Color Day: Orange & Fucshia

A year from tomorrow, our good friend Vik will be getting married (yay!).  With just a year left to go, it's time for V & J to start gathering ideas for ceremony and reception decor, tuxedos, dresses, shoes, etc. etc. etc. Putting together an elegant and festive Indian wedding on a budget can be overwhelming. So, this board was created, with their colors in mind,  to help get their creative juices flowing.  Bright fuchsia, cheerful orange, and dramatic chocolate brown will make for an Indian wedding that is vibrant, fun, and romantic.

Fuchsia, Orange, and Brown Wedding Inspiration Board

1. Dessy | 2. Etsy  | 3. Sandy Photo Art | 4. Wedding Paper Divas | 5. Wedding Cupcakes | 6. Shoe Metro | 7. Wedding Dresses | 8. After Six | 9. The Soul Style | 10. The Knot | 11. Smart Ideas | 12. eTuxedo |

13. Oh So Beautiful Paper

and some others that we love but that for whatever reason we couldn't upload to this board:

14. Wedding Bee | 15. Wedding by Color | 16. Wedding Wire 



XOXO

Jen & Saira



PS. What do you think of our new format?

Rent the Runway

Drooling over that gorgeous, never-in-your-life-could-you-afford-it, $1300 D & G dress? What if we told you you could have it for $150...at least for a few days anyway?  First, there was Bag Borrow Steal. Billed in Sex and the City as the "Netflix" for purses, this site offers designer handbags for rent at a fraction of the retail price.  But, why stop at handbags? Rent the Runway has kicked it up a notch, offering savy shoppers like us the opportunity to rent dresses, handbags, jewelry and more! 



We are not among the fortunate few who can afford to pay retail price for high end designer clothes, but, that doesn't mean we don't dream.  Thanks to Rent the Runway, our fantasies of wearing gorgeous gowns and dancing the night away with Nate Archibald are just a little bit closer to becoming a reality. Concerned about fit or hygiene?  Don't fret, they want you to be satisfied so much that they send you a back-up size just in case.  And, they'll even pick up the dry cleaning tab so you won't have to worry.  We have not had the opportunity to try this out for ourselves but you can bet we'll let you know when we do!  Until then, take a look at some of the great styles, designers, and amazing prices Rent the Runway has to offer:

Love Story Dress

 Designer: Tracy Reese

Perfect for: that springtime wedding, engagement party, or graduation dinner you've got coming up. 

We love: the 50's style silouette and pretty lace. 

Retail: $525

Rent the Runway Price: $75

Ladylike Beaded Skirt Dress

Designer: Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent

Perfect for: looking totally sophisticated at your next office party or work event.

We love: the simple elegance of the soft fluttery top and beaded skirt.

Retail: $400

Rent the Runway Price: $50

Sparkle Halter Dress

Designer: Lela Rose

Perfect for: a chic cocktail party or for a modern bride/bridesmaid.

We love: the tasteful, elegant sparkle and halter neck!

Retail: $1,095

Rent the Runway Price: $150

Petal to the Metal Dress

Designer: Sachin & Babi

Perfect for: the edgy rocker chic with a soft side.

We love:  the hard metal details, soft tiers, and that gorgeous yellow!

Retail: $660

Rent the Runway Price: $125

Paris Love Dress

Designer: Milly

Perfect for: commanding the upper east side a la Blair Waldorf.

We love:  the bow, of course!

Retail: $450

Rent the Runway Price: $50

Romantic Sage Gown

Designer: Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti

Perfect for: showing off your love for romantic and vintage style at your next black tie affair.

We love: the vintage blue color, rough edges, and dainty lace trim.

Retail: $1,895

Rent the Runway Price: $250

Red Ripple Effect Dress

Designer: Adam

Perfect for: stealing the show.

We love: the sexy siren-like confidence you'll exude by wearing this.

Retail: $495

Rent the Runway Price: $75

Glenda Necklace

Designer: Erickson Beamon

Perfect for: making a bold statement.

We love: the look of hard tangled metals paired with the delicate pearls and crystals.

Retail: $930

Rent the Runway Price: $85

Crystal Fringe Necklace

Designer: Rachel Leigh

Perfect for: the effortlessly chic bride on a budget.

We love: fringe!

Retail: $190

Rent the Runway Price: $25





So, what do you dolls think?  Planning to try this out for your next event?  Let us know!





XOXO

Jen & Saira

Romp Around

Everyone is gearing up for spring and summer and there's no doubt you've seen, and possibly considered purchasing, at least one romper.  The romper, or jumper, is a convenient one piece garment that combines both shorts and a shirt.  While they used to be popular for women back in the day (yes, there are pictures of Grandma Butler in her rompers back in the 50's and 60's) they were phased out and we've really always thought of them as apparel for toddlers.  The romper has returned in full swing, and while the PDR jury is still out on how we feel about them, we have to admit some are quite cute and the idea of having a casual all in one outfit is pretty appealing.

The casual romper would be great for running errands or just lounging around on a warm day. It's billowy top and terry shorts are sure to keep you comfy and cozy while the bow pulls it all together and keeps you from looking frumpy.

Another comfy looking option is this taupe romper with sparkly golden thread sewn in.  It's casual, but still has some pizazz making it easily wearable to the beach during the day and to the bar with your girlfriends at night.

Romantic florals dot this pretty blue romper.  The fitted top and wide leg shorts look comfy and casual but the real show stopper here is the sexy strappy back! 

Sun kissed skin, strappy sandals, and gold jewelry are the perfect accessories to accompany this bright orange romper.  With flirty ruffles and playful pleats, this romper is sure to add a little cheer to your wardrobe.

  With a tie neck halter and off center zipper detail, this BB Dakota number is certainly not your grandma's romper.  We love it's sexy, edgy look and the sultry, smoky blue hue.

Need a look that could go from day to night with little effort?  This solid blue romper has a lightweight fabric and romantic draping that would be perfect for casual wear but it's deep v neck and side tie make it sexy and chic enough for the evening when paired with black or metallic sandals and  some fun jewelry.

You can't wear just any old thing to that graduation party that you've got coming up.  But, what you wear can be comfy!  This romper is sweet and sophisticated and would be great for that grad party or just everyday summer wear.

And finally, another casual but totally stylish option would be one like this from Michael Kors.  This romper has a comfy fabric and beautiful wide scoop neck.  This would look great with sandals, sun kissed hair, and maybe a nice, long charm necklace to top it all off.



XOXO

Jen & Saira

Color Day Themes: Bicycle Built for Two

They say the couple that plays together stays together.  People must be catching on to this secret, as totally adorable tandem bicycles have been popping up all over. The image of the tandem bicycle is one that we associate with happy couples that work as a team, riding in unison, and who genuinely enjoy having fun together.  If life is a journey or an adventure, we say grab hold of the handle bars and enjoy the ride...on your bicycle built for two.

Bicycle Theme Wedding Inspiration Board

Images from: Green Wedding Shoes, Jagger Photography, Hard to Find, Chelsea Elizabeth Photography, Vital, Heather Boyd, Woman's Day, Wedding Paper Divas, Spoke Fiend, Wedding Chicks, Projector, Adzias Jewelry Atelier, Bleudetoi, The Knot, Pine River Ranch, Elle, Budget Savy Bride

XOXO

Jen & Saira              

In the Nude

This is not a post about actually being naked (sorry to disappoint you), but instead it is about wearing things that make you look like you could be.  Nude (or beige/taupe..) is by far the sexiest color of the season and has been popping up everywhere from dresses to sunglasses and beyond.  Creating a look that is natural and calming, nude or buff beige is our color of choice for a vintage, yet modern, Spring and Summer wardrobe.  Here are some great ways you can incorporate this trend:

This nude dress, available at Top Shop, is simple and perfectly work appropriate. This dress features feminine  draping, a high neckline, and would look great accented with a skinny belt to emphasize your hourglass figure. 

It is said that nude, skin colored hues on your feet help elongate your legs and make you look taller.  Create the illusion of height with these strappy beige heels, from Zappos.

The perfect accent to your sundress this spring/summer?  A nude cardigan! Get the look of bare shoulders while covering up with this pretty embellished cardigan, from Mod Cloth.

Springtime in the office means breaking out your flowy skirts!  We love this "barely there" colored skirt, from Urban Outfitters, and all that pleating to add that retro style.

This certified vegan satchel, available at DSW, would be the perfect addition to your spring wardrobe. This neutral colored bag can go with nearly anything and it can fit all your essentials and even a book (kindle? ipad?) in case you find yourself with some down time while on the go.

Now, you can't very well wear strappy nude sandals to your next meeting or interview.  But, you can embrace the nude while still looking completely professional if you opt for something like these Steve Madden pumps.  These pumps are sexy but are also graceful and conservative enough for your office attire.

Dark frames can sometimes feel a little harsh with your summery whites and airy colors.  Lighten up with these retro looking nude frames.  Available at Forever 21, these sunnies are sure to brighten your face while keeping your eyes well protected.

Nude nails are very in this season. It gives a very subtle but polished look, which is perfect for the work place, but is also a big trend with weddings now. Of course, what hue is right for you varies depending on your skin tone, but we recommend adding a little pink undertone, such as Malaysian Mist by OPI.



XOXO

Jen & Saira

Color Day Themes: Love Birds

Bird motifs and themes are becoming more and more popular with the youthful, Anthropologie inspired, types of weddings.  They are modern and vintage at the same time, charming and whimsical, and add a natural, organic kind of feel to an event.  Whether they are love birds nestled atop you cake, paper cranes hanging from the ceiling, small finches adorning your invitations, or ornate birdcages scattered through your space, turning your event into somewhat of an aviary is certain to get people talking. Here's an inspiration board that is certainly not for the birds:

Love Birds Wedding Inspiration Board

Images from: Wedding Paper Divas, margosoriginals, StudioWedbyMirela, Wedding Window, The Artful Bride, The Knot, Ruffled, ShabbyPeaDesigns, RedLightStudio, ohlouisedesigns, TimelessPaper, ryeleighrose, pompandplumage, BHLDN, Bloomingdale's, Martha Stewart    

XOXO

Jen & Saira

       

Hats Off to You!

With all the Royal Wedding hoopla last week it wasn't hard to get caught up in the romance, the extravagance, and of course, the hats! Sure, some of the guests and royal family had hats that were a little over the top (see Princess Eugenie and Beatrice), but others were chic and definitely tasteful.   Most of the time we think of hats for baseball games, old ladies, or as a cure for a bad hair day but the Royal Wedding has us excited to try some for every day or formal occasions. Here are some very wearable head ornaments for spring and summer.

Not only is a floppy black hat the easiest way to achieve instant elegance, it is seductive and mysterious -reminding us of old Hollywood glamor.  Wearing black to formal events is typically, but wearing a hat like this will insure you don't get lost in the crowd.

Who says fedoras are just for gangsters (or pimps?).  This girl looks cool and casual in this straw fedora from Nordstrom with it's pretty and romantic oversized flower.

You don't need to go on safari to wear a cool hat!  This simple white hat, adorned with a fun leather strap and buckle, will look great poolside or while roaming those flee market aisles. Available at Urban Outfitters.

Straw hats are all the rage, from floppy to fedora, they come in a wide variety of style and give you that carefree, laid back look.  We like this hat from Free People because it's a little bit country but has a great old fashioned shape and chic, feminine bow.

 

Another great straw hat is this one from Banana Republic.  It's a fun hat with a large brim and is detailed with a pretty, delicate eyelet pattern.  Careful though, reviews say this hat is great but runs a little large so order the smaller size if in doubt.

Love the straw style but looking for something bolder?  Go with stripes and instantly modernize your look!  We love this citrus striped hat for it's bright, sunshine color that is sure to add a little punch to the spring and summer palette.

Not the laid back, straw loving, farm girl?  Show your a little edgy and go metallic from head to toe!  This sexy and dramatic hat, from Bloomingdales, would be a greatway to jazz up an outfit with it's sexy, floppy style and metallic silver sheen.





XOXO,



Jen & Saira

Color Day Themes: Queen Bee

Here's a quirky little inspiration board for you based on one of nature's most misunderstood creatures, the honey bee. Bees are industrious, work together in harmonious unison, and if we look back to ancient times in Egypt, the symbol of the bee was used to represent royalty. In terms of colors, black and yellow are always what come to mind when we think of these insects. But, your event or decor can certainly be the bees knees without totally going overboard with the color, just stick with a more saturated hue like a mustard or golden honey and stay away from the bright crayon kind of yellow you might be used to.  Decorate with gold and black accents, add honey comb patterns to your stationary or decor, give away natural local honey, and whip you hair into a high and mighty beehive and you'll have an event that is truly buzz-worthy.

Images from: Trisha Dean, Wren Handmade, Timeless Paper, Anthropologie, J2Jewelry, bee intrigued, EmenGeeDesigns, Seasonal Delights, Cape Bride, The Small Object, Paper and Oats, Projector, kissandtellcards, KOtwo, Anna Kuperberg via Sparkliatti          

XOXO

Jen & Saira  

Earth Day Etsy Style

Happy Earth Day!  We try our best to recycle, to conserve resources, and to reduce consumer waste. Although we admit we are not doing nearly the amount that we could be, Earth day helps to remind us that recycling, reusing, and upcycling items is a great way to minimize our impact on the environment.  Today's post focuses on totally random eco-friendly items found on Etsy.  We love Etsy because many of the items are handmade, affordable, and unique.  And, of course there is the added bonus of knowing that buying from sites like Etsy helps to support independent artists, some of which may even be in your area!

Why buy an unattractive rubber case or flimsy plastic one when you can have this? This eco-friendly, durable case is made out of bamboo and has a look that is sleek, modern, and professional.

  Those little cardboard sleeves might protect your hands, but they definitely create unnecessary waste. If you get coffee on the run, forgo the cardboard sleeve and opt for a reusable sleeve to protect your hands from hot liquids. 

Reclaimed leather has never looked so good!  This bag, perfect for weekend getaways or as an airplane carry-on, is made of vintage canvas and salvaged leather.

Soft and cozy, these adorable bright green flats are handmade using eco-friendly cotton canvas and hemp.

Old gold rings, necklaces, and bracelets get a new life by being melted down and reformed into new, beautiful pieces like these charming recycled rose gold earrings.

All natural lip balms? Yes, please!  Try these balms (made in NJ! yay!) that come in all different scents. 

On the hunt for a cute, earth friendly bridesmaid dress or dress to wear to an event? This bamboo jersey dress, by Gina Michele, comes in all different colors and is one we'd be dying to wear again and again.

Old plates are upcycled into something new with this adorable tiered dessert stand with carefully selected vintage plates, featuring a pretty rose pattern and delicate gold details.

Happy Earth Day, Happy Easter/Passover, and Happy Spring Break!  This is our last post for a little bit as we'll be taking off some time next week for spring break and some much needed R & R.   But, never fear, we'll be back before you know it!  

Until next time..

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Cozy Up Under Your Umbrella

Rain, rain, go away, you make me have a bad hair day... Alright, we know that April showerss bring May flowers, etc., but all this rainfall can really put a damper on our high flying lifestyle. From the wet hair and clothes to the soaked feet, rain is not always our friend. But! If you have your trusty umbrella with you, you (and your hair) are safe from the fearsome weather.

These bubble umbrellas are our favorite thing in the world. They have a wonderfully round shape, which helps protect you from stray rainfall, but you can see through them, so you don't create a traffic hazard!  Also, they're pretty stylish, as far as rain gear goes.

 Carry a little bit of sunshine with you this April with this beautiful blue sky umbrella from the MoMA.  It's like a little piece of heaven floating over you all day, but is sturdy and functional as well!

 Your umbrella can be educational as well.  For instance, if you've always been interested in the solar system, but never had time to memorize the planets (MVEMJSUNP) then this solar system umbrella is just the thing for you. Just don't get too hooked on Pluto, last we heard it was demoted. Sad face.

Look simply charming in the midst of a thunder storm with this umbrella from one of our favorite designers, Kimichi Blue.  With delicate polka dots, sweet ruffles, and a faux bamboo handle, this cute umbrella looks delicate but is certainly sturdy enough to keep you dry.

The worst thing in the world is getting stuck in the city in the rain, especially if you don't know where you're going. With the official MTA umbrella, you'll always find your way home. While we don't quite get how you can read the map and stay dry at the same time, we'll leave the details to you.

Dreary weather got you down?  Cheer up with this colorful umbrella from Old Navy. We love the whimsical print and color combo here, with shades of cool blues and bright green.

Stormy weather and gray skies can leave you in a sleepy kind of haze.  Be bright eyed and bushy tailed with this energizing umbrella from Target.   It's cute pumpkin shape is certainly unique and the bright yellow is sure to stand out in a sea of gray and black, making it easy for those Ted Mosby like characters to spot you.





Now, bring on the rainbows!



XOXO

Jen & Saira