Wedding Wednesday: Website
Posted on March 2nd, 2016
It is a common trope that in planning a wedding the bride manages all of the details. The groom’s eyes glaze over as she asks him about preferences on flowers, colors, and invitations. Frankly, this wedding is no exception, but there is one piece of the wedding that Ian, a software developer at Microsoft, could not wait to tackle: the wedding website.
A master at work.
It turns out Ian bought the URL for our website, nightingalenuptials.com, well before he proposed because he wanted to make sure it wouldn’t be used by anyone else. He’s lucky I said yes, otherwise that $10 would have been a total waste 😉
Wedding websites are like cell phones: 15 years ago, almost no one had one, but now we cannot imagine doing without. They’re such an awesome way to convey information to guests more subtly than dumping it all in the invitation or trying to rely on word of mouth.
We are using ours to check off some administrative boxes– where our hotels are set up, the map of our key wedding day locations, etc. But we also tried to add an element of fun! We built a timeline that chronicles our relationship since 2002 with an honest tone, and we introduced our bridal party with silly photos and a little bit of background information.
Thanks to our girls at Nico & Lala, we were able to keep the website theme 100% consistent with our stationery suite. It’s nice to have these common threads connecting the wedding aesthetic. You may notice A Cultured Pearl got in on the branding, too!
I’m totally biased, but I think Ian did a wonderful job. As for the rest of the wedding? It’s up to me.
Mixed Media
Posted on March 1st, 2016
Most people think of buyer’s remorse as what happens when you buy a really fabulous pair of $300 pumps, bring them home, and realized that they’re hideously uncomfortable and don’t really go with anything you own. But what about that pesky other kind? When you don’t buy something and then can’t stop thinking about it?
A year or two ago, I saw a knit/woven combo at the Upper East Side J. Crew that I thought was adorable. (Can’t find any images on the internet, so you’ll just have to trust me) For whatever reason (probably a rare moment of restraint), I wasn’t ready to swipe my credit card that day, and the next time I checked back, the sweater was gone. The moral of the story is buy quickly; buy often. (???)
Imagine my delight when I saw a nearly identical item pop up on the Nordstrom website last month! Normally, I’m not a fan of mixed media pieces like a knit/woven combo, but there is something about this one that makes it effortless and classic. In fact, I find this one to be even more flattering than the similar J. Crew iteration, as this one has side seams that cut in in a super flattering way. It comes in three colors, but the navy was certainly my favorite. As usual.
The sweater has a loose fit which makes it quite comfortable for all my Sunday brunching needs, but I do recommend sizing down to maintain a somewhat polished look. Looking forward to transitioning this style into spring!
Be the Change
Posted on February 29th, 2016
Last week, I generously gave up a would-be pizza and movie date wild and crazy Saturday night to work at Seattle’s JDRF Dream Gala. It is a spectacular event, with 1,000 generous donors filling the Sheraton Hotel downtown to raise $3 million for type one diabetes research in a single night. These kinds of interactions are so inspiring– seeing people work so hard for causes about which they feel so passionately is invigorating.
While the event was black tie, volunteers were instructed to wear simple black cocktail dresses. The theme for the event was Old Hollywood: Spotlight on a Cure, so I couldn’t resist a touch of theme dressing with a Lilly Pulitzer favorite.
I also couldn’t resist fueling up with a double espresso on my way to the event. I wanted to make sure I was at my perkiest and most cheerful for interacting with our donors!
JDRF is the world’s largest nongovernmental funder of type one diabetes research, and it is a cause that is so near and dear to my heart. My little brother, Turner, was diagnosed with T1D in 2004, and several of my cousins also battle the disease. Seeing them grapple with not only daily disease management but the stress and worry of the long term disease complications is heartbreaking, but I feel I have no choice but to channel that into working for treatments/prevention that improve the lives of everyone with T1D, and ultimately find a cure. I have found volunteering for JDRF over the past 11 years to be SO rewarding– and fun, too!
Volunteering is really, really important, particularly for every young, ambitious 20-something. We are told to focus on pushing ourselves, focus on our careers, etc. and while it definitely leads to important self-improvement, it can lead to a myopia bordering on narcissism, too. Finding a cause that you believe in and working to make a difference is a major reminder that there is something bigger out there. And there are so many incredible, inspirational movements to join and ways to get involved, even if you’re super busy. To throw out a few examples, I have friends who run marathons to fundraise for causes they believe in, or walk shelter dogs, or sit on committees that organize benefits for their favorite charity, or volunteer with political campaigns, or act as alumnae liaisons for their sorority.
Consider this an assignment. Figure out the change you would like to see in the world, and then figure out a way to be part of making that happen. If you need suggestions, shoot me an email! I’m always happy to be a sounding board to help you identify what makes your heart sing.
Oscar Ogling
Posted on February 28th, 2016
It’s Oscar Sunday! So let’s chat.
I am actually pretty into the movies themselves, so I make a point to see every Best Picture nominee, and usually a few others as time/money allows. But in the interest of honesty I definitely admit to being quite excited by the fashion, too!
I think part of what makes Oscar fashion so incredibly special is how aspirational it is. Let’s face it– there is literally nowhere I’m going where I will get to wear that kind of dress. Probably ever, in fact. I went to a black tie gala event night, and even there most women are in knee length dresses or the occasional long column gown, but nothing like the ornate ballgowns we drool over on the red carpet. I am able to look, admire, and dream without even having to entertain thoughts of “oh, this would be a great look to try to imitate, how can I build it into my wardrobe?” A stress-free fashion experience.
So needless to say, I’ve done my fair share of admiring over the years, so I put together a gallery of some of my favorite looks: (click to enlarge)
As for my own Oscar plans? They’ll probably look something like this. If Ellen accepts my invitation.
Dressing My Dresser
Posted on February 25th, 2016
I am not afraid to admit when I’m wrong. Some people might say I’m insecure, whereas I prefer to think of it as being deeply self aware. So. Acutely. Aware.
I was wrong about the dressers I bought for our apartment last summer. I read the reviews, I did the measurements, I was so excited about scoring a great deal. And when the dressers arrived, they were just as they were pictured… but not exactly what I was looking for.
Because they were not functional as actual chests of drawers.
My dresser in particular was simply the worst. The drawers were just slightly too narrow for the tracks, so that the drawers would fall out of place every time I went to get something out. At first, I pretended things were fine. It’s perfectly normal to keep your drawers full of clothes stacked up on the floor of your closet while your actual drawer-less dresser sits empty, right?
Yeah. Ian thought that sounded about as crazy as you all do. So one Saturday, while we were out to a very romantic lunch at the world’s finest establishment (California Pizza Kitchen, of course), we made a spontaneous decision.
We were going to IKEA. Neither of us had actually been to an IKEA before. And yes, we had seen that 30 Rock episode about the perils of an IKEA date. Yes, I had read that article in the Wall Street Journal. Yes, we were going during a rainy Saturday afternoon of a holiday weekend. But that dresser would be ours.
And this is where I hate to disappoint and be anticlimactic… but it was not that bad. A psychological surprise, certainly. But manageable. More entertaining than anything, really. And we left with a beautiful, big, highly affordable dresser.
That we paid someone else to assemble. I’m not ashamed to admit it. Although my extremely handy fiance did switch out the knobs for me, which I actually think is crucial. My hesitation with IKEA furniture has always been the sterile factory vibe it gives off, but even something as simple as an $18 upgrade of switching to brass knobs really alleviates this.
I would have loved to use these amazing bow knobs, but could not really justify the knobs being almost the same price as the dresser. Maybe some other time.
PS Sorry about the lighting; my dresser is in my windowless closet. Which is massive, and roughly the size of my Manhattan bedroom last year. #westcoastbestcoast ?
Wedding Wednesday- Save the Dates
Posted on February 24th, 2016
Guys. I have been SO excited to share this post with you.
Save the Dates are so important. They’re an introduction to the whole wedding weekend, and set the tone for the whole event. For some, it may even be the first time that they’re really focusing on the fact that we’re getting married. By the time the invitations roll in, it’s old news, so I think these are almost more important! So without further ado…
Simply perfect. (Am I biased? I’m biased.) And even better in person, I swear!
I wrote about Nico & Lala a while back, and honestly when it came to picking a wedding designer I didn’t even think twice. I have loved what these talented ladies have done for myself and for others for years, and I could not wait to have them translate my vision for my wedding. I love all things paper products, so this is the one part of the wedding I am really wanting to micromanage!
These Save the Dates are only a small portion of what they’ll be doing for our big day, but wow. I could not be more excited about how they turned out! I think they’re a perfect reflection both of our wedding and of me. Y’all know how much I love prints, so I picked two to incorporate into our vision– a toile (designed especially for us!) & stripes kind of vibe. The die cut and envelope liner were also a big factor for me in making them pop.
I had seen a version of this sticker idea elsewhere, but I thought making stickers with our logo would be a perfect way to share out our fun website without cluttering up the actual save the date. Selfishly, I am a planner person (#EmilyLey), so it’s so fun for me to have this in my calendar, too. (Helpfully, several of our friends have also found use for them as accessories stuck to their face.)
Apparently they’ve been a huge hit– Nico & Lala said other brides are already asking for them, too! I’m a trendsetter. There’s a first time for everything.
We sent a whole mess of these, hand addressed, to our friends and family last week. We’ve loved hearing their feedback on our vision… but what do you think??
In Stitches
Posted on February 22nd, 2016
You know those little old ladies you see hunched over their needlework all the time, leading to endless complaints about crickety fingers and bad eyes?
Hello. It’s me.
I’ve been needlepointing for nine years, and it is truly a release for me. I have made countless key fobs, seventeen belts, and a pillow. I love that the outputs are so personal and that I can let my mind wander while keeping my hands busy. I believe needlepoint gifts are the most meaningful material gift I can give to another person. And while I do it for other people, I am doing it for me, too. So fun!
I had made Ian a belt before, but I wanted to surprise him with something special as an engagement present. The only complication– not a problem, of course, but a blessing– is that we’re pretty much always together when we’re not at work. So I wasn’t sure how to pull off a surprise that I would actually have time to stitch.
The solution?
Maritime flags. While a classic belt motif, Ian has no clue what the maritime alphabet translation is offhand. (Neither do I, for that matter. We’re from Missouri. It’s landlocked.)
He agreed to a mystery message belt and promised me he wouldn’t use Google to sneak a peek. I stitched in November, and secretly finished it up and sent it to the finisher while he was away in December. I think he kind of forgot about the project, which was convenient. But on Valentine’s Day…
Surprise!!!!
He unwrapped this beauty! I love how it turned out– the flags really popped against the grey background. I packaged the belt with a guide so Ian could finally translate it on his own. Ready for the hidden message?
Warning: so cheesy you might throw up in your mouth a little bit.
I just couldn’t help myself.
Girl Boss Shoes
Posted on February 21st, 2016
The transition from college student working for a resort brand to recent graduate working for a young consulting company in New York to West Coast department store marketer has been a little tricky from a fashion standpoint. In the past few years I have definitely put more effort into how I present myself so that I always look put together, but not necessarily business professional. But I’m learning!
My office is certainly not formal, but people definitely make an effort each and every day. In the past few months of observing in my current environment, I’ve realized the key for me lies in shoes (and a bit in jewelry, too). It’s okay to wear jeans and a blouse or a casual black dress, but heels every day are a must. Since realizing I needed to step up my shoe game, I invested in two amazing pairs of wedges (one black, one nude), but also in these fantastic wedges, too.
I stumbled across these Tory Burch beauties at Nordstrom Rack in the fall (I still see them there from time to time– worth checking!), and they are my go-to shoes on days when I want to feel a little more confident.
I wear dresses most days because a) they’re easy to style and b) I think they’re more flattering, but I’m working on finding non-dress outfits that work for me. Even on days with simple clothes like these, the shoes make the outfit pop. Let’s face it, I’m essentially wearing pajamas here. Stretchy black pants (similar), a simple black shirt (similar), and a cozy cashmere cardigan (similar).
I got this convertible crossbody last summer (this is basically identical), and continue to think it’s the perfect all-season color for looking professional and matching any outfit. I have the same color in this style, too, which is what I carry to work most days.
Always room for improvement. But I’m building this wardrobe foundation from the ground up.
If you know what I mean. And if you’re looking for a leopard look of your own, I’ve linked some below– all under $150!
J. Crew- This Time, I Mean It
Posted on February 18th, 2016
Okay. Maybe I spoke too soon. When I wrote this post in May, when I said, “Much of J. Crew is a bit mysterious to me at this moment in time,” I did mean it. But I take it all back now.
Oh. My. Gosh. New Arrivals. Classic beauty incarnate, without being stuffy.
As a true indication of my appreciation, this afternoon I played a game much beloved by those of us with champagne tastes on an Andre budget. I added every “New Arrival” that I absolutely need to my cart. I checked the total. I laughed. I closed the tab.
(I know I’m not alone in this. The oldest trick in the online shopping book!)
Wondering what’s on the list?
You’re probably better off asking what isn’t.
Classic ruffle button down // Striped Cardigan // Striped Shoes // Chemise
Pom Pom Tunic // Hooded Trench // Gingham Popover // Scalloped bikini top
Polka dot dress // Gingham tunic // Blush skirt // Scalloped bikini bottom
Sequin toe pump // Flutter top (I have this in cream from last year, love it) // Striped dress (can never have too many. or that’s what I tell myself) // Gingham pants
Bonus: I don’t know where the heck I would wear these flats, but I would figure it out.
I missed you, J. Crew. Welcome back. Now take all my money.
Sending Xs and Os
Posted on February 10th, 2016
I think Valentine’s Day gets a bad rap. Single people the world over bemoan February 14, and boyfriends/fiances/husbands everywhere gripe about having to dote on their beloved. So yeah, Valentine’s Day has a big romance focus.
But what about the other kinds of love? Love for all of the people who make your life that much better. Yes, I have Ian, but there are so many people to whom I want to spread hugs and kisses. I’m pro-Valentine’s. And not just because I can use it as an excuse to binge on expensive stationery.
…which I definitely do. I had a good round up this year! Sixteen sent, all full of handwritten love letters.
From Seattle, I had to ship my Valentine’s east already, but for those of you that live remotely near to your loved ones, you have plenty of time to gather supplies and pour your heart out!
A few of my favorites pictures above:
Pizza // Hello // Honey // Blush // You + Me // Bagel // Anchor // Butter // Stripes
A lot of these are food-focused. Which is appropriate. As usual, I think Sugar Paper delivers such a high quality product– the envelop liners cannot be beat.
Whether or not you will be sharing Valentine’s Day with a romantic beau, don’t forget about all of the love in your life! It makes me that much more grateful for the wonderful relationships I have with others when I reflect and take time to send some love back to them.
I think I’m single-handedly keeping Paper Source in business.
