american apparel sash

I love all the different ways they styled this sash at American Apparel. I would have never though of wearing it on a hat! Love the price too! 

friendship cloth

I think this friendship cloth is such a cute idea. It's a party table cloth that everyone signs and then someone embroiders the signatures. It would be fun to try something like this for my birthday... but I've never embroidered anything before!

by Banquet spotted on the Bell Heir blog

built by wendy spring 2010

I love Built by Wendy's new Spring collection. It's not available to shop just yet, but you can still browse through the looks in the 'News' section. Oh and she's also coming out with a new 'Sew U: Dresses' book on Tuesday, which I think is cool.. Although, I still have yet to make something from the first 'Sew U' book I bought. Maybe I'd be more inclined to make a dress...? We'll see! 

weekend!

This weekend, I will be doing some party planning and shopping for my upcoming birthday. I'm not quite sure as to how to celebrate just yet. All I know is I'm craving an outdoor party, but the weather here has been so unpredicatble lately. Somedays its rainy and gloomy and others its sunny and 70.

Any good party ideas?

What will you be up to?

photos by stylist Christine Baker

steven alan spring 2010

Not sure if this has been posted all over the web, but Steven Alan has a few pieces up from their Spring 2010 collection. The lookbook isn't out yet, I just couldn't resist sharing a few of my faves! There's also a very cute loosey dress I like. It looks like it would be very easy to dress up or dress down, depending on the occasion. 

map art

Maps can make for the best wall art. They're colorful without being overbearing, they're interesting by nature and best of all they're super affordable. I really like this map/flag set from Crate & Barrel. It's less than $20 and it lets you pinpoint all of the neat or maybe not so neat places you've been. Definitely a great conversation piece.

See more cute map wall art here and here.

a guide to party chairs

Now more than ever, party throwers have a wide variety of rentable seating options. Rental chairs and benches come in several different designs, finishes and colors. This guide defines the most commonly rented/used options and will hopefully give you a bit of insight in choosing the right seating for your party!

Click to read more ...

valentine projects

There are lots of great DIY Valentine articles over at Martha (as usual!). I'm really going to miss being at the pre-school this year. It was so much fun coming up with little crafts and projects for them to do and exchange.

sewn

Really enjoying Marie Emily's flickr stream. Especially her 'Sewn' set. Such talent!

best bedding

John Robshaw Textiles has the best selection of bedding I've seen. Anthropologie even started selling a few of the Robshaw sheet sets (including the red stripped arrow sheets) this winter.

selecting and dressing a rental tent

For me, large party tents can sometimes drown out the beauty of an outdoor venue. They often seem blank or overly industrial. But that doesn't have to be the case, choosing the right tent and adding a few simple details can really help you style your event and enhance your venue. Here are a few tips to get you going:

1. Choose your Tent Wisely: Pay attention to the littlest details when selecting your party tent. For example, try selecting tents with wooden poles, rather than metal. The wood rods supporting this 32' round tent add a bit of extra character to the look of the party and really tie in the environment. 

2. Walls and Lining: Both walls and (ceiling) lining can enhance your tent, pick one, the other or both depending on the look you are trying to achieve. Walls will help you define your tent's entrance and exit. Remeber to think of different materials when adding your walls. You can go with canvas or standard tent walls or add whimsy white fabric for a beachy affair. As for the lining, I like the affordable idea of filling a few balloons with helium and letting them float to the top. But if you have the budget, printed fabrics work just as well (think Raj).

3. Swags, Garlands and Pennants: A simple garland and swag can do wonders for the entrance of a rental tent (as pictured!). Identical topiaries positioned on either side of the entrance help to tie in the garland and swag hanging above (designed by Livia Cetti). Pennants are another simple detail that will add loads of character to your rental tent. Most tent companies will give you or allow you to rent pennants when you rent your tent.

image via Martha Stewart Weddings

designers remix s/s collection

I'd love to spruce up my wardrobe with these simple looks from the Designers Remix S/S collection.

via Ill Seen, Ill Said

Anta

How cool is this Scottish shop that Katie posted about the other day?! I would just love to rummage through their fabric sale!

rifle paper co. valentines

Another perfect holiday collection from the amazing Anna. All three designs are so pretty!!