Party like a beauty school drop out

I have been both a hen (bachelorette/stagette) and a henee (organised a hen's party) and I have to say, they can be quite a puzzle! You want whoever plans your party to know you very, very well. Although boozy nights out where you can't remember where you left your bra certainly have their place there are many much more grown up and pleasant ways to say adieu to your single life.

Here's a cute idea. The fifties are huge right now and why not get your piece of the cherry pie by having a beauty school picnic. Spend a full day with your gals. Pampering and prepping at home, chewing gum, painting nails and pouffing up your tresses while listening to Bobby Darin followed by a day out at the park or beach or even a secluded meadow somewhere chomping mini burgers, fries and cupcakes (washed down with champagne of course ) while gossiping about that popular girl who thought she was so hot and reminiscing  about the dreamboat you used to date in high school.

My tip for those organising a hen's party....
Talk to your bride about what she would like... I bet she has a lot of her own ideas!!

Phone

Pretty cardi

Picnic

Basket, shoes

Burgers

http://www.missdixiebelle.co.uk/about_miss_dixiebelle.htm

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P-p-p-Peplum

The Peplum.

 

A classic short Peplum is a seriously easy way to add Vintage style to an outfit, and is quite possibly the most popular trend of 2012.

Peplum tops are all over the place, and I have started to see more and more garments with a  Peplum in recent times.... and I LOVE it!

A Peplum is also a great way to accentuate the waist and give the illusion of curvy hips. Try to avoid flouncy, full Peplums if you are already rather curvy, and stick to a sleek, fitted style that will flatter your natural shape, accentuating all the right curves. 

Here are some of my favourite Peplum dresses;

 
 

Which is your favourite Peplum from above?
{mine is Aishwarya Rai's Elie Saab look!}

Parisian plum and ink

Brrrr it's cold out there!! We have already had the first snow of the winter and it's about 3 months earlier than we expected. But winter has it's magic and I love the cool weather tones like rich plums and deep, dark navy. This is a mood board as much as a colour board, and has a nostalgic aura. I hope you feel inspired.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Renee and Jayden

When I clapped eyes on the images from Renee and Jayden's wedding it was love at first sight. The soft tones and the simple elegance make this wedding a true pleasure to look at. Here is a little bit about the beautiful couple.

Renee: Jayden and I met when we were studying together eight years ago and started going out not long after that. Jayden surprised me with an engagement ring on my birthday in December 2010, and the rest is history!

Highlight of the day was definitely the weather! Especially since all our plans involved being outdoors. The sun came out and it was amazing all weekend. When we were getting ready we had the air-con turned up; one of the only times this year I can remember needing to have it on. Second was having so many of our family and friends make it; 90% of our guests were from out of town including from Canada and Australia, and all over New Zealand.

I only have good things to say about all our vendors, but it was our family and friends that helped out with so many little details that made the day special.

Jayden's parents spent so many hours in their garden, it ended up being the perfect setting. Auntie Jo baked our delicious cake. Our Best Man, Leo at Chalkd and his fiancée Anna crafted the chalkboard table numbers and speech bubble chalkboard. There are so many more that I can't list them all.

Apparel:My dress is Kate Sylvester and my engagement ring is Karen Walker. Our wedding bands both belonged to my Nan. Venue: The ceremony was in the garden at Jayden's parents house, and reception at Christchurch Park. 

DIY: The invites were a joint effort between Jayden and I, and I did my own make-up.

Flowers: Done by Miss Feaver Florist. 

Catering  Kiwi Cuisine.
Photography: Grey Area productions.

 

Thanks so much Renee and Jayden for sharing your wedding with us and everyone at The Ivory Dahlia wishes you a wonderful marriage!!