buzzworthy

When I met Jillian at this year’s ICON Awards, I knew I wanted to learn more about her business. She was wearing a fashionable peplum top and she was so friendly. Both of us ran out of business cards when we met at the end of the evening, but with a unique company name, I didn’t forget it, and once I looked it up, I was ‘stung’ by ‘the hive.’ Let me introduce you to a fabulous, talented, fun and amazing group of women who are going to {already do} rock the event world with their decor company.

Eclectic Hive.

It’s a Colorado decor house and furniture rental company with unique decor for corporate functions, weddings, non-profit and social events.

Honestly, I took one look at their inventory and wanted to move in…or take some pieces home with me. I could live in a different ‘room’ in their warehouse each day of the week. From vintage couches, modern chairs and antique tables to eclectic accessories and unique lighting – their inventory will blow your mind.

The ladies at The Hive are constantly searching the streets of New York City, the markets in LA, vintage shops and small businesses across the country to find unique pieces. And, with years of experience in event design and event planning, Heidi, Jillian and Danielle have the expertise and ‘good eye’ for making events one-of-a-kind.

Jillian lived in LA and managed some of the hotspots in hollywood which led her to work in the special events industry.  She worked her way up to event manager, which she did for about 2 years in LA before moving to Denver, where she planned events for about 6 years. “I wanted to be more on the creative side and was ready to leave the planning part of the business, which is when I found my business partners (ironically, they were my competitors),” Jillian commented. “We found each other at the right time. They had always wanted to be a part of a décor company and I needed the support of strong women with a successful background in running a business and alas, here we are!!!!”

I {it’s me talking again} really believe that decor sets the stage for an event, and it tells the story of what the party if about, or if it’s a wedding, what the couple enjoys/appreciates/their style. I know the setting around me, and the unique details are what I remember most about events. And, whether the budget is large or small, unique pieces on any scale make a lasting impact.

The ladies at The Hive feel the same way. Jillian said, “Creating intimate and inviting places for the guests to nestle with a good friend and a cocktail or two is what we hope to provide.  We love pieces that are conversation starters and know that offering quaint, clever, seating and accents is the difference between a room without love and attention, and a room with the intention of creating memories.  Close.  Intimate.  Comfortable.  Clever.”

With all the versatile, gorgeous inventory {that’s constantly growing}, what’s Jillian’s favorite? “Right now, we have this insane crystal sphere floor lamp that blows my mind every time I see it.  This may be a favorite for a while.”

I have to say, I L.O.V.E that piece too.

We’re thrilled they are located in Denver, but for those of you outside of Colorado, they venture outside the state on occasion too…lucky you!

Today and tomorrow we have photos from their Open House. Insanely beautiful!


VENDOR LOVE

Eclectic Hive (decor)
The Workshop
(event planning/coordination)
Jensen Sutta Photography (photography)
Peak Beverage (drinks)
LMD Productions (lighting)
Jacob Sanchez of DanceTrax Productions (music)

{images via Jensen Sutta}

Stella and Dot Sparkle from Within Bracelet

NOTE TO SELF: Never leave a draft post up on the computer screen…because my 2.5 year old daughter somehow managed to actually post an unedited and unfinished draft. My apologies for the early, not-yet-complete email you received last night of this post. Kids…gotta love ’em.

As I was saying…

Sparkle from the Light Within…and it doesn’t hurt to add a little sparkle to your wrist too. 🙂

We are big fans of Stella and Dot jewelry, and with a wide range of prices, there is something for every gal on your list. This year, we’re loving the simple, dress up or dress down, Light Bracelet FRIENDSHIP TIES, Sparkle From the Light Within. For only $19 , you can apply the one for me, one for you motto for this one.

You don’t have to attend any party, or even charge your credit card for this one, because Christine Morris, personal stylist for Stella and Dot, is offering Tutto Bella readers the Stella and Dot Light Bracelet for free. And, this giveaway will still be happening after Dec. 25…yay for more fabulous things after Christmas!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner will be contacted by email 48 hours after the giveaway ends on December 28. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send us an email!{images via Stella and Dot}

a few of our favorite things…

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes. Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes. Silver white winters that melt into springs. These are a few of our favorite things.

Yes, still obsessed with that movie, Sound of Music, and song. It just makes us happy.

It’s the time of year for our Favorite Things again.

It was hard to agree with one another 🙂 and limit the list to just 12, but we did it. Maybe you can treat yourself this year to one of our favorite things, buy for a friend….OR, wait a minute, EVEN BETTER, we have two giveaways from our list 1-6 and 6-12. So stay tuned every day this week for the giveaways.

1. For the Sex & the City fan and all-around fabulous lady: Brevity Custom Name Necklace, available at Fleur de Lis, a paperie {$195}
2. For the wine lover: Corkcicle, for the perfectly chilled glass of wine {$24}
3. For the hostess: friend: LAFCO House and Home Candle, available at Fleur de Lis, a paperie
4. For a friend: UGG Classic Boots for Women, available at Nordstrom {$195}
5. For the techie/mac product lover: iCHARGE All Backup Battery, available at Fleur de Lis {email jenna@fleurdelisapaperie.com} {$48}
6. For the new parents: Canon Rebel Camera

{images via Give Simple, Corkcicle, Brevity Jewelry, Canon, UGG, LAFCO House and Home}

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}

do the polka

I am a polka dot girl through and through. Always have been. So, it’s no surprise I’m loving all the dots popping up this season. Seriously, I could’ve shopped for hours and posted hundreds of pics of polka dot fashion finds.

I’m totally smitten with the dress on the runway model above…not only is it gorgeous, but I LOVE the name Luca {obsessed…and still trying to convince my hubby to name a child Luca}, so being that the designer is Luca Luca, I love it even more! Maybe I can tell Tommy – if you’re not going to compromise and let me name one of our kids Luca, at least let me buy some pieces from the Luca Luca Collection! Think it will work?? I’ll work on it…

Polka Dot Silk Dress, J. Crew {$198}

Mixed Emotions Heel, Modcloth {$79.99}

Chunky Polka Dot Bracelet, Forever 21 {$3.80}

Diane von Furstenberg ‘Tonda’ Print Cotton Clutch, Nordstrom {$345}


Free People Sheer Polka Dot Shirt
, Nordstrom {$88}

Commando Big Dot Sheer Tights, Nordstrom {$32}


Women’s Adalea Rain Boots
, Target {$24.99}

Polka Dot Scarf, Gap

Coincidence and Chance Peggy Sue Polka Dot Dress, Urban Outfitters {$59}

 Tippi Sweater in Polka Dot, J. Crew {$89.50}

{images via J. Crew, Modcloth, Forever 21, Luca Luca Dress via Style{d} Nordstrom, Target, Gap, Urban Outfitters}