Featured on The Bridal Guide

photo by pearls and twirls

I was so excited when the Bridal Guide contacted me about sharing ideas and advice for bachelorette party planning.  Head on over to the Bridal Guide to read all about the Bachelorette Party I threw for Caroline last summer in Atlanta. Click here to read some of my planning advice and see pictures from Whitney's Bachelorette Party in Nashville. 

Enjoy!

-a.e.h.

TRENDING: Clear Clutches

 Leopard Print Clutch / Clear Clutch with Silver Strap / Pink Lava Lamp Clutch 

                    Clear Apple Clutch / Black and White Strip Clutch / Orange Clutch                               Clear Clutch with Gold Clasp / Clear Clutch with Light Blue and Gold Insert

Lucite clutches were all over the streets and runways during the spring 2013 shows this past month. This is a trend that frightens a messy person like me- I don't know if I am ready to expose the contents of my purse.  But, these Lucite bags may be lovely enough to motivate me to change my ways. For all of you at home who think this may be a passing trend...Think again.  Lucite was originally made in the early 30s and was used for military applications during WWII.  In the 1940s Lucite started being used for jewelry and fashion accessories.  Hell, you may want to make sure your grandmother doesn't have one tucked away in her attic. 

I officially have one week until Wedding Season 2013 is in full swing. Since this will be the only time I'm off for quite some time- I am trying to pack as much fun as I can into these next 48 hours.   I'll be spending 24 hours eating my heart out in Atlanta and then hosting a dinner party for some of my favorite friends. Can't wait!

 Have a great weekend!

-a.e.h.

Bath Time Essentials

 

 Plum Pretty Sugar Robe / Champagne Coupes / Bubble Bath

Brass Vanity Mirrors / Diptyque Candle / Bath Towel  

Sometimes a girl just has to relax. 

-a.e.h.

Dream Dress: Bow on Back

  

 

 

Brides are always asking me for advice during their quest for the perfect dress so I decided to start a new series on the blog- Dream Dress.  Each week I'll be sharing a a gorgeous gown and the perfect accessories to finish off the look.  I knew I had to feature this incredibly chic Lanvin gown for the first post. This dress is the epitome of elegance.  I imagine Jackie 'O wearing it with white gloves and looking effortlessly chic. I love the simplicity of the front of the gown- the perfect amount of draping and crystal embellishments. I love a good bow so my jaw dropped the first time I saw the back of this dress.  and the delicate chiffon trim...sigh.  Bridal perfection!  All this dress needs is a sparkling bracelet and earrings...and great shoes, of course!  Scroll below to see all of my accessory recommendations.

Is this your dream dress? 

-a.e.h.

WISH LIST

ruffle swimsuit / colorblock tote / necklace / dress / scarf / lipstick / pillow / bike 

With Winter winding down I have been busy making a wish list of all the things I need want once warmer weather hits.  For spring and summer I love pinks, oranges, and corals. I mean, I practically live in coral nail polish and lip stick for half of the year!  I am dying over the colorfully striped outdoor pillow- I may actually need a couple of these! Not to mention, adding new pillows is such an easy way to liven up your indoor and outdoor furniture for the changing seasons.

Happy Monday!

-a.e.h.

Every Woman Needs: Make Up For Ever Concealer

Ever since my dear friend and beauty expert, Maggie, introduced me to Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer my life has changed.  This concealer is amazing. It will cover any major imperfection.   It was designed for sensitive skin so even though it offers long-lasting, full coverage it won't irritate your skin. This concealer erases any trace of blemishes or scaring and will give you a serious boost of confidence. 

To apply I put a pea size amount of concealer on the back of my hand (I use color Flesh 4). Then I rub the Pro Airbrush Concealer Brush into the concealer to warm it up.  I use a stippling technique to apply it to my under eyes and to any problem areas.  If you find it is too creamy or thick to use for under your eyes simply add a touch of eye cream or moisturizer before applying. If you are unsure about how to perform the stippling technique- YouTube is full of helpful tutorials.  Shop the Concealer HERE and the concealer brush HERE.

Cheers to clear skin!

-a.e.h.

Wish List: Tulle Bathing Suit

 

I have been on the hunt for a swimsuit that offers a little more support... you know what I mean.  During my search, I fell in love with Jcrew's line of tulle bathing suits.  They were inspired by vintage French swimwear and are so feminine and beautiful!  The only problem is I am having a hard time deciding which style I like best!

What do you think?  Ruffle or no ruffle?

-a.e.h.

LUXE LOUNGING: Pajama Sets

 

 Top Row : Eberjey /  Jcrew / Equipment 

Bottom Row: Tory Burch / Gilligan & O'Malley / Eberjey 

There is nothing I love more than taking a soak in the tub and then slipping into a new set of PJs.  I think that cute, quality pajamas are an essential part of every woman's wardrobe. Don't agree?  Think about it this way- you will spend 1/3 of our life sleeping...do you really want to spend 1/3 of your life in an old date party t-shirt?  Going one step further to look and feel a little more polished at bedtime may even inspire some extra snuggle time with your man.  

Sweet dreams!

-a.e.h.

The Bookshelf: Where Chefs Eat

buy the book here

If you are my friend it is no secret that I love great food.  I won't call myself a foodie, because I absolutely hate that term. I won't call myself a food snob, because as long as a restaurant serves tasty food I don't care if the place is fancy or exclusive. Honestly, pig may be the most fitting name for me. Anyways, I love a good meal so I was excited to come across a book full of restaurants recommended  by chefs.  Now, we aren't talking about TV chefs (sorry all you Food Network fanatics)....we are talking about real chefs.  The best chefs...Daniel Humm, David Chang, Sean Brock, Eric Ripert, Daniel Lindeberg, Daniel Boulud (who happens to be the last boss of our Chef at RT Lodge), April Bloomfield and nearly 400 others. All their favorite restaurants from around the world- bargain to high-end- in one book.  Bucket list anyone?

-a.e.h.

a warning to my close friends: this book is on its way to me so be prepared to hear about it once I dive in. 

Whitney and Jonny's Wedding from Watson-Studios

I just had to share these gorgeous images from Whitney and Jonny's wedding at RT Lodge.  The wedding was photographed by Dan and Natalie of Watson-Studios. I know I've said it before- but they are seriously talented and such a blast to work with!  Whitney has been my best friend since high school so it was so much fun to collaborate with her! It was a weekend long celebration of Whitney and Jonny's love for each other, and I was so honored to share it with them! The beading and peplum detail on Whitney's Badgley Mischka gown was to-die-for! I also loved the emerald green bridesmaid dresses we chose (emerald is the pantone color of the year, you know).

Oh yeah, did I mention that Whitney is insanely beautiful?! I mean, she was FLAWLESS! 

Visit Watson-Studios blog to see more of Whitney and Jonny's wedding.  See details of the bridal shower I threw her here.

Love these two!

-a.e.h.

Wish List: Linea Carta Calligraphy Kit

Last year I discovered Linea Carta on Etsy and immediately fell in love with Diva Pyari's beautiful work.  Her calligraphy is so whimsical...I think I could stare at it all day! I'll admit that I have spent too many hours browsing her etsy shop, website, and blog (anddd maybe even her instagram- eek! I sound like a stalker).  I was thrilled when I heard the news that she was creating a calligraphy starter kit for people like me who are dying to learn her craft.  To my male readers, if your wife or girlfriend spends time on pinterest chances are she would appreciate this gift.  Go ahead- surprise her! I bet you'll receive a beautiful thank-you note :). While you wait for your kit to arrive you can feast on some of Diva's lovely work...

pictures via Linea Carta Blog

Sigh....

-a.e.h. 

TRENDING: BLACK AND WHITE

cover-up romper / striped sun hat / striped sandal / white peplum tankini

My friends and I are planning a summer vacation so I have been swimsuit shopping and dreaming of warm weather all week. I generally buy bathing suits in a solid black or white so I am always looking unusual shapes or details- I love a super structured suit like this peplum tankini (plus, the v cut-out and peplum shape are extremely flattering!). The black silk romper can be worn on and off the beach...it has summer uniform written all over it. Shop more black and white beach chic below...

-a.e.h. 

Caroline & Peach's Wedding on Style Me Pretty

I was so excited when I heard the news last month that one of my weddings would be featured on Style me Pretty.  It was even more exciting that it was the wedding of one of my best friends!  Working with Caroline to design and plan her dream wedding was an experience I will never forget. I hope you enjoy all the beautiful details that were captured by Natalie and Dan (the amazingly talented husband and wife team behind Watson-Studios).  See the feature here.

-a.e.h.

Pick Your Potion: Valentines Day Cocktail Recipes

Happy Valentines Day to all you little love bunnies!  

-a.e.h.

Valentines Day Crafting Party

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For lent this year I have decided to give up "not blogging" which means you will be seeing lots more of me (I am really hoping someone cheered after reading that). Anyways, I wanted to share some pictures from a Valentines Crafting Party I had at my apartment this past weekend for a very special little eight year old.  Just because you are throwing a party for two and/or your guest list includes no one over the age of ten doesn't mean you can't include lots of festive details. 

I picked up these adorable petit fours at Sweet Celebrations.  The gold plated silverware was picked up from a vintage store in Knoxville.  For the centerpieces I picked up roses from the local grocery store, trimmed the leaves and stems, and cut them so they would gather right at the opening of the containers.  For the vases I used a cocktail shaker (with the top removed), a rocks glass, and a Marc Blackwell glass (similar here).  I arranged them on a vintage mirrored tray I found on Ebay.  

We had such a great time making valentines & decorating sugar cookies.  To make valentines I just picked up several packs of blank cards and envelopes- some kraft paper, some red, and some white.  I bought ribbon, pre-glittered stickers (saves so much time and makes less of a mess), some fun paint, and calligraphy markers. To write on the sugar cookies I made a piping bag out of a zip-lock baggie.  You simply scrape the frosting into the bag with a spatula, push it all towards one corner, and snip a tiny bit off the end. 

 I can't wait to throw a bigger (and possibly more adult friendly) party next year. My wish for all of you is that your Valentine's day is full of love!  XOXO!

-a.e.h.

Shop my favorite v-day finds here:

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.