Hayley Paige...I Love That Name

"I like being a woman, even in a man's world.  After all, men can't wear dresses, and we can wear the pants." - Whitney Houston

Hayley Paige, a former designer for Melissa Sweet and Blush, launched her namesake line under JLM  Couture.  Her new line was first showcased at NYC’s Market with her Spring 2012 collection and it has been getting a lot of young girls’ attention.  Hayley Paige has just released her Fall 2012 designs and the romantic and charming dresses are stunning and flawless, not to mention their price point is very reasonable.  

Here are some of my favourites from her Spring and Fall 2012 collections:

This ombre petal skirt with chapel train is beyond words! - Babs

The perfect reception dress with the ombre pleated peplum -  Kiki

the Hattie - a romantic gown with beautiful crystal detail on the bodice and straps

Tuula - for the boho chic bride with the crystal embellished dropped-waist skirt 

A dreamy Grecian style gown with crisscross tulle detailing on the back -  Nina

To view the entire collection click here.

Yours truly,

A

A Cut Above

Laser cutting is a relatively new technique that uses a laser to cut materials (in our case, paper).  Laser-cut products have become popular in the wedding industry and we understand why.  It helps to create an intricate, lace-like look and can be very romantic and whimsical. From cupcake wrappers, to invites, to marriage contracts; laser-cutting paper goods are magnificent.  If you love ornate details then be sure to check out these unique and beautiful examples below:

Save the Dates found at Etsy

Laser cut invite (which you probably recognize from Pinterest) - found on Etsy

Laser cut cupcake wrapper - so perfect! Found on Paper Orchid Stationery

Gorgeous laser-cut place cards found on Paper Orchid Stationery

Laser-cut ketubah (Jewish marriage contract) - to die for!! Found at Jessy Judaica

'Love' laser-cut banner found on Etsy

We love this gold laser-cut folder invite!  Found at Atelier Isabey

Let's 'cut' to the chase, we love this look!

Until Next Time,

A & S

Grilled to Perfection

With the warm weather upon us, and the long weekend ahead, what better way to kick off the summer season than with a wholesome, home-cookin' sort of soiree. A BBQ party is a casual classic and perfect for toasting occasions like showers, engagements and more.

Here are a few ideas on how to make a backyard BBQ into a chic affair;

Baked Beans and Cone Fries (Frilly Milly Events)

Corn on a Stick (Best Health Secret)

Mini Sliders (Pizzazzerie)

Watermelon on a Stick (Celebrations)

Spiked Lemonade Cocktails (Did Someone Say Party?)

Creative Cutlery (Over Cocktails)

Outdoor Decor (Frilly Milly Events)

Anything but 'rare' ;)

Until next time,

A & S

From One Bride to the Next - Part One

"Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes." - Oscar Wilde

Leading up to your wedding many people (scratch that, everyone) will tell you to 'enjoy every minute and really be in the moment'.  I couldn't agree more with this sentiment and I have often heard myself saying it since our wedding day but I remember being tired of hearing it repeatedly.  I would think, "of course I will enjoy it and how could I not be in the moment?".  Well as experience has taught me, it does indeed end too quickly and it is important to be as present as possible.  There are also many things you can do to help yourself truly enjoy the day and avoid any setbacks.

I have started to compile a list of tips for each bride before their day.  Some might seem obvious but everything happens so quickly that bringing awareness to even the most basic tasks is important.  Over the next few weeks I will highlight my list of notable tips.

My first tip (and they are in no particular order) is to EAT.  Yes, I know many brides just rolled their eyes because either they wouldn't fathom not eating on their wedding day, or they think I'm crazy to suggest they put anything in their bodies before squeezing into their dress.  Regardless, on the day of your wedding it might not be so obvious due to butterflies in your stomach or losing track of time and you might find yourself starving.  A hangry bride isn't anyone's friend and with the pressure and anxiety weighing on you that day, depriving yourself is not an option.

On our wedding day, I had a very hearty breakfast with my family and some of my best girlfriends.  I thought my eggs and toast along with my Starbucks would tide me over for the day but by 2:00 in the afternoon I was standing outside posing for pictures absolutely starving.  I could no longer focus on which way to smile or tilt my head but I was all too consumed with how and when I would be able to eat. The staff at our venue graciously made us a cheese platter to nibble on during pictures.  I was so famished that I mindlessly ate my body weight in cheese.  I should probably mention that leading up to the wedding I had cut out all dairy from my diet, so it is safe to say that overindulging in the cheese plate was a mistake. I had let myself get so hungry that after scarfing down way too much food I suffered from a terrible stomach pain.

Any lactards out there can relate to this story, but even if you don't suffer from any IBS related problems, be sure to eat throughout your wedding day.  You need to maintain your energy and you do not by any means want to let your stomach dictate anything that day.  Be sure to schedule some time for snacking or ask one of your bridesmaids to make sure she has power bars on her throughout the day.  I am not suggesting you sit down for a feast mid day, but having platters of nibbles around would certainly help.

Let's face it, the day of your wedding day is not the day to start the diet.

Yours truly,

A

Find Your SoleMate

Whether it's an outdoor ceremony overlooking the sea, a lovely lit tent reception, or just a good ol' fashioned garden party, there is always one major wardrobe issue that plagues us; high heels. They spike right through the grass and lend absolutely no support in the sand, but since fancy footwear plays a pivotal role in the makings of a perfect outfit, we either opt to suffer or hope to find a wedge  dressy enough to suit the occasion.

So naturally, when I stumbled upon The SoleMates, I instantly recognized the genius of the invention. Co-founders Becca Brown and Monica Ferguson brainstormed this brilliant idea in college and created SoleMates High Heeler^®; a discreet and easy to use contraption that fits snugly on most stiletto and kitten heels to increase the surface area of the base and eliminate sinking into the ground!

SoleMates High Heeler^®

Added bonus for all us shorties - they add about another inch in height :)

Sincerely,

S

Out With the Old, In With the Nearly New

A true taste for couture is not always accompanied by a budget to match. Thankfully, Nearly Newlywed has created a high fashion community for brides vying for designer duds to adorn on their big day.

Cultivated by Jacqueline Courtney, a former NYC fashion-publicist, Nearly Newlywed features the finest frocks from the likes of Marchesa, Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Elie Saab, Temperley, and Reem Acra, to name a few. Unique celeb-inspired services are offered, such as the ‘Buy It, Wear It, Send It Back’ option and ‘Personal Shopping via Pinterest’, all while showcasing the best of the best at a fraction of the regular retail price.

A glimpse into the glam;

Vera Wang 'Eliza' Lace & Tulle Princess Gown

Elie Saab Crystal & Silk Chiffon Gown

Marchesa Tulle Rosette Princess Gown

Monique Lhuillier 'Lumiere' Lace & Crystal Mermaid Gown

Reem Acra Grecian Strapless Gown

If you’re on the hunt for your perfect dress, or want to make another bride’s dreams come true by consigning your former wedding attire, you’re nearly there.

Sincerely,

S

WTB Hearts: 505 Vintage

If you've got your heart set on a french rustic vibe, 505 Vintage offers ethereal, one-of-a-kind bottle vases, ideal for home decor or dressing the floral displays at a shabby chic shower. These truly unique works of art also make great gifts!

'Elise'

'Anne'

'Isabelle'

'Margot'

Très Belle.

Until next time,

A & S

When It Rains, It Pours

"It's like rain on your wedding day..." -Alanis Morrisette

Last night, as I was finally tackling the remains of my 'wedding pile', I stumbled upon the umbrellas I had bought in case of rain on our big day (let's just say I was overly prepared for the winter weather).  Luckily, we were blessed with great weather, especially considering it was mid-February in Toronto.  However, as I stared at our bright colored umbrellas, I couldn't help but think they would make excellent photo ops.

It is an old wives tale that rain on your wedding day brings good luck to the marriage.  This myth came about because it is believed that a wet knot is harder to untie then a dry one.  Thus when two people are 'tying the knot', it is said to be better for it to be on a rainy day (obviously whomever came up with this didn't suffer from frizzy hair syndrome).  True or not, it also creates beautiful photo opportunities.  As the spring season begins, rest easy knowing that a little precipitation will not ruin your day but may even enhance it or add character. If you are a spring or summer bride, be prepared with umbrellas and chic rainboots to make the best of the situation.  Remember that nothing, not even mother nature, can mess with your wedding day.

These pictures are 'dripping' with inspiration:

This picture was featured on Project Wedding and was taken by Figtree Productions

Simply gorgeous - photo found on Pinterest

Love the use of the puddle in this photo - Pinterest

Picture perfect! Sarah Rhoads Photography

Jason Noffsinger Photography

Style Me Pretty

Stunning!! 34 Studio

Don't let the weather rain on your parade!

Yours truly,

A

WTB Hearts: Sugar Cane Train 808

With A having recently returned from an incredible Hawaiian getaway, and S beginning to plan her belated-honeymoon roadie across California, travel is on the brain at WTB. We love any excuse to accessorize and consider pre-vacay shopping a total must. The essentials obviously include a fabulous yet practical carry-all type bag to tote key items while in transit, like your sunnies, the latest copy of In Style, a lounge-worthy read (we recommend Babe Walker's White Girl Problems), lip gloss, and most importantly, your passport. Since this highly important piece of ID is vital to your jet-setting, it's really best to protect it in a functionally fashionable way.

Sugar Cane Train 808 features a wonderfully wide assortment of passport covers, and with so many vintage-inspired designs to choose from at only $5.00 USD, these  make amazing, ultra wallet-friendly gifts! Here's a glimpse into the cute collection;

'Enchanted'

'World Destination'

'Vintage Boarding Tickets'

'Nouveau Couture'

'World Map'

'Penmanship'

They've got you covered.

Until next time,

A & S