DIY with Star: Simple Paper Flowers

I absolutely love all things paper: scrap-booking paper, butcher paper, wrapping paper, card-stock... paper goods, paper decorations, paper embellishments, and crafting with paper!  I actually used these paper flowers as embellishments on my DIY wrapping post last December.  I've been making these paper flowers for quite some time and they are so simple, I had to share them with you!  All you need are scraps of paper and tiny brads, that's it!  You can use these adorable paper flowers to adorn packages or as table decorations.  You can even glue them to fishing line or ribbon to make paper flower garland.

Follow this simple tutorial to make your own...

Step 1:  Cut out approximately 6 paper flowers of varying sizes (they don't have to be perfect :).  The ones I cut were between approximately 1 inch to 3 inches; I also used a variety of colors and textures.  Once they are cut out, punch a small whole in the middle of each flower.

Step 2:  Starting with the largest flower on the bottom, pile the other flowers on top of one another from largest to smallest with the smallest flower on the top.

Step 3:  Take a small brad (I purchased these from JoAnn's) and secure it through the holes.

Step 4:  Quickly run the brad secured flowers under water.  You want them to be damp so the paper is pliable, but not so wet that the paper tears.  The thicker the paper, the more water it can handle.  Starting with the smallest flower on top, carefully fold it in toward the center.

Continue to work down the flower, carefully folding each paper flower in toward the center.

Once all of the flowers are individually folded into the center your flower will look like this:

Step 5:  Gently unwrap the flowers, starting with the largest one.  You can fuss with them a bit until you like what you see.  You can then let it dry and it will retain it's shape.

And there you have it.  A beautiful paper flower that took less than 5 minutes to make!

I used a dab of glue to adorn my gold flower to this little package.  This would be a perfect for a wedding or shower favor!

Give these puppies a try and let me know how it goes!  Happy crafting :)

Best,

Star

Wedding day Lovin': Chalkboards, Banners and more!

I came across this precious image while searching for shoes!  While browsing on the lovely Millie Holloman's site I just fell in love and it was too sweet not to share.  Adding sentimental decor elements like this, is the perfect touch to infuse your personality into your day with a little sass.  It's kitschy, romantic, funny and so much more.    

Here are a few others I came across that I just adore!

 Photo courtesy The Loveliest Day

Photo courtesy of Green Wedding Shoes

Photo courtesy of Style Me Pretty and R. Jack Balthazar

Shoe Shot Sunday: Jenny + Blake

I immediately fell in love when I came across this super sweet wedding in Bald Head Island, North Carolina.  Jenny and Blake were married at the Shoals Club, what I loved most about their day was how it was beautiful, understated and had lovely nautical touches! 

Her shoes were sparkly and elegant while his shoes were a bit more casual and perfect for their location near the beach. 

 

The groomsmen all wore matching shoes and I even loved the doggy paws incorporated too!  So of course I had to share this one as well.

All photos courtesy of Millie Holloman

To view more details from their big day visit Millie Holloman's awesome blog post from their big day!

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

Sterling Engagements Wishes: Happy Valentine's Day!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest 

Happy Valentine's Day!  Hope you have a wonderful day however you choose to celebrate.  So whether your staying home and cooking for you and your special one, dining out, drinking cocktails with the girls or even spending the day or night with the newest addition to your family, the entire Sterling team wishes you the best! 

 Photo courtesy of Funny Pictures

Typically I always combine our wish messages with a fabulous image.  Well this year, thanks to the ever so amazing Pinterest, I just cannot decide.  So, here are a few of my favorites I've come across today!

 Photo courtesy of Pinterest

 Photo courtesy of Flights of Fancy

 Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Also our newest fashion blogger Jocelyn recently did a red themed photo shoot on love and how Valentine's Day isn't just about love in relationships but also loving everyone around you.  I just love this!  Check it out on Darling Magazine!

Have a very happy day!

Sterling Buzz: Hello from Jocelyn, Sterling's newest blogger!

--> Hello everyone! My name is Jocelyn Garrity and I have worked with Sterling Engagements since October 2010. I began working events with Sterling as an intern and worked myself up to production assistant and now I've started the year off officially as a staff team member. Since I initially began working onsite at events, I’m very excited to also be working in the office. One of the many things that I will be contributing to the Sterling blog and team is sharing my fashion sense, knowledge, and styling experience with you all!

I have been into fashion since I first was given the chance to dress myself when I was three. The last few years I have juggled finishing school, working weddings, and being a stylist. I have assisted many celebrity stylists with commercials, red carpet, editorial shoots, and anything else you can imagine. I have worked with the best of the best when it comes to celebrity stylists. Other than assisting, I am also a personal makeover stylist. Which means I go through my clients wardrobe and help them get rid of the bad and learn how to absolutely rock all of the clothes that they have! I am huge on flattering your body type, so that is always the number one goal. And if desired, I love going shopping and helping to add to or recreate an entire new wardrobe. I also have my own fashion blog, The Fashion One.

Here are some behind the scenes photos from a shoot I styled last week:

I did this photoshoot with Anjelah  Johnson for her website:

This is an example of a personal makeover I recently did:

I have been working weddings for a few years and I cannot express how much fun it is! I love the energy and even stress of the day. I think it is beautiful that we get to participate in creating one of the most beautiful days in someone’s life. It is such a meaningful day for each couple, and thus a meaningful job.

I am extremely excited about the opportunity to merge my passions, weddings and fashion. I will be covering all outfits you can imagine needing from the moment you get that gorgeous ring on your finger to the moment you say ‘I do.’ Don’t worry gentleman, I will make sure you know exactly how to look as dapper as possible. And lets not forget the bridal party!

If you have any questions or requests, feel free to email me at Jocelyn@sterlingengagements.com. I want to make sure you walk into every party and especially the big day as confident in your beautiful self as possible. Look for my first post in the next week!

Shoe Shot Sunday: Super Bowl Edition!!!

I'm so excited for today's post as it's not a typical shoe shot day.  Today is the Super Bowl and we are huge Giants fans over here so when your team makes it, it's kind of a big deal! 

 Photo courtesy of Phandroid

In honor of the Giants, today's post will be dedicated to all the uniquely cute items you can incorporate into your day.  Whether your a big sport's fan or your hubby to be is and you want to surprise him with a sweet detail incorporating his big team! 

Now it's tough to find a heel that screams go Giants but there are plenty of awesome socks for men and women.  So you could sleep in a pair or gift him with a pair for him to wear on his big day. 

  Photos courtesy of Vermont Shopping

Or how great would these be to get ready in?  I just adore these!  If all your maids are sports fan who cute would it to get them each their favorite team!

 

 Photo courtesy of Fan's Edge

 Now if socks or flops is a bit too much for you how about sporting your team with your getting ready bag?  How cute is this bag and better yet it's pink plus proceeds go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. 

 Photo courtesy of Reusable Shopping Bags

Last but not least Etsy always has amazing garters you can customize to your liking.  What's neat about this is your fiance would not have a clue until he's taking it off as your husband!  Plus they always give you a toss garter so you'll have it as a keepsake! 

 Photo courtesy of Etsy

Speaking of custom, if you really want to go personal.  Contact Figgie Shoes.  Have your heels for the day hand painted and made especially for you with lots of love and personal details!

Happy Super Bowl and Go Giants Go!