Better in Heels

Along the Amalfi

2012-09-08T22:37:00.002-07:00

Buona Sera darlings,

I have had this fascination with Italy for quite some time now. I stumbled upon this Villa in Praiano, Italy, originally own by a Neapolitan Princess, and I instantly fell in love. At $5400 a night it's a steal from Jetsetter.com What a perfect setting for an intimate wedding celebration. Spend the week with family and friends enjoying the Amalfi Coast in all it's glory and then top it off with your big celebration!
Enjoy a little Italian love song!
Buona Sera by Louis Prima on Grooveshark

I would clear this terrace of furniture and bring in some beautiful seating, full white floral arrangements to create an aisle and line the terrace walls in candles. The ceremony would start in the early evening as the sun was setting, providing the ultimate romantic setting.

With direct beach access ( a short 202 steps down) a stroll by the water is a definite must with your new husband!

Now for such an event, one would need the most special dress possible. Jenny Packham is one of my favourite designer's for sexy beauty. This dress with a delicate lace veil for the ceremony?....drool worthy

What about the groom? Easy, classic old school elegance. Take a cue from James Bond, or Casablanca...So debonair!

From hanging Jasmine and blown glass bubbles, to champagne towers and a floral wrapped wedding cake, the reception should be over flowing with love, laughter and lots of dancing under the stars.

Xox,
A~

Love Your Own Way

2012-07-08T17:06:00.000-07:00

Oh how I have missed discussing wedded bliss with you all! Today my favorite topic: Eloping. It truly is heart stoppingly romantic and can be so much more glamorous than the typical ceremony then reception, cake cutting day (not that there is anything wrong with that kind of wedding.)

Now some may say you miss out on all the small things that make a wedding day great, and to that I say phooey. You can have everything you want, a moment to smell your fragrant bouquet? Done. (and quite well in full bell sleeve mini dress).

Photography is a huge component to the wedding day, easily incorporated into your elopement as well! What's more intimate than snapping pics of your love sipping champagne and basking in the glow of the day?

Don't forget to enjoy the day and take a hand held stroll around whatever fabulous locale you have chosen!

Now my favourite part, transportation. Arrive to the ceremony by boat? why not? Don't forget a chic pair of sunnies to compliment your dress!

Lastly the getaway car...If your dress happens to be bigger than the car,you can simply do some fabulous poses on top of it!

See lovelies, eloping can really be the greatest! So if your future hubby wants to runaway with you, put on your highest of heels, grab his hand and frolic your way down to town hall!

Xox,
A~

Travel Minded

2012-06-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

Bonjour darlings!

I hope all is well with you! I have been enjoying this week immensely, the upcoming wedding of my doll C. will be quite the event this weekend, work has been perfectly busy, and my T.coming back into my life has just been quite the added bonus!

Of course preparations for my trip have kept my mind whirling! I picked up the most delightful product this afternoon, Oribe travel collection, which consists of 10 days worth of amazing shampoo and conditioner packets. It's the ideal set for the glamorous traveler!

I came across this photo shoot Joe zee styled for Zara a while back in Italy. It is my obsession, I want every outfit!

The ideal outfit for touring about Lisbon, big sunnies off the shoulder white cotton dress, and fabulous soft clutch. Just don't forget to apply your Vichy spf 40 in the morning, sunburned shoulder are not chic.

After running into that adorable billionaire at the Gallery of Contemporary Art, make sure to throw on your best cover-up and statement necklace for a sail along the coastline. Perfect for daytime lounging and a candlelit dinner on the deck.

(images via Dust Jacket Attic)

For those days you just need to pop down to the market and perhaps a shop or two...or three. This look is perfection, casual and feminine all the way!

Okay luvvies, I best be off Pilates time (groan.)
Enjoy your day!
A~

I'm Back !

2012-06-20T21:38:00.001-07:00

Good evening darlings,
I swear I haven't forgotten you, life has just been a bit overwhelming. Isn't it funny how the older we get, the easier it is to avoid the small things that bring us pure joy? As if taking a moment for ourselves is a pleasure we must always feel guilty or apologize for...I've grown weary of it and as of right now I am taking back my life! So while I sip the most delectable bubbles I will let you in on some moments that have been inspiring me as of late.

First off, it wouldn't be a proper Better In Heels post if I didn't let you in on some of my fabulous travel plans for the summer. Newly single me made a choice to go somewhere new and exciting! Portugal has always been at the top of my must see list. So 4 days in Lisbon followed by 5 days in Lagos will be utterly amazing. My Lisbon dress code will revolve around the LWD (little white dress) bold tote bags and impossibly impractical shoes:

In Lagos however, life is a tad more beachy and carefree. Now I have a fabulous co-worker who can sweater a dress better than anyone I know and although she may think I am crazy, I believe in sweater-ing a bikini. Now I don't mean that ghastly old Christmas cardigan. No, we are talking slouchy, off the shoulder knits in pale colours preferably paired with toned legs, bright beach bags and lots o' jewelry!

Clearly I am beyond thrilled about this vacation, in other news I am currently decorating my apartment! I have a palette of muted creamy tones accentuated with gold and punches of blues and greens in the accessories I'm mildly obsessed with this project. Currently I'm relaxing in one of my Louis ghost chairs in the dining room, while admiring the adorable gold barcart I picked up a few weeks ago (ideal for entertaining!) Here is one of my favourite room inspirations!
I love the strength and coziness in this interior:

Before I sign off my loves one final image that just makes me so happy and daydream for hours (what's better some gorgeous sailing in Lagos?)

Xox

Le Dress et Le Chignon

2011-09-01T13:06:00.000-07:00

I would rock this gown at my wedding rehearsal dinner, then go back to my fabulous hotel suite and jump on the bed in excitement...not unlike this image.

Xox,

Canopy of Love

2011-08-31T04:40:00.000-07:00

When you get married, the most important part is the ceremony, and where does that occur? That's right boys and girls at the alter. Which is why I am often left baffled at the unimaginative alters couples use. It's often overlooked, but really the bulk of you pictures occur there and it should be a carefully edited and decorated space. I'm aware a lot of churches do not allow decoration, so I will focus this post on couples in non religious venues.

Fabric can be a beautiful way to frame your space, it lends itself to a more intimate feel between you and your soon to be hubby. Fabric choices are endless, whether its light as air white chiffon, or heavier fringed velvet, and the colour can be whatever you choose. The draping style is up to you. Keep your photographer and guests in mind, you don't want to block anyone's view. Adding in flowers, chandeliers, or candles is up to you. Although if using candles keep them away from the fabric...An alter on fire is not chic.

You can also choose a more natural route. It can really set the tone of the wedding, and if you are fairly handy be quite inexpensive to make. It would be amazing getting married under something you built together. It is also neat to incorporate the actual setting into the design, such as wrapping the branch in lace like the bottom couple did!

My last idea is for those creative artsy brides and grooms. Definitely non-traditional, ribbon and flower garlands can make for an amazing outdoor or indoor ceremony space.

Alright beauties, I hope I have inspired you to put a bit more thought and creativity into your alter!

Xox,

Tuesday Shoesday

2011-08-30T04:15:00.000-07:00

Some exciting updates luvvies! I'm saying bon voyage to Vilnius, and hopping on a jet to Spain. Barcelona to be exact. I'm imagining my days strolling the along the streets, in leather sandals and wispy dresses soaking up the end of summer sun. Visiting art gallery's, viewing the amazing works of Gaudi, and exploring the shops will take up most of my days. Late evening will consist of tapas dinners, copious amounts of wine and dancing into the wee hours of the morning. Such a blissful way to spend late August early September days.

You better believe I am finding the shop that sells this decadent looking treat!

It is of course Tuesday Shoesday so I found the loveliest pale pink metallic heels. I'd wear these down the aisle any day!

Having a smashing day!

Xox,

Friday Faves {Peachy Keen}

2011-08-26T07:45:00.000-07:00

Ahh the weekend, one of life's simple pleasures. Today I bring you some of my Friday Faves! I have been searching for a delicious recipe for dessert and I came across a simple peach crostata and felt inspired. Not only are peaches delicious, they are the perfect colour for nailpolish, dresses, and about a million other things. So I thought I share some Peachy Keen images with you!

The perfect summertime dessert peach crostata, recipe here

This is the perfect nailpolish shade, not to pink not too orange!

Peachy and feathery, this gown is perfection.

Nothing like a bright peach accent in your home, it'll liven up any drab bathroom.

The peachiest bouquet of garden roses (ps. one of my favorite flowers)

Hope your Friday is fantastic!

Xox,

I Really Must Dash!

2011-08-25T07:50:00.000-07:00

Quick! Your eloping this weekend what do you wear. Uh Uh....... too slow! You're all stuck in some boring dress from Sears. I challenged myself to find the perfect elopement outfit, and it would have to arrive/ come together in 3 days or less. Some would say this is crazy, or who does she think she is? But guess what I did it! I mean, I found the outfit, not that I am getting married this weekend. Though that would make for a fun Married Monday post..

First the dress, from Asos express priority mail, here the next day. The price an easy $120. It's so feminine and pretty, I love it with the soft ponytail as well.

Next up, Jewellry gorgeous statement necklace by Erickson Beamon. Shopbop has free 3 day delivery!

The shoes can be a simple metallic pair of peep toes from Topshop, free delivery if you spend over 75 pounds too!

I love the idea of a small bouquet when eloping, you could just stop by the local flower market and pick out a few of your favourite blooms, (buy a couple extra for your man's boutoniere,) wrap with a pretty ribbon and your set!

There you have it, you can be married by Sunday and look simply fabulous!

Xox,

The Book of Love

2011-08-22T07:25:00.000-07:00

What a dreary Monday, luckily this adorable idea brightened my day! Just think of all the neat books and ribbon you could use instead of the standard ring pillow!

I'm off to the market to pick up some things for dinner, I'm thinking it's a salad, homeade pizza and champagne sort of evening.

Xox,

Wedding Film

2011-08-20T09:43:00.000-07:00

Ah it's a rainy day in Vilnius today, so I spent the better portion of this morning in bed wandering around the interweb looking for wedding films. I say films because these days it's no longer your uncle Larry with his Sony video camera taking shaky video of your big day. No, what these cinematographers are doing is art. I believe every bride and groom needs one at their wedding. Cinematographers are creating a product so magical and timeless that it ill easily last through the ages. I came across one company that took my breath away, you can literally feel the love coming through their films. Velare Imaginarium, cofounded by Steve Stanton and Tim Twinem is a company definitely pushing the envelope on great wedding cinematography (very successfully I might add) and literally have created one of my favourite video's I've ever seen! A wedding in reverse, had such beautiful tiny details, my heart went pitter patter. I may have watched it like 4 times over...Here check it out!

Tim and Amy // A Wedding in Reverse from V E L A R E on Vimeo.

Have a wonderful day!
Xox,
A~

Good Morning Darling

2011-08-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

Brunch is one of my favorite meals, not only is it delicious, it almost always has a calm relaxed feel. A wedding reception brunch has always appealed to me. After seeing it in Sex and the City movie ages ago, I always thought how perfect it could be with a little extra creative thinking. The food would be a key element, giving everyone a little something to enjoy, whether it be sweet or savoury. Of course if you need your nighttime reception this would be lovely the next day for friends and family to show your thanks for all their support! Before I go into some idea's, how about a little musical interlude? It's such a fun song for a wedding!

Let's set the scene a bit first. It's a lovely early summer morning, outdoors of course, you have a croquet game set up of to the side on a big grassy lawn for people to enjoy. Your eating area, partially shaded by a 25 year old oak tree, consists of tables lined with fresh wildflowers in a mixture of glass jars and vases.

Next up, the food! There should be numerous stations around that offer things like pancakes and a variety of syrup, perhaps a omelette bar, or french toast kebabs! Servers handing out granola and yogurt parfaits or mini cinnamon toast sticks would be fun as well!

As for drinks, a coffee and tea bar would be a lovely addition (add in some doughnuts and everyone will love you!) Anyone that knows me knows my love of juice bars, throw in some ice buckets filled with champagne bottles and you have a delicious mimosa area!

We know how much guests love their nifty gifts. Why not create a space where they can make their own tea mixture to take home, and brew some love? (pun very much intended there)... This works with coffee beans too!

There you have it my dears, all you need for a brunch wedding!

Xox,

A Fairytale Affair

2011-08-16T06:56:00.000-07:00

I love a good fairytale, and since being in Europe it feels like everyday I'm surrounded by these magical fairytale-esque places and idea's. It got me thinking about how beautiful a wedding could be here. I'll be honest on Saturday's its like wedding fever here, every church is spilling out with brides and wedding parties. So far they seem to be stuck in some tacky time warp. Big hair, inappropriately sexy satin bridesmaids dresses, horrid flower arrangements. It made me upset. Since really, the weddings could be very easily out of this world elegant, beautiful and romantic.

I happened upon the Kate Moss wedding photo's in my September Vogue shot by Mario Testino. They were perfection. The one that really caught my eye was this one. I say every bride needs a red sequin floor length coat!

The greenery that is so prevalent in Europe and the ancient buildings provide the perfect backdrop for a fairytale wedding. The dress has to stand up to the grand location. In Sex and the City Carrie's dress of a "mille feuille" (thousand layers) would be just right.

Of course the cake should be something extra special, I'm thinking in a gold colour, not unlike these ones! (Aren't they wonderful??)

And of course your prince charming will have already slipped the most perfect ring on your finger...I think this one would do the trick.

My dears have a simply delectable day!
Xox,
A~

Adventures in Vilnius

2011-08-15T06:07:00.000-07:00

Labas! Aka hello in Lithuanian, yes that's right my little blogglets, I'm in Vilnius Lithuania now! I arrived about 4 days ago, and have been taking in the scenery, the sights and of course the shops! Today, I had a pms-y I feel fat(the girls here are seriously beyond skinny, it's really annoying), miss all my friends moment....Poor Mr. X had to deal with my door slamming tears and overall hysterical mood. Then I remembered this lovely little blog which I have been neglecting, and thought I'd get you all up to date! Now I'm a terrible tourist, I get embarrassed to take pictures and really don't remember what any of the monuments or churches are called. Despite that, I've included some pics for you all. First up architecture and scenery, then a couple of the outfits I've been wearing lately!

Have a lovely day!

Xox,

Be The Zig to My Zag

2011-07-26T19:45:00.000-07:00

I have a secret obsession, it's called Millionaire Decorators...No literally I stayed up til 3am last night, I couldn't turn it off. My favourite designer on the show is Mary Mcdonald, not only is she sarcastically hilarious, her designs are richly glamorous and over the top! Perfection! She is particularly famous for her painted floors, this floor inspired me for today's post!

(image via designprettyblog)

Then I came across this image and realized how versatile the chevron (or zigzag) pattern really is...and of course the bold lip colour makes it about 10 times more fab!

(image via lucyandcompanyblog)

I'm all for touches of pattern at weddings, not only will it add visual interest and texture. Having different layers will add a fun richness in your space, it's fairly inexpensively too.

I heard this song today and am kinda crushing on it, I imagine it at a casual beach/garden wedding bash, enjoy!

One of the most obvious ways to incorporate this lovely pattern into your wedding would be through stationary. Whether it be invites, save-the-dates, or favours this look will set the tone for your soiree!

(images via ohsobeautifulpaper, elizabethannedesigns, pinterest)

Moving along, I'm never one to leave out the confectionery delights, and these definitely don't disappoint! I love how modern and fresh these cakes are. Proving once again, you can break tradition and it will still be beautiful. Take a risk, I dare ya!

(images via Pinterest)

To me, using Chevron stripes in your decoration is one of the boldest looks you can go for, the key is to use it sparingly. You don't want to be knows as the wedding with all the zigzags. Think of it as an accent piece. Perhaps in a tissue backdrop, table runner, or napkins.

Lastly, one last fashion inspiration in the form of the beloved Valentino! Don't you just DIE over this dress le sigh.... oh the glamour!

Have a fabulous day beauties!

Xox,

{Fresh Space}

2011-07-18T22:38:00.000-07:00

Lately I have had a small (okay massive) obsession with Pinterest, it is an inspiring space where you can post images and share them with others. I've used it to start my own image organizing space, tonight I was browsing through my wedding board and I realized I have an inordinate with fresh white spaces with touches of bright grassy green. It's the perfect summer colour combo! It pairs well with burlap brown and silver accents. Don't you just love the airiness of all the images??

P.s. I'm kinda crushing on those baby breath poufs and the wall of paper flowers (it was inspired by a Chanel fashion show) !

(images via pinterest)

Hope you have an inspired day luvvies!

Xox,

{Fly Away With Me}

2011-07-18T01:01:00.000-07:00

So my little bloglette's, these past few weeks have been so hectic and my life is so full of changes I've been neglecting you. So sorry! Okay, to break it down simply, me and Mr. X have gotten back together, it was one of those moments when we realized how much we truly loved each other (one of the happiest nights I'd had in quite a while.) The only problem, as of that day the wheels were already in motion for him to move to Europe. I'm a romantic, when he told me this all I could think of was how I had to be with him, and somehow I had to get on that plane with him. Of course, not all love stories work out so perfectly. Fast forward (through the most romantic and perfect month spending every possible moment with him before he left, fyi) and he is now far far away from me. But fear not luvvies, my plane ticket is being bought this week (my closet took longer than expected to be packed up) and by the time the new fall collections are hitting stores I will be in Vilnius, Lithuania with my love exploring a whole new adventure in our lives! Here's a few pics of my new city! Isn't it completely charming??? Le sigh get me on a jet plane now!

Phew, okay so as you all can imagine I'm an emotional wreck...basically excited beyond belief, yet missing my man more than words can express! On top of that, it's my birthday in 6 days, the plan you ask? Basically I want to see all the people I love in my life before I go, all while sipping some deliciously large margarita's! A little Mexican fiesta night! I'm thinking my outfit will look a little like this! Love me some metallic on a birthday!

Okay, I'm off to bed have a lovely day! Hope the sun is shining tomorrow!

Xox,

{Baking Day}

2011-06-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

Okay, So today I thought I would tackle a food post! I baked a classic New York cheesecake! I was a little worried how it would turn out since it takes sooo long to bake and I was suppose to refrigerate it for 12 hours..HA, righhht I'll tell you right now I do not have willpower that strong! I topped it with a raspberry strawberry coulis that was easy enough to whip up! Just cook the berries in a sauce pan with a little bit of water and sugar to taste, I added a couple teaspoons of cornstarch to thicken it, then I put the sauce through strainer to get rid of the raspberry seeds and voila you've got a coulis!
The Recipe-courtesy of The Repressed Chef
12 graham crackers (crushed)
4 tablespoons butter (melted)
4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup milk
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Crush the graham crackers in food processor

Add sugar and melted butter, stir to combine.

Line your springform pan with the graham crack crust, I used bottom of glass to make it even!

Mix cream cheese, sugar, whipping cream, eggs with electric mixer

Pour mixture on crust, and place in oven at 350 degrees for 15 minutes then lower temperature to 250 degrees. let bake for 1 1/2 hours or until the centre is still a little wobbly but outer edges firm!

I mixed 1 cup sour creme, 1/4 cup sugar and a teaspoon vanilla, pour thin layer over top cake and put back in oven for 10 minutes.

Let it cool, and apparently it tastes best after refrigerating for 12 hours, I wouldn't know...I have no willpower remember. Serve with the berry coulis and enjoy!

Happy baking cakelets!
Xox,
A~

{A Sweet Little Treat}

2011-06-27T22:30:00.000-07:00

Lovelies, I'm craving cake, so instead of giving into temptation I just looked at pages and pages of wedding cakes! That's normal right? Okay maybe not but ohwell you'll be thanking me after checking out some of these beautiful cakes! And to prove a cake doesn't need to be 6 tiers to be photog worthy, I found an array of 2 tier works of art! These days with dessert buffets and fad diets hardly anyone eats wedding cake anyways so these are perfectly sized for the blissful couple to indulge in!

White and black pack a punch even when in miniature size!

I'm loving the ruffle trend that seems to be popping up around the wedding blogs, though the blue is fresh take over the classic pink.

Ombre in fashion, so last season...Ombre cakes however are totally HOT!

A ruffly fondant cake has a great texture and is so pretty I could just die!

This cake is so simple and pretty, love how the peony is shown off so well!

Swiss dots and buttercup flowers, excuse me? Could you be any sweeter little cake?

(images via pinterest, theknot )

Well I'm still craving cake, tomorrow I'm going to bake a cheesecake, maybe I'll document my mayhem now that I have a beautiful kitchen to cook in (we're talking granite island ,massive gas stove and great lighting...yes, I'm staying at parents house for the week.)

Xox,
A~

{Here Comes the Bouquet}

2011-06-21T21:32:00.000-07:00

I love a good bouquet, whether it be simple and elegant or full and lavish, when the right bride carries the right bouquet it can be make her whole look come together in a magical way. However, sometimes it fun to try something new! I rounded up my favourite non floral bouquets, and you can find all of them on Wedzu!

Handcrafted from Dupioni silk, the colours in these two bouquets are amazing!

For a more simple organic bride, this bouquet made completely of cotton is a beautiful choice

The next two bouquets show how interesting paper flowers can be!

Hope you all have a lovely Wedding Wednesday!

Xox,

Cockadoodle DON'T

2011-06-17T19:27:00.000-07:00

Okay ladies (and gentlemen) I've been researching this new feather extensions trend....I've seen a few girls with them in their hair and was curious about it. It seemed kind of fun, I love a good trend moment every now and then...Til I read about the disgusting treatment of the birds, these roosters are genetically bred for their plummage, then euthanized and plucked... so basically your wearing a dead bird on your head. Now I eat beef and chicken for that matter but to me the fact birds are being killed for some hiptser boho girls to feel cool is ridiculous! If they come up with similar synthetic version I'd perhaps be more open to the idea but as of now there is no way you'll see me sporting this look.

Xox,
A~

The Great Outdoors {Better in Heels Version}

2011-06-14T17:13:00.000-07:00

So I love the outdoors and nature, to an extent...I'm more of a nature walk in cute little little khaki shorts with a flowy off the shoulder tee, perhaps a recycled material tote bag filled with homemade saffron apricot and cranberry granola bars (recipe here) and sparkling lemonade! Okay back to the point, I love relaxing outdoors and what better than a swinging outdoor bed! I'm moving out of my apartment by July 1, and I love fantasizing what I would want my new home to have in (and outside it.)

Le sigh, aren't they dreamy??
Xox,
A~

Wedding Wednesday {Dress of the day}

2011-06-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

This gown literally is my obsession, I have loved it since the moment I laid my eyes on it! I find it's sexy yet graceful and elegant all at the same time. The shimmering sleeves add some sparkle! As you twirl on the dance floor it will be simply magical!

Source: bodena.tumblr.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Xox,
A~

Take a Seat

2011-06-07T16:48:00.000-07:00

So sometimes I can be one of those people that are overly opinionated about weird things, today it is chair covers.....I absolutely detest them. I love thinking outside the box and not doing the standard golf course wedding white cover green sash combo. Of course for some brides, they love that uniform look and of course if your stuck with ugly chairs at a venue there is no choice but to cover them. But what sort of wedding planner (and ps yay I am almost finished my planner program!) would I be if I didn't show you some creative alternatives?!! You're venue is going to be filled with as many chairs as there are people, shouldn't they look just as fabulous?

Ribbons, fabric, even paper can be festive and fun or even romantic and elegant!

Flowers are great as decoration on the chairs, the can be grouped in bouquets, made into a garland or just about anything you can imagine! Just make sure they are fastened tightly and aren't poking into anyone's back...That's not chic!

Have a fabulous day darlings!

Xox,
A~

Prabul for J.Crew

2011-05-19T09:53:00.000-07:00

Today is the launch of a capsule collection by the AHHMAZING designer Prabul Gurung for J.Crew...(sidenote I'm loving how fabulous J.Crew has been getting over the last few seasons) My favourite look is the white pantsuit...cigarette pant, massive bow=sheer brilliance.

Xox,