The Mostest for your Hostess

I had a friend ask me about hostess gifts the other day and it got me thinking…Whether large or small, expensive or cheap, a little thought can truly go a long way when showing appreciation to your hostess for including you in her event {and certainly inspire a return invitation in the future!}  Here are a few of my current favorite hostess gift ideas!:

For a Casual Get Together:  A modestly priced bottle of wine {Kim Crawfod Sav Blanc is my favorite} is beautifully and simply dressed up with these charming engraved tags from Dempsey and Carroll.
For the Constant Entertainer:  A beautiful teacake dome from Juliska can be thoughtfully presented when paired with a home-baked treat {and used the next time she entertains}!
For the Busy Mom:  Encourage her to easily tidy up for your get-togethers with ease by presenting your girlfriend with these adorable ‘everything bins’ by Serena and Lily.  
For a Quick Solution:  Grab a few bottles of your hostesses’ favorite beverage and pair them with whimsical striped straws from Jack and Lulu.  Enjoy what’s last of the summer sunsets while sipping on the porch!
For the Coffee Addict:  A few tins of the absolutely delicious Sant’ Eustachio Coffee from a small cafe in Rome will keep her energized {for now?}.

For the Glamour Girl:  A bundle of flowers is always a lovely gift – but to show up with a pre-arranged bowl of blooms in a gorgeous vase like this Kate Spade rose bowl is the gift that keeps on giving.  
{image taken from lonny.com}
When You’re the House-guest:  When visiting Charlotte’s family in Sydney, they had us sign a guestbook that her parents had started decades ago.  To flip through the pages showcasing a multitude of residences  made me die to know Char’s parents’ life story.  Encourage your hostess to keep the book forever, have their guests write a bit about their stay and the activities enjoyed, so they can stroll down memory lane time and time again.
For the Potluck You Don’t Have Time to Prepare For:  A vintage dishtowel enveloping a few fresh demi-baguettes and a good jam is a simple and delicious addition to any get together. 
{image taken from marthastewart.com}
 
For the Girly Girl:  Select a few of your favorite nail polish colors and pair with a gift certificate for a manicure.  After your hostess ends the evening with dish-pan-hands in your honour, she’ll certainly deserve it!  {Here are my current Essie loves from left to right:  Tart Deco, Blushing Bride and Vermillionaire}
For the Day of the Large Affair:  Ding-dong-ditch your hostess the morning of her gathering.  She’ll no doubt be busy all day bustling around town, tidying up her home and preparing loads of details for the evening soiree.  Allow her to enjoy a hardy breakfast by putting together a basket packed with fresh scones, jams, juice, milk and note about how excited you are to join them later.
{image taken from marthastewart.com}
For the Little Lady Who’s got it All:  A simple and elegant cashmere throw can be used tossed on an armchair for an added punch of color, used as a wrap on an alfresco evening outdoors or brought on any flight to avoid the scratchy, questionable blankets the flight attendants hand out.  This versatile gift {from William Sonoma Home} is sure to impress.
For the Home Chef:  Allow your hostess to collect recipes in style with this charming recipe box from Dabney Lee.
For Her Coffee Table I – The Prep:  A Privileged Life – Celebrating WASP Style.  This ode to icons of elegant living {including Grace Kelly and Jackie Kennedy} is perfect for your boarding school roomie.
For Her Coffee Table II – The Francophile:  Paris.  Dreamy photographs by famed photographer, Elliott Erwitt, is sure to inspire her next trip to the city of lights!    
For Her Coffee Table III – The ‘Always Updating my Interiors’ Friend:  Hue.  This Kelly Wearstler book of glamorous and eclectic interior projects is coveted by those looking for style direction.
Hmm…It’s been too long since I’ve hosted a gathering…To our friends:  I take no offense if you borrow these ideas…come on over!! 

Dreams of Sweets…MY San Francisco Treat!

While I’m barely able to keep my head above water as I catch up from being away, I gaze longingly at the petite take-away card from one of my favorite pastry shops in San Francisco.  Am I tormenting myself?  Perhaps.  But I must do this little shop justice and spend just a minute gushing…

We initially stumbled upon Miette in Hayes Valley – quite simply because we couldn’t miss it!  Caroline’s apartment sits happily atop the charming storefront!  {The other location is housed in the historic Ferry Building.}  I know I use the word charm as an adjective quite a bit, but I must profess, this cutie little shop simply oozes charm and must have been part of the words origin!

Miette’s owner, Megan Ray, originally started the company at a farmers market.  She notes influences from candy stores in Vienna to the wild blackberries growing around her home.  Her ingredients {oh the joy of living in Northern California} come from local, family owned farms and mills and are most often organic and sustainably produced.

Miette is known for many things – among them their gorgeous house-made desserts:  cakes, cupcakes, tarts, cookies to name a few.  In fact, unbeknownst to my love-at-first-sight {and bite}, Conde Nast named Miette one of the Top Ten Pastry Shops in the World!  Sweet Goodness – what an accolade!!!

Here is some more eye candy…

I am a sugar-candy lover!  {Said loud and proud!}  Beautiful jars of candy are displayed in an orderly fashion, waiting for the taking.

Oooh…the macarons.  Even though famed Paulette Macaron is less than two blocks away, I have to say Miette’s macarons were absolutely noteworthy!

A childhood favorite:  Cotton Candy!  The adorable boutique also creates the crave-worthy airy confection made-to-order!  My favorite was the vanilla bean.

These crispy house-made graham crackers were to die for with a chilled glass of milk!

{Sigh.}  Well, lucky for me {and not my thighs}, their cookies, macarons and confections are all available for mail order.  Perhaps we should make it a weekly delivery?

Sweet Dreaming…

{image credits}  images taken from miette website.  cotton candy image from martha stewart

Bella Bell’occhio!

After an absolute dreamy girls getaway to San Francisco, I’ve come back to Windy City realities…And while I’m usually quite obsessed and proud of our city – I find myself yearning for the mass amounts of charm that San Fran seems to offer around every corner, down every alley and in each sweet cafe.

It’s only been mere days, and I already miss the cutie shops and needed a fix of vintagey Frency finds – so a quick spin around San Francisco based shop Bell’occhio‘s general store-esq website must suffice.  Here are some of my favorites finds of the moment…
Cutie black and white striped grosgrain ribbon is the perfect way to adorn signage, bind hemstitch napkins at your next dinner party or to knot around your keys to fashion a simple {and cheap!} key-chain. 
These adorable ultra-mini scalloped cards and matching envelopes are the perfect way to inspire little notes of gratitude or amour.
This French ribbon would look beautiful binding the stems of a bridal bouquet of fluffy garden roses, ranunculus and peonies.
In. Love. with these perfect blackboard oilcloth mats.  Use them to assign seating at your next dinner party or used on the buffet to label the elements of your unfussy feast.
Renny first turned me onto this charming red and white string.  It looks fantastic wound around parcels, wax-paper wrapped sandwiches to-go or doing absolutely nothin’ but sitting on the shelf!
These petite letterpress frames can highlight a picture, a phrase or a fabric.  I adore the girly embellishments!
Who needs to spend time fussing with fancy wrapping paper when these fantastic aqua and red boxes are available in varied shapes and sizes!
While I have already begun to dream of my next visit to San Fran {a branch of Bliss, perhaps?!}, it’s nice to know some of my favorite shops can still provide a remedy for an uninspired afternoon from afar.
{image credits} all images taken from Bell’occhio

Real Event…For Your Perfect Picnic!

I had the most charming and special event this weekend.  A client hired me to help design and plan her daughters first bridal shower at the Wit Hotel.  The mother of the bride is beyond sophisticated with fantastic style and to say I had a blast working with her would truly be an understatement.
The guest list was an intimate group of gorgeous girls, most traveling to Chicago for the celebration.  Because of the small party, I was able to have creative direction and attention to details that we rarely have with our typical client weddings of around 200!  Too much fun!
We selected a charming theme {I know, I know – you thought I hated themes!  In my opinion, themes are acceptable for less formal events like showers!} of a gardeny, summery picnic.  I partnered with one of my absolute favorite designers, Cheree Berry to create the adorable invitations and unique printables to introduce guests to the inspired event.  
The ladybug motif was chosen to appear in just a few understated places as a reminder of the brides childhood.
The added cutie tandem bicycle was an unexpected accent on the outside of the invitation envelope.
On the day of the shower, guests were welcomed by a petite table that hosted a verdant patch of wheat grass upon which I placed a packed picnic basket, a colorful bridal bouquet and the invitation to set the tone for the lunchtime event.
The small rectangular picnic-like-tables were dressed in textured white sorrento linens from BBJ.  The gorgeous summery centerpieces were created by my great friend David of Lush Designs.  He made custom long, narrow fabric covered boxes that hosted a textural and casual collection of the seasons finest:  dahlias, ranunculus, tulips and gorgeous foliage. 
I had adorable, coordinating placemats made that added a casual, whimsical touch.
The centerpiece of the buffet table was a fresh manzanita tree for added height, centered in the beautiful picture window.
The petite swing was yet another whimsical accent that guests loved!
The light lunch menu of gourmet treats was finished with miniature cherry pies completed with adorable latticework.
One of my favorite tasks was to put together amazing favor bags for all guests to depart with.  A collection of items included an outdoor entertaining cookbook, custom gingham picnic blankets, bamboo cheese boards with matching knifes and a collection of sweet treats from the brides favorite local bakery.  The beautiful and bountiful bags were the inspiration each of the girls needed for their next perfect picnic.

Celebrate Love – For a Happy Anniversary!

Joel and I are celebrating our two year anniversary this week!  I feel such an imbalance of reality:  in one moment it feels like we were married just yesterday, while the next I feel like we’ve been together forever.

I told my husband {only mere days away from our anniversary} that anniversary gifts are to be romantic and special…so…No…we’re not exchanging gadgets or golf clubs.
I had so much fun putting together my gift and am nearly giddy with excitement about the sentiment, all thanks to a Bliss clients’ inspiration.

I enlisted the help of a knowledgeable sommelier to select a wine due to mature in the next 5-15 years.  I wanted an Italian wine {in honour of our dreamy honeymoon} and found a fragrant cedar wine box to store it in.

Here, a chocolate brown double-faced silk ribbon was the only adornment my rustic box needed.
For the next 8 years, Joel and I will write one another love letters on our anniversary.  We’ll write about where we are in our relationship, in our lives, and talk about dreams for our future together.  The letters will go sealed and unread into the wine box.
On our 10 year anniversary, Joel and I will open our delicious bottle of wine to share while reading our letters to one another.  Quite the celebration!  Alternatively, if we ever find ourselves in trouble, if we seem to have lost our way – the wine and letters can be used {in case of emergency} to remind one another how special our love is.
I don’t know how I got lucky enough to score a gorgeous bottle of wine and letters to share in just shy of a decade – but in the meantime, I also walked away from this anniversary celebration with gorgeous new sparkling bands to pair with my engagement ring!  All thanks to my sly husband!
Celebrare l’amore!
{image credits} k+j dance by gerber and scarpelli.  cutie writer via kate spade

The Sport of Shopping {Fit For Brides!}

While I must admit the majority of my clients will register at the usual suspects: Bloomingdale’s Home, Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma etc. {all of which I think are wonderful options}…I do get excited about the more unexpected options {Ok, ok, so we may have registered for Cutco knives, but that’s not what this is about…}.

One of my favorite local tabletop and home boutiques, Tabula Tua, has gorgeous and unique home accessories, china and furniture.  It also has a…registry!  Shop in the charming boutique or direct friends afar to the website for gorgeous gifts galore.
Right now, I’m loving the elegantly rustic Match pewter pieces found at Tabula Tua:
The beautiful dinnerware is handmade in northern Italy.
I adore the vintage look of the pewter pitcher.  Use with freshly cut blooms when you’re not using it as a serving piece.
The beautiful and varied candlesticks look gorgeous clustered or singly – anchoring a mantle or adorning a tablescape.
Registering for your wedding doesn’t mean you have to select china, linens and flatware…have some fun with pieces that inspire you and your beloved… 
-The honey jar is perfection – in use or not!  
-I also adore the butter dome…your bagel never had it so good!  
-Just because you’re perfecting your nighttime routine of wrinkle fighters {sniff sniff…haven’t won that battle yet!}, teeth whiteners or lash enhancers doesn’t mean you have to do it with plastic pieces from your college years.  Get rusticly glam with Matchs’ bath collection!
-Accent your guest room nightstand with one of their gorgeous timepieces – your pals will never be late for breakfast again!
As if we need an excuse to shop…
For registry information – click here.

Well..Dressed Hairdo!

As the wedding industry continues to boom…it seems as though nothing can be too customized, too chic or too fashion forward.  Seemingly an infinite amount of choices need to be considered by any average bride…

Colors – it’s not just pink and green or an all white wedding anymore.  Brides are selecting color palettes that are unique combinations reflecting themselves, the season or their moods. 

Dresses – first it was Vera, then Monique…now dozens of dress designers are creating gowns fit for any fashionista – and at any budget!

Dinner Tables – round tables were the norm just a few years back – but not only have square and {my favorite!} rectangular tables become almost common, there are even more to choose from now.  Rental companies are now offering taller tables where guests are seated on custom stool-like chairs to add yet another layer of texture and dimension to your setting.  Decor firms are moving forward with handfuls of customized table options – whether mirrored or even inlaid with a custom fabric (or gorgeous patterned wallpaper!), brides are able to ensure their special day is unlike any of their girlfriends.

Accessories are no exception.  If you’re not familiar, please let me introduce a new obsession…ban.do!  Started by two stylists in LA, ban.do is a super-duper charming lot of {mainly, but not exclusively} hair accessories like headbands, pins and bows.  Each even comes with it’s very own haiku!

The pieces are not limited to brides, however, many would make a gorgeous accent for girls who choose not to wear a veil – but still want some drama {yipee!  tiara’s are not the only non-veiled option!}

Here are a few of my favorites:
Their bridal line has beautiful head-bands and pieces, many with vintage inspired detailing.
The black label contains unique pieces that are all either one-of-a-kind or limited edition.  Vintage elements are incorporated, found from all over the world.
And the cutie heart by ban.do is an affordable line – with all pieces under $50.
When you’re in love – why not tell the whole world?!
A pretty yellow bow can make any basic outfit extrodinary!
Even your hair can be Well…Dressed!

Savvy Style with Stella & Dot!

Cute accessories will always catch my attention.  Interesting, fresh ideas and inspired drive seem to always also catch my attention.

When I initially stumbled across Stella & Dot, I fell in love with a handful of their reasonably priced pieces.  I have found their jewelry to be the perfect pick-me-up for an old stand-by stuffed in the back of your closet or the perfect gift for a girlfriend, your mom or even your bridesmaids.

After reading a bit more about the company, I also fell in love with the concept.  Stella & Dot was founded by Jessica Herrin – who also co-founded weddingchannel.com {at age 24!}.  Stella & Dot took the old tupperware party concept and applied it to modern day – with local stylists hosting trunk-shows and managing ecommerce sites positioned around the country – modern women have found a way to balance life and career.  Along with the help of chief creative designer, Blythe Harris, – who previously gained experience designing for names like {practical favorite} Banana Republic and {less practical favorite} Cartier – Stella & Dot has rapidly become a celeb favorite and have gained accolades in nearly all popular magazines.

Here are a few of my current favs:
I love love the Boca necklace with the totally adorable bee brooch detail.  This longer style would look great with a dress, a white tee and jeans, or even over a tunic on the beach.
The Sayulita was featured in In Style recently and would be a great for the girl with boho-meets-glam style.
I love the initial charm necklaces…for bridesmaids or new mommies {great with their new wee-ones’ initials featured!}
The Grace bracelet is versatile and an updated version of a classic.  I even love this paired with a few gold bangles and your chunky men’s watch – all loaded on one arm!
And surprise, surprise…the Starfish studs are just too cute to pass up.  I particularity love these with an ultra-casual outfit.
Happy Shopping!  {ps:  mother’s day is May 9th!}
{image credits}  tupperware party from mindbubble.com.  all other images taken from the stella&dot website

Forever a Bargain

I had quickly fallen head over heels for this dramatic Lanvin necklace I found at Barneys a bit ago. While I didn’t have the nearly $3,000 to spare for the piece, my heart still fluttered each time I saw it. {I adore simple, updated-classic clothing paired with bold accessories and thought this necklace was simply dreamy!}

Then, last evening – inspired by the summer heat that so quickly hit Chicago, I went looking for a few bargains at Forever 21.

While I was initially hunting for cutie dresses to wear on the 4th of July – my absolute favorite holiday! – I did, however, come home with a heaping sack of fantastic designer-inspired statement necklaces. Here were a few of my favorites – each ranging from $7-$16!:


These necklaces are perfect for a chic dinner in the city or dressing up your rehearsal dinner ensemb, or even paired with a simple cotton maxi dress to turn heads while shopping at the farmers market!

While my heart is still in a tizzy for the beautiful Lanvin piece, my craving for drama is temporarily satisfied with my pouch full of purchases from Forever 21…

{photo credits: lanvin necklace from barneys.com; apricot, white and blue necklaces from forever21.com}

Kara’s Current Obsession…Iomoi!

You may have received a heart-shaped choker, a paperweight in the shape of an over-sized dazzling diamond ring or perhaps you even got a pink flask with the brides’ wedding date stamped front and center…All you know is that the gifts you’ve received as a dedicated bridesmaid have hardly been worthy of all of your adoring attention and unwavering support. After all, you did personally assist by fishing the wilted spinach from her teeth before her close-up, you did hold her dress high above her head as she not-so-discretely ‘powdered her nose’, and you even humored her when she insisted that pepto-pink, floor-length organza bridesmaid dresses would truly complete her vision…

Do YOUR girls a favor when you’re the bride-to-be and give them something stylish as well as useful. Iomoi.com has the most crave-worthy gifts, fit for your fabulous friends. Check out a couple of these great, customized ideas…
Personalized Stationary…I covet cutie cards and adore the encouragement to take a few more minutes and write a hand-written note instead of posting a vague thank-you on facebook. Each come with lined envelopes and a custom motif – include a monogram or choose something charming and whimsical. Have fun selecting different designs specifically for each of your girls. Here are just a few of my favorite, sassy motifs:

(Stationary can also make a wonderful engagement gift for a new bride-to-be…goodness knows she will have a lot of thanking to do before her big day!)

Alternatively, these custom Lucite bar trays are a totally chic addition to a worthy friends bar-cart, kitchen island or coffee table! Add a few matching/contrasting coasters and she will be having the happiest happy hour ever! **Note: These gifts can be great for the guys too – choose more masculine colors and patterns!

I’m obsessed.