Make a Wish!

There is still time to rush to the party, raise a glass, and don't forget to make a WISH (or two)!  

My wish is that yours come true...

Thank you to each of you (readers old and new) for your continued support and CHEERS to being even more inspired in the NEW YEAR ahead!
xo,

stephanie 


Images weheartit.com

The Friday 5

I have always loved this shape and seem to find it popping up everywhere.  This fountain was definitely one of my "favorite things" from my recent NYC trip.

Finally getting started on the second gallery wall in my apartment.  I got these treasures up just in time for last week's holiday pop up party.   

Looking forward to putting these holiday decorations away later today!

The newest addition (on top) to my growing collection of favorite coffee table books.  It was the perfect holiday gift from my girlfriend, Christina, who earlier this year helped me upholster my bedroom headboard in a CHANEL remnant I picked up here. 

The "love note" my mother placed in my lunch box (in the 8th grade) after I didn't make the 

cheerleading team.  I carried it in my wallet for years and then framed it a few years back.  

It now resides with all my pretty baubles and I peek at it each morning...

encouraging words to remember as we start the exciting NEW YEAR ahead.

P.S.  I tried out a year later...and did make the team!

Charm City Style - First Snow

It just started snowing about an hour ago here in Charm City and I couldn't be more excited for the first official SNOW!  It has been quite warm this month so a flurry or two is (finally) a welcome sign of winter.  I decided to grab my camera, run right outside the studio (literally), 

and capture a snowflake or two...

Romeo & Juliet Couture skirt, Hue tights, MRKT (Italy) suede booties, Zara blouse,

cluster of vintage brooches, sweater and scarf F21, jewelry SAKS Fifth Ave

Charm City Style - Polka Dot Pairing

The weather was still unseasonably warm last week in Maryland (it has since dropped 30 degrees) so I was able to leave the house without the need for a heavy top layer.  This cropped jacket was another find on my quick trip to NYC last Monday...paired with these playful polka dots it was the perfect outfit for last minute holiday shopping followed by a little party hopping.

Cropped jacket F21, Caviar polka dot blouse, zebra print belt from Target, James Jeans, 

handbag (Italy), Tory Burch aviator sunglasses, Charles David patent leather pumps, 

jewelry Michael Kors, Sassanova, Loehman's

The Friday 5

I think I am still feeling a little high from the excitement of my quick trip to NYC earlier this week.  From department store window displays to the hustle and bustle of holiday crowds, who doesn't love this time of year in The Big Apple?  Here's a peek at this week's inspiration...

Bergdorf Goodman's window displays for 2011 are entitled "Carnival of the Animals" and they are 

beyond AMAZING. This one especially is CRAZY good.

The "French Hens" illustrated beautifully by one of my long time favorite fashion illustrators, Inslee by Design. We have collaborated on numerous projects over the years (including this one most recently) but I especially LOVE her take on the window display above.  Sooo fun!

The gorgeous colors of these playful "Juju Hats" from my curb side meeting with Authentic Africa.

Seeing my design assistant's face (Ashley), when she saw the infamous Rockefeller tree 

for the very first time.

The perfect "holiday plaid" shirt found just this week.  Here's a peek at what I'll be wearing to the 

pop up party at my place later tonight.  

Merry Christmas.

xo,

stephanie

Feathered Fun in NYC!

On Monday of this week I treated my design team (minus one intern-we missed you Kelsey) to a quick trip to New York City for a day of inspiration, an amazing Italian lunch (here) and of course a little holiday shopping.  If you read my 2011 Holiday Gift Guide you may have noticed I had one of these beauties (#7) on my list and am still dying for an off white one to go in the dining room of my apartment. Upon my arrival in the city, I received a surprise phone call telling me that my new friend, Kim from Authentic Africa, would be in the area "in 20 minutes" and was willing to give me a peek at her current inventory.  I couldn't have been more delighted and literally ended up meeting her in Manhattan within minutes of the call.  She rolled up in her white van, pretty plumes in hand, and I couldn't resist this colorful photo op to boot!

What is a juju hat you ask?  Here's a little HISTORY of the "Cameroon Juju Hat" for those of you that are not familiar with this designer's delight.  

Unfortunately, I didn't take one home this week (although the quality of these brightly colored pieces was incredible in person) and at this point I doubt one is going to find its way under my tree this Christmas. I have, however, asked "Santa" to place my name on the wait list for an off white one come early 2012!  

Fingers crossed,

stephanie

The Annual Baltimore Country Club Fashion Show 2011 - UNVEILED

On Friday, December 2, 2011 I had the pleasure of producing, styling and MCing (for the second year in a row) the Annual Baltimore Country Club Fashion Show.  I must admit this was no small task, but with a talented team of event partners, fashion forward boutique owners and an army of creative professionals, the event was yet again a huge success.  This year we changed things up a bit, adding an evening show to the agenda and sold out BOTH shows (over 600 tickets with a wait list extending 200) in less that 24 hours!  It is indeed a popular event and so much fun to be a part of.  Here's what one of our new member models had to say about her experience...

"I just wanted to thank you for the opportunity to participate in the fashion show.  The event was extremely well done--it exceeded all my expectations!  The clothes were fabulous.  I can't tell you how many people came up to me and have called to say how much they admired the outfits and praised the event.  I also had the chance to meet some wonderful women and make new friends at the club.  Not to mention, I was able to make a few great purchases of my own.  Please pass along my praise.  

Now I see why the event sells out so quickly.  Thanks again. ~ Kim"

The dining room and patio were perfectly set by the BCC staff.  Our color palette of fushia, white and red really brought the room to life and the club's (new) in house floral designer added the finishing touches.  Prior to each show, the club hosted "Boutique Shopping" for members and guests alike.  

Many thanks to all of the boutique owners and their teams who spent the day with us.

The seats filled up fast as guests were anxious to see the BIG show!

I had the pleasure of hosting the event, which meant a few dress changes (every stylist loves that!) and a birds eye view of the runway fashions.  "Are you ready to get this party started, ladies?"  

Que music, please.  Thank you Dan from Music Masters!

Designs by Octavia opened the show with a mix of casual and evening looks respectively while 

our member models showed us how to really work the runway.

"Scene Two" showcased looks by Sassanova, The Monogram Shop, 

Christopher Schafer Clothier and Wee Chic. 

Next up were fashions by Fresh! Boutique.  My sparkly dress was one of the show favorites  (also by Fresh!) and the beading was incredible.  The runway jewelry was on loan from our friends at 

Radcliffe Jewelers.  Can you say A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!

Francesca's Bridal, Tuxedo House and a few more "Little Characters" from Wee Chic were next in line.

                                                       Images by Aaron Haslinger Photography

And for the runway FINALE, we were delighted to have back (again this year) the 

 Maryland Academy of Couture Arts.  All the looks showcased were by student designers 

and the garments were all for sale.

                                                                                                 Maryland Academy images by random.eye.candy

Overall, it was a fabulous event and I could not have been more proud of the great team effort. The BCC staff was a pleasure to work with, especially my partner in crime, Jessica White--kudos to you!  To our photographers, Aaron Haslinger and random.eye.candy.photography THANK YOU for capturing this images.  To the member models, "You are all lovely and great fun. 

I hope to see you again next year! xo, stephanie" 

 Thank you again to our MANY event partners including:  Baltimore Country Club (staff and member models), Aaron Haslinger Photography, Bobbi Brown (member model make-up), Bradshaw Styling, Bronze Bombshells, Chris Schafer Clothier, Crimson & Clover Floral Design, Fresh! Boutique, Jean Pool, Maryland Academy of Couture Arts, Music Masters, Octavia, Philip Michael Studio (member model hair), Radcliffe Jewelers, Random Eye Candy, Sassanova, Spa Seven (MD Academy model make-up), About Faces (MD Academy hair), Starbucks Coffee Company, STYLE Magazine, The Best of Luck Candy & Gifts, The Monogram Shop, Stella & Dot, Table Toppers, Tuxedo House, and Wee Chic.

Don't forget to "LIKE" Bradshaw Styling on Facebook!

More fashion show behind-the-scenes coming soon...