the knot feature…

I was lucky enough to be the Maid of Honor for my BFF Shannon last summer. It was a happy day for me to see her blissfully happy and say “I do” to the man of her dreams…and look stunning while doing it. The details, colors and design of the wedding was absolutely gorgeous. YOU get exclusive photos and details of the wedding next week {I’ve been waiting more than a year to share it with you}, but wanted to give you a sneak peek today.

Her wedding was recently featured in The Knot Colorado…how fun is that?

Not to take away attention from the bride…cuz it’s always ALL ABOUT THE BRIDE {as it should be for all brides on her wedding day}, but that’s me…the 4th one from the left in the top photo below.

{images via The Knot Colorado and Andrew Clark Photography}

splurge vs. steal

There are certain key pieces a woman must have in her wardrobe. While we love a good deal, we do understand that a woman must have ‘the essentials’…and for those, you have our permission to splurge.

Our top 10 wardrobe essentials for women:
1. white tee – the been-around-forever, looks good with everything, comfy shirt is a must have.
2. fitted, white, button-down shirt – one that can tuck in or stay out. you will look so put-together.
3. cardigan – one that’s versatile with many outfits in all seasons, either black or a neutral color.
4. little black dress – need we say more…its a must
5. pencil skirt – you will feel so feminine and powerful. find one that is the perfect length, grazing the top of the knees.
6. designer jeans – its worth spending the money to find the perfect fit that flatten and flatter you body type.
7. black pants and/or black leggings – they are flattering and go with everything, plus you can’t beat the elastic waist band on the leggings.
8. ballet flats – they are more chic than sneakers, yet still comfortable. you can buy in black, black and neutral, or even a pop of color.
9. trench coat – one that will remain timeless.
10. black pumps {or nude pumps} – even if you are not a heels gal, every woman needs a pair of pumps for work or special occasions.

For the other, less essential, more trendy pieces, you can be satisfied with a steal if you can’t afford to splurge on the splurge. We found some steals for this season you might like below.

Happy Shopping! 
Gentle Souls Gigi Flat
, Nordstrom vs. Mossimo Supply Co. Odell Flats, Target

 Current/Elliott Camouflage Skinny Jean, Saks Fifth Avenue  vs. Urban Outfitters Tripp NYC Camo Jean

Cambridge Satchel Company Leather Satchel, Nordstrom vs. Mossimo Supply Co. Patent Pink Satchel, Target

Ann Taylor Colorblocked Blouse {super cute and still very affordable}  vs. Mossimo Women’s Button-down Blouse, Target

{images via Nordstrom, TargetSaks Fifth AvenueUrban Outfitters, Ann Taylor}

tutu cute

Tulle. Tutu. Sparkles. Poms. Pink.

Sounds like a party fit for a beautiful ballerina…happy birthday, ballerina Carson!

Thanks to Karey at Orange Blossom Photography for sharing all the pretty in pink details with us.

Everything from the decor to the treats was done by Elle & Em Party Design (Carson’s mom is the Elle part of the business)! Tulle tutu’s were made for all the little ballerina’s in attendance, and they danced around under colorful poms that were strung throughout the yard.

VENDOR LOVE
Photography: Orange Blossom Photography
Planner: Elle and Em Party Design

 

pucker up

I was driving home the other day and saw sweet young girls selling lemonade on the corner. It brought me back to my childhood when my sisters and I would set-up a makeshift lemonade stand in front of our house in hopes cars would stop and we could add $10 to our piggy banks. For me, lemonade stands represent happiness, youth, optimism and summertime.

Take time to make yourself a glass of lemonade today…or stop by your corner lemonade stand and reminisce on your childhood summers.

Vintage Lemonade Stand by Reverie and photography by Work of Heart Photography

Lil Luna Yellow Vintage Lemonade Stand
{full DIY tutorial by Lil Luna found here}

Even weddings are not excluded from lemonade stands…how adorable is this wood lemonade stand featured on Wedding Chicks

We LOVE wine barrels {and have some serious wine barrel love when we feature Jodi’s wedding}, so we swooned when we saw a lemonade stand made with wine barrels on Ruffled Blog

So, now that you have lemonade stand inspiration and a DIY tutorial, you might as well spread the lemonade love and throw a lemonade themed party…here are some party tips for you.

DRINK
Obviously, I would serve lemonade…both pink and regular. Make both and serve in a large pitcher like this one from Pottery Barn.
Next to the pitcher, line up mason jars set with pink and yellow striped paper party straws.
For the adults, serve their mason jars with lemonade cocktails spiked with vodka

DÉCOR
Lemons in containers of all kinds – glass jars, hurricanes and galvanized buckets.
A lemonade burlap banner
Glass jars or mason jars filled with change and labeled with a vintage .25 cents sign
Lemons hanging from the ceiling or trees outside; hung with yellow and white twine, of course.
Lemonade and Vodka framed sign on the bar for adults
Single bud vases with a pink peony or yellow daisy, or canned good cans wrapped in a festive yellow and white or yellow and pink decorative paper and ribbon filled with a single {or several} flower buds.
Pink and yellow pinwheels
Signs bought at etsy or diy on wood like Poppies at Play

DESSERT
Lemon, blueberry yogurt loaf by sweet pea’s kitchen {this is yummy, I’ve made it}
Pink lemonade cupcakes using this recipe by real mom kitchen
Pink and yellow striped lemonade flavored hard candy sticks

FOOD
Picnic style food served in individual packages

FAVORS
Mason jar filled with ingredients for lemonade or lemonade cookies
Bottles filled with pink lemonade and a custom label from I Do It Yourself on Etsy
For the adults, make a lemon gift bag with a recipe and ingredients for a lemon, lavender martini like these from A Subtle Revelry

And, last but not least, you can’t have a party without the perfect invite. So, Jenna at Fleur de Lis, a paperie, has created this adorable invite for you. Click here to order from our etsy shop for $15.

 {images via Reverie photographed by Work of Heart Photography, Lil Luna photographed by Jacquilyn Avery Photography, Wedding Chicks, Ruffled Blog and Tutto Bella}

anna be: five, part 2

And, finally … Anna Be: Five photos part 2
We hope you love them as much as we do!

{images via Jenna Walker Photographers}