Wednesday, March 30, 2011

what I love: carol hannah wedding collection!

I'll admit it: if there's one thing I adore it's a good ol' Southern gal, and Carol Hannah is just that - a Southern gal thrown into the wild fashion world of New York city. What's more? She's rocking it with her whimsical take on all things beautiful!

She designs all types of dresses. So for those of you who aren't brides just yet, she's go something for you too - like this beauty from her Ready to Wear collection:

But for those of you who are looking for the perfect dress for your big day, you must, must, must check out her wedding collection!

I picture this dress on a chic city bride getting married in a ballroom downtown. It's the perfect blend of elegance and whimsy.

Or this one!

Adorable, huh? Couldn't you imagine slipping into that right before your loft wedding downtown?

And for a casual outdoor affair? She gives you this piece of gorgeousness!
All images courtesy of Carol Hannah

There are no words to explain how much I love her work, and I'm pretty sure you'll find something in her collection to fall in love with too!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

what I love: fingerprint rings!

This is one for all those couples out there who know they want something different for their big day but just aren't sure where to start. I was lucky enough to be tipped off to these beauties by one of my most recent clients. They got them for their ceremony, and so for you, I have something so special and unique - I bet you didn't even know it existed: fingerprint rings! That's right. These are 100% custom rings with your (and your hubby-to-be) fingerprints on, or in, them. You truly can't get much more personalized than that!
photo credit: fabuluster

How awesome are these?! And the variations available are seemingly endless!
photo credit: fabuluster

I can't think of a better way to literally have a piece of your significant other with you from now until forever.
photo credit: fabuluster

What's better? The rings are so clean and chic to boot!

So it's true! What I love this week are fingerprint rings! Do you love 'em too?

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

what I love: ombre!

There are so many things to love about ombre that I don't even know where to begin. For those of you who are unfamiliar with what ombre is, the simplest definition is a shaded effect of color which can be applied to nearly anything. Many people immediately think of ombre fabric. Like this dress features: 

 But the fact of the matter is ombre can be applied to so very many different things! And when you're talking ombre at weddings, you're talking beautiful. Just take a gander at the various ombre items available at our beck and call!

One of my favorite applications of ombre is on a wedding cake. The best purveyor of ombre wedding cakes - hands down? Maggie Austin. And for all of you local DC brides, you're in luck cause her homebase is right here in the District!
photo credit: Maggie Austin Cake
 I know you just fell in love; no need to lie to yourself.

Looking for a gorgeous ombre shift dress, are you? I have the perfect one thanks to Alice and Olivia.
photo credit: a blond and a brunette

And for those of you who are looking for just a pop of ombre, you can't get much better than these gorgeous and (incredibly) unique earrings!
That's leather fringe dip-dyed in a fabulous purple. I know, I know. You just fell in love again.

You didn't think I was going to leave out the original wedding ombre, courtesy of Gwen Stefani. What a gorgeous rebel she is.

Finally, I did in fact leave the best for last - a little wedding DIY ombre project that is oh so simple and, more importantly, oh so undeniably beautiful.
photo credit: Once Wed
What are those? Ombre napkins you see! That's right. You can't get more chic than that. What's better? they're ridiculously inexpensive to pull off. Check out all the instructions over here at Once Wed!

There's no denying that what I love this week is absolutely ombre. You don't have to say a word. I know you love it too!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

what I love: cupcake fondue!

After celebrating Valentine's Day with a whole lot of fondue action, I kind of fell in love with the stuff. Plus, I love all things miniature. So imagine my absolute delight in finding this recipe for cupcake fondue thanks to the owner of Bake It Pretty, Amanda Krueger!

I think it would be perfect for a bridal shower, a birthday party, or even as a midnight snack at a wedding! How much fun would that be? I mean, just look at the amazingness that is CUPCAKE FONDUE!
photo credit: Pint Size Social
Since I know you're dying for it, here's the recipe!

Cupcake Fondue
You will need:
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup liquid (orange juice, fruit juice, milk, or water)
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
Miniature-size cupcakes in the flavor of your choice, cooled and unfrosted
Assorted sprinkles, chopped nuts, and other toppings

1. Make a batch of your favorite mini cupcakes – homemade or from a mix. Make them nice and small so you don’t feel guilty about enjoying 2 or 3 of them. If you use paper liners for baking, remove them after the cupcakes have cooled. Pound cake or any other firm cake works well for skewering, but any cake will do. I used a simple yellow box-mix cake. Allow to cool completely before dipping.
photo credit: Pint Size Social
2.  Make the fondue: Whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and corn syrup.  Adjust the consistency with a drop of liquid or a dash more powdered sugar until you get have a smooth, thick glaze.  I used orange juice for the liquid portion to give it a citrus flavor and cheese-like yellow fondue color.  You could also use grape juice for a pastel purple, or milk/water and add your own coloring.
photo credit: Pint Size Social

3.  Pour frosting into the fondue pot.  There’s really no need to heat the mixture, but you can keep a small tea light or very low flame underneath just for looks!  Display sprinkles and toppings in small ramekins or portion cups and arrange around the fondue pot.  Skewer cupcakes in the side and dip the top half into the fondue, then flip the cupcake over and the frosting will drip nicely down the sides.  Sprinkle liberally with your favorite toppings.
photo credit: Pint Size Social
You may need to give the fondue a quick stir every now and then to keep it smooth if you aren’t actively dipping... This would be a great addition to a party desert table, or for a special treat on a rainy day.  Enjoy!

So I have no doubt that what I love this week is cupcake fondue, but what do you say - you love it too?!

All images and directions thanks to, Pint Size Social who had the fabulous interview with Amanda featured on their site.