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{Wednesday Trendsday} Twilight: New Moon Party Resources

Around Halloween, I wrote about my True Blood party, but tackling New Moon is a whole different beast (sorry for the pun, Team Jacob members). The Twilight Saga: New Moon hits theaters this Friday and the excitement is palpable. This film is beyond a trend, it's a phenomenon. There are so many awesome resources out there for throwing a howling New Moon party, and here are five of my favorites:

1. Hostess Blog New Moon Printables and Twilight DVD release party details: Jen at Hostess with  Mostess has created free printables in two color schemes to represent the original black, red and white from the New Moon book art and new evergreen and woodland hues from the New Moon movie previews and posters. Both designs capture the essence of the book perfectly, and feature pivotal quotes. They would make awesome decor if framed and used on your party tablescape. 

2. A New Moon Playlist from Stephenie Meyer: Stephenie Meyer created a beautifully thought out play list based on the characters emotions in the book. Who better to associate the characters perspectives with songs than the creator of the characters herself? My favorite is Stephenie's association with 'The Scientist' by Coldplay from Edward's heart-braking point of view. Burn these songs to a CD and you'll have yourself an instant party soundtrack.

3. Team Edward vs. Team Jacob Cupcakes from Sweet Avenue: These amazing cupcakes are the perfect inspiration for New Moon sweets. It may be difficult to replicate these printed cupcakes at home, but use them as a jumping off point for creating your own tempting treats. Think of dark, devil's food cupcakes with rich chocolate ganache and drizzled with red 'blood' icing. Or, to be more appropriate for members of your pack, consider spice cupcakes frosted to look like a wolf.

4. Twilight Inspired Invitations: Think woodland chic for your New Moon premiere party. This Secret Passage invitation features a scene hauntingly similar to the forest atmosphere described so well in New Moon. 

5. Etsy Twilight Finds: This New Moon Collection of pins by manhandled would make great party favors for vamps and werewolves alike. The collection features adorable Twilight references like 'I Drive like a Cullen' and 'LaPush Cliff Diving Team'. If your New Moon party is in honor of a birthday and gifts are in order, consider these New Moon inspired jewels: a Lion and Lamb silver cuff by BrighidsForge and a Twilight definition pendent by hellobrowneyes.

And for party attire, look no further than the New Moon stars themselves. The images above are of Taylor Lautner, Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Dakota Fanning at the New Moon premiere this past week and they all look supernaturally elegant. Look for inspiration in their sleek dark suits and glamorous gowns and you really can't go wrong. Image Source: Mail Online and Starpulse.

I hope everyone enjoys New Moon this weekend and that all you twi-hards are not disappointed in any way with this epic story coming to life on the silver screen. Let me know in a comment below, are you TEAM EDWARD or TEAM JACOB? Or, perhaps you're neutral like Switzerland? 



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{I LOVE 80'S PARTIES!} Style Icons of a Fashionable Decade

Anyone who is a product of the 80's or lived through this memorable decade most likely has embarrassing photos of themselves in ostentatious clothing. Whether it be wild hair, flamboyant colors, or off the wall accessories, 80's trends were and still are a staple in fashion history. On the flip side of all of this, a lot of fabulous fashions were not just fads; they have either stayed wildly popular until the present or have resurfaced in modern, sophisticated ways. Let's take a peek at three of my totally bodacious and favorite fashion icons.

Madonna. Madonna first moved to NYC in hopes of a career in modern dance; boy did her life take a different turn. To me, Madonna epitomizes a style icon. She has reinvented herself countless times throughout the years and has managed to stay on top of her musical and fashionable game. Love her or not, you can't defend that she she hasn't made a stylish impact in pop culture. My favorite fashion technique that Madonna has used throughout the years is that she plays with different fabrics. From spandex leotards to leather jumpsuits, from jeans and a button down shirt to flowing saris, Madonna experiments with textiles in inventive ways that reflect where she is at in her life, whether it be young and 'material' to spiritual and sophisticated. Her look exemplifies what a performer should look like.

Michael Jackson. It's hard to believe that someone of such phenomenal fame and importance in musical history is no longer with us. He joins Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and so many other musical geniuses in a different realm, but his legacy has and will stay alive. A documentary about Michael Jackson called 'This Is It' is in theaters right now. It's two week span has been extended until Thanksgiving weekend, so I definitely plan to see that in theaters so I can experience his would have been last performance in as real of a setting as I can. Let us commemorate the style of MJ. Of course he is known for so many trends, most notably his cropped pants with white socks, but my favorite pieces that Michael sported so well throughout the years were fabulous jackets. He inspired millions to wear zipper-accented red jackets, slick leather suit jackets, sparkling moonwalk jackets, and military-inspired garb. He did not shy away from hats, embellishments, color, or arm bands. A true style icon in his own right, Michael paved the way for so many pop icons, celebrities, and normal everyday people to take risks with their clothing.

Molly Ringwald. She made her mark in 80's favorites such as The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, and Pretty In Pink...to name just a few. Though she played the quintessential teen girl, she was always striving for individualism in her everyday life, which definitely reflected in her clothing choices. Ringwald has noted that Edie Sedgwick, Marilyn Monroe, Diane Keaton, Dianne Wiest and Brigitte Bardot as her fashion role models. Known as John Hughes' muse, her style reflected femininity and quirkiness. In my opinion, her most notable fashion techniques were pairing lots of things that didn't quite go together, but seemed to make sense at the same time. She defined youth and always managed to achieve that girl-next-door, school girl look. And who can forget her short red do? A refreshing staple in a world of blonde bombshells and brunette babes. She has a nostalgic quality about her, which undoubtedly makes her iconic.

All of these icons can inspire tons of looks for everyday life as many fashion designers such as Marc Jacobs and Betsy Johnson (to name a few) have done. Not only can you make 80's clothing wearable and very today, but they are always festive for Halloween or appropriate for a decade themed party. I must say that 80's parties are all over college campuses nationwide, and is the ideal theme for a birthday party because it's so easy to achieve and fun to do. Start with a Totally 80's Party Invitation that plays up the neon hues of the decade, or perhaps this Stylish 80's Invitation will inspire people to wear something fabulous. Take cues from these style gurus and individualize them! Be your own fashion icon or inspire others! Stay Fab*ulous!

Madonna Image Credits: Madonna photo and ankle boot, celebrations print, & Cameron Diaz as Madonna photo via Polyvore.com. 

Michael Jackson Image Credits: Black & White image,  embellished black jacket & red leather jacket via Polyvore.com

Molly Ringwald Image Credits: Pretty In Pink image and Tiered Skirt & Hat image via Polyvore.com.

{Fabulous Flashback} It's a Jolly Holiday with a Mary Poppins Tea Party!

'Tis the season to snuggle up with your sweetie, cozy up by the fire, and watch classic movies that remind us of why it is so wonderful to be young at heart and imaginative. This week's post pulls from an old favorite of mine...Mary Poppins! A lot of my friends poke fun at me (and some join in my love) because I adore timeless musicals, Disney movies, and other classic flicks filmed before my time. My parents always exposed me to these films, which I'm certainly grateful for, but there are those that weren't acquainted with classics such as Mary Poppins. So if you're totally confused right now with my favorite-movie-rant, let me expand your imagination with a Mary Poppins Tea Party! If you already familiar with Disney's cinematic genius, you'll find this post "practically perfect in every way!"

A Mary Poppins Tea Party is ideal for a young girl's birthday party or a leisurely ladies day out. With the holidays just around the corner (can you believe it's already almost November?), we've tailored this party to have a festive flair. The caramel apple imagery and adorable tablescape seen above is courtesy of the Party Wishes blog. She has literally pinpointed every detail of the movie and incorporated them into the party's theme. Some favorite ideas are:

• have everyone wear Mary Poppins inspired hats: (perhaps the white tie around the neck number tickles your fancy, or you'd like to be a little more casual with a plain black one adorned with little flowers)
• provide artful activities such as kite decorating (to fly to the highest height of course) and sidewalk chalk (to jump into their drawings)
• play games such as "Tuppins Toss" or "A Spoon Full of Sugar" relay
• set up a photo shoot with a carousel horse

Some other ideas we came up with are:

{Wednesday Trendsday} On TV: GLEE!

My mom typically won't talk to me on the phone on Wednesdays because she thinks I'm grumpy. No one else seems to notice, but my mom has told me that all my life I've disliked Wednesdays in a strange way. Well, I know you're reading mom and you should know I LOVE Wednesdays now! Glee is on FOX on Wednesdays, and it is such a delightful show. It's pretty popular too, and the fashion on the show is becoming trendy. Several of the characters, including the ambitious Glee club lead singer Rachel, don school girl plaid and modest collars. I've heard numerous places that plaid will be all over the place this fall and winter- from runways to the mall. Other characters on the show play into high school staples like nerds, jocks, cheerleaders, goth kids, and fashionistas, but the show blends the line between 'popular' and 'not popular' with all of the archetypes participating in the glee club together. It's campy, it's colorful, and it teaches great lessons, all the while singing and popping-and-locking to show tunes and top 40 hits. I hope this Wednesday Trendsday finds you gleeful and not at all grumpy.

Featured above: Photos of Glee characters Rachel, Finn, and Emma, all from imdb.  Hit Record Necklace, Rad Plaid Dress, Art History Dress (what a great name!), and Style Coach Necklace, all from Mod Cloth.  Classic Patch Plaid and Savvy Houndstooth invitations from Whitney English. Shop more patterned invitations. Or, music themed invitations.

Where the Wild Things Are | Have a 'Wild' Party!

It's almost here! 3 days till "Where The Wild Things Are" comes out in theaters and we're pumped! I think we all have a memory of this book from sometime in our past, whether it was from our parents reading it to us or ourselves reading it to a little one. The book evokes so much imagination with it's great illustrations of 'wild things' and fearless adventure, it's a little kids' dream! As soon as previews for the movie started coming out, I was hooked. The music from the film (which I've already downloaded) is amazing, the costumes are beyond unbelievable, and the main character seems delightfully lovable!

Already, I've come across lots of 'Wild Things' themed parties. And what's a party without invitations? Jungle Party, Giraffe Linen, and Leopard Green would start off your party just right! All aspects of your party can have the wild theme. Check out the cake made for this birthday party (top left). The mom who threw the party had a pin-the-tail-on-Max game, masks, and a book reading. Or, check out the photos taken by Kristen Eldridge (bottom left) of another 'wild' birthday party. They are so bright and whimsical, it makes me want to have a wild-themed party of my own! Be sure to see the rest of the party photos here. Even adults can get in on the theme with a cute pendant necklace from Etsy (bottom right),or this awesome rustic canopy bed from Anthropologie (top right).

It seems like this movie is going to be quite a hit with children and adults alike! I'll definitely be at the movies this weekend, will you?

Image Credits:

Green Monster Cake, Where the Wild Things Are Official Site, Anthropologie Canopy Bed, Wild Things party, Baby wearing Max costume, Frame Pendant necklace.

Kid's Halloween Party: Trick or Treat?

Trick or Treat? Smell my feet? Give me something yummy to eat!

Planning a kid's Halloween party is tricky because you need a cross between ghoulish goblins and sweet witches. I've been thinking of throwing a Halloween party for my kids and their friends, so I wanted to share some ideas I have found. To start off the event right, my favorite kid's Halloween invitations are Spooky Kids.

Who are we kidding? Kids love candy, so the treats should be frighteningly delicious. These are cute Halloween cake pops I found. My favorite is the ghost!  And who doesn't love cupcakes!

Create a haunted house practically with nothing and in very little time. Best place to have one is in your garage. Garages are usually dusty and somewhat dirty. Go to your local supermarket and ask if they have broken down boxes. So much can be done with boxes and for some reason kid's love jumping in and out of them. Then check out a craft store for spider webs and other wall garnishes. Black garbage bags, grapes (for eyeballs), cauldrons with rubber gloves filled with cranberry juice are some other scary tips. Spooky music and fog machines are great too!

Seek out fun crafts for the children to do like making Ghost Wind Socks.

Have a costume contest. I love these costumes:Wonder Bread Child and the Hamburger. Vote on most original, most scary, and the funniest costume. Also request your guests to bring their own unique treat bag. Then you can create a mock trick or treating by having a theme to each room in your house where they can trick or treat in. ie. the kitchen could have candy, a bedroom could have stickers, the patio could have pencils and erasers. This ketchup treat bag is my favorite.

More decor ideas: Decorating the stairs and a tablescape.

Planning a kid's Halloween party is actually easier than I thought.

{Wednesday Trendsday} Back to School in Style

All across the country kid's are heading back to the classrooms with their little backpacks and lunch boxes. I'm a little jealous! I remember the first day of school held so much possibility- new friends, new teachers, and most importantly (to a paper fan like me)- new school supplies! Do any of you remember the Staples back to school commercial from the 90's? It has a dad skipping down the aisles to the song "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" with two sad kids trailing behind him. That definitely wasn't me! I was thrilled to get new stationery and new clothes-- although I don't know which I liked better.

I saw these adorable duds on Cup of Jo a few weeks ago from OliveJuice, a sweet children's clothing company out of PA, and I just about teared up over the cuteness. They're perfect for your little students! Paired with adorable patterned stationery, these petite fashions would make any kid happy. 

Featured above: Fair Isle Vest, Corduroy Shift, Gordon Plaid, Brown Plaid, Multi Gingham, & Retro Stripe Pink.

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:

A Tie Dye Party: Absolutely To Dye For

Hello readers!

This past weekend I had the opportunity to be with some of my closest girlfriends from college. We came together from near and far (some locally in Florida, while some made the trek from Los Angeles) for our good friend Kayla's birthday. Kayla's one request as a gift was that we do not buy her presents, but simply convene for a tie dye party. If you knew Kayla at all, you'd know that this is not an out-of-the-ordinary idea. How could we resist? A bunch of creative gals in one room with colored dye is bound to be inspiring and oodles of fun.

How to throw an a fun-filled tie dye party: