Little Buttons

Remember my post on Princess Grace's gown and veil? I was trying to remember where I last saw such an exquisite attention to detail, in this case buttons, and then it came to me. Wallis Simpson. Given that she was a divorcee she wore a pale blue Mainbocher gown with beautiful little buttons on the front for her wedding to Edward XIII, later the Duke of Windsor. The dress fit her lithe figure to a tee.

Party New Orleans Style

I've come across some really cool ideas to incorporate into a New Orleans party or wedding that I thought I would share with you. Whatever sources I did manage to jot down I've listed below:

1. How about a beignets station with hot cafe au lait to finish off the evening? I checked with Cafe du Monde and they do not cater beignets for parties because beignets need to be served fresh immediately. But you can have your caterer make mini beignets on site and served fresh. Inspiration from Style Me Pretty. {Image Source}

2. Fresh Oyster and Shrimp Bar. Besides a crawfish broil, this is truly a New Orleans party spread. {Image Source}

3. Bananas Foster Station. Bring on the flames! A delectable New Orleans dessert with added drama. Inspiration from Brennan's Restaurant. {Image Source}

4. Serve a New Orleans speciality drink like the Sazerac or Brandy Milk Punch. Inspiration from Brennan's Restaurant. {Image Source}

5. Music: Jazz Ensemble to liven things up: {Image Source}

Style File: Alex Perry

I'm really digging all things Australian these days; fashion, interior design.. you name it I dig it. Speaking of which I think anything Alex Perry creates is sublime. Take a look for yourself:

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Forget Nicole Kidman... her sister Antonia is breathtaking in this Alex Perry blush colored silk and lace gown. Wouldn't this make a beautiful wedding gown?

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Friend & Co

I've been on the look out for some affordable diamond drop earrings and I came across Friend & Co, a family owned jewelry establishment in New Orleans. They have an amazing selection of antique jewelry. Here are my favorites (all under $1,500):

Going to the Chapel...

Doesn't look like a Chapel right??? Perhaps a little grandiose for a small ceremony??? Hidden to the left of the Academy of the Sacred Heart, an all girls Catholic school founded in 1887, is a beautiful little chapel that is perfect for what we had in mind. It's understated, simple and breathtaking as the light filters through during sunset. We are so excited about our little chapel ceremony! Laura Brignac, the wedding events coordinator, has been nothing but helpful. I don't have a doubt in my mind that she'll make sure everything will flow smoothly without a hitch.

Gorgeous fountain area perfect for picture taking.

Interior shot. The chapel is so lovely in it's elegant simplicity that we won't add too much decor.

Front Gate of the School

Wall-E

We went and saw Wall-E in a theatre filled with excited children and adults alike. It was awesome. Probably the best movie I've seen this summer. You won't take the act of holding hands for granted after you see this sweet and charming Pixar movie. I promise you'll like it!

Style File: Nan Kempner

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I don't live in New York City nor think it's the epicenter of the world but I do find it and it's inhabitants fascinating. Especially the deceased Nan Kempner. I came across an article titled "How to Be a Park Avenue Princess" in New York Magazine back in 2004 and I was pleasantly surprised by Nan's humor and advice. As the article states, her father once told her that "she'll never make it on her face so she should be interesting" and well, isn't their some veracity in that for all of us regardless of how we look? This fashion icon died in 2005 of emphysema.

Here are my favorite tidbits:

As a muse to Yves Saint Laurent: “He taught me a very important thing: All a woman needs is a good trench coat, a pair of black pants, a long black skirt, a short black skirt, and lots of tops.”

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Other tidbits: Get “tons” of sleep, entertain “constantly,” and “be yourself.” Oh, and this: “When you’re trying on clothes, look at yourself sitting down and look at your reflection from the back side.”

Here are the rules that I find applicable regardless of wealth:

Rule No. 1: Spend the money.“The Frick, Save Venice, and New Yorkers for Children are the three charities closest to my heart. If I have hours and hours to prepare for an event, trust me, I will spend hours upon hours getting ready.”

Rule No 3: never forget your gloves.

Rule No 4: Dress for lunch.

Rule No. 5: Make the effort.

The only rule (Rule No 2) I personally would throw out is to "always wear fur". I definitely think it is possible to find alternatives to a fur stole for a beautiful evening gown. Although not a "Park Avenue Princess" real life Princess Mary of Denmark should give her stylists a raise for this beautiful ensemble: A gorgeous iridescent purple evening gown with a velvet cape and matching amethyst tiara to boot. Plus aren't rules meant to be broken?

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