SUMMERTIME BLUES

I have always loved the way that crisp White looks with refreshing shades of Blue. Blame it on my Greek heritage, or my love for water and blue skies, or just the way this color combo makes me feel. Gorgeous fluid watercolors create a vibe that is full of life and energy. Makes me want to go to the Greek Isles and admire the whitewashed architecture against the deep blue sea.

Sources: Sandals by Costume National, Dress by Trina Turk, Le Chapeau Handmade Straw Hat, Lapis Bracelet, YSL Ring, Trina Turk PIllows

Sources: Watercolor by Stina Peterson, Model Image

Sources: Image of Greece

FLUTTER

Few things are as fragile and symbolic as butterflies for a wedding. Fiery Orange and fresh Coral with organic shades of Gravel create a stunning color palette for Summer or Fall. Seductive & feminine with a modern flair, this captures what a Summer sunset feels like to me. 

Sources: Wedding Gown, Butterfly Sculpture, Suede Sandals, Lanvin Flower Bracelet, Glass Jar

BLUE MOON

Not all brides choose to wear White on their wedding day. This is for the unconventional bride who wants to make a bold statement. Jewel tones in rich shades of blue and violet paired with warm earth tones. If you still are not convinced, this would make a fantastic bridesmaid alternative too. Your girls won't complain about buying a dress they will never wear again.

Sources: Halter Dress, 


Organza Veil, Curved Heel Pumps, Tanzanite Ring, Amethyst Drop Earrings, Spiraled Straws, Porcelain Blossom,    Wedding Cake, Model photo by Thomas Rusch

NEUTRAL GROUND

Neutral shades of cool grays and warm golds create romantic and vintage inspiration for weddings. I just love the delicate retro look with a bit of whimsy. Renam Christofoletti and BHLDN by Anthroplogie must have been feeling wildly nostalgic as they were dreaming of lace and chiffon in classic shapes. Subtle, yes. Boring, no.

Sources: Hair Adornment, Flower backdrop, Peep Toe Shoes, Flower Ring, Glass Bulb Vases, Diamond Breathe Necklace, Bird Earrings, 

YSL Eyeshadow Duo, Gold Eyeshadow

REGAL BEAGLE: THE INSPIRATION

I would like to share the inspiration behind some of the custom work from my design studio Figmint Design (you can see more images from this wedding on our website).

It is no secret that I'm a fan of Kelly Wearstler and her design sense. I love the modern glamour that she brings to all of her work, and the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica is no exception. So, when I had an opportunity to design something for a wedding there I jumped at the chance. The bride is a fashion designer and the couple wanted a modern celebration that was bold, minimalist yet glamorous, and personal. With big love for their 2 Beagles, it seemed perfect to incorporate the love for their pups with her love for fashion. Custom textile sample swatches with yellow stitching combine with custom silhouettes of their Beagles to create a one of a kind invitation suite and theme. The yellow, white, gray, & turquoise color palette along with geometric patterns capture the Hollywood Regency vibe of the venue. 

Credits: Engagement photo by James Johnson Photography, Modern Glamour book by Kelly Wearstler / book photos by Figmint Design, 

venue photos courtesy of The Viceroy Hotel Santa Monica

Credits: Graphic design, stationary, and styling by Figmint Design, stationary photos by Figmint Design, flowers by Floral Art, 

cake by Jamaica's Cakes, wedding photography by James Johnson Photography

GALLOP

Fall is approaching quickly and equestrian inspired design is in full swing. Rich brown, copper, gold and camel paired with navy and gray. And of course, lots of leather. The look is classic, but Andrey Yakovlev put a modern twist on it with these images.

Sources: Striped Roll Sleeve Dress, Leather Boots, Top Handle Bag, Feather Earrings, Studded Wrap Bracelets, Brass Ring, Knit Chain Bracelet, Pendant Light, Leather Lounge Chair, Leather Frames, Cashmere PIllow, Black Currant Iris Candle

BOHEMIAN BEACH CHIC

Bohemian glamour and beach chic meet for this stunning shoot by Mariano Vivanco. I don't need to say much about this since it speaks for itself. I am in love with the colors, prints, and textures. Being on a beautiful beach looking this fantastic never hurt anyone. Even if it is just for pretend.

Sources: Embroidered Tunic, Bohemian Damask Bath Towel, Beaded Sandals, Flower Cuff Bracelet, Ribbin Bracelet, 

Chandelier Earrings, Pedra Coasters

CUT IT OUT

I was recently inspired by the Art in the Streets exhibit at MOCA. Among the hundreds of inspiring displays of graffiti art (which I will cover in another post), I was intrigued by the detail of Ice Queen by Swoon. An impressive display of Black & White paper cut outs in intricate detail and delicate patterns. The only light source in the room was from inside the display as it cast beautiful shadows on the draping white walls. I wanted to stay and study every single inch of detail. Since then, I have noticed cut out fashion & accessories particularly in black & white. Apparently, we see what we look for.

Sources: Sleeveless Dress by Marni, Cutout Leather Tote, Muriel Grateau Oval Black Onyx Ring, Azzedine Alaia Ren Cuir Entrelace Belt, Giuseppe Zanotti Cutout leather shoe boots, Diptyque Baies Black Scented Candle

"Ice Queen" by Swoon / Photos by Maria Valentin

    

GOLDEN RULE

In today's Los Angeles Times  Image / Fashion section I saw this photo of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wearing a Gucci gown. I scrambled to my computer to see the rest of the Gucci Fall Collection for 2011. I know it's only July, but I just couldn't help taking notice of the rich jewel tones in silhouettes that are romantic, classic, and bold. Some are feminine, some are inspired by menswear, and all of them are insanely gorgeous. Rich shades of Citron, Turquoise, Jade, Red and Berry.  I am particularly fond of the Golden palette paired with Turquoise or Jade. Retro and sexy? I say yes.

Sources: Zimmermann Whisper crochet-trimmed underwired swimsuit, Gucci Leather and velvet sandals, Kenneth Jay Lane Jade Crystal Center Dome Ring, Nehita Jade Teardop Earrings Nehita, Acqua Di Parma Magnolia Nobile Eau De Parfum/3.4 Oz., Haute House Elizabeth Chair, Bedside Gun Lamp, Image of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Runway Images

ELECTRIC AVE.

I can’t help but secretly fall in love with all the neon that has been buzzing around lately. Neon storefront signs that are so bright, they catch my eye...even in traffic. Hot Pink lips strut on the fashion runway, Neon Pink leggings stroll the grocery store, and Electric Pink sneakers walk the streets of L.A. (seriously, I had multiple sightings just over the last few days!) After all, who doesn’t love being hit with a bit of nostalgia? This 80′s inspired editorial shoot by Greg Kadel made my heart skip a beat. I love the black and white images with splashes of neon watercolors and the Tribal influence paired with Rock & Roll glamour. Excessive jewelry…check. Big hair…check. Feathers, leather fringe, and fishnets…check. Enjoy!

Sources: Stretch Silk-Chiffon Dress 180 by Jean Yu, Straight Stretch Denim Jeans by fatface, Brian Atwood Maniac Pumps, Alexander McQueen Wrap Around Bracelet, Roberto Cavalli Buffalo Bracelet, Modstrom Wrap Bracelet Leather Black, Crystal Deer Rosary Beaded Necklace, Natalia Brilli Tyler Bracelet, Bracelet Targert4 C, Derek Lam Black Saddle Fringed Belt

Storefronts: Alexis Bittar, Studio on 3rd Art Gallery

Sources: Neon Tribal Necklace, Studded Boots by Alexander McQueen, Neon Arches Pillow, Bond No.9 New York Candle