There’s something to be said for any decorative element that not only has a multitude of uses but can withstand the test of time….hundreds of years in fact. Silhouettes first became popular in the 17th century as a cheap and quick art form and have now evolved into a modern memento reflective of the Victorian era. Used in invitations, framed artwork and textiles, silhouettes are clean and versatile. Personal and vintage. The perfect adornment.
Who wants to play dress up and step into a world of pure girly girl bliss? After viewing these dresses by Maria Lucia, I bet you do. And I do too.
Everything down to the last detail about these designs has left me quite speechless…but I will say this: If I were a dress, this is what I’d look like.
Images via the fabulous Cherry Blossom Girl
I’ve been busy. Really busy……creating lots of new pretty mementos so I am having to forgo Tuesday’s Table this week. I apologize. In it’s place, are a few pics of my latest accessories, which I have been working on photographing, printing and naming for an official Memento Designs lookbook. Happy Tuesday!
New custom designed wedding invitation suite for couple B & Terry who live in New York & are taking their wedding to a historical farm in the New England area. This couple has been so much fun to work with & their invitation is made up of elements that totally reflect their fun personalities & their rustic-vintage, super romantic wedding theme. My favorite details from this invitation: the floral image on the RSVP postcard, the button adornment securing the twine wrap & the hand drawn map, which also includes specific directions on the back for guests. This invitation is really going to set the tone for a truly breathtaking wedding. Thank you so much B & Terry for all of your ideas & for making the design process beyond enjoyable!
Blue and white china, hydrangeas and delectable sweet treats. This inspiration board literally melts my heartstrings. Peaceful and pretty…polite and poised. Utterly gorgeous.
Image courtesy of Snippet and Ink
I recently found these amazing silhouette profiles of my parents in an old photo album and immediately knew I had to share. They had these made while on their honeymoon over 30 years ago and are now one of my prized vintage possessions. I chose a variety of black and ivory finds from around the house (you probably recognize the chalkboard from the Style Me Pretty shoot) to compliment the silhouettes. A few new Memento paper goods also accent the table…….I think the doily wine menu is my favorite! For more details on where to find items featured this week, click below to read more. Happy Tuesday!
For information on where to find items featured this week, click below
Lovin’ this vintage inspired invitation custom designed for such a sweet couple. Miranda wanted to incorporate lots of texture, lace elements and vintage graphics in the design to compliment the wedding theme. Using twine to hold the postcard, map and invitation together we created one pretty package for guests to open. Each layer is made from 100% recycled paper and something about the overall look is very earthy and organic. Everything turned out incredibly gorgeous and thank you Miranda for being so lovely to work with. Congratulations!
While discussing wedding color choices with bride Tristan the other day, this beautiful palette made us both melt. Everything came to life when we stopped imagining the ensemble and began placing pretty elements from the studio together in this romantic little grouping. Ahhhhh…..so weak at the knees over this lovely combo.
Let’s face it: blush never gets old. I am really excited about this design, which looks amazing worn as a hair piece or as a brooch. The goal was to create something with tons of texture and use these antique gold and cream roses for an added a hint of glamour. The blush fabrics were all dyed by hand to achieve the perfect shade- so romantic paired with the burlap and silk. Overall, I am really pleased with this piece and am excited to make more but need some inspiration! What color combinations do you think I should try next? Please post your ideas and I will get to sewing!
Um, yes please. Thank you. I will have one of those.
Staring. Staring. Can’t. stop. staring. If I were a loft, this is what I’d look like……
By the way, this is the duvet cover in my guest room. Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic.
It’s a BOY! It has been such a pleasure working with Mommy-to-be Kristi & her sister Cassie on this design. The forest green, blue & chocolate brown combination is 100% boy and 1oo% lovely. I especially adore the modern mix of typography & custom paisley pattern. It’s my fav. Congratulations Kristi & thank you for such sweet inspiration!
Pale pink, grey and robin’s egg blue…the colors that bind this weeks collection of goodies on the old farm table. Everything was built around two of my latest shopping finds that I had to share: the vintage burlap chair and a scarf (from Forever 21!), which is being used as the table runner. The chair is the shabbiest, most worn-out looking piece of furniture I have ever seen. And I love it. I put together a few signs and used antique clip on earrings to attach them to the holders for an extra dose of glamour. Continue reading for more details on where to find items featured this week. Happy Tuesday!
I am so excited to share a “Summer Bridal Beauty Guide” via Kristen from Sugar Social. Every bride deserves to shine on her wedding day and Kristen has provided us with some expert advice on how to look your best. For a “daily beauty dish” and even more on the latest makeup tips and trends, be sure to check out Sugar Social here. Thank you Kristen!
Summer is the most popular time of year to get married. But when the mercury rises, it’s hard to keep from wilting. Here are some guidelines that will ensure you look like a million bucks on your big day…no matter how high the heat and humidity.
1. Get a Pro Faux Glow: If you’re naturally fair and want a delicate golden glow for your wedding day, put down the self-tanner. The last thing you want to be is streaky or orange. It’s best to visit a professional for an airbrush tan. A pro can customize your shade and apply the solution flawlessly. Go 4 to 2 days before the wedding to get comfortable with your tan.
2. Use Visuals: If a makeup artist is crafting your wedding look, show them photos of makeup looks you like. It never hurts to steer him or her in the right direction; illustrating beauty elements you like will help the artist to ensure that you sport a beautiful look you’re happy with.
3. Keep it Real: One of the most important aspects of your bridal look is being you. If you’re a minimal-makeup kind of girl, your wedding is not the time to go all out with black eyeliner. By the same token, if you’re a glamour girl, there’s no need to go bare or neutral for your walk down the aisle. Adding a small dose of drama or sexiness will amp up your everyday look; try a set of false lashes or a muted smoky eye. One of the most flattering elements of any bridal look is reflecting an elegant version of yourself.
4. Get Your Shimmer On: Using a pearly pink highlighter will do wonders for your complexion and make you look radiant in photographs. Dab a bit on your cheekbones, starting at the outer edge of your brow and arcing toward your cheekbone into a half-moon shape. Also illuminate your eyes by dabbing a tad under the arch of your brow. Take it to the next level by sweeping a lightly shimmery bronzer across your forehead, down your nose, and across your cheekbones. Don’t bronze your entire face; it will cast a muddy shadow and you’ll risk looking cakey in photos.
5. Be the Blushing Bride: A hint of a rosy flush on the cheeks is incredibly flattering. In high heat and humidity, powder products can cake; during the summer, use a cream blush to give you a pretty flush. Cream or gel-based blushes add a gorgeous dewiness, too. To make your look melt-proof, dab blush on the apples of cheeks using fingertips. Use a clean foundation brush to buff the blush outward in circles, moving toward your temple. The foundation brush will blend the edges, making you look lit from within.
6. Apply False Lashes Expertly: False eyelashes add instant drama to the eyes, and make them pop in photos. If you want major impact, use strip lashes; for a more natural look, try individual lashes applied only at the outer corner of the lashline. To get a pro lash application, start by squeezing eyelash adhesive onto a tissue. To get lashes as close to the lashline as possible, pick up the lashes using a tweezer and dip them into the glue. Apply them with the tweezers, and smooth them out using your fingertips.
7. Lock Your Look in Place: Make sure your makeup stays put from the first kiss to the last dance by spritzing on a setting spray, such as MAC Fix+. This microfine mist will prevent your makeup from streaking while moisturizing your skin. This is especially important during the summer months, when temps spike.
8. SMILE! Ditch those nerves! Your wedding is one of the happiest days of your life; make sure it shows. Relax, have fun, and enjoy your guests and new husband.
http://sugarsocial.wordpress.com/
If I could shed tears over fabulous fashion, these photos would do the trick. There is something so romantic and girly about tulle….I can’t get enough. J.Mendel and Rodarte in particular really have a way of creating emotional, detail driven dresses full of whimsical glamour. Every girl should have one.
In lieu of Tuesday’s table, I wanted to share more images I just received from our “Sweet Southern” inspiration shoot featured on Style Me Pretty. Because of the serious heart, soul, and southern talent poured into this shoot, the pictures turned out incredible. I about died scrolling through these. Hansel Dobbs Photography. WOW. Enjoy!
Be sure to click below & view even more of our Southern Inspiration!
New save the date designed for an amazing couple with great taste, Meghan and Ken. They are getting married in January at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, which houses rare planes from WWII amongst other incredible historical artifacts. Um……awesome! Playing off of Meghan’s traditional style & love for all things 1940’s, we went with a classic navy and cream design & then dressed it up with vintage-inspired graphics. Love this Americana look & love this couple! Congratulations Meghan and Ken!
A few weeks ago, I had a VERY successful shopping trip to downtown Mckinney. WOW. I found TONS of unique greatness everywhere I went and had to include some of my most favorite finds on this weeks table. Happy Tuesday!
Vintage goblets, silverware, spools of thread, scrabble letters, gravy server: Antique Company Mall
Ring pillow, button invitation, burlap pouch, wine and frosted pink flower accessory, table number card: Memento Designs
It is always a pleasure to work with those who inspire creativity and freedom in the design process. Today I put a few looks together for a bride who is looking for a classic romantic style invitation style built around lace and shades of ivory and gold. Paired with a few new hair accessories I am working on, the photos came out quite dreamy….so full of texture and romantic neutrals. LOVE.
As if I wasnt obsessed already….J.Crew has opened up their very own bridal boutique on Madison Avenue in NYC. Death by prettiness. Take. Me. There. NOW.
I have always wanted to collect something. China, antique fans, postcards…..anything! I found myself growing a little frustrated when I realized that everything I wanted to collect, I couldn’t afford. Right when I was about to give up, I realized I do have a collection- vintage jewelry! And what’s great about these beauties is they don’t just sit on a shelf and collect dust. I wear them, use them in my accessory designs, and turn to them for ideas when creating inspiration boards and invitations. Not to mention they are quite fun to just sit and stare at. What do you collect?
A new original wedding map for bride Amber and her fiance Robert. Specifically designed to complement the brides wedding invitation, this map is soft and romantic and full of classic elegance. Everything down to the last detail is drawn by hand, making the map a true work of art and the perfect keepsake for guests. Congratulations Amber and Robert!
This week’s selection of farm table goodies was inspired by these amazing peach lilies. By pulling from almost every room in my house, I was able to find a handful decorative goods and Memento paper pieces to compliment the flowers and create a soft, romantic look. Happy Tuesday!
WOW. This just might be the ultimate. Not only did I get to marry the love of my life AGAIN, but I was able to collaborate with an amazing group of talented people to create an inspiration shoot full of sweet Southern ideas. I am so excited to finally share some new Memento products featured in this shoot including: mix n’match programs using a variety of vintage fabric, dinner menu’s with burlap pouches, table number cards, silhouette doily wine coasters, fabric and twine place setting tags, decorative table signs (“For Tears of Joy” and “A Room in My Heart I’d Like to Rent to You), and all accessories (flower girls, bridal, cake topper, and those placed here in there throughout).
Thank you so much SMP and to all the other awesome contributors….especially my husband. Such a trooper. To gather more wedding ideas, view the full gallery of images at Style Me Pretty and EVEN MORE amazing images posted by the photographer Hansel Dobbs.
For the FULL gallery of images, click HERE (Style Me Pretty) & Here (Hansel Dobbs Photography)
A collage of garden flowers purchased from the absolute best nursery around, Homegrown Plants. Located in Farmersville, these guys have acres upon acres of flower eye candy in every color and variety you can imagine. These are a few we recently planted.
I love combining different vintage style elements to create interesting & cohesive paper goods.
So you like ribbon? Stitching? Twine? Layers? A variety of graphic elements and shapes? Who says you can’t have it all? Featured below is an invitation and coordinating program where I used a wide variety of embellishments to create a design that is still simple and elegant. The pocket insert and tabbed program pages also make this set super functional for guests, which will not go unnoticed!
Happy 4th of July everyone! Check out this amazing inspiration board from one of my absolute favorite blogs Marry You Me. This just might be my own little holiday dream….pinwheels, pie and patriotism! GOD Bless America.
A bright and elegant design for a bright and elegant young lady! Kallie & Ryan are getting married in November & have chosen a color scheme based on orange, coral and oh so soft pink. Gorgeous! Paired with the papaya colored envelope, this exciting save the date invitation is sure to get guests marking their calendars & booking travel plans! Wedding invitation pics to follow….so stay tuned!
This week the farm table is filled with goodies for the crafty-stationary enthusiast. The weather in Dallas is so gloomy so I choose bright, poppy colors inspired by an adorable “Labels & Stickers” book by Cath Kidston. A variety of notions, Memento paper goods, and useful little objects such as the mini clothes pins by Cavallini & Co. also fill the table. Happy Tuesday!
Check out 2 styles of our original wedding maps! These are one of a kind, hand drawn works of art that not only tell your guests where to go, they make a great memento as well. Every map is a collaborative project that my brother (a truly AMAZING artist) and I design from scratch for the bride. So chic. So functional. Who wouldn’t want one of these included in their invitation suite?
More maps to come featuring some of the hottest wedding destinations….so stay tuned!
Baby showers call for memorable invitations. For this particular design, I was given a quick list of some of Mommy’s favorite things: Purple, paisleys, tulle…..and all things girly! I wanted guests to immediately recognize Heather’s personality and style so I made sure to incorporate these elements in a fun, fresh way. Paired with the purple envelope and pansy “Love” postage stamp, this invitation is super adorable and 100% girl. Congratulations on your 1st baby Heather!
A combination of vintage and homemade goodies dominant the table this week. With no time for shopping lately, I have chosen some of personal ALL-TIME favorite pieces (such as the gold vintage rose mirror) to share with you. The ivory flourish invitation and creme flower accessory are some new Memento Designs that look fabulous with these vintage inspired accents. The cloche lid, china plate, and hour glass can be found here at Laurie Anna’s Vintage Home.
Happy Tuesday!
