Showing posts with label party. Show all posts
Showing posts with label party. Show all posts

Sunday, March 19, 2017

1920s Teal Cocktail Dress

I recently attended a Roaring '20s party at a local historic mansion. This was the fourth party of this type that I have attended there--and they are always amazing! EVERYONE comes in costume. It's refreshing to look across the dance floor and see nothing but early 20th century fashions. I generally choose a draped (slightly more '30s) style black gown to these events, but wanted something flashier this year. As luck would have it, I found a $5 teal, satin cocktail dress at a local thrift store. I was in love with the low back and draping, and knew it would work!




It took me a long while to figure out what I wanted to alter to make it more Gatsby style. I liked the plunging neckline, so my first addition was some delicate teal lace across the front. Still showed a good hint of skin, but looked classier.


The draped back was dramatic, but it kept wanting to slip off of my shoulders. I figured if I'd be dancing and doing the Charleston, I couldn't risk the straps falling down (and no bra!). So, I added the sequined ribbon across the back to keep things in place.




I was so in love with that teal lace that I did an overlay over the whole thing. Next, in the bottom of a box I found a massive rhinestone applique that came off of a friend's wedding dress. I liked its irregular shape and sparkle.


This dress had a high waist, which was not the look I was going for---longing for the dropped-waist of the desired era. To lower the look of the waist, I made sure the rhinestone applique was added low on the belly, and added two drapes of fringe to accentuate the hips. And, ta da! A relatively easy adjustment to a modern dress.



I waved my hair and added feathers and a band of rhinestones. Feet were simple this round with basic T-strap black pumps. Added jewelry and a red lip and I was good to go!


Saturday, November 7, 2015

New Passions, New Styles!

Hello after a long hiatus! I started this blog in celebration of one of my favorite things: weddings. I adore the planning behind them, the choices on color and pattern, food and decor, gowns and rings, DIY touches,  everything! But I also enjoy these aspects of every day life: planning and hosting parties, decorating for holidays, creating, crafting and remodeling! So I'm broadening my subject matter to what matters to me most lately. I'll keep posting about wedding trends and my favorite traditions, but I'm adding in some color from the other corners of my life! I hope you enjoy!

I'll kick off the new venture with a few photos from a Vintage Market I went to today. Put on by some truly lovely ladies, the Vintage Christmas Market takes up an entire warehouse for one day with more vendors of shabby chic decor than you can shake a distressed stick at! Also present were antique peddlers, cider sellers and pie makers! Mmm! It was a bustle with activity and I had already pulled out my wallet twice in the first 5 minutes. I had a feeling I'd be in trouble....



My favorite find is a set of Anchor Hocking Serve-A-Snack trays and cups. My mother uses these every year on Christmas Eve and they hold a special place in my heart. As my party hosting grows, and as I grow more and more into my mother, it was time for my own set! Bring on the hors d'oeuvres!




I also found, for the hostess with the mostest, a 1967 book on drink making and parties and a beautiful vintage necklace of rhinestones to wear during my next soiree!


 



Until next time! E. Charlotte

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

New Year's Eve Weddings!

I love this time of year! So much celebration! So many colors and patterns and lights and sparkly things! What better time to plan a wedding then, eh? I've never been a big one for Christmas weddings (though they are quite pretty!). I like to keep those two events separate. But a New Year's Eve wedding? Well that's just splendid!


I have always been a lover of New Year's Eve. I've always wanted the big party (a la When Harry Met Sally!). I want to wear bright jewel tones and big jewelry and party with champagne and friends. And of course have that special someone to kiss as the clock strikes twelve. So romantic! Maybe that's why I love these types of weddings too. It's all about sparkle!

 

New Year's Eve weddings, of course, run later than most wedding celebrations. This allows for a different style party and a whole new atmosphere. It allows the bride some more freedom with her dress and decor too.

When I think New Year's Eve, I think black and silver and sequins. That's why I love these wedding gowns, a little different than the usual:



Gotta love the cakes!


I hope everyone has a wonderful New Years! Here's to 2014!