Alluring Transparency

"There is no mistaking that transparency is the new white" - Reem Acra

One of the biggest trends seen in bridal fashion 2012 is transparency fabrics. You see it in illusion necklines and layered skirts.

Here is a look at the Spring 2012 collection from Reem Acra where transparency is highlighted.

Sheer neckline with cap sleeves.

Sheer cap sleeves with ornate details

Sheer layered skirt

I hope you find this inspiring as you may be hunting for your perfect dress.

-Grace

*all photos from Reemacra.com

Brooklyn Olivia's 1st Birthday Party

In between the weddings I plan as a full time job there are still a number of personal things I have the pleasure of planning for friends and family. This one tops the list of couse. The 1st birthday party for my daughter, Brooklyn Olivia Whalen. I still cannot believe she is one! I call her my mini-toddler, she is no longer my infant baby.

The planning started with a theme and an invitation. Being in February, I didn't want it to feel too summery, but I definitely wanted it to be girly. I ended up choosing a cross between 'woodland fairy' and 'vintage princess'. So maybe...Vintage Woodland Fairy Princess. :)

Next came the decor. I have a huge, blank, white wall that I wanted to give life to. I ended up cutting out birch trees out of cardboard, painting them peach and gold and hanging tissue poms to give dimention. I also made a "Happy Birthday Booklyn" banner out of white burlap, satin ribbon and scrapbook paper.

Here is the birthday girl getting her first taste of cake. She had the cutest little babydoll cake.

Brooklyn and Mommy in front of her 'sweet shoppe'. For food we had cookie cutter pb&j, cheese cubes, mini banana splits, chicken skewers, meatballs, frosted animal crackers, carrot sticks and celery cups, fruit snacks, mini cupcakes and of course cotton candy.
Drinks: Grapefruit punch, Izze, organic milk, and root beer floats.

The birthday girl!
I made her tutu and headband
Shirt: Gap
Leg warmers: babysnazz.com
Shoes: Converse

The food was a perfect balance between light and heavy.

Family photo!
Daddy, Brooklyn and Mommy
Behind us is the candy buffet. We had little brown bags stamped 'Thank you' for guests to fill up as they left. Also, kids left with pinwheels and princess wands that I made.

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Just click on the photo below!

Fascinators the new trend for America?

Among all the talk of the Royal Wedding there seems to be a few parts of the British traditions that us Americans are intrigued by. One of those things being fascinators.

A fascinator is a headpiece made of feathers, lace, or other fine fabrics worn by woman in place of a hat. All the coverage of these fascinators really makes me wonder if it will be all the rage this next year here across the pond. We have already started wearing more elaborate headbands and I believe this Royal Wedding might just make fascinators the newest trend for formal events.

Here are some great examples that you may want to use on your bridesmaides or even for yourself when attending a wedding. These fascinators are made by some very talented ladies selling their work on Etsy.

Have a look!

Red Sinamay Feather by Ugly Lovely Milliner

Blue Velvet Rose by Ugly Lovely Millinery

Antique Rose by Ugly Lovely Millinery

Stella headband by Snazzie Drawers

Lyla Rose by Snazzie Drawers

This one is great for your flower girl or if you are bringing a little one to the event you are attending.

Introducing my new bundle of joy

Here is our angel, Brooklyn Olivia Whalen 7lb. 10oz. Born February 16, 2011. Now that she is 6 weeks old I am getting back into the swing of things. So excited to see what 2011 has to offer! XO Grace

Perfect Pillows

There are a few wedding items that sometimes get picked up at the last minute because we're focused on other things. Ring Bearer pillows are usually one of those items. This ends with a regretable trip to Hobby Lobby or Walmart for a very generic (in my opinon ugly), yet sometimes pricy pillow purchase.

I'm here to show you that there are alternatives. Woomi New York is one of those alternatives. Super stylish pillow and affordable at the same time. Enjoy!

All photos are from Woomi.

Vera

$45

Sunburst

$40

Evelyn

$40

Lora

$40

Evelyn

$40

Lora

$43

Ban.do for the Bride

Hair accessories have been a huge hit this past year and are still staying on trend come 2011. The hard part sometimes is finding the right hair accessory. We all know there are so many bad ones out there, but that is not the case when it comes to ban.do. Their pieces are gorgeous, trendy yet timeless, and did I mention gorgeous?! You may look at the price and think, "nope, way too pricy for me". But I want you to think about something before you write them off. When you are in a bridal shop picking out your tiara....how much do those cost. The SAME price! And trust me, you'll be getting a lot more glam for your money with ban.do. I've posted a few pics that they make specifically for brides. Enjoy!



No. 60
$95

















No. 92
custom

No. 12
$130

















No. 110
$165















All Photos are from shopban.do.com