Marchesa Resort 2013

Call me crazy, but I feel like I have been swept up by the whole wedding season bonanza as of late. Friends are tying the knot left and right, Pinterest is overflowing with bridal boards, my mother is now talking about my wedding as if I have a boyfriend who is even interested in the notion, and my bank account is slowly depleting. For my dear friend's wedding which I will be a part of (my first!), I searched for months for a bridesmaid's dress, and after looking at a whole slew of them that just scream "hey, I'm uncomfortable and unflattering; pick me!" I was overjoyed to come across a lovely, understated but still appropriate dress from Asos (not to mention affordable.) And now, after pouring over Marchesa's resort  2013 collection, I couldn't help but admire the beautiful options for brides, bridesmaids and mother's of the bride alike. Whether for an understated bash or an all out glamour-fest, these looks are totally picture-perfect. File as hello, gorgeous.

[Images via: Vogue, Pinterest]

Party Girl: Wedding Edition- Five Fetes.

Now, don't get too excited. I don't have any special announcements to make (sorry, Mom) but considering that it is wedding season (and countless friends of mine will be walking down the aisle come winter) I couldn't help but feature my take on a ridiculously extravagant wedding. Well, actually, there are five fetes below to be exact, (more is more right?) ranging the wedding spectrum from even the most non-conformist of brides (Balmain tux, hello) to a classic look that would be fit for any princess (Vera to the rescue!) File this one as party on.

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THE INVITE: 'Painted Garden: Velvet Rope' Signature Textured Invitations from Wedding Paper Divas

THE LOCATION: A private garden chateau on the outskirts of Paris 

THE CAKE: Gilded, just like Marie Antoinette's finest china 

THE DRESS: Dior, but of course darling; it's Paris

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THE INVITE: 'Framed Floral: Charcoal' Thermography Invitations from Wedding Paper Divas

THE LOCATION: Church ceremony with reception to follow at a loft space, bedecked in hydrangeas

THE CAKE: A throw on tradition- cupcakes, with sparkles for good effect

THE DRESS: Vera, Vera, Vera or in this case the style Frea, Frea, Frea

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THE INVITE: 'Sophisticated Symbol: Black' Signature White Invitations by Wedding Paper Divas

THE LOCATION: The Palace, NYC; black-tie dress, even for the tables

THE CAKE: Covered in pearls, just like Chanel's Spring 2012 runway

THE DRESS: Who says the bride can't wear a tux, too? Balmain, I do, baby

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THE INVITE: 'Whimsical Wedding: Persimmon' Signature Textured Invitations by Wedding Paper Divas

THE LOCATION: The quite fabulous St. Bartholomew's church in Chodovice, Eastern Bohemia

THE CAKE: Rustic, simple, delicious

THE DRESS: Cascading Vera Wang pleated ruffles in the hottest color for fall brides- nude

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THE INVITE: 'Lace Illusion: Grape' Signature Textured Invitations by Wedding Paper Divas

THE LOCATION: The private gardens behind the museum at Villa Borghese in Rome

THE CAKE: Butterfly flourishes instead of flowers

THE DRESS: When in Rome, do as the Romans do- that means Valentino, amici

[Images via: Wedding Paper Divas and elsewhere, see the links below each mood board] 

Birthday Wishes.

So excited to have another friend's birthday this weekend! If only I could afford the plane ticket to spend it with both of them. I'm sensing a weekend getaway to NYC next year with both of them, hint hint... But regardless, I want to wish a very special day to Alison at Alison Reid Style, who is not only my favorite gal pal (and one that I know will always let me crash on her couch), but also the person who single handedly inspired me to create this blog! Without her support, I never would have done it. So I want to thank her, not only for being someone that I look up to for the best advice ever, but also being strong, beautiful, kind and of course very successful at whatever she puts her mind to! I hope you have a gorgeous Sunday, lady and of course an amazing year (enjoy it all!) File as cheers.

[Image via: Pinterest]

Birthday Wishes.

To my dear friend Emily (who is just one of my beautiful friends who has a birthday this weekend) who is probably the single reason why I had entirely too much fun the last six months I was living in Berkeley, and who made even the most boring of Monday nights fab! Although I couldn't bake a cake for her today (since I'm in LA now, duh) this virtual one will have to suffice. Today is for you Emily, you are the most intelligent, gorgeous and hilarious chick I know...and you happen to make a mean al dente pasta dinner, without even using a timer. Happy birthday, love! File as enjoy.

[Image via: Pinterest]

Best Dressed: Oscars 2012.

Sorry it took me like a year to get to this! Well, OK, maybe it took more like a few days, but I am practically bursting to share with you my best dressed from the Oscars on Sunday night. I would say that Emma Stone the second time around in Chanel was best dressed for the night, but I seriously cannot get over Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton or Stacy Keibler in Marchesa (totally knew someone would wear it, but was thinking it was a little closer to Jennifer Lopez's style.) Can I also just mention that I guessed right that the red ruffled pre-fall Valentino gown would be worn on the Oscar red carpet (the Vanity Fair party is close enough!) Just had to toot my own horn for a second there. File as four way tie.


[Images via: All over the web]

Party Girl: Valentine's Lunch.

Valentine's Day has never been one of my favorites (probably because it's usually filled with overpriced dinners and forced gifts) but that doesn't mean it's not a perfect opportunity to gather up your friends (both single and not) to have a day to celebrate all the love. Throw in a big bowl of pasta, some champagne punch, chocolate cake (duh) and a super romantic all-white table setting and all your friends will be totally in love with you. File as simply lovely. 

[Images via: Pinterest, which I can't link to because it isn't working for me this month!]

Eats: Ultimate Quesadillas.

Until you've had my quesadilla, let me tell you, you have not tasted a quesadilla yet. Gooey, delicious, savory and full of bright flavors, my quesadilla is nothing like those sad flimsy disks yanked out of the microwave. No, mam. Served with a big old dollop of sour cream, cilantro or salsa (or all three mixed together...did I just blow your mind?) this will become a weeknight staple, like it has in my casa. Keep reading to check out the full recipe. File as addicting. 

Eats: Fried Mozzarella Sticks.

I have a love affair with just about any food that is dipped in breadcrumbs and fried to a delicious golden brown. Case in point- mozzarella sticks. Until about a month ago it never dawned on me that I could actually fry my own cheesy sticks of wonder instead of purchasing those sad looking brand-name frozen mozzarella sticks on my monthly Target trip. So I enlisted the help of a friend who had never deep fried anything in her life (blind leading the blind, not the best plan I admit) and was completely surprised at how simple, fresh and crunchy these little guys came out (without scarring ourselves with any hot oil.) These are just the thing for your next cocktail party. Keep reading after the jump for the complete recipe and file as more, please.

Party Girl: This is Lady's Night.

Even though I have a feeling my Saturday night will be much more mellow than most, I couldn't help but put together this fabulous fete that would be just the thing if I were back in the Bay Area with all my girlfriends. You can't go wrong with champagne toasts, lots of hot pink, glitter frosting (really) and your favorite friends. Hope you all enjoy your Saturday, whomever it is you will be spending it with! File as celebrate.

[Images via: Pinterest combined by me, Margaret Murrieta]

Fine Dining.

Today is my dear friend's birthday, and in honor of the delicious French restaurant that we will be celebrating at (I would reveal it but it's still a secret) I figured no better way than to share these fabulous plates I stumbled upon some time ago. Although I wouldn't dare eat off them (they're too cute and silly) they would definitely make for a quirky decoration up on the wall, like my mom used to do with her fancy plates. Hope everyone enjoys this Sunday as much as my stomach will! File as chintz.


[Images via: Mira Santo]

Party Girl: A Very Glam Thanksgiving.

We’ve all seen enough cornucopia and pine-cone turned turkey centerpieces (ok, so I did love that craft as a kid) so for next week’s holiday celebration why not spare the arts and crafts and instead join around the table for a fall harvest party complete with topiary centerpieces. Even though Thanksgiving has turned out to be quite a bogus holiday for us Americans (sorry to the pilgrims) it doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate with good intentions and just be thankful for well, whatever it is you feel thankful for. For me, the end of November is always my favorite time of year for two reasons in particular: spending time with my closest friends (family time doesn’t happen until Christmas) and eating all the mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie my heart desires.  Now those are things to be grateful for. File as time to celebrate.

[Images via: Fashion Gone Rogue, Pinterest]

Eats: Deviled Eggs.

Out of all the parties I've thrown, there is one go-to recipe that I know will be the first empty plate of the night. I know I can never get enough of a classic deviled egg (I'm pretty sure I ate an entire platter of them last night at my friend's party) but they are also a wonderful way to spice up a not-so-exciting dinner. Serve them as an appetizer by themselves or with a little salad of arugula, red onion and a simple vinaigrette. Keep reading after the jump to see the Martha Stewart recipe that I've drooled over many, many times over. File as yum.

Party Girl: Under the Tuscan Sun.

Of all the places I’ve been in my short little life so far, Italy has no doubt affected me the most. One of the many things I brought back with me from living among the Romans for five months was an appreciation (more like infatuation) for a thin-as-can-be crusted pizza washed down with a couple glasses of wine. It was at this time last year that I was embarking on my Roman Holiday, so in honor of my second home and the weekend spirit I wanted to share a party that will make you want to escape with me back to Italy. Check out all the vino party details and the perfect outfit after the jump! File as happy weekend!

She does.

To make up for my lack of party posts lately (I have been cooped up studying and job hunting instead of dreaming up lavish parties) I figured that I would go all-out for this weekend and give you a party post to drool over for the next few days. Well, maybe it's not the party that I would imagine for myself, but this one is especially for my newly engaged friend over at Alison Reid Style. She has been sending me ideas over non-stop (she makes planning so much more fun than it ever should be) and I thought no better way to help her out a touch than by making up an inspiration board just for her. Keep reading after the jump for more details! File as no bridezilla here.

Party like its 1776.

July 4th may be a time when Americans celebrate by shooting off tons of fireworks and eating mass amounts of burgers, and for most of my friends this day won't be much different than that. Regardless of how you'll be celebrating today, I hope that everyone has a chance to get together with great friends or family, argue about politics and enjoy some things that are quintessentially American. Keep reading after the jump to see the whole party breakdown, and file this one under celebrate. 

Party Girl: Country Alfresco.

It's Friday, thank goodness, and that means celebrating not only the end of the week, but also the beginning of the weekend! I'll be spending the next few days locked in the library finishing up final papers and job hunting while spending a little time with my dad while he's here visiting. I hope that you have a productive and fun weekend as well! And if you're feeling extra joyful, perhaps celebrate the beginning of summer with an alfresco dinner party with your closest friends. Keep reading after the jump to see the entire party breakdown and have a lovely weekend, whomever you'll be spending it with!

Party Girl: Crabfest.

click to view larger

I lived on the east coast for some time when I was very little and although the only memories I have from there are a big blue house and the toy store, there is one tradition that I wish I would have been able to experience: the crab boil. In the south (where I mostly grew up) this would be a crayfish boil, but I've never been a fan of the smell and I've always wanted to learn how to crack a crab. Living in the Bay Area now, I have the fine fisherman at the wharf to crack my crab for me, nonetheless gathering a bunch of friends for a casual crab boil would be a perfect party to have on a warm weekend such as this one. Keep reading after the jump to check out all the party details. File as party time.

Party Girl: Ladies Night.

If there is one label that I have alway detested it would be that of party girl. I consider myself to be one, but definitely not in the negative context that most people associate with those words. I love a good party- lush flowers, party dresses, whimsical decor, delicious food, and a dramatic table setting are all at parties that I adore. I mean, sometimes there is nothing better than sitting around the television with some beer, take-out pizza and good company; but why not go all out every once in a while? So with this brand new series Party Girl, I'd like to share with you the kind of party girl that I am. Check out all this party's details after the jump and click on the picture for a much larger one. Oh and please, no keg-stands. File under celebrate.