Monday, January 31, 2011

Elephant Themed 1st Birthday Party

Do you remember this darling bird theme nursery room? Well, that little baby boy recently turned one!
elephant birthday party invite kids
For his first birthday celebration his style-savvy mom selected a sweet & whimsical elephant invitation by Sweet Street Gals from minted.com. The invitation inspired an elephant themed birthday party full of style, amazing details and cakes that are drool-worthy!

elephant birthday theme cake topper

It’s the little details that made this party so special including this darling elephant balloon topper from Bratty Cakes. Amazing, right?

elephant birthday cupcake topper
The birthday boy had a special red velvet cupcake made just for him. Don’t you love this baby elephant with single red balloon? 

elephant birthday theme banners
Alphabet blocks and a banner spell out birthday wishes to memorialize the special day. Did you notice the little elephant in the top block?

The banner was handmade from a template  found on Martha Stewart {here}. Each letter was printed out and cut in circles. The letters were then glued on red paper circles {coordinating with the party theme} and strung on a white ribbons.

elephant birthday party theme
To create these custom goodie bags, photocopies of the invitation were made and adhered to the front of solid red paper bags. Each gift bag was personalized with guest’s names using white letter stickers. So simple, so cute!

I still can’t get over that darling little cupcake with the baby elephant. 
What’s your favorite element?


PS - Minted.com is one of my affiliate partners... check out all their gorgeous designs! 

Table #1: Ladies Luncheon

I've been excited about all the options out there for table tops goodies - over the next few days I'll be posting some of my favorite table top combos from all the things I'm currently obsessed with.

In my life, it feels as though so many of my girlfriends are engaged or pregnant - so I've got a ton of ladies luncheons on the horizon. Here's some goodies I would put on my table if I were hosting a fete for one of these lucky ladies:


I would start with some clean but feminine dishes.



Serve our signature cocktails in these stunning glasses by Marchesa for Lenox


I'd bring out the hors d'oeuvres on this purple floral tray.

I'd use this nature-inspired silverware.



And these Kelly Wearstler napkins (in the blush color)


This ginko flower dish would be front and center on the table.
I'm ready to host!

Dishes and glasses from Bloomingdales
Tray and Silverware from Velocity
Napkins from Sferra
Ginko platter from Vivre

"Meanwhile, Back at Downton Abbey . . . "



Greetings,

Did everyone watch "Downton Abbey" last night?  I've been fairly obsessed with this amazing new program fresh out of England.  Written by the fantastic Julian Fellowes (screenwriter of Gosford Park) and staring practically every actor and actress in Great Britain.  Amazing story.  Stunning costumes.  And major design porn with the interior filming at Highclere Castle.

If you've not been watching (firstly, shame on you!) here's a link to order the complete first series on DVD - There's bound to be spoilers in the comments - so avoid them if you want to watch it unspoiled.



WHO will Mary Crawley finally marry?!?!?!?!

The daughters - Sybil, Mary, and Edith.

'O'Brien' - Lady Cora's mischievous maid.  
Dan Stevens as the charming Matthew Crawley.
Jim Carter and Hugh Bonneville as 'Carson' and 'the Earl of Grantham'

The national treasure Maggie Smith
And seriously,  there should be shrines built at regular intervals along each highway and byway across the width and breadth of the Earth to stop in and praise the planetary wonder that goes by the name "Maggie Smith"
here's a look behind the scenes . . .


Thoughts?  Comments?  Your favourite line from Maggie Smith ?
Scot

On the Road

I'm always jones-ing to take a fantastic vacation. The minute I've gotten home from a trip, I'm already planning the next one.
Morocco has been on the top of my list, so that might have to happen next. But until I book my flight, here's some gorgeous home goods that will bring a little Moroccan flavor into my home:
Pemberton Rug from Horchow.

And this adorable side table.
from Anthropologie.

I'm ready to hit the road again!

How to have a Stylish Pregnancy


I've picked up a few tips and tricks for navigating pregnancy as stylishly as possible over the past 8 months or so and I thought I'd share some of them with you today. Fortunately, there are now plenty of maternity clothes options on the market today so you have no excuse not to look your usual cute self (especially since now you'll have that pregnancy glow to go along with your gorgeous bump).


1. Pants/Jeans. Hands down I'd say Gap is the winner in this category for both style and price. Sure, you can throw down some serious cash for designer maternity denim (much of which is pretty useless once you get into the third trimester anyway as they're often cut too low and with too little support for late term pregnancy), but I honestly don't think any of the designer jeans I tried on compared to Gap's "Always Skinny" maternity jeans, which I've been living in since Thanksgiving. Similarly, Gap's perfect trousers have become my work week staple and are (blessedly) wash and wear.


2. Basic Tops. Basic tees and tank tops are essential during pregnancy. You can wear them alone, under open jackets and cardigans, or layer them under shorter (non-maternity) tops for more coverage. While not inexpensive, Isabella & Oliver's scoopneck ruched tees are lifesavers for me. They're comfortable, long enough (without running the risk of looking like a tunic -- a problem that seems to plague much maternity wear, even for this 6' tall gal), flattering and I wear them constantly. For tank tops, I actually prefer Classiques Entier's camisoles, which come in an array of colors and, while not technically maternity wear, are stretchy enough to look good from the beginning of pregnancy to the end. Even better, you can wear postpartum without feeling like you're still stuck in your maternity clothes.


3. Open Cardigans. Fortunately, open front cardigans are a big trend right now and can be found in abundance at all price points. I'm a big fan of Nordstroms' in-house brand Caslon for inexpensive cardigans in fun colors. Again, these have the added benefit of being wearable postpartum as well.


4. Comfortable Flats. Comfortable shoes are essential. I had to temporarily retire my heels a few months ago once my balance started to become affected by my bump. At first I was worried that my feet would grow so I avoided investing in well-made, comfortable flats. Big mistake. Buying a couple of cute, well designed flats will not only perk up a basic black maternity wardrobe, but it will keep your feet (and therefore your legs and back) happy. For my money, you can't get better than Gentle Souls. Just don't go buying a whole new shoe wardrobe until you're well past postpartum and are sure your feet have permanently spread (or not).


5. Proper Undergarments. Let's talk lingerie for a moment, ladies. The first new clothing you'll need to buy for your pregnancy are a few new bras. Make sure they've got plenty of support (I made sure mine had that third hook-and-eye closure and larger, more supportive straps). I would suggest not buying nursing bras immediately as you can never be sure what size you'll need by the time the baby arrives. My other suggestion is to get yourself a few Spanx maternity shaper and/or tights. Not only do they smooth you out, but they provide invaluable belly support as you grow. As for maternity underwear? Completely unnecessary unless you prefer high-waisted granny panties. I've had no trouble wearing my usual boyshorts/bikini underwear throughout pregnancy.


6. Some Fun Stuff. So now you've got the basics down, but fashion is also supposed to be about having some fun, right? For more playful maternity tops and cute dresses, I'd recommend the brands Olian, Maternity America and Moody Mamas. I've found they all fit well and easily transition from the second to third trimester. [Note: it's unlikely you'll need maternity clothes during your first trimester and, if you're taller or it's your first child, during much of the second either. So, if you're newly pregnant, don't rush out and buy a bunch of stuff just yet!] These brands regularly go on sale at Nordstrom and even on Gilt Group and Ideeli, so keep your eyes peeled for bargains. Still though, you really won't need more than a couple of cute maternity tops and dresses.

7. Accessories. Remember, jewelry and purses are one size fits all (well, except for rings of course!). Invest accordingly. Statement-making necklaces and earrings keep the attention up at your beautiful, glowing face and your enhanced decolletage.

So what about you? Do you have any tips and tricks for staying fashionable (and, of course, comfortable) during pregnancy?


Sunday, January 30, 2011

"Love, a Story . . . "


Fashion designer, Michael Bastian

Greetings,

Just needed some sunshine today.  And who better than the amazing Michael Bastian, and his new collection for Gant, to bring a moment of bright insouciance on a chilly Sunday afternoon.

Enjoy . . .





Perfection,
Scot


Trina Turk Residential Sale & Joss & Main Invitation

You know I am a Trina Turk fan. So, I wanted to spread the word when the folks at Joss & Main {the new online source for high-end home furnishings at up to 70% off retail} told me they will be running a Trina Turk Residential sale tomorrow - Monday, January 31st. The sale will be featuring some of Trina’s fabulous pillows and rugs like the ones seen below. 

trina turk home sale discount

Powered by CSN Stores, Joss & Main is a private, members-only site offering daily collections of home décor merchandise. Sales start at 11:00 AM EST and last a short time – most are only 72 hours.
Click on this link to join Joss & Main:

Friday, January 28, 2011

Friday Find: Wallpaper Collection by Galbraith & Paul

Since 1986, Galbraith & Paul has been captivating us with their beautiful hand block printed fabrics and lighting shades of silk, linen and velvet.  They also create gorgeous made to order hand-tufted rugs to the trade. 

galbraith and paul 2011 wallpaper collection
Jumping into one of the hottest design trends this decade, Galbraith & Paul recently released a new collection of wallpaper that elegantly echos the artisan hand of their printed fabrics. 

designer wallpaper galbraith and paul 2011
The collection offers a wide variety of fresh and fun color palettes in classic patterns that range from subtle to bold. All are beautiful. Take a closer look here.

What’s your take on wallpaper – love it or not?

"Where is James Living . . . "


Greetings,

For those of you who might not be regular readers of New York Social Diary, my good friend (and the creative force behind the blog What is James Wearing) James Andrew's home is featured this weekend.  I've included a few of the photos - but, you should really check out the entire interview HERE!

Congratulations on the great interview James!  And on your amazing home too!








Cheers,
Scot

all images from New York Social Diary (photography by Jeffrey Hirsch)

Rugs for my Dream House

I'm always waxing poetic about my love for rugs - particularly the gorgeous ones made by The Rug Company. When I move into my dream house (which I will build from the ground up in Malibu), it will be filled with gorgeous goodies like the ones below. Beware: once I get my Rug Company rugs, there will be no shoes in my house!

Loving this yellow rug - my favorite color this year! It would go in my yellow + gray bedroom.
wallhanging: fantastic journey by fiona curran
rug: sellarsbrook yellow by suzanne sharp



Gorgeous purple rug. I'd use it in my den, mixed with navy and light blues.
liberty by marni



This rug is just chevron-ish enough to get me drooling. That would be my hallway runner.
ponti brown by suzanne sharp


I love this peacock rug almost as much as I love the kelly green walls. This one would go in my master closet, for sure.
peacock light by matthew williamson designer collection



This one is perfect for the kids' playroom.candy flower by marni

Rugs are definitely my drugs.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Nursery Sneak Peek


The nursery is almost done! While the big reveal will have to wait until next week as I put the final touches on the room over the weekend, I thought I'd whet your appetite with a sneak peek of the window seat, complete with cushions and my DIY pillows and pelmet box (more on both next week). 

In other baby news, my shower is this weekend and I'm really looking forward to catching up with my favorite girlfriends, several of whom are coming down from Dallas for the event. Happy weekend!

I've Been Rue'd - Living Rooms

These two living rooms from Rue Magazine have me drooling...

This one belongs to the owner of my FAVORITE new shop here in LA - House of Honey.

And this one belongs to the woman behind one of my favorite blogs - Nicole from Sketch 42.
Chic lady living rooms - giving a boost to my Thursday!