Mason Stanley Jewerly

I could NOT be more proud of my dear friend Brooke Taylor! She and her business partner just launched their jewelry line - Mason Stanley.  I got the chills looking at the site for the first time and watching their look book video.

They have been hard at work getting this line ready and now it is open for the world to see.  I have known Brooke since high school and since way back in the day she was always one step ahead of all of us when it came to fashion. She has a unique eye for design and it is proven here in Mason Stanley's first line.

I already have my wish list item picked out for my "push gift" from Jay. :) Whether it is a wedding gift, anniversary gift, push gift or just a plain ol' splurge - you must take a hard look at these amazing pieces!

You have to watch the short video - do NOT miss out! http://blog.masonstanley.com/

Greek Goddess Inspiration Shoot by Before I Do Events

I have been saving this post for well.... too long! We are going to feature this inspiration shoot because, it is just too fun not to share with the world.  Our team had such a blast putting this together back in March. We were inspired by all the beauty that a greek goddess holds put wanted to put a modern coastal twist on it. We stayed away from the traditional cobalt blue, white and gold - instead used a palette of blush, ivory, gold and black!

The backdrop was an ocean front modern world class custom build home with 360 degree views of the La Jolla waters. We used bold fabrics and colors from La Tavola Linens, modern vases but then softened it with the whimsical look of organic and lose floral arrangements. Annette Gomez did her magic once again on each and every floral piece, from the arrangements to the giant olive branch urns.

You will see that same balance of modern and soft throughout the shoot. The chairs are a blend of modern and whimsical with the golden leaves attached to the back. The dessert backdrop shares the goddess charm as well as the modern elegance of clean, straight and organized.

Thanks to the always amazing Campine Catering we were able to present a stunning array of family style Greek cuisine which is so true to their culture. Classic Party Rentals supplied the gold kissed flatware and stemware that really put a finishing touch on the table.

We feel SO blessed to be able to have worked with SUCH a talented group of vendors. Thank you to all! Take a look at the gorgeous shots from Stone Crandall Photography!



Contributors:
Styling, Design and Coordination: Before I Do Events: http://beforeidoevents.com
Location: Private Residence in La Jolla, CA

Photographer: Stone Crandall Photography: http://stonecrandall.com
Videographer: Cloudless Weddings http://www.cloudlessweddings.com
Florist: Flowers Annette Gomez: http://www.flowersannettegomez.com
Food and Beverage: Campine Catering: http://www.campinecatering.com
Rentals 1: Classic Party Rentals http://classicpartyrentals.com
Rentals 2: Hire Elegance http://hire-elegance.com
Linens: La Tavola Linens http://linens.latavolalinen.com
Wildflower http://www.wildflowerlinens.com 
Print Work: Posh Paperie http://www.poshpaperie.com
Female Model: Alicia Strom
Male Model (Shoot 1): Zach Hanan
Make Up Stylist: Krysta Demetris, The Gilded Brush: http://www.thegildedbrushartistry.com
Hair Stylist: Rachel Ellen, Indigo Salon http://www.indigohair.com
Cake/Desserts: http://www.boucheegourmet.com
Dress: M Bride http://www.mbridesalon.com
Men's Attire: Friars Tux Shop http://www.friartux.com

Need a Bridesmaids Gift? - K. Michael Jewerly

Need a Bridesmaids gift... or maybe you just want to splurge on yourself :) Whatever it may be, you should take a look here.  We are digging the style and simplicity of K. Michael jewelry. The clean lines give a bold look to whatever outfit you are rocking!

Thoughts, Comments or Questions: Le Tote!

Hmmm, help us out on this one. Has anyone ever used Le Tote? We just discovered their website and think they have a smart and savvy concept! The price point is great and the looks they show are cute. The only question I would have is the quality? Let us know if you have tried it out so we can let you all know it is worth the shot!

The Belle and the Beau

Happy Friday! It is such a bright and sunny day here in San Diego. I woke up with such high and energetic spirits so it lead me to this fun and colorful post!  Take a peek at the line of bow ties and ties from The Belle and the Beau.

This is such a fun and unique way to add some spunk into your wedding!

Vendor Love: Therapie Traveling Boutique

We are all busy (hence why I have been so terrible at blogging lately- sorry!) so to me, this concept is genius. Therapie has shadowed the wildly popular trend of food trucks. It is fashion to go. Even better the "to go" is made even simpler as the boutique's wheels come to you! You can request for them to come to your work area, party or you can follow their calendar to see where they are for the day and head to the boutique.

I have not had the chance to see their merchandise but I have heard from a few people that what they carry is very fashion forward, affordable and all in all, CUTE!

Vendor Love: Noon

There is the cutest new jewelry and gift boutique on the 101 in Solana Beach. The store is called Noon and they specialize in hand made jewelry, candles, paper goods and goods. I went in looking for a specific style of necklace for my mom's birthday and was SO pleased with what I found.

They have a line of "letter" necklaces that are so fun. I like them because the letter is not a clear cut design so it is less in your face if you know what I mean! I think it would be a really fun bridesmaid gift.

Finishing Touches Tuesday: What's in my Make-up Bag

Every bride knows that your make-up for the big day is HUGE! My recommendation is to start playing around with new looks before your trial run with your chosen make-up artist. That way you can bring some of your new favorites to the appointment and she/he can either mix them into the look or at least have a strong foundation of what you are wanting.

Plus, when you bring in some new looks and products prior it gives you the chance to test the boundaries of what you like. Who knows you may find out that you have been missing out, as a certain product could really bring out something stunning!

Take a look at some of my personal favorites!

Finishing Touches Tuesday: Wedding Shoes

We all know one of the main finishing touches to your attire is SHOES!!! A girl has a hard time resisting a gorgeous pair of shoes, let alone the ones she will wear on the big day. So make sure to spend some time searching for the perfect shoe.

Two reasons why I am a major supporter of going "big" on your wedding day shoe:

1. You will never have as good of an excuse again.
2. They are small in size, therefore any easy heirloom to treasure and keep. One day handing down to someone special.

Check out the fabulous finds I recently came across:


1. Jimmy Choo "Clue" Glitter 2. Ivanka Trump "Dermani" 3. Badgley Mischka "Julia" 4. Valentino Bow Pump 5. Nina "Neva" Pump 6. Nina "Eterna" Pump 7. Christian Louboutin "Fifi" Pump 8. Ivanka Trump "Ciry" Pump 9. Stuart Weitzman "Le Plumes" 10.Badgley Mischka "Hyde" Pump

Wedding Wednesday: Plum Pretty Sugar

I have been searching for a new robe set and I have finally found the gold pot at the end of the rainbow! You are going to die when you see the robe sets made especially for bridesmaids. These high quality fabric robes come in all different prints, which gives you the chance to stand out while each of your ladies beside you can still be their own unique person. You can pick a print that is totally fitting for their look and personality.

I love ALL the prints and am having a really hard time picking out the set I want to sport. I can't be walking around the hospital with a sweet lil bundle of joy and not a cute PJ set right? :)

Check out Plum Pretty Sugar's full line here:

DIY Friday: Chunky Bracelets

I was recently inspired by these DIY bracelets. They are so easy to make, look amazing and are cheap! This would make for a fabulous gift. I would love one :) When I can find the time, I am definitely going to make a few of my own.

Here is the original blog highlighting the bracelet: Honestly WTF. A friend a fellow portrait photographer: Lindsey Carlyle Photography took her own stab at a design. I am loving what she came up with. I think she winged it because the only direction she gave was to tie square knots around the hex bolts. If you are a person needing a bit more direction then check out Honestly WTF, they give you step by step directions.

Thoroughly Inspired Thursday: Timi and Leslie Diaper Bags

As you know there is a new focus in my life, so my brain sometimes steers from wedding decor and fashion to babies! I recently found this fun line of diaper bags. I have been searching for the perfect one. Timi and Leslie's "Charlie" collection are possible front runners. I saw these in a local baby boutique the other day and was loving the easy of the strap, space inside and feel of the material. I am thinking the cream or silver would be a fun, yet neutral for the summer season.

Other options I am loving:

• Rosie Pope from Pregnant in Heels "London Shopper Classic"!
• Marc by Marc Jacobs "Pretty Eliz-a-Baby"
• You can also go the route of buying a everyday purse and turn it into a diaper bag, that way you can use it after the baby. I have heard you can buy waterproof inserts to put into purses of all shapes and sizes. I must look into that because it might make my "on sale" bag possible :) Gucci Craft

Feel free to share your input! :)

Thoroughly Inspired Thursday: Summer Ties

My husband and I are attending a wedding in Palm Springs at the Ace Hotel this weekend. I am excited for the mini getaway and the summer feel of Palm Springs. He is a big "tie" guy, so it inspired me to look for a few summer ties that make a big statement. I am loving Pierrepont Hicks Collection.

I am seeing more grooms go with a suit over a tux, so hopefully this is helpful to you ladies. Encourage them to pair the suit with a quality and color punched tie. This will add color to the wedding party and day. It also acts as a great grooms gift and will actually be something that they can use again.

Thoroughly Inspired Thursday: Running on Happiness

My good friend, Tiffany just shared with me a few "new" blogs that she is lovin. She usually has some gems for me, and again proved to be right. Running on Happiness is worth tagging in your favorites! Her style is similar to mine (or at least how I aim to look :)) and I love how she encourages us all to utilize what we have in our closets.

Not to mention her body is rockin, which makes it a great daily source to get motivated on both fashion and a healthy lifestyle. My goal is to look like this post Baby Woodcock. Is it possible, if I didn't look even close to as great, pre preggers? :)

Wedding Wednesday: Etsy Clutches

I remember when I was getting married that a clutch was one of the last things I bought or even thought of. I was so focused on my dress, shoes, earrings and tan :) that I had completely forgotten about the need of a clutch. You will want to carry around lipstick and touch up makeup on the day of. It will be one of the only nights you will be okay leaving behind your cell phone, but you will definitely want your gloss!!

Check out Etsy for a great collection of clutches! They are unique and often one of a kind.

Cady Briar has a great line of clutches and accessories on Etsy:

Thoroughly Inspired Thursday: Layla Grace

You know how looking at one blog can then lead you to a million? And before you know it you have been sucked in for hours and your eyes are starting to burn? Well, that is how I stumbled upon this great site. I am loving all the different categories that Layla Grayce carries. Not to mention their items are quality pieces and carry such a distinguished style.

I was very close to making a few impulsive purchases. Brides and Mothers to be, you can set up a gift registry on here as well. I love finding new and unique places to register.

Finishing Touches Tuesday: Lo Boheme

As we have seen again so beautifully done during the Royal Wedding, hats are back! It was so much fun to look at all the creative pieces that the people of England were accessorizing with. I love the tradition and hope it never dies. I am seeing more and more brides accessorize themselves with the most unique pieces. Lo Boheme has such a great selection of modern and vintage accessories.

Check them out here: http://loboheme.com/

DIY Friday: Polyvore

I just love the new Polyvore site! It is the DIY for clothing and styling! You can use it as a tool for so many different things. It can be a source of inspiration, help you put together and "visualize" the different looks that you can create from you own wardrobe, and even start a wish list that you can send along to friends and family.

I had fun playing around with one of the templates they have on the site. The bottom of the post is the look I put together. On the left is the "out to lunch" day outfit and on the right is the "special occasion" night outfit. I just love electric blue shoes with the red heels!

Check out Polyvore to create your next outfit!

Thoroughly Inspired Thursday: Vogue's Kelly Connor

You have to check out this slideshow on Vogue.com. Kelly Connor is a former co-worker of mine and whenever she would come into the office, I would stare and admire her unique and stunning style. She has modeled and been in the fashion industry for years and now works for Vogue. Lucky girl. The best part of the slideshow is, all the items you see on her are her own! Her mother was a past Ford model and has past down to Kelly some really special items. Kelly also has been given some really generous things in her lifetime and personally collects items that are rare yet timeless.

You can click here to see the article on 5 Days, 5 Looks, 1 Girl. Make sure to hit the slideshow button so you can click through each image. She also gives a detailed description of where she has gotten each item.

Amazing style and an impressive collection of clothing and accessories. I am one envious girl!

Ivy and Piper

Ivy and Piper have done it. They had a goal and vision and they have brought it to life. I think they are great inspiration to all the young female entrepreneurs out there. Just go for it girls! I know we all have ideas, and making them reality is hard but look how it pays off. I am "assuming" they did not have the budget or resources to make a print magazine, so they made a online magazine. Which is so applicable to our current day market. Genius!

I love their style, vision and layout for the magazine. Check them out online and see for yourself: Ivy and Piper

~ Michele