Cold Weather Chic

Blizzard Nemo hit with a vengeance overnight. Besides causing discomfort, power outages, inconvenience, and danger for many, it also played havoc with the beginning of Fashion Week in NY. What in the world will all of those fashionistas wear now that mittens and rubber soled boots are 

de rigueur for the weather? Today as I sit in my warm and comfy home, I'm inspired to find some "cold weather chic" looks for those in 

the front rows of New York.

Head to toe fun from Blumarine.

This out fit might get you photographed.

Say It With Flowers Friday

Gearing Up For Valentine's Day

As we approach the biggest week of the year for florists, I am reminded of many less than wonderful floral arrangements I have received (hopefully not given) over the years.  It has been my experience, that one needs to be very detailed and specific when ordering flowers.  Here are some tips:

1.  When ordering flowers words that are effective are:

high style, luxe, orchids, no carnations, sophisticated 

2.  When in doubt, call the the best hotel in town. Ask the 

concierge for the name of the florist they use.  

3.  Roses are extra expensive this time of year.  

Be more creative in your choices and spend less.

Now this is thinking outside of the candy box & vase! Floret Cadet Manhattan Beach, CA

4.  When in doubt...send white flowers, they match everything. 

White Casa Blanca lilies are fragrant and very impressive.

Casa Blanca Lilies

5.  Always discuss the vessel that florist will use.  Presentation is key. If you don't ask, you might end up with one of those straw hat things.

Notice that this glass cylinder is wrapped in ribbon. 

Nice touch from Jayson Home and Garden.

5.  Never order from FTD and get their special of the day.....period.

No stylish woman wants this. Trust me.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Here are some fabulous florals for Valentine's or any day of the year.

So sophisticated and unique.  The perfect arrangement to send to the office.

Banchet Flowers NYC

Sweet yet still sophisticated.  These pretty peonies are perfect!

Belle Fleur NY

This dahlia bouquet would make me so happy!

Emily Rose Floral Design Brooklyn

How fun! Lovely for sending to a home.

The Green Vase

Riverdale, NY

Send a garden of orchids! I am very impressed
with the designs of Belle Fleur NY

Yes please! I would love to find this bouquet on my bed.

Ask the florist to use special ribbon.

Beautiful Blooms

Philadephia, PA 

A blooming heart served on an eco-friendly cutting board.

Jane's On Main

Sophisticated presentation for orchids.
Blue Lotus, Dallas, Texas

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
I hope your flowers are all pretty posies this year!

The Pink Elephant In The Room

Valentine's Day Is Looming.....

Just like a pink elephant in the room. Instead of dreading the day....

embrace it with these inspired and pretty in pink picks for all of the loves

of your life.

Write a love note on John Robshaw's Elephant Card Set.

These pretty pachyderms will be hard to forget.  

John Robshaw

Wedding Wednesday

Wedding Inspiration

Do you cry at weddings? I do..even at a stranger's wedding, like the couple's wedding in the video below.  I thought I'd share this feel good movie created by Shark Pig that I found on Erin Hiemstra's amazing Apartment 34 blog. Turn up your volume and enjoy!

Lovely, no? I've helped to plan a few weddings in my day, and even planned my own.  For me, the whole process is about love...the love of fine things, divine details, clever collaborations of talented florists, caterers,hoteliers, D.J's, vocalists, and the quest for "happily ever after."    

Here's a little inspiration that begins with a Vera Wang gown in an unexpected
 shade of grey.  

Vera Wang Harlow

How pretty are these petite posies? Roses have been paired with ranunculus, pieris, hellebores,and dusty miller. I always say be careful with white flowers, as they often photograph yellow against a white dress. No problem with our color palette here created by Martha Stewart Weddings, associate style editor Naomi de Manana.  Martha Stewart Weddings

The perfect shoe! Heavy on bling 
but soft on color.

Preston Bailey, event planner extraordinair, nailed it when he featured this artistic mani.  Nail art is the latest trend for hands from the red carpet to down the aisle.  I happen to think this design is quite lovely.

Please have two garters on your special day.  One to cherish as a keepsake and one to toss.  This girly garter, from Mamie + James at

Etsy, is a keeper.  Made from tulle and Swarovski Crystals, it is $150

and so very special!

Today's trend for cakes is...the more elaborate the better. This one is the perfect bright accent to a sophisticated color palette. Monogrammed and gilded cake by Cake Opera

There are so many options for Table Numbers.....get creative....or at least

add a little sparkle.  This fancy frame will shimmer and shine under candlelight.

Preston Baily

For more inspiration visit my Pinterest "Ceremony Chic" board.

Sweet Treat Tuesday

You can have your chips and dips. I'll take my sweet treat any day over a

salty selection. With Valentine's Day approaching, let's explore the forbidden

world of sweet treats and ultimate desserts. They just might be the key to

his (or my) heart! Here, five faves.

Martha Stewart's Chocolate Cake Baked Alaska. Martha 

gives this classic dessert (and my fave) a modern makeover. This

party perfect preparation makes nine mini cakes that are sure to

impress your dinner guests.  Oh and don't fret.  If you don't have 

a kitchen torch, you can brown the meringue in the oven. 

Get the recipe here.