Archive for November, 2010

Date: Nov 15 2010

Filed Under: Entertaining

On Sunday we celebrated Lilly’s first birthday with about 50 of our family and friends – lucky girl!  It was a great success as everything went as scheduled (whew), everyone had a great time, and most importantly, Lilly had a blast!  It was a lot of work, work that I way underestimated.  Thank goodness I had family in to help.  It couldn’t have been done without them.  Really.  Love you family.  And thank you so so much to all of my friends and family that helped and lended a hand (or more).
So, as you can see, I wasn’t bluffing and was indeed inspired by this post I wrote about a month back.  I love the balloons!   But I should probably start with the party invitations, right?  Well, after countless hours searching for the perfect invitation I realized I needed to go with a different approach.  So I contacted Helena of Pop Pop Portraits (because I’ve been crushing on her art for about a year now) to do a custom watercolor of Lilly and her favorite Bla Bla doll.  She added in some party details and we turned it into the invitation. 
Note: I’ve removed personal info form the image
Isn’t it adorable?!  I couldn’t have been happier with it.  And since Lilly’s dolly is an owl I decided to go with a “loose” owl theme.  I say loose because I had a hard time being narrowed down by a theme, so there were only a few owl touches.  But one of my favorites were definitely these owl candles that my friend Gray let me borrow.
  
I also got loads of goodies from Fort & Field, including those adorable striped straws and pennants.  The macaroons came from Macaroon Boutique and were absolutely divine.  I also knew that I wanted cake bunting for Lilly’s cake.  I highly recommend Fabulous Fabulous if you need some cute paper goods. 
And of course we let Lilly have her cake.  And she really did get into it!  I guess she likes sugar…

What a lovely day it was.  We are so blessed with this amazing little girl.  I hope you had an amazing birthday, babygirl.

Chassity

Comments: 21

Date: Nov 13 2010

Filed Under: Entertaining

I just wanted to pop in, briefly, to say hi!  It’s been a little crazy around here getting ready for Lilly’s birthday party.  I wanted to give you a little peak of something I’ve been working on…

How cute are these little guys?!  I LOVE Fort & Field.  The shop’s owner, Jessica, has the most adorable collection and is a pleasure to work with.
I must sign off now.  I have family in town and we’re heading to Peninsula Grill for an amazing dinner including this for dessert.
Seriously, the BEST coconut cake you’ll ever have.  They ship these beauties all over the country.  Even Martha Stewart has featured them on her show.  You can oder your own here.
Happy Weekend!

Chassity

Comments: 4

Date: Nov 12 2010

Filed Under: Fashion

All of our schedules get festively busy with the holidays approaching, and you can count on a party (more like multiple parties) to be on the calendar too.  Which leads to the question… What to wear??  If you ask me, ’tis the season to sparkle.

Clockwise from top left: Alice + Olivia, Asos, Rachel Gilbert, Thread Social, Asos, Anna Sui.

Chassity

Comments: 12

Date: Nov 11 2010

Filed Under: Fashion

Can you believe that it’s almost 2011.  Where has 2010 gone?  I guess what my Dad has always said is true, the years do seem to fly by faster as you get older. 
Along with a new year comes a new calendar.  Here are some of my favorites that I’ve seen floating around the web. 

Love this personalized one by Story by Mia

Chassity

Comments: 7

Date: Nov 11 2010

Filed Under: Fashion

I’m very happy to introduce our next guest in the My Favorite Things series.  Interior designer Traci Zeller is not only insanely stylish (and gorgeous may I add?!), but she is fast becoming one of my favorite blogging buddies.  I had the pleasure of getting to know Traci during a blogger taping of the Nate Show in NYC, and happily we’ve maintained our conversation since returning home (she’s in Charlotte and only a few hours away from me here in Charleston).  You know when you just love everything you learn about someone?  Well that’s how it is with Traci.  She’s sweet and kind, hard working (mother of twin boys!), inspiring, and always blogging about the latest trends.  Needless to say, I knew I wanted Traci to participate in this look, linger, love series so that I could get a peak into her home.  And, of course, she doesn’t disappoint!

(1) Art.

Shortly after getting married and moving into our house, my hubby and I bought “Feet First” by Judy Pfaff from Hodges-Taylor Gallery here in Charlotte. At the time, we had practically no furniture. Our house echoed from the emptiness. Perhaps it was silly to buy a large art piece when we needed so many things … but we adore the piece and I am confident it will outlast most, if not all, other purchases we could have made with the money it cost.

(2) Glass bowl.

This Rosenthal Calla bowl was a wedding gift. It was a surprise, not something we had registered for (or even seen), and I loved it the moment I opened the package. The bowl perfectly suits my aesthetic and reminds me every day of the family friends who chose it for us.

(3) Vintage chair.

I bought this chair on eBay, and I think it is just fabulous! The wood was natural, and the seat cushion was a tired turquoise velvet. I lacquered it red and had an off-white cushion with black piping made. I love a monogram, so I couldn’t resist adding mine here!

(4) Pretty dishes

I am obsessed with Juliska’s stoneware and glassware. It is all just exquisite. The Berry and Thread white stoneware is my everyday china, and it brings me joy every time I use it. By the way, ramekins work fantastically well as bowls for children! As soon as my twins were out of the “let’s throw the plate” phase, I got rid of all of the plastic in favor of the entire family using the stoneware.

(5) Crystal doorknobs

The condo that I rented before I got married was one of four condos in an old home that had been converted. The interior French doors and crystal doorknobs gave the place so much charm! When my hubby and I built our house, my goal was for it to look like it could have been built fifty years prior. The crystal doorknobs give our now-eight-year-old home a timeless feel … and they just pop off the interior doors, which I had painted black.

Thank you so much for sharing your favorites, Traci.  They’re all gorgeous and reflective of your personality!  I might have to drive up and steal your chair :) 

Be sure to check out Traci’s blog if you haven’t already. 

Chassity

Comments: 6

Date: Nov 11 2010

Filed Under: Fashion

I need a black poncho.  Need.  I’ve been searching for the perfect one.  This Ann Demeulemeester cape jacket is pure perfection. 

Except for its price tag…  But these would do too.

And how darling are these little ponchos by Max Jenny?!

Chassity

Comments: 3

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