What's in the window: Spring is coming!!

Hi guys,
I cannot tell you how much I am longing for Spring. I think that because the cold spell came so early this year it feels long overdue: I keep forgetting that it's only January and wanting to slip my sandals on! And apparently i'm not the only one. The boring 'Sale Now On' signs are coming down (although Topshop are hanging on in, with new 'More lines added' signs in their windows). In there place are exactly what i've been waiting for: flowers, colours, plenty of white, signs that Spring will soon be here!

And to prove it, here's what's in the shop windows this week:

Stella McCartney

I walked past this window three times, admiring the flower heads, before I noticed the beautiful dresses below. How did I miss them? The screen print patterns are breath taking. And matching bags too!

Miu Miu

I love lazer cut outs, so these dresses immediately got my attention. I also loved the contrast between the nude and the neon on the shoes: if I had the money they'd be the perfect addition to my growing shoe collection!

Kenzo

This window immediately makes me think of my mum on a resort holiday. On how I long to wear crisp white shirts and not have to worry about throwing on my coat. Come on Spring: hurry up!!

Love, Tor xxx

Mad Men Character Inspiration Part 2: Betty Draper

Today we are excited to feature our second Mad Monday. We love vintage looks and, when it comes to feminine style , there is none more charming than model turned housewife, Betty Draper.  Betty is the epitome of how the modern 1950's wife and mother should look. Her style is a little bit of a mixed bag and goes from pretty and youthful (a la Grace Kelly) to respectable and sophisticated (think Jackie O) little by little.  But, regardless of her choices, she never fails to look fashionable and picture perfect with not a single hair out of place.

One of Birdie's favorite styles to wear is the sleeveless, button down dress.  Throughout the show you'll see her in a variety of these dresses, usually as her everyday kind of wear, and typically paired with a skinny belt.  We can certainly see her wearing something like this around the house, grocery shopping, or at one of her Junior League meetings.

Entertaining guests or just looking to impress?  Be the perfect hostess in a simple but stunning dress like this with it's modern colors and pattern and classic silhouette. Betty usually doesn't choose colors like these but she will for a festive occasion or for when she is looking to get a little attention.

Sure, there is another side of Betty (the pants wearing side) but that is one that we rarely see.  When you do you can bet they'll be some pretty unique and fashion forward pants like these plaid ones!

Charming business men isn't easy!  To wine and dine her hubby's coworkers at formal dinners and weddings, we think Betty would have loved this dress from Macy's.  This dress is modest and appropriate for an upper class woman of her time with it's full skirt and lovely pale pink color.

Being wealthy isn't easy and your bound to have more than a few social events to attend to. If your planning to attend a more modern and fun cocktail party, you could opt for this adorable little number.  All eyes will be on you in this gorgeous dress with feminine colors, a bit of sparkle, and Betty's signature full skirt that creates the perfect hourglass.  Don't forget your white gloves!

In later seasons you're more likely to see Betty is something like this.  As her life changes (no spoilers!) she starts dressing a bit more conservative and respectable, showing that she is growing up and changing. While dressing more mature, she is still as classy and beautiful as ever.

When Betty needs some time to herself she hits the stables for some riding and is, of course, dressed appropriately. This would be the perfect chic and modern equestrian outfit, complete with boots,  riding pants, and a conservative sweater and turtleneck all in neutral classy colors.

Now, let's not forget accessories.  Betty's accessories are classic and feminine and very simple.  Need to add a pop of color to an outfit or make yourself look more respectable and presentable?  Just add a chic silk scarf and you're ready to go!

And, of course, Betty is never without the blue blood staple, pearls!  She is often seen wearing big, oversized pearl stud earrings or a delicate necklace.  Slip on a pair of these and your double strand pearl necklace and you'll feel instantly glamorous. 

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Winter Style: Scarves

A warm neck goes a long way when there are temperatures below freezing and 40 MPH winds. Cover yourself up with a stylish scarf and keep that chill from cooling you to the core.  With over 7 ways to tie it, a scarf can be a winter survival essential and a risk free fashion statement.

Not only is this colorful scarf perfect for fighting frostbite, it's also bright and cheerful enough to warm your mood as you clear those 18 inches of snow from your car.

Who doesn't love pom poms?  This warm knit scarf is grown up and mature looking but the fun and playful pom poms makes us smile as we think back to childhood snow days.

Here are some scarves you can really feel good about!  When you buy one of these lovely hand made scarves  it helps to fund mammograms for women in need!  We particularly like this intricate pattern and modern colors of these hand made alpaca wool scarves, but there are plenty of other styles and colors to choose from.

 These cashmere scarves are luxurious, colorful, and elegant - great for staying warm and for pairing with your professional work attire to look effortlessly chic.

We love vintage looking items! This cream colored crocheted scarf is simply charming and sure to keep you cozy!

Speaking of vintage, how about an infinity scarf (aka: snood)? This popular accessory from the 1940's has morphed from a hairnet to a ski slope staple in the 1950's to it's tubular shape you see today that lets you wear it in a variety of ways!

And, finally, you can never go wrong with a great plaid scarf! Plaid lets you incorporate all the colors you like in a way that is classic and sophisticated.



That's a wrap!



XOXO

Jen & Saira

Color Day: Tickled Pink

It's almost February (seriously, where did January go?) so that means Valentine's Day is just around the corner.  Possibly the most romantic day of the year, Valentine's day is best represented by 2 colors - pink and red.  These colors are the ones most often associated with love and passion so we couldn't let a Valentine's day pass by without them.  Here is a color board to inspire you to embrace Cupid and get started with planning a romantic dinner for 2, a wedding for 200, or just a girly day with your single gal pals.

Shades of Pink Wedding Color Inspiration Board

Images from: Brides, Wedding Planning 101, Birds and Blooms, The Inspired Bride, pasaiipaperie, The Knot, NicNacManiac, Modcloth, April Foster, FA2u, Party Poms

L-O, L-O, L-O, L-O-V-E

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Competition: Win £50 to spend at Brand Alley

Hi guys,
Just before Christmas, I had a mini spending spree at designer discount store Brand Alley. Each day new sales are added from new designers, so you never know what you're going to find when you visit the site: that's half the magic!

Today there is a sale on Vivienne Westwood sunglasses: tomorrow is the start of a Diesel sale. On the day of my shop their were sales taking place on designer shoes, Lulu Guiness umbrellas, and Clinique skincare.

Here's what I picked up:



Gold leather D&G shoes, Lulu Guiness stripe and cameo umbrella, and Clinique exfoliator.

I couldn't believe the amazing value for money: i'm a real convert! I've picked up all sorts of stuff from Brand Alley since discovering it: OPI nail varnish, Moschino jewellery, and their January sale was unbelievable: I got a pair of grey shoe-boots for a fiver!

Now on to the competition: The total cost of my order was £99.30. I know, I can't believe it either! Now all you have to do to win a £50 gift voucher to spend at Brand Alley is tell me how much my little spree was worth: what is the combined rrp of the three items pictured above? Pop your guess in the comments, and the person that comes closest is the winner.

The competition closes at 12 noon on Wednesday 2nd February, so get guessing now! Good luck!

Love, Tor xx

Note: Brand Alley is a wonderful fantabulous place to get incredible designer goodies at amazingly low prices. But the pay off is that you have to wait a little while for your order to arrive: these babies took six weeks to reach me. But it was definitely worth the wait!!

Note #2: Sorry for the terrible picture of the umbrella! I was too superstitious to put it up in the house, so i've used a snap of it as I was getting off the tube!

ASOS SS11 Look Book: Prepare to Lust

Light, fresh, floppy, floaty, seventies inspired......I love this asos collection. I could spend my whole summer wearing just these five outfits. I especially love the masculine rolled up camel trousers, and the oversized camel maxi dress: i've gone from hating camel to being a definite convert. And my new carboot sale hunting obsession will be boxy handbags to finish the look, just like the one in the second picture. What do you think of the collection? And if you like it, which pieces are you coverting?

Love, Tor xx

Mad Men Character Inspiration Part 1: Peggy Olson

It's been a while since we've done a character inspiration for you all to enjoy and as Jen recently has become obsessed with Mad Men we've decided to feature some 1960's fashion.  The 1960's have never been so sexy and Mad Men's three main female characters all have such unique style that we figured it best to do them as three seperate posts.  So, for your viewing pleasure, the next few Mondays will be Mad Mondays here at PDR.

Don't let looks fool you, Peggy Olson is not quite as old fashioned as she seems.  Although she might look innocent and proper, she is quite the independent women and is not afraid to go after what she wants.  Peggy's style is very modest, a little bit kiddish, and definitely the most interesting in terms of silhouettes, patterns, and colors.  While the other leading ladies tend to be a bit more feminine and provocative, Peggy is modest and her work attire says she is polished, professional, and ready to take on anyone who stands in her way.

This conservative top, from Top Shop, is modest, yet the bold color (one Peggy seems to really like) is striking and perfect for any ladder climbing lady.  

That glass ceiling won't stop you in this fitted pencil skirt from ZARA. This is a skirt that says sexy, but professional, and is one you might see on Peggy in the later seasons as she starts to become more powerful and assertive.

For something a little more girlish and flirty, try this skirt from Urban Outfitters.  The pleating makes this knee length skirt look young and adorable. We also love how this skirt looks with those shoes - a very vintage combination!

Peggy usually is a little more covered up than the other girls, so, this dress, from ModCloth, would surely be a hit with its higher neckline and old fashioned pattern and buttons. 

Miss Olson also can been seen in unflattering browns and shades of yellow.  We wouldn't dare put some of those things on here, but this dress, by Mango, does browns in a way that we, and Peggy, would approve of. 

Being an "Ad Girl" isn't easy, but you can at least make it easy on your feet.  Hopping trains from Brooklyn to Madison avenue requires a sensible heel.  These heels from DSW are perfectly retro with their tassel and hounds tooth print. 

And, finally, a Peggy staple -- the tie neck top.  This conservative top is still very feminine and playful, something Peggy would be sure to have in her wardrobe, maybe even in multiple colors and patterns.

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Real Wedding: Erich and Steph

Tired of all this ice and snow?  Regretting that you ever agreed to a January wedding? Well, brush up on your Espanol and head down to Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the like and have yourself a merry little destination wedding.  Not only do we love the idea of a barefoot on the beach weddings, we are all for adventure and that is why we love destination weddings. Luckily enough, today's post is all about a real couple, Erich and Steph, and their destination wedding that we're sure will warm your heart.

Erich, our good friend from Rutgers, met Stephanie about 3 years ago at the gym.  Erich was wearing his usual Life Guard t-shirt, which prompted Stephanie to ask him if he was actually a life guard or if he, like her dad, just wore the shirt. They got to talking, eventually started hanging out, and had their first official date at the Linvilla Orchards where they went apple picking.  Then, one fateful day in August 2009, Steph came home from a long and stressful day of work (first grade teacher! yikes!) to find Erich eagerly awaiting her arrival.  He told her he had a surprise for her, played Brad Paisley's song "Then", asked her to dance and then he proposed.  Steph was shocked as Erich got down on one knee and once she realized what was really happening she immediately started crying, leaving Erich on his knees until he said, "Baby, you need to answer me. My knee is really starting to hurt."  She said yes, of course, and thus began their wedding planning adventure. Here are some of the photos of their wedding in Cancun, Mexico.

Steph knew that she wanted someplace tropical and beautiful for her wedding, so, after checking out some prices, they settled on Cancun, Mexico. We all know that planning a wedding is stressful and as far as planning goes, she said that, although she was never really worried, the most difficult part of planning was getting around the language barrier and communicating with the wedding planner.  Luckily, Steph and Erich didn't focus on a theme or have bridesmaids or colors necessarily and just wanted it to be bright and colorful which made things easier. What also made things simpler was that they didn't have to plan for a lot of people and only invited immediate family to their ceremony.  In conclusion, we asked Steph for her final words of advise on destination wedding planning and she wrote, "Don't be too crazy about the location. We chose the location based on pricing. The resort took care of the rest. Anywhere you go, the resorts do this all the time! Ask questions to the resort, any questions you want, they should answer them with no problem but do not worry about it. It will be beautiful.  Oh! And don't plan it during hurricane season...it is too stressful."

Details:

Venue for wedding: Grand Solaris, Cancun, Mexico

Venue for reception: Lazaretto Ballroom, Essington, PA

DJ: EBE Entertainment, Philadelphia, PA

Flowers: Petals in the Park, Ridley Park, PA

Favors and other decorations: Oriental Trading

Rings: Robbins Diamonds, Newark, DE

Wedding Dress: Frank Bernard Bridal, Wilmington, DE

Thanks, Erich and Steph, for sharing your pictures and destination wedding insight with us. Best wishes for a happy marriage!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

The importance of being waisted!

Hi guys,
It is often joked that I am rarely seen without a belt around my waist. And it's true: the phrase I most often mutter in changing rooms is "maybe if I added a belt." I have an hourglass figure, and my body looks really wide without something to draw the eye to my waist, so that's the main thing I look for when i'm out shopping. With a constructed dress that cinches in at the waist, or even a waist belt, your whole body shape can change. Behold:

These pictures were taken in the same shop on the same day, but in different changing rooms. Yes, i'm in my beloved Topshop again. The dresses are in the same size, and so am I. I just saw these two pictures on my phone whilst looking for pictures for another post i'm putting together, and thought that side by side they emphasise this point really well. Without the waist definition my upper body looks enormous: imagine how much better the leopard print dress would look with a belt on top too, and compare this to the vast peach mass of the other dress!

I guess this shows how important it is to know how to dress your figure, and the difference that can make to how you look and feel: in this case slim and slinky versus oversized hefferlump! And yes, I did pick up the leopard print dress: but I haven't broken my shopping ban, as I had some gift vouchers left over from Saturday. Free shopping: my favourite!

Love, Tor xx

Color Day: Green, Black, and White

We decided we were in need of a little spring preview, so, here we have a grassy green with the simple and classic black and white.  This color board could be used for a winter or spring wedding that is both traditional and timeless but with a little bit of modern flair.  Black and white says traditional elegance but bold green says fun and fresh, the perfect mix for a modern couple.

Green, Black, and White Inspiration Board



We had a few more images picked out for this one but our computer is giving us some trouble so for more green and black love, check out this board on Fine Stationary's photostream.  Enjoy and know there are bright, fun, and cheerful colors to look forward to this Spring!



Images from: Wedding Tulle, Modcloth, Jessica Claire Photography, David's Bridal, Sweet Water, ao3designs, Candy Paper , Wedding Bee     

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Picture Post: Discover a Style You'll Love!

The professional pictures from my Discover a Style You'll love experience day on Saturday have arrived: they're considerably better than mine, so of course I had to share! I've been wearing all of my new clothes this week (pictures to follow, I promise!) and believe it or not, I haven't lost a single stone from my nails so far. Thanks again to Ford Ka for organising my dream day out.

Love, Tor x