Fashion Designer Bag we love

Always trying to be “fashion forward”, we must tell you about Lancel creating the Brigitte Bardot Bag.  For those of you who do not know this fashion and beauty icon, you must!  Bardot was a French naturelle beauty and nonconformist that had Hollywood in the palm of her hand during the early 60′s. She was a legend in beauty and fashion, so we just loved discovering the Lancel designer BB Bag they have created in honour of her. 

Lancel describes Bardot as “anti-conventional, archi-natural, too beautiful”  and we agree.  The tousled blonde remains the “absolute symbol of French Legerete”.  All of the fashions she launched are today’s more than ever; skinny, ankle length jeans and ballet “flatties” slippers-the jeans and shoes we all adore today! 

We love that this nonconformist went out “on the edge” with her wedding dress too.  She was the FIRST to dare wear a plunging neckline, wasp waist and cotton  pink gingham, yes gingham, dress on her wedding day.  Needless to say, it made the cover of every fashion magazine. 

Oh, Brigitte, thank you for making fashion daring, fun and timeless.  Thank you for allowing us to have sexy, tousled locks and making a blonde craze that never stopped.  Thank you for inventing the “smoky eye” with eyeliner extended into a defined almond shape and heavy lashes; something we have imitated, but never accomplished like you. Thank you for making St. Tropez a place we could read about, dream about and travel to. But most of all thank you for being yourself plus making your Hollywood era so much fun (47 films and 80 songs) .

The Lancel design team, has made your new bag just as we should expect.  The signature BB monogrammed charms, the satchel style (lined in no other than pink gingham) and the variety of color to make it exactly whatever we dare it to be.  Just like you; unexpected, dazzling and unforgettable!

PS Your handbag is beautiful and we would go out on a limb and pick the pink one.

By Kim

Special thanks to Harvey Nichols Department Store and Lancel

www.daligramme.com,  http://www.lifescapemag.com/brigitte-bardot-bag-for-lancel/

Vintage styling is very popular today among clothing and accessories, but it is especially characterized for country inspired weddings. There are many ways you can decorate your venue and reception with unique items, such as Mason Jars, barn wood, old iron works, fencing and containers.  The Mason jar is so popular and has a lot of uses.  Did you know that Mason jars were invented by John Mason to improve the process for preserving and canning food?  Your grandmother’s food, as a child, was probably prepared in a Mason jar.

Today, they are used as decoration, and make for very unique, cute décor for many brides. Whether you use 10 or 100, they add a nice DIY (do it yourself) look that fits perfectly into a vintage/ rustic theme wedding.  Here are some great ways to use them:

By Andrea

Vases

Drinking Glasses

Candle holders

Table numbers

Centerpieces for tables

Décor

Hanging Mason jar candle holders

Pew markers

Get Lucky Downtown on St. Patrick’s Day

As St. Patrick’s Day draws near, there are some can’t miss events going on downtown Indianapolis that you won’t want to miss!

Hayley’s Pick-32nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade has over 80 units made up of high school bands, floats, catholic schools, Irish dancers, bag pipe & drum bands, Irish organizations, law enforcement, local media and celebrities. The parade is free to the public. www.indystpats.com

When: March 16; 11:30 a.m.

Where: North Street South to Ohio, North on Meridian, ending at Vermont Street

Friday, March 16, 2012

Andrea’s Pick-Hoosier Lottery Greening of the Canal
Sponsored by the Hoosier Lottery, the Greening of the Canal is an annual tradition. Enjoy live music, dancing, celebrity appearances and of course, the greening of the canal. Free coffee and donuts are provided and prizes from the Hoosier Lottery will given to a few lucky winners. www.hoosierlottery.com

When: March 16; 6 a.m.

Where: Canal Walk, near Ohio and West Streets

Nate’s Pick- Vermont Street Tent Party
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will host a tent party on Vermont Street Friday, March 16th. There is live Irish entertainment, food, beer garden and St. Patrick’s Day merchandise. The tent is free to enter and it is open to the public.

http://www.indystpats.com/runwalk/index.htm

When: March 16; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Where: Vermont Street, between Meridian and Pennsylvania Streets

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Mary Beth’s Pick- Shamrock Run and Walk
The 21st Annual Shamrock Run and Walk is the official race of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The race is open to people of all ages and abilities. Join the fun with thousands of others by participating in either the 4-mile Run/Walk (with timing tag) or the 4-mile Fun Walk (without timing tag). The course starts at Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis and goes to Fountain Square, home of the Irish Hill, before finishing back on the Circle. www.indystpats.com/runwalk/index.htm

When: March 17; 10 a.m.

Where: Monument Circle to Fountain Square

Jessica’s Pick- ShamRockin’ the Circle
After the Shamrock Run and Walk, enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on Monument Circle with entertainment, awards, prizes, food and beer garden. Local Irish bands including Eunan McIntyre, Elevation (U2 Tribute Band)and Second Fiddle will perform. This event is free to the public. www.indystpats.com

When: March 17; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Where: Monument Circle

Kim’s Pick- 14^th Annual Indianapolis Downtown Irish Fest- The Rathskeller
It might be the German house, but The Rathskeller knows how to go Irish this time every year for Indianapolis Downtown Irish Fest. The festivities begin at 11 a.m. with great drink specials, authentic Irish food and live performances by local artists. Check out The Irish Dancers of Indianapolis, Brian Cunningham & The Irish Aires and The Gordon Pipers. www.rathskeller.com

by Mary Beth

Fashion Finds

Well it’s here, or at least we all hope. It’s time to put away those coats and Ugg boots and bring out your bright, spring attire. If you’re anything like me, your bank account may become low due to all the cute spring clothes, accessories, and shoes.  Here is a list of my MUST HAVES for Spring 2012.

• Small Crossbody purse for when you are on the go! This Marc Jacobs cross body is the perfect size and color to wear all day long, or for a night out.
• Colored Skinny jeans are soooo fun. Anyone can pull them off with flip-flops or a pair of wedges. Turquoise, red, and coral are already in my closet and very popular for spring!
• TOMS shoes are very comfy, cute, and lightweight. They are so easy to throw on with a pair of capris and still look very stylish. There are so many colors, patterns, and styles to fit your personality.  Haven’t heard of Toms? Check out their website! They give a pair of shoes to a child in need one for one when you purchase them. Look cute and help out a great cause!
• Rose Gold Watches are very popular and can we worn with jeans and a shirt to your best dress and heels. Rose gold looks stunning on any skin tone and when it hits that spring time sun is absolutely gorgeous! My favorite is Michael Kors.
• Loop Scarves were very popular this winter and now are coming out in lightweight material for spring. Even with a tank, the right print pops and makes a great outfit fabulous! A great pairing with your colored jeans.

Pitctures from:

www.toms.com

www.americaneagle.com

www.michaelkors.com

www.leatherhandbags.com

By Andrea

Kim and I had the opportunity to visit Anthropolgie’s new bridal store, BLHDN in Chicago this week. BLHDN pronounced Beholden, means “to keep” in dutch. The store itself was stunning and set a very classy, yet unique image.  It is only the second location in the entire nation.

Kim King Smith and I really enjoyed seeing all of the stylish, very detailed gowns they had. There were gowns ranging from $600- $6000 in all different styles, including bridal and reception seperates which were gorgeous as well.  For those Anthropolgie fans out there, you will fall in love with all they have to offer. Not only do they have unique bridal gowns but also hair accessories, jewelry, shoes, gifts,and bowties.  You’ll even want to pack a few of their things for may want for your honeymoon, including lingerie.  If you’re in the Windy City any time soon, make sure to put BLHDN on your list of places to visit! You wont regret it! It’s on our list!

By Andrea

http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com/blog/bhldn-has-been-officially-unveiled

http://chicago.racked.com/archives/2012/02/13/bhldn-opens-tomorrow-this-is-what-it-looks-like.php

The big question “What do I wear to a wedding?”

 You want to look your best for the occasion yet not steal all of the bride’s glory.  First and foremost think about where the wedding is. Is it outside, inside, at a church, outdoors, on the beach or a country club? Will you be cold or warm?

For the Ladies

Depending upon what style of wedding, here are some
great suggestions.

If the wedding is during the day and informal, a short dress is perfectly acceptable. If in the evening a cute cocktail dress will be comfortable and allow you to dance the night away.

The little black dress is always a perfect selection. Don’t be afraid to add a little more glam or accessorize it.

If the wedding is formal or black-tie a long gown or dressy cocktail dress is perfect.

For an outdoor affair, a dressy sundress can be a great choice.

For the Gentlemen

Men, your wardrobe is very important too. Just like the ladies, depending on the location and time of year different outfits are considered appropriate.

In the summertime a light colored suit made of linen or seersucker not only looks sharp but is also light and comfortable.

During winter, wool suits, sweaters underneath blazers, and navy and charcoal are all very dressy and will impress guests.

Bow ties always add some fun to the wardrobe and are one of our favorites.

For informal weddings, a shirt, tie, dress pants and vests are acceptable; however, a blazer is also a good choice.

If you feel too dressed up you can easily remove the blazer.

Remember, weddings are the Bride and Groom’s  special day. They worked very hard and invested
a lot of time to make it just right! Be considerate in what you select to wear
and when in doubt, always take it up a step.

Quick tips:

Don’t wear white.

Save black for the evening.

No need to worry about coordinating your outfit with that of the colors of the wedding.

If the invitation says, Wear your best black”, be prepared to know it is a more formal occasion.

If the invitation says “black tie” be prepared to wear evening gowns, very dressy cocktail dresses and possibly a tux.

By Kim and Andrea

http://weddings.about.com/cs/weddingguests/a/guestattire.htm

http://fashion.about.com/cs/tipsadvice/a/weddingguest.htm

http://shopping.aol.com/articles/2008/06/12/what-not-to-wear-to-a-wedding-and-what-to-wear-instead/

Pictures
from

www.wingslevel.com

www.chictopia.com

www.hugestore.com

www.weddinginthebox.com

                                                                                                                                                                          

Did you think that your boyfriend
would propose on Valentine’s Day?

Even though it’s come and gone, ladies, there is still hope!

Here are 6 signs that your man is about to pop the
question!

1. He is extra helpful. Before proposing, he will start showing
interest in domestic things such as doing the dishes or going to Bed Bath and
Beyond to give his opinion on the newest home décor.

2. He seems boastful. Every man wants to be able to provide for their wife. Right before
the proposal he will not only brag about his capabilities, to ensure a” yes”
out of you, but also reassure himself of his decision.

3. He acts like you have just started dating. He is pulling out all the stops to “wow” you
right before the big question. Leaving you cute little notes, sending flowers
to work and surprising you with little gifts are just a few hints of
pre-proposal.

4. He becomes interested in your choice of gold or platinum. He knows your friends
will ask how he proposed, so he is finding out everything you’ve been thinking
to make it special. Every girl wants that absolutely amazing story about the
day they got engaged and how it occurred. He is concerned about the details.

5. Most of the time he is laid back but not recently. He becomes fidgety, even acting
rather nervous. He even exchanges secret conversations with your mother or best
friend.

6. Beware of a “romantic” walk, dinner at a certain restaurant or you being very punctual at
specific site.

By Kim and Andrea

Photo by Nathaniel Edmunds Photography

Credits to Cosmopolitan.com

The runway report is in and lace is the new look! Its intricate beauty has captivated queens and starlets since Queen Victoria, and today it
is making a classy comeback with modern cuts and details. If you are looking for something very romantic and soft, lace is a beautiful material for a timeless wedding. It is ultrafeminine, classic, and romantic. Interested in adding a one of a kind detail to your dress? Lace capelets have the look of old Hollywood glam and can be wornover a lace gown. This little added coverage over a strapless gown is a greatvintage or two-in-one look, especially if you are on a budget! Lace is atimeless material, and some go so far as to makelace the theme of their decor. Check out some of these lace accents!

Credits to

www.oncewed.com

www.zoeclarkcakes.com

http://cf.stylemepretty.com

www.pinterest.com

http://cupcakesandcashmere.com

www.stylemepretty.com

www.brides.com

www.marthastewartweddings.com

www.alvinavalenta.com

http://www.jlmcouture.com

By Melissa