Wedding Wednesday: It's All Black & White

It hasn't been decided yet, but we may just be planning a black and white wedding. It really is a happy color combination that also has a certain sophisticated look. Here are 14 ways to bring black and white into your special day.

Elegant Wedding Invitation 
This invite spells out your intentions for a dressy affair. This is a sample, which I am sure that you would want to order anyway, before you commit. Lovely though.
Embellished Paperie

Danielle Frankel Maeve Gown
For the modern bride. "This Danielle Frankel Bridal Maeve Pleated Tulle Empire Gown features a contrasting tulle top with baroque pearl details, hand pleated tulle skirt, and front slit."
Moda Operandi

Enchanted Forrest Wedding Cake
Inspiration from London. Isn't it wonderful?
Rosalind Miller Cakes

Barra Dress

One of my favorites. Perfect for a City Hall bride, Mother of the Bride, or an expensive bridesmaid dress.
Sachin & Babi

Aisle Runner
The aisle runner is something you should pay attention to. By all means, make sure that it isn't vinyl. This is truly special, and can be used as a table runner at the reception.
Starry Night Design

Printable Bold Damask Luminaries

This is for all of you DIY brides. Create your own ambiance by covering votive candles with this classic and elegant pattern. Invite your bride tribe over for an evening crafting and cocktails!

The Posh Event 

Giant Balloons
Don't underestimate the power of 36 inch balloons. They make fabulous photo props.
The Party Avenue

Princes Floor Length Dress
Just as sweet as can be, but at the same time very elegant.
Olivia Kate Couture

Fashion District Invitations
These are fun and state the color palette of the wedding immediately. They are moderately priced and include free recipient addressing!
Minted

Ombre Table Linens
Very special table cloth for almost any event. Lovely as a sweetheart table.
Tange Design

Hermosa Dress
Love this look for either bridesmaids or Mother-of-The Bride.....like me! In case you don't like to show that much skin, the bodice and back are actually sheer illusion fabric.
BHLDN

The Grey Sky Suite Digital Download

Whether you call it 50 shades of grey or black, these place cards are gorgeous! This is ideal for DIY brides. You actually print the cards yourself. Click to see the details.
Studio 19 Creative

The Eclipse
A little contrast goes a long way, doesn't it? This duchess satin gown is a steal at the moment. Perfect for the minimalist bride or for the bridesmaids. it's a great gown
for less than $300.
Fame & Partners

Wedding Candy Bags
Leave your guests with a sweet and lasting impression. These bags come in sets of 12 and will be personalized just for you!
Beau-Coup

~ You May Also Love ~

Wedding Wednesday: A Touch Of Black

Tuesday Trends: Dialed Up Denim

{ Via: ZsaZsa Bellagio }

One of the best ways to transition to Fall is with denim. Jeans are the perfect base for sweaters and jackets. I've turned the dial for Fall and stepped up the style of my denim picks. When shopping, remember that darker denim looks dressier and more expensive. Cropped denim begs for ankle boots. Straight leg or flair are the shape of the season. Skinnies are still in, but taking a step back, unless it's the Veronica Beard Debbie (see below.) Long straight leg jeans can be beautifully dialed up with a heel...even a kitten heel. Today's post features denim that makes a statement. I promise that you don't have any of these pieces 
in your closet. 

HERE: 14 Next Level Looks

The Debbie Rhinestone Skinny
The very definition of "cool" and a perfect example of the "western" trend of the season. Talk about a Rhinestone Cowgirl!
Veronica Beard

Black Denim
Now this is how one dials it up! A sexy shirt, chic clutch, and a logo chain belt, all anchored by a black jean. You can find a similar Moschino belt on sale at Italist. See a fab collection of black denim at....
AG Jeans

Ryley Skinny Bell Jean
Now these make a statement! The Ryley is an artful upgrade with their embroidered tapestry design. The definition of boho chic. Pair a fabulous necklace from Primitive Instincts to complete the look.
Alice + Olivia

Ulla Johnson Virgil Skirt
Cinched with a flattering tie waist, this stunning skirt gives denim a feminine feel. Pre-order now at
Moda Operandi

The Waverly High Rose Crop
Race right into Fall with a stylish stripe. Add booties and a leather moto jacket and you are instantly cool!
Ralph Lauren

Michael Michael Kors Denim Look
A printed blouse meets tailored flares for a look that is fancied up with 70's vibes. Shop all of the pieces at
Michael Kors

Rachel Comey Pharaoh
Different, right? Slouchy Japanese denim features classic five pocket styling and a fun lacing detail.
Need Supply

400 Skinny Moto Jean
From the Ralph Lauren Collection and priced accordingly. This is my fave of the edit. Dare to be different. Think outside of the blues.
Ralph Lauren

Embellished Pearl Ankle Jean
Polished pearls and shimmering rhinestones really dial up the glam. With 2% spandex, these jeans will stretch without losing their shape. Love the white shirt paired with this pant, too.
Beyond Boston Proper

Hellessy Romeo Silk Panel Jeans
One of my favorites of the edit. They are fun, sexy, and just have so much style.
Intermix

Romance Was Born Sequin Fringe

Denim Jacket & Jeans

Dialed up and then some! What an outfit. Stunning as a set but each piece alone makes a style statement. Would you dare? I would love to wear these!

Bergdorf Goodman

Diane Gilman Morocco

 Bootcut Jean

The Queen of designers at HSN creates denim for those who thought they couldn't rock a jean any more. Besides being comfy and flattering in her virtual stretch denim, they are certainly on trend. People rave about the fit. Honestly, I haven't tried them. They come in every size from petite - plus tall, and they are less than $70.

HSN

Frame Flounce Jacket
The flounce adds a feminine feel to a classic denim jacket. The gold buttons elevate the look even more. The seaming in the back is really quite flattering.

Neiman Marcus

Kate Spade Tweed Jacket
Polished with a twist. Perfect for girls who aren't really the denim type. The Tweed Jacket is adorable dressed up as shown, but also could be worn with jeans and a tee. The Midi Skirt will become your "go to" all season long.
Kate Spade New York



~ You May Also Love ~ 

Tuesday Trends: Peacock Hues

Saturdays At Shop This: Kiss & Makeup

Today is #NationalKissAndMakeUpDay. I am taking it literally, and this post is all about makeup and beauty. Though I do highly recommend kissing any day of the year. ( wink, wink )  Before the weekend gets too busy, scroll down and peek at all of the pretty links.

If you use Elizabeth Arden, they currently have a fab gift with $50 purchases. 
The bag, itself is adorable!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Tired of your lipstick fading, melting or wearing off?  Try Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick today. Buy one and get one for free! 
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
Lipstick Queen creates one of the prettiest nude lipsticks I have seen. Nonsense Nude features creaming tones of pale and deep nude, which creates a soft ( infused with Vitamin E ) but full coverage neutral hue.  If nude isn't your thing, there are other chic shades.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
There's an End Of Summer Sale going on at Too Faced Cosmetics. You can save up to 70%! With lipsticks starting at only $7, it's worth the click.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
Big Hair Care Sale at Walgreens online: Buy 1 Hair Care product and get another at 50% off. The website carries products that some of the stores do not, like Frederic Fekkai, Oribe, Pureology, and more luxe brands. 
Click Here.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
Sephora Rouge Beauty Insider Appreciation Event.  Rouge Early Access. Get 20% off your purchase (a few exclusions) Code: YESROUGE. Valid until 8/30. Oh and the offer can only be redeemed once online...so stock up 
in one purchase.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
My latest beauty obsession: Estee Lauder Perfectionist Pro Instant Wrinkle Filler. The product does what it says, and is so easy to use. It's the best wrinkle filler that I have tried to date. I would say that it decreases lines immediately by about 40%.  I like it so much that I am on my 3rd tube. It's hard to find but Bloomingdale's has it right now. They sell out fast, though. 
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
If you use Lancome products, Macy's is offering a very nice and customizable gift with 
$37.50 orders.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
Interesting article: How to Take a Long-Haul Flight—And Land Looking Totally Refreshed
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
New and fabulous: Charlotte Tilbury's Collagen Lip Bath. It's so good that it has sold out on her website. It's a clear, high-shine gloss with Marine Collagen for plumper-looking lips! Who doesn't want that?
Nordstrom still has it in stock.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

I leave you with a hug and a kiss. And if you have a relationship that needs fixing. It is never too late to say "I'm Sorry." Think about kissing and making up today.

XOXOX
Deb

Foodie Friday: Fun & Healthy Lunch Box Recipes

{ Via: Brit & Co }

It's back to school time for so many students and teachers. Making those lunches can get old, unless you add a little creativity. This year vow to wow the kids (and yourself) with your offerings. Just remember that we eat with our eyes first. So for goodness sake, make lunch look appealing.  Even a picky eater will enjoy these 17 lunches and lunch boxes.

Apple Sandwiches

Even if you or the kids aren't gluten free, bread isn't something we should eat everyday. No one will miss it with these fun sammies created with peanut butter, raisins, and granola.

Williams Sonoma

Italian Chicken Wrap

This recipe is so easy to make.  But be prepared and make the boneless chicken breasts earlier in the week.  Keep all of the healthy ingredients cut thin, for better rolling. A mess free recipe that everyone in the family will enjoy.

Foodie Crush

Spider Man Bento Plate

Your little super hero's food will stay safe with Spider Man watching over it. A very cool way to send them off on their day.

Shop Disney

Healthy Oreos

Of course we want to treat the kiddos and ourselves to a cookie here and there. But choose to make your own. A regular oreo has more chemicals and preservatives in them than you can pronounce. These have zero artificial ingredients. They are guaranteed to taste better. Let them have two.

Chocolate Covered Katie

Peanut Butter & Jelly On A Stick

Changing up the same 'ol will get rid of the lunchtime blues. These are cute and halfway healthy with the fruit. 

A Whisk & Two Wands

Red White And Blue Mason Jar

Make this recipe right away while the fresh fruit is still great. It's basically a fresh fruit and feta salad with a poppy seed dressing. The cheese can be swapped out with the soft cheese of your choice.

The Cookie Rookie

Strawberry Pop Tarts

One of my favorite childhood treats was a Cinnamon Brown Sugar pop tart. They tasted great but must have been so bad for us. This recipe is quite the opposite.....a flaky (not cardboard ) crust jam packed with strawberries. It only has 2 tablespoons of sugar for 6 - 8 tarts. Not bad.

It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken

Monique Lhuillier

Some lunches are fancier than others. These insulated lunch and backpack bags are for the little ladies who lunch. Now on sale at 

Pottery Barn Kids

Chocolate Dipped  Zucchini Granola Bars

Here's how to get the kids to eat their veggies! These bars are simple and can be made Vegan and Gluten Free if desired. The chocolate drizzle is a treat with lunch or as an after school snack. Better than a candy bar.

Half Baked Harvest

Prepd Pack

Complete with three tupperware containers, a set of chopsticks, and a very stylish carrying case, this is one uber chic lunch box!

Anthropologie

Turkey Caesar Salad Sandwich

Freshly made Caesar dressing turns a run-of-the-mill sandwich into something special.  Next time you pick up a bottle of dressing at the market, look at the label. You'll put it back. This sounds great.

Martha Stewart

Cherry Avocado Chocolate Mousse

This dessert has a rich chocolate-y flavor, the texture of creamy avocado, and the natural sweetness of cherries and

dates. The kids will love it, and will not know what they are missing. 

Let them eat this treat first!

Happy Food Tube

Chicken Salad Pitas

Easier to eat than a traditional sandwich. This pita has been stuffed with an easy chicken salad that comes alive with bright flavors of citrus, and the crunch of almonds and celery. It's one healthy and delicious bite.

Martha Stewart

DIY Lunch Box Ice Packs

Oh boy! I wish I had thought of this. To keep lunch box contents cool all day, saturate a colorful sponge with water and freeze. Place in a zip lock container. As it melts throughout the day, the liquid is absorbed by the sponge. Genius!

My Kitchen Escapades

White Chocolate Blueberry Star Shaped Hand Pies

Remember those Hostess Hand Pies from back in the day? They sure were good....even great. But our poor Mamas had no idea about reading labels back then. I cringe to think what was in them. Make these instead for an occasional treat. And let them know that they are a "star" in your eyes

with a sweet little note.

Broma Bakery

Chicken Alphabet Soup

Doesn't this soup take you back? The difference is what we were served from the can, back in the day, was very bad for us. 

This is a recipe for success.

Cook The Story

Thermo Pot

What's better than a hot cup of soup? This shiny pot is not your Mother's thermos, and will keep their soup hot for 6 hours.

Food52

Soft Pretzels- Gluten Free and Vegan

Have you ever had a pretzel roll? They are delicious. Consider making a sandwich out of these delicious bites, and be sure to slather them with honey mustard.

Heather Christo

~ You May Also Love ~

Foodie Friday: Next Level Sandwich 

Recipes & Cooks' Tools