StyleWhipped

Danielle Aspromatis: Commonwealth of Chrmz...and a Giveaway!

A very common wedding planning question that I get from brides is "What do I get my bridesmaids?" Not that the bride doesn't know their friends well, but they may think that they already have received all the "typical" bridesmaids presents in past wedding parties. Or they may think they have a group of girls that really have everything or are hard to shop for.

A great idea for your girls is to invest in great matching flip-flops (flat or even wedge flops...a great designer pair would be nice!) for them to change into and dance the night away with you. Too plain and typical of a gift? Not with the addition of the fabulous flip-flop charms from Commonwealth of Chrmz! These interchangeable clips and charms for flip-flops let you choose the charm (or charms) that best suits each of your friends' personalities. For a more generous gift, pick a few different sets of charms for each girl and let them play dress up with their flip-flops depending on their outfit! There is no barb or hook on these charms, only a smooth steel clip, so you can take them on and off without leaving a mark on your flip-flop's straps. 

Imagine your bridal party all out on the dance floor in the same cute flip-flops that go with their dresses, but all having different unique personalized touches on their flops...besides being so cute, they won't get them mixed up with someone else's at the party!

Commonwealth of Chrmz has so many charms to choose from, but the ones below are my favorite...

 

 

 

                             

Each pair of charms is $8.99 per pair...a great price to quickly update your flip flops this summer! So for those of you not searching for a gift, check out the Charmz website and treat yourself to a pair...your old flops from last year will thank you for their glamorous makeover! 

And now the exciting news!!! Commonwealth of Charmz is partnering with Stylewhipped and d'Luxe Events for a GIVEAWAY!!!* THREE (yup, three!) lucky Stylewhipped readers will win the charms of their choice! All you have to do is write a private message to the Stylewhipped team via the Stylewhipped Facebook page to put your name in the hat (don't forget to "like" the page if you haven't already!). The three lucky winners will get to look around the Chrmz website and pick whichever pair they would like. So exciting!

Don't forget to check out the Commonwealth of Chrmz Facebook page too! 

Good luck!

-Danielle

*Winners must be 18 years of age and reside in the continental US. Winners will receive their charms directly from Commonwealth of Chrmz and must be willing to share their mailing address.

Want cute? This is CUTE.

I am (quite clearly) having an everything pink, cute & feminine moment this summer. No idea why. Maybe I am trying to encourage the weather to be better with seasonally-appropriate colors (or just more timely...is it my imagination or is it gorgeous during the week and awful on the weekends?!). In any case, I am loving anything girly, flirty and adorable...and this bikini from Miu Miu 150% fits the bill...

In a super subtle and pale shade of true pink, this is flattering on so many skintones...it makes your paleness look porcelain, your tan look richer, and dark skin look coppery. The top, with its abstract flower appliques help those of us who...well, who need a little help! But because the appliques are so tiny and lay fairly flat, if you are better endowed, they won't make you look like your chest is taking over the whole beach. And because they are so simple and abstract, they don't at all come across as cheesy or childish...just really chic and pretty. The bottom has my prerequisite side-ties (when you can adjust how tight the ties are, you never have anything digging into a spot where you don't want anything digging!), complete with perfect little details like gold beads that match the "miu miu" charm on the top. 

So go be adorable, and flirty and PINK. Because I promise you will never feel cuter than you will in this bikini.

~ Alison.

My Marilyn Moment

This week, I had a total #richgirlproblems moment. I admit that having your hair dyed the wrong color isn't really a serious problem, that there are starving children in Africa, and that our troops are still in the middle east defending our freedom. However...my hair looked really, really bad. And it made me cry. And no one should ever cry over their hair. So one more day and one more new salon later, my white-blonde, Marilyn Monroe-inspired hair color was back. And I have been feeling very Marilyn-ish ever since. So when I laid eyes on this dress, well...someone needs to take me on a very fancy date night pronto!

From our perennial favorite Alice + Olivia comes the "Brooke" dress. In the palest pale-pink silk-chiffon and organza you can imagine, this is the ultimate in femininity. The updated silhouette of the famed Marilyn Monroe wind-blown white dress makes this completely modern and not at all costume-y. And the shape actually has phenomenal structure to it, so you don't need any lifting/sucking in/smoothing out undergarments! The halter top is flattering to those of us who are tiny on top as much as it is to those who are well-endowed...and the full skirt with its cinched, rhinestone-encrusted waistband hides any flaws but also shows off your toned legs with its verrrry short length. And to top it all off, it is backless, which I personally think is one of the sexiest ways to show some skin. 

Marilyn would be proud of this cotton candy-esque little number. I also think she would also be proud of my hair ;)

~ Alison. 

Danielle Aspromatis: Smart Summer Soles

Fortunately, summer is not only a time of sunshine but it's also a time of celebrating...lots of parties are planned for summer. The weather is nice, the kiddies are out of school, and maybe more importantly, there are such cuter party dress options in the summer than other times of the year! When a summer party is indoors or at a restaurant or catering hall, all shoes are fair game to complete your outfit. But when a backyard party is planned, the last thing you want to be doing all day is sinking into the grass with your heels...but if you are like me and a little vertically challenged, flats are not a great party solution either!

So I love wedges paired with a great sundress for summer outdoor parties, and especially a wedge with a little bit of metallic. Much fancier, and the metallic goes with all colors in your wardrobe. My favorites on my current wish list are Michael Kors' Giovanna Wedge Sandal from Nordstrom. They have a beautiful pale gold leather upper, and a rubber sole to keep you on sure footing. The platform combined with the wedge is great for a little lift without being too over the top. They do come in bright orange and cognac too, but this soft gold color adds just the right amount of "party"!

 

-Danielle

Jennifer Corcione: A Wedding Playlist Upgrade

With June suddenly here, it’s about time for wedding season! And as a newly engaged (as of almost two weeks ago) music writer, my brain has automatically gone into “brainstorm” mode. (AKA…Bridal magazines, registering on The Knot, and trying to gather as many ideas as possible before Matt and I sit down in September to start planning.)

Luckily, for all of you wonderful readers, I’ve also been thinking about the music almost as much as where to find the perfect dress. (Any ideas? I’m ALL ears!) So for a bit of change to your wedding playlist, try out some of my favorite picks to spice up the big day a little!

Jenn’s Wedding Playlist:

1)      “Just The Way You Are” – The Piano Guys (originally performed by Bruno Mars): For the bride that wants to deviate from a traditional “Wedding March”, this instrumental version of the Bruno Mars favorite is just so simple and elegant…I may have to even consider this one for my own wedding!

2)      “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” – Luke Bryan: I’m not one for country, but come on, who else is tired of the Electric Slide and the Macarena at practically every single wedding? The country movement is growing more and more each day, so why not try this little gem and watch the “country girl” come out in full force? (As a devout non-country fan, I even have to admit…it’s so damn catchy!)

3)      “You’re All I Need To Get By” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell: This one is a true oldie but goodie, but sometimes you need a good slow dance with the one you love. Whether stumped on your first dance or just wanting to hold your sweetie close for a song, Marvin Gaye sets the perfect mood. And for those who are not into slow ballad-like tunes, it’s also perfect to put a little pep into your step.

4)      Jazz Age – The Bryan Ferry Orchestra: If you’re familiar with the band Roxy Music, then you will be surprised (pleasantly, I hope) to know that this Jazz ensemble has been put together by the front-man himself, Bryan Ferry! But don’t expect to hear anything resembling 70’s English art-rock band. Instead, try this latest album for a little ambiance during dinner time, especially if you’re looking for a timeless sound with a modern twist.

5)      “When the Night Comes” – Dan Auerbach: I’ve noticed that at most weddings, it always tends to end on a fast-paced song. For those who want to end it on a mellower note, this is the song for you. Click here to hear the song!

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Just remember that when that special day comes, it’s not always about having the perfect music or every detail just right, but rather who you get to share that day with. Enjoy every moment of it!

- Jenn

Danielle Aspromatis: Trendy Tykes

Very often, little boys are overlooked in the fashion department when it comes to weddings or other special occasions...they are stuck with khakis, a dress shirt and their little brown shoes..BORING! But there are actually some really fun accessories for the little men of the event!

Ring bearer or guest, I love seeing a little kid in a bow tie, especially a fun printed one! From solid to plaid to striped, this one little accessory can make an outfit and have everyone oooh-ing and aaaah-ing over your little guy. I love the ties and bowties from Urban Sunday, a website dedicated solely to accessorizing trendy little boys, ages 0-12. Their bowties have adjustable velcro closures, making them easy-on and easy-off.

So whether these top off jeans and a sweater or are more formal with a suit, they give every outfit thatextra something it is craving! Don't be afraid to add them to casual looks too...these are not only for formal occasions, but can add a little something to everyday outfits (if he'll let you put it on him, go for it!).

- Danielle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold Standard

I am permanently on the prowl for the (next) perfect pair of gold peep-toe platforms. They are my staple go-to shoes for every outfit...from flared jeans and a flowy top to my tiniest summer mini dress. I am a strictly-yellow-gold girl, and depending on what jewelry I wear, I like having various shades of gold shoes in my closet to compliment each other. So when I saw these...

...well, first, there was a major discussion of Giuseppe vs Giovanni at my beach house this weekend, so not only did I have a private little giggle, but my attention was immediately caught because Giuseppe Zanotti is one of my all-time favorite shoe designers. And this dark gold/bronze-y pair is pret-ty amazing. They have a 5.5-inch heel but a 1.5-inch platform, so even my tiny, size 5 1/2 feet can manage walking in them. The crocodile-embossed leather makes them appropriate almost all the way year-round, so the steep $725 pricetag seems a tiny bit less offensive. That dark shade of gold/bronze is also gorgeous regardless of the season, and the peep-toe is really small...allowing a peek of pretty pedicure now but also doesn't seem out of place in colder months. 

So thanks to Giuseppe (not Giovanni...), you can use these to compliment your bare, newly tan legs now (which they will make look 10 miles long), pair them with a super glamorous '70's-inspired outfit come fall, and rock them with a little brown fur jacket in the winter. And that is one serious gold standard...

~ Alison.

Graduation Goodies

Colledge graduation, high school graduations, law school, MBA's...there is a lot to celebrate for our scholars in the months of May and June. It's no secret I love little details, and it's these fun little (and inexpensive!) details that can really personalize your graduation party...

Cupcakes are a great, easy alternative to the old fashioned sheet cake, not to mention no messy slicing! Top off your cupcakes with these cupcake picks from Etsy shop Festiva Party Design, I love these little 3D hats!

Paper straws are also a fun addition to any alcoholic or non alcoholic drinks. Etsy's The Party Penguin shop has these super cute ones, 12 for $14 to spice up your decor

 

My last pick, from Pear Tree Greetings, are cut out invitations...unique and fun, these allow you to incorporate a picture of the guest of honor plus some texture with the overlay cut out...cute and affordable, these will set the tone for a special day! 

Congrats to all you grads out there!

-Danielle

Please SEE Yourself Into My Closet...

This one...this one I want for myself. I'm not just sharing it with you out of the goodness of my heart, or because it is my job as the Editor-in-Chief of this magazine. But because I really, truly want it for myself. And what is "it," you ask? "It" just might be the most perfect clutch bag to ever see the light of summertime...

From See by Chloe (a perennial favorite over here at Stylewhipped), this not-so-little number (it measures a user-friendly 14.5" x 7" x 2") is my ultimate summer combination of slightly off-white and metallic rose gold. The off-white leather (called "bliss" by the designer...who is clearly super-duper smart...) goes with every single neutral and saturated color in your wardrobe during the warm months. The rose gold accents are chic, fashion-forward, and just "different" enough to make everyone turn around and look twice at what you're holding in your hand. And because it isn't white-white, you can use this all year to bring a little bright spot into an otherwise all-black Fall or Winter outfit. 

But back to now... Pair this with rose gold jewelry, a fabulous mini dress and sky-high heels for a night out to keep it glam. Take it out to lunch during the day alongside a perfectly fitted pair of jeans, serious platform sandals, and a flowing sleeveless top to make it boho-chic. And picture it tucked under the arm of a light brown fur jacket when the cool weather comes back around (sorry, it does have to eventually).

And then picture it in my closet. Because honestly? That's clearly where it really belongs...;)

~ Alison. 

Danielle Aspromatis: Bridesmaid Wish-list...

Picking out your bridesmaids gifts should be fun! Your girls, your support system, your family...they deserve to get something really unique for being part of your day. If you are at a certain age and have been part of your girlfriends wedding parties for years, you may already have a lot of "wedding day" jewelry, tote bags, makeup bags and the like.

Giving a gift of jewelry doesn't mean that's what you want them to wear on the day of your wedding. Let your girls personalize their dresses by accessorizing it how they would like with their own jewelry and get them something that is cool, new, and that they really will use on a daily basis. With monogram jewelry being really big still, and braided cord bracelets still on the scene, I like this Tai Pave intial bracelet from Neiman Marcus, $115, in either black or gold. No, they are not going to wear it to your weddding but I guarantee you will see everyone wearing this for days and nights to come. Layer it up with some other chunky bracelets or put it on the same side as your watch to get that eclectic feel to your look...the more you layer with these the better! 

-Danielle