What's Hot and What's Not

A friend of mine, who is getting married, came by the other day and showed me some stuff she wanted to do for her wedding...I don't know if she was joking or not, but seriously I was scared of her choices. She told me that these were her "inspirations" and wanted me to help her come up with something that was fresh but still had the same feeling. So she challenged me to turn her crazy inspirations pics into something that is well...a little more up-to-date.

This is my hot and not list for my dear friend...which I may have to rethink after seeing her choices. Her choices are the NOT pics and mine of course are the HOT pics. Here we go...

First the head piece. My friend wants to wear bling...

I realize that every bride wants to be a princess on her wedding day. But really gals...the tiara, especially ones that's only fit for royalty, is a little passe...it's very 2007. For an up-to-date look that still gives your up do a little flair, try some hair adornments that are placed towards the back or side of the hair for a fresh updated look.

Now the dress...she wanted to stand out...

Okay ladies, I also realize that pick me up skirts is another princess concept and the colored dresses was the sign of being the "un-bride" or "unique bride." But...do you really want to see those pictures 5, 10, 15+ years from now and think..."who in the hell thought this was a good idea?" Pick me up skirts are fabulous, but you really don't need that extra bling on the skirt. Next the color RED...okay I know "rebel bride" but it just screams...really cheap. Instead try for a hint or subtle color in blush, pale pink, champagne or for you bolder brides a faint sea foam. Trust me if you want to make an impact choose something subtle with just one or two unique details...people will scream WOW rather than OMG.

The shoes or can I say glass slipper...

Again, I get the Cinderella syndrome, but when it comes to shoes, do you really want your feet sweating inside plastic on your wedding day? It's not comfortable and when you get back to your suite that night, the feet may be a little too funky for the groom. Instead of taking the glass slipper literally, go for a shoe that hints that it's a glass slipper but still wearable and more comfortable. Unless you plan to leave it on a staircase during the evening, most people won't even see them anyway.

The multi-colored bouquet...

I love the use of colors in a bouquet...but only if it's done correctly. It could turn a joyous full burst of color to one big hot mess. When choosing a multi color bouquet, plan on going more with less. Choose interesting flowers with bold colors but keep the styling simple...all the other dodads and things popping out of the bouquet are not necessary. You want it to be pleasing to the eye and not an eye sore.

The cake...did she seriously say she wanted to have a satellite wedding cake (multi-tiered mess)...

The satellite cake was very popular in the 1970s and though it's not at all modern or pleasing to the eye...some people still like to have this set up. In modernizing and making this cake wreck concept go away...one can do multiple, small, multi-tiered cakes in the same color palette with different designs, it gives a throwback to the satellite concept without having to go there. Additionally, it will lend a beautiful visual to your dessert bar.

Hopefully my friend sees the difference between what she thought she wants and what I know she wants. There's a fine line between hot and not, but when it comes down to it...remember the saying, "Less is more!"

Stay cool!

-Percy

Photo Credits: "Not" photos from various websites on the Internet, "Hot" photos from Brides.com except for "Hot" Shoes which was from Zappos.com

What's New at The Shop @ Percy Sales Events

The Shop @ Percy Sales Events is your one stop shopping source for your wedding or event. You can find everything from bridal shoes and accessories to favor ideas and invitations. Check out the latest finds at The Shop @ Percy Sales Events

Kate Spade Gracious Bridal Shoe
$325

Jessica Rhinestone Bangle Bracelets
$38/per set

Pre-Printed Quote Aisle Runner
$55 (36"W x 100'L)

Find these and other spectacular items at The Shop @ Percy Sales Events. Use our convenient search function to easily locate the items you need.

Happy Shopping!

-Percy

Photos from The Shop @ Percy Sales Events

Favorite Things From the Shop @ PSE: All Things That Glitters

Who doesn't like things that glitter? Sure there is BLING and than there is Bling but regardless if it's a car, a piece of jewelry, or even squeaky clean windows, we love things that shine. So as I was looking at all the new stuff at The Shop @ Percy Sales Events and I started to admire the tasteful and wonderful "glittery" pieces there. So, in my latest "favorite things" from The Shop @ Percy Sales Events I am highlighting my top "shiners."

Top Row (l to r):
Elizabeth Crystal Bracelet, $38; Glam Cam, $13; I Do for Shoes, $3.50; Glam Placecard Holder, $3.

Middle Row (l to r):
Great Gatsby Guest Book and Pen, $46; Silvered Almonds (totally edible), $21/per pack; Grazia Samantha Bridal Shoes, $205; Nadalia Crystal Headband, $65.

Bottom Row (l to r):
Jozefien Double Pearl Earrings, $45; Crystal Garden Cake Jewelry, $150/set; Silk and Brooch Pillow, $70; Leaflet Rhinestone Brooch, $40.

I hope this inspires you in your search for the glitz. Discover other wonderful things by visiting The Shop @ Percy Sales Events.

-Percy









Photos from The Shop @ Percy Sales Events

Inspiration Mondays: Claude Monet's Water Lilies

I was recently looking through one of my favorite art books and stumbled upon one of my favorite artist, Claude Monet. I love Monet's work. The iconic images of water lilies in his Giverny, France home are one of my favorite series. The colors of these paintings are all so beautiful. The hues of greens, blues, purples, pinks, and browns work so harmoniously together.

These images have inspired so many before me, including Mattel, who released a Water Lily Barbie back in 1997. Today, I am inspired by this impressionist master and how I see his art being pulled in to a grand wedding.

A wedding inspired by Claude Monet (clockwise from top left):

Wedding Gown: White Chocolate
China: J. Seignolles
Bouquet: Hidden Garden Flowers
Bridesmaid Gown: Vera Wang
Lounge: Town and Country Event Rentals
Food: Serve French Cuisine to your guests
Tablescape: Nisie's Enchanted Florist
Shoes: Fifi Maisie Wedding Shoes from The Shop @ Percy Sales Events
Floral Hair Clip: Soiree Silk Floral Hair Clip from The Shop @ Percy Sales Events
Flower Girl Gown: Frances Johnston
Cake: Colette's Cakes
Venue: San Diego Botanical Building at Balboa Park

Hope this inspires you to create your own work of art!

-Percy

Photos from above mentioned sites except for White Chocolate Wedding Gown found at Brides.com

Favorite Things from The Shop @ PSE: Bridal Shoes

A client of mine recently complimented me on the shoe selection at The Shop @ Percy Sales Events. I asked her what she like about it. She stated, "There is such a selection of styles in every price range that you never felt that The Shop @ Percy Sales Events was only catering to certain budgets. The Shop @ Percy Sales Events truly has something for everyone!"

Well nothing pleases me more to hear those words and glad that The Shop @ Percy Sales Events is catering to ALL brides...and grooms too.

So this week I am highlighting some of my favorite shoe pics found at The Shop @ Percy Sales Events. Clockwise from the top left:

1. Touch-Ups Sharmain Bridal Shoes, $59.99
2. Stuart Weitzman Dramahalt Wedding Shoes, $320.00
3. Two Lips Gorgeous Wedding Shoes, $95.00
4. Grazia Alicia Wedding Shoes, $210.00

The Shop @ Percy Sales Events offers bridal and bridesmaids shoes at all price ranges. You'll be amazed at the selection of shoes, that you will definitely make The Shop @ Percy Sales Events your bridal shoe(s) shop. Check it out today!

Go ahead and play Cinderella...you never know the shoe may just fit!

-Percy








Photos from The Shop @ Percy Sales Events

The Shop @ Percy Sales Events - Now Open For Business

The Shop @ Percy Sales Events is NOW OPEN for business! This is the one online boutique that you will definitely come back to again and again!

The Shop @ Percy Sales Events is your one-stop online shop, full of everything you will need for your wedding or event. You'll find all the best products, from the very best vendors, with just a click of your mouse! Plus you get to shop from home anytime of the day! You will have a great time shopping and exploring at The Shop @ Percy Sales Events! Who knows you might just find the deal of the year!

Stop by The Shop @ Percy Sales Events NOW and see what might be calling your name! You may even find that item you've been looking for in our extensive online shop!

Let's Party with Percy Sales Events will be featuring our favorite items weekly from The Shop @ Percy Sales Events on Saturdays to give you ideas on what's hot at The Shop @ Percy Sales Events.

Enjoy and Happy Shopping!

-Percy

Photo from The Shop @ Percy Sales Events

Inspiration Mondays: Betsey Johnson's Dining Room

I love anything retro and for this week's inspiration I have taken a cue from Betsey Johnson's dining room. I am inspired by the use of blush pink and canary yellow, 60's modern mixed with traditional pieces. I especially love that it all goes so well together.

My inspiration was taken directly from the dining room. The wedding dress is based on the chairs with it's bubble effect. The bridesmaids dresses are based on the area rug in black and white as well as the seat cushions in a yellow. The necklace, chandelier, and shoes are inspired by the crystals on the sconces of the dining room and the chandelier in the dining room. The brides bouquet is inspired by the dining room centerpiece and the bridesmaids dresses inspired by the round chandelier in the dining room. The cake, charger and the invitations take colors from the room. Finally, the engagement ring ties in the entire inspiration, classic yet funky!

My Inspirations:

Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier
Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenni Kayne
Shoes: Benjamin Adams
Ring: Shibumi Gallery
Necklace: ESWERA jewelry by imaan
Cake: For Heaven's Cakes
Chandeliers: Town and Country Event Rentals
Charger: The Tent Merchant
Invitations: Luxurious Wedding

-Percy

P.S. This inspiration Board was originally submitted to a Coco + Kelley contest.

Photos from above mentioned sites

The Women - The New Girls of Fashion

I finally saw the remake of The Women last night at the Ojai Playhouse with Mary Steenburgen sitting one row in front of me; she is an Ojai resident along with hubby Ted Danson. At any rate, this movie is a must see for you fashionistas, I am not sure why it got bad ratings because I found it thoroughly enjoyable, just as Tanya's (Debi Mazar) Jungle Red nail polish.

Saks (Fifth Avenue) was the store focus, but you got an eyeful of fashions from Chanel, Christian Laboutin, Prada, Marc Jacobs, and other noted designers.

The acting was superb, especially Annette Bening's character, Sylvie. Jada Pinkett Smith (Alex Fisher) and the cameo by Bette Midler (Leah Miller) were also very memorable. Meg Ryan was outstanding in her role as Mary Haines. It was nice to see Debra Messing (Edie Cohen) not play a "Grace" character and Eva Mendez, in the Joan Crawford part as Crystal Allen, was diva-ish to the max.

The only thing missing was a wedding scene, but overall, there were some outstanding moments and even more fabulous everyday fashions! I laughed so hard in some parts that I almost peed in my pants. So if you have not had the opportunity to see it...go do so ASAP. Being a big Sex and the City fan, I have to say that this is what SATC could have been if they did it right...did I just say that out load? Hit me with your Manolo's and call me Mary.

So ladies, or even gentlemen into "chick" flicks, this is a winner...even as good if not better than the original 1939 version. I also have to say kudos to Cloris Leachman (Maggie) and Candice Bergen (Catherine Frazier) for their contributions to this remake. It was also nice that they kept the concept of not having any men in the movie, just like the original.

-Percy

Photo from IMDb

Fancy Feet

Okay ladies...you've always wanted your own name on a pair of cute shoes, well here's your chance! Julia Bornstein, president of Sandals4Events, has created a line of sandals that can be customized with whatever you want.

For you brides, this is a perfect gift for your bridesmaids or even the other women in your life. The heel tabs can be customized with your name or yours and your grooms with the day of your wedding. Additionally, if you are having a beach wedding, these would make a great favor gift for all your female guests upon arrival...we all know how heels are a big no no on the beach. You can put them out in baskets, separated by size, put into personalized satin bags that Sandals4Events also provides, to add to your customized, couture wedding.

These sandals come in four colors (silver, gold, black, and fuchsia) and a black with great Swarovski bling on it, making them neutral enough to match any wedding. Plus, I hear they are super comfortable.

These sandals can also make great shower gifts, girl's night out favors, or how about as invitations to your bachelorette party! At any rate, stop by Sandals4Events and dream up some spectacular way to use these great accessories for your next event.

-Percy

Photos from Sandals4Events

Shoe Love

I often blog about women's shoes, but this time I am blogging about shoes that I can actually buy for myself. Yes ladies and gentlemen...I have found shoe love with Ryan Rowe, a new men's footwear company that is bringing luxurious handmade shoes for all guys. It's the brain child of my former neighbor, Ryan Ringholz, and his business partner Rowe Samieian, both veterans in the shoe industry.

These classic oxfords and their other styles have been modernized by these geniuses and are made with Vachetta Leather, same leather that Louis Vuitton favors. They are handmade, hand painted, and use vegetable dyes to create its fabulous colors. It's like having your own personal cobbler. Knowing Ryan and his need to create stylish and comfortable footwear for men, this brand is definitely going to be my new choice in footwear...sorry Kenneth.

My current favorite in their collection are these Crofton Oxfords that come in bone, black, and espresso, though I am also eyeing a pair of sneakers and a boot. These oxfords can go from day to night, and match any fashion style. They are so versatile and comfy...I wore the bone tonight at a rehearsal and dinner and my feet did not tire. Additionally, I can finally wear a white shoe and not feel like Pee Wee Herman, thanks to these guys. Ryan Rowe is currently available at select stores including Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and Zappos.com. They will soon launch an online store on their Website.

Guys, you have to try out these shoes, you will fall in love with them and your feet will thank you for giving them a comfortable ride.

-Percy

Photos from Ryan Rowe

Adjust Your Height Accordingly

I was watching my morning news, Good Morning America, getting ready for my morning routines when they mentioned shoes with adjustable heels. I automatically perked up and listed attentively to what they were about to present.

What I saw were stilettos that went from 3.25 inch to 1.5 inch heels with just a twist of the heel. What a concept and how perfect is this for the bride! CAMiLEON HEELS has created technology that makes your stilettos go from day to night.

According to their website the transformation happens in three steps:

"Adjusting CAMiLEON Heels from high-to-low heel positions is accomplished in three easy steps:

Step 1: Secure one hand around the top of the heel, while the other hand pulls straight down on the lower half of the heel to disengage it from its upright locked position.

Step 2: Push forward on the lower portion of the heel until it stops moving and is stowed directly under the arch region of the shoe.

Step 3: Push straight backward on the tip of the stowed heel until it is recessed slightly into the upper heel cavity and secured in its locked position.

Done! Once the adjustment has been made from a high-to-low heel position, the upper edge of the stowed heel should no longer be visible.

To restore the heel back into its full high heel position, simply reverse the previous steps."

These shoes are GENIUS! Currently CAMiLEON HEELS offers 16 different styles that range from pumps to mules and ranges in price from $210 - $325. They also offer free shipping and free returns (don't know why you would want to). All their styles are made with soft Italian Napa Leather. According to the news resources, these shoes are also very comfortable.

Ladies, don't hesitate to buy these shoes to your collection, just think you get two styles in one. Move over Manolo, Hello CAMiLEON.

-Percy

Photos from CAMiLEON HEELS

Found: One Glass Slipper

Talk about fairy tales! This glass, okay crystal encrusted, slipper will definitely make any female going to a ball feel like Cinderella...seems like I have been talking about this Cindy chick a lot lately.

When I saw this must have sling back in a magazine, I knew I had to post it on my site. It is so Drew Barrymore in Ever After. This Benjamin Adams knockout is handcrafted by Paradox London using the finest duchesse silk, Swarovski crystals, soft kid leather lining, and the highest quality leather soles. This closed toe sling back also features a crystal encrusted buckle.

This shoe has so much wow factor, if they made it in a man's size 9.5 and not such a high heel, I may have even contemplated wearing it to my next black or white tie event. But I will leave if to my female counterparts to take the pleasure of walking in these...and I will just admire from far.

Perfect for completing the bridal, prom, or formal ensemble...well that is if you down play the rest of the bling. In the words of Coco Chanel, "take off one accessory before leaving the house," but don't let it be these shoes. But then again, excess is sometimes good.

To find out more about this shoe and their other products, please visit the Paradox London Website at http://www.paradoxlondonus.com/ or call 1-866-955-SHOE (7463) for a stockist (people who stock the shoe) near you. The shoe is called, Lopez...maybe after Jenny from the block. Here's to hoping the shoe fits you before it does some other princess.

-Percy

Photo from www.paradoxlondonus.com