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!

Star's Favorite Things: "Buttered-Popcorn Ice Cream Sundae" recipe

Hello All.  I've been on a popcorn kick lately and recently tried the Buttered-Popcorn Ice Cream Sundae recipe I came across in a few months ago in my Bon Appetit magazine.  It was absolutely fabulous - the perfect combination of sweet and salty!  If you are a popcorn/carmel corn/kettle corn fan, this recipe is a must try.  The ice cream is flavored with real buttered popcorn and topped with carmel sauce, whipped cream and chocolate covered kettle corn!

One thing to note, you do have to have an ice cream maker for this recipe.

Photo courtesy of Bon Appetit

The recipe called for peanut butter-chocolate halvah (the recipe was included); however, I skipped the halvah and topped mine with this delicious Cocoa Drizzled Kettle Corn I'd picked up from Trader Joe's.

Photo courtesy of Trader Joe's

Here is the recipe:

Caramel Sauce Ingredients

1 cup sugar

2 tablespoons light corn syrup

1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Buttered-Popcorn Ice Cream Ingredients

2 cups popped popcorn

1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

2 cups whole milk

2 cups heavy cream

1/4 cup light corn syrup

5 tablespoons sugar, divided

8 large egg yolks

Caramel Sauce Preparation

Combine sugar, corn syrup, cream of tartar, and 1/4 cup water in a medium saucepan. Stir over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and cook without stirring, occasionally swirling pan and brushing down sides with a wet pastry brush, until dark amber in color, about 7 minutes.  Remove from heat; immediately add butter and stir until melted. Slowly add cream (mixture will bubble vigorously). Add vanilla and salt; whisk until smooth. 

DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 month ahead. Let cool completely. Cover sauce and chill. Rewarm slightly before using.

Buttered-Popcorn Ice Cream Preparation

Set a strainer over a large bowl; set aside. Place popcorn in another large bowl. Drizzle butter over and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. salt; toss to coat. Add milk and cream; cover and steep for 10 minutes. Stir in corn syrup and 1 Tbsp. sugar. Working in batches, purée popcorn mixture in a blender until smooth. Transfer to a large saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.  Using an electric mixer, beat yolks, remaining 4 Tbsp. sugar, and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt in a large bowl until thick ribbons form. Gradually whisk hot popcorn mixture into yolk mixture. Return to saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until custard is slightly thickened, your finger leaves a path when drawn across the back of a spoon, and an instant-read thermometer registers 175°, 3–4 minutes. Pour through strainer. Cover and chill overnight.  Process in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions. Transfer to a container, cover, and freeze. 

DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Keep frozen.

Assembly

Spoon some caramel sauce into tall, decorative glasses or serving bowls. Add 2 scoops buttered-popcorn ice cream. Drizzle more caramel sauce over. Sprinkle some Cocoa Covered Kettle Corn (or halvah) over. Top with a spoonful of whipped cream. 

I hope you enjoy!

Best,

Star

Words of Wisdom Wednesdays: New Postage Rates for 2012!

On Sunday The USPS rolled out new postage rates for 2012.  As you and your loved ones prepare to send out your event stationary, whether it is your save the dates, shower invitations, wedding invitations, thank yous and more it's important to know how these increases will affect you.  

Photo courtesy of Oh So Beautiful Paper

If you're working with an invitation designer they often times are in the know.  If you're not, the old fashioned way of visiting your local USPS with a sample of your stationary is always effective.  The USPS website does have a helpful postage calculator as well, it can assist you in getting an idea of what your looking at rate wise.  However, I do feel that sometimes in person is the safest bet when it comes to something so important as an invitation.  

In researching for this post I found an amazing cheat sheet created by the awesome Erika of Delphine Press.  Check it out!

 

All this stamp talk also makes me feel like sharing some of my favorite stamp designs for wedding invitations.  If you don't want to spend the cost associated with using Zazzle to customize your look, here are the best of the best when it comes to wedding and/love themed stamps.  

The cake is of course a very common selection and often paired with the rings.  I however adore the king and queen.  I love the heart detail with the flowers plus something about the pair when often used together seems lucky.  

I also love the garden of love sheets.  Filled with bright colors and hearts, these ones are so festive!  They're perfect for a shower, the response card envelop or even a thank you post shower or wedding.  Speaking of festive, how great is the celebrate in the neon lights?  It's the perfect stamp for a rehearsal dinner invitation, bachelor or bachelorette or even an engagement party!

Be sure to visit the USPS Shop to purchase these LOVE-ly designs.  What do you envision on your envelopes?  Isn't something wedding themed, a photo, something sentimental?  If you're already hitched, what did you opt to do?  So curious, let us know!                                                                                                                                                                                            Happy Stamping! 

DIY With Star: Paper Hearts

I originally learned to make these paper hearts while studying abroad in Denmark almost ten years ago.  I haven't made them in a really long time but thought I would make some to decorate for Valentine's Day.  They are perfect for Valentine's Day, but would also be lovely at a wedding, bridal shower, or birthday party!
This is truly a simple project.  All you need are strips of paper and a stapler!  I used pale pink and cream paper but any color combination would work.  Below is the tutorial to make five paper hearts:

Step 1 - Cut thin strips of paper in the four sizes listed below.  Each paper heart will use one of the longest strips and two of each of the other size strips.

• Five 11inch strips (shown in pink)
• Ten 8 1/2 inch strips (shown in cream)
• Ten 7 1/2 inch strips (show in pink)
• Ten 6 1/2 inch strips (shown in cream)

Step 2 - To make your first heart, fold one of the longest strips in half and place in the middle. Line the strips longest to shortest on either side of the folded strip.

Step 3 - With the fold of the folded strip facing up, add the two longest strips on either side, leaving about an inch or two of the fold sticking out the top.  Continue with the next two sizes on either side.












Continue with the next two sizes on either side.














Staple all of the pieces together at the base.













Step 4 - Starting with the outside strips (the shortest strips), bring each strip down to the lower part of the folded strip.  Once both sides are brought down you will have your first heart shape.  

Continue with the next two sizes.  Staple at the base.



Step 5 - Cut the extra paper off the bottom of the folded piece.

Ta da, your first heart is complete!

Repeat by making four more hearts.  You can then thread ribbon or string through the loop at the top.

I used white twine to string them together and hung them above my kitchen window.  Love them!

I've found these available for sale all over Etsy.  Some sellers have gotten really creative, using bold colors, sheet music and maps... but why buy them when you can make your own?!  Try making your own paper hearts with different types of paper.  Check out some of these ideas.

Photo courtesy of Etsy

Photo courtesy of Etsy

Photo courtesy of Etsy

Happy crafting!

-Star

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!