Star's Favorite Things: Perfect Peonies

The Peony is without a doubt my favorite flower!  With their full and fluffy rounded bloom, peonies ooze romance.  They are sweet, elegant, sophisticated, and oh so versatile.  Peonies are the perfect flower for a intimate garden wedding, yet are equally as lovely showcased at a large glitzy affair.  According to The Flower Expert, peonies symbolize "a happy life, happy marriage, good health and prosperity."  That being said, I can't think of a more perfect wedding flower!  I prefer the gorgeous simplicity of peonies bunched together; however, they also look beautiful when combined with other flowers.  

Drew Barrymore recently used a variety of colorful peonies in her bridal bouquet for her June wedding in Montecito. 

Photo courtesy of People Magazine

Here are some other bridal bouquets bursting with perfect peonies

Photo courtesy of Plants World

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Anne Designs

Photo courtesy of LI Weddings

Photo courtesy of Style Me Pretty

Photo courtesy of Wedding Bee

Photo courtesy of One Wed

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Photo courtesy of Arabia Weddings

And for the Groom...

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

I love these centerpieces showcasing gorgeous peonies too!

Photo courtesy of The Posh Event

Photo courtesy of Glendalough Manor Bride

Photo courtesy of Bridge Water Gardens

Photo courtesy of Fiance 2 Wife

I love the simplicity of a single peony adorning this wedding cake, it is just gorgeous.  I also love the ribbon background... I love ribbons in general.  Check out my previous blog post "Smitten with Ribbons" for more ribbon love!

Photo courtesy of Green Wedding Shoes  

As you can see, I'm in peony love and am thrilled they are more accessible than ever.  They seem to be everywhere from grocery stores, to farmer's markets, to road side flower stands so you can enjoy them not just at your wedding or special event but also in your kitchen window.  I love every color, but if I had to choose, I think light pink peonies would have to be my favorite!  Check out the beautiful bunch I just picked up from my local grocer.  Simply perfect!

Always,

Star

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

Red Carpet Fashion: Favorite looks from the Golden Globes!

It's no secret that I absolutely love award season.  The amazing fashion, red carpet interviews and of course the parties!  Last night there was a definite trend for the navy and blush!  Here are my top fave looks from the night!

Charlize Theron in Dior

Definitely my favorite for the night, just love this! Especially the bow...  Soft and elegant, timeless and so very sophisticated.  Headbands were also all over the carpet but she definitely wore it best!

Debra Messing in Monique Lhuillier

 

Debra Messing always does it right, maybe because she has the amazing help of Rachel Zoe.  I don't know, regardless, so many wore black but she wore it best!  I also love that she always adds a hint of green somehow...

 Elle Mcpherson in Zac Posen

I just love this look, the texture, the structure, all of it!  It's so unique and it really takes a certain  of body type to pull it off and Elle did it well!

  

Claire Danes in J. Mendel

I was on the fence with this one initially and then after watching an interview fell more and more in love with it.  It's truly stunning, so simple yet sophisticated.  The detail is to perfection and Claire really wears it right, it just flows effortlessly on on her.  

Laura Dern in Andrew GN

I didn't see Laura Dern on the carpet but the second she came out during the show I was blown away but how stunning she was.  This dress looks like a vintage dream.  I adore the low v-neck and the slim belt on her waste line.  It's gorgeous and she really works the emerald color too.  Definitely one of my favorites from the night!

 Kate Beckinsale in Roberto Cavalli

The dress looks so simple at first glance but look closer, the structure at the top, multiple textures and intricate detail really wowed me.  Kate of course is stunning on her own but this gown wowed me!  

Jessica Alba in Gucci

Not only do I adore the lilac gray color but I love the diagonal detail by her rib cage and the chiffon train.  This dress is very romantic and it's just angelic.  

Paula Patton in Monique Lhuillier

Paula Patton already has a smile that is like a ray of sunshine but this gown takes it to a whole other level.  She shines inside and out in it!  It's impossible for Monique Lhuillier to ever do anything I don't love but combine it with one of my favorite faces and you just have the ultimate package!  

Sofia Vergara in a custom Vera Wang

I'm still in love with shades of Peacock Blue and Navy from last fall. I don't think our affair will end anytime soon.  Because of this I gasped at this texture rich ensemble.  It's just breathtaking.  Especially the V right before you get to the skirt.  The fabric, the neckline, everything... I'm sold!  

 

All photos courtesy of my favorite red carpet website Just Jared

Who were your favorites on the carpet?  What color do you think will be hot next at the SAG awards?  I'm thinking Purples, Greens, Grays and Charcoals but we will see on the 29th!