10.31.2014

Fall 11, 12, 13


Oh Fall.  How I love thee.  The leaves, pumpkin spice lattes, knits, hot chocolates, smell of burning leaves, Halloween, football, costumes, pumpkin spice lattes, scarfs, warm hues, cooler temps, jackets, pumpkin spice lattes, corn stalks, over the knee boots, holidays on the horizon......did I mention pumpkin spice lattes?  Just wanted to share a few of my favorite looks from Fall 2011, 2012, and 2013 on le blog.  Do you have a favorite look?  Happy Friday...J

10.30.2014

Feels Like Home

This week has been a little bittersweet to tell you the truth.  We are coming off two great weekends with family.  While I am on a bit of a high from new town pride, it is hard to be so far away from family.  The past two weekends we have spent our days taking our guests on tours of our new favorite hometown spots.  

Think tours of an amazing university right in our backyard, pancakes at our favorite local brunch spot, small bites at our favorite tapas spot, delicious steak dinners, a trip to the VERY close lake Michigan, shopping at my favorite local antique stores, make your own pizza night on our sweet little front porch, morning coffees in the quiet of our new place, the list goes on. 

While we love our new home, these visits are a bit of a reminder of the distance separating us from our family and many friends.  But there is no denying that we are building a beautiful little life here.  In one year, we have made so many new memories and friendships that I know will last a lifetime.  

As I was sharing these sentiments with my sweet Mumsey this week, she said that after a few visits she knew we were in a place where people were watching out for us.  I could not agree more.  It is feeling more like home every day.  Happy Thursday...J

Kicks {Converse}, Leggings {Anne Taylor}, Top {c/o Riffraff}, Shaw {Vintage}, Necklace {DahliaLynn}, Purse {LV}

10.29.2014

Hostess with the Mostess Monday: Some Love for Orange & Carnations


So who is excited for a little "Hostess with the Mostess Monday" on...errr...Wednesday?!  Me!  I fell in love with the photos from the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic.  I thought it only appropriate to feature a party where the signature color was "orange" with Halloween right around the corner.    

I also find that in events the orange hue is not always a crowd favorite.  Orange scares people.  It scared me before I met my man.  Orange is his favorite color, so I now find myself drawn to the hue.  Am I the only one crushing on this event space?  

First, I love the bunches of inexpensive flowers featuring the signature orange color.  So many people hate on carnations.  And yes, one lone carnation can look a little sad, but several, tightly bunched, in the same bright hue is simply striking.   And we don't always have a hostess budget that allows us to purchase garden roses and peonies with reckless abandon.  

Second, I love that they are incorporating the signature orange color into the staffing uniforms.  Bar tenders with orange aprons and hats? YES PLEASE.  Such an easy, unique, and fun way to add your signature color to an event space.  

Third, this particular event really uses the signature orange in rental pieces, such as chairs and umbrellas.  There are those standard rental pieces, chairs, umbrellas, tables, trash cans, bars, etc., that we always need at events.  However, these pieces are sometimes overlooked when considering places to incorporate color.  

Fourth, aside from the fact that this event beautifully incorporates the brand's signature orange, I love that they have used their signature champagne bottle as decor throughout the event.  Bottles as bar decor...check.  Bottles as chandeliers....check.  Bottle labels as plant pot decor...check.  Bottles as table number holders....check.  Bottles filling bar backs....check.  

Finally, I think the planners here did a fabulous job of incorporating the signature orange at every eye level.  In these photos you can see the orange chandeliers, orange florals, and orange chair cushions.  If you were to incorporate the color in only one of these levels the space would not feel nearly as full in my opinion.

So what do you think?  After seeing some of these photos?  Would you consider orange at a party?  Or maybe consider showing the carnations some love at your next event?  Happy belated Monday...J

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11

  

10.23.2014

Polka + Dot + Floral


Today is a good day because I am wearing my favorite side bun with polka dots, floral, and a vintage bag.  The side bun has been a life saver lately when I want to go for sophisticated with a soft twist.  Polka dots are always a crowd pleaser.  Who doesn't love florals?  Finally, not sure that there is another $6 purse on the planet that could rival this QT.  Did I mention I am also wearing OTK boots in these photos?  It just keeps getting better.  Happy Thursday...J

Dress c/o {Riffraff}, Boots {Nine West}, Top {Zara}, Necklace and Purse {Vintage}

10.21.2014

Wallflower


WALLFLOWER: A person who, because of shyness, unpopularity, or lack of partner, remains at the side at a party or dance.  I often joke about being a wallflower at parties and gatherings.  I was a little shocked to read this actual definition since I felt like the definition made the wallflower sound a little sad.  I stand alone at parties and dances when I need me time, to have a snack, or want to observe the room without distraction, not because I am shy, unpopular, or lacking a partner. Or so I thought?

It takes some serious self confidence to stand alone at a party, don't cha think?  All I can say is that as a wallflower, I will be feeling pretty good in this sweet little number by Mumu from Riffraff.  The line boasts gorgeous pieces featuring loose fits and fun prints.  I highly recommend them.  Happy Tuesday...J

Dress, c\o {Riffraff}, Sweater {Ann Taylor}, Heels {Nine West}, Necklace {Vintage}, Purse {Fendi}

10.20.2014

The Pineapple Meets Hostess with the Mostess Monday


Hi you guys!  How was the weekend?  We have had a fun filled month of visitors, so I have been loving my hostess role these past few weekends.  Nothing makes me happier than keeping the house tidy, shopping for little happies to surprise my guests, and adding that little something special to our nest to make guests' stays all the more special.

On October 1, we celebrated my one year anniversary as an Event Planner at a very special place in South Bend.  I never dreamed that I would be getting to use my love of design and special occasions to further the development of an amazing university.  Since I spend many work days dreaming up special touches for events, I thought I needed to start sharing some of that dreaming with you folks.  I hope you will enjoy getting a little event inspiration from my "Hostess with the Mostess Monday" posts.

First up, the PINEAPPLE. Celebrated as s symbol of hospitality there is nothing like a fresh pineapple to get a party started.  I mean what is not to like about a fruit that looks like it is wearing a crown?  In the photos above, you can find my favorite ways to incorporate a little bit of hospitality in to your party, or try them all to celebrate an in your face pineapple party theme.  

1.  Pineapple print clothes.
2.  Pineapple invitations.
3 & 4.  Pineapple Centerpieces.
5. Pineapple vase.
6.  Pineapple tabel accent.
7.  Pineapple bowl.
8.  Pineapple bar accent.  

I would love to know which idea you would be willing to try?  I can't choose, so thinking a full on "Pineapple Party" is in my very near future.  Happy Monday...JMR



10.09.2014

The Gimmies


Okay...so have you been wondering at all how the "No Shopping" has been going?  

I have been doing pretty darn well I think.  I started off very strong with literally no shopping for almost a month and a half.  Then they changed our work event dress code.  So all those suits I bought last year are not necessarily preferred.  After wearing the same 3 black dresses to several events, my mom said, "work clothes are like food, you need them."  So I have been keeping my eye out for work appropriate items here or there. 

I must confess, I sort of dove head first off the no shopping wagon and did a face plant smack in to a few flea markets, Zara, and a mad J.Crew sale while in NYC for work.  I am not proud, but the past is the past.  

I will say it has not been easy with all of the amazing fall items out there.  You can follow along as I pin my favorite items on to my "Woulda If I Coulda" pinterest board.  But today I am sharing a few items I cannot get off of my mind.  

First, this sweet little polka dot number form Savoir-Faire.  Good thing they have already sold out of my size, so I will not be tempted.

Two, this O-R-A-N-G-E bag.  I cannot get it off my mind.  I think it is something I might have to eventually purchase after the no shopping is over.  My husband loves orange and it always reminds me of him.  I think that is why I am so drawn to this bag.  And then of course the opportunity to have a little "JMR" on the bag in gold seals the deal.

Three, this dress from the amazing Lola is just a dream.  It would be perfect for holiday parties with black tights and dreamy dinners with my main squeeze in Italy.

Four, this little flower dress just steals my heart every time.  I am not convince I would look that great in it.  But I do think she would be pretty hanging in my closet.  

So there you have it.  The 4 items I cannot get off my mind at the moment.  Feeling the gimmies! Happy Thursday...J

10.08.2014

1 Savoir-Faire Dress, 5 Ways, Part 5


So here is the final look.  Swapped the open toe heels for comfy flats, added a heavy knit scarf, and threw on a warm vest.  Not sure how I would survive the snow without knits and fluffy vests.  They just add that extra layer of warmth to dainty pieces.  And how about the camo and pink combo?  It kills me every time.  Happy Wednesday..J

Dress c/o {Savoir-Faire}, Jeans {Vintage}, Flats {Nine-West}, Scarf {Forever 21}, Vest {J.Crew}, Jacket {TJmaxx}, Necklace {Chico's}, Purse {LV}