Monday's Handbag: Lily Pulitzer Sea & Be Seen Beach Tote

The ideal beach/pool/shopping tote from Lily Pulitzer. The perfect summer handbag!

Retail price:  $138.00

Decor Ideas: Japanese Lanterns

Adding a personal touch to your wedding doesn't have to cost a fortune. Japanese lanterns are an inexpensive way to make a big impact. One advantage of them is they can be decorated to complement your wedding colors and theme. Wedding lanterns can be stationary or can float to the sky to create a beautiful send off for a wedding couple.

Paper lanterns made of wire and rice paper can add elegance and flair to almost any festive occasion. Because they come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes--and they are relatively inexpensive--many couples opt to use paper lanterns to decorate their wedding venues. It takes a little time and effort, but it is relatively easy to decorate with these beautiful and delicate light shades.

Some wedding venues may not allow wedding lanterns and there also may be city or state regulations about releasing lanterns into the air. The setup of your venue may also not be right for hundreds of wedding lanterns. Always inquire first about what is allowed, and examine your venue space to get an idea of how lanterns can be utilized. With a little planning, your wedding lanterns can create a look that is stunning and memorable.

Thursday's Wine: Chateau St. Jean Gewurztraminer Sonoma County

 Fragrant aromas of apple blossom, peach and hints of lychee begin the nose of this light and refreshing Gewurztraminer. On the palate the wine has flavors of juicy white peach, gala apple and spice characters. The wine has lively acidity and a pleasing minerality that lead to a lingering spice-filled finish. Its aromatic flavours make Gewürztraminer one of the few wines that are suitable for drinking with Asian cuisine.

Retail price: $15.00

Cooking Lesson: Pan Roasted Pork Tenderloin with a Blue Cheese and Olive Stuffing

Prep Time:  40 minutes

Cook Time:  26 minutes

Ready In:  1 hour and 6 minutes

Ingredients

3 pounds whole pork tenderloins

Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

1 cup prepared olive tapenade

 1/2 cup crumbled bleu cheese

3 tablespoons minced fresh thyme

 4 tablespoons canola oil, divided

 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 3 shallots, minced

1 cup dry white wine

 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard

 2 tablespoons honey

 2 tablespoons lemon juice

 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

2 tablespoons minced parsley

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Make a lengthwise cut in each pork tenderloin about 3/4 of the way through. Open each tenderloin, creating a rectangular shape, and place each between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound each tenderloin into a thin rectangle, about 1/2 to 1/2-inch thick. Remove the plastic wrap, and season each tenderloin to taste with salt and pepper on both sides.

Spread tapenade on 2/3 of each tenderloin sheet, leaving about 1/2 inch of space on the edges. Sprinkle blue cheese and thyme over the tapenade. Starting from the side with the stuffing, roll the meat firmly towards the side without stuffing, being careful not to roll so tightly that you squeeze the stuffing out. Use toothpicks or butcher's twine to secure each roll.

Heat 3 tablespoons canola oil in a large, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to smoke. Lightly dredge each tenderloin roll in flour, and shake off excess. Sear the tenderloins in hot oil until golden brown on all sides, about 6 minutes.

Roast in preheated oven to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F (70 degrees C), 20 to 22 minutes. Remove the pork from the skillet, and set aside to rest in a warm place.

Return skillet to stove over medium-high heat. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon canola oil, then stir in shallots and cook until translucent, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in white wine, and boil until reduced by half, scraping the caramelized bits off of the bottom of the pan. Whisk in the Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice until smooth. Remove pan from the heat, and rapidly whisk in butter cubes until dissolved. Stir in minced parsley, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

To serve, remove toothpicks or twine from the pork, and slice into 1/2-inch medallions. Serve the pork slices ladled with sauce.

{Courtesy of allrecipies.com}

Monday's Handbag: Carlos Falachi Leopard Tote

Check out these stylish yet affordable leopard totes from Carlos Falachi. Falachi is well known for his exotic skin bags, these ultra suede leopard print totes are not exotic they pack an animalistic punch with the print. Fabulous for a night on the town with the girls!The small size is $185 while the medium size is $220. Colors available include black, chocolate, grey, rust, and purple.

Paper Olive: 2010 Stationery Tips & Trends

 When the fabulous folks at La Belle Mariee invited me to guest blog about 2010 invitation trends, it seemed like kismet. I have been noticing very specific trends among my clients and brides, and having been eager to share them.

  The first? Simplicity, in black and white. A multitude of brides have been choosing this sleek palette for their design. It’s always a favorite, and always in style – and with a pop of color, it is simple perfection.

The second absolutely goes to peacock feathers. Honestly, I’m mad about peacocks, and have several different designs that feature them – so perhaps it’s no mysetery why these are my most requested designs. Nothing says drama and elegance quite like a jewel-toned peacock plume.

Probably the most exciting trend I’ve noticed recently is the return to luxury. Sparkling crystals, chic fabrics, over-the-top boxed presentations. Many couples are opting for smaller, intimate weddings that allow them a grander budget when it comes to invitations – especially for destination weddings, which do tend to include smaller groups. From luxe beachy elements to cosmopolitan design, there are so many ways to be opulent within a destination setting – all of them fabulous. Makes me want to get married all over again.

 Marleine Pacilio is the owner and graphic designer of Paper Olive.

   

Preview: Badgely Mischka Fall 2010 Ready-To-Wear

Hello everyone! Here's a little preview of the fall line from the "Dynamic Duo" Badgely Mischka!

Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry

Ivanka Trump is the daughter of real estate billionaire Donald Trump and international jet-setter, Ivana Trump. Ivanka Trump has made herself famous as a successful model and businesswoman with the Trump family company.

Now, Ivanka Trump has launched a new jewelry line bearing her name – the Ivanka Trump Jewelry Collection. Inspired by the timeless glamour of yesterday, yet influenced by the modern sensibility of today. She has reinvented important jewelry and style that will turn heads or capture a room!

Aldo "Tinder"

 These strappy sandals from Aldo can be paired with a leg-baring dress, but also with your favorite skinny jeans. The chic towering heel is compensated by a slender platform at the front.

Retail price: $90.00

Monday's Handbag: Elie Tahari's Sasha Fringed Leather Perforated Tote

The Elie Tahari Sasha Fringed Leather Perforated Tote will help inject your spring wardrobe with intertwining layers of fantastical fringe and scintillating chains!

 Avaiable in white, black and beige.

Retail price: $1,198.00

Spring Bridal Shower Inspiration!

Here a great inspiration board for a fun Spring Bridal Shower! Thanks to the great folks at Hostess with the Mostess Blog!

 Photography: Lauren Crowston of Laurel Isle Photography

 Party Rentals: Party Rental King (provided chairs, linens, tables, mason jars, dinnerware)

 Event Design and Concept: Charm Event Design

The Higher the Better!

The higher the better is what I say! Display fancy footwork in Givenchy's beige leather sandals with wrap-around jersey straps. Slip them on with a muted color palette to master understated chic.

Retail price: $850.00

"Feel free to put me in the big girl shoes!" as Carrie Bradshaw would say. With the heels measuring at approximately 5 inches with a 0.5 inch floating platform, lift your evening look to new sartorial heights with Emilio Pucci's fabulous black suede sandals. Wear these multi-strap heels with bare legs and a thigh-grazing mini for a powerful cocktail silhouette.

Retail price: $1,600.00

Leaves of Grass

Get ready for summer in Leaves of Grass' sheer black silk-chiffon tunic with white flower embroidery.

Retail price: $520.00

Thursday's Wine: Rosa Regale

Rosa Regale is another one of my favorite wines. Everytime I take a sip it puts a smile on my face! Festive cranberry in color with a haunting, aromatic bouquet with hints of raspberries, strawberries and hints of rose petals. A fresh raspberry taste, with crisp acidity, enticing the palate with an initial softness, graduating to a round and luscious finish.

Monday's Handbag: Ferragamo Fiammetta

Fiammetta, Ferragamo’s spring and summer 2010 new handbag collection, features the wood or metal Ferragamo classic Grancio logo as handles as well as unique decoration. The handle matches with the medium-sized bag so smoothly and perfectly.  Fiammetta also comes with a thin removable leather strap with which you can shoulder it as you like. Ferragmo Fiammetta totes are offered in smoke gray, pearl metallic gray, mercury, as well as cherry, lemon, optical white, off-white and black. Retail price: $2,350.00

Weekend Inspiration: Luxury

Have a luxurious weekend!

Thursday's Wine: J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon

J. Lohr's "Seven Oaks" Cabernet Sauvignon comes predominantly from the winery's Seven Oaks estate vineyard. The 2007 vintage is great, and this is an affordable, everyday Cab that illustrates it. Its black cherry and blackberry fruit aromas and flavors are reflective of the wine's Paso roots, and chocolaty nuances that are downright seductive. Nicely priced at $12.99

FOOD & WINE CLASSIC IN ASPEN

For more than twenty years, as a stakeholder in the restaurant industry American Express has offered the professionals who shape the world of hospitality a unique educational and networking opportunity at the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen

To purchase tickets to the 28th annual FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen, call 877.900.WINE or click here.

Eyelash Extensions

Having thicker and longer lashes is every girl's dream. Eyelash extensions are a rapidly growing beauty trend these days. Not to be confused with the self-stick falsies of yesteryear, these semi-permanent, synthetic extensions are glued on one by one by a technician using tweezers and adhesive. Unless you have trained yourself or you have done it many times already, there is no better way to ensure safety than go to a professional. If you are confident that you can really do it safely on your own, then you can just buy an eyelash extension kit and do it yourself. The two things at stake when deciding whether to do eyelash extension yourself or go to professional eyelash extension technician are cost and safety. You should weigh which one is more important to you. You save money if you do it yourself but you are safer in the hands of a professional.

Another option are permanent eyelash extensions. This involves a 1 time surgery and you are done. During and immediately after any surgical procedure their is a small element of risk of infection. Although all precautions are taken to minimise this risk but it is still a risk no matter how small so make sure you research all aspects of the procedure before you make a final decision.

Inspiration to Reality: Style Me Pretty

As I was putting together an inspiration board for a wedding that I'm designing this summer, I stumbled upon this inspiration to reality shoot that was done for the online wedding resource Style Me Pretty. I love how all of the details seem to come together. Everything from the patterned favor boxes and cookies to the pomergranate cookies and the red beads on the bows on the wedding cake. Now that's creativity!

Location:  The Fermenting Cellar (Distillery District, Toronto)

Rentals: Chairman Mills

Linens: Susan Murray International

Gown: Caberet Vintage

Photography by Mimmo Galati: Mimmo & Naz

Favors: Liloo

Concept Design & Styling by Cynthia Martyn: Cynthia Martyn Events Inc..

florals by Tamara & Kevin: Fuscia Designs

Calligraphy: Calligraphy by Diane

Stationery by Corina: Bella Invites

Hair & Makeup by Carla Naylor: Faces by Carla

Cake and Sweet Table by Alexandria & Jessica: Cake Opera Co.

Images provided by Style Me Pretty