RUE ISSUE #5 : IT'S LIVE!

You guys. I am SO happy with this issue... I can't wait to see what you think! We slimmed things down a little - going for quality over quantity - and I think it shows.

I was thrilled to see my friend Corinne's home (which I originally visited over three years ago, swearing I would photograph it someday!) featured so beautifully. Her style is simple but statement-making. Definitely one of my favorite editorials.

The theme for the issue is entertaining, and on top of a playful little spread, we also feature this very Rue take on weddings that's so chic and refreshing. If I were a bride, I'd be a saving every one of these photos! (I'm already dreaming of ways to use that huge paper chandelier!)

With plenty of pretty styling moments to start adding to your inspiration boards, I can't even begin to share all my favorites - go take a peek for yourself and enjoy Rue Issue #5!

ELIZABETH FILLMORE: DREAMS IN LACE

It's been quite a while since I posted anything wedding-related on my blog. Frankly, I was a bit burnt out on them from summer after summer of nothing but. I vowed never to post a wedding-related item again until my own wedding... but seeing as that is nowhere in the near future, and these dresses are too stunning not to talk about... I suppose we might as well indulge!?

As fate would have it, I've had these images saved since Bridal Fashion Week - before Miss Middleton (now Duchess of Cambridge) made her appearance in a long-sleeved lace gown. I've seen them pop up on more than a few blogs already too - which means we were all well-aware of this trend before it emerged as a royal favorite.


What I love about it is that, even though the idea of lace sleeves seems a bit old fashioned, it can actually look quite modern and fresh, like in the short little piece above (my favorite for sure!), delicately sweet (like the first dress) or updated victorian (middle). I think the reemergence of lace on the runways for several years now has greatly influenced the bridal world's inspired reinvention of this material.

Then again... there's always something fabulous like this! If you're going to go strapless, you might as well make it unique.

*dress designs by elizabeth fillmore. photography via wedding style magazine.

WHAT TO WEAR: A WINTER WEDDING

This weekend I'll be attending my first ever winter wedding (not usually a popular choice up here in the Northwest!), so I've been flipping through my closet trying to create a look that balances a bit of holiday sparkle without going over the top. Something like this...

I like to shy away from dark colors for weddings unless the invitation says black tie, so for winter it seems like jewel tones or muted neutrals are the two best options. When I spotted this Halston dress, it immediately struck me as a perfect style for a casual wedding because of its jersey fabric with a little shimmer. Keeping with a tone-on-tone palette, the accessories add some fancy sparkle and beautiful texture! Who wouldn't feel fabulous draped in this goodness?!



*dress by halston, earrings at banana republic, ring by ippolita, clutch at asos, heels betsy johnson

SHE'S A BETTY

Someone better put a ring on my finger asap, because I just found my wedding dress...

I've always loved the idea of a chic little dress drowning in ruffles for a wedding. The bow is just a bonus. Take me to the courthouse!


*dress by former project runway designer leanne marshall

C+K SPONSOR: PROJECT WEDDING

If you're a bride-to-be or a stalker of fantastic wedding ideas (just waiting for that ring to land on your finger!), then you know that there are tons of websites and blogs out there to offer inspiration for your big day. I've found, though, that many of them can be challenging when trying to track down resources for items or instructions on DIY projects. That's why I absolutely adore Project Wedding! They literally have thousands of photos and projects for you to peruse and save, making wedding planning just a little easier.

Looking for pretty little centerpiece ideas? This is one of my favorites from contributor and blogger Chelsea Fuss of {frolic!}. Pretty little newspaper wrapped potted violets! So sweet for a country wedding or a bridal shower!

 Also adoring this DIY idea of vellum paper mobiles to dangle over your tables, by Jordan Ferney of Oh Happy Day! I'd love to see it in an entryway - or maybe even trees if you're outdoors - in gradations of pink to red or green and aqua - so easy to personalize to fit your wedding colors.

For anyone planning a wedding, bridal shower, or any event needing some fresh ideas, I'd highly recommend popping over to Project Wedding for endless hours of inspiration.

*If you are interested in being a sponsor on coco+kelley, please contact us for more information!

SERIES SUBMISSION: INSPIRATION IN THE IVY

I'm so happy to have the lovely Camille from Camille Styles here today to showcase her amazing eye for events and details. She would be a wonderful addition to coco+kelley with her entertaining tips and inspiration boards! Take it away Camille!

Today's inspiration board drew from a little fantasy of mine... over the weekend we walked the construction site where our new home is being built, and for the first time I realized that I'll have this wonderful patch of earth right outside the door of my future kitchen. Immediately my mind filled with images of climbing roses, terra cotta pots overflowing with lavender, and trailing vines covering the walls surrounding my secret garden...

There's something a bit mysterious about cascading branches of ivy (perhaps because ivy walls are so often used to conceal the most glamorous homes?), and I'd love to host a springtime party that celebrates the old-fashioned simplicity of this humble plant. Cafe tables scattered across a stone terrace, perfectly-manicured topiaries, a picnic overflowing with spring's bounty, and glowing lanterns that take the party into evening hours. Just like the namesake restaurant, it all comes together for a look that's chic and effortless with a dash of intrigue.

*Images: {Row 1} Bicycle, Amy Butler via The City Sage; Lanterns, Martha Stewart Weddings, Cheese Labels, Style Me Pretty {Row 2} Drinks & Courtyard, Snippet & Ink; Kiera Knightley in Atonement {Row 3} Ivy Bouquet, Martha Stewart Weddings, Library Wedding, Snippet & Ink; Pizzas, Kristi Schiffman; Ivy Garland, Elizabeth Messina.

I have to say that I've never seen Ivy look so appealing! What a fabulous board. Ladies & gents... what do you say? I think there's always room for more event inspiration around here...

WEDDING INSPIRATION: HIGH DRAMA

All this talk of black+white the last few days reminded me of a wedding palette I had started on quite some time ago based on a post I did on the fabulously dramatic and unexpected combination of coral+black. I thought it was high time I finish the inspiration board and share it with you all!
I adore the idea of an elegant soiree with a little Spanish influence. Casually thrown together but vibrant floral arrangements in a candlelit castle. An intimate little affair with a slightly sexy side. The coral is such a fun and original pop. Can you picture it?

*images (clockwise) via: saipua, amorology, rifle paper, southern weddings, amorology, and unknown.

I LOVE... (PRETTY IN PINK)

The idea of wearing a barely-there-pink dress on my wedding day. Especially if it comes with an oversized flower and pleated ruffle underskirt...

*dress by carolina herrera via martha stewart

ELEGANT + ENCHANTED

I am so head-over-heels for this beautiful bride and her stunning headpiece...
The sweet simplicity of the whole wedding is just lovely (see more right here). I adore the touches of glamour amongst the natural setting... total perfection.

HELLO DOTTIE

Absolutely in love with these confetti-themed wedding ideas...
A perfect way to tie in a few different colors into your scheme... and just a hint of glitter with that metallic background. So fun and festive!

*by martha stewart via ariel gordon

DRAWING ROOM

Curtains drawn back with a floral garland and a bar with a drawn facade? So adorably playful and perfectly genius!
What a sweet entrance this would make for a fabulous (and quite girly) party! And, so easily done at your own home, too. Just rig up the entryway with a curtain rod and drape lengths of fabric to the floor. Faux flowers wired into a garland and sewn on would probably be the hardest part. If you're talented enough to sketch up your own facade, kudos to you! It's a perfect way to disguise a table that might not perfectly match the decor.

How fun would this be for a (dreaded) Valentine's Day shindig?

PS - have you seen trailers for the movie? Killer cast.

*image from elegant bride via perfectly put together

HAPPY (SNOWY + ROMANTIC) WEEKEND...

We may not have snow here in Seattle yet, but I know many of you have already had light dustings in your city and part of me is hoping for just a touch this weekend...I love the delicate silence of snow and how it makes everything look a bit more beautiful... if only for a brief amount of time...
And if we don't get any, I'll suppose I'll drape the mantle in cotton stalks and glass icicles. It may be just as insanely gorgeous.

And speaking of gorgeous...
My beautiful BFF had her engagement photos taken by the one and only Jose Villa last month, and shared them on her blog this week. Pop by Apartment #34 to take a look... this one is my favorite...
Stunning. Hope you all have your own magical moments this weekend... 'tis the season...

Just a few little notes... to those who have sent me emails regarding the intern/contribution possibilities at coco+kelley, thank you! I've had so many I'm a bit overwhelmed. You can expect to hear from me soon. And, if you're interested and I haven't heard from you, you can send me an email up until next Wednesday for more information.

Also, last year I started keeping my gift guide over here, and now I remember why - so much goodness and not enough blog space! So, starting next week you can see all my gift recommendations and fun holiday finds at the hit list along with a blogroll of others' gift guides for the season! I've already put up a few in addition to the ones you've seen here, so hop on over!

xo,
cassandra

*photography via uknown and moodboard

Happy (Tulle + Satin) Weekend!

I can hardly wait for tomorrow. My BFF invited me to go dress shopping for her big day (taking place in April 2010) so we'll be spending hours amongst layers of white tulle, satin, rhinestones, lace, silk... and hopefully champagne!
While I don't envision her trying on anything this... foufy? I do think we'll have to try for a pair of these...
As if the girl ever needed an excuse for another pair of heels...

Hope you all have a fantastic fall weekend!!

xo,
cassandra

*photography by sweet monday and unkown.

Sneak Peek: Wedding Centerpieces!

Last weekend I met up with my client whose wedding reception will be taking place in October. Because the actual wedding is taking place in Maui, the reception will be fairly casual, taking place during the day and filled with many DIY elements, one of them being the centerpieces...
These two photos were a part of our original inspiration boards, as we wanted to bring in a little bit of the beach element on a budget. And, this is how the centerpieces are looking today!
A very simple task! I purchased one large succulent for the smaller vases, and will probably do a few more for the larger vases, added some paper flowers, and a few seashells tucked into grey stone filler. The ribbon (which is a bit of a softer tone than it looks in the photo) was a last minute addition. While the palette for the reception will be mainly chocolate brown and light aqua, I suggested bringing in a 'fall' color to add a bit of warmth, and we loved the way the soft orange worked. It also adds a nice finishing touch to the centerpiece!

*ps - i'm now taking on clients for 2010 weddings - need some inspiration or style direction? we've got packages for every bride!

Wedding Inspiration: Lilac + Aqua + Emerald

The latest issue of Harper's Bazaar features the fabulous Alberta Ferretti and her home - one photo of which I could not resist! The stunning colors that captured the designer by her pool inspired this wedding board of lilac, aqua and emerald...
I love the cool but playful palette! There are so many ways to incorporate colors into a wedding, but for this board I kept them in blocks - the colors stay mostly separate from each other by using them in different areas of the wedding instead of combining them in bouquets or tabletop decor. What do you think? Have you ever seen a wedding in this scheme?

*sources: pool via michele waite, drinks by martha stewart, cake via rebecca thuss, flower aisle by kathy wright & co, wedding party by michael norwood, teal tabletop unknown.

The Bridesmaid Dilemma: To Reuse or Not To Reuse?

I've been lucky in the sense that I've only been a bridesmaid twice. For one wedding I actually borrowed a dress. Which means I really only have one of those bridesmaid dresses hanging in my closet... staring at me... daring me to try to just try wear it again...

The dress is actually adorable - it's a design by Coren Moore and it fits me perfectly. But, the question remains... can I actually wear it to an event? Especially another wedding?

Last weekend I put the dress on and paired with a few things I had sitting in my closet already and came up with these two looks. One, a more bold style involving lots of black accessories and a black and white ribbon sash that pulls it all together - at once preppy and dramatic. The other, a very coco+kelley-esque palette - a deep green sash and my signature clutch with the same gold shoes I've been wearing to just about every wedding (hey, at least they're broken in!).

So, my dears, I'm putting them to the test - what do you think? Do you have a favorite? Or should the dress stay quietly tucked away for another occasion??

Happy (Yes, Another Wedding) Weekend

The boy and I are off to our fourth wedding of the season (three more to go!), and I'm still hunting for the perfect shoes to compliment my favorite green dress (any ideas? i'm thinking navy or nude..).
Maybe this time I'll even make a very small attempt at catching the bouquet. Maybe.

Have a fantastic weekend all!! Be sure to stop by on Monday because I'll be making a little announcement that requires some assistance from all you bloggers out there!

xo,
cassandra

*photography via vogue

Happy Weekend (And A Little Request...)

I'm so ready for another sunny weekend in Seattle, but before I ditch the laptop for the next 48 hours, I have a little favor to ask you, my dear readers...
Yesterday I posed the question on Twitter... what would you think of a separate coco+kelley blog totally focused on weddings + tabletops? I'm considering it because I have many wedding ideas that pile up, but I don't like devoting too much time to here on c+k where my real focus is style in fashion+interiors. Do you like the wedding posts here? Or would you rather see a separate blog devoted to them? Would you like more tabletop and entertaining posts? Just curious what all your thoughts are... stay tuned for the final decision!!

Happy weekend, and I hope the sun shines in!

*image via the bride's cafe

Wedded Bliss: Nora + Tyler

I met Nora in college, and when we graduated we both went into event planning, and she opened her own wedding coordination company, Bridal Bliss, in Portland. We've been swapping tips, stories and resources ever since! So, when Nora and her now-husband Tyler got married last month, we all knew it was going to be the wedding of the year... and we were right.
On top of being one of the best wedding coordinators in Portland, Nora's mother owns a bridal boutique and happens to be a genius when it comes to dresses and details. So, of course the ladies were very well taken care of when it came to attire!
The girl's dresses are Kathlin Argiro, but the brooches were found on a buying trip to New York, and Nora decided to add them to the back of each bridesmaid's dress and on the ring pillow. She also added a little extra embellishment to her own dress, as you can see! It was simply stunning.

The little details were perfectly executed making the whole wedding so personal...
Their signature "S" showed up everywhere, but subtly (well, except for the big one that welcomed you to the amazing reception area!).
A dessert bar offered candies and cookies in shades of reds and pinks. The little card reads "Scoop yourself a bag of candy and kisses. Courtesy of the new Mister and Missus." How stinkin' cute is that!?
Getting this family (well, whole crowd for that matter) to stop dancing is a hopeless cause. Nora even incorporated some traditional Iraqi dancers as entertainment for all the guests! This moment came just after the couple made their entrance and everyone piled on the dance floor before the salad had even been served!
The tabletops were bursting with deep pink peonies and orchids... the whole evening was just incredibly elegant and luxe with such her chosen colors of raspberry and chocolate creating a warm palette that glowed in the candlelight and dimly lit room.
Even the menus got a little bling on the 'S' logo!
A huge congrats to the happy couple!! This photo is one of my favorites becuse, despite the horrible downpour after the ceremony, they dashed to their getaway car with smiles on their faces and made the best of their 'just married' moment. You two are amazing, and I wish you all the best!!

*resources: photography by powers studios, floral by geranium lake, reception at the governor hotel

Wedding Inspiration: Vintage + Pastels

One of the largest trends we've seen in fashion in the past few years has been the return of the vintage dress. The wedding world is no exception, and I have to say that after seeing this wedding over at Snippet & Ink, it's a trend I can get behind!
I mean, how awesomely fun does this group of ladies look with each of them wearing such unique dresses, pulled together by the tulle shoulder wraps and beautiful bouquets?
I know when I hit the vintage stores in Seattle I always spy some fun 50's style dresses that I would love to have an excuse to wear! There are also some great ones on etsy...
Imagine assigning your maids with the simple task of finding a fun vintage piece in any pastel color they adore... these could all be options.
There's also the option of going for a little vintage inspiration in new dress, like these gorgeous creations from Samuelle. Just look at that detail! So dreamy.

And for the bride? Well, of course, there's always white. But, I might just have to suggest this amazing yellow gown to top things off...

While it would certainly take the right personality to pull this whole look off, I do think it's such a fun idea - and probably much more affordable than most wedding and bridesmaid dresses! What do you think? Could you handle it?

*etsy dresses clockwise from left: here, here, here and here