Spring Showers

When I woke up this morning the pansies in my garden were standing straight up...

...delighted by the light rain that had been sprinkled on them overnight.  With showers in the forecast all day today, I know I needed to prepare for slightly cooler temperatures ahead.  The trench and patterned scarf (both wardrobe staples) kept me dry on the way into the studio, and the cardigan (which reminds me of the ones my father used to wear and I would "borrow") will keep me cozy here at my desk.  Lots of client appointments on tap today (and all three interns in the office at once!) so the statement jewelry and shoes...a must.

Happy Wednesday!
xSB

Fashion Awards MD

On June 9, 2012 Fashion Awards Maryland will host their annual awards ceremony and (I am excited to announce that) Stephanie Bradshaw has been nominated in the category for "Best Clothing Stylist."
There will be two awards ceremonies, one held at 4:00 PM and the second at 7:30 PM (I will be in attendance at the 4 o'clock show!) in The Kay Theatre Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland College Park. 

Voting runs March 30th - May 31st, and I encourage you to support your favorite local designers, models, and all other emerging talent in the industry.  For more information, or to purchase tickets for this event, visit the FAMD website...AND I thank you in advance for your continued support.  

Click HERE to VOTE, pretty please... 

xSB

*A portion of the ticket sales will be donated to the Pediatric Oncology Department at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, providing fashionable head wraps and clothing to young cancer patients.  Guest presenters include Miss Maryland Teen USA 2012 Stephanie Chervenkov and Miss Maryland USA 2012 Nana Meriweather.

Charm City Style - Before the Rain

Yesterday was one of those days where I was able to check multiple things off my ever growing
"To Do" list, as well as make time for a little fun (with Nikki - one of my interns!).  With the cherry blossoms still in full bloom, it was hard to pass up using them as a beautiful backdrop.  Moments before the storm, the sun was shining and we were able to snap these quick pics.  We then (literally) ran back inside and watched the rain pour down
from the studio windows.  

AE denim, Tahari cashmere sweater, coral scarf Oscar de la Renta, 

printed T from Nordstrom, necklace found at Loehman's, hat found at Target, 

Naughty Monkey braided heels, Tory Burch sunglasses, and Foley & Corina handbag

Mint + Peach = Good Enough to Eat

The perfect pair, this delicious palette of cool mint (it reminds me of "Daiquiri Ice", my very favorite sorbet from Baskin Robins) and soft peach, have us eager for warmer weather, flowy fabrics, and perhaps a little ice cream too!

 

We created this storyboard for a spring wedding we are styling (the bridemaid's dresses are 

ever-so-lovely), and thought this might be the perfect, simple statement for this pretty party.

Dress  Shoes Clutch Belt Bangles Coral Polish Mint Polish

Do you agree?  These soft sorbet shades definitely have us swooning.  What's your favorite wedding palette for the season? 

Charm City Style - First Day of Spring!

With day after day of unseasonably warm weather here on the east coast, I have been wanting to transition my closet from winter to spring for weeks.  I wore my first peep toe pumps of the season at a wedding this weekend, and then again Monday evening (with this fun crew!) at the Baltimore NACE event.  Last night I slept with the windows open, and was delighted to wake up to the sweet sound of birds chirping (and my cat, Bronte, pawing on the window telling me it is time to eat).  

Happy "First Day of Spring"... I hope you too are walking in style all.day.long!

EXPRESS fitted button down in navy, F21 lace skirt, neon belt from Target, statement necklace Chico's, Seychelles heels in aqua, clutch found at Saks Fifth Ave, jewelry Michael Kors, Stella & Dot, & vintage, nails in Essie's Carousel Coral

Art in Bloom

The weekend was full of celebration and color for me.  My former design assistant was married on Saturday (peek here for a pretty pic), and on Sunday I slept in, played in the garden, caught up on a bit of reading (am in serious like with this VOGUE cover by the way), took a few long walks in the neighborhood (can you believe the cherry blossoms are already in bloom?), AND...

...thoughtfully hung this new painting on the wall in my bedroom. (Boom!)  It is sooo gorgeous and totally 

inspiring--the perfect way to start each and every day.  Tonight I am sure to be inspired once again, as I attend the NACE Baltimore Chapter UNCORKED! fundraising event.  I can't wait to put on a party dress, reconnect with industry colleagues, and see the dining room in creative bloom!

Until tomorrow,

stephanie

* Images 1 & 2

Pretty in Peplums

Want to be ahead of the trends this spring?  Then plan to add a few pretty peplums to your wardrobe.  We are seeing this shape, ruffles and jutted hip tabs turning up everywhere from the spring runways to the red carpet (thank you Michelle Williams...in Louis Vuitton coral perfection at the 2012 Academy Awards!).

Always a mark of femininity, a peplum is, by definition, a "flared, gathered, or pleated strip of fabric attached at the waist of a women's jacket, dress or blouse to create a hanging frill or flounce."  With flowers, prints (and neon galore), we are loving this additional waistline detail.  Will you embrace this girly trend of the season or keep to the classic pencil skirt?

Meet the Designer - Heidi Merrick

It's hard to believe that today is my last day in sunny California.  It has been a whirlwind trip full of inspiration, collaboration, and a little shopping to boot.  On Tuesday I had the opportunity to stop by the studio of fashion designer Heidi Merrick (of which I am a huge fan!) and take a peek behind the scenes of her working LA studio, chat a bit about her creative process, and of course oohh and aahh over her entire Spring 2012 Collection!

Heidi (above) in her creative work space

The collections colors and fabrics are amazing and I am obsessed with these tangerine beauties (above). There are plenty of options for day and night, meetings, cocktails, or that last minute warm weather get-a-way.  Can you guess which piece (yes, I did limit myself to just one) I took home with me?  It is delicately packed away in my suitcase as we speak!

Rumor has it cold and blustery temperatures await upon my arrival home in Maryland, but with colors like this on the horizon for spring, I am a very happy girl!

xo,

stephanie

* Studio images by Stephanie Bradshaw, all rights reserved

Big Night for Oscar 02.26

Last night was a big night for fashion and it isn't every day that one gets to wear a gown like this...

Dreamy dresses and dapper gentleman. How enchanting the evening truly was...  

Who wore your favorite dresses?

xo,

stephanie

Image 1

Get the Look - Outfit to Room

It is no secret that I have a love affair with fashion and the inspiration it gives almost all of my designs.  I have a list of blogs I read daily and am always delighted to find new ones with fresh ideas and creative, original content.  An office favorite (with interns alike) is the ever-chic, Blair of Atlantic Pacific.  We always enjoy seeing her stylish take on classic pieces and this outfit was no exception.  Pairing a navy chevron DVF tunic with pink pants and her ever growing collection of gold baubles, this look is both glamourous and approachable.  

Our team agreed that this bedroom pretty perfectly captures the preppy glam feel of Blair's outfit, and we even gathered together a few key pieces that can help you achieve the look in your own home.

Jonathan Adler Sputnik Chandelier  ||  Pier 1 Imports Blue Plush Pillow ||  Jonathan Adler Design Your Own Rug  ||  Nordstrom Flokati Throw  ||  Modish Harrison Headboard

With the color blocking trend still in the forecast for Spring 2012, would you consider stepping out in a pair of brightly colored trousers or perhaps wearing one on your nails is more your vibe?  Either way, we say this trend is here to stay. What colors are you most looking forward to moving to the front of your closet and how will you rock them?

Image 1 Atlantic Pacific, 2 sourced from Pinterest

Look Book Inspired - Louis Vuitton Cruise 2012

FOR weeks now, runway and look book images for Spring 2012 collections have been popping up on blogs and being "pinned" like crazy, as magazine editors predict trends for the upcoming season.  I have always felt that if you watched the runways closely and recognized the trends in fashion, you would have a good pulse on what trends to expect in interior and event design as well.


With that being said, I was especially fond of the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2012 Catalogue shot in Paris by Mark Segal.  I love the mix of textures, metallic accents, and the marriage of the feminine with just the right amount of edge.  I then began imagining the type of living space each of these characters (all portrayed by model Arizona Muse) might retreat to after walking the bustling city streets...

...lunching in the park...

...or lounging lakeside for a long, relaxing weekend.

I have been fortunate enough to travel to Paris twice to date, however my last visit was close to a decade ago now.  Both visits were life changing experiences and I can't wait to return. Either way, each of these rooms are chic and glamourous in their own right, just like the entire LV collection.

Any of them speak to you?

xo,

stephanie

Images 1, 3 & 5, 2, 4, 6

Jason Wu For Target

Another designer collection is coming to Target and this time it is with Jason Wu! Known for creating feminine frocks for the likes of celebrities including: Jessica Alba, Alexa Chung and even the First Lady herself, Wu is one of a slew of designers to make an affordable line for Target.  Starting on February 5 (did you write that date down, ladies?), you will be able to snag clothes, bags and scarves with a price tag of $60 or less.  The pieces feature classic silhouettes so you'll be able to wear them for years to come.  Check out a few standout looks from the collection...

If his collection is anything like my experience interviewing shoppers for the much anticipated Missoni collaboration last fall, it is sure to sell out fast, so be sure to grab your favorite pieces early.  Peek here at the entire collection.  Anything special on your must have list?

Charm City Style - More Spots

Yesterday the weather in Charm City was beyond beautiful and believe it or not close to 60 degrees.
I had a lunch meeting with fellow industry colleagues right on the harbor and it couldn't have been a better day to be outside.  From there a few quick stops before returning to the studio to continue prepping
for one of three commercial interior projects currently in development.
Sneak peek here at what I have been working on...

Tahari blazer, F21 leopard blouse, Simply Vera by Vera Wang wide leg denim, Charles David patent leather pumps, Aqua Madonna handbag, jewelry-vintage pendant, Sassanova, Michael Kors,
Tory Burch sunglasses, "Wicked" by Essie nails 

Charm City Style - Playful Pattern

I made a quick trip to pick up the mail today, received this, and couldn't be more delighted!  This playful printed dress (which I think would make fun wallpaper too) paired with patterned tights was just what I needed to be inspired all day long.  I love the fringe detail and my soft leather messenger bag 

is a recent gift from Santa.

 Zara fringe dress, Tahari tights, Cole Hahn boots, Sabina NY handbag, jewelry Michael Kors, Sassanova, vintage medallion and long, gold chain, cuff (gift), scarf DVF

Weekend Retreat

After such a crazy week of parties and projects, I hope to be doing a little of this today...mixed in with some holiday (gift) wrapping of course.

    

                                                                                                                         *Photos sourced on Pinterest

Doesn't snuggling up here look like the perfect place for a weekend retreat?  Hope you're enjoying your weekend...

xo, 

stephanie

Charm City Style - Black Friday

On rainy (translation: "bad hair") days the good ol' hat trick works every time.  It is a bit

overcast in Charm City so I went for the classic NYC uniform of all black mixed with 

a tiny print for good measure.  

 

Sequined hat from Barney's, beaded top XXI, AG denim "The Stevie Ankle", Mango motorcycle jacket, 

Diba leopard print booties (found at DSW), cashmere scarf and gold/rhinestone pendant 

from Saks Fifth Ave, handbag (Italy), "Fishnet Stockings" by Essie nails  

Charm City Style - Turquoise Tuesday

The temperatures have definitely cooled off here in Charm City, but with a sunny day like this it is hard not to enjoy the crisp weather.  I have had this fur jacket for years and thought it was the perfect addition to my feather print blouse paired with a bright pop of turquoise as an added accessory.

Banana Republic pin striped trousers, blouse (found at TJMaxx), fur from Arden B., Foley & Corinna handbag, leather and gold braclets from H&M, Michael Kors watch, Stella & Dot bangles, turquoise earrings (found at Loehman's), necklace from Sassanova, J.Crew boots