Sneak Peek: Planning Gwenna's 4th Birthday Party

Last year I gave my little Gwenna a vintage "Strawberry Shortcake" birthday party; you can view that post here.

 I just wanted to give you a little peek at what I am working on for her 4th birthday party in June.  It is to be "Alice in Wonderland" themed this year.

 My mom and I made this birthday banner.  It is made from felt, with vintage "Strawberry Shortcake" fabric on top, then chip board letters covered in scrap book paper.  Easy, but supper cute.  I intend to make this for her "Alice in wonderland" party too.

I am having a special dress made for Gwenna now (but I don't want to spoil the surprise by posting it), I will say that, it and, the above fabric are the main inspirations for everything else.  It will be a sweet combination of the Disney cartoon and the original Tenniel images.  I have noticed from other "Alice in Wonderland" parties that it is typical to use colors that are crazy and bright. I prefer more muted shades.  Also, there are just so many characters in "Alice" that the options are endless.  I really like the white rabbit, and since Easter is just around the corner, I am hoping to score lots of rabbit decor.  I am going to try to stick to blue, yellow, pink and white so that the overall affect is striking...you will just have to stay tuned to see if I am successful.

The Invitations have gone out!

I took this picture of Gwenna for the invitation...you'll see!

I am so grateful that I have my mom and Lori's help planning this party.  I really enjoy planning parties for my kids because they grow up too fast and I want to look back at these beautiful celebrations.  Nothing extravagant, just lots of thoughtful little details...and maybe even a recitation of "The Jabberwocky" by the birthday girl.  But I shouldn't get my hopes up there! 

Fun in the Sun

An afternoon of warm weather and a look at the new things at Anthropologie has me looking forward to spring fashion and even on into swimsuits for summer.  How fabulous would these suits be while sunning on some fantastic beach?  Perhaps the Amalfi Coast or Monte Carlo?

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Monte Carlo

I almost can't stand the perfection of this suit.  Swoon!
Dolly Gingham Maillot available here

Tidal Dock Maillot available here

Arvette Maillot available here

Ashei Bikini available here

~Lori

Grace Kelly In "The Swan"

Grace Kelly's last film before her marriage to Prince Ranier. 1956

Grace Kelly on location at the Biltmore estate, North Carolina.

Gorgeous shot of Kelly on set.

Iheartgracekelly

Grace Kelly's evening gown from the movie is on auction.

 

Sparring with her handsome co-star.

Interior garden

It is difficult to find interior pictures of the Biltmore estate, but here is one of a bedroom.

lovely

I am determined to see the Biltmore someday.  In the mean-time, I will watch "The Swan" again.

Quote of the Week, Coco Chanel

via weheartit


Wouldn't it be lovely if people still practiced this kind of sentiment?  Then we wouldn't have to see  people in their pajamas in the store or wearing their fuzzy slippers like they are shoes.  A girl can dream, and we, in the meantime, can set the precedent, right?

~Lori

Searching For Summer

Sorry about my linty mirror!  Anyway, I had to show you my new summer outfit, since it will be months until I get to actually wear it.

I am loving this new anchor top with the button detail and peter pan collar!  Also, the black shorts have the nautical button detail.  Did you notice the necklace?  It is the very one I posted a few days ago.  My loving husband got it for me for Valentine's day, and I couldn't have been happier.

 I think the black and cream ballet flats keep the outfit sweet and classic, since the shorts are quite short.

top: Forever 21

shorts: Forever 21

shoes: Tahari

necklace: Plastic Couture on etsy.com

Recent Etsy Finds

Etsy is awesome.  Not only is it good for one of a kind items, it is also good for obscure, vintage finds that one needs without even knowing it.  Here are some recent items, available on etsy, that I would love to have.

Wool Coin Purse

available here

Bulb cage lamp
available here





1950s Blouse Top
available here

Lace Mustard Ring
available here



Wood Crate
available here

Rosette Headband
available here

2 Flower Ring
available here

 Happy hunting!

~Lori

Vindicated

I think Lori and I are going to have to do a whole section on our blog entitled "Vindicated"

I opened this months House Beautiful and what did I see?  A beautiful little girl's room done in green that reminds me of The Secret Garden.  It is very English and you may remember that Mary (from the book) is from India, which leads me to the topic of this post, the elephant....

It is so much fun to see something that I chose for this little girl's room months ago, appear in a high-end home decor magazine!  I am sure my version was much cheaper too.  I knew it was chic when I saw it, but it really makes me feel like my taste has been justified; it isn't necessary, but sure is nice.