Star's Inspirations: The Perfect Palette

Today I'd like to share with you one of my favorite websites - The Perfect Palette.   

This fabulous site is fairly new (founded in 2008), yet has quickly become a go-to site for brides looking to explore color palette possibilities for weddings and events.  The Perfect Palette has loads of color tips, inspiration boards, and lots of creative wedding ideas.  You can search by color, or browse their various palettes.  If you have a color or colors in mind for your event but are unsure how to move forward with your ideas, check out The Perfect Palette.  I've used this site when planning events such as bridal and bay showers, for fashion ideas and even for home decor inspiration!  Below are some of my favorite combinations but check them out for yourself, they are all amazing!

All photos courtesy of The Perfect Palette

Like I said, there are so many more beautiful palettes, I could go on and on.  Check them out for yourself and update us on your favorite combo :) 

Best,

Star

Bold, Chic, and in Love: Picture Perfect

There is probably no other time in your life where you and your fiancee will have as many photos taken as you will during your engagement. Of course you will always look perfect, why not make sure your man does as well?

These two outfits would be great for doing your registry, attending parties together, dropping flowers off to your fiancee at work, attending your menu tasting, and every other event and dinner in between now and the big day. The first look is a little more dressy, while the second is a little more casual. Depending on if your lady is in a dress or jeans, you have an outfit to match.

Photos courtesy of Topman, The Tie Bar, J. Crew, and Nordstroms

{FIRST LOOK}
Blazer: Navy Herringbone Skinny Blazer from Topman
Shirt: BOSS Black Regular Fit Dress Shirt from Nordstroms
Tie: C2 Stripe Tie by Calibrate from Nordstroms
Watch: Timex Andros Watch from J. Crew

This look can be worn to almost any occasion. You can't go wrong with a blazer and crisp white button-up.


{SECOND LOOK}
Sweater: Wallace and Barnes Fircrest Cardigan from J. Crew
Shirt: Indian Cottor Shirt in Bamfield Plaid from J. Crew
Tie: Hartlin Check Tie from J. Crew
Tie bar: Smooth Slide Clasp from The Tie Bar
Tie: Grenafaux Midnight Navy Tie from The Tie Bar

I live in a bubble of belief that men should dress like this every single day. And maybe you can make that a reality! The sweater and plaid button-up can be seen as casual, however when you pair it with the navy tie and tie bar you instantly get a very well put together outfit. This look shows that you pay attention to detail and care about your style.

Many of these pieces are classics and interchangeable and you may not need to buy anything new! Unless you don't already have a white button-up, blazer, tie bar, or awesome collection of ties. If that is the case, start clicking! And always feel free to ask my advice, email me at jocelyn@sterlingengagements.com

This week on The Fashion One:

Brighten up this spring boys! Tips on how to rock bright pants. 

xO
Jocelyn

Bold, Chic, and in Love: Color Block

Next Tuesday marks the first official day of Spring, even though in Los Angeles it often feels like spring's year-round. Nonetheless, it is time to put away your black and gray clothing and bring out the color!

This season is all about color blocking. At some point this spring you will need a great dress to wear.  I am thinking bridal shower, but I know the opportunities for a great dress are endless, with all the congratulatory dinners and parties you will attend. Why not rock one of these beautiful, springy, colorful looks?

Photos courtesy of Nordstroms and Bloomingdales

1- Maggy London Two Tone Sleeveless Jersey Dress from Nordstroms
I am obsessed with this dress. Extremely obsessed. So much that I had to I have both colors on the board- green/blue and pink/orange. It is everything- flattering, feminine, sexy, perfect for spring, great color block, and beautiful colors. This is the perfect dress for anyone with curves. I would maybe do some bangles and a nude heel with this one. So beautiful on its own, it won't take much to dress up.  This dress is perfect for a bridal shower or rehearsal dinner. 

2- Yelena Strappy by Sam Edelman from Bloomingdales
Just in case you want to go all out, I thought I'd add this color block heel from Sam Edelman. Being a nude based shoe, it would be easy to pair these with so many of these dresses. Plus another wine, it's not an incredibly big heel so they would be extremely comfortable.

3- Tamika Color Block Koto Crepe Dress by Diane Von Furstenberg from Nordstroms
I am a sucker for a sweetheart dress. Therefore I was automatically attracted to this color block dress by DVF.  I find this cut can be very flattering on a busty girl with a small waist. Shows off your curves in the best way. I'd wear this one with pink heels.

4- Norwood Color Block Sweater Dress by MARC BY MARC JACOBS from Bloomingdales
In true Marc fashion, this dress is perfect. Love the colors, love the blue sleeves. I would pair some big, bright bangles and a camel shoe with this dress. Very light and summery.

5- Elizabeth and James Stripe Mock Two Piece Dress from Nordstroms 
This dress combines many of my favorite things- stripes, black, and color blocking. Even with so many colors going on, it's a very classy and simple dress. Easy to wear, flattering, beautiful colors. I would wear this one with any pump that matches one of the stripes. No necklace necessary, as the bow and stripes takes enough of the attention.

6- Presley Skye Belted Colorblock Silk Dress from Nordstroms
This is a very simple, clean choice. This dress will absolutely flatter and accentuate your waist. I would make this one a bit more fun with a heel that pops, like bright orange or sequined shoe. This isn't the boldest color block, which can be perfect for those who don't wear a ton of color.

7- Hopper House Little Shyla by Kate Spade from Bloomingdales
This clutch is the perfect spring clutch, I absolutely love the orange and pink- so bright, colorful, and bold! If the color block dresses are too much for you, pair this clutch with a simple, single toned dress and you will still be making a statement!

8. Adrianna Papell Colorblock Jersey Dress from Nordstroms 
This dress is great for your body if it tends to be more pear shaped. If your waist is your favorite part of your body,  this dress will accentuate it beautifully. I would do a statement necklace with this dress, however you can just as easily choose to keep it simple. Again, I'd do a nude heel, unless I could fine a pump that matches one of the colors. That would be ah-mazing.

9- Elizabeth and James 'Sadie' Drape Panel Dress from Nordstroms
This is such a feminine dress, I absolutely love it. Love the blue color block. Another dress that doesn't need too much jewelry and would pair perfectly with a nude heel.

10-BCBGMAXAZRIA Colorblock Knit Dress from Nordstroms
This is a very form fitting, sexy choice. Being that it is made of spandex, it is definitely meant to show off your curves. The black makes it slimming, but the turquoise and gold make it fabulous and fun. This is a great dress for dinner with your fiancee, or your last single night with the ladies.

You will be beautiful, bold, and bright in any of these fabulous dresses. Have any questions about how to style these dresses? Email me at jocelyn@sterlingengagements.com

Check out what's happening over at The Fashion One:
Copycat- Home decor inspiration

Decisions, Decisions- Spring shoe obsessions

xO
Jocelyn

Star's Favorite Things: Pink Champagne Cake

Today I'd like to share with you one of my new favorite recipes: Pink Champagne Cake.  This cake has quickly become one the most delicious and beautiful cakes I've ever had... I don't know if it is the light fluffy texture, the beautiful pink color, or the amazing aroma with just a hint of Champagne. This beautiful cake is It is both elegant and unexpected.  Any way you slice it, Pink Champagne Cake is the perfect dessert for a bridal shower, anniversary, Valentine's Day or New Year's Eve!

Photo courtesy of Booze Cakes by Krystina Castella and Terry Lee Stone

This recipe comes from the book "Booze Cakes" by Krystina Castell and Terry Lee Stone which was given to me by a friend for my last birthday.  This fun book is filled with unique dessert recipes and "booze" is incorporate in every single one!  Who knew the hard stuff could liven up so many different baked goods!?!

Photo courtesy of Booze Cakes by Krystina Castella and Terry Lee Stone

You can buy this book on Amazon

Each recipe incorporates a different type of alcohol to create a mouth watering dessert... from Tipsy Tiramisu, to Strawberry Daiquiri Shortcakes, to Blue Hawaii Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes to Rum-and-Coke Whoopie Pies!  ... But, the Pink Champagne Cake happens to be my favorite! According to the authors of the book, "Traditionally, a Champagne Cake is a white cake layered with rum, Bavarian or whipped cream filling, pink buttercream icing - and not an ounce of Champagne! This recipe lightens the crumb by including a splash of bubbly".  

Champagne is appropriate at any celebration, whether in a glass or in a cake!  This is a recipe you must try (with a glass of Champagne in your hand of course)!

RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

PINK CHAMPAGNE CAKE

3 cups all-purpose flour

3 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup (2 American sticks) unsalted butter

2 cups sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

6 egg whites

A few drops of red food coloring (the cake doesn't appear to be colored in the photo, so I would consider this to be optional)

2 cups Champagne

PINK CHAMPAGNE FROSTING

3/4 cup (1-1/2 American sticks) unsalted butter

4 cups confectioners' (icing) sugar

1/2 cup Champagne

1/4 cup whole milk

1 Tblsp. vanilla extract

A few drops of red food coloring

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Preheat oven to 350 F/ 180 C.  Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
• In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.  In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar 3-5 minutes, or until light and fluffy.  Add vanilla and beat in egg whites one at a time.
• Mix in food coloring.  Beat in flour mixture and Champagne in three alternating additions, starting and ending with flour to prevent curdling.  Pour batter into pans and bake 35 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
• For the frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat butter 1 minute.  Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, Champagne, milk, vanilla, and food coloring; beat until smooth and creamy.
• Once cake has cooled completely, place bottom layer on a cake plate and spread half the frosting over the top.  Add top layer and cover with frosting. 

Happy Baking,

Star

Bold, Chic, and in Love: The Perfect Shoe

Ladies, I have just come across what I would call a true gem. Have you ever had a perfect image of what you are shopping for, but cannot find it anywhere? I know I have, which is why I am so excited about Milk & Honey. This is the site we have all been waiting for! It is a shoe builder site, which means you can design your own shoe. You choose the type of shoe, heel length, platform, and colors. You can add embellishments, like bows and studs! Your wedding day heels, reception flats, bridesmaids pumps, and stilettos for your bachelorette party are waiting to be created!

Milk & Honey even has a bridal collection. From the testimonials that I read, many brides wear their shoes and find them to be extremely comfortable! What attracts me to their bridal collection is that the shoes are made, but you can still make them the perfect pair for you. Not to mention, they range from $250 - $300, depending on how much you add on.

Photos courtesy of Milk & Honey

Give them two months notice and you can have the perfect, comfortable shoe for every party, bridesmaid and especially your big day. Win, win!

Photo courtesy of Milk & Honey

This is what the shoes look like as you create them. My favorite color is purple and I am definitely a bow person, which makes these pumps perfect for me! It's hard not to make them sparkly with all the sequin options, which was my main debate in creating these. Milk & Honey will take hours of your life away as it is so much fun to create your own shoe, over and over!

Have fun designing- get creative! I would love to see any shoes that you design, email me a picture at  jocelyn@sterlingengagements.com

xO
Jocelyn 

Bold, Chic, and in Love: Oscar Favorites

This past Sunday was one of the most magical days of the year- The Academy Awards. For a lot of people, this day means seeing the movies and actors they love win for their absolute talent and excellence. For me, the best part is obviously the red carpet.

I used to work for a celebrity stylist who has dressed just about every celebrity in the business. You can only imagine how much I enjoyed this time of year, running around Hollywood to pick up the most beautiful gowns that Oscar nominees would wear. It was fabulous! And it educated me with the names and styles of designers who also make so many of the beautiful gowns that are great for the more formal wedding.  Gowns for your bridesmaids, mother, and most importantly, yourself!

My personal favorites were absolutely Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford and Pharrell Williams in Lanvin. Gwyneth was a vision in white- so classy, so pure, so beautiful. And Pharrell looked extra dapper and fresh in his over-sized velvet bow-tie.

 

Tina Fey looked beautiful in Carolina Herrera. Apparently, Herrera was only going to let one actress wear her designs this year and Tina was the winner! This dress is simple and chic. I love the peplum, which has the tendency to make any dress extremely flattering. Great choice for your bridesmaids!

Maria Menounos was stunning in a Maria Lucia Hohan gown. If I were ever a bridesmaid, I would not complain about this dress! I love the corset fit paired with the mint chiffon. It is a very feminine, delicate choice.

Oh Viola Davis, aren't you just the prettiest? This green Vera Wang was the absolute best choice for her. Her green makeup and beautiful skin paired very well with the dress. She was absolutely glowing. But honestly ladies, who doesn't look good in Vera Wang?

Jennifer, Jennifer.. you curvy beauty. She looked gorgeous in Zuhair Murad. This dress was so flattering and stunning, I'd love to meet the woman who would rock this as her wedding dress!!

Who else was absolutely thrilled that Meryl finally won an Oscar? I have been rooting for her for years. She is amazing. I loved her dress, so sparkly and fun. Just like I pictured her to be :) I'm sure there's a mom out there planning the perfect black tie wedding with her daughter or son, that would absolutely love to wear this Lanvin dress for the big day. As long as the brides dress is a little more sparkly, of course!

All Photos Courtesy of Huffington Post

Which dress was your favorite, what color did you like best? 

xO
Jocelyn