Tips for the Bride: Planning your Wedding Entertainment

As Jen prepared her iPod for her trip to Japan and China we got to thinking about music. Just about a year ago today, we were planning out the playlist for Jen's wedding (OMG has it really been a year already?!) and so we figured it would only be right to give you some pointers on your special event entertainment based on first hand experience and research.  Part of the fun of planning a wedding or party is deciding on your entertainment, which is, of course, an essential part of any successful event.  If you want everyone out on the dance floor you need to be sure to select the appropriate music for your audience (and of course, you'll have to include a few oldies for grandma and grandpa). The biggest factors to consider when selecting your musical entertainment are your budget and your personal style and tastes.  Here is a breakdown of the pro and cons of each scenario to help you decide on entertainment for your wedding or other social event.

1. Hiring a small group of musicians like a jazz band or string quartet: Hiring a small group to perform instrumental songs at your wedding or affair can be a beautiful touch that creates an atmosphere of elegance and romance. If your venue is historic, you can consider playing music from that era, such as some great Sinatra or fun Ragtime Jazz.  But, keep in mind, classy bands like this come with a really high price tag that averages about $600 for the first hour and $200 each for every additional hour and it will vary depending on where you are from.  There are some great options if you can't afford this, though!  We suggest asking a friend or two to perform a song, such as your first dance song or for your walk down the aisle.  These are some of the most important moments of the night, so it's always a little more personal and romantic to add fun, unexpected touches that are sure to make a huge impact.  Plus, a friend might be willing to do this for you for free or in lue of a gift!

2. Of course, you may want to hire a professional band instead to play some of your favorite tunes. A band is certainly more fun, and more costly, than a solo musician or orchestra style entertainers  The up side is they play many of the songs that are currently popular, and that your guests are sure to love, and nothing can compare to the energy that comes from having a live band at your event (plus consider the general "coolness" factor!)  But also, keep in mind your musical tastes and remember a band might know a lot of current pop songs, but their repertoire is going to be limited.  They might know "Livin' on a Prayer", but are they likely to know that obscure Postal Service song you love or that old Elvis song your grandparents used to dance to? Probably not.  And, again, bands are very pricey, so if you are planning to budget for a live band in the NYC/New Jersey area you can expect to pay around $5,000 or more.  Or, if you aren't down for that price tag, consider scouting out some local talent - there are plenty of young, aspiring musicians out there that would love an opportunity to perform in front of a large crowd for a much more reasonable fee!

3. Hiring a DJ is very popular and for good reason.  DJ's can provide all of your favorite songs, can have an nearly unlimited selection to accommodate the largest variety of people, and are the most affordable option when compared to a live band or musician.  In addition, a DJ doubles as the MC of the evening and helps to control the flow of your event (which is crucial!).  Now, the biggest downfall to the DJ is not having full control over your music. Sure, Lady Gaga is super talented and we adore her, but do we really want to hear the whole album? Actually, we do...but our guests might not! And many of us might actually die if we hear [insert any lame late 1980's/ early 1990's line dancing tune]. But, simply providing a "do not play" list (and stressing the importance that you will literally hurl if you hear said songs) can help to ease your mind.  The other factor is to make sure to choose a DJ who's voice you can actually stand for multiple hours.  Some of the ones we've encountered are cheesier than others, so just be sure to choose one that fits your personality and can control the flow of the event without stealing the show.

4. And, finally, you can always be your own DJ and provide music through your Ipod. This is definitely the most affordable choice, plus you have the luxury of crafting your own playlists and knowing that it won't be messed with!  This is a wonderful option for the couple on a budget that has list of off-beat "must have" songs that a DJ is not likely to have in their collection.  We are huge fans of the Ipod wedding, but we suggest hiring a professional to run the playlist for the night.  Sure, you can just ask a friend to help out, but hiring a professional ensures that your guests can relax and have fun and also that your playlists transition properly and your night stays perfectly on schedule.

Please don't stop the music.

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Sixties Icon Twiggy turns 60

On September 19, 2010 Twiggy turned 60! I've been meaning to do a post on her but it slipped my mind.... until I was going through my enormous collection of pics today. Here is a little tribute to iconic the British model, actress & singer.

Such a stunning, unique look! Perhaps a little too thin for my liking but that stare...amazing!

Wise Words

I love collecting quirky little sayings and inspiring quotes. Here are my favs of the moment:

 There's just something about 11:11 which makes it more special than other times...

 From Adele's "Chasing Pavements" song - Fantastic stuff!

 I feel as though I can relate to this trying as I'm trying to figure out what I want to do when I graduate at the end of next year

 Something I need to keep in mind...

 If you saw how excited I get about the release of the latest Harper's Bazaar or Vogue you would understand why I love this quote so much

 She is such a wise woman

And this one is from the fortune cookie I had last night. I think it's one of my favourite fortunes yet :)

Others from We Heart It/Yvan Rodie/ Le Love/ They All Hate Us

Layered Swimwear in Russh #36

Karolin Walter

Photographed by Benny Horne

OH FASHION MODEL

I finally got my copy of the latest Russh October/November Issue #36 yesterday! Pages & pages of off-the-beaten track style inspiration. I particularly liked this fashion editorial featuring layered swimwear. The lilac Zimmermann swimsuit is amazing - awesome back! But my fav pieces have to be the Herve Leger bandage swimwear. They are absolutely stunning and oh so flattering. I learnt the true meaning of bandage style clothing when I had a cat-nap in my bandage dress yesterday - I really did feel like my body had been tightly bandaged when I woke up!

Naomi Campbell posa para editorial da revista Interview de outubro: "Não sou um ser humano perfeito."

Naomi Campbell poses for Interview Magazine October 2010's editorial: "I'm not a perfect human being."

Sempre polêmica, a supermodelo Naomi Campbell foi soltou o verbo para a revista Interview. Eis alguns trechos marcantes:

"Eu cometo muitos erros. Muitos erros. Então fico nervosa quando as pessoas falam algo sobre eu ser um exemplo, porque eu não sei se eu tenho sido um grande exemplo. Eu não acho que tenha sido um exemplo em alguns aspectos da minha vida."

"Já aconteceu de certos estilistas não terem usado modelos de cor nos seus desfiles. Christy (Turlington) e Linda (Evangelista) disse a eles: 'Se você não chamar a Naomi, pode nos esquecer.' Meus amigos e colegas me defendem. Isso não acontece na moda."

"Nenhuma de nós liga para essa denominação 'supermodelo'... Mas o que nós gostávamos mesmo era de estar juntas... Tinhamos nossos quartos uns perto dos outros - parecia um dormitório em pleno tour."

"Olha, eu sou controversa. Mas não como se as pessoas não me conhecessem... Se elas queriam trabalhar comigo, jóia. Mas se não quiserem, ótimo também."

"Senti que eu era quem estava sendo julgada. Vi a coisa toda se tornar um circo mediático. Aquilo não era meu julgamento. Era sim dele. Mas todos associaram aquilo com a minha imagem." (Ela foi testemunha no julgamento do ex-presidente da Libéria Charles Taylor. Ele é acusado de vender diamantes para comprar armamentos que municiaram um grupo rebelde de Serra Leoa, que lutou em uma sangrenta guerra civil. Naomi foi questionada sobre um incidente envolvendo Taylor, que teria lhe presenteado com diamantes depois de um jantar com Nelson Mandela em 1997. Ela disse que não sabia quem lhe mandou as pedras, quais ela chamou de 'pedrinhas feias e sujas')

"Eu não vou mergulhar em auto-piedade e deixar de viver a minha vida. Sempre haverão momentos dificeis para todos, não importa qual profissão você tenha. Você tem é que continuar trabalhando e não desistir."

Always controversial, the supermodel Naomi Campbell spoke to Interview Magazine. Check out the highlights:

"I make many mistakes. Many mistakes. So I always get nervous when people speak about something that sounds like a role model, because I don’t know if I’ve been a great role model myself. I don’t think I have in certain aspects of my life."

"There were certain designers who hadn’t used models of color in their shows, and Christy (Turlington) and Linda (Evangelista) said to them, ‘If you don’t take Naomi, then you don’t get us.’ My friends and comrades stuck up for me. That doesn’t happen in fashion."

"None of us actually cared about this word supermodel. . . But what we did like was being together. . . We would all have our rooms next to one another—it was like a dorm on tour."

"Look, I’m controversial. It’s not that people don't know who I am. . .if people want to work with me. If they don't, they don't."

"I felt like I was on trial myself (at The Hague). I just saw the whole thing become like a complete media circus. This was not my trial. This was his trial. But anyone looking at it would think it was about me." ([Taylor is accused of selling diamonds for arms in his backing of a Sierra Leone rebel group who were fighting in that country’s long-running and very bloody civil war—hence the term blood diamond. Campbell was questioned about an alleged incident involving Taylor sending her rough diamonds following their meeting at a dinner hosted by Nelson Mandela in 1997. Campbell has denied knowing who sent her the unidentified stones, which she referred to as “dirty looking pebbles.”)

"I’m not going to wallow in self-pity and not live my life. There are always going to be some falls in life for everybody, no matter what career you have. You have to roll with the punches and keep going."

Fotógrafos/Shot by: Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott
Estilista/Stylist: Karl Templer

*Via: Fashion Copious e Interview Magazine

Editorial da Vogue Rússia de outubro com a modelo Natasha Poly

Editorial | Vogue Russia October 2010 feat. Natasha Poly

Nome do editorial/Editorial's name: The Brightest
Fotógrafo/Shot by: Terry Richardson

*Via: Zimbio

Random Outfit Inspiration

 Blogger Columbine Smille rocking Biker Chic to perfection - loving the blouse under the jacket

Ah-mazing white blouse, costume necklace & blazer ensemble

 Can't go past an LBD & Riding Boots

 I've developed an obsession for this pic - that lace skirt & those shoes ♥

 I've always been a leopard print fan!

Carine Roitfeld before the Marc Jacobs show - a perfect fashion moment!

Pics from Columine Smille/ Tommy Ton for Style.com/ Bella 185/ Eriv Ray Davidson

Color Day: Cranberry and Orange

Last week we played around with some Fall neutrals, but what about the warm, rich colors of fall?  We LOVE the combination of cranberry/burgundy with a burnt or pumpkin shade of orange. So much so, that Jen used this combination for her very own wedding.  Orange is becoming a huge trend in weddings, and pairing it up with another traditional Fall shade, like burgundy, insures your wedding will channel the spirit of fall in a way that is modern and tasteful. 

Cranberry/Burgundy and Orange Wedding Inspiration Board

Images from: David Difuntorum Photography, Freed Photography, Abby Rose Photo, Kingen Smith, Tasting Memories, Joyful Heart Design, WeddingBee, Inventing Weddings, Project Wedding, Juja Crafts, Bake Your Heart Out, I Do Inspiration           

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Australia's Next Top Model Final Tonight!

I'm so excited to watch the final of Australia's Next Top Model. I think it's going to be so close. I can't decide between the girls so much that I haven't actually voted yet. I simply cannot pick one. Amanda, Sophie & Kelsey each have their strengths and weakness. Amanda is an all rounder - she can do both catwalk & photoshoot, and both commercial and high fashion. From memory she has won the most challenges of the girls and I would say she probably has the greatest chance of winning. Although, personally I find her a little boring looks wise and her personality a little flat. Sophie on the other has an enormous personality. Up until last week she was my fav top model after Kathryn, but I found her just too full of herself on the Harper's Bazaar shoot. However, the girl does have most amazing eyes, the determination and has definitely improved the most throughout the competition. And then there's Kelsey. I must say after not particularly liking her through the season, the girl has really grown on me. She always looks amazing in photoshoots, is determined but not cocky, and she isn't even that short! It will be really interesting to see who the public chooses to win. 

As a side note, it was great to see Harper's Bazaar Stylist, Christine Centenera, in action last week. I must say she was nothing like what I imagined. I was surprised by her bluntness. The girl in the pictures in the amazing outfits seems so much less opinionated and more easy going. But I guess that's how you have to be to survive in the fashion fashion industry...

Pics from the Harper's Bazaar photoshoot from last week's espisode:

 Amanda

 Sophie

Kelsey - she looks so amazing that I think she will have to get my vote

I can't wait to see the winner's cover & editorial in Harper's Bazaar Australia!

Tell me who you want to win and why in a comment :)


Pics from Australia's Next Top Model website & Facebook page

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld's NYC Apartment

Over the last few days I've found myself more intrigued and interested in house magazines, blogs featuring interiors and buying homewares than ever. I must be growing up! I've always been interested in decorating and interiors, but still loved clothes so much more. I think it won't be long before I love them both equally. So expect to see more decorating & interior inspiration on hôtel de mode. I'm particularly interested in getting inspiration from the homes of fashion designers and other influential people in the world of fashion. Who better to start with than Julia Restoin-Roitfled in her NYC home?  I love the simplicity of the wooden floor, white walls and modern furniture. The little quirky details give the space character. Her place incredibly personalised despite it's minimalism. The stacks of magazines & fashion coffee table books remind me of my space.

Oh I just love her bag - I'm a massive fan of drawstring bags!

 Another one of my recent obsessions - Orchids

Julia is so naturally stunning

 Adorable :)

 The ultimate shoe collection

 YSL ♥

 Such a cool photo

Loving this vintage tiger bracelet - I have a snake one which I just adore

Pics from The Selby

(My new fav blog! - Check it out)