Let's cut to the chase: we're looking for another handbag staple to add to our purse collection, and said task is proving to be quite tedious. In effort to sidestep the classic blacks and browns that we're typically drawn to, we landed on some of these crisp winter white bags, all of which can be found on ASOS. While considering the versatility factor, winter white seems to be a perfect way to tone down that emerald sheath or ruby sweater... or to play up your favorite patterned ensemble. What do you think??
Freshen up your color palette
We've been working on designing a super cute, subtly retro {yet elegant} Save the Date for a destination wedding this summer. It's been so fun looking at different color combinations to compliment the style, but this fresh monochromatic pairing landed on our favorites list.
So fun, isn't it?! You might have heard that mint is trending in weddings for 2013, so while dabbling in the freshness for their stationery design, we eagerly sought out inspiration in other areas to see how this hue is being used. Take a peek and let us know what you think...
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Tuesday Shoesday: Simply Stated
With so many bright and punchy colors trending lately {recap: neon last summer, jewel tones this winter and sherbets for the spring} it is imperative to have a versatile shoe to pair with all of the brightness! Emily & I can't get enough of our nude pumps {seriously, the best purchase ever} and when I saw this wedding on Wedding Chicks, featuring an adorable collection of nude peep toes, my heart leapt for joy! Truly.
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And while I'm at it, can I just say how much we adore the sweetly elegant, slightly understated gowns in contrast with all of the funky colors accenting this wedding?! Check out the rest of their feature!
*Photo courtesy of Leydon Photography
Ready to carpe diem!
Oh hello! How was your weekend? After a fabulous little get away to Lake Winnipesaukee, we're back and ready to tackle the grand to-do list that has been waiting for us in Boston. It's already apparent that this is going to be one of those weeks where we up the coffee intake and carpe diem!
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So at the start of this wonderful week, we want to know what motivates you in the mornings or really, any time of the day? What inspires you to carpe diem?
Weekend Inspiration
Wine pairing!
Chocolate & wine: these are a few of our favorite things! Soak up some of these pairing guidelines and get swirling and sipping with some friends this weekend.
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Send some snail mail!
My dear brother and sister-in-law gifted me this fun box of Jonathan Adler stationery for my birthday. The cards are bright, punchy & witty... and couldn't possibly be cuter! This weekend, we're inspired to go old school and send a friend some snail mail! Jump on the bandwagon!
Sport a snood!
What is a snood, you ask? A scarf variation that is completely trending right now!! Honestly, we're looking for anything to help fight against the below freezing temps and these are just stinkin' adorable! We're especially digging this one from Topshop!
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Happy weekending!
Pining for Purple
For the past couple months we've been working with one of our sweet clients to design fun & elegant invitations with pops of amethyst. As the job has been coming back from print, we've been ecstatically ripping open the boxes and swooning over the whole invitation suite and have developed a love for this jewel tone. Consequently, today's purseday pick is a dreamy violet bag from Prada that we've been eyeing for the last couple of weeks. Isn't she stunning!?!
Clockwise from top left:
Magnolia Gloves {via}
Marc Jacobs iPhone Case {via}
Square Stud Earrings {via}
Prada Saffiano Satchel Bag {via}
Kate Spade Franca Sunglasses {via}
What do you think of this hue? Are you crushing on it or avoiding it?!
Will you be my...
Choosing a bridal party is a tough and sensitive decision for many brides. To go with a large group or a small one? Do you include the fiancés family or not? What about your childhood best friend whom you always agreed you'd stand by each other... but you haven't been close with for years? In all honestly, if you're facing this dilemma {or have faced it before}, it simply means that you are blessed!! Yep, there's the silver lining, and it's ever bit true! Once you get past the tough part of making the decision, you can start to have fun with the asking... We adore this idea over on Wedding Chicks and time permitting, this would be our ideal route. Seriously, how cute is this?! Read more about the inspiration & the contents over on their blog!
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If you're a paper junkie like we are, you'll appreciate some of these sweet cards that get straight to the point. With a thoughtful card or letter, you can include some of the things you appreciate most about your friendship and perhaps the top 3 reasons why you need your gal by your side!
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And of course, leave it up to BHLDN to blow us out of the water with these precious kerchiefs!!!
How did you ask your maids? Any advice for current brides-to-be?
Winter wishing
In all honesty, one of my least favorite parts about winter is the need to stick to practical shoes about 90% of the time. Let's be honest, winter in New England requires a very different wardrobe than it ever did growing up in the Pacific Northwest. Gahhh! So I bid farewell to the potential of rocking cute shoes such as these Kate Spade Karolina Bow pumps, but I wholeheartedly encourage those in less frigid temps to carpe diem and sport some sassy winter heels!
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In the meantime, we'll just watch the snow fall... ;)
Happy MLK Day!
Wherever you find yourself on this grand holiday, we hope you're having a fabulous time relaxing, feeling inspired and enjoying time with those you care about most.
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See you tomorrow!
Weekend Inspiration
The weekend is so close we can taste it! What do you have up your sleeves for the next three days?? Here's what we're up to... all the while, searching for inspiration in every beat.
Bundle up!
We laugh in the face of mother nature, who is fighting our desire to have fun! According to my weather app, it "feels like" 6 degrees and we will rise to the occasion to pile on layers of our warmest clothes and don some of the sassiest earmuffs we can find.
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Crank up some good tunes!
Some super talented friends from Seattle are coming through to play a show in Boston. Needless to say, Emily & I are jumping up and down, excited to catch up with one of our dearest dudes, but we're {almost} equally as excited to get our dance on to the tunes of Allen Stone. Check him out!!! And, you're welcome.
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Do Something Meaningful!
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. day, we're challenged to jump out of our comfort zone and serve others. Since 1994, MLK day has been recognized as a National Day of Service. Find a project in your area or be creative and come up with a way to serve others on your own! Either way, let's celebrate and honor the freedom and equality that Dr. King fought for.
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Have a fabulous weekend!! xoxo
The Perfect Shopper
Why change up a perfectly good thing? Well, when it comes to handbags we can't think of a reason and THANKFULLY, Zara is in agreement with us on this one. The Braided Shopper has been making an appearance with slight variations for over a year now and it has proved to be quite a staple in any handbag collection! We're just swooning over the statement shape that exudes elegance {thank you for showing us how to rock it, Olivia Palermo!} and being made of 100% buffalo leather, can you IMAGINE how silky & soft this bag is?!
Engaged!
Just a couple of weeks into 2013 and we caught wind that some of our pretty paper was featured in Engaged Magazine!! What a way to start the year!!! Naturally, we needed to celebrate and couldn't resist gushing to you! If you have a chance, definitely snatch up a copy or view the online version, because it's just fabulous!
Stationery section aside, this issues is packed full of helpful "next steps" & checklists for the newly engaged and of course, it's chalked full of inspiration from cover to cover... everything from gowns to accessories to treats for your guests!
{Paper Moss Suite is on the far right side}
{Paper Moss Suite's are on the far left and far right side}
{Paper Moss Suites are on the far left side and middle}
Thanks for celebrating with us today!! Happy Wedding Wednesday!
Show Stoppers
Since we're always on the lookout for a killer pair of flats, we are just ADORING this bare arch variation by Jenni Kayne. Her ready to wear collection for Spring 2013 is to die for and we absolutely have our eyes on these D'Orsay Flats as a wardrobe necessity once we bid winter farewell.
Not that we have anything against the ever classic ballet flat, but it's kind of refreshing to mix it up with these show stoppers! Agree or Disagree? Happy Shoesday!
Momentus NY
A lady can never have too much jewelry, right?! Well needless to say when we come across a good custom jewelry find, we just can't resist sharing! Say hello to the perfect engagement, birthday, shower or "because you're pretty freakin' fabulous" gift, by Momentus New York:
GAH! Is anyone else dying to layer these with some existing baubles? And another one we're crushing on from their shop:
Do you currently have any custom pieces that you're loving on??
Weekend Inspiration
It's Friday alas, darlings! What do you have planned for the weekend? We're just itching to get out of the house, to try something new and to think out side of the box. Here are some suggestions for an inspiration filled weekend...
Get Crafty!
We love this super easy DIY to create some Kate Spade-esque mugs. You simply can't go wrong with gold polka dots!
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Fire up that stove!
I've fallen in love with this Kale, White Bean & Butternut Squash soup that Emily made a few weeks back. Seriously, it's delicious and it's actually healthy! Perfect comfort food for the season! Give it a try!!
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Get walkin'!
Go for a winter walk... no matter how cold it is! Insanity I know, but bundle up and experience the winter weather and reflect on your start to 2013. How are those resolutions coming along?
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Have a fabulously inspiring weekend!!!
Hey Junior!
Happy Thursday Purseday! Today we're excited to share a round up of purses that fall in the category of a recent handbag trend: Mini Bags! We've noticed this super cute miniature style from designers across the board and truly love the idea of lightening our load... and giving our shoulders a break. Perfect for a night out on the town or for a day of exploring!
{1} Tory Burch
{2} Rebecca Minkoff
{3} Milly
{4} Coach
{5} Loeffler Randall
What do you think?! Love it or hate it?
Vendor Love: Donna Morgan
Those spring & summer weddings are rapidly approaching, and we've got our eyes on these gorgeous bridesmaids gowns from Donna Morgan that are perfect for those seasons. In a variety of colors {we're kinda digging the soft sherbet tones}, these chiffon frocks can be mixed and matched to compliment each maids body type and complexion! Pick as many styles and colors as you like, but we guarantee, if you let them wear a style they're comfortable in, your ladies will LOVE you for it... and they'll be able to focus more time and energy on making sure you're having the time of your life!
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What do you think of the mixing and matching trend? Would you do it? Did you do it?
Mrs. Shoesday
Finding just the right shoes for your big day is not an easy task. Not only does a gal have to make sure they're comfortable, but obviously they must be the perfect color and just the right style too. Whenever you find those kicks, we LOVE the idea of adding this personal touch!
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Yep, they look super cute on sling backs but could work on nearly any style. All you have to do is add some adhesive glitter letters and you're set for a little custom pop! It's all in the details!
Wedding Website etiquette
Even though we're OBSESSED with all things paper, we're also huge fans of wedding websites. They are a fantastic way to communicate info to your guests information about the venue, accommodations + links, pre or post wedding events, and so on. If you're looking to start your own site, check out The Knot, the Wedding Channel or Wedding JoJo to get the ball rolling {it's never too soon!} and then, take note of these etiquette tips by none other than Emily Post, to make sure your site is perfectly polished.
Color Crush: Emerald
We've been hearing about it for months now: emerald is the Pantone color of the year for 2013. We're ridiculously in love with these bold jewel tones that are trending and are psyched to have recently completed our first emerald invite for 2013. Scouring the internet and Pinterest for inspiration made us crush on this color all the more. Please, pretty please join in our obsession:
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