happy valentine's day!

Un Beau Jour

"And you can tell everybody this is your song.

It may be quite simple, but now that it's done,

I hope you don't mind,

I hope you don't mind that I put down in words

How wonderful life is while you're in the world."

- from "Your Song" by Bernie Taupin and Elton John

Simply Bloom Photography

inspiration for a poppies and lace wedding

Imaginary weddings take me to strange places sometimes.  This time, I started with the spring 2013 Pantone colors linen and poppy, got sidetracked by literal poppies, and ended up with something very feminine, soft, and maybe even a little bit bohemian.  Perhaps an early afternoon wedding with a light-filled reception?  I can hear a string quartet playing "Here Comes the Sun" in my head right now.

White Lace invitation by Palm Papers from Minted

layered tulle Lorna gown from J. Crew

Wedding Chicks

winter color: poppy and linen

Today's board is inspired by this spring's Pantone color report and two colors that unexpectedly look awesome together:  poppy and linen.  I included several "mall" items in case you're still on the hunt for a Valentine's Day outfit!

1. GAP v-neck sweater  2. J. Crew schoolboy blazer  3. Modcloth tunic  

4. LOFT floral print scarf  5. J. Crew mini hobo purse  6. GAP leather tablet case  

7. J. Crew iPhone 5 case  8.  Michael Antonio cap-toe ballet flats from ModCloth 

9.  Vince Camuto peep-toe wedges from ModCloth 10. J. Crew Factory skinny jeans

Read on for makeup ideas, celebrity and runway inspiration, and cute party dresses!

clicks of note: i'll be here till the colors fade...

get your week off to a colorful start...

LISTEN.

• This song, "Sing Loud" by Alpha Rev, has been getting a lot of play on my local indie station and I'm in love with the lyrics.

SWOON.

Bridal Musings

• Bridal Musings features a fun, adventurous travel themed engagement session.
• I liked the fresh green bridesmaids' dresses in this New England wedding at Elizabeth Anne Designs.
• Ruffled features an art deco wedding with pretty DIY touches.
• Emily from Southern Weddings shares her own gorgeous wedding day - her dress is amazing.
• Purple Wedding of the Week:  a stunningly elegant NYC celebration at Style Me Pretty.

SMILE.

• It's New York Fashion Week - and London Fashion Week starts Thursday!
• Loving this Single Ladies' Valentine's Brunch -BTW, married ladies would also enjoy an invite ;)
• I'm looking forward to making brown sugar blondies for Valentine's Day - there are more recipes and craft ideas on my Valentine's Day Pinterest board!

FLASHBACK.

• Last year I shared my first #febphotoaday Instagram challenge round-up, a couple of snapshots from my Valentine's Day, and my first ever round-up of favorite blogs.

sunday simplicity #107: lunar new year

Snippet and Ink

2013 is the Year of the Snake.  The snake is associated with 

intuition, self-awareness, ambition, grace and sophistication.

wedding blog spotlight: style me pretty

There's one wedding blog that I don't think I'll ever stop visiting, no matter how long I've been married.  Style Me Pretty is one of my favorite wedding planning blogs because it features some of the most gorgeous wedding ideas and photography I've ever seen, every single day.  SMP features weddings from all over the United States and the world.

Miranda Laine Photography via Style Me Pretty

Abby Larson founded SMP and serves as its editor today.  She got into the wedding industry as an invitation designer and her eye for style is impeccable.

Gabriel Ryan Photographers and Sweet and Saucy Shop via Style Me Pretty

In addition to a rapidly-updated slate of real weddings, SMP features local blogs and a wedding vendor Little Black Book.  On top of all that, Abby has published a BOOK!  Style Me Pretty is a huge inspiration to me as a blogger because Abby features weddings that fit her own style and vision, and supplements the wedding-related content with DIY project tutorials and home decor and entertaining ideas that everyone can appreciate.  Even though I'm no longer planning a wedding, SMP keeps me inspired.

Sophia Barrett Studios via Style Me Pretty

What are your favorite wedding blogs to visit?

wedding trend: lace sleeves

We can probably thank Kate Middleton for the increased popularity of dresses with vintage-inspired lace sleeves.  Dresses with sleeves were basically nonexistent when I was wedding planning, but now they can be spotted in classically elegant celebrations.  I think lace sleeves give a dress a timeless glamour that is hard to beat!

Rebekah J. Murray via Elizabeth Anne Designs

Delphine Manivet || Reem Acra via Style.com

Lace dresses with sleeves aren't just for traditional weddings - they can fit right in at a bohemian wedding or at an art deco inspired celebration.

celebrate: valentine's girl's night in

This year, I'm hoping to get some of my favorite girls together for a night in to celebrate Valentine's Day.  Today, I'm sharing some inspiration for a girls' night in with three different cute party themes - Retro Cafe, Candy Hearts, and Vintage Bakery.  I've included ideas for invitations, decor, favors, and treats to serve, as well as playlist and movie suggestions.  All of the parties use a red, pink and teal color scheme, so it's easy to mix and match your favorite ideas :)

Theme #1:  Retro Valentine's Day Cafe

Retro Valentine invitation from Wishing Tree Designs

Get 25% Off Sitewide with code BeMine!

The Soundtrack:  Jukebox-style love songs like Patsy Cline's "Walkin' After Midnight" and Sugarland's "Stuck Like Glue"

Striped straws from Shoppe 3130 on Etsy || Baking Party Ideas from Let's Party

Movie Picks:  Homespun love stories like Hope Floats, Sweet Home Alabama, and Waitress

Fudgy Brownie Hearts with Fresh Raspberry Buttercream from A Farmgirl's Dabbles

 

World Market "Made with Love" cookie stamp || Paper Source heart shaped measuring spoons