Koi Story

Guest Post - Joelle and her wedding

2012-02-25T10:00:00.002-06:00

I asked the lovely Joelle to write this guest post about her beautiful wedding. All these pictures are so lovely, and I thought you all would love to see and hear about her wedding. Who doesn't love weddings?! Check out her photography as well.

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What made you fall in love with Jake?

It is pretty evident that he is good looking-- so I wont lie and say that didn't have SOMETHING to do with it but he has always been my greatest challenge. He didn't come easily to me and I stuck it out and it was so incredibly worth the wait. He would do anything for me (and me, in return, of course) and he continues to support and cherish me every day and that means so much.

Why did you choose your venue?

We looked at only a few places, but everywhere had so many rules, and we wanted to break all of them! We walked into the West End and both looked at each other and said "this is it!" It is such a great atmosphere in there. We wanted a casual, cocktail style reception. What was even greater is we didn't have to put too much effort into it!

Where did your inspiration for your decor come from?

We chose an antique circus theme because it incorporates all the things we wanted in the wedding. It gives it a good feel-- lots of stripes and fun music. We love the look of antique things and who doesn't love elephants and balloons!? We just wanted people to just have fun!

Can you describe some of your favorite moments as you look back on your wedding day?

It began as a slightly chaotic day.. Jake lost his bowtie, I forgot the important reception music and had to run back to our house to get it.. and I was feeling a little stressed from running around, but the moment that I tapped Jake's shoulder for our first look, I immediately felt relieved. Not to mention our officiant was so perfect. I loved our whole ceremony. It was intimate and strictly family and just very touching and true. Probably my favorite part of the day.

Credits and thanks to:

Photography: Ben Blood Photography// Venue: West End Architectural Salvage// Invitations: Liz Designs Things// Wedding Dress: Ouma// Makeup: BeautyMarked- Katie & Bopha// Shoes: JCPenney// Headpiece: David's Bridal// Groom's/Groomsmen's Vests: Fossil// Bowties: Divine Domestication// Shoes: Dillards// Videography: Thai Luong// Tuan Phan// Flower Design// myself// Music: ASensation- Tim// Catering: Palmer's Deli, Fong's, Appare Japanese Steakhouse// Event Coordinater: Diane Sherman// Wedding Programs: Zak Sheeder

Black, brown and mustard

2012-02-24T10:00:00.000-06:00

what i wore: fair isle brown cardigan, black speckled knee high socks, black dress from Target, mustard tights from Forever 21, and cat eye sunnies from OC Shades

I love this combination. I wore this about a week or so ago on one of my studio days - days in which I have three, three hour classes consisting of painting, printmaking and drawing. I have a love hate relationship with Mondays and Wednesday right now. Nine hours of classes makes me pretty tired! I almost miss this snow on the ground. It made for such a pretty backdrop, but I am so excited for spring weather, and the ability to wear long skirts with bare legs. As much as I love tights, I'm excited for tight-less outfits!

What is your favorite thing to wear in the Springtime?

Sneak peek: Body by Svec and Raygun

2012-02-23T10:00:00.012-06:00

"My experience with RAYGUN has been nothing but positive. They are one of the most fun and yet professional companies I've worked with. I would, without a doubt, work with them again and would highly recommend anyone else working with them. I look forward to seeing the supporters of Body by Svec and RAYGUN come together at the launch party and have a great time! Painted ladies will be in attendence and the culmination of the prints will be on display and for sale. It's bound to be a wild time." - Emily Svec

If you are in the Des Moines area, be sure to stop by the launch party at RAYGUN tomorrow night from 5-8! Support this local artist and this local business. I wish I could go, but I have to work, but I still can't wait to buy a print or two! Oh and here is a link to the facebook event page.

Happy Thursday!

PS: You can win a free ad space from me AND two others on Eternal Optimist, be sure to enter here!

Us and Arnold

2012-02-21T10:00:00.005-06:00

Told you yesterday, you'd being seeing a lot more photos of Arnold! Finally, the both of us decided to take photos with him. I love these pictures. I'm so glad we have Arnold in our lives. He's made us very happy! Why we didn't take pictures of the three of us is beyond me, but that will happen one day soon, I hope! I wish we could get Bella in the photos. We might try! She's just terribly camera shy. Stay tuned for the whole outfit post from this day soon!

Do you have pets? Tell me about them!

Arnold through a fisheye

2012-02-20T10:00:00.011-06:00

Can you believe that Arnold is already 16 weeks old today!? It's crazy that we brought this little guy home about 6 weeks ago on my birthday. He's growing so fast and I'm loving ever minute of it. I finally found my fisheye lens yesterday and decided to take some photos of him. I've been photographing him so much lately, I think it's to make up for all the photos I cannot take of Bella because she's so camera shy and will always look away. Anyways, you will be seeing a lot more pictures of this little guy, like tomorrow...

Do you like the fisheye effect?

New makeup from MAC Cosmetics

2012-02-19T11:11:00.004-06:00

Yesterday, I went to the MAC Cosmetics counter to see my friend Brooke of course, and buy some awesome products! I'm so glad I have a friend that works there and knows me so well! She saved some things she knew I'd like just in case they sold out! Anyways, I am absolutely smitten with the packaging of these new MAC products and of course the products in general. I got the opportunity to get my makeup done by Brooke, and she always does such a wonderful job creating a looks on me that I've never tried before. I'm excited to experiment with all these new products, and I'm glad I got to try them out before buying them. That's always a huge plus. Oh, and those are the only two pictures I have of Brooke and I and the makeover she did. Thanks instagram! Where would I be without you?

What I ended up getting:

A Paint Pot in Soft Ochre
I absolutely adore using these neutral, skin tone paint pots as a primer for my eye shadow. It works wonderfully and keeps my eyeshadow from smudging.

A Kissable Lipcolor in Scan-delicious
This is such a great color, I love the plum accents, and I was told that it wears off wonderfully, like a stain, without flaking. Let's hope so!

A Fluidline Eyeliner Gel in Wholesome
I am in love with fluidline. It is perfect for a great winged line. Also, I adore the warmth of this brown/black mix. Just beautiful.

A Cremeblend blush in Florida
This blush feels wonderful on my skin, and although it looks bright it can be worn sheer.

A Eyeshadow x 4 in Call Me Bubbles
These colors are just lovely and so wonderful for Spring! I can't wait to mix and blend them.

Have you gotten anything from the Shop MAC or Cook MAC lines?

Monochomatic

2012-02-18T09:00:00.003-06:00

What I wore: coat, light brown oxfords and dark green cardigan from Target, headscarf, belt and mint green dress thrifted, teal tights from Forever 21, and owl ring from Icing

I don't know, I feel like this outfit is heavily inspired by the awesome style of Kaylah of The Dainty Squid. I love how I decided to wear shades of greens in this outfit. I've also decided to to bring back the headscarves, I've missed them dearly, and I have so many of them. The weather was so nice yesterday, and I had a very long day going to meetings, and working both jobs. Ah, more work to do today. I don't think weekends exist as a time to relax for me anymore! Oh, well! This won't last forever, I hope.

Do you like Monochromatic looks? Have you tried it?

My Valentine's Day look

2012-02-16T10:30:00.000-06:00

What I wore: Vibrant Variety dress from Modcloth, Handstand flats c/o Blowfish Shoes, speckled gray knee high socks and fuchsia tights from Target, red heart shaped sunnies from OC Shades, and red belt thrifted

Have I told you how much I love this dress!? Well I do. I decided against going with the classic red on Valentine's Day and wore a pretty and bright floral dress with bright fuchsia tights! I also really wanted to keep it casual so I wore red flats, which I absolutely love! Check out how I styled this dress last here. I wanted to keep it a little festive with these heart shaped sunnies! My double date was fantastic. I love having friends that are couples. It's not very easy to find a pair we both get along with!

What did you wear on Valentine's day!?

PS: Take 25% off EVERYTHING in my etsy shop until the end of February with the code: FEB2012

Local Events

2012-02-15T12:14:00.000-06:00

"There's nothing like combining the paint, beautiful ladies and the wit of Raygun. It's a collaboration of the loud and proud Des Moines spirit." - Emily Svec

If you are in Des Moines, IA or surrounding areas, don't miss the launch party on Friday, February 24th of the amazing collaboration between local business, Raygun and local artist Emily Svec of Body by Svec! Stay tuned for more!

Valentine's Day Photoshoot

2012-02-14T11:00:00.021-06:00

what i wore: vintage red polka dot dress and heart detail belt thrifted, white tights from Target, black Blowfish wedges from DSW, heart ring (prop that Aly brought), arrowhead ring from Moorea Seal jewelry, other rings from Forever 21, red heart patchwork doily necklace c/o Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree

Thank you so so much to the lovely, talented and absolutely delightful Aly Caroll for taking these photos. This was so much fun to do and I cannot wait to work with her again! She's doing a post of some of these photos and possibly other ones on her blog here. It was so hard to choose from all the amazing photos, and of course I could have narrowed it down more, but I just was in complete adoration with all of these, I had to post them and show all of you! She really captured our relationship perfectly.

Anyways, today is Valentine's Day, usually I don't make a big fuss out of it, but this year, my boyfriend and I are going on a double date with Selma and her boyfriend! How exciting, right!? We are going to Centro - I've never been there before, but I've heard mostly good things!

What are your plans for Valentine's Day?

Long skirts in winter

2012-02-12T11:00:00.002-06:00

what i wore: belt and black maxi skirt thrifted, black Blowfish wedges from DSW, navy speckled knee high socks from Target, gray cardigan from Urban Outfitters, and light gray cowl dress (worn as top) from H&M

Well, here is yet another neutral outfit with a brightly colored belt! I was so ecstatic when I found this belt thrifting! It's so fun and colorful. I must admit, I was pretty terrified to wear a long maxi skirt while there was snow on the ground. For some reason, I thought it would just drag through the snow all day, but of course, I elevated the skirt with some lovely black wedges (my favorite and more comfortable pair). It felt refreshing, and also reminded me of spring! I can't wait to whip out my midi skirts and maxi dresses! Anyways, hope you are all having a wonderful Sunday!

Do you wear maxi skirts/dresses in the winter? How do you style them!?

Gray black and tan

2012-02-11T10:13:00.000-06:00

what i wore: tan fringe scarf and floral belt from Forever 21, tan boots, knee high gray socks, white tights, and sheer black floral top from Target, and gray dress thrifted.

Remember this dress? I wore it recently here. I absolutely adore it because it's so easy to layer. I can't wait to come up with other outfits already. I have been really loving neutral combinations lately, as you can see from my post here. There's something about adding a small touch of color, like my floral belt here as well as some pattern to make a neutral outfit fun! This fringe scarf is one of my absolute favorites. It's been a while since I've worn it!

How do you style your neutrals?

PS: Don't forget to enter my 3 month large ad space giveaway here!

Sienna Ray & Co: Wanderlust

2012-02-09T12:46:00.003-06:00

I am so excited to share this news with you all! I was recently contacted to patricipate in Sienna Ray & Co.: Wanderlust. Basically, myself and a few other bloggers that were selected (within the U.S. and internationally) get to try-out and review the Makayla, a bag that is part of their Spring 2012 collection, before it hits the stores! We get to keep the bag for a week and then pass it along to the next blogger.

"The goal of [wander|lust] is for the participating fashion-elites to gain the most “buzz”on their blogs while driving the largest traffic to the Sienna Ray site, leading up to the final month where all blog followers will get the opportunity to vote for our fashion front-runner. The top blogger will be announced in March 2012. Each blogger will compete for the grand prize, an opportunity to design a handbag with Sienna Ray’s Founder & Creative Director, Natalie Kathleen."

Read more about it here.
Meet the other girls here.

I'm so excited! I'm sure when I'll be receiving the bag yet, but I will of course be posting about it the week I do receive it! I have never done anything like this before. It should be very interesting!

Photos are screenshots from Sienna Ray & Co.

New ad sizes, info and a giveaway!

2012-02-08T00:05:00.001-06:00

I've decided it's about time I change the way I do sponsorships.From March 1st, 2012, I will only be offering two ad sizes, a medium and a large. I have also unfortunately made the tough decision to cut ad for ad trade for the time being, or even indefinitely. Sponsor introduction posts are also being cut. I feel like it's the right choice for me. I think Liz basically sums up perfectly in this post how I am feeling. You can also view more info here on my sponsor page.

Don't fret though. You still have the opportunity to win ad space on my blog from time to time, either on my blog, twitter, or facebook. I am actually giving away a large ad space bundle today! Check it out below and happy happy Wednesday!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Snow and stripes

2012-02-07T11:00:00.003-06:00

what i wore: maroon cardigan, gray knee high socks, and red tights from Target, Jenette over the knee boots c/o Blowfish Shoes, striped dress from Midwest Vintage, yellow hat from Forever 21, and belt thrifted

So, this past Sunday we experience a snow storm! Five inches! Wow. I was actually a bit excited. I also ended up not having to go into work and I spent the day sleeping, and relaxing. It felt absolutely incredible. So, this was the outfit I was going to wear to work, and ended up just wearing it for a while to lounge around my house until I decided it was naptime.

Have you gotten snow recently!?

I got a scarf named after me!

2012-02-06T09:00:00.015-06:00

The day has finally come where I have had something named after me! What is this lovely something!? It's a beautiful scarf handmade by Rebecca of Manzanita. We became fast blogger friends upon my discovery of her absolutely wonderful blog. You can purchase "The Meanz" (I'm giggling as I type this, I love saying it out loud) here on her etsy. I can't wait to receive one of my very own in the mail one day soon to wear, love and style it. I am seriously so giddy over this right now!!!

Hope you all have a happy Monday. I think I will :)

PS: View how Rebecca styled it here.

Inspired by: The Daybook

2012-02-05T11:00:00.032-06:00

what i wore: turquoise/green sunglasses from Urban Oufitters, black tights, chambray top, and tan belt from Target, dress and pale yellow double breasted cardigan thrifted, and Handstands c/o Blowfish Shoes.

I got inspiration of this outfit from Sydney of The Daybook in this post. Although, she thought her outfit was horrible, I saw potential in it, and of course added my own twists to it. I also have been waiting for a chance to wear this adorable double-breasted cardigan I thrifted a while back and this was just perfect. I really love primary colors, and the tinted blue and yellow pieces combined are just so harmonious. I was also thrilled to receive these Handstands from Blowfish Shoes recently. I am obsessed with how adorable and Spring-like they are, and how the red pops with this fairly muted outfit. Of course these photos were taken right before the snowstorm hit! The next set of photos you see will include snow.

How would you style these shoes!?

Zebra print and feathers

2012-02-03T09:57:00.001-06:00

what i wore: zebra print skirt reconstructed from shorts made by me, feather print v-neck and lace-up Dolce Vita boots from Target, fair isle tights from Forever 21, belt and J Crew taupe sweater thrifted

I don't know why, but I decided to go for more neutral tones in my outfit today with the exception of my belt. Also, I decided to mix 3 different prints, and I'm actually happy with how it turned out! I gave this skirt a second thought and pulled it from the shop. I can't resist it! I just love it. So I tried waving my hair the night before, and the waves didn't stay so well, but the subtle soft almost waves are pretty cute as well!

Do you like your hair wavy or straight?

PS: It's my boyrfiend's birthday today! So exciting :)

Valentine's Day preview

2012-02-02T08:00:00.002-06:00

I have a lovely surprise! This year for Valentine's Day, I got the chance to do a lovely couples photoshoot with the incredibly talented local Des Moines lifestyle photographer, Aly Carroll. I am in love with these three preview shots, and I cannot wait to see and reveal the rest from this fun photoshoot on Valentine's Day.

Check out the other photoshoot I did with Aly Carroll a while back, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun : 1, 2, 3.

Do you know what you are wearing for Valentine's Day yet?

If you're still not sure what to wear for Valentine's Day, you have plenty of time to decide. Elle and Rue La La has teamed up to give you a wonderful array of Valentine's Day outfit choices. Be sure to check out the 8 different tailored boutiques to find your perfect outfit!

**Disclaimer: I was contacted to write about this special Valentine's boutique by Rue La La, but note what I have written about reflects my own personal opinion and of course I would only support and promote things I personally believe in and stand by.

Shearling and contrast

2012-02-01T11:00:00.003-06:00

what i wore: dress from Plato's Closet, hat and ring from Forever 21, sunnies from OC Shades, tan shearling jacket and sheer tights from Target, gray Minnetonka moccasins from DSW, and belt thrifted

I have been happily enjoying the spring-like weather that we've been experiencing! I finally got to wear this jacket I got on super sale at Target last month. These photos are from yesterday! I had such a bad hair day, I just didn't have the time to do anything with it, so a hat was a must! I have been finding myself drawn to contrasting colors and patterns lately, such as solids contrasted with intricate patterns and complimentary colors such as orange and blue. Another lovely mixture dwells from combining warm and cool colors. I think it's because in painting class we have been working with colors and it's translated into my wardrobe. This is such a cool dress. I love the interesting patterns and tight vertical lines.

Happy 1st of February! What has inspired your style lately?

More hats please

2012-01-30T11:00:00.000-06:00

what i wore: burnt orange tights from Target, Everyday birthday dress (came with bow belt) from Modcloth, Who We See fringe boots from Urban Outfitters, black angora hat from Des Moines Art Center gift shop

Bought this "Everyday Birthday" dress from Modcloth during the Cabin Fever sale, and I absolutely adore it and how it flows so beautiful in the wind. I just need to find new ways to style it! Also, I love hats now, and I just want more. How cute is this little flapper-esque hat? I bought it at the Des Moines Art Cente r gift shop the other day and I absolutely love it! I find it very unique. I'm pretty sure I got a second internship! I am so excited, but I will be super busy. I'm not sure how much this will effect my blog, but we shall see!

Do you have a favorite hat? Tell me about it!

January sponsor introductions

2012-01-29T13:09:00.001-06:00

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Blog | Twitter

Website | Facebook

Blog | Shop | Twitter

Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Blog | Shop | Twitter

MODERN BUTTERCUP: BLOG | TWITTER

MANZANITA: BLOG | SHOP | TWITTER

MIRROR IMAGE: BLOG | CARLY'S LOOKBOOK | ANNA'S LOOKBOOK

MAULANI: SHOP | TWITTER

PAPER DOLL SMILE: BLOG | TUMBLR

HELLO VANNY: BLOG | TWITTER

MOMOGRAPHICA: BLOG | TWITTER

SRSLY LIZ: BLOG | TWITTER

CAN SOUP LOVERS: BLOG | TWITTER

NOT WITHOUT INCIDENT: BLOG

TONGUE TIED IN AWE: BLOG | TWITTER

FOLKURE: BLOG | TWITTER

DRASTIC PLASTIC: BLOG | FACEBOOK

TULLE & COMBAT BOOTS: BLOG | TWITTER

BLUE FEATHER STYLE: BLOG | TWITTER

DUSANA BOTSWANA: BLOG | SHOP

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Keeping it super simple this month. Check out my January sponsors. They are all wonderful! Discover a new blog and/or shop! Happy Monday! To reserve a sponsor spot, check out my sponsor info here.

PS: This is my last sponsor introduction post. Hope you've enjoyed them.

Gray day and florals

2012-01-28T15:31:00.002-06:00

what i wore: gray dress and heart detail belt thrifted, dark teal tights and silver knuckle ring from Forever 21, floral three-quarters sleeve top from H&M, arrowhead ring from Moorea Seal's etsy and tan knee high boots from Target

This is my outfit from yesterday. My first day of working at the Des Moines Art Center gift shop! I bought a lot of nifty things, which I will hopefully show in a a post soon! I had a great time looking around, training and getting to know the shop. There are so many cool things in there! Oh, and isn't this arrowhead ring just gorgeous!? I got it from Moorea Seal's etsy shop. There's still a couple left! Be sure to check them out!

Last night was also the first time I've ever watched Breakfast At Tiffany's. Crazy, right!? I know. The movie was pretty good. I loved the fashion (of course), and the wonderful array of gorgeous hats that Audrey Hepburn donned! So lovely. I'm also pretty interested in reading the book by Truman Capote.

Have any of you read the book, Breakfast At Tiffany's or seen the movie? I'd love to hear thoughts.

Jewelry Spotlight: Yardley December

2012-01-26T12:22:00.001-06:00

My large ad sponsor, Fels Andermathes introduced me to the lovely Yardley December, and my birthday giveaway featured one of her lovely necklaces! Find out more about the woman behind the jewelry in this interview and you can visit her shop here. Enjoy!
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Tell me a little about yourself and your business.
Well I started my jewelry line back in December of 2006 originally just as a creative outlet for me. I never imagined I'd still be here 5 years later designing and creating jewelry but I really enjoy every aspect of it. I'm so thankful for all the opportunities I'd have along the way in addition to all the awesome people I've met. And yes, my name is actually Yardley December ;)

Apart from creating jewelry, what do you do?
I have a Bachelors of Art in fashion marketing and enjoy doing graphic design on the side as well. I also work full time for Zappos.com (pretty much one of the coolest workplaces ever).

What inspires you?
I look for inspiration from people, culture, art, music and anything vintage or retro.

What do you think sets your jewelry apart from other shops/companies?
The fact that I try to make jewelry a little unique and different. I feel I have a certain style that you won't see in other stores. Also the fact that everything I make is all custom designed which is sometimes hard to come across.

Tell me about some of your favorite pieces that you have created.
Thus far my favorite pieces have to be the cameo necklaces that I collaborated with Andrea Young on and the Mademoiselle Necklaces. I find them both very unique and are different from many of my other pieces.

When did you begin or know you wanted to create jewelry?
In all honesty this was something I never saw coming, it just kind of happened. I first started creating custom designed purses and from there I began experimenting with jewelry design. That's when everything started falling into place.

Where would you like to be in 10 years?
I do hope to still be creating and designing jewelry but I'd also love to expand into other niches such as men's jewelry, pet accessories, etc. I'm looking forward to seeing where things go from here!

Is there anything else you’d like to say to my readers?
I really hope that they enjoy my work and I am so glad to be able to share what I do with you and your readers :)

Kittens, pastel and dots, oh my

2012-01-25T11:00:00.003-06:00

what i wore: K is for Kani dress from Modcloth, mustard socks from Urban Outfitters, black Blowfish Shoes wedges from DSW, black tights and tan belt from Target.

Kittens, polka dots, pastel green, and a cute cut on in the back! What else could a girl ask for in a dress right!? I bought this K is for Kani dress from Modcloth during the Cabin Fever sale. I wasn't a big fan of it when I first put it on. There was some ruching in the front and I decided to take that one and iron it flat. The neckline is a little baggy as is the rest of the dress, but it's ver comfortable and just so adorable! I might do a little more work to it. Anyways, I decided to pair it with pretty mustard socks and my favorite tan belt. I think I am loving my new haircut more and more each day. It's nice not having to brush out so many tangles! Anyways, did you buy anything from the Modcloth Cabin Fever sale!? I always find something I like for such a good deal!