Autumn 2012 Lookbook

 Earlier this season, I had the opportunity to do my first-ever photo shoot with the fabulous and talented Tiffany Lewis of Tiffany Lewis Photography. It was a great experience and I can’t wait to work with her again! (I highly recommend her if you’re looking for a wedding or portrait photographer!)

The above collage features a few of my favorite images from the shoot, but I’ve compiled all of the photos into an album on my Facebook page. which you can find here.  I hope you have as much fun checking out my Autumn 2012 Lookbook as much as I did putting it together. Let me know what you think, and what you’d like to see in the next round!

Xo and Happy Weekend, Ali

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Pretty Little Things :: Lovely Luxe Decor

There are so many beautiful colors and themes in style for holiday wrapping & decor this year. It always impresses me how new looks seem to come out each year to wow & stun us when this season has already come around so many times. Part of the excitement for me when the holidays approach is waiting to see which color and texture palettes rise to the top.

This year, my absolute favorite holiday style has to be the luxe look. Beautiful metallics, high-gloss whites, and LOTS of glitter. It’s dramatic, but delicate and pretty. I love that it’s so festive but it doesn’t include any of the traditional reds or greens you usually see around this time of year.

I’ve been shopping my little heart out getting ready for the J’Adorn holiday party (it’s this Saturday already! Eep!) and I’ve found some really lovely pieces to adorn my living space. Some of the best pieces I’ve spotted lately have been over at BHLDN, and with Cyber Monday in full swing, I couldn’t resist picking up a few items to add to the party roster. Here’s a look at some of my favorite pieces from the BHLDN decor line:

 I love the details on each of these items and how they all evoke that handmade-with-care feel. I’d be proud to use the paper heart garlands, confetti or dramatic tassled balloons (which you already knew I love)!

So what did I order? Ok, ok, I’ll tell you. I got a few things, but this one is the most perfect item on the entire site:

Sweet little bunny place card holders!

Seriously, you guys. I think the designers had me specifically in mind when they made these bunny card holders. THEY ARE PERFECT. I’m probably going to be waiting for the UPS guy at my door until they arrive.

What are your favorite holiday decor items this year? What can’t you live without?

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Custom Wedding Jewelry: Andrea + Paul

I met Andrea through mutual friends when we attended college together, and I always admired her style. She’s one of those girls who’s completely fearless when it comes to how she looks – hairstyles, shoes, outfits, makeup… She mixes it up constantly and she always looks fierce! On top of that, she is hilarious and so, so sweet. We hit it off right away.

I was so excited when Andrea got in touch with me about designing an eclectic set of bridesmaids’ jewelry for her August wedding. The whole event had a homespun, rustic feel and her bridesmaids would be wearing varied dresses in shades of pink, peach and blush. So trendy, right?

Here’s a closer look at the individual pieces:

For Emily, I used large, faceted, ivory glass pearls and amber-colored crystals to create a stretchy bracelet to match her cream colored dress.

Cherice wore a pair of Fabric Button Earrings in Coral Floral. Doesn’t it look great with her blonde hair?

For Shawna, I created a pair of bold statement earrings using large, teardrop-shaped crystals draped in gold chain. I then topped off the design with a pink freshwater pearl and small coral bead.

Another favorite from the J’Adorn Designs shop – The Soft Blossoms Bracelet in Peony

This bracelet was made with 3 different strands – ivory pearls, amethyst-colored crystals and chunky gold chain. I especially love the varied textures & colors in this one.

These statement earrings feature a cluster of antiqued brass chain topped off with a large rose-colored crystal and the same pink freshwater pearls that I used in Shawna’s earrings. They were originally a custom design for this wedding, but I loved them so much that I made them available in the shop! 

For her maid of honor and beloved sister, Andrea wanted something extra special. She told me that she loved the Colette Necklace that she had seen in my shop and asked me to crate a custom piece in that same style. I used ivory glass pearls of various sizes to make the strands for this necklace and decided to give it a little bit of glitz with a gold filigree element that was set with crystals.

Collaborating with brides to design custom pieces is one of my favorite things about this job. Making a girl’s special day especially unique is a particular joy that comes with what I do. Some brides have a strong vision of what they’d like; others prefer to hand over full artistic license and not worry about it.

To the brides out there: Regardless of what point you are in planning your wedding, I’d love to have a chat with you about custom jewelry. Feel free to drop me a line on the Contact form!

Xo, Ali

*All photos in this post except part two of #7 are by Thomas Beaman Photography

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Pretty Little Things :: Party Balloons

Photo by BHLDN

Things have been getting pretty cold here in the northeast lately, and it’s got me thinking about the holidays nonstop. Gifts for friends & family, spiced drinks, cozy sweaters and scarves… Normally I’m a summer girl, but I can’t help but get excited for the time of year that gives us great reasons to gather with loved ones, shower one another with gifts, and snuggle up.

This winter will also be the first holiday season for J’Adorn, which has got me extra pumped. I’m planning a little holiday party in early December and I am going nuts (the good kind) pinning  thinking of ideas for decor and yummy treats.

One party staple that’s been catching my eye lately are big, glitzy, fabulous balloons. I owe it to my girl Joy  for bringing their greatness to my attention, and I am really excited to incorporate them in the styling for my holiday event. Here’s a few of the best examples I’ve seen:

Photo by Kojo Designs

Clear balloons filled with confetti? Love it! It’d look even more glamourous if the balloons were filled with metallic confetti.

 

Photo by Heart Handmade, UK

I’m also obsessing over the fringed tails of these balloons. I love the soft colors and texture of the globes and the fabric & lace add such a nice touch of softness.

 

Photo via Honey + Fitz

I think this one is extra cool! The color and size variations of these balloons make me think of a sparkly party drink, like this spiced white wine sangria, or a glass of champagne on New Year’s Eve.

I’m looking forward to more settling in at our new home and a date with my hubby this weekend. I hope you all enjoy the days of rest and stay warm! Friends without electricity, my heart is with you!

Xo, Ali

Some goodies for ya:

Who knew pumpkins could be so lovely?

All I want for Christmas is this. 

Some great ideas on how NOT to eat all that leftover Halloween candy.

Joy is blogging again and I couldn’t be happier!

In Bucks/Montgomery County, PA without power and need food? Contact these guys.

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