Color Day: Winter White, Cream, and Gray

Anyone get engaged over Thanksgiving and looking to plan a winter wedding for next year?  Here's a great color combo for you that features cream paired with gray and white for a chic, yet comfy cozy winter look.  Neutrals are calming and inviting and this color combo definitely relaxes us and feels very luxurious, despite it's simplicity. We can just imagine how romantic this would look with the soft glow of candle lights all around!

1. Elizabeth Anne Designs | 2. Robert Blancaflor | 3. Lauren Ashley Clements | 4. A Stylish Design | 

5. Talia Events | 6. cococozy | 7. Style Me Pretty | 8. Once Wed | 9. Zazzle | 10. woomi | 11. Modcloth |

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Nice Bootie

Our trip to the mall this weekend helped us scope out some of the things we hope to pick up during those black Friday and cyber Monday sales. One of the main items on our list is a cute pair of booties.  Recently Jen went on a boot bender and ordered at least a dozen boots from Zappos before finding the perfect pair of knee high boots to fit her wide calves. But while knee high boots are sexy, and great for those of us who can't bear the thought of giving up our skirts in the winter, the hassle that comes with finding a pair can be frustrating. Measuring calves, packaging and returning, struggling to zip them - it's all very time consuming and somewhat stressful. So, put down that measuring tape and focus your energy on snagging yourself a great pair of ankle booties. Ankle booties are really popular right now and can be dressed up for work or down for casual get togethers. Wear these heeled booties with your jeans and sparkly top or a cute dress and tights for a holiday worthy look that is casually cool and chic:

1. Nine West | 2. Anthropologie | 3. DKNYC | 4. Kimchi Blue |

5. Seychelles | 6. Jessica Simpson | 7. Madewell | 8. Steve Madden |

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Winter Style: Scarves

A warm neck goes a long way when there are temperatures below freezing and 40 MPH winds. Cover yourself up with a stylish scarf and keep that chill from cooling you to the core.  With over 7 ways to tie it, a scarf can be a winter survival essential and a risk free fashion statement.

Not only is this colorful scarf perfect for fighting frostbite, it's also bright and cheerful enough to warm your mood as you clear those 18 inches of snow from your car.

Who doesn't love pom poms?  This warm knit scarf is grown up and mature looking but the fun and playful pom poms makes us smile as we think back to childhood snow days.

Here are some scarves you can really feel good about!  When you buy one of these lovely hand made scarves  it helps to fund mammograms for women in need!  We particularly like this intricate pattern and modern colors of these hand made alpaca wool scarves, but there are plenty of other styles and colors to choose from.

 These cashmere scarves are luxurious, colorful, and elegant - great for staying warm and for pairing with your professional work attire to look effortlessly chic.

We love vintage looking items! This cream colored crocheted scarf is simply charming and sure to keep you cozy!

Speaking of vintage, how about an infinity scarf (aka: snood)? This popular accessory from the 1940's has morphed from a hairnet to a ski slope staple in the 1950's to it's tubular shape you see today that lets you wear it in a variety of ways!

And, finally, you can never go wrong with a great plaid scarf! Plaid lets you incorporate all the colors you like in a way that is classic and sophisticated.



That's a wrap!



XOXO

Jen & Saira

Winter Wedding Wonderland

We've already begun exploring the beauty of winter weddings in our Color Day posts, but here's a more in-depth look at all the wonderful options available to you on your big day. There are many things that come to mind when you think of winter: snow, ice, hot cocoa, mittens, sleighs... so why not incorporate these ideas into your decor? 

 Walk down a snow covered aisle by decorating with a white carpet, white chairs, and white flowers. The white on white look creates an elegant and pristine setting for your wedding vows that you will remember for the rest of your life.

A lovely idea is to use Christmas ornaments as place card holders! While we're partial to this delicate snowflake design, you could incorporate your wedding colors, add brighter designs, or engrave your names or wedding date to create a one-of-a-kind wedding favor.

If you're not into florals, have allergies, or are just tired of making choices, ditch the traditional and opt for the pine cone bouquet. It's seasonal, unique, and perfect for a more understated and earthy couple. A more common approach is to incorporate pine cones in your arrangement, but we're all for new ideas and there is something very lovely and down-to-earth about carrying all pine cones. Just be careful when tossing your bouquet! 

Have fun with your wedding photos and throw on some woolen mittens! It looks very cute, keeps you warm, and you can incorporate your wedding colors so that it all ties together. In fact, get pairs for your whole bridal party... they'll thank you the next morning when they're scraping ice off their cars!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow... on your cake! A snowflake design on your cake is such a simple and charming way to add some flair to your dessert.  While you can go for a more bold approach, we love the delicate snowflakes and how they add just a bit of texture to the icing.

While you'll probably serve hot cocoa at the wedding, how about giving it away as a wedding favor? We love these jars of hot chocolate with little bags of heart shaped marshmallows, but we're especially in love with the packaging!

While winter weddings are beautiful, then can be downright frigid! This is especially the case if you plan on taking photos outside, or your ceremony and reception are at different venues. To stay warm, but still look every bit the bride, throw on a faux fur shawl or coat, which is both stylish and practical. Better yet, get some for your bridesmaids too!

Okay, we're not going to lie... we think ice sculptures are a little over the top. Beautiful, yes... but over the top. But if your heart is set on an ice sculpture, then a winter wedding is the perfect setting for it because, let's face it, having an ice sculpture of a snowflake is much more original than the usual two hearts intertwined.

Not a fan of all white or ice blue? Add some color to your wedding with this gorgeous bouquet full of flora and peacock feathers, with just a touch of holly. The warm, vibrant colors is perfect for a less traditional winter wedding, but is still very seasonal. Plus, Martha Stewart approves!

A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight...

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Jack Frost Can Nip Someone Else's Toes, Thank You

All of these winter snowstorms have got us going crazy for winter boots  and there's even more snow expected to come into our area tomorrow! In the search for a great boot, we're torn between fashion and function, especially when we think how we'll be navigating the snowy channels on our way to work. The trick is, of course, finding a boot that is practical, warm, but still looks good. While we haven't found "the perfect boot," we have found a number of boots that will suit your needs.  Take a look below!

We are huge fans of of the Sorel Tivoli boot, which looks like a hybrid of a rain boot and snow boot. It's waterproof, with great traction and fur lining... what else can you want in a winter boot? We especially love the plaid pattern, and think this is the perfect casual boot for a girl with a fun sense of style.

No discussion of serious winter boots can go without a shout out to the famous Russian Valenki boots. While not the most gorgeous choice out there, they will keep your feet warm and dry. They come with removable galoshes, which they suggest you wear if the snow is more slush than powder. Made of 100% wool, these boots actually form to fit your feet, which is very Back to the Future Part II.  You know these are the real deal... those Russians don't mess around when it comes to the snow.

Another more "serious" winter boot are the Janey boots by Northface. Like the Valenki boots, they come equipped for slush with a rubber sole. They are also water proof, have a faux fur lining, and are made from recycled materials. We also love the side laces... très chic.

 Wearing hot pink never looks serious but, kid you not, this is a serious winter boot. Moon Boots are a a ski fashion staple and are super warm, waterproof, and incredibly lightweight. When you slip them on, you feel like you're walking on air... or perhaps the moon.  They come in an array of colors and styles, but are known for their rounded, oversized shape.

Back in 1996, Timberland boots were all the rage. Best known for their iconic yellow work boots, Timberland boots dominated hip hop fashion in the 1990s, but have since faded out of the cultural mainstream. You still see them around nowadays, but what many people don't realize is that the company offers so many different styles, such as this winter lace-up boot. With a rubber sole and fleece lining, this boot is perfect for the winter and is very sleek and stylish. One word of caution: that many laces can be a huge pain in the winter if you have frozen fingers. But we're a huge fan of lace-ups, so we'll take it!

 Another tall, lace-up boot we love is the Winter Transit boot by Columbia. To us, this is the embodiment of urban winter footwear. It's fashionable, sleek, subtle, and practical, which is exactly what you need this winter. It's waterproof, with faux fur lining and a rubber sole for extra traction. It sort of reminds us of something that Russian soldiers would march in in the war against Napoleon... and we know how well that turned out!

Meet the Ugg boot's greatest rival... the Emu boot.  Also made in Australia with sheepskin lining, the Emu boot gets a lot of comparisons to the famous Aussie brand, and is currently facing a law suit from the company. If you check out their website, you'll definitely see the similarity, but this Armadale boot is a different style, and we're really liking the look of it. It looks more equestrian than the typical Ugg boot, is covered in leather rather than suede, and has an interesting top shape.

The classic Ugg boot is the most popular winter boot around. While we were haters of the boot a few years ago, we've come around after actually trying them on. They are incredibly warn and comfortable, and are seriously perfect for a cold winter night. But when it snows or rains, you're in trouble, because the boot isn't waterproof, leaving you with wet feet and stained suede. So if you want a serious winter boot, but love the warmth of Uggs, try the Adirondack boot by Uggs. We're partial to the camel color, although it's also available in dark brown and black. The boot is waterproof with extra traction and, of course, the Ugg staple -sheepskin lining throughout.



Here's to walking in a winter wonderland!



XOXO,



Jen & Saira

Color Day: Ice Blue, Platinum, and White

Christmas may be over, but it's still winter and that means plenty of frost and ice to go around.  So, we've taken cues from the season and created a lovely, glacial inspiration board for this week.  Go the way of the polar bear and dive into glacier (ice) blue, white, and silver (platinum) for chilling colors that help bring the look of the arctic to any space or event.

Images from: humankindness, woomi, kiudesigns, bleu nature, groom sold separately,  Harriet Kelsall, Travel Pod, Brenda's Wedding Blog, i do inspiration, Cafe Makeup, MariesVintage

XOXO

Jen & Saira      

Winter Sweaters: Alpine Style

Welcome back, dolls, and a very happy new year to you!  2010 was a great year and we're excited to see what 2011 has in store for us. So far,  we were lucky enough to get over 2 feet of snow and can foresee some wonderful skiing and snowboarding fun in our near future.  Although we can hit those blue trails like champs, we agree that one of the best parts about a long day skiing or snowboarding is coming home, changing into something super warm and comfy, and drinking cocoa by the fireplace. While we personally wouldn't wear alpine sweaters every day, they are perfect for winter activities. If you plan on taking a ski-cation, we'd suggest packing a few of these babies, or else you'll end up getting ripped off at the gift shop after you see how cute everyone looks in their Fair Isle getup!

Whether you're skiing in the Alps of shoveling snow in the suburbs, cozy up in front of the fireplace in this thick, turtleneck sweater from Victoria's Secret. The red and white make it look especially Swiss, and we guarantee that you'll be craving some fondue in no time!

Another look straight off the ski slopes is this toggle sweater from American Eagle. We love that it's a cardigan, because you can always layer up and make it more casual by adding a graphic tee shirt underneath.  It comes in a number of different colors, so get your crew together and hit the slopes!

For all you snow bunnies out there, bundle up in this wrap snowflake sweater from Forever 21. If you're dreaming of powder fresh snow, we hear that wearing snowflakes the night before increases the chance of snowfall by 8.2%. It's all a numbers game, really. So we're thinking, if you wear this sweater, put on your pajamas inside out, and spin around three times, odds are that you'll have perfect ski conditions come morning.

 If you're a tree hugging snow bunny, then you'll love this wool cardigan from Free People. It has a large collar, big buttons, and a cute alpine pattern which is great for any après-ski party. We think this would look particularly cute with a vintage tee underneath (kelly green is always our favorite color choice), Utilitarian boots, and a Peruvian style beanie.

We'll admit, when we think snowfall and skiing, we don't think poncho.  But with a snowflake pattern and roomy hood, this poncho is perfect for the frigid winter cold. We love that you can layer up underneath and just drape it over whatever you're planning on wearing for the evening.

If you plan on attending a more sophisticated après-ski bash, you may want to go for this Fair Isle sweater dress available at Macy's. It's a little more posh than the big bulky sweaters shown above, but it'll still keep you cozy warm in the cold winter nights. You can dress it up with tights and flats, make it look funky with leggings and fringed boots, or go comfy with jeans and Uggs.



Let's hit the slopes, dolls!



XOXO,



Jen & Saira

Color Day: Dreaming of a White Christmas

Here in NJ it is rare but, on occasion, we are lucky enough to wake up Christmas morning to a soft dusting of snow.  A white Christmas is something we always dream of and it certainly helps to add to the magic of Christmas. We're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, so it's only appropriate that our last color day before the holiday represent just that! Glistening tree tops, sleigh bells ringing and fluffy, white, blankets of snow are part of what makes this season so beautiful. You can go with cool white and silver for an icy mix or warm white and gold for a fire-side glow.  This board shows a little bit of both worlds with a mix of cool and warm whites that captures the essence of candle lit, cozy snowy evening.  

Winter White Christmas Wedding Inspiration Board

Images from: The Wedding Decorator, Chandra Keel, Wedding Wire, Style Me Pretty, One Wed, skimbaco lifestyle, Artessen, Be Different Act Normal, Enchanted Dream Weddings,  Kelly Hicks Design, Wedding Paper Divas



May all your Christmases be white.



XOXO

Jen & Saira

Color Day: Forest Green and Gold

Today's color day is inspired in part by Jen's Christmas tree, but really just the holiday season in general. Pine trees are majestic enough to begin with, but add twinkling white lights, delicate gold garland, and glittering ornaments and they transform into fabulously beautiful focal points for any room.  Forest green and gold are rich, warm, and regal colors not just for making a gorgeous Christmas Tree, but also for creating a luxe look for any holiday decor, dinner party, or winter wedding.

Forest/Emerald Green and Gold Color Inspiration Board

Images from: DavieandChiyo, Polyvore, Zimbio, JenniferaBoston, thisnext, shoeperwoman, yourperfectday1,   MyWeddingReceptionIdeas, Stylish Wedding Ideas

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, how lovely are your branches! XOXO Jen & Saira

Hot Gloves for Cold Weather

The Christmas lights are up, the snow is falling, and pretty soon we'll be waking up early to de-ice our windshields and salt the sidewalk.  As much as we hate to admit it (except Jen, because she is actually a crazy winter lover), the chilly winter weather is fast approaching.  Don't get stuck fumbling for your keys in the bitter cold, or shivering as you try to drive your car with the ice cold steering wheel!  Keep your digits free from frigid temps with a warm and soft pair of gloves or mittens.  Know someone who needs a little warming up?  A great pair of gloves or mittens can be really handy (pun intended) and would make a really cute gift or stocking stuffer this holiday season.  And, speaking of gifts, don't forget to comment on today's post for another chance to win a prize during our 12 Days of Christmas Gift Promotion!!

Black and elegant, these gloves from Anthropologie are the perfect pair to shield your fingers from the winter chill.  The pearl and jewel embellishments are very retro chic, perfect for your dressier occasions or if you're just feeling fancy.

These teal gloves from Modcloth are bright and fuzzy, perfect for keeping your hands warm and dry on a brisk winter morning.  Plus, not only are the lightweight and practical, they are adorable with their sweet ruffle detail on the cuff.

Beads and bows are just so classically girly that we can't help but adore these Milly gloves. Available in 3 colors, these wool gloves are as warm as they are charming!  Also, bows kind of remind us of Christmas, and, well..if the glove fits..

Send a text or keep your fingers?  Is this what our world has come to with the advent of the iphone and the touch screen?  Well, lucky for you, we just might have found a stylish solution.  Avoid the risk of frostbite with these dainty and super colorful gloves. These pretty gloves are fashion friendly and have a special touch pad on the thumb and ring finger so you'll never have text while glove-less again!

These cute knit gloves from Urban Outfitters remind us childhood fun with their bright gold color and bit of sparkly glitter.  Best of all, these gloves are super thick and warm, with a furry lining to keep your fingers extra cozy.  Let the snowball fights begin!

You'll be saluting in style with these gray military inspired gloves.  The gray cable knit pattern is classic and understated, but the three rows and gold buttons give these gloves just the right amount of personality that we think will pair perfectly with some black boots and your navy blue pea coat.

Planning ahead for some serious blizzards?  We suggest a great pair of gloves like these by Dakine.  Sure, they may be bulky and unattractive, but gloves made for winter sports are waterproof and are particularly designed to keep your hands completely warm and dry for hours!

And, finally, is it a glove? a mitten? It's both! The perfect marriage of glove and mitten, the "glitten" gives you the dexterity of gloves and the warmth of mittens all in one. Target seems to have the largest variety of colors and styles, but you can really find a pair of these pretty much anywhere these days.

Baby, it's cold outside.

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Holiday Greetings

Black Friday has come and gone and it's almost December, so let the Christmas countdown begin! In a week or so you'll start collecting holiday cards from friends, family, and the dentist's office, which means that you'll need to reciprocate with cards of your own. Now, we're not huge fans of the typical "matching sweaters in front of the tree" theme (or really any photo card unless it's an adorable child or pet dressed in people clothes), so we decided to pick out a few cards that are stylish, fun, cheerful, or otherwise solid choices that will save you from being mocked at the next holiday gathering.

Celebrate Christmas this year with this layered holiday card available at Target. It's sure to make your card stand out from the rows upon rows of greeting cards lining your friends and family's fireplace, and a little texture goes a long way.

For a traditional look featuring Santa and his reindeer, try this letterpress set by Kirtland House.  Maybe it's the vintage design or the ornate font, but something about these cards just remind us of "A Miracle on 34th Street" (the original one, not the one with the little girl from Mrs. Doubtfire). We can just picture writing out these cards in front of the fireplace with a mug of of hot cocoa... how wonderful!

Even though red and green are the traditional colors of the holiday season, we're partial to blue and silver. It tends to stand out a little more from all the other cards, and looks a bit more chic. Share visions of a winter wonderland with this set of cards from Papyrus. It's simple, pretty, and a little bit glitzy, which is just the way we like it.

A partridge in a pear tree in metallic gold? Yes, please!  We love these screen printed cards by treasurydesigns.  They are whimsical, fun, and sure to stand out with their beautiful metallic ink and simple white silouhettes. And they are printed on recycled paper, which is always a plus.

Too much tinsel can be a headache, so be low key this holiday season with these printed cards by Etsy seller thecraftpantry. We love the earthy feel to these cards, and think it's a lovely, understated way to say "Season's  Greetings."

Celebrating Hannukah?  We found the cutest card to wish your friends and family a Happy Hannukah this year.  We love this handmade card from cutiepiecompany for it's totally mod, bright, and fun menorah design.  Send your wishes with this card and you're sure to make their holiday cheerful.

Saira longs to be back in Brooklyn, so we had to share this Brooklyn Bridge holiday card by Moon Tree Press. Perfect for New Yorkers, this card adds a nice personal touch, especially if you have friends and family across the country.

These cards by desTroy are simply charming.  We love their simple design, bright colors, and the beautiful layered look that the screen printing creates.  This cards definitely make a statement and is sure to be a favorite this holiday season.

 While the holiday season is all about peace and love... it also makes spending hours at the mall a selfless act. We at PDR are all about peace, love, and shopping, which is why we love these sassy retro holiday cards by Anne Taintor. They are fun and fabulous, just like you!

Feel good this holiday season with this holiday card from UNICEF. Every year UNICEF produces a series of holiday cards representing all the children that UNICEF helps support.  This years design is just as sweet, and proceeds from the sale help children all around the world, so not only will you feel good, but you'll also do good this holiday season.

Seasons greetings, dolls!  

Be sure to check us out tomorrow for a special holiday announcement!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira