Sneak Peek: Amanda & Hal Say "I Do" at a Private Residence in Calabasas

Amanda and Hal were married at a private residence in Calabasas on a beautiful Sunday in September.  We were so honored to be a part of their big day which was so full of love, romance, and beauty!  Amanda, who happens to work in fashion, was one of those bride's that we knew early on was going to be just breathtaking from head to toe! We love this photo of her in her bedroom moments before her first look.  

The photos, captured by the incredible Allie and Brian Callaway of Callaway Gable Photography, are stunning and we can't wait to share some of them with you.  However, in the meantime, we thought we'd give you a sneak peek of their Same Day Edit highlight from the big day!  

Amanda and Hal fell in love with Daniel Boswell of Imagique Cinema's style and the SDE was shown via projector at the end of the evening!  Their love for one another and the gorgeous details of their day translate beautifully on film.  Guests were wowed by this video and we think you will be too - it is truly one of the best one's to date!  Check it out!

We cannot wait to share more with you from this incredible day soon! 

Casting Alert: Something Borrowed Something New!

Trium Entertainment is in search of bride's with out of date dresses but a desire to wear a newly revised version of them.

Casting Director Kelsey had the following to say about the show..

"The show is called "Something Borrowed, Something New" and has been picked up for a full season!  We are looking for brides who have not yet found their wedding dress and have a mother, mother in law, aunt, grandma, sister, (anyone!) who has a dress that they might want to wear....except it's outdated, damaged or just plain not their style!

We are going to take their outdated dress and have it re-designed into their dream dress, putting $3,000 dollars into it!  We are also going to have a professional stylist take them shopping for a 'new' dream dress to fit with in their budget and at the end they will have to choose 'something borrowed, or something new'!

It's a great opportunity to get a free custom dress :o) and have a lot of fun along the way!"

If interested, please contact Kelsey today at KelseyAlayneCasting@gmail.com

Happy Dressing! 

Shoe Shot Sunday: Amazing Shoe Shot!

Sometimes a picture is worth 1000 words as you so often hear and today's shoe shot is no exception.  I came across this photo on Style Me Pretty this morning and my search for my favorite shoe shot immediately concluded because I just love this photo so much. 

 Photo courtesy of Justin and Mary Photography via Style Me Pretty

Often times you'll see this Shoe Shot series post an assortment of photos of the same shoe because it's the shoe I'm after mainly... but this week, we're making an exception for a stunning shot and shoe too of course!  

Happy Feet!   

Bold, Chic & In Love: Getting Ready Outfit

Every single bit of your big day should be new and exciting! Why not plan out what you will be wearing as you get ready to slip into your gorgeous dress. Not to mention, the photographers will most likely be shooting you getting ready, so might as well look fashionably beautifully at all times.

I've put together a few items you should consider for your big day. Cute but comfortable are key here. Victoria's Secret has an entire line of clothing for brides as they are getting ready!

1. Velour Bling Hoodie by Juicy
2. Bridal Graphic Tee by Victoria's Secret 
3. Chiffon Robe by Betsey Johnson
4. Bridal Graphic Tank Top by Victoria's Secret
5. Cozy Fleece Ribbon Slipper by Victoria's Secret
6. Bridal Robe by Victoria's Secret
7. Bridal Hoodie by Victoria's Secret
8. Five Star Fleece Pant by Juicy

It is almost mandatory that you get a cute outfit to get ready and take photos in. My favorite is the Betsey Johnson robe. If you have some amazing getting ready clothes that I didn't post, I'd love to see them! Email me at jocelyn@sterlingengagements.com.

xO,

Jocelyn

Bold, Chic and in Love: Vera or Monique?

Recently I was able to assist a stylist for the cover of the September issue of the Knot Magazine. It was a ten look shoot on couture wedding gowns. Needless to say, I was absolutely dying! All the dresses were far more beautiful then I could possibly describe, not to mention that they were being worn by a perfectly stunning model. I also got to play with some of the most beautiful (and expensive) wedding rings I had ever seen!

Naturally, of all the designers that we had there were two that really stood out to me- Vera Wang & Monique Lhuillier. Two of the most well-known wedding gown designers, who design to perfection but are so different in style and technique. Monique creates beautiful, feminine dresses that are heavily textured. Vera is equally stunning, also beautiful yet often pushes the envelope with her designs.  They have that extra bit of sass oftentimes.

While we can admire both designers, there must be one that makes you squeal a little louder! Are you more a Monique or Vera bride?

Here are some of the looks for each designers spring 2012 line.

All photos courtesy of Vera Wang & Monique Lhuillier

While all designer gowns are lovely and do come with a price tag for a designer label, they can at least provide great inspiration for what you look for!  However, they do have some simpler gowns that start at a more moderate number.  For example, Monique Lhuillier's gowns start as low as $2200.  Also Vera's new White Collection at David's Bridal makes a Vera Wang gown affordable for various price points and budgets too.  

I must admit, I'm definitely a Monique girl myself ;), what are you?

If you ever want a stylists opinion on your dress, feel free to email me at jocelyn@sterlingengagements.com.

xO,
Jocelyn

Bold, Chic, and in Love: The Perfect Strapless Bridesmaid Dress

Every bridesmaid has an opinion about their dress. Whether they voice it to the bride or just each other, they have something to say! The color and the cut are the main things to perfect in order to have happy friends that look beautiful for your photos.

Spring colors like blush, eggplant and charcoal are getting all the attention! With these strapless dresses, your bridesmaids will adore their dresses so much they may want to wear them over and over again!

Photos courtesy of Nordstroms

1. JS Collections Strapless Chiffon Dress

This dress is great black option that is still very appropriate for spring. The floral detail and sweetheart cut is absolutely stunning and feminine. The black color gives it a bit more edge. 

2. Jenny Yoo Collection Convertible Strapless Chiffon Gown

This dress is simple and chic. Great option for a beach wedding. The light gray is subtle but would really pop with a bright floral arrangement or statement necklace!

3. Adrianna Papell Tiered Iridescent Chiffon Dress

The ruffles in this dress are very forgiving, which is never a bad quality. Not only is this dress flattering but it is very flirty and fun! 

4. Amsale Rosette Trim Strapless Chiffon Gown

This dress is absolutely gorgeous. It has a very flattering cut. No jewelry required, the two roses steal the show.

5. Donna Morgan Strapless Silk Chiffon Dress

This is a very sweet, innocent color and cut. Another flattering option! You can give your girls the freedom to dress this one up by adding a statement necklace that represents their style, as the dress is so simple.

6. ML Monique Lhuillier Strapless Chiffon Gown

Oh Monique, you are an absolute genius. The color, the length, the ruffle detail. Could not be more perfect. No bridesmaid would complain when getting paired with this dress!

7. ML Monique Lhuillier Strapless Ruched Cationic Chiffon Dress

This dress is extremely sexy! The eggplant color really pops. The ruching makes the dress classy, even if it is very form fitting.

With the detail and flattering cut of these strapless dresses, your friends will be ecstatic to walk down the aisle before you! Have any questions about how to choose the right dresses? Email me at jocelyn@sterlingengagements.com

xO,

Jocelyn

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: 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

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: Engagement Party Dress

Being that it is a few days after Valentines day, I know we have some extremely newly engaged brides visiting the blog. So congratulations and welcome, I'm so happy to share my first official post of "Bold, Chic and In Love" with you!

One of the very first events that you and your fiancé often attend is your engagement party,  so today, I'm going to make choosing your outfit one of the easier decision you'll have to make!

Whether your party is formal or casual, you will  absolutely be the most beautiful girl there. So go all the way!  Depending on your budget, age, style, and body type, I have quite a few suggestions for you to view.

Photo Courtesy of ASOS, Bloomingdales and HM

1- Pencil Dress from ASOS
This pencil dress is a very classy dress that comes in black and red. It is a fitted and flattering dress. The simpleness and cut makes it a very subtle, sexy dress. You can dress it up with a skinny belt, a color pop shoe and clutch. Or you can keep it classy with a black pump and maybe some pearl bracelets. 

2- Chiffon Dress from HM

This dress is only $50. It comes in a dark gray and this burnt orange. It is flattering cut that shows a little more skin than the pencil dress, but is still modest in its cut. You can do a skinny belt and fun statement necklace with this dress, or keep it simple like the photo.

3- Tulip Dress from ASOS

The cowl neck dress comes in black, rose, and this red. It is a very flattering cut, as it pulls in at most peoples thinnest part of their waist, and then flows over the curvier areas. Again, you can dress it up with bracelets and fun heels, or keep it simple with a nude pump. I would not wear a necklace with this dress.

4- Belted Bailey Dress from Kate Spade

Oh how I love this dress, and really all things Kate Spade. Such a classic designer. This dress is appropriate for a range of ages. I would recommend wearing it exactly as it is styled- I love the necklace, hair, heels. Perfection. The belt is removable, so you can use it to flatter your shape or take it off.

5- Sequin Bandeau Dress from ASOS
This dress is for the younger, fashion forward bride. It is a beautiful color, cut, and the pretty gold sequins will make you hard to miss. For accessorizing the dress, I would stick to bracelets and either a nude pump OR if you can find sparkly shoes to match the sparkles on the dress... I would absolutely rock it.

6- Sonja Dress from Kate Spade
This dress is also appropriate for a range of ages. The cut is very simple and classy, and it is flattering as well. Again, Kate Spade knows hers styling so you can absolutely wear it just like in the photo. Or, if you want to funk it up add color in the necklace, belt, heels, clutch. Wear your hair down. Have fun with this one, it is a beautiful canvas to play with.

Hopefully these tips are helpful in getting you to be the best dressed woman at your party. Enjoy!

Being that I have my own fashion blog that gives advice for everyday style to men and woman, Each post I'll be giving a weekly update of what I am up to at  The Fashion One.

This week: 

An all red shoot that I styled for Darling Magazine was published here.

The photos from a shoot I styled for Kelly Dlux can be found here.

Star's Inspirations: Vintage Paper Straws

Vintage paper straws continue to become more and more popular and are oh so sweet.  Cheerful and reminiscent of the happy days of childhood, paper straws are a playful addition to a wedding, shower, or party.  They come in a variety of solids and patterns (the stripes are my favorite) which makes incorporating wedding/party colors a snap!  The straws are adorable alone, but can also be dressed up with little tags and paper embellishments.  Tags can be personalized with the Bride and Groom's or guest of honor's name(s) or initials, wedding date or favorite quote.  Since they are made of paper, a simple dab of glue can adhere almost any paper decoration to the straw.  Perfect for the DIY bride or hostess!

Photo courtesy of Koyal Wholesale

Using various types of glassware from champagne glasses, to shot glasses to glass bottles, these paper straws add individuality and are a great way to serve signature cocktails!

Photo courtesy of Pizzazzerie

Photo courtesy of Heart Love Weddings

Photo courtesy of Ashleigh Taylor Photography

We love placing the paper straws in mason jars, it's just a darling accent - so rustic yet chic!

Photo courtesy of Musings of a Mrs.

Photo courtesy of Thoughtfully Simple

Photo courtesy of Modern Palm blog

Photo courtesy of Love and Lavender

Using a neutral color like gray makes the look both elegant yet playful.

Photo courtesy of Meredith Perdue

What a great way to gussy up a late night snack of milk and cookies!

Photo courtesy of One Single Voice

Vintage paper straws are even cool for the guys, when filled with a manly cocktail of course!

Photo courtesy of Once Wed

Photo courtesy of 100 Layer Cake

And just for fun...

Photo courtesy of Etsy shop Little Retreats

The possibilities are endless...

xoxo, Star

Photo courtesy of Etsy shop Loralee Lewis