Fab * Blog by InvitationConsultants.com

Congrats to IC for making the Inc. 5000 List {again}

 

 

 

 

Read more about Invitation Consultants on the Inc. 5000 list.

 

http://www.inc.com/inc5000/2009/company-profile.html?id=200926680

Project Runway Inspires Us to {Make It Work}

Project Runway is back in action! With two episodes down, my heart is already racing to the finale. To kick the show back into high gear for it's new spot on Lifetime, PR delivered with not only a fresh new set of faces, but with an all-star challenge, as well. With this came eight favorite designers from seasons past: Korto Momolu, Mychael Knight, Santino Rice, Jeffrey Sebelia, Daniel Vosovic, Uli Herzner, Chris March, and Sweet P. Our favorite judges, Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, and Diane von Furstenburg (swoon), toughly narrowed it down to four favorites.

To you I pose the question: where would you wear these fashions? I've chosen my four favorite designs from the four finalists and given it my own twist for parties and nightlife.

{Wednesday Trendsday} Lovely Lavender

I first caught a glimpse of Kate Spade's new clothing line on Oh Happy Day, and I instantly fell in love. It is one part adorable, one part sophisticated, and completely sweet for the fall and winter season. The pieces range from bright red tights paired with black and white print jackets to girly lavender ruffles paired with softened black and white tweed. 

When I saw the lavender sleevless top above, I instantly thought of our brand new holiday card, Damask Trio. The card has a pop of red, like so many pieces in Kate Spade's new line, and it's the perfect combination of sweet and chic.  

Enjoy & come back next Wednesday for a trendsday where I mix the best of fashion and design with the latest papers. 

Chandelier Love

When I lived in Ft. Myers about 7 years ago, I would always drive by this one jewelry store that had a gorgeous, crystal chandelier in the front window. I can remember telling my mom all the time how much I loved it. It was huge and full of colors and sparkles that you could see from the road. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of it to post here, but I have put together a great collection of chandeliers and chandelier related items that I have found recently. From classic crystal chandeliers to chandelier invites, chandelier earrings and chandelier decals, we've all seen them taking the spotlight. They have evolved from being just a traditional way to light a room into an elegant and fantastic way to make a statement. And they’re not just indoor décor. Check out this beautiful use of chandeliers paired with chic drapery at this outdoor wedding shot by studio222 photography (bottom right). The perfect look for a boho chic wedding!

Chandeliers just have a way of making any room, event, or outfit look that much more special. Whether classic or mod, you can’t go wrong!

Image Credits:

Chandelier Invites: Vintage Light, Vintage Blonde Bride, Love Seat, Black Chandelier, Posh Chandelier. Crystal Chandelier, Decals, Edison Chandelier, Earrings, Chandelier tea set, Outdoor Wedding.

Paper Bakers {I heart Charm City Cakes}

I assume you watch Ace of Cakes. If you do not, you need to. Ace of Cakes is my favorite show (well, one of them), and here's why: The Charm City Cakes staff is hilarious, out of this world talented, and they are genuinely cool people. It's not your ordinary reality show.

I was watching last week's rerun (there's one on tonight at 10:30 pm on the Food Network!), when I started to think about how much I could relate the invitation world to the world of cake baking and decorating. For one thing, bakers and stationers get to be involved in the most important moments of their clients lives- their weddings, their birthdays, the birth of their children, and their greatest achievements. This is not an honor that we, at IC, take lightly. We love being your source for the pieces of paper that announce big events and invite your friends and families to your most anticipated celebrations. And, from watching Ace of Cakes, the staff at CCC loves to be feed them sugar once they get there.

So that's how we're alike. And, here are some party themes we've both tackled (with an added picture of Geoff because he's my favorite staffer):

Red Claw Crab and Crab Cake (crab cakes are what Maryland does!), Fire Truck Cake and Sound the Alarm, Robot Cake, Geoff, and Space Ranger Robot.

{Chill out} with a Yoga Party

 

Yoga parties have been gaining popularity for quite some time now. Celebs such as Madonna, Oprah, and Sting have publicly announced their devotion to the ancient system and it has stirred up a trend that has become a norm, yet still fresh. Yoga is offered at practically every gym and is flourishing throughout the country because of the positive effects that it has on one's mind, body, and spirit. An idea that hits closer to your home are yoga parties. Practically any type can be transformed into a relaxing soiree with a zen state of mind. There are yoga cocktail parties, yoga bridal showers, yoga birthday parties, and yoga corporate events. Some choose to incorporate yoga into their weekly book club meetings or as a meeting place for professionals to get away from the office. People are searching for stress reduction and what a better way to do it than to have fun with a relaxed group of people.

Tips to a successful yoga party:

D.I.Y. Pizza Party

Last week, my boyfriend Jeff and I were invited to a pizza party by a couple of our good friends. Now when you think "pizza party," I'm sure the first thing that comes to mind is a bunch of little kids running around eating pizza from a cardboard box, but this one was different... no kids, no generic pizza, and no picking off toppings you don't like. We were told to arrive at 6 with our favorite pizza toppings in hand. When we arrived, we were greeted by our expert culinary hosts, Jeremie and Sam as well a couple other friends who had also brought a few toppings of their choice. The crusts and sauces were handmade by Jeremie and an apple crisp dessert pizza made by Sam was baking in the oven. The stage was set! After piling our pizzas with an array of toppings, they were put on the grill or into the oven. 20 minutes later our crispy, cheesy, perfectly prepared pizzas were complete! Then the best part, enjoying our delicious creations and catching up with good friends. Who knew such a simple idea would turn into so much fun? It's a great way to bring your friends together for cheap, while still having a great time.

Want to have a pizza party of your own? It's easy...

Deal of the Week! Peace out to summer!

Labor day is only a few weeks away, and a lot of kids are heading back to school... it seems the end of summer is near! We're celebrating by greeting winter a little early with 25% off select peace themed holiday cards. So, peace out summer. It's been fun.

10 Things I Love About Fall

Fall is almost here. Once Labor Day hits, the entire mood changes and I love it!

Here is our fall invitation preview and my 10 favorite things about fall:

1. No more white shorts or shoes, they are not flattering

2. Changing leaves make for great table decor

3. It's time to wear fabulous clothes like wool sweaters, scarves, and boots

4. Beautiful colors are everywhere, like in clothes and furniture: eggplant, dark aqua, mustard, greens

5. Comfort food is now ok to eat again

6. Goodbye to bathing suits

7. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays

8. Fall is the best time to have outdoor get-togethers with friends like a day at the lake, picnics, barbecues and tailgating

9. Football is back...rock on!

10. Better hair days, seriously this is important.

My Favorite Fall inspired invitations: Paisley Harvest, Hayride Feet, Leaves Galore, Corner Scrolls Autumn.

Lovely fall inspirations: leaf wreath, beautiful trees, pumpkin panna cotta, fall olive jar arrangement.

Bubbly Magic {A Champagne Brunch Wedding}

Over the past few weeks, we've had our head's in the clouds, just giddy over our recent partnership with Preston Bailey. We've all spent a lot of time getting acquainted with Preston's work (i.e. looking at gorgeous floral arrangements and extraordinary event design day in and day out). Looking at all his images has gotten me in such a romantic and flowery mood. The images vary- from his winter work to his seasonal fall tablescapes with tons of golden orange leaves, but my favorites are the over-the-top floral arrangements with romantic pink blooms. They've inspired this post, with colors I think are perfect for a champagne brunch wedding reception.

Featured above:

• A gorgeous pink dupioni silk ring bearer pillow from Etsy seller 5eizen. I love the billowy flower and the pillow base in monochromatic shades. It's so subtle but pretty.

• An archway designed by Preston Bailey and featured on InStyle weddings. The purple and pink color scheme is perfect for a late morning or early afternoon ceremony.

• Modern Sparkle in Pearl from Invitation Consultants. I can't show you Preston's designs yet (stayed tuned...) but this one is very pretty for a wedding brunch.

• Zooey Deschanel in Erin Fetherston. My favorite actress wearing an adorable dress by one of my favorite designers. The petal skirting is perfect for a sun filled wedding.

• Sofia Coppola Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine. This wine is so refreshing, fruity, and sparkly. It is perfect for the early afternoon and comes in wrapped in pink cellophane. It would make a gorgeous addition to any tablescape.

• And, a color scheme of deep mocha, champagne yellow, and pink!
  
  Hope you enjoyed! Check back for more Preston news!