time to tango

Exciting news in the world of color…The Pantone 2012 Color of the Year is Pantone 17-1463 Tangerine Tango.

So, what’s our take on Tangerine Tango…it’s bold, but we like it and after creating these inspiration boards, we are on the verge of loving it. Though orange is not our favorite color, splashes of it are bold and dramatic, and beautiful. And, this spirited reddish-orange can inspire and uplift all areas of your life – home, fashion and your walk down the aisle.

Just like Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute® said, “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

Tangerine Tango in the HOME

Vibrant Painted Wall: The Green Tree | Bedding: The Green Tree | Anthropologie Howell Wingback Chair: Washingtonian | Maren Orange Candlesticks: Washingtonian | Jamie Young Coral Lamp Shade: Washingtonian | DL Rhein Zigzag Pillow: Washingtonian | Orange/Pink Room: Houzz |  Orange Accent Study: Houzz | Orange Lacquer Doors: Ascot Friday | Vera Wang Stationery: sold at Fleur de Lis, a paperie

Tangerine Tango FASHION

Christian Siriano dress: Simply Smitten | Ray Ban Sunglasses: Nordstrom | Vince Camuto Loafers: Amazon | Vince Camuto Belt: Nordstrom | Carole Enameled Diamond Chandeliers: Nordstrom |  Tory Burch Purse: Bergdorf Goodman |  Tangerine Dress with Leather Jacket: Pinterest |  Bobbi Brown Lip Color: Nordstrom | Bright Orange/Red Earrings: Bluebirdss on Etsy | Orange/White Striped Tie: The Perfect Palette | Runway Models: Glamour | OPI Tangerine Nail Polish: Pinterest

Tangerine Tango DOWN THE AISLE

Orange Floral Cake: Accidental Chic | Custom Rubber Stamps: Martha Stewart | Pillows in Lounge Area: Bridal Bliss | Moroccan Style Wedding with Umbrella: Style Me Pretty | Orange Chiavari Chairs and Table Setting: Snippet and Ink | Orange Bouquet with Teal Base: Bella Grace Floral | Protea Centerpiece: Bella Grace Floral | Spiky Protea Orange and Green Table Setting: Weddingdress Online Shop | Orange and White Menu: Simply Posh Design | Orange Drinks: Jet Fete | Orange Flower Balls: Bliss and That…

Do you plan to tango in 2012? Hope so.

For more information on this bold color choice, visit Pantone.

{images via Canadian Home Trends}

2011 in review

for auld lang syne

2011 is another one for the books. It’s been a year of ups and downs {mostly ups}, fabulous parties, new trends and stories to share. We’ve each compiled our favorite’s of 2011. Maybe you have some favorites moments/discoveries/obsessions of 2011 you’d like to share – if so, we’d love to hear them.

Looking forward to all that 2012 brings…

Jessica’s Top 11 of 2011
1. Favorite event of the year: The Royal Wedding. No one looked more gorgeous than Kate Middleton {although her sister was a close 2nd} and there was not a better fairy tale to be told than the Royal Wedding.
2. Favorite athlete: Tim Tebow. My husband loves watching sports, so I’m used to ESPN being on ALL THE TIME. However, I’ve been a huge fan of Tim Tebow for quite some time, and have the utmost respect for him. He’s a good role model for our kids, a great athlete {frustrating to watch at times} and easy on the eyes too.
3. Favorite new project: Tutto Bella Blog. This has been a great creative outlet for me, and I’ve met so many wonderful people through the world of blogging. It’s been more work than I anticipated, but it’s a passion and I love doing it. Thank you all for your support and inspiration.
4. Favorite new obsession: Pinterest. If you haven’t signed up, you have to – become at Tutto Bella Blog follower. It’s a wonderful resource for DIY inspiration, wedding ideas – it’s a creative mecca and I LOVE it.
5. Favorite song: Colder Weather by Zac Brown Band. My hubby and I went on a double date with my bestie and her boyfriend to see Zac Brown Band at Red Rocks {coolest venue ever} and fell in love with this song.
6. Favorite party featured on the web: Milkaholic Sip and See by Carrie Sellman of Half Baked. I thought this party was so creative and so many unique ideas that people can bring into their own baby showers.
7. Favorite show: Parenthood on NBC. I can relate to everything on this show and I’m addicted. 🙂
8. Favorite place to find homemade goods: Etsy. This website is genius and so many talented people make and sell unique goods you couldn’t find anywhere else. You can find almost anything on Etsy.
9. Favorite patterns: Stripes and Chevron. I LOVE stripes so much, I am painted my daughter’s room in stripes {I will share photos soon}. I love this entry wall of stripes. And, oh how I love Chevron. Pillowsrugs and walls and furniture – I love it all.
10. Favorite DIY project: Oh man, this is a tough one because I ADORE DIY projects, but two top projects that come to mind are the individual cake stands I discovered at Bump Smitten. The possibilities are endless with the idea of making your own cake or cupcake stand. I also love Martha Stewart’s Decorative Tray with the Chevron pattern.
11. Favorite new ice cream flavor: Ben and Jerry’s Dublin Mudslide. Irish cream liqueur ice cream with chocolate chip cookies and a coffee fudge swirl…seriously delicious!

Jenna’s Top 11 of 2011
1. Favorite concert of the year: Amos Lee with my husband. My Christmas gift, and it was a wonderful one with many memories I will never forget and wonderful music.
2. Favorite event: Opening up my paper & gift boutique Fleur de Lis in April. Truly a dream come true!
3. Favorite monthly club: Book Club! I have really met and fallen in love with the most amazing group of women – all of whom are dear friends.
4. Favorite book: Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, a book I love so much I could re-read at least once a year. A great story filled with love, lust, history, architecture, mystery, conspiracy – this book has it all!
5. Favorite movie: Midnight in Paris – a smart, funny movie I really related to with living in Italy, being an old soul, and living your dream at any cost.
6. Favorite routine: Listening to the Today Show every morning as I get ready for work.
7. Favorite new snack/treat: Dark Chocolate Acai Blueberries from Costco. Simply delicious!
8. Favorite lesson learned: You can’t change people. You can only change yourself. Don’t let other people negatively affect your dreams in life.
9. Favorite fashion purchase: My new Ray Ban optical glasses. I am legally blind, so glasses are an everyday accessory for me. Good thing these Ray Bans go with every outfit 🙂
10. Favorite new obsession: Blogging about weddings and fashion on Tutto Bella Blog. Thanks to all of our readers for following! I feel lucky to be able to do this fun project with my two sisters.
11. Favorite new website: Reign, Denver’s Authority on Fabulous. I check this website every Tuesday/Thursday for new happenings and shops in Denver.

Jodi’s Top 11 of 2011
1. Favorite event of the year: My wedding on September 3, 2011. By far the best day ever. I am incredibly lucky to have married the most amazing man I know. Stay tuned for Tutto Bella’s upcoming feature of the wedding.
2. Favorite drink: Skinnygirl Margarita. Bethenny Frankel is the most entertaining reality star to watch on her hit show, Bethenny Ever After, and she knows how to make one delicious drink!
3. Favorite concerts: My hubby and I went to two of our absolute favorite country stars concerts this year – Kenny Chesney {at Red Rocks – you just can’t beat that venue} and Keith Urban, where he sang our wedding song, Making Memories of Us.
4. Favorite bridal shower gift: My personalized bridal hanger from Suspended Moments that my sisters got for me.  Definitely some of my favorite detail shots of my wedding 🙂
5. Favorite yoga songs: The Hop by Bajka & Radio City, Dog Days Are Over by Florence and the Machine and Gold Dust Woman by Fleetwood Mac.
6. Favorite trip: Our honeymoon in Maui. Drew kept our designation a secret until I saw our destination for Maui at the San Francisco airport. So fun!
7. Favorite cleanse: Clean by Alejandro Junger. I did this before my wedding last summer and I am starting it again the first week of January. Cannot wait to detox from all the holiday sweets and drinks!
8. Favorite wedding dress: My very own wedding dress, Amsale’s Bijou. I am beyond obsessed.
9. Favorite episode: ABC‘s Modern Family’s Door to Door episode. I nearly cried from laughing so hard when Cam and Gloria look for Stella the dog.
10. Favorite Pandora radio station: Adele radio. She rocks – I listen to it almost every day!
11. Favorite new project: Tutto Bella Blog. We are having so much fun with Tutto Bella! We are excited to share new ideas with you in 2012 and feature your unique décor ideas, parties and weddings!

{image via A Field Journal}

{giveaway} engagement bracelet by kathryn giarratano jewelry

Every bride wants something:

sparkly
unique
special

{let’s be honest, she wants these things all the time, whether she’s a bride or not}.

Well, we found the PERFECT thing that can be worn on her wrist that’s all of the above and more ~ Kathryn Giarratano’s Engagement Bracelet. It’s stunning and beautifully hand-made by Kathryn herself.

It can be her “something blue” on her wedding day, or throughout her engagement she can wear it as a reminder that she is a beautiful bride about to marry the man of her dreams and when she becomes a Mrs., she can still wear it {to accessorize an outfit} and remember the special time in her life before she said, “I do.”

Kathryn, owner and creator of Kathryn Giarratano Jewelry, is a Denver-based designer and Colorado native. After working as a fashion consultant for Saks Fifth Avenue she decided to follow her dream of creating a line of jewelry that is fun, funky and can be worn by women of all ages. Thus Kathryn Giarratano Jewlery was born and we’re grateful it was because she creates one-of-a-kind jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets and earrings, for women that we LOVE.

Kathryn has always had an amazing sense of style and the girl can accessorize! Even as a preggo mama {when sweat pants call out your name}, she always looks chic and adorable.

Her jewelry has been seen on celebs on E! News and the Grammy Awards. Her pieces are sold at specific retailers {including the fabulous Fleur de Lis} or you can e-mail her directly at kathryngiarratano@gmail.com for orders.

She creates distinct jewelry for brides on their wedding day, as well as coordinating pieces for the bridal party. Jodi {a Tutto Bella sister} worked with Kathryn to create her bridal jewelry, as well as bracelets for her bridesmaids. The pieces were beautiful {and made a great gift for the bridesmaids}.

Today, we’re so happy because Kathryn is kindly offering her beautiful Engagement Bracelet to a lucky Tutto Bella reader {$50 value plus shipping}.

To enter the giveaway, you must:
{1.} Visit Kathryn Giarratano Jewelry, then come back here and leave a comment telling us which piece you like best {earrings, necklaces or bracelets}.

For additional entries:
{which means you can enter the giveaway up to four times}
{2.} “Like” Kathryn Giarratano Jewelry on Facebook. Come back and leave a comment telling us you did {you must leave a comment so we can enter your name in the drawing}.
{3.} Leave a comment telling us who you would give the engagement bracelet to {even if its yourself} or tell us a funny or romantic engagement story.

Winner will be chosen via random.org. Must enter by Sunday, December 18, 2011. Winner will be chosen Monday, December 19, 2011.  

{images via Kathryn Giarratano Jewelry & Jenna Walker Photography}

our favorite things {for the bride}

Between the many brides that come into Fleur de Lis, all of us having been brides within the past 4 years and the many weddings we’ve attended {or planned} throughout the years – we’ve seen our fair share of showers gifts and bridal gifts for the soon-to-be Mrs. We’ve compiled a collection of our favorite things {for the bride} that she is guaranteed to LOVE.

1. One-year subscription to Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine, $12: With DIY ideas, etiquette and beautiful wedding inspiration from Martha herself {and her panel of amazing experts} – this gift will keep on giving every time it arrives in the mail box. If you want a more frequent magazine subscription, TheKnot and BRIDES are good options too.

2. Wedding Organizer, Russell + Hazel, $37.50 {originally $75}: This organizing set will help brides stay organized and on top of all the details for her wedding day. Set includes a signature binder, planning notebook, organized adhesive note set, sheet protectors, 2 business card pages, 10 81/2×11 pages and 5 multi-format pages. Free Downloadable templates, such as wedding timelines, budget worksheets, checklists, music worksheets, floor plans, day-of wedding checklists, etc, available here.

3. Engagement Bracelet, Kathryn Giarratano, $50: Give a lovely bride a beautiful reminder of her wedding and engagement with her “something blue” and sparkly wrapped around her wrist. Kathryn creates one-of-a-kind jewelry for all occasions, but we are gaga for her sweet engagement bracelet. You can order through Kathryn’s retailers {including Fleur de Lis}, or e-mail Kathryn directly at kathryngiarratano@gmail.com for special orders.

4. Customized Bridal Hanger, Suspended Moments, $25-$27: We are in LOVE with this personal gift that will be the picture perfect shot on her wedding day {as the hanger holds THE wedding dress}, but also a reminder of her wedding day and her new journey as a Mrs. {hanging in the closet every day after she says, “I do”}. Match the wedding colors, or stick with a wooden hanger – either way – this gift will have a bride feeling very special. A bonus – Dawn, the shop’s owner and creator, is SO wonderful to work with.

5. The Bridessentials Kit by Ms. and Mrs., sold online and at Fleur de Lis, $28: A survival kit for the big day is essential for any bride. Kit includes brush with mirror, hairspray, safety and bobby pins, earring backs, blotting tissues, emery board, clear nail polish and remover, mending kit, scissors, double-sided tape, stain and static remover, pain reliever, antacid, breath freshener, floss, deodorant towelette, bandages, tampon, super glue, extra wedding bands, and a “something blue” heart-shaped crystal.

For our Holiday List 2011 Finale, we are going out with a bang. This week, we have TWO giveaways from our {for the bride} list that are fabulous!  Check back here Tuesday and Wednesday this week to enter your name in the giveaway drawings! 

{images via Tutto Bella, Suspended MomentsMartha Stewart Weddings, Ms. and Mrs. and Russell + Hazel}

favorite things {for a friend}

I am truly blessed to have a loyal group of girlfriends I can always count on, and who love me through it all. Just thinking about all of them makes me smile. Everyone needs a good friend in his/her life…it’s therapy you don’t have to pay for! 🙂 Think about your girlfriends this holiday season, and if you can’t afford to buy them something, make them dinner or send a card letting them know how much you love and appreciate them.

We have terrific gift ideas {FOR THE FRIEND} this holiday season that will be sure to delight…and come back here tomorrow to enter in our giveaway because we have a giveaway item from the list below you won’t want to miss!

1. Petal Heads Frayed Flower Hats, $38, Doodle Designs Shop
2. TOMS Herringbone Shoe, $54, Toms
3. East Cloud Grey Scarf with Sequins, $48, Kitson
4. I heart Italy {insert your favorite place} necklace, $55, tru.che {Stevie at tru.che kindly offered Tutto Bella readers 10% with code BELLA this week only. Shop her etsy store – she creates beautiful jewelry ranging from $8-$100. I am in LOVE with the I heart Italy necklace…think about that special place for you you’d like to keep around your neck and close to your heart this holiday season and always}
5. Voluspa Candle, $18-$28, sold at Fleur de Lis, a paperie

{images via Doodle Design ShopKitson, Toms, tru.che, Voluspa}