November 20, 2013

Peacock Party

A Fabulous & Feathery First Birthday
This dream client contacted me last spring with the idea of creating a peacock themed 
party for her daughter's 1st Birthday and she gave me complete creative control!
My goals were to bring in different elements like bird cages, tissue (poms & tassels), feathers, frames 
& original creations using polka dot & peacock paper products, 
while trying to keep the decor elegant but still pleasing to children.
Many of these elements were handmade by several vendors & myself. 
Like I've mentioned in past party posts, I love creating unique, one of a kind items for parties. 
 See how it all came together after months of planning...

The peacock colors my client envisioned really popped!

The beautiful custom invite was created by Blue Egg Events & Design

I found the perfect vases (on sale!) at Hobby Lobby & Michael's to incorporate the feather design/shape (see the shapes on the glass!?). I filled them with various types of feathers of different lengths, shapes & sizes. The frames, also from Hobby Lobby, tied in another decor element that I used throughout the party, as you'll see in this post. I just added the scrapbook paper & a sparkly "L" for little Layne.

I have been dying to incorporate these big balloons with tassels into one of my styled parties 
& had my chance with this little girl party! 
 They add so much flair! Thank you, Shabby Lace!

More decor details.... 
The pom & lantern piece from Simply Crafts Boutique, was a beautiful focal point in the peacock gazebo.
 I created the detailed banners for the food table & Layne's highchair. 

The party guest list included lots of toddlers and 
I love using the child size tables from rental companies like Party People. 
The pewter bird cages I found at Michael's were made festive by adding ribbon, feathers & a frame. 

Activities...
It's important for little guests to be entertained at parties!

Bubble makers were a huge hit with this group & the wind made it even better as the little ones loved chasing bubbles all around the party site!

A little crafting took place as well...

Food...
 There was a lovely spread of fruit, cheeses, grilled veggies & 
an assortment of cocktail sandwiches from Wildflower Bread Company.
I made the peacock box & filled it with grape kabobs for the little ones (thanks Pinterest)!


Beverages...

I came up with a fun water bottle "label" using polka dot paper from Lane & May Studio and the polka dot flags from DIY My Party that were also used for the napkin rings.  
Assortment of straws from The TomKat Studio

Using scrapbook paper & crystals, I made these "charms," reminiscent of peacock feathers, for the champagne flutes. 
It seems many parents of toddlers like an "adult beverage" option 
when attending birthday parties! :)

Desserts...
I about flipped when I found these lime green candelabras from Home Goods! The candle holders were the perfect size to display the mini cupcakes. I added small poms & 
a feather to tie in other party elements.

Vegan cupcakes, hand painted cookies (yes - they were each hand painted) and ombre smash cake made by an uber talented friend of my client.
Mini cupcake wrappers in party colors (& polka dot too!) by Dress My Cupcake and the  
 edible sugar peacock feather toppers were found at Tasty Prints.



These little darlings were anxious for a sweet treat!



How *amazing* is Layne's peacock attire? Awesome find by her mommy!

Favors...
A party isn't complete without party favors. These favors were pretty amazing! 
Dream Accessories made each little girl a special headband complete with a mini peacock feather and every little boy was sent home with a black bow tie. So stylish, right?!

I continued with the bird cage decor element here for the display & thank you tags. The display cage from Amazon only comes in brown and the accessory stand from Michael's was white... 
 a little pewter spray paint & sparkly pins transformed them into the display pieces for the special gifts. 

Happy Birthday, Layne!

Thank you M family for trusting me to style a lovely peacock party in celebration of your darling little pea chick's 1st birthday! 
What a truly lovely family... I was so honored to be your party stylist!

******
  My party styling services can be as minimal as looking for that perfect invite for a client to providing a themed candy or dessert buffet, to planning every last detail including rentals, food, activities & more! For more information regarding my services & pricing, please contact me at least six to eight 
weeks prior to your event date.




October 2, 2013

Being 5 Rocks!


ROCK ON!
I was recently asked to help style a 5th birthday party for my ultra talented friend, Jennifer Fitzgerald, owner of Jennifer's Catering (& coming soon... The Market by Jennifer's). 
Her son was all about having a Rock n' Roll party! This special celebration was complete with a red carpet concert entrance, tasty savories for children & adults prepared by Jennifer, 
a dessert buffet, photo booth & a DJ! 
All of the guests had a ROCKIN' good time!













Happy 5th Birthday, Cooper! 
You ROCK!

Party Decor & Dessert Buffet: Savvy Styled Sessions & Events
Cookies: 5's, musical notes & stars - Barb's Bakery, guitars - my mom :)
Photo Booth: Savvy Styled Sessions & Events



September 16, 2013

Makeup Monday!

Long Lasting Lips
I've been wearing Chanel lip gloss (in the same color family) for years and last week as I was getting my new tubes, I asked the woman at the counter about trying something new & different, but still glossy. I stumbled upon their "Ultra Wear Lip Colour" aka, lip stain. I've never used a long lasting lipstick but was certainly open to it. SOLD!

  I applied yesterday at about 9am and it was still looking great nearly 6 hours later! Not to mention, the color is gorgeous...the perfect pink for me,"Light Rose." 


Found here or at your local Chanel counter. "Light Rose" is not available on line.

September 11, 2013

What to Wear

What to Wear Wednesday - Portrait Inspiration!

Style Reminders:
LAYER
Depending on the weather, location and time of year for your portrait session, it's smart to layer clothing. Layering adds interest and breaks up patterned clothing. I layered a long sleeve shirt over a check button down for brother and a white button down under mom's check cardigan.

COLOR POP
 Color pops aren't a crucial aspect in styling your family but it certainly adds a little something special or unique. I added bight pink shoes & accessories for the "ladies" in the family!



August 18, 2013

Wellies in Maine

Oh how we love Maine... 

 My husband and I have a love for the East Coast, specifically Maine. This summer we had the most amazing getaway with my in-laws, brother-in-law & his fiance, in a remote town (Little Deer Isle) where the cool & wet weather were a welcome change from the 110+ temps we left behind. We think it's the best kept secret in the US... at least for a few months out of the year!

 I've wanted a really good reason to purchase a nice pair of rain boots so when we booked the trip, I was on it. I really didn't think we'd NEED them due to rain, but envisioned myself with my little guy walking along the rocky beach in our matching boots. I guess I've just always associated Maine with "Wellies." My impractical, heavy, bulky items that were squeezed into the suitcases weren't so impractical after all & turned out to be the best items packed! The boots saved us... they kept us dry, warm, clean and of course *stylish* in Maine!


Rainy day in Blue Hill...



 Clamming in Little Deer Isle...
Now I really looked like the smart one who packed boots! 


We found just three clams that weren't edible & LOTS & LOTS of delicious (hubby's fave) mussels!


With the Schooner Captain for our ride in Penobscot Bay... 

And a few of my faves...





Thank you, Maine!
 Thank you for the many "Firsts," the $3.50/lb lobster, the mussels on "our beach," the exposure to different lifestyles, wildlife and scenery but most of all, for the family time we spent creating wonderful memories.