Wedding Paper.

I put the save the dates for our wedding in the mail last week. I cannot believe we are just over 4 months away! Those of you who have planned a wedding before know that the time can fly by when you have so much to do.

I absolutely loved our save the date's. They were inspired by the design above, which we found slightly casual for our black tie wedding. Instead, we kept the font and ordered with another company. Ours is simple and ivory with a hand beveled gold curved edge. (We did not end up with blush envelopes either, but those inspired me in a different way...)

Both my fiancé and myself have always been "paper" people. We both appreciate a brand new Moleskine notebook and I have always been a fan of the handwritten note. That is why we found the stationery aspect of wedding planning somewhat enjoyable. In the process of looking through the multitude of different styles available for a 'save the date', we found that many options started to look the same. However, two companies stood out to me, mainly because I loved the style represented by each. (You saw their beautiful calendars in my new year's post, here.) Check out these must have cards.

First, I need to bring your attention to these custom invitations from Rifle Paper Company.

These pretty whimsical designs are available with hand lettering, but the best part is the custom illustrated portraits painted by Anna Bond, the Rifle Paper Company illustrator herself. These would make the perfect save the date or wedding invitation for any couple planning a nostalgic, vintage, or garden wedding. They were not right for our event style, but I'm learning I would need to have several weddings to use up all of the ideas in my head.

Every bride needs her maid of honor. Ask her to stand by you on your big day officially with these pretty cards.

{Sugar Paper, $6.}

I used the bridesmaid version of this floral one for my own bridal party.

{Rifle Paper Co, $4.50} 

Every bride must have a collection of thank-you notes to send out for each lovely gift received at her wedding-related festivities. I love gold (see post here) and was excited to see the trend in the fabulous thank-you note options available from each company. 

{Rifle Paper Co., Gold Painted Stripes Thank You, $18. for box of 8.}

{Sugar Paper, Many Thanks, $24. for box of 10.}

Lastly, a little something for the friends and family of the bride. Here are some gorgeous cards to include with your wedding gift.

{Rifle Paper Co., $4.}

{Sugar Paper, $6.}

{Sugar Paper, $6.}

These cards will even make a spatula or salad spinner look like a sweet gift.

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

Spring Zoe.

After ten months of waiting, today I got the call that my Monique Lhuillier wedding dress has arrived at the bridal salon. I am so excited for my first fitting! My wedding day look has existed as a vision in my head for the past year so it will be nice to put on my dress with the shoes and accessories and finally see the whole outfit together. Unfortunately, I cannot show you a photo because Erich checks out my blog every once in a while... but maybe after the wedding. :)

With weddings on the brain, I was checking out Rachel Zoe's spring collection. This dress caught my eye and kept it. I can't decide which I like better, the front?

{Dasha Ruffle-Sleeve Gown, $725.}

Or the back?

For those of you still looking for your wedding dress and/or something slightly less bridal, this is stunning. (I even allowed myself to entertain the idea of wearing it to my rehearsal dinner for a split second.) For everyone else, this feminine tank from the same collection might make more sense for you.

{Gabrielle Ruffled Tank, $225.}

Pretty, right? This tank top is a versatile piece. It could be worn under a suit or with a pencil skirt to work. It would act as a nice transitional piece from work to a night out. Or pair it casually with jeans and a blazer or leather jacket. Your choice.

My other favorites from the Rachel Zoe Spring Collection include:

--> This chic wear-with-anything blouse.

{Geri Sleeveless Blouse, $250.}

--> A sleek jumpsuit in a bright color.

{Edith Satin Jumpsuit, $425.}

--> This gorgeous printed maxi dress with a shawl-collar and sexy front slit.

{Sasha Printed Gown, $625.}

--> A sweet, black lace mini-dress that reminds me of my ballerina days.

{Amanda Lace, Dress, $425.}

Which look is your favorite?

Treat everyday like you are on the runway. 

The Year.

New Year's Eve was different for me this year. Celebrating with my fiancé there was a special anticipation in the air for the year of change to come. I'm getting married this year! The countdown is a real thing people, and believe me when I say that seeing January 1st come and go was a healthy reality check for me. I was reminded of the lifetime commitment I will be making to my amazing fiancé in the spring and of the wedding day event that I still need to finish planning. Luckily, two of my favorite stationary companies have the big countdown covered.

Check out these gorgeous desk calendars from Sugar Paper:

{Sugar Paper, Audrey Desk Calendar, $52.}

{Sugar Paper, Roosevelt Desk Calendar, $52.}

So chic right? I love that these letterpress printed calendars arrive packaged in a black cigar box and with a silver stand. The crisp clean look of both designs are classic and would look beautiful on any desk. 

If you like something more organic looking (think less Kate Spade and more Anthropologie), check out this beautiful botanical calendar. Each month is a different print as shown by my birthday and wedding month. 

{Rifle Paper Co., 2012 Botanical Calendar, $28.} 

The botanical calendar is another pretty way to count down the days to your wedding (or any other special event). The idea of bringing the current floral fashion trend all the way to my wall is tempting. And the flowers look so bright and fresh on this grey winter day.

How did you count down to your wedding?

Treat everyday like you are on the runway. 

Elevated Basics.

If you read my post yesterday (here), you know my weekend plans. I'm finally packed! As promised, read on for more Everyday Runway tips on putting together the perfect off-duty, weekend look. Think cozy, not sloppy. The goal is to elevate your basics by incorporating three elements into your look: luxurious fabrics, understated indulgences, and artful layers. 

Luxurious Fabrics
Silk, cashmere, fur, and leather are your best friends during the winter season. Choose the former for layers that will be against your skin and the latter for outer layers and/or your accessories.

--> Silk: Number one on my cozy scale for against-skin fabrics. This is usually my first layer. (See post here.)

--> Cashmere: Always amazing. The warmth without the bulk, so many beautiful cuts, and a texture you want to pet.

--> Fur: Not for everyone, but even a good faux version will get it done. Great for accessories, think hats or boots. I love the grayish white fur that lines the hood of my go-to black parka.

--> Leather: Great for accessories. A well cut pair of skinny leather pants always draws my eye. And a classic leather jacket can look amazing if the temperature allows it.

{Adrienne Landau, Rabbit Fur Hat, $120. $84.}

{J Crew, Silk Lucinda Blouse, $98. $69.99}

Understated Indulgences

Your off-duty, cozy look should be no frills. But that doesn't mean no accessories.

--> Go ahead and wear that beautiful belt. It will pull your whole look together.

--> Put on your favorite oversized cashmere scarf. Leave it on when you take your coat off and wrap it around twice for a glamorous undone look.

--> Wear the delicate gold chain you got from your sister or husband. Peeking out from your t-shirt or cardigan, the hint of metal will elevate and personalize your look. Not a necklace person? Put on a sparkling pair of stud earrings.

--> Grab a no fuss crossbody bag. In a sumptuous leather it is a practical mini pleasure.

--> Don't forget a warm hat and/or sunglasses!

{Dondup, Cashmere Fringe Scarf, $147.72 $103.}

{Rebecca Minkoff, Classic Mac, $295.}

Artful Layers

Think about proportions and cut. You want to be warm but not look bulky so limit yourself to three layers. Anything more can look messy. 

--> Avoid layers that feel restricting. You are off-duty and restricting is not cozy. Make sure you are shopping for the right sizes and have considered what layer the item will be. A sweater or jacket that will be the third layer of your look should be large enough that you feel comfortable when there are two layers beneath it. A coat with too-slim sleeves will feel like a straight jacket when you try to pull it over two other layers.

--> Whenever possible, wear the right shoes. Rain boots in the rain and snow boots in the snow. If your day does not call for a shoe change, a fabulous pair of leather boots will get you through. Just be sure to treat them with a leather product meant to waterproof and seal or they won't last or more than one season. And watch the height of that heel! (For more boot ideas, look here and here.)

--> Choose an outer layer that flatters your body silhouette. Warm coats need not be shapeless! There are many styles and cuts for different body types so make sure you do your homework. (Coat ideas, look here.)

--> Remember, in the winter time sometimes your coat is your look. Opt for a bright color, unique vintage pattern, or dramatic cut that compliments your personal style.

Here are some cozy, stylish looks to inspire you.

An oversized scarf, beautiful basics, luxe handbags, and a simple silhouette.

A crossbody bag and the appropriate footwear in a pop of color...

Great cropped leather jacket...

Fur jacket, scarves,  leather boots, and shades...

Layers done right.
{All images via Flynet.com}

Have a great weekend everyone! xo

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

Winter Weekend.

For the long weekend, my fiancé and I will be headed back to Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire with my sister and her husband. (The last time we went there was the Fourth of July, see post here.) I can't wait to get away! I am always cold so packing for this winter weekend requires planning to avoid overpacking.

For a trip like this, cozy is my benchmark. However, keep in mind that cozy should never be confused with sloppy. Elastic waistbands, clothes you borrowed from your gym bag, oversized cast-off's from your significant other, and pants that have been out of fashion for five years are not permitted. Boyfriend cut and saggy are not the same thing. One has been cut beautifully to hang in that just-right oversized way and the other resembles a shapeless sack. The key is exercising your right to comfortable clothes by elevating your look. Think slightly beyond basics with luxurious fabrics, understated indulgences, and artful layers...

Tomorrow I will share some tips on how to achieve the perfect off-duty weekend look. In the meantime, here is a peek at what I know will be in my bag...

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

MLK Weekend at the Lake by runwaybytara featuring long sleeve blouses

J Crew cashmere boyfriend cardigan
$198 - jcrew.com

Equipment long sleeve blouse
£280 - harveynichols.com

The North face
$299 - moosejaw.com

J.Crew knit socks
$13 - jcrew.com

J Brand skinny fit jeans
$192 - shopambience.com

Tecnica slip on shoes
$104 - endless.com

House of Harlow 1960 circle necklace
$119 - shopthetrendboutique.com

Faliero Sarti plaid scarve
$425 - mytheresa.com

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15
$23 - sephora.com

Mason Pearson 'Popular Mixture' Nylon & Boar Bristle Brush For Long...
$170 - nordstrom.com

Mason Pearson Rake Comb
$30 - barneys.com

Voluspa "Japonica Gogi and Tarocco Orange" 3 Wick Tin
$20 - bloomingdales.com

Winter Buzz.

Those of you who have been reading the blog these past couple of months have heard about my mustard fashion obsession (seen here). The gold-toned yellow is one of my favorite fall/winter trends. But as you know, the spring collections for 2012 have already gone down the runway and I am already looking forward to next season. Mustard turned into a brighter yellow as a fashion trend post- winter thaw for 2012.

Black and yellow is great for 'wear now and later' looks. We all have more black in our closets than we would like to admit and pairing black with a bright yellow piece of clothing or statement accessory will bring some sunshine to your outfit this winter season. Embrace the beautiful contrast and be sure to choose the best yellow shade for your skin tone. In moderation you won't look like a bumble bee, but don't be afraid to go for it if you dig the combination. Not convinced yet? Here is some of my black and yellow style inspiration.

On the Runway...
At Matthew Williamson.

At Reed Krakoff.

At Carolina Herrera.

At Oscar de La Renta.

 

At Monique Lhullier.

At Yigal Azrouel.

 On the Street...

At Home...

In a Wedding Palette...

{All images via Pinterest and Style.com}

Are you a yellow fan?

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.