While my husband has a problem finding proper sunglasses because his “lashes are too long” and therefore rub up against the lens, I certainly Do Not.
We’ve all seen the enticing commercial with a dancing Brooke Shields claiming that Latisse will help with your less-than-adequate lashes.
No need for a doc’s direction any longer! My mother-in-law recently asked if her lashes looked longer…and without a second glance I could not believe my eyes. It looked like she had one of my Beauty On Call girls over earlier to help her with a fabulous pair of falsies! Only she did not…
Within a day I had a petite little tube of NeuLash, all to myself, courtesy of my generous MIL! NeuLash is an ‘innovative lash enhancement serum’ that promotes fullness and growth – found at one of my favorite stores {and without a perscription}…Neiman Marcus. I’ve been using it for a few weeks – the simple liquid-liner-esq application is a breeze. My fingers are crossed that I will have beautiful bat-worthy lashes half as fabulous as my mother-in-laws soon enough!
So ladies, whether you are prepping for your big day or simply sick of the endless hunt for the ‘perfect mascara’ – pop over to Saks or Neimans for your own batch!
I am so overly tardy on a proper post – I just seem to get busier by the minuet at work, leading to longer hours and allowing much less time for inspiration and writing when away from the studio.
Although I had to peel myself away from my desk last night – I did make time to sneak in a bit of a catch-up with friends for happy hour.
We made our way to The Violet Hour and both drink and decor was enough to demand that I carve out some time to gush.
Although this hushed pre-prohibition inspired lounge opened in summer of 2007, it was just last night that I finally made my way through the unmarked, graffitied wooden doors.
Upon entry, you are thrown into a world of calming design, of muffled conversations and of a modest luxe that allowed me immediately relax. The ornate framed sign requesting all patrons turn off their cellphones made me giddy with ease.
Designed by architect Thomas Schlesser, the decor of The Violet Hour is about so much more than the beautiful furniture and fabrics seen throughout. The space was designed to inspire conversation – more of a salon – with the use of floor to ceiling velvet curtains acting as partitions to add intimacy and privacy for guests.
Even the open rooms are laden with precisely positioned ultra-high wing backed chairs to allow one’s group to feel segregated and secretive.
The lights are so dim that candles are necessary to truly get a sense of the copious pages that are their drinks menu.
As I typically find myself sticking to wine or bubbly over cocktails – I did find myself drawn to one of their creations – the Juliet and Romeo – selected the “third best cocktail in the states” by GQ Magazine.
Not only was I drawn to the charming cocktail coupe/saucer it was served in, the selection of ingredients were not to be passed up: gin, mint and cucumber infused rose water. It was truly one of the most delicious and refreshing cocktails I’ve had.
There has been a steady buzz about the Violet Hour from day one, garnering prestigious claims from Esquire Magazine, calling it “One of the best bars in America” and CondeNast who noted that it is “One of the best bars in the world“. Along with buzz, however friends, comes a wait. This chic scene does not take reservations and works on a first come first serve basis. Both a wonderful pro and a frustrating con; they only let a small number of guests in at a time – to ensure the art of conversation and cocktail is always center stage.
Although there is certainly an aristocratic flair to both the design and essence of The Violet Hour, I found that the staff was quite welcoming and our server, Krista W. was an absolute pleasure.
Whether sneaking away with your amore or celebrating with your besties, the gorgeously glamorous speakeasy The Violet Hour effortlessly impresses.
Today I am thrilled to feature one of my favorite local paper design studios: Clementine Ink + Paper {formerly known as Flourish Invitations}.
The founder and designer of this adorable and versatile studio, Jenna Plonka, works directly with all clients to create lovely paper creations, worthy of any special occasion.
Jenna worked with me to create my custom-designed wedding invitations {a design that she now turned into a studio line, available to all and featured on her website{see image below}. I was absolutely obsessed with my charming letterpress invitations! She and I worked to create the perfect visual and graphic balance that gave guests a bit of a sneak peak into our wedding day style.
From there, Jenna tackled all printables for my wedding – designing looks that were cohesive yet unique from one another. Jenna respected my direction in regard to budget, creating budget-savvy options for my consideration. She helped with everything from the programs, to the table cards, menu cards, table numbers and additional random signage. Here are a few images featuring our wedding printables…
{Our charming invitations!}
{Our programs!}
{Our table cards!}
{Our menu cards!}
{Signage for croquet!}
Since the wedding, I have used Clementine for a handful of personal projects {shower invitations, anniversary invitations etc.} and she has continued to excite and impress me. She can also be incredibly valuable by offering thoughtful verbiage and proper etiquette. Also, you may want to take her up on her addressing + mailing service. For a nominal fee – you can sleep at night knowing that your invitations were stuffed, stamped, sealed and mailed off to perfection!
Whether you need help with your save the dates or your baby announcements {or anything in between!} – Jenna Plonka of Clementine Paper + Ink will assure that your printables are beautiful and flawlessly executed with no drama and no fuss.
I’m obsessed.
{photo credits: snapshot of clementineink.com, other images compliments of gerber and scarpelli photography}
The most darling television ad simply must be Sofia Coppola’s Miss Dior Chérie fragrance ad.
This commercial is simply laden with Parisian charm…from her longing gaze into the window of a flower boutique (my favorite of course!), to the lines of symmetrical verdant trees, to the crisp white moulding detailing the apartment, and her glamorous fitting in a dress of cascading ruffles, to the mouthwatering stop into the patisserie – all of the tarts and petite fours are screaming my name! – to the most joyous ride of her life, carried away by a colorful collection of balloons…
Sofia did an amazing job of capturing a sense of sophisticated charm, fit for most any girls’ loveliest daydream. Check it out!
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!
