CURATED GUIDE | JULY 2019

As temperatures begin to spike, so do our summer social calendars. The month of July is all about celebrations; to get in the spirit, we’ve gathered our favorite féte inspiration and the best accessories for the festivities.

1 | The arrival of Leo season brings cause for celebration, as our fearless leader will celebrate another trip around the sun in style. The Stargazer Zodiac Pendant from Spell and the Gypsy Collective is a charming signature piece for any golden gal.

2 | Spend Independence Day soaking in the spacious skies and mountain majesties of Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee. Experience a farm-to-table Fourth with the property’s curated itinerary, which features a luxe block party, patriotic culinary delights, and a front row seat for their festive firework display.

3 | Send wish you were here vibes in this nostalgic summer frock, which gets our packing list stamp of approval. Mary Katrantzou’s colorful carte postale collection is the perfect travel companion for any jet setter’s out of office wardrobe.

4 | We’re clutching on to the dog days of summer with a cheeky take on a good beach read. Olympia Le-Tan’s voyages box clutches will turn more heads than the latest page turner this season, guaranteed.

5 | Christmas in July means everyone’s favorite movies are on the Hallmark Channel and we are dipping our toes into holiday season prep. Santa may be relaxing in the South Pole, but now is the ideal time to be planning holiday gatherings and company parties. We’ll make sure your soirées earn you a spot on the nice list.

6 | Féte like the French on Bastille Day at Le Politique in downtown Austin. Enjoy classic delicacies, from huîtres to frites, in their chic Parisian digs, plus fresh macarons from their darling pâtisserie. Vive la France, indeed!

Photos Courtesy Of: 1 | Spell and the Gypsy Collective 2 | Blackberry Farm 3 | Mary Katrantzou 4 | Bergdorf Goodman 5 | Christmas Swim by Slim Aarons 1stdibs 6 | Le Politique

CURATED GUIDE | JUNE 2019

Everything you need to know to make the most out of June & the Summer Solstice

1 | Europeans know all about living easy, especially during the summer months. If you’re in search of summertime vibes à la Bardot on holiday, look no further than French Pool Toy Rosé, the ideal Provence poolside companion. No glass allowed? No problem, because this charming little number comes in a plastic bottle and pairs well with an itsy-bitsy bikini.

2 | We can’t think of a better style icon to emulate this season than the king of spectacle(s): Elton John. Immortalized in the new film Rocketman, Elton’s big fashion on the big screen inspires us to throw on these Gucci sunnies and enjoy the sights of summer life, through rose colored glasses, of course.

3 | The Dallas Museum of Art recently debuted its latest fashion exhibition, Dior: From Paris to the World. Our heels and wheels are headed to the big D where we’ll beat the heat by admiring the haute couture on display, celebrating more than 70 years of the House of Dior.

4 | French Open fever has hit The Four Seasons George V Hotel in Paris, where the Michelin-Starred Le George Restaurant and Chef Simone Zanoni are serving up this delectable dessert in honor of the city’s iconic tennis tournament. Game, set, match!

5 | Summer is all about the tan, be it tan lines or rattan décor. Give your gallery wall an instant refresh with images from your travels abroad, displayed in picture-perfect rattan accent frames from Aerin Lauder’s latest collection for Williams Sonoma.

6 | Werking the crowds during PRIDE just got easier thanks to Banana Republic’s rainbow belt bag, featuring a pop of color that will brighten up any summer ensemble. With 50% of the price of items from their Equality Collection going to the United Nations Foundation in support of the UN Free & Equal campaign for LGBTI equality, being hands-free during the parade isn’t the only bonus that comes with owning this must-have accessory.

7 | Verry Robin & Co.’s mood board for the June/July issue of BRIDES Magazine has us feeling wedding wanderlust, thanks to their use of vibrant coral hues, seaside accents, and romantic ruffles that have us dreaming of Cartagena. Girl Boss Robin Verrier shares why it’s helpful to create an event mood board and we say amen, sister! Curating inspiration with our clients boosts our mood any day.

Photos Courtesy Of: 1 | Taste Wine Company 2 | Gucci + Rocketman 3 | Dallas Museum of Art 4 | Chef Simone Zanoni | 5 | Williams Sonoma 6 | Banana Republic 7 | Verry Robin & Co. for BRIDES Magazine

Fêtes in Film | The Great Gatsby

I Like Large Parties, They’re So Intimate…

Memorial Day Weekend is upon us and the certified kick-off to summer has got us thinking about poolside soirees. Sure, there’s the lovely and casual poolside hang where you fire up the grill and lounge on the rattan furniture. But if you are like us and are feeling a little more daring, a classic film offers up an inspiring case for re-envisioning the summer soiree. By taking a page out of the screen adaption of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, we’ve set our sights beyond seasonal white attire and we’re ready to go all out glam. As the dialogue in the film so appropriately suggests, “when the Fahrenheit rises, bring on the foxtrot.” Brilliant old sport! Why not convert the pool into an integral part of your dance floor and make a Roaring 20's splash?

There are few fêtes in film more iconic than the revelry depicted in The Great Gatsby. Both the original edition and Baz Luhrmann’s cinematic spectacle provide perfect inspiration for summer grand affairs. Taking your outdoor space and transforming it into a playground for flappers, fantasy, and feathers brings a fantastical new twist for guests. Gatsby’s parties offered a diverse range of surprise elements that kept party-goers engaged, delighted, and captivated long past their usual “Irish goodbye” hour. As the host, make like Gatsby and wander through the crowds, soaking in the festive spirit, while leaving the remarks to a larger-than-life personality. We suggest bringing in a master of ceremonies to liven up the entertainment; they will seamlessly transition between acts in the program and invigorate the audience. The backyard, outdoor setting is ideal for the soundtrack of the evening, composed of rousing brass instruments and jazz musicians. One of our favorite tricks to jump start a party is to bring in Charleston dancers to accompany the band, whose infectious energy will be sure to get the dance floor started. Similar to the film, flowing champagne and martinis will gently nudge even the most dedicated bystander (aka the Mr. Carraway’s of the crowd) into believing they can shake a tail feather.

A celebration of this level calls for attendees to dress to the nines. For those who are invited to your personal Gatsby manor, everyone knows that bowties and fringe are the secret password into the coveted speakeasy. Assist guests with earning participation points by communicating the theme in advance and having artisans on-site to fashion accessories that will complete their look. Ornate headpieces bring personality for the dames of the dance floor and for the gents, rosette boutonnieres are a dapper detail. Both items are gifts guests can wear throughout the evening and take home as a souvenir to recall the surreal encounters of their Fitzgerald adventure.

Of course, Mr. Gatsby himself would insist that no party is complete without an extravagant fireworks display. We think this makes a case for a twist on the typical 4th of July summer barbecue. Celebrate independence likes it’s the end of prohibition and take advantage of the city’s sparks to end your Art Deco Affair with a bang.

We bet there will be three cheers, and lots of cheers-ing, for the red, white, and blue!