I was honoured to be selected by The Knot magazine as one of their Style Stalker Features in their current Spring/Summer 2010 issue.
They reached out to me months ago, hoping for loads of information about my personal wedding style – and after 5 pages of written beauty and design goodness that I passed along, The Knot narrowed it down to a few simple questions and {some paraphrased} answers. I thought I’d elaborate just a bit.. {but please forgive me for any overlapped details from previous entries!}
When I started to think about, dream about and envision our wedding day, I imagined how everything would look in photographs…after all, once the day flies by that is all we are seemingly left with! Because the setting of Hinsdale Golf Club was so dreamy on its own, I took cue from the grounds. I was very much inspired by Gatsby-inspired looks, also driven by my color palette of white and bold yellow with Frenchy black accents.
While I adore fashion and design of all kinds, my personal style is rarely trendy. I do always strive for a ‘unique’ look, but do tend to be attracted to timeless, sophisticated styles over anything too avant-garde.
I went for a look that was ‘Country Club Chic’, ‘Garden Gatsby’…current, but again timeless and sophisticated. I wanted people to say, “that is so Kara”. I still hear that to this day.
The tent was set in the middle of the golf course, guests arrived via open-air trolley {once the thunderous rains stopped!}
Inside the tent, graphic black and white linens provided the backdrop for Frenchy footed urns and ornate stands topped with lush, textural and gardeny floral arrangements of peonies, roses, orchids, arabicum and fresh lemons. I was also obsessed with our ultra-classic black and white checked dance-floor!
I loved these little guys…the satellite arrangements were nestled at the foot of the elevated centerpieces. I am also known for being quite the foliage snob…see the charming richly hued camellia and gardenia foliage accented by the velvety soft grey dusty miller? Love.
While cocktails were initially to be held in the lawn, the awful weather encouraged everyone to stay inside. Here were the barely-used cocktail tables, finished with cutie black and white striped custom seat cushions.
Because our ceremony was to take place outdoors in the garden, I never wanted anything too formal for my dress. Our wedding was not black tie – crystal detailing, ornate embroidery, formal trains etc. did not feel appropriate for our setting. I certainly wanted something unique, but didn’t want to fall prey to too many trends. Local designer, Alice Padrul, designed the absolute perfect dress for me.
I loved how the light, loose chiffon pieces gently danced in the breeze…
The ring I ‘borrowed’ to wear on my right hand came from our jeweler, Joel Singer. I already felt amazingly like a celebrity, borrowing gorgeous jewels for the evening…but when my husband let me know I didn’t have to give it back, I was beside myself!
Even in my everyday life, I am a HUGE lover of vintage earrings – large, classic and slightly obnoxious. I found these gorgeous earrings at Weddings 826 in Lincoln Park and knew they were perfect. They reminded me of the Chanel Camellia pair I’ve drooled over for years!
I didn’t ever envision myself wearing a veil…again, it seemed too formal for our garden-party wedding. A single, off-set gardenia was nestled into my perfectly coiffed hair by Sophia, our Beauty on Call stylist.
I knew I wanted the girls in bold yellow party dresses…{poor girls, what troopers – but don’t they all look fantastic?!}…Good old J.Crew had the perfect color in charming styles I thought would look great against the verdant green backdrop of the golf course.
I chose rich magenta peonies for the girls unexpected bouquets, simply because my mother and I adore the bold hue {look at her stunning dress – it matches the girls’ bouquets perfectly!}. Because I have done plenty of client weddings incorporating the beautiful color, we shied away from using it as a key player. That said, however, we did need a bit of a ‘pink-fix’ and thought it would add a lovely contrast to the girls dresses.
The bridal party looked smashing – boys in black tuxes with black and white stripped ties and yellow spray rose boutonnieres, next to the beautiful girls in sunny yellow…A friendly {while a bit rambunctious and unorthodox} game of croquet was the perfect way to relax in the lawn between dances.
Thanks again to The Knot for the feature…we wedding insiders covet the glossy pages for trends, stories and features!
I wish all of you lovebirds out there a wonderfully romantic Valentine’s Day. I hope you can cherish and appreciate one another this weekend, and in turn be inspired by this holiday to do the same each and every day throughout the year.
{While trying to avoid too much of the commercial fuss, my husband and I will be spending the evening in, side by side in the kitchen {a rare occurrence}, sharing a bottle of somethin’ delicious…That said, per my request, we will still be dressing for the intimate and special occasion as if we were sitting across from one another at a table for two at ultra-romantic Il Mulino. Perhaps even Illiebelle will contribute to the festive mood by wearing a glamorous over-sized big red {double-faced satin!} bow…}
Célébrer l’amour!
{image credit} gorgeous photograph by william waldron
I was having coffee with a favorite industry friend, Donna, when I asked about her colleagues recent engagement. Donna and Matt work together at one of the hottest Chicago venues, The Ivy Room. I had spoken with Matt about the details he had thoughtfully planned – before the big day – and shamefully hadn’t followed up with him!
Donna mentioned that Matt had enlisted the help of popular Chicago photographer, David Wittig, to captured it all, and many of the gorgeous images were featured on The Brides Cafe.
I wanted to share a few of the beautiful, artfully romantic images…
Matt proposed to Sarah on a chilly winter day, in celebration of their 5 year anniversary. Set against the stunning backdrop of Millennium Park, the perfectly orchestrated details culminated with Matt on bended knee, asking his love to spend her life with him.
It seemed like the moment was just for the two of them…(Thanks to Donna on the other side of the bridge, playing bouncer to the public!)
I simply adore Chicago!
After the successful proposal, the couple floated on air with a few laps around the picturesque skating rink.
The evening ended with a lovely meal at Boka {one of my fav’s in Lincoln Park}, where the two likely started to dream about their future life together…
Whether or not you care to root for the Colts or the Saints – you certainly must root for a gorgeous array of amped-up snacks…Superbowl Sunday does not mean you have to resort to wings and potato chips…gather your girls and enjoy a made-over Superbowl spread…
I love the rustic table, lined with a raw, gauzy cheesecloth as a linen. Display gorgeous cuts of cheese accompanied by fresh fruits, breads and spreads.
You can find charming fresh honeycomb at Whole Foods for an incredibly beautiful and unexpected addition.
Pop freshly popped popcorn over the stove with a bit of truffle oil and pinch of fresh parmesan for a gourmet, savory twist to the mundane snack. Simple parchment cones set in a basket makes for an easy, disposable way to share.
Don’t forget the sweets! {Could you imagine your guests’ surprise when greeted by a towering croquembouche!}
Or perhaps something a bit more modest, but still quite thoughtful…waffle bowls of varied ice creams or gelato.
Enjoy!
{image credits} all images taken from martha stewart
Although snowy Chicago looks a bit more like this…I happen to have a few of my favorite spring blooms to keep my spirits up.
The perfumed fragrance of the beautiful bulb flowers, Hyacinth, are reminiscent of early spring days when my brother and I would spend hours playing outside in our back yard when the hyacinths were in full abundant and aromatic bloom (oh how I miss our gorgeous, expansive backyard!). The adorable and tiny bell-like florets almost look like a delicate garden fairies’ party dress.
A favorite of almost every bride, ruffly Ranunculus are looking simply gorgeous these days. They come in a wide variety of colors – from soft, muted tones to saturated vibrant hues.
Time to stop dreaming and get back to work. Luckily with these beauties by my side all day, inspiration is sure to follow…
{image credits} all floral images my own. snowy scene via 1x.com
I am so proud to introduce you to a brilliant new concept created by dear, dear friend Kate Duff along with Alexi Mintz.
3floz.com is fit for brides that are given strict packing instructions from her groom before soaring off to Capri, for girls sneaking away to Palm Beach for the weekend, for any ‘ole jet-setting frequent flier, or for anyone that simply has a hard time deciding on which product to try next.
3floz.com is an online boutique selling luxe beauty products – all in sizes of 3 fluid ounces or less!
Their website officially launches later this week, we know it will be an absolute smashing success. In fact, Star Magazine just named the boutique as one of their Hot Websites!
Congratulations, Kate and Alexi, we absolutely can’t wait to see what’s next!
I have always, always loved French Macarons – initially intrigued by their charm and beauty – but later captivated by their crunchy outer shell, light and fluffy meringue-like texture and delicious varied fillings.
Not to be confused with the American coconut macaroon, these petite bite-size beauties are simply too cute for words…and are certainly of trend at the moment…lovely for me – more options!
This current resurge of my obsession came unexpectedly, when I found a plate full of gourmet macarons awaiting my husband and I in our room over our recent vacation. The brief tease was only enough to taunt my palette and bring me back home craving more…I began the search for local treats.
While we do not have the famed Beverly Hill’s Paulette Macarons around our corner, I was pleasantly surprised by a cutie local patisseries’ confections…Fritz Pastry located on Diversey. The well-priced beauties were delicious and gorgeous. They have selections daily and can be ordered for any event with flavors like vanilla, chocolate, rose, lavender, green tea, raspberry etc.
Here was my breakfast yesterday, compliments of Fritz Pastry and rich Illy Coffee. The perfect way to start the day inspired and energized.
Enjoy for breakfast, like I did, have on hand at your next dinner party or include them on your gorgeous dessert spread at your wedding – they can be created to fit your color palette!
I am beyond obsessed.
{image credits} in order from top. brass knuckle, bobbette and belle, the gothamist, paulette macarons, my own picture, miles aldridge image taken from vogue.
An absolute favorite client of mine was recently married on a wintry, festive holiday evening.
Meg and Josh got married at the most charming Lutheran Church in Chicago, St. James, situated on a tree-lined residential street in cutie Lincoln Park.
After the ceremony, guests were transported through the holiday-dressed city to the iconic Drake Hotel for a wonderful night of dinner and dancing with nearly 400 of the bride and grooms closest friends!
The Gold Coast Room literally twinkled from top to bottom with hundreds of flickering candles of all different forms. Tall gold candelabras were enhanced with winter greens, rustic pine cones and snowy white blooms.
The ladies wore beautiful graphite dresses, kept {just a bit} warmer with the help of beautiful pashminas. Even Santa couldn’t stay away!
Meg and Josh found true love in one another. There is no doubt that their life will be brimming with love and happiness.
I simply can’t get enough of the new(ish) online magazine, Lonny (London & New York).
After the absolute heartbreak that followed the closing of many design publications {domino, sniff sniff, at the top of the list} Michelle Adams {previously editor at domino, as well as owner of cutie rubie green} and Patrick Cline {dreamy photographer extraordinaire} decided to take on an inspired, daunting project.
Enter Lonny.
In editor and chief, Michelle’s, words:
OUR MISSION is to reopen the doors of accessible design. By embracing an online platform we provide inspiration at the click of a finger, directly connecting our readers to their favorite products and resources. Our freedom from page limits means that we can share more content in each issue, delivering an intimate look into the way people really live. At Lonny, we value independent thinking and believe not in following trends but rather in making choices that lead to happiness. We believe that good design and affordable design can coexist and that true inspiration can be found in the teeniest of homes or in the grandest of spaces.
The amazingly talented {and sleep deprived} Lonny team has done a remarkable job of staying true to their vision thus far. With this issue, specifically, I can’t help but wonder…Was it written and created specifically for moi? {I’m sure every girl thought the same thing! Congrats again, Lonny!} With features of French hotels, kate spade and J.Crew, this issue simply makes me drool.
Here are just a few of my favorite photos and features from their second {current} issue:
The charming and fantastically styled Parisian Hotel Keppler reminds us that people are traveling differently these days. Searching for stays that are reminiscent of gorgeous homes with special touches and loads of personal attention, people are seeking out boutique hotels as opposed to the monster compounds that many name-brand hoteliers have previously created.
The 1900s building was turned into a hotel after the second world war and redesigned by Pierre-Yves Rochon in 1997. The fabulous location is nestled in the heart of Paris, a few steps away from Champs Élysées.
A simple black and white color palette is accented with pops of color to distinguish rooms from one another. I adore the layered textures and patterns showcased in every room. {A look that is here to stay also in wedding design…}
The Hotel Keppler is a fresh and current hotel that welcomes a juxtaposition of classic style with modern touches.
Here, a few page spread highlighted the recently revamped kate spade new york 5th Avenue flagship store. True to form with loads of kate’isms, the store is beautiful. {I have to note that I am equally as proud of our local kate spade boutique on Oak Street {my hoped-for second home} for being dressed just as beautifully!}
And although it seems I could truly re-highlight all of the gorgeousness found on the ‘pages’ of Lonny’s 175 page issue, I will control myself…
And so finally, another feature of a beautiful store. This time J.Crew Collection {in Manhattan, next door to YET another favorite – Lilly Pulitzer} is elegantly represented. The look of this boutique is virtually driven single-handedly by the style maven and creative director for J.Crew, Jenna Lyons.
I am obsessed with the nondescript door with “the stores name and address whispered gracefully in gold cursive”. The boutique is decorated in stylish vignettes, worlds apart from the cold steel racks of large department stores. The absolutely gorgeous black and white bathroom is a direct copy of Lyons own powder room.
Michelle, Patrick and the rest of the Lonny Crew – we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Keep up the inspired, hard work.
{image credits} all images taken from lonny magazine, shot by patrick cline
As I am currently crusin’ from island to island in the Caribbean, I had to pop into the internet cafe to wish you all a smashing New Years – I so hope 2010 is your absolute most beautiful and inspiring year yet!