Runway Waves & Braids

I don't really know anyone that doesn't love a visit to the beach. Even if you don't worship the hot summer sun (and prefer to stay umbrella bound), there is something comforting about the feel of loose sand between your toes, the smell of salt air, the sound of seagulls, and yes, the way your hair looks after an early morning walk.  

Yup, it is then that you have the.best.hair.day.ever!  

After that AM stroll for shells you come back, peek in the mirror, and WOW, your hair is EXACTLY the way you wish it looked on your way to work on that hectic Monday morning, or that perfect Saturday night date...

but.no.

it.is.

right.now.

at.the.beach.

9:30 AM.

Boom.

With that being said, it got me thinking about our runway show this weekend (after all, who doesn't want perfect hair on stage?).  Yes, we are delighted to be styling the fashion event for the first annual "Harbor FashionEASTa Fashion Show" (in Baltimore) on Saturday, and have also been busy working on the beauty bit as well--so fun!  We thought you might enjoy a little sneak peek at our creative process, and for those that know me well, you know I love beachy waves (and even rock the look on most days!).  Lately, I have also been loving all the fun braids that have been flooding my Pinterest feed.  That got me thinking about what it might be like to combine the two.  Hmmm...

A few beachy waves with a funky, loose braid...

...add in sweet, peachy cheeks and a soft, coral lip and we have ourselves runway magic!  Black, blonde, auburn or brunette this look is going to shine, and our models divine!

Many thanks in advance to ALL of the boutiques, restaurants, vendor and media partners for this weekend's event.  

A special shout out to our beauty team including:

  

DK Salon

Kobi Day Spa & Salon

Spa Sante

Glam-n-Tan

Want to see the BIG reveal?  Then come on out to the show this Saturday, June 2, 2012.  The weather is lookin' good, the EVENT IS FREE, and the SALES promise to be FABULOUS!

The runway production begins at 4:30 PM!  

xSB & Team

P.S.  More info HERE on the event!

Florals - Now & Then

For months now we have watched runway shows and fashion bloggers alike sport the growing trend in everything floral.  From dresses and denim, to satchels and shorts, these pretty prints are definitely making a splash.

It makes me wonder...Should I have held on to that prom dress my mother wore in the 60's?  It would definitely make a statement today.  Is this a trend you are loving, or would you prefer it to stay in your mother's closet after all?

*Images 1 & 2

Chevron Crush Continues

We have been seeing the chevron trend in interiors for a few years now, on everything from wall paper to floor coverings, bedding, accent pillows, upholstery and more.  However, we have noticed that it is slowly making it's way into fashion and entertaining too!  

Another testament to continue paying attention to those spring and fall runways...

they.

always.

predict.
the.

trends.

Would you wear this trend or do you prefer a little zig zag at home?
Either way, it.works.for.me.
Happy Tuesday!
xSB

Hello Long Weekend...

I do love Friday's, especially when they are attached to a holiday weekend, and I certainly have plenty on the books. First up, a visit with my mother (celebrating Mother's Day a few weeks late), a trip to the barn (to get in a long ride with my favorite Morgan mare), and (in the mornings) a little catching up on my reading.  My magazine stack is all too high and I am falling a little behind.

In the afternoons...I hope to spend a little time here.  Our pool opens on Saturday!  

And in the evening, I am planning an intimate dining experience right in my own lovely garden.  The knock out roses are literally on fire right now, and the peonies have just a few days remaining.  I have said many times before that cooking is not my strongest suit (although I can style a plate like nobody's business), however, I may even try making a little of this and this.

How will you be spending your long weekend?  Either way, I hope you enjoy the sun (don't forget the sunscreen), family and friends, and we'll be back again next week!

Until then... 

xSB

P.S.  If you haven't already registered for Harbor East FashionEASTa Fashion Show VIP ticket give-a-way (here), you still have a few more days.  We'll be selecting a winner on Tuesday! 

*Image 1, 2, and 3

Baltimore's HARBOR EAST Fashion Event

Calling all fashionista's...

There's another CHIC show in town, so mark your calendar's NOW for 

Saturday, June 2, 2012 and JOIN US for the 

F A S H I O N  S H O W !

The street will be closed for the day (where President Street meets Aliceanna) and the runway show starts at 4:30 PM. There will be a live band playing in the street beginning at 2:30 PM until shortly before the show. The event is FREE and the boutique discounts a plenty!

The following stores and boutiques are participating 

in the runway production:

Amaryllis Handcrafted Jewelry

City Sports

Handbags in the City

MAC Wellness

Sassanova

South Moon Under

Urban Chic

White House || Black Market

(Hair and make-up for the runway models provided by: 

DK Salon, Kobi DaySpa & Salon, & Spa Sante. Organic spray tanning provided by Glam & Tan.)

The following restaurants are also participating 

in the all day event:

Fleming's 

Haagen Dazs

James Joyce

Lebanese Taverna

Taco Fiesta

Talara

Whole Foods

Media sponsors include (but are not limited to):

baltimorestyle.com

POST A COMMENT on our blog and be entered to win a pair of VIP tickets (yay!) 

to the event.  We will select a winner on Tuesday (05.29.12) of next week, 

and post the winner's name on our Facebook page (here) that same day.  (More info on the even here.)

GOOD LUCK and we hope to see you there! 

xSB and Team

P.S. WE ARE STYLING THE SHOW!!!

Summer Staples - Bags, Bangles, and Brights!

As a designer and stylist, the first thing that comes to mind when I think about summer is COLOR, COLOR, and more COLOR!  Here are three simple steps to add a little punch to your wardrobe this season.  It's as easy as 1, 2, 3!

What summer staples will you be adding to your closet? I can't wait to see...

Charm City Style - Hardware & Heels

Another home staging consultation on the books today, and the very first order of business...a little curb appeal!  I am thinking a few blooming hydrangeas (peek at some of my favorite gardening designs here) might just do in the trick. In the meantime, I'll stick to hardware and heels...

F21 blouse (also seen here), black cami (found at Anthropologie), Mossimo pink skinny denim (found at Target), Carlos Santana heels, Rebecca Minkoff "Moonstruck" handbag (found at Urban Chic trunk show), Michael Kors watch, jewelry from House of Harlow, J.Crew, Stella & Dot, and F21, 

Essie nails in Super Bossa Nova

Outfit to Room - Crowing Glory

If you follow me here, you may have noticed my recent collection of these pretty toppers.  Since my trip to South America (where I snapped a photo of a young women in the most amazing feather headdress...now on the gallery wall in my apartment), I have admired the art of the headdress and the drama they bring to countless editorial fashion spreads, as well as the romance...adorning the head's of some of our own gorgeous brides.  For those that know me best, they know I am a sucker for anything gold and starburst-like (insert new company logo here!), so it is no surprise that this image caught my eye.  I love her perfectly peachy complexion, bright lip, and bold print.  Mix it up with those white branches and you have this...

...this gorgeous room (which also has me swooning for so many reasons).  I love the wall color, that table (wow), bold prints (on the pillows and the pottery), and that chandelier...yes, please!  The only change I would make would be to put a gold frame around the kitchen art (surprised? not really).  I think adding something metallic would 1. really make the art pop and 2. bring in a slightly more modern element to the space.  I am not really a cook (my friends will get a kick of me saying that "not really" part), but if the classes were being held here...sign.me.up!

Images 1 & 2

Charm City Style - Front Row Fashion

On Friday I took a trip to Bethesda for The Front Row fashion event.  The cobblestone streets were transformed into a catwalk, and hundreds of Marland's most fashionably dressed showed up to watch the production.  Post event I couldn't help but do a little shopping of my own (here and here), 

and even came away with a few new pieces that will quickly become some of my favorite 

spring and summer staples.   

Ralph Lauren silk camisole (in azalea), Madewell "skinny skinny" denim, linen blazer from Ann Taylor Loft, BCBG heels, Foley & Corinna handbag, Michael Kors watch,
Ray Bans eyewear, jewelry from Stella & Dot, F21, TJMaxx, J.Crew, and Sassanova 

Don't forget to mark your calendar NOW for the 
Harbor East FashionEASTa Fashion Show 
on Saturday, June 2, 2012 in Baltimore.  
We are delighted to be styling the show!

The Friday 5

I feel like spring keeps flying by and before we know it school will be out, the pools will be open, and I will have gotten good wear of out of my summer sandals (currently craving these).  The weeks ahead are filled with so many exciting new projects, and (I have to confess) I hope to squeeze in a few weekend's away in between weddings.  Speaking of which, I was able to do just that last weekend with a trip to see one of my favorite artists in concert, Florence and The Machine.  She was wearing this Alex Noble cape. One word. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. 

Once back in the studio, this project was at the top of my TO DO list, and I am obsessed with this python wallpaper (on right).  It will be installed in our client's master bedroom on an accent wall, behind their gorgeous, tufted, leather bed (ordered just last week).  A braided natural fiber rug and a few upholstered pieces will make a perfect intimate seating area in the room. (I still can't get over how good the wallpaper is, and I just love the fact that they are really going for it. So.good.)

Yesterday morning we were busy with a wardrobe consultation for one of our favorite returning clients.  Our design challenge was to find a "black tie appropriate (long) gown for a family wedding in Mexico."  She ended up selecting our (personal) favorite, and this jersey gown in mango was indeed the winner.  We accessorized with a super skinny (glittery) belt, and it fits her body to.a.tee!  

I was literally over-the-moon when my first peony of the season bloomed this week. (I think I may have actually jumped up and down a bit upon first seeing it.)  I couldn't help but bring it inside this morning. It's the little things, right?

Later today I will be heading here for a fun evening of "research" in preparation for the June 2, 2012 Harbor East FashionEASTa Fashion Show we are styling in just a few weeks.  Tomorrow I hope to start and finish my days here, on the porch, catching up on my reading.  I also have plenty of planting to do.  The pansies are coming out, and a few more colorful blooms will make their way in.

Have a great weekend, and don't forget to watch the BIG RACE!
xSB

Preakness Preview - Dressed to Impress

..."AND THEY'RE OFF!"...
Our beloved Charm City will host the 137th Annual Preakness Stakes race at Pimlico Racetrack tomorrow, and I.can't.wait!  Dressed to impress, hundreds will flood to the track to catch a glimpse of these gorgeous animals and attempt to beat the odds.  Inspired by the silks of each champion's rider, we couldn't help but put a few looks together for our favorites to win and their fans!

Who is your favorite, and will we have a Triple Crown contender?  All eyes will certainly be on the purple and white at Pimlico tomorrow!

Good luck/Buenos Suerte!
xSB

NACE Baltimore Welcomes Celebrity Wedding Planner...

...Tara Guerard to Charm City! On Monday, May 21, 2012 the Baltimore Chapter of NACE is hosting one of the event industries leading celebrities of wedding planning and "southern style", the lovely Tara Guerard, owner of Soirée by Tara Guérard with offices in Charleston, South Carolina and NYC.  In 2005, Tara was selected as a “Top 25 Trendsetter” by Modern Bride magazine, and Soirée’s work has been featured by a wide range of media including: Elegant Bride, Food & Wine magazine, Southern Accents, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Town & Country Weddings.

Her debut lifestyle book, Southern Weddings: New Looks from the Old South (Gibbs Smith) was published to rave reviews in early 2007. The follow up volume, Weddings by Tara Guérard was published in January 2010, further establishing her as a leading expert on wedding design.

The Baltimore Chapter of NACE is delighted to have her present at their May 21, 2012 meeting from 6:00 - 9:00 PM, and they are expecting a great crowd.  Join the group at the gorgeous (new!) Hotel at Arundel Preserve to network with some of Baltimore's leading event professionals, hear Tara  speak, and welcome her to our beloved city.

To learn more about Tara and her business, visit her online here.

Her books will be for sale ($30 each) at the event, and Tara will hold a book signing immediately following her presentation.

Register for the event HERE! 

Please note:  Construction work is going on near the hotel, so please plan your time and route accordingly.  Alternative driving directions found here.

*For more information about the Baltimore Chapter of NACE, visit them online HERE.  Meetings are held on the third Monday of every month, and they are always looking for new members and event industry leaders!

Outfit to Room - Say Yes to Yellow

Every once in awhile I see a garment that literally stops me in my tracks.  This beaded beauty from Matthew Williamson was one of those WOW moments, and I am still swooning over the plunging neckline (although I don't know that I would actually have the guts to pull this one off), beaded embellishments, and then there are those wispy ostrich feathers at the hemline.  So.flipping.good.  

I love the shape the beading takes on the front of the dress, and it reminded me of this gorgeous yellow to.die.for headboard in the most delicious, sunny yellow fabric. I would add a cozy area rug in front of the nightstand (I have this one in my bedroom at home), and a patterned accent pillow or two and call it a day. Who wouldn't love waking up here?

Images 1 & 2

Forward Thinking

Monday's are usually crazy for everyone.  The mad dash to get the kids out the door in the morning (sans peanut butter in their hair), getting back into the groove at the office (while also looking somewhat glamorous), and then repeating that four more times each week.  That being said, it is often hard to find even five quiet minutes a day to ourselves.  The lines get blurred with the hustle and bustle of daily life and taking the straight and narrow is not always easy.  

Just take a moment now...and remember, things get done one.single.stripe at a time.
xSB

Pantone Debuts New Shades!

As you already know, we get constant color inspiration from the geniuses at Pantone. Lucky for us, 336 brand.new.colors were just added to the Pantone Plus Series, and these new additions are sure to keep us inspired for many more days to come.  From pastels to neons, and everything in between, the collection contains all of our favorite trends. 

image sources: 1 2

Which new shade is your favorite?
xSB