"I don't know how to say this but, you two are, eh, tres chic!" - Air France Flight Attendant to my husband and I on our Honeymoon flight to Italy.

Do you remember a time when people actually dressed up to go out, especially when traveling?  In the days of yoga pants in public and pajamas on the airplane, I feel we're missing out on the experience previous generations had and the excitement of travel.  It seems now (to some) it is so casual they just roll out of bed and onto the tarmac with out a thought as to what they look like.  

How did we get this way?  

If you are over the age of ten, I'd say pajama's to the airport is not appropriate! It doesn't take much time to pick out a simple outfit and run a comb through your hair, and when you do take that extra step, you will be rewarded.  You will notice strangers (and airport security) are a lot more friendly AND you may even relish in the chance of an upgraded flight, free drinks, and many friendly smiles. 

I will admit, I used to be a member of the mile high pajama club.  I'd wear baggy sweatpants and a sweatshirt, had unkempt hair, and usually was cramming last minute items into my backpack creating a much to heavy, unorganized mess that I was then stuck with for the rest of the day.  As I've gotten older I've changed, and realized just the simple act of planning ahead and dressing up to travel, tends to leave me more relaxed, appreciated, and I have an overall more enjoyable time. It also makes traveling feel special and exciting.  If it were just as routine as sleeping...what is the fun in that?

For me, traveling comfortable and in style means a simple dress, (made of a comfortable cotton or stretch fabric) and a light sweater (usually because of air conditioning).  I wear ballet type flats that not only look cute but are practical (can be taken off easily and I can run if needed). I always bring a slightly larger purse than normal (one that can carry my all important travel essentials, like toiletries, ipad, sketchbooks, snacks, etc) and one small rolling carryon that fits at least two changes of clothes.  My purse/bag fits on top of my rolling luggage so that way one arm is always free and I don't look like a loaded up camel.  Also, I usually carry a mini cross-body purse inside my larger purse so when I get to my destination I am not lugging around an extra large purse everywhere. 

On long flights, at least one change of clothes is essential to getting off the plane feeling refreshed, but also handy when you get wine spilled in your lap mid flight (yes this just happened to me and thank goodness I packed an extra dress in my carryon avoiding what could have been an uncomfortable, grape-smelling disaster for the rest of my flight).  Depending on how large your purse is, you could even pack a wrap dress in there and not bring a rolling luggage. But generally, a carryon with all the essentials incase something did happen to your checked bags is a good bet.  Always be prepared.  Always.  You really never know what could happen, who you are going to meet, and the best way to make your trip stress free and relaxing (as vacations should be) is to be prepared.

Here is an example of my go to travel outfit and accessories:
(Click on the images to see my Polyvore site with product descriptions)

Now hop on a big bird and fly!

I am a lady | adarose

The day finally came - I got married!!!

It was truly the happiest day of my life, celebrating such a milestone with our loved ones and family. Even though the planning process was a bit stressful, it all came together and I can't thank everyone enough who helped along the way.

I thought this would be a good opportunity to share a few things I learned along the way that might help you or someone you know when planning for the big day:

1) Budget...Budget...Budget 
This is very serious and the first thing you should narrow down.  
Before doing anything, know who is paying for what, how, and when.  

You can have a wedding for any amount of money - but all decisions made need to be made with the budget in mind. As difficult as it is, this means you really should not go out shopping for $5,000 dresses when your total wedding budget is only $6,000. (Yes I watched my fair share of "Say Yes To The Dress") It will break your heart when you find your dream dress and then cannot afford the rest of the wedding.  Speaking of dresses - it is a good idea to ask the dress shops you are considering visiting about their price range before heading inside.  This will save you a lot of tears.  

I was fortunate enough to know of a dress shop where the entire collection (minus a few select designer pieces) was within my price range. So when the time came to try them on and I found "the one" I was pleasantly surprised to find it was UNDER my dress budget!  This then OK'd me to splurge on my Valentino red shoes... :)

2) I highly recommend a planner.  
This is different from a Day of Coordinator (which is also an absolute must).  We did not hire a planner and the entire time I truly wish I did.  Fortunately one of my bridesmaids who had recently gotten married stepped in and acted as a planner (reminding me of the things I needed to do, constantly checking on me to make sure I did them, etc). Seriously if she had not done that we would not have had the wedding we had.  There are so many things to coordinate and even with all the event planning experience my husband and I had, it is different when it is YOUR wedding.  There is such emotion, excitement, and expectations - you really need an outside person to help you keep on a steady path, not go over your budget, etc.

Also, when it comes to the day of and after, the last thing you want to be thinking is: Did we pay the photographer?  Do the musicians know where and when to set up?  Who is picking up the flowers from the florist?.. etc.  A planner will have all that organized and ready to hand off to the day of coordinator - and sometimes they are either the same person or work for the same company.  Our day of coordinator was excellent and even calmed our nerves the day before with her detailed list and notes, ensuring we had nothing to think about on the day and that she would be there at every step to make sure it all happened just as we wanted.  

All you want to do, and should do, as bride & groom is enjoy your day, and your experience.

3) Have a vision  
Outline what parts are the most important to you all the way down to least important.  This will help you when making decisions.  For us, the most important part was the venue.  Being both designers and former students of architecture, my husband and I knew we had to get married in a beautiful and inspiring space - and we would not settle for less.  This is important to note because getting that space (we chose The Olympic Sculpture Park) was higher than our budget really allowed, so we cut back in other areas that were not as important to us to make up the difference.

Our overall vision, was classic, elegant, and modern, and every single decision we made from the venue, to the decor, to getaway car, was made with our vision (and budget) in mind.  

In the end it all came together magically and my new husband and I had the best day of our lives.  We made sure to just soak it in and enjoy the moment, because we knew it would be over pretty much as soon as it started.  

4) Some things are worth the cost
A great photographer and videographer will capture your day and give you memories that will last forever - so be sure to seek them out first and don't be afraid to pay a little more for their services than you might want. Believe me, it is well worth it.  We lucked out with our photographer. She was an absolute doll to work with, and made sure she got every shot - and the photos were spectacular (as you can see). Also our videographers put together an absolutely amazing set of clips that my husband and I still watch to this day and cry because of all the happy memories it brings back.

In the end, remember it is all about you and your love, so don't let anyone or anything get in your way.  It doesn't matter if it is a barefoot ceremony on the beach, or a tux and tails event, the most important part is the two of you saying 
"I do".

I am a lady | adarose

Our AWESOME Vendors:  ( I highly recommend all of them! )
Venue: Seattle Art Museum's Olympic Sculpture Park
Catering: TASTE Events
Decor & Flowers: Prop Gallery Events
Hair: Jonathan Levi Powell formerly Gene Juarez Salon
Make-up: Danielle Krane | Gene Juarez Salon
Dress & Veil: Essence of Australia from La Belle Reve
Shoes: Valentino from Nordstrom
Groom's Tux: Made-to-measure Golden Fleece by Brooks Brothers
Photographer: Tonie Christine Photography
Videographer: Anchored Memories
Music: Jason Parker Quartet
Rings: LT Denny

One of my favorite accessories is a pair of gloves.  
Contrary to popular belief, gloves are not just for winter to keep your hands warm, but they are especially important  for ladies to wear this time of year (flu season).  The simple act of wearing gloves can help to keep your hands germ fee as well as complete your polished lady-like look.

If you live in a four-season climate (as I do now), you will soon realize that your once "go to pair of cotton gloves" will not cut it in below freezing temperatures. This does not have to break the bank, as I will show you with examples below, but it is important to get the right gloves for the weather to protect your hands. 

Lucky ladies that live in Arizona or similar climates can get away with one or two types for all the seasons (but don’t let me stop you from buying more!).

My favorite go-to pair of winter gloves are grey like the ones pictures above.  Grey is great because it goes with your black OR brown accessories.  For a bit of fun and variety, try a deep red or emerald green color.

This is the best time of year for gloves because you have more flexibility.  You can go short or long and have different fabrics.  Again for the lucky Arizona ladies, a fall glove can be a good winter glove because it rarely gets below freezing.

My favorite fall glove is a short red wool/nylon/cashmere blend like the ones pictured above.  I also like to stick to autumn colors like burnt orange, coral, red, rose, and mustard yellow.  Any color you would see on a tree in fall is good in my book.

Because of the milder temperatures in the Summer and Spring, you can use a very light fabric. These gloves are really more for the keeping of germs away and lady like fashion so you can really have fun selecting gloves with cut-outs and cute details like button clasps on top that sturdy winter gloves just cannot accommodate. Color-wise I prefer saving the white gloves for fancy occasions (like Easter) and keep my everyday gloves as a pale pink, tan, light grey, light blue, mint green, or lilac.

A little bit of glove etiquette:
1) Gloves should only be worn outside
    ( Except for formal occasions like a wedding or ball )

2) Rotate wearing your gloves and be sure to wash them

3) Wear jewelry on the inside of the gloves - Bracelets are the exception
    ( For large rings - simply rotate the ring around your finger so that the jewels are 
    facing inward )

4) Do not eat, drink, smoke, play cards, or apply make up with your gloves on!

Now go out there and wear gloves!

I am a lady | adarose