Rent the Runway have Herve Leger and all of your favorite out of reach brands at much more attainable rental pricing.

Wherever you go, and whoever you're with, I hope you look and feel fabulous!

Don't Forget the Center

When entertaining for the holidays, or really any time of the year, your table is never fully dressed without a centerpiece.  The Fall and Winter seasons provide plenty of inspiration for table decor that is special but also simple. 

I first turn to the master of all "good things", Ms. Martha Stewart, for inspiration:

For a simple everyday table setting how sweet is table with a collection of small sized baskets with seasonal fruits?  Let the fruit double as part of your dessert and you have a two for one special.

via Martha Stewart

 In a continuation of the fruit theme, I love the stately nature of the pillar candles and baskets filled with plump berries and grapes.  The colors sing fall while not being generic or too obviously themed.

via Martha Stewart

 For a crafty decor idea there is nothing easier than this for the mantle: take candle holders/vases that you already own and wrap with pretty paper and secure with a double stick tape.  An illuminated candle inside gives this idea an ever brighter glow.

via Martha Stewart

 I love, love, love this centerpiece.  It is a true centerpiece and worthy of a special dinner or even a fall wedding.  A bundle of wheat twisted and tied with a beautiful silk ribbon compliments the warmth and heart of the season.

via Martha Stewart

Here are some more great centerpiece ideas that I could not resist:

From pottery barn, this is a simple hurricane candle holder wrapped with dried maze and tied with twine.  It probably take no more than minutes to assemble but makes a very pretty visual impact.

Via Pottery Barn

Or you can always order a vibrant, beautiful bouquet of flowers for your table and for around your home:

via FTD

via 1800Flowers

Whatever you do keep it easy, make it reflect you and your home, and make it special with a little extra sparkle.

Happy Friday and have a beautiful weekend!

Setting the Table for Family and Friends

In my immediate family there are four of us.  Pretty average, nothing anyone would consider "large".  However, my family doesn't do holidays with just the four of us.  Holidays with my family include everyone: all the grandparents (I am blessed to have four healthy, amazing grandparents), all of the cousins, aunts and uncles, cousins and siblings and children of all of the cousins and aunts and uncles and of course friends that feel like family.  It is not unusual to gather around the table for Passover or Rosh Hoshanah or be spread throughout the house on Thanksgiving with 40 - 50 people.

Not quite this long, but you get the idea

Let me ask you, how do you set a table for 40 - 50 people?  Most people do not own a set of China for 40-50 people, and rarely does the heaviest stock of paper plates hold up to a good Jewish brisket...  

Necessity being the mother of all invention the table would be set  communally; beautiful China would come from an Aunt here, a cousin there, a sister from nearby.  At the end of the day a beautiful table would be set in creams and gold that was worthy of the best crowd and food.

When we got married I registered for plain, everyday white China from Pottery Barn, but now that we have moved and I have more storage in my kitchen and a proper dining room for entertaining the idea of expanding my collection is not lost on me.  Here are some entertaining must haves, for now:

Dazzle Dinnerware by Crate and Barrel

Wood-Slices Dinnerware by West Elm

Vera Wang for Wedgwood "Gilded Weave"

Growing up I would volunteer for table setting duty at my cousin Deborah's house, and the look and feel of an extra long table, with shining glassware and matching mismatched plates has always stuck with me. The Holidays are special and are meant to be treated with extra care, a little extra sparkle and spent with the most important people.

It doesn't even matter if you eat take out Chinese on your China, just make it special!

Simple Things

I was off the computer yesterday and in a way being detached from all of the technology that surrounds me was a welcomed break.

So in a moment of reflection I thought of some of my favorite things, that happen everyday, and that don't ever go out of season or style.

10. The first fall breeze
9. A sweater that's too big so you can pretend it's a blanket
8. Holding hands
7. Soup, any kind but really by any kind I mean matzo ball or chicken noodle (which is really the same thing)
6. Grilled cheese sandwiches
5. Touching toes in bed
4. Old pictures
3. Popcorn and m&m candy
2. My family's support
1. My husband

Surround yourself with your favorite things, I am.

Editing the Red Carpet

The 62nd Emmy Awards are now just a faint memory and now exists for the Fashion police and blogosphere to criticize and joke about.  Here's my attempt to tackle the Red Carpet's best, worst, and just-off looks, all images via the Huffington Post.

Back in Black

Black for formal wear is so classic so it is always interesting to see how celebrities and their stylists keep it ineresting.  I think some fared better than others.

Rarely do I not swoon for Marchesa, but Heidi's dress feels just a little small, and a little extra short.  I wish she would have given herself an extra in every direction.  Mindy Kaling is a very petite lady and I feel her bad-ass ballerina is overpowering her, without the ruffle at the top, I feel like she'd be wearing the dress and not the other way around.

 Kelly Osbourne looks glamorous and still very comfortable in black.  The fit on the bodice is gorgeous and the skirt is beautiful.  Julia Louis Dreyfus is in the winner's category simply because she continues to look radiant, healthy, and the dress fits gorgeously.

Fashion that Makes You Gleeful

The trend color of the night: Navy.  The best dressed in navy, Jayma Mays and Lea Michelle.  I like the relaxed tresses, and I love Lea's jewels, but when in the fit category I give the win to Jayma Mays all the way. 

 Jenna Ushkowitz seemed to fly low on the fashion police's radar, but I loved this look.  She looks young, which she is, and still trendy and current.  I don't love the mix of accessories, and would have preferred all gold - but otherwise she looks fabulous.  Okay, this pains me.  Naya Rivera is beautiful.  This dress' color is beautiful.  But, it is too over the top, too much skirt, too much hair, too much drama.

Can We Edit This?

I wish both Dianna Agron and Keri Russell's dress had been shorter.  Agron's at a tea length would be more Audrey/Grace and less Scarlett O'Hara.  Keri is very much modern Baby (Dirty Dancing), I just wish it was shorter, and fit better at the bodice, it looks about a size too large.

Things I loved

Emily and John, Kevin and Kyra, Stephanie Carter, Susan Sarandon and Eva Amurri.  I love the sweetness of the newlyweds, the jewels and color of the long marrieds, the glitter of Jennifer Carter, and the mother-daughter love of the ageless Sarandon/Amurri.

Things I am feeling Ehhh About

Maria Menounos dress feels like a poor man's Sandra Bullock's Marchesa.  Lauren Graham is a beautiful woman, this dress does nothing for her and is more matronly than it needs to be.  January Jones reminds me of Anne Hathaway when she was everyone's fashion muse, edgy and overdone, it is just not believable for me.  Christina Hendricks in Zac Posen, I wish she would have lost the feathers, it feels like one detail too many.

Who Shouldn't Have Been Invited:

I feel like there are no words.  This is neither a Mad Men Costume Contest, and I assume Stephanie Pratt's house wasn't on fire, so I cannot understand why she is not wearing bottoms. 

Winner of the Red Carpet Game:
I didn't care for Claire Dane's speech, but I loved the honey hair, makeup and glittering gown. This was a dress I would want, and would wear, even if it was just while sitting on the couch while watching the Emmy Awards next year.

Fall in Love

All of a sudden the weather has turned.  I want slouchy boots, cashmere sweaters, a cup of hot chocolate, and an autumn wedding.  Did you want those same things, too?  I'll share with you my picks for boots and sweaters soon, but this wedding inspiration board just could not wait.  It's rustic, warm, earthy, highlighted in gold and sophisticated.

Who wouldn't want to fall in love with this?

Fall In Love by dailybatch featuring louis mariette hair accessories

Rainy Day Inspiration

It is raining again.  Raining really hard in fact, so much rain is expected that there are flash flood warnings.  

Thinking about rain, and weddings (since it's a Wednesday) makes me think of a scene in The Wedding Planner (you don't know this yet about me, but I am a big Jennifer Lopez fan).  In the scene the composed (on the outside) wedding planner tells the not composed bride that rain on her wedding day is actually good luck, because a wet knot can be tied tighter than a dry one.  She later admits that bit of advice is just something wedding planners say.  What Mary Fiori, the planner, does not mention is that a rainy day wedding can also be highly glamorous and sophisticated!  Let's take a look...

Tie the Knot in the Rain by dailybatch featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

I love an outdoor ceremony, and while the setting is simple, it is still grand.  If it is raining during the ceremony the bride and her bridal party can carry their floral designed black umbrellas.  

I wanted to capture the positive side of the rain, the sparkle it creates as it shimmers from the sky and the brooding clouds in silver, and dark gray.  For the cocktail space I played with mirrors for the walls and cocktail tables, as well as a mirror effect on the champagne glass.  The rest of the space is black and white, "black" calla lilly arrangements and place settings. 

For a playful twist, I picked up some oversized chess pieces, after all on the wedding the bride and groom are the closest to a Queen and King.

Plum Romance

Inspiration can come from anywhere, and as summer very quickly winds down it is a reminder that fall is around the corner.  Fall, to me, sparks the beginning of something grand.  The colors, crispness and start of the celebrating season all connote a sense of royalty, grandeur and glamour.

For a bride getting married in the fall, I say go for glamour.  

Four Season Palo Alto Wedding

When I first saw this picture I was in awe.  It is romantic, glamorous, sophisticated, but it doesn't scream "wedding!"  With a few tweaks it could easily be the setting for another fabulous social event.

In this image, the impact is all in the color.  There isn't an abundance of flowers, and if working creatively as shown in this wedding you can use fabrics to supplement the visual impact floral arrangements would typically provide.

I wanted to imagine what the rest of this wedding might look like for you.

Plum Romance by dailybatch

I took the liberty of adding a classic and very glamorous wedding cake, and picking out the wedding attire, and outfitting a black and white post wedding lounge party.  Also, how great are the bow topped candles? I think they would be great as a favor.

Purple is the color for royalty, and on a wedding day every bride is a queen.

A Few of My Favorite Things

It's probably clear by now where on the fashion spectrum I fall.  I think of myself as a real "classic" kind of a girl.  I live in neutrals, love my denim, and keep my makeup and jewelry on the simple, and of course classic side.

These are my favorites, some are aspirational (ahem, custom DVF), and some are within reach with a visit to the makeup store.

Laura Mercier Cake Liner in Black Ebony

I don't wear makeup everyday, and even less in the summer.  While, I have never been and don't foresee becoming a total face makeup wearer, I can never go wrong with the Cake Liner.  The girls got it for me for my birthday, and after it met and untimely death by falling in a toilet - tragic - I treated myself to it.  It's an instant glamour pick me up.

Essie Mademoiselle

It might be because I am not a risk taker, but I can never pick up the hot picks, purples, blacks when that was current.  No matter the season or the event I go for Essie Mademoiselle, or Sugar Daddy.  It's seen me through my first manicure to my wedding day.  No sense in changing up a good thing.

DVF Sketch for First Lady Michelle Obama

If I could start collecting any premium designer it would be Diane Von Furstenberg.  I think her designs exemplify the modern woman, how she works, how she celebrates and how she travels.  It's timeless, and she's classic.

Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses

I can't wear the traditional aviator sunglasses, they interfere with my cheekbones and segment my face in a weird way.  But, it doesn't mean I don't love them.  This modified shape is perfection.

Burberry Double Breasted Trench Coat

To me, nothing says classic outerwear like a Burberry trench.  Other than updates on fit, the silhouette and style have remained the same for years - it's a timeless must have.  Don't believe me, it ranks up there with the classic white shirt, red lipstick, and a well fitting pair of jeans as seen in every style guide from In Style to Nina Garcia.

Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard - Tiffany & Co

This is the true aspirational piece.  I have loved the look of Diamonds by the Yard since I was a little girl.  It looks like raindrops, snowflakes, a smattering of sparkle.  One day...

Realizing Resolutions

Tradition tells us that on New Year's Eve in addition to making plans, finding an outfit and getting ready you should also take some time for reflection and resolve to do better in the new year.  For me something has to give, and it's usually the resolution part.  However, this year was different.  

This New Year's Eve Mark and I were getting married a few weeks later and so charting the year with goals, and plans seemed to be more natural than before.

I will share with you some of my goals for the year, and the progress so far:

• Continue yoga practice so that I can finally touch my heels to the ground in downward dog 

This isn't me, but that's the goal.

•  Read 1 book a month, this seems fairly achievable, but I need to work on it.  I picked up a few duds that derailed this goal...

• Run 5 miles without stopping, this goal was designed so that I could seriously treat myself to a new pair of shoes, at the time it was the Brian Atwood Maniac Pumps

Brian Atwood Maniac Pumps

 

 

•  Bake more and take chances with my baking.  This has been a success, as evidenced here, and here, here, and here.  A large part of this goal was that with baking, more so than cooking, if you make a mistake it's obvious; there is no denying a deflated souffle, a dry cake or crumbly cookie.  Baking forces you to take a risk with every open and close of the oven door.  

• Be published again.  This has been perhaps the most personal goal.  In my former job I had been establishing myself as an expert in the fashion/premium denim field when it came to fits and what celebrities were wearing.  I had been quoted for the AP, In Style, Life & Style and Real Simple - and with every snippet of an article, it was always a thrill. Today I realized that thrill again when I got to write for the DC Ladies blog.  This blog is a community of women in their 20's-30's-40's who write on events, travel, food, fitness and life in general.  I will be writing there every two weeks about food. 

Thank you for being a part of this journey so far, and I'll keep you updated on that downward dog thing, as I continue...

Things to look forward to this week: The magic of oven dried tomatoes, seriously wow!, homemade pizza party, some more sweet treats, Wedding Wednesday and more!