drybar. peace. love. and blowouts.

drybar


Drybar Overview from drybar on Vimeo.


Drybar: Photoshoot from drybar on Vimeo.


Drybar Sizzle Video from drybar on Vimeo.


Drybar: The Search for Stylists from drybar on Vimeo.

On-Site Coordination with LaFete Events: A Must

"Guidance during the last critical month and on the wedding day."- LaFete Events

On-Site Coordination.  The finishing touches, wrap-up details, and confirmations can overwhelm anyone as the days approach to your walk down the aisle.  This is where Katie and the LaFete team come through.  LaFete Events begins this process 2 months prior to your wedding day and coordinates all of the "game day logistics".  Once everything has been organized and put into place, it's just a matter of showing up and enjoying oneself. 

LaFete offers the following for their On-Site Coordination services starting with your planning meeting:

• Rehearsal, ceremony, and reception management
• Timeline creation for rehearsal and wedding day
• Vendor and venue liaison and contact
• Management of personal belongings and gifts of the bride and bridal party

These are all of the little odds n' ends that you and your bridal party won't want to deal with the day of your wedding... there are WAY too many other things going on.  Katie and LaFete will take care of all of this, and then some, for you.  They literally take all of the worry out of your head and hands. 

I have to give Katie a shout out for being completely in-tune with the needs of her clients.  She's not afraid to be honest when telling her clients that planning a wedding takes time, energy and a certain level of commitment to ensure that their vision becomes a reality... She always delivers!  Great job LaFete, we'll see you next Thursday!

Photo Source: Walters & Walters Photography

General Knot & Co. Weddings

Last week I introduced you to my Tuesday obsession, General Knot & Co.  Before posting last weeks blog I reached out to General Knot & Co. to alert them of my interest in writing about their shoppe.  I was hopeful for a good response since weddings are probably not the first target of any entrepreneur specializing in men's accessories.  I was happy to receive the following answer from Andrew, Creative Director and Lead Designer...

"A very happy surprise, though!  I've had such a great time collaborating with the grooms and brides to make their special designs.  They really seem to enjoy not only having a true part in the creative process, but also being able to create unique designs that only they and they alone will ever have."- Andrew


PERSONAL FAVORITE:  Black Chambray & Navy Deadstock Floral Two Tone Neck Tie 

This is what I love. Not only are the ties unique in their own right, but you can actually work with General Knot & Co. to create a custom tie just for your groom or all of the groomsmen. If you don't want a completely random assortment consider choosing the same main fabric for the face of the tie and selecting a different accent piece.  For example...

Like the evolution of bridesmaids gowns, members of the grooms party are also considering their options for what makes them look good.  Fashion has sneaked its way into the fox den and so far I don't hear any complaints.

Photo Source:  All General Knot & Co. Neck Ties.  Black Chambray & Mountain Green Check Two Tone Neck Tie, Black Chambray & Navy Deadstock Floral Two Tone Neck Tie, Black Chambray & Jacquard Pickstitch Stripe Two Tone Neck Tie, Black Chambray & 1970s Check Flannel Two Tone Neck Tie

Happy Halloween!

Halloween has a special place in our family- my little sister Tina was born on Halloween.  Because Tina was deemed the "pumpkin baby" any Halloween related book, movie, or song was always readily available in our house. 

Our family has taken a strong liking to Tim Burton and his creations. His characters, although ghoulish and ghastly, are always romantic and sweet.  There is something very special about a skeleton serenading his love under a harvest moon (sigh). It only seemed appropriate to post this 13 days leading up to All-Hallows-Eve.  


Sweeping black chiffon, candelabras with glowing ivory wax, and creepy crawlers who appear before you on your plate make interesting guests...

Photo Sources: Pottery Barn Mini Skull Vase Filler, Amsale Blue Label “Dahlia” gown, Pottery Barn Curiosity Appetizer Plates, BHLDN Moon's Realm Booties, Ghost Photo by Ashley Garmon, Jill Johnson Halloween Photography, Bella Figura Natalia, Vera Wang #61, Pottery Barn Happy Halloween Wall Decal, Halloween Reception

Tuesday's Obsession: General Knot & Co.

Two guys walk into a bar... but that's not how the story goes.  Actually, two guys rode the same train one day in New York City and discovered a shared admiration for what would turn out to be an extremely successful and unique shoppe and CharlotteLucey's new Tuesday feature.

PERSONAL FAVORITE:  General Knot & Co.

Andrew Payne is the Creative Director and lead designer for these pieces of American art.  How so?  The fabrics collected that create every necktie, bow tie, and pocket square range from 40-90 years old and are masterfully wait for it...wait for it.... mixed n' matched!  Every tie has an accent and a hidden surprise. So how does General Knot & Co find their fabrics?  I'll let them explain...

"We curate our tie fabrics through a countrywide network of collectors, dealers, estate sales and auctions.  We especially love this part of our work. There's nothing quite like the thrill of finding an amazing vintage fabric and giving it another lease on life." - General Knot & Co.

The inventory General Knot & Co. possesses is impressive, and one that I intend to begin collecting for myself.  The ties are beautifully crafted and the story General Knot & Co. narrates amplifies the amount of care, attention to detail and love that goes into the product and craft.

If you see a tie you like, need or love, don't wait too long.  Supply is limited because of the nature of the fabrics... they are 100% authentic, vintage fabrics that can't be duplicated.   As General Knot & Co. says, "History has woven a story into every design".

Photo Sources:  General Knot & Co. 

Creative Consultation with LaFete Events

The other week I introduced you to Katie Dunn and LaFete Events, a full-service event coordination team based in North Carolina.  Katie and LaFete offer a tiered system of services that cater your your needs whether you need a part-time consultant or full-time coordinator.

PERSONAL FAVORITE:  CREATIVE CONSULTATION 

With the amount of resources available at your fingertips, it's completely understandable why you may not need a full-time coordinator.  If this is the route you choose, a Creative Consultation is the way to go.  Katie and her team work with you on an hourly basis to help you with (but not limited to) the following:

• Venue search
• Budget development and cost-savings solutions
• Vendor selection and referral
• Personalized decor and design 
• Rental item selection and coordination
• Timeline development and action lists
• General wedding planning tips and advice
• Pre/post wedding events

One of the things I really enjoyed learning about Katie when I met her was the amount of time she takes to get to know her clients and what they need from her.  This helps communicate the process of setting expectations between you (the planner) and your coordinator.  A Creative Consultation also allows for greater flexibility in the planning process:

• Budget.  You only pay for the services that you need. 
• Time Management.  You take care of the items on your punch list and your coordinator picks up the rest. 
• Resources.  A Creative Consultation gives you access to an abundant amount of resources that Katie and LaFete are happy to share with you. Through them you are able to research and manage the process for obtaining your vendors through trusted referrals and advice from the experts!

Until next Thursday!

Photo Source:  Walters & Walters Photography 

Life is Sweet- Super8

Last night I toasted to my (and CharlotteLucey's) one month anniversary in Atlanta!  I'm so excited to be down here and have met some great people to work with.

The video below comes from Birdhouse Productions in Pennsylvania.  The couple are filmmakers and the guy couldn't help it, but to use his talents to propose to his girlfriend.  Wishing everyone a sweet and happy weekend.  Life is sweet.


Life Is Sweet. from birdhouse productions. on Vimeo.

The Paper Nickel Stamp Company

Have you ever noticed the perfectly fixed stamp on a wedding invitation?  Do you notice how the stamp matches the invitation inside or event theme?  This is no coincidence.  Yes, a careful eye spent time perusing through a selection of stamps in order to play matchmaker between the stamp and it's soul mate, the envelope.

PERSONAL FAVORITE:  The Paper Nickel Stamp Company 

Wouldn't it be fun to have authentic, vintage stamps as part of your weddings identity?  May be from the 70's or late 80's?  What about the early 1900s?  If you purchase stamps from The Paper Nickel Stamp Company that's exactly what you'll receive.  A colorful mix of authentic and handcrafted stamps from a multitude of decades.

"Holly (owner and founder) handpicks a cache of colorful and charming collections for each and every order, pulling from her enormous inventory which spans a variety of decades from the early 1900s through the late 1980s"- www.thepapernickel.com

Piggy-backing from the post yesterday, you can select to order a completely random assortment sent to you or you can specialize your order.  A great example is the photo below. We can assume the theme of the invitation or event is navy and red.  The stamps don't match, but remain within that color family.

A pack of stamps equals $.44 cents- the amount required to send a one standard piece of mail.  Sometimes a pack will contain 3 stamps, sometimes it will contain 5.  It all depends on the value of the stamps inside. If you are placing a large order that requires multiple packs, please allow several days for your order to be complete.

Tips & Tricks:  When you order your invitations ask the company or your event planner to send you a sample of the completed package that will be sent to your guests (inserts and all).  You can take your invitation to be weighed at your post office which will determine how many stamps you need for each one.  For safety, I always tack an extra $.02-$.03.  It's always better to round up by a little and know your invitations will be delivered safely than have them be returned back to you.

Have a great time with these- it's artistic, unique and classic!

PhotoSources:  The Paper Nickel Stamp Company 

Mix N' Match

I went through my usual resources and, as always, found what I wasn't looking for.  A stacked set of topsy-turvey, non-matching teacups.  Too often we worry too much about how things should fit together. How they should match to the perfectionists eye.  With all due respect,  screw the eye. It's the imperfections that give a setting, a person, a moment, and an environment their uniqueness and memorable qualities.

Anthropologie hosts the most perfect atmosphere for mixing n' matching.  The home nooks are stacked and cradled with things that have no business being in the same corner, but make perfect sense together.  Plan carefully and be modest with your choices.  The result will be extravagant.

Photo Sources:  Kate Spade The Year of Color, MadHatter Tea Party, Gildo Paris Roses, Amsale G659C, Amsale G660C, Amsale G657C, GreenWeddingShoes Bohemian Rainbow Wedding, English Rose Table, Mixed Glass Table

It's Here

It's official- Fall has arrived.  60 degree temperatures, clear skies, light winds, and flannel. Yesterday was a typical lazy Sunday, but I spent the majority of it outside.  I found (and purchased) some things along the way that reinforced the change in season. Click to view full post and photos.

This is a house I pass regularly in one of my favorite "pockets".  I'm a dork and utter fan of craftsman style homes.  They're cozy, have tons of character, and my favorite.... are larger than they appear. Like me :)

I will own a Wagoneer one day.  This is my sports car, my toy, my weekend joy ride. Oh yes, it will be mine. 

Wood chips.  I've taken a loan from Urban Cottage in the Highlands.  If you like shabby, vintage, beach meets log cabin-like homes- this place is for you.  A fun and affordable small treasure... I'm choosing a wash for my miniature bench!

Sorel half boots.  Half Moon Outfitters. Enough said. 

Vendor Profile: LaFete

Considering that I now live in the South, it's time to highlight some local party-pals.  I had the pleasure of getting to know Abany Tschupp of BROWN LINEN COMPANY a while back- Abany will be back soon (she is planning her own wedding right now!).

I would like to introduce you to Ms. Katie Dunn, founder of LaFete.  LaFete is an all-inclusive, event production, design, and bridal consulting team.  Katie and her team are based out of North Carolina, but travel all over the region to work with their clients.  I had the pleasure of meeting Katie in Atlanta through a mutual friend, and was very impressed with her excitement and passion for the work she does.

As always, I can't just post once about a vendor and call it a day.  I'll be writing a series about LaFete and the services they provide which fit nicely into the following categories:



Creative Consultation
On-Site Coordination
Event Production 

What I like most about Katie's positioning is her flexibility.  You can use LaFete's services as much or as little as you like. Mix n' Match!  It's your day and as Katie says (and CharlotteLucey agrees)...  "Save the drama for your grand entrance"!

Stay tuned.  LaFete will be featured for the next few weeks on Thursdays.  Cheers!

Photo Source:  Carolyn Scott Photography

Food Trucks!

Every Wednesday around 7/730 PM, you can find me on N. Highland Avenue sampling some of Atlanta's finest cuisine.  Food Truck Wednesdays.  8-10 food trucks deposit themselves in an open lot where you will find local foodies with their dogs, blankets, lawn chairs, and coolers (BYOB is permitted).

I look forward to this night of the week every week.  It's fun, social, and the food is fantastic and so affordable.  I can buy 5 items and pay less than $20.  Completely satisfied and full after each visit, I'm hoping food truck night lasts well into the Fall- that photo was taken 2 weeks ago on-site. 

PERSONAL FAVORITE:  YUMBII Food Truck
MUST TRY:  Pulled Pork Taco and Sesame Fries


I keep seeing and hearing more about people straying from traditional wedding favors and moving towards things their guests can consume.  Whether it be a late-night hamburger, slider pack, or warm cookies and milk, there's just something about food at the end of the night (especially after alcohol has been consumed).  So why not try and combine two fantastic things?

Some food for thought (pun intended)... You're having the time of your life dancing, singing, partying, and being with your friends at a wedding.  The party ends and as you leave the venue, BAM!  A food truck is waiting right there for you and all of the other guests.  Paid for by your hosts, all you're required to do is point, order, and consume a complimentary and fantastic post-wedding snack menu.


I've never seen this done, but think it would make for a fantastic send-off.  After working off your meal on the dance floor, why not have a flavorful and memorable departure? If I see or hear about someone trying this, I might just have to give myself a little pat on shoulder.

Worth the Wait- Missoni

 Yes, it really did take me 13 days to put this together and I make no apologies for doing so.  Missoni flooded Target and crashed its site.  It also paved the way for a slew of inspiration filled with a colorful appetite and stylish palette. Yay Monday!

Photo Sources: Vera Wang Spring/Summer '08 plum satin gown, Minted "Sea Scape" wedding invitation in sunset, Hotel Missoni- Kuwait , Preston Bailey flowers and tablescape, Missoni drawing for Kate Middelton's wedding gown , Amy Atlas desserts

Missoni Missoni Missoni

I hope everyone at least took a peak online to check out the Missoni for Target line that premiered today.  Target has had plenty of guest designers who collaborate with them as the leading retailer that is the most cost-effective and wallet-friendly, but this was special.  It's like Christmas came early this year!

That's not the point.  The point is that I got my little hands on several items that are Missoni.  It's not Target doing Missoni.  It's Missoni for Target. It's Missoni. And $45.00 for a pair of pumps, shut your mouth- a regular label Missoni scarf costs $175-200.  I'll take the Missoni for Target. Yes please!

PERSONAL FAVORITE:  CAPPUCCINO CUP AND SAUCER SET
* Please note that this link directs you to the look-book for the full Missoni for Target line (since the site has crashed). 

But out of the small basket of goodies I brought back to my apartment, my absolute favorite has to be the set of 5 cappuccino cups with matching saucers and mini spoons.

I'm a big fan of mixing and matching as most of you know.  It's probably my biggest "I love" for this item.  Each cup has it's companion saucer which I'm sure look perfectly nice together. But why would you do that?  Mix 'em up!  I promise you, the combinations are random and may not make any sense, but fit together perfectly.

Don't think for a moment that this hasn't caused some serious thought for the next post.  Stay tuned.

More Than I Do

Labor Day weekend was filled with driving, assembling, and settling.  I, and CharlotteLucey, are not headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia!  I can't tell you how happy I am to be posting again.  Before I get started I have to share my appreciation for 2 things:  1)  The drive from DC to Atlanta.  It's long. 2) Power drills.  How people assemble (not build) IKEA furniture without one is beyond me.

Green is on the agenda today.  Not with envy, but with transition.  Again inspired by the change from summer to fall, Green is a color that when paired with neutrals creates a very warm atmosphere, while remaining fresh.  Fall favorite? Absolutely.

PERSONAL FAVORITE:  Bella Figura:  A Vintage Chic New Zealand Celebration

Pair this with Band of Horses "No One's Gonna Love You" (which just happened to play on Pandora while I began creating this).  I think they pair up quite nicely. Enjoy and happy Monday!

Photo Sources: WeddingTips green tablsescape, Bella Figura Fields wedding invitation, Bella Figura A Vintage Chic New Zealand Celebration, Bella Figura A Vintage Glam NYC Wedding, Anthropologie Atelier Chesterfield in yellow, LaLune Events wooded wedding. 

See You After Labor Day!

CharlotteLucey will be posting on a regular basis after the Labor Day weekend!  I'm excited to announce that CharlotteLucey will now be headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia!  I'm really looking forward to meeting new prospective clients and being introduced to a completely new audience. 

Enjoy the rest of your summer and have a safe and relaxing Labor Day weekend!

Cheers!

Frankly My Dear...

For such a complicated woman, her story is quite simple...Rich fabrics and deep colors cascade all around her.  Scarlet, the very essence of her name, is the color of choice. She's unapologetic, yet completely romantic.

Photo Sources:  The New Yorker "Remembering Gone With The Wind", Priscilla of Boston Style 1610 Bridemaids Dress, BHLDN Glass Glitter in pink, Preston Bailey Elevated Wedding Reception Centerpieces, Kenneth Pool "Royalty" Wedding Gown, Bella Figura Magnolia invitation, BHLDN Pom Pom Shoe Clips in melon, Preston Bailey Before and After Slide 14

Boards Are Here!

I've added a new page to the blog!  BOARDS.   These are probably my favorite things to post on the blog.  CharlotteLucey is nearing 100 posts and scrolling through titles is not always fun.  Click on the BOARDS page located on the header of the blog to view all.  My goal is to begin posting a new board 1-2x per week.

All photo sources are located in the content of the blog that the board was created for. Just click on the title above the photo to be taken to the blog page to read content and to view sources!

Cheers!

Let it Fall!

The first conversation I overheard this morning was between my cube neighbors at work.  Both have been to numerous weddings this summer which will continue into the fall. I couldn’t help but hear one ask the other, “What do I wear to a fall wedding?!” 

Changing of seasons when summer temperatures still linger can be tricky.  If you attend a wedding right after Labor Day, but it’s still 85 degrees outside, can you still wear bright colors and a short frock?  Below are a few FAQs, and hopefully, helpful hints!

Can I wear bright colors after Labor Day?
Yes. Bright colors are acceptable year round.  Bright colors or jewel tones can be worn in the winter, but look best when pairsed with black tights or stockings.  NOTE:  No one wears nude pantyhose, please don’t. Even in winter. Sh. Stop.

What dress length is acceptable for fall?
If you are not wearing stockings or tights, a fall dress should hit right below, at, or above the knee (less than an inch or 2 either way). 

What if I wear black tights?
A short dress with black tights is fine. However, if it’s not cold enough to cover your legs, leave them out. You don’t want to jump the weather wagon too soon.

Is a strapless dress still appropriate?
Leave the strapless behind for fall if you plan on wearing a short or bright colored dress.  They can appear more summer-like.  However, darker colors and a longer length make strapless dresses appropriate.  Pair with a mini sweater or pashmina (thank you JCrew).

What about black?!
When is a little black dress ever bad?  There's a reason why the LBD has been coveted as a wardrobe must-have.  I have to give a shout out to my friend Adrienne for her impeccable taste at a wedding we attended earlier this summer.  Adrienne wore a DVF black wrap dress that was perfection. She paired her LBD with a pair of nude, patent leather pumps, clutch, and neutral jewelry.  It was the ideal wedding guest outfit.

PERSONAL FAVORITE:  Diane Von Furstenberg, Piperlime, JCrew

When does floor length become acceptable?
Floor length is always acceptable, but it depends on the “attire” for the affair. If the invitation says anything less than formal or black-tie, leave the lengthy duds at home.

TIPS & TRICKS:
Consider wearing a dress with ¾ length sleeves.  I love this idea for fall because it counter-balances a shorter skirt. For my sisters rehearsal dinner I wanted a colorful, shorter dress, that was still autumnal. Guess which one is me!

What are the best colors for fall?
Wine/Burgundy, Neutrals, Black, NAVY!  Navy can be worn year round and doesn’t discriminate- EVERYONE looks good in Navy.

Email any questions to charlottelucey.info@gmail.com Have a great fall season everyone! 

Photo Sources: DVF Genevieve Wrap Dress, JCrew Ashley Dress

Mirror Mirror On The Wall...

Not the case for this Bride-to-Be. UCLA student and Ph.D candidate, Kjerstin Gruys (Photo Source: Courtesy of Kjerstin Gruys/YouBeauty.com) has vowed not to look in the mirror for 12 months- six of which will lead up to her wedding.  Her blog “Mirror Mirror Off the Wall” details her quest to not look at herself in a vain manner. 

To take it a step further, the 12 months that Kjerstin won’t be looking at her reflection goes through her wedding date of October 2011.  The project doesn't end until March 2012. I can’t help but wonder, why go past your wedding date and not right up to it? 

I would at least hope that may be, just maybe, she will allow herself to look in the mirror on the day or her wedding.  I’d bend the rules for that- any bride should.  But it's not my project and an interesting one at that.  At least she's given herself an escape clause in Rule #8.  Thank goodness!

Would you be able to not look in the mirror for 12 months- even on your wedding day? 

Kudos to this bride. This is not something I would be able to do for the simplest of reasons:  When it rains my hair frizzes and there’s no way I’d walk out of my door without making sure the beast was tame- woof.  Check out her rules below and take a peek at her blog!

THE RULES

1. The project started on March 26th, 2011 and will end on March 25th, 2012.  (FYI - I'm getting married October 1st, 2011!)
2. I allowed myself a 1-month transitional period.  This is when I figured out how to navigate/avoid mirrors in my daily life, and how to apply make-up, style my hair, put in contacts, etc. without using a mirror.
3. Reflective surfaces do "count".  Window shopping has become very tricky... :(
4. Of course I use my rear- and side-view mirrors when driving.  I just can't use them to check myself out!
5. I'm allowing myself to look at my shadow.
6. When using Skype or other video-chat programs, I disable features that allow me to see my own image.
7. My readers voted on Day 36, and I'm NOT allowed to view photographs of myself throughout the year ... with the exception of my wedding photos.  ***NOTE - I'm not actually sure whether I'll look at my wedding photos, but it's nice to have the option!
8. Any/all of these rules become null if this project makes me go insane. 

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