Happy Weekend!

 

 via Fluent Theories

-a.e.h.  

DIY Bridal Shower

I threw a bridal shower for my Best Friend, Whitney, this past weekend.  I couldn't wait to share some of the pictures with you.  Whitney is very laid back, natural, and has a great sense of style (she is a personal shopper for JCrew).  I really wanted to incorporate all of those things into the shower to make it more personalized.  I hope you enjoy this peek at all of the details!



I love to cook, but I hate to bake so I always order my cakes when I am doing events.  I ordered a 10 inch cake and an 8 inch cake with buttercream icing and no trim. Since they usually charge more for tiered cakes it is an easy money saver to order two smaller cakes and assemble yourself. To decorate the cake I bought several small containers of succulents. I cleaned them in the sink by pulling them out of their containers and snipping the stem down to a quarter of an inch- just enough to be able to stick into the cake.  I gave them a good soap and water bath and then positioned them all of the cake. If you cut the stem too short, simply stick a toothpick down the center of the remaining stem and then position onto the cake. 



I wanted Whitney to be able to take something home from the shower that was really special so I had everyone write her advice, funny memories, and words of encouragement.  I cut out the banner from a roll of kraft paper and then used acrylic paint for the lettering.  I attached it to a cork board that I made earlier this year. 

I always use The Happy Envelope for my invitations.  They are wonderful! 
If you are a bride-to-be, contact them!

We made terrariums out of apothecary jars and mixed them with terracotta plants full of rosemary and lavender and tea cups filled with succulents. 

To make the custom champagne labels I soaked the bottles in warm, soapy water for 1 hour.  I used a scouring pad to scrape the part of the label that wouldn't peel off.  I cut out rectangles out of kraft paper and used acrylic paint to make the design. I used a spray adhesive to attach the label to the bottle.

Shop the brides look here: Dress, necklace

-a.e.h.

Inspired: A First Name Written in Monograms

When I saw Leandra of The Man Repeller post a picture of the monogrammed sweatshirt Glamour Magazine had gifted her during fashion week I was hooked.  I love the idea of spelling out your first name with different groupings of monograms.  It is a fresh spin on the old classic. Just buy a plain sweatshirt and take it to your local embroidery shop.  I will definitely be wearing this look for fall.  Layer the sweatshirt over a colorful blouse and throw on a sparkly collar necklace for good measure. 

What do you think of these monogrammed sweatshirts?  Would you wear this look?

-a.e.h. 

Currently Obsessed

Green Satin Dress / Chanel Bag / Polka Dot Blouse 

Tent / Brass Vanity Mirror / Life Notebooks

Leopard Print Heels / Gold Link Bracelet / Lip Crayon / Perfume 

Fringe Clutch / The New Satorialist Book / Gold Leaf Vases / Organic Hair Powder

I love sharing my latest obsessions with my readers so I always get excited when I am working on a "currently obsessed" post. I couldn't wait to tell you all about my latest beauty find (via Birchbox).  Lulu Organics Hair Powder.  I am a huge fan of dry shampoo- honestly, it is a life saver most mornings and adds great texture to your hair.  I was shocked when I discovered that most dry shampoos have carcinogenic properties (yuck!). Lulus smells amazing and is all natural. I am considering wearing the emerald green dress to my best friend's rehearsal dinner.  I really love the color and the shape is so simple and chic! 

-a.e.h.

Wish List

My friends know I love lady-like accessories, and that I really love my tweed. To avoid looking like one of The Golden Girls, I mix these  "grown-up" accessories with edgier pieces. I came across these bow tassel earrings yesterday. They are less than $15.00 and completely adorable. This yellow tweed jacket is on the top of my wish list.  It reminds me of an updated version of Cher's yellow plaid jacket from Clueless. I would wear the jacket over this black and white polka-dot blouse with a pair of skinny black pants....leather pants or shorts would be even better.  

Follow me on pinterest to see everything on my Wish List! 

-a.e.h.

The Fit & Flare Dress

When Net-a-Porter speaks I listen, and I felt that it was my duty to share what they are calling, "the dress silhouette of the season". Because of the comfortable fit, this silhouette is great to take from day to night.  Find a fit and flare dress for every budget.  

Check out the ..Splurge...or the...Steal.

Shop more fit & flare looks below...

-a.e.h.

Creature Feature

 Take a cue from the animal kingdom this season and add some of these playful pieces to your home or wardrobe. I think it is important to use fun and humorous touches to express yourself through dress or decor.  I especially love fun, animal inspired jewelry.  The fishbone earrings are my fave.  Wearing them shows that you don't take yourself too seriously.

Giraffe Plate / Rhino Journal / French Hen Sweater

Velvet Fox Slippers / Gold Bee Belt / Fox Makeup Case

Crocodile Candle / Foo Dog Pillow with Tassel / Bug Earrings

Fish Bone Earrings / Mickey Mouse Sunnies / Gold Ram Bracelet / Elephant Lamp

-a.e.h.