Tips for the Bride: Planning your Wedding Entertainment

As Jen prepared her iPod for her trip to Japan and China we got to thinking about music. Just about a year ago today, we were planning out the playlist for Jen's wedding (OMG has it really been a year already?!) and so we figured it would only be right to give you some pointers on your special event entertainment based on first hand experience and research.  Part of the fun of planning a wedding or party is deciding on your entertainment, which is, of course, an essential part of any successful event.  If you want everyone out on the dance floor you need to be sure to select the appropriate music for your audience (and of course, you'll have to include a few oldies for grandma and grandpa). The biggest factors to consider when selecting your musical entertainment are your budget and your personal style and tastes.  Here is a breakdown of the pro and cons of each scenario to help you decide on entertainment for your wedding or other social event.

1. Hiring a small group of musicians like a jazz band or string quartet: Hiring a small group to perform instrumental songs at your wedding or affair can be a beautiful touch that creates an atmosphere of elegance and romance. If your venue is historic, you can consider playing music from that era, such as some great Sinatra or fun Ragtime Jazz.  But, keep in mind, classy bands like this come with a really high price tag that averages about $600 for the first hour and $200 each for every additional hour and it will vary depending on where you are from.  There are some great options if you can't afford this, though!  We suggest asking a friend or two to perform a song, such as your first dance song or for your walk down the aisle.  These are some of the most important moments of the night, so it's always a little more personal and romantic to add fun, unexpected touches that are sure to make a huge impact.  Plus, a friend might be willing to do this for you for free or in lue of a gift!

2. Of course, you may want to hire a professional band instead to play some of your favorite tunes. A band is certainly more fun, and more costly, than a solo musician or orchestra style entertainers  The up side is they play many of the songs that are currently popular, and that your guests are sure to love, and nothing can compare to the energy that comes from having a live band at your event (plus consider the general "coolness" factor!)  But also, keep in mind your musical tastes and remember a band might know a lot of current pop songs, but their repertoire is going to be limited.  They might know "Livin' on a Prayer", but are they likely to know that obscure Postal Service song you love or that old Elvis song your grandparents used to dance to? Probably not.  And, again, bands are very pricey, so if you are planning to budget for a live band in the NYC/New Jersey area you can expect to pay around $5,000 or more.  Or, if you aren't down for that price tag, consider scouting out some local talent - there are plenty of young, aspiring musicians out there that would love an opportunity to perform in front of a large crowd for a much more reasonable fee!

3. Hiring a DJ is very popular and for good reason.  DJ's can provide all of your favorite songs, can have an nearly unlimited selection to accommodate the largest variety of people, and are the most affordable option when compared to a live band or musician.  In addition, a DJ doubles as the MC of the evening and helps to control the flow of your event (which is crucial!).  Now, the biggest downfall to the DJ is not having full control over your music. Sure, Lady Gaga is super talented and we adore her, but do we really want to hear the whole album? Actually, we do...but our guests might not! And many of us might actually die if we hear [insert any lame late 1980's/ early 1990's line dancing tune]. But, simply providing a "do not play" list (and stressing the importance that you will literally hurl if you hear said songs) can help to ease your mind.  The other factor is to make sure to choose a DJ who's voice you can actually stand for multiple hours.  Some of the ones we've encountered are cheesier than others, so just be sure to choose one that fits your personality and can control the flow of the event without stealing the show.

4. And, finally, you can always be your own DJ and provide music through your Ipod. This is definitely the most affordable choice, plus you have the luxury of crafting your own playlists and knowing that it won't be messed with!  This is a wonderful option for the couple on a budget that has list of off-beat "must have" songs that a DJ is not likely to have in their collection.  We are huge fans of the Ipod wedding, but we suggest hiring a professional to run the playlist for the night.  Sure, you can just ask a friend to help out, but hiring a professional ensures that your guests can relax and have fun and also that your playlists transition properly and your night stays perfectly on schedule.

Please don't stop the music.

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Competition: Shoes as art

Dune have been in touch to tell me all about a new competition they are running that will have the arty ones amongst you jumping for joy. I've never bought anything from Dune, although I have spent many a wasted hour lusting after their wedding shoes online: I actually don't know why i've never been moved to make a purchase, as the shoes look to be good quality, and the pricepoint is about right.

The competition theme is one close to my own heart: shoes are art. I'm a firm believer that fashion is more than just getting dressed in the morning - it's about art and creating something beautiful.

You simply have to create a piece of art that best represents the shoe as art. This can be a painting, photograph, sculpture, or any other form of art: that gives you so much freedom to do whatever you want, really!

The winner will be picked by a panel of judges and will win £10,000 and their piece will be displayed in the window of the Covent Garden store: that's a mammouth prize if you have any artistic skills: sadly I have thumbs for fingers, and struggle to colour between the lines!

Sounds like this could be for you though? Have more artistic talent than I do? (Believe me, it wouldn't be hard!) Email your entry to shoeisart@dune.co.uk and good luck!

Love, Tor xxx

PS - This isn't the competition I was talking about yesterday: i've got a little giveaway coming up that's just for you guys tomorrow!

Mercedes Fashion Car-bootique - i'm a winner!

Hi guys,
To celebrate London Fashion Week, Mercedes Benz launched a "carbootique" on ebay: car themed products by over 60 fab UK-based designers were on sale, with all proceeds going to charity: Fashion East & to the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. There were some great products: Henry Holland made some pimped up car dice (which I loved, but the bidding went to high) and there was an Erdem sausage dog, perfect for any interiors lover!

I was the winner of three great items: the Charlotte Olympia car bumper stickers (for just £1.21) The Katie Hillier leather keyring (for just over £10) and the Holly Fulton telephone earrings (for £12) I was especially excited about the keyring and the earrings: Katie Hillier, of Marc Jacobs fame, has just started designing handbags with Victoria Beckham, so this was probably the only chance I had of affording something from her! And when I looked on the Browns website, the Holly Fulton earrings were retailing for £125, so I had an absolute bargain (although the earrings haven't arrived yet - I jump everytime I hear the postman!)

Just a little post to share my excitement about my winnings really! Watch this space, by the way, because by the end of the week I will have another exciting giveaway for all of you lovely ladies!

Love, Tor xx

Color Day: Cranberry and Orange

Last week we played around with some Fall neutrals, but what about the warm, rich colors of fall?  We LOVE the combination of cranberry/burgundy with a burnt or pumpkin shade of orange. So much so, that Jen used this combination for her very own wedding.  Orange is becoming a huge trend in weddings, and pairing it up with another traditional Fall shade, like burgundy, insures your wedding will channel the spirit of fall in a way that is modern and tasteful. 

Cranberry/Burgundy and Orange Wedding Inspiration Board

Images from: David Difuntorum Photography, Freed Photography, Abby Rose Photo, Kingen Smith, Tasting Memories, Joyful Heart Design, WeddingBee, Inventing Weddings, Project Wedding, Juja Crafts, Bake Your Heart Out, I Do Inspiration           

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

In the changing room: H&M's new season ruffles

Hi guys,
I really loved the new season ad campaign from H&M when I saw it. And I have seen it everywhere: on buses, in magazines, on the tube....
So when I walked past today, I couldn't resist popping in and trying on my favourite pieces from their new collections:

Ruffles everywhere! H&M have really gone overboard with lots of nudes and creams and lots of ruffles. The fabrics were all silky and super-fine, and the ruffles were made of even lighter chiffon; they felt and looked great, and would look fab (and be more practical!) teamed with an oversized aron cardigan or chunky knit.

These were my favourite two pieces: the knit of the horsey cardigan was super soft, and it was a long and drapey fit. I only tried on the dress because it matched my shoes and handbag, but I loved it once it was on: the sleeves were really flattering and the trapeze shape looked much nicer than I expected.

These were my least favourite pieces: the black dress looked nice enough, but it was made of such a thin cotton it would have needed a slip underneath not to be completely see through! I only tried on the tiered dress because it featured so heavily in the ads, but I know it would look ridiculous on my bust, and I was right!

The winter knitwear is also worth mentioning: gorgeous print scarves, and very cheap gloves too: I picked up two pairs for just £2.99. I also bought a super-long oversized knitted mexican print scarf, perfect for wrapping around my neck a hundred times when it's really cold! I'm a big fan of H&M: the pricepoint is great, but the quality isn't sacrificed. Have the new H&M campaigns tempted you instore? And if so, what did you think?

Love, Tor xx

Fall Fashion: Army Green Jacket

The arrival of beautiful foliage means that the change of seasons is upon us and, although the past weeks in NJ have been unseasonably warm, we should prepare for cooler days.  When the temps drop the trees might undress, but we like to bundle up! So, a favorite must have item for fall is an army or military inspired green, lightweight jacket.  Because they're light weight they are perfect for fall or spring and great for layering over thin tees or sweaters! We've been seeing this look everywhere, varying from feminine flair to rugged chic. Just think of the 90's grunge scene, but pretty.

One of our favorite looks is this cinched anorak by BDG. It's large hood makes it perfect for shielding you from the crisp fall winds, but it's lightweight enough to wear even in September. The details are what make this jacket stand out: we love the cinched waist, hidden zippered pockets, and split hem in the back. This is one fall trend that we'll definitely be sporting.

Another great casual look is this cropped military jacket from Forever 21. It also has a large hood and hidden zippers, and the cropped style makes it perfect for layering. Just throw on a buffalo plaid scarf, and you're all set for apple picking!

A similar, but more polished look is this utility jacket from J. Crew. The jacket sports a comfortable knit trim collar, and is water resistant, which is handy for when you trek through the rainstorms in Nam.

We also love this cropped military jacket by Ann Taylor Loft. The structured Mandarin collar and broad belt will have you marching down the streets with authority, but what really makes this jacket stand out is its deep color. Described as "burnt olive" on the website, this shade of green is rich and vibrant, which is a nice change of pace from all the faded greens. And it especially looks good on red heads, as pictured above.

If you want something less casual, then try on this belted faded olive trench from Victoria's Secret. The large brass buttons and high collar give this a military feel, but the belted waist gives it a nice feminine fit. This look is great for both work and play,  and is a bit more interesting than your standard khaki trench.

Another fashion forward look is this lightweight parka available at Top Shop. This is a more urban take on the traditional army green, with a jersey body and cotton layers giving it a soft, cascading look. This parka would look great with leggings and combat boots (our other favorite fall trend) or with tights and heeled oxfords. 

Finally, we love this military inspired overcoat from Mod Cloth. Made from a warm wool blend, this is a great coat to have come November, when temperatures begin to drop and you're forced to forgo your light blazers for something more substantial. The cut of this coat makes it appropriate to wear to work,  but would work equally well with jeans and booties.  

At ease, soldier!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

The fabfrocks guide to...doing a top knot

Hey guys,

So it's the "must have" hair 'do of the season, and everywhere I turned during London Fashion Week I saw one: yup, i'm talking about the top knot!

So as you can see, I have been giving it a go myself, although I think it would look better if my hair were slightly longer and I didn't have my fringe. But it does look super-stylish, and is one of the easiest updo's i've ever attempted (bar the simple ponytail, of course!) So here's how I did it in 3 simple steps:

1. So the first step is to get your hair into a really high pony tail. I find the easiest way to do this is to turn your head upside down and comb it through and into a high pony tail whilst your head is still upside down. I also put a salt spray through my hair before I start, as it makes it more textured and even thicker (I use a bumble and bumble one that is really good)

2. I then back-comb the ponytail a bit to make it thick and a bit frizzy (because I like my knot to look quite undone)

3. The final step is to wrap the hair around the bobble to create a bun, securing with pins as I go (I usually use four pins around the bun, and then another to tuck my fringe underneath the bun) I then pull some whips out of the bun and sides to make the 'do look more tussled, and cover it in hairspray for longevity: i'm currently using an Aussie one, because it makes my hair smell like peaches!

It's that easy: I'm loving this style, and it's perfect for those lazy days when you can't be bothered to wash and straighten your hair. What's your go-to lazy day style? And do you have any more tips to add on how to create the perfect topknot?

Love, Tor xx

H! by Henry Holland... My picks

Hi guys,

Half way through the Debenhams H! by Henry Holland event last night, I was absolutely delighted to be told that I could choose two pieces to take home with me at the end of the evening. I immediately thought of the blue fur coat, but as I already have three fur coats, I tried on the varsity jacket, the camel coat, and the monogrammed blazer as well. I then tried on about half a dozen dresses,

Excuse the fuzziness of the pictures, because whilst i've got the hang of my new camera, sadly Mike is still getting to grips with it!! Here's what I chose:

As soon as I tried on the varsity jacket I fell in love with it: I have no idea how i'm going to style it, as it doesn't really go with my normal dresses, but I want to give it a go! Any ideas guys!?

The scribble print dress didn't excite massively on the hanger, but every single person that tried it on looked amazing in it: it's cut to fit curves and the black waist band is really flattering: I can't find it on the website, but hopefully it will be instore soon!! Crazy high heels and a black cropped blazer, and this dress will be ready to hit the town!

It was really hard to choose just two pieces, which is a sign of how good the new season collection is: I think i'm a convert to H! by Henry Holland (apart from the teeny bikini's and the micro shorts, of course, which i'll leave to the kids!) What do you guys think? Interested to know your perception of the range.

Love, Tor xxx

Hairstyle Look Book: Retro Glam

There is nothing more glamorous than old Hollywood style. Look perfectly poised with cascading curls, polished waves, or structured updos. It's perfect for a wedding, night out, or just for fun!  Remember to coordinate your outfit with your hairdo, and don't forget to smear on the red lipstick!

Looking fierce, dolls!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

New season H! by Henry Holland...With Henry Holland!

Hi guys,

Last night I was excited to be invited to Debenhams to view the newest H! by Henry Holland collection, and to meet the man himself:

In the picture above Henry is wearing the camel coat from the current H! collection, which is in store now. He also tried on the varsity jacket and a couple of jumpers, and took the jacket and jumpers home with him (if that's not a seal of approval from the designer, I don't know what is!)

We rifled through the rails looking at the new season collections, whilst Henry gossiped and sipped on his lemsip (apparently designers get fashion week 'flu as well as bloggers!) Sneaky insights we learnt from Henry:

- Next years Spring/Summer drops will have some pieces with a seventies influence, just like the mainline collection. However the bulk of the collection will have a very 90s feel (Henry said "think Fresh Prince of Bel Air") and there will be some more feminine girly pieces too.

- There is going to be a H! by Henry Holland Christmas range, featuring sequins and sparkle (can't wait for that to hit the shops!) My favourite piece of the whole evening was a blue fur coat, which is part of the Christmas collection: apparently this took a long time to create, as the prototypes kept shedding, but it's perfect now, and so soft!

- Because he's such a jetsetter (lucky him!) he does most of his work on planes, because he can't be distracted by phone calls. However he'll always call London home (and has since just a week after he moved here, much to the chagrin of his dad!)

-Henry thinks the prints in the collections just keep getting better and better, and he admits there was a steep learning curve in getting them right.

I think the H! range just keeps getting better with each collection: I also think it is maturing as time goes by; originally I would have said the collection was only appropriate for teens but now I see more and more "twentysomethings" wearing it, and I often happily wear H! by Henry Holland myself (as i'm going to show in my next post!) The upcoming range featured some great key pieces, which I can see selling out really fast, so get in quick!

Love, Tor xx

I broke in my new clogs....

I think i've mentioned it, oh, about a million times before, but my favourite film is Clueless. So it was with much amusement that I recreated a classic line from the film last night when Mike asked "so what did you do today?" and I replied "I broke in my new clogs"

But it was true: my greatest achievement of the day was that I wore my new clogs for the whole day and they didn't hurt my feet! Normally if I buy shoes that hurt my feet they go to the back of the cupboard, never to be seen again. But I loved these shoes, and they cost me £60 from Topshop, so far too much money (for me at least!) to just put them away!

The first day I wore them I was in agony: I had to take them off by lunchtime. My little toe had been rubbed so sore that it started bleeding and they rubbed my heels with every step I took. Day Two and I covered my feet in plasters but the pain was still there: I wore the shoes all day but by the time I was heading home I was limping! I had a day off wearing them, then tried again for what i'd decided would be the final time: By day three (yesterday) they were broken! I think the problem was that the wooden bases were very hard, and the leather was very stiff, but by the third wear it had given a little and was much more plyable! Hurray!

How long does it take you to break in new shoes? And do you usually persevere, or do you push them to one side if they aren't comfortable on first wearage?

Love, Tor xx

PS - The article I wrote about the first day of London Fashion Week for TKMaxx is now live on their site if you want to check it out!

Wardrobe sort out, ready for the new season

Hi guys,

So it's that time of the year again: time to sort out your wardrobe ready for Autumn/Winter. I spent all day yesterday sorting through my wardrobe: restitching buttons on to last years coats and de-bobbling them all. I know you're supposed to do this before you put them away for the summer, but I think you have to be really dedicated to remember to do that, and sadly i'm not!

I folded all my summer dresses and vests into my biggest suitcase, added a couple of moth balls, and put it under the bed. Then I went through my winter accessories box: making sure all my gloves were paired (and throwing away the pile of odd ones I seem to accumulate!) making sure I had scarves to match each of my coats and the same with hats. I pulled my winter boots to the front of the wardrobe and sorted out the ones that need reheeling (which I will get done in the next week) and packed my summer sandals and flip flops away.

I have always liked hats - I wish we still lived in a time when it was the done thing to wear hats everyday! That's definitely not something I need to buy any more of - although I know if I see another lovely one I won't be able to resist!

I know it seems like a boring chore, but I actually love sorting out my wardrobe: it works as a great reminder of all the lovely things you have, and I just dug up a dress I loved but forgot I owned: I haven't worn it for 3 years!!

This is the perfect way to identify any holes in your wardrobe and fill them whilst there's plenty of choice from the new season stock on the high street: I would like a couple more long sleeved dresses (i'm trying to move away from wearing long sleeved tops under sleeveless dresses like I did last year) I'd also like a pair of tan leather gloves, a pair of brown boots (last years have a hole in the sole, but were so inexpensive it makes more sense to buy a new pair than to pay for resoling) and I have a hankering for a leather dress: because my coats from last year don't need replacing, I think I could justify the investment!

Have you sorted out your wardrobe for winter yet? I'd love to know what you'll be buying this season, and what your going to try not to replace.

Love, Tor xx

Want to eat and drink fashion? Visit The Trafalgar

During London Fashion Week The Style PA and I visited The Trafalgar hotel and bar to view a pop up showroom called the Nolcha Fashion Lounge. The fashion was interesting (and gave me a couple of new designers to research!) but possibly more exciting, the drinks were delicious!

September at The Trafalgar is fashion month, and they have a new cocktail menu with three new cocktails inspired by fashion, and this seasons new trends:

- Nude Lace is white chocolate liqueur with tequila and a hint of coffee.

- Pretty Poetess is rum with green cardamom syrup and Angostura bitters

- The girl in the camel coat is Grand Marnier with tequila and a chocolate dusting.

I tried Nude Lace and The girl in the camel coat, and they were both creamy and delicious! What I didn't try (but it sounds yummy!) was the sharing sweet, called the Autumn Winter Assiette. This is a trio of chocolate, hazelnut, and coconut desserts inspired by the minimalist pieces on the catwalks at Aquascutum and Celine.

The cocktails are £10 each, and the sweet is £7.50: Definitely one to check out if you feel like an indulgent and decadent fashion treat!

Love, Tor xx

Color Day: Chocolate, Brown, and Cream

When it comes to Fall decor, you can draw inspiration from so many different colors that it can be overwhelming.  If you want your home or event to evoke feelings of hot cider and comfy nights by the fireplace, think of natural neutrals like chocolate and cream blended with a nice medium toned brown. These calming hues flow perfectly into one another and can be used to create a sleek modern look or, if you're like us, you might prefer to embrace nature and create a rustic, charming, and cozy environment.  Using earth toned shades like these can really serve to create an inviting atmosphere without sacrificing style or drama and can look incredibly warm and romantic with the glow of candle light and gold accents.

Chocolate, Brown, and Cream Wedding Color Inspiration Board

Images from: Anthropologie, ModCloth, Wedding Cake Ideas, I Do Inspiration, The Slightly Obsessive Bride, Flickr, The Knot, Brides, I Do Times Two, Ola's Dream World, Zappos        

XOXO,

Jen & Saira 

LFW SS11 Day Four: Ada Zanditon

So this is my last show review of the week - it's been hectic, but as massively fun as always, and I know going back to my normal life is going to feel very very boring!

The Ada Zanditon collection was called "The Pyramora": inspired by (yup, you guessed it!) the Great Pyramids of Egypt. The prints were angular and the silhouettes were really structured with sharp shoulders and other details on dresses and jackets: you could really get a sense of the Pyramid through every piece. Of course the hair carried the theme, with triangular hair pieces added to slicked back 'dos.

The colour palette was sand and gold; both colours that immediately evoke Ancient Egypt, with a recurring theme of resurrection throughout the collection which tied it to Modern Egypt. In Egypt today locals defy global corporations by protecting the environment and flourishing corals from over exposure to the tourist industry: this interest in the coral envelops the collection as the prints were created using hi res photos of the coral reefs.

I loved the Ada Zanditon collection last year, and i'm crazy about it this year - it was a great final show to end my season! Thanks again to Style Compare for their sponsorship and support!

Love, Tor xx

LFW SS11 Day Four: David Koma

Hurrah! The peplum is back! Well, at least it is if you were watching the David Koma show. The sculptured peplums were used to add volume to the skirts and dresses. The collection was very feminine with short hems on floaty flippy skirts. The colour pallette was paired down and simple: monochrome with flashes of subtle yellow, gold, and plenty of gold hardware. As always, Koma had to toughen up the femininity with plenty of leather detailing in panels and ruffles.


The collection was an homage to Swan Lake and the Russian Ballet. I love the mixture of the leather with the chiffon, and the texture it creates: I also enjoyed the added texture brought by the python skin and the metallic linear and vertical shapes,inspired by cubist artist Fernand Leger, which was applied to some dresses.

I thought this was a lovely collection; more subtle than last season, but beautiful, light, and very wearable.

Love, Tor xx

LFW SS11 Day Four: Holly Fulton

Hi guys,

So it was another early start for the Holly Fulton/David Koma show, but this hadn't stopped the fashionistas today: they were out in force, and the room was packed! The show was called "Holly says relax" (as you can see from the envelope handbag above!) and the 80s show title really was reflected in the collection. The collection was designed with Joan Collins on a resort tour as inspiration (With the Fulton girls travelling to Monoco, Egypt, Brazil and Hollywood) and was reminiscent of 1960s crusie wear but with a modern twist which was brought by the prints, the embellishment, and the graphic patterns:

I loved the art deco style skyline print on the monochrome dress and matching luggage, and the added texture brought by the use of ponyskin. I was also a big fan of the perspex jewellery, in particular the earrings. I think this was my favourite collection of the week, and certainly the one that I would like to add to my wardrobe immediately.

Unfortunately these are the worst photos of any of the shows i've been too: there was so much light on the catwalk that my camera just seemed to bounce off the clothes and make them all come out white! It was a gorgeous collection though, so definitely worth seeking out some extra photos from someone with a better view than me.....

Love, Tor xx

Things to do - Westfield fashion car boot fair

Hi guys,

Today I went for a sneak preview of the Westfield London shopping centre fashion car boot fair which opens tomorrow: a lot of the cars were still being set up, but I saw enough to be excited about how it will look when it's finished!

The visual merchandising of the stalls was fantastic: the Swarovski stall had a magpie theme which I loved, and the Ted Baker stall was really eclectic, and in a thrift store style. I think the Mary Portas Charitable giving car, shown in the bottom picture, will be the most popular (as long as you have a pocket full of cash of course!) because tomorrow they will have a stash of vintage Chanel handbags for sale - if I had the money, i'd be in the front of the queue! Lots of the cars will be hosting activities and give-aways you wouldn't find in store: at the Topshop car you'll have the opportunity to win everything on display, the Whistles car are hosting a whistle tombola to win prizes from the stall (if your whistle blows you win the prize!) A literal translation of the store name that I like:

There'll be lots of other great stuff to do too: I saw a cupcake stall, and apparently a team of senior make up artists will be descending on the MAC stall. And the House of Fraser stall will have a catwalk coming from their car showcasing all the new season looks. And even better, all the things on the cars are available to buy, so it's like normal high street shopping but with extra treats and activities thrown in!

Click here and you can see a list of all the brands participating, and all the great giveaways and competitions they're holding throughout the event. The boot fair will be running from tomorrow (21st September) until 26th September in the atrium at Westfield, giving you plenty of time to check it out! If I get the chance i'll definitely be popping down to see how it looks when it's up and running: i'd love to know what you guys think if you get the chance to go down too!

Love, Tor xxx