Monday, December 3, 2012

Till Death Do Us Part Is For Quitters

Our good friends recently celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary (yay!) This post is inspired by the wedding card Saira gave them (which is now hanging on their wall) which reads "'Til death do us part' is for quitters". Normally, we wouldn't equate skeletons with romance -- but the sentiment was just so romantic that we felt inspired! Plus, pink peonies and butterflies are certainly not for everyone, and your wedding day should really express your personal style. So if you are a bride who walks on the dark side, enjoys "goth" style, is an osteologist, or is in it for the long run, then a skull and bones wedding is just for you! Believe it or not, a skull and bones wedding can be pretty classy -- think a black and white ball, with some edge! You don't have to go overboard with this style, but throw in a few skeletal details and you'll have yourself a fun and interesting wedding theme that will keep your guests talking. 



XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Monday, October 8, 2012

Cozy Up In a Sweater Dress

We love shopping for cold weather clothing. There is something so comforting about wrapping yourself up in thick, rich fabrics and feeling all toasty warm. Of course, you can't sport your snuggie or giant cardigan all day long, so a sweater dress is a perfect solution for cold autumn and winter days. Go for a loose, thick style for a comfy, casual look or a sleeker, more fitted look that is perfect for the office. Pair it with boots or flats, and some bangles, and you'll look be all set for what the day may bring.




XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Hot Leather In the City

It is officially fall and the weather is finally cooling down, so now is prime time to rock your favorite fall trends. Last year, we posted about the faux leather trend, and this year the trend continues. Today's focus is on faux leather dresses,  which we absolutely love but are a bit wary of pulling off. Our theory is that you can start off gradual with just some leather embellishments and then before you know it, you will be clad head to toe in leather like Angelina Jolie on the red carpet.

1.  The Limited | 2. DKNY | 3. Aqua | 4. Urban Code | 5. Urban Hearts | 6. Top Shop


 XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Monday, September 24, 2012

London Fashion Week Favorites

Well, dolls, we know we are a little behind schedule but it's finally time to show you our favorites from London Fashion Week. We had a great time going through these designs which we felt were much more  ready to wear than some of the styles from NY that we saw a few weeks ago.  Many of our favorites from London are chic, feminine, and really just very pretty!  Here are some things to look forward to this spring but stay tuned for more from Milan:


Temperley

Mulberry


Matthew Williamson


Vivienne Westwood

Burberry

Marios Schwab

House of Holland 

Giles

Richard Nicholl

Christopher Kane

Images courtesy of London Fashion Week 

XOXO
Jen & Saira

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Fashion Week: Spring 2013 Collections Part 2

Fashion week in London has been off to a brilliant start, but before we head across the pond, here are a few of our remaining favorites from last week's shows in NYC!

Zac Posen


Calvin Klein


Monique Lhuillier


Tory Burch


Vivienne Tam


Ralph Lauren


Rachel Zoe


DKNY


Nanette Lepore


Michael Kors


Naeem Khan

All photos courtesy of Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week

XOXO
Jen & Saira 






Friday, September 14, 2012

Fashion Week: Spring 2013 RTW Collections

Well dolls, it's that time again.  Time to wish you a "Happy Fashion Week"!  Now is the time to get the scoop on what the fashion trends will be for Spring.  Sure, we've barely begun to feel the fall chill and haven't even taken our jackets and boots out of storage, but these styles for Spring energize us and give us something to look forward to while we suffer through the cold of Winter.  So, what are the trends?  Well, it looks like we're seeing a great deal of harness type styles that look a little bit bondage-like, but are softened up with loose, flowy fabrics!  We're also seeing lots of feminine, vintage type patterns like brocade in soft colors and metallics, pretty belts and bows, and lace is still very popular for Spring 2013.  Anyway, here are a handful of our favorite collections so far in no particular order:

Badgley Mischka

Marc Jacobs

BCBG

Carmen Marc Valvo

Lela Rose

Vera Wang

Jason Wu
All images courtesy of www.mbfashionweek.com, www.nymag.com, and www.style.com.  
Check out the sites to view the full collections!


XOXO
Jen & Saira

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Peplum Love

Our favorite fashion trend right now is the peplum look. It makes your waist look teeny tiny and tastefully covers up the tummy, giving a girl the perfect silhouette. Of course, the peplum look is not for everyone -- just take a look at Kim Kardashian. That said, we absolutely love how the peplum looks feels both 80s throwback and sci-fi futuristic at the same time. Our motto is, you never know until you try!

1. Top Shop  | 2. Oasis  | 3. Urban Outfitters | 4. H&M | 5. Anthropologie | 6. Aqua


XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Real Wedding Planning: The Dress

For those of you who were waiting with bated breath, Saira and Henry have chosen The Mezzanine at The National Newark Building as their wedding venue! With that big decision out of the way, the next major question is: The Dress. The wedding dress is arguably the most important decision for the bride. In Pakistani weddings, the wedding dress is typically red. Modern brides, however, look to their wedding dress to reflect their wedding colors. Here are some options for the modern Pakistani / Indian bride, let us know what you think!

Traditional

Neutrals

Rose

Aqua

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Eco Chic Wedding

We love posting about green and eco-friendly ideas. There really is something to be said about feeling when doing good, and the most important day to feel good is your wedding day! But let's be real -- sometimes echo chic can also be a little bit shabby chic. And while we absolutely love that style, it's not for every bride. So we started thinking hard about stylish ways to make your wedding eco-friendly. There are basic ways to make your wedding green, such as reducing your carbon footprint by having your ceremony and reception at the same venue, providing shuttle services to reduce car emissions, using cloth napkins, using organic materials in lieu of paper confetti, and so on. In addition to these basic suggestions, here are some ideas for recycled invitations, favors, centerpieces, and more! 





XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Color Day: Prep School Perfection

Happy Wednesday, dolls! We recently noticed the navy and green combination popping up in a number of things in Kate Spade's collections (bracelets, shoes, earrings, etc!) and just fell in love with it. But, admittedly, when we first decided to make a color board with these colors we immediately thought of Blair Waldorf in her bold golden yellow headband and Constance school uniform. We also thought of the University of Notre Dame's Fighting Irish, but the Queen B and her band of minions seemed slightly more in tune with the look we would like this board to inspire.  As some schools have already begun for Fall in the Northeast, it seems like the appropriate time to study a combination of colors that really evoke a scholarly feel.  Here are some ways to incorporate academia in your decor for a preppy look that's sure to earn you an A+ for style!


1. Express | 2. Wedding Obsession | 3. Edie Castle | 4. Dahlia's Day | 5. Wedding Chicks |
6. One Fab Day | 7. RGB Color | 8. Wedding Resource Guide via Brooklyn Bride |
9. Style Me Pretty | 10. EW | 11. One Wed |


XOXO
Jen & Saira

Friday, August 17, 2012

Real Wedding Planning: Save the Dates, Photo Booth Edition

We are going full speed ahead with Saira's wedding planning. The date is pretty much set, which means time to plan the Save the Date cards! We've already posted on some fun and creative Save the Date ideas in the past, but today we want to focus on photo booth save the dates. Yes photo booths are a bit overdone on the wedding scene, but that doesn't mean they're still not fun! It's a relatively cost effective option where you can involve fun visuals and crafts. There are a number of ways to do it -- stick the photo on card stock for a basic Save the Date card, create a larger card using photo strip images, or convert the photo strip into a  magnet or book mark. You don't need to get a professional photographer to help you out either.




Let us know if any you are feeling any of these options, and we'd love some suggestions!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Monday, August 13, 2012

What A Stud

A recent shopping trip in Soho made it abundantly clear that studs are in this fall. Pretty much everywhere you looked you saw metallic embellishments on tops, bags, shoes, and dresses. Fall always brings out the punk rock in fashion (we think it's all the plaid) and this season will be no exception. It's a great way to liven up an otherwise tame wardrobe. We're huge fans of the studded loafers, but take your pick!



XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Friday, August 3, 2012

Fall Fashion: Cap Toe Shoes

If you've found yourself wandering over to the shoe department of your favorite store (we know, how could you not?!), you've probably noticed one of summer and fall's biggest trends, pumps and flats with contrasting colored toe caps! Cap-toe heels, flats, booties, and wedges are a must have for Fall.  So, when you pack up your strappy summer sandals and peep toes, grab yourself a pair of cap toe shoes to take you from the work day into those chilly fall evenings.   Cap toes can be chic and professional in neutrals, soft materials, and classic shapes.  But, if your looking for a more edgy and modern look you can opt for a metal cap or bright color to bring out your playful side. There are plenty of styles to choose from to take you from work the the weekend with ease!


1. Zappos | 2. Top Shop | 3. J. Crew | 4. Steve Madden
5. Anthropologie | 6. Zappos | 7. ASOS | 8. ShoeBuy |


XOXO
Jen & Saira

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Olympics Party

This is PDR's very first Olympic Games and we couldn't be more excited! We've been glued to the TV watching with anticipation as the US collects medals in swimming, gymnastics, and more.   The energy, dedication, sportsmanship, and let's not forget the muscles (Why, hello there, Mr. Lochte..) have wowed us each year and this year has already had its share of surprises. Are you planning to cheer on Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, Gabby Douglas, and your other favorite top athletes? This event only happens once every four years so make it special by inviting some friends over and watching the games together.  Here are some ideas on how to make your celebration extra festive:


1. A Small Snippet | 2. Netsy and Company | 3. Vox Magazine | 4. Examiner Via Pinterest |
5. dotcomsformoms via Pinterest | 6. Heart and Arrow Events | 7. GFetti | 8. Paper and Cake

Go for the gold!

XOXO
Jen & Saira

Monday, July 30, 2012

Wedding Shower Inspiration: Daniela's Vintage Tea Party

Every girl dreams of her beautiful wedding day with formal invitations, lush flowers, elegant  details, white dresses, and ever so helpful bridesmaids.  But, would you dream that your bridal shower could be the scene stealer?  Today we are pleased to share Daniela's "vintage tea party" themed bridal shower, exquisitely put together by her thoughtful and creative bridesmaids.  From homemade Vanilla extract favors to handmade doily garland and paper pom poms, this is a shower is full of charming personal touches that helped to create an elegant and sophisticated day for the bride to remember.


We asked one of the bridesmaids to give us her take on how they went about planning this event and here are some of the thoughts and insite she shared with us:

Was there an overarching theme for the shower?
Our initial thought for a theme was an elegant, soft, vintage inspired tea party, but we didn't want to take it too literally and serve just tea and put pictures of tea kettles and cups on everything. We wanted to keep it as elegant and sophisticated as possible. Towards the end it had felt like we broke pretty far away from our initial "tea party" idea but then seeing it all come together and looking at the pictures now, I think it translates as just that.

How did you come up with the ideas for the theme/decor?
Most of the ideas stemmed from things we knew Daniela loved and then we used our own ideas and inspirations found online to embellish on that. 

It seemed there were a lot of little details. How long did it take you to plan?
It's hard to say how long it took to plan since I'm sure we both had been thinking of ideas since before Daniela was even engaged. But I believe our actual planning probably began about 6 months ahead of time. For example, our favors (Homemade Vanilla Extract) had to sit for 4-5 months before being bottled and ready to use.

How did you choose the venue?
We knew we wanted to host it at a place where we had complete control and constant access so we could be planning and setting up in the months, days, and hours beforehand, so that is why we decided to host it in Sheryl's backyard. We felt having it at a hall or restaurant, although less work for us in the long run, would limit us.

How long did it take you to set up?
As for the set up, we did a lot of prepping in the months and weeks before the shower and stored everything in Sheryl's basement. We began setting things up in the yard the evening before (once the tent was set up and tables & chairs delivered) and spent the day of the shower doing the final touches. After the shower and the following day was the clean up...which with a lot of helping hands was a breeze!

What types of games did you play?
For games there was bridal bingo, a word search, and a Pat & Daniela quiz. We also placed LRC (Left Right Center) games along the table for people to play at their own will, but I think people were too busy chatting, eating, and drinking to be bothered to play .

Did you do it all yourselves?
We (Sara and Sheryl) did all of the planning and coordinating ourselves and tackled the majority of the decor and details. Thankfully both Daniela and Pat's mothers were very eager to help and were very generous in their contributions (tent, tables, chair & linen rentals, catering, and tons of additional desserts).

Was it a surprise?
The date, time and location of the shower were not a surprise to the bride to be -- we actually even placed an invitation to her own bridal shower on her front steps spruced up with some flowers. But we didn't let any of the details slip. 

Want to throw a shower like this?  Check the links these ladies have posted on Ruffled and Craig's List if you are interested in purchasing the china, glassware, server ware, and other items for your very own tea-party themed event!  Not all of the items are for sale, but it will certainly get you off to a great start!

Thanks to Sara and Sheryl for sharing these photos and detail with us and warmest congratulations to Daniela, the lovely bride to be!

XOXO
Jen & Saira