My Favorite Things: Hostess/Hosts Gifts for Holiday 2014

The holiday season is upon us and it's that time of the year our social calendar is be amped up! Between office parties, family parties, and friends open houses...this season, unlike any other, seems to be the time we definitely get our "eat, drink and be merry" on.

But don't come empty handed to a party! I think it's always nice to bring a hostess gift to the homes that you are visiting as a way to say "thank you for remembering me this time of the year." I know some people say, "no gifts" but in all reality - who does not like getting gifts?

So to help you pick out the right hostess/host gift for the season...I have compiled a few of my favorites for the year. I think they are all useful and pretty universal for anyone. So here you go.

My Drap
I love these My Drap tear off cocktail napkins on a roll! They come 50 units to a roll with a price of $27-$30. They are all 100% cotton and totally re-useable! They come in 5 sizes and 25 different colors, collegiate motifs and also seasonable prints! Perfect for the "hostess with the mostess" a definite must give for the holiday season! Easy storage and just a fun conversation piece for their next cocktail party!

Pottery Barn
These Pottery Barn saddle leather coasters are totally useful and rich looking. These coasters come in a set of six, are 4" in diameter, made from natural leather with hand stitching for $29. Free shipping from online orders and monogramming is available if you want them a little more personal... but even without them they look fantastic! Perfect for those who have everything.

lovesome

So my childhood friend Nicole has started her company  lovesome, which specializes in making out of this world dark chocolate bark! I have so many favorites flavors but the spicy pecan with sweet fig is my go to chocolate!  She currently offers about 20 flavors of these heavenly creations. A 6oz box is $12.50 and worth every penny! In addition, she also offers amazing tea cookies, cakes, and cupcakes. Perfect for your host/hostess with a sweet tooth.

Ojai Olive Oil Company
My current food obsession are these olive oils and balsamic vinegars from Ojai Olive Oil Company. My particular favorite at the moment is the Blackberry Ginger Balsamic Vinegar which is great on salads or for dipping bread into. A 250ml bottle runs about $12. The blue bottle is also quite nice. Great gift for the foodie or the home cook in your life.

Pacific Pickle Works

I can't get enough of these pickled confections by Pacific Pickle Works. These amazing items are all natural and hand crafted in Santa Barbara. My personal favorite item is the Bloody Mary Kit, which comes with a bottle of Bloody Mary Elixir, made with their own all-natural Worcestershire sauce, and a jar of Jalabeaños and Asparagusto! Enough to make at least 15 delicious Bloody Marys. All you have to do is add your own tomato juice. The kit retails for $29.95 and is the perfect gift for the host who knows the importance of an open bar.

Tabletop Made on Etsy
I love a good letter press thank you card. Especially one that is made by a local designer like Tabletop Made. This particular set of 6 blank cards is called Dot and Dash and they are beautiful and at the right price of $15! These cards are printed in Santa Barbara using a Kelsey Excelsior Press and hand printed using soy-based ink. Includes 6 4Bar kraft envelopes.Perfect for friends who still value handwritten cards!

Hopefully these suggestions will help in your hostess/host gift giving this season!

 Let's Celebrate!
-Percy

Here Comes the Bespoke Groom!

Who said that the bride should be the only one to get a custom-made outfit for their wedding day? With  more and more grooms being involved with what their wedding day will look like - it's only fitting that the groom should also get some bespoke clothing for his big day as well!

You no longer have to go to Italy or get an appointment at Ascot Chang in NYC to get custom-made shirts. Once only attainable to the wealthy, bespoke clothing brand J. Hilburn has brought custom clothing to the everyday man! Which is a perfect solution for the groom who wants to stand out!

Launched in 2007,  J. Hilburn delivers high-quality custom tailored men's apparel at affordable prices. So what does this mean for the groom who wants custom? J. Hilburn can help you design your wedding apparel from an array of fine Italian fabrics and style options, all from the convenience of your office or home! Giving you the opportunity to make sure you and your groomsmen look perfect for your special day. An added bonus for the groom is...since J. Hilburn sells directly to you...you are able to choose from the same exact fabrics offered by other luxury clothiers at significant savings and I mean SIGNIFICANT! This is the J. Hilburn advantage.

Need help? With J. Hilburn, planning what the guys will be wearing and how to get them outfitted is an easy task. J. Hilburn Style Advisor, Kathy Everitt can help with you with all your wedding style needs and how to best achieve them. And get this...you get a PERSONAL style consultant for NO CHARGE - imagine that! A full personal tailoring experience at the convenience of your own office or home AT NO CHARGE! Talk about moving on up! 

I recently interviewed Style Advisor, Kathy Everitt, regarding the J. Hilburn experience and I want to share with you excerpts from the discussion. 

What makes J. Hilburn special? 

Simply put, J. Hilburn is about value, extraordinary customer service, exceptional quality, great fit at below retail prices, and a welcome convenience for men who don’t have time to shop. J. Hilburn will come to your office or home, take your measurements on the spot, help you pick from a selection of 250 fabrics, design a shirt, and place an order with no minimum required. your measurements and selections are sent to J. Hilburn's specialty tailor. The garment is meticulously crafted to your specifications and will arrive a few weeks later. 

Isn't that level of service going to cost me an arm and a leg? 

With all the high-quality features and personal options J. Hilburn provides, one would expect to pay an arm and a leg. Not so. The fabrics are sourced directly from Italy’s Tessitura Monti S.p.A., where state-of-the-art technology is used to ensure the highest standard of quality. The company's custom products range from $79 for a dress shirt and up to $185 for made to measure Italian wool trousers. 

Since I am looking at custom clothing is it better to go formal or unique? 

What is your wedding style? Are you having a traditional wedding or a destination wedding by the ocean? Do you want a traditional wedding where all your groomsmen wear tuxedos or do you want them in beachwear? From formal to “anything goes” weddings,  J. Hilburn offers men’s attire to help reflect the unique and personal style of the groom and the bride on their wedding day.

Let me give you an example. If you are looking at a formal or black tie event you might want to look at J. Hilburn's bespoke tuxedo shirts which can be worn with any tuxedo style. The tuxedo shirt comes in two styles: (1) the classic point, and (2) the wing tip collar. The front two panels are chosen per the customer’s taste, and the rest of the shirt is made from a standard white broadcloth. Unlike a regular dress shirt, the tuxedo shirt comes with a strip that allows the top four buttons to be removed and replaced with studs.So as you can see - we will make sure these pieces meet your expectations. 

My groomsmen live all around the United States. How can we make sure we get the correct fit and styles for each of them? 

After meeting you for the initial style consultation, J. Hilburn goes the extra mile by scheduling appointments with your groomsmen for personal fittings. With a network of 650 style advisors nationwide, Kathy Everitt can easily coordinate measurements and fittings for the big day - no matter where your groomsmen may be.  Additionally, there's no need to stress out about the groomsmen picking out the wrong shirt or pants since our style advisors will have all the parameters from your consultation on file. 

Can I give these as gifts to my groomsmen? 

J. Hilburn is the perfect gift for your groomsmen. It's a great way to show your gratitude and appreciation. In addition you can give your most important men in your life a J. Hilburn gift card to order a custom piece when they want. Other great J.Hilburn gift ideas for the guys include cashmere sweaters, handcrafted silver cufflinks, exotic belts, and grooming products.

For more information about J. Hilburn or to schedule a personal fitting and consultation, please contact Kathy Everitt at (972) 523-3288 or at kathy.everitt@jhilburnpartner.com

Finally a coupon to use for trying their services!

Trend Thursday: Equality Rings

In celebration of Gay (LGBT) Pride Month and to all the states, like Iowa and New Hampshire who have passed laws allowing same-sex couples to legally get married, I am highlighting a very special designer who designs with equality in mind, David Jason Taylor.

David's designs are geared towards the men in your life, but his designs are unisex enough that women who love them can also wear them. Currently he has two lines on his Website, the Tribeca Silver Collection and the Venetian Gold Collection. Both lines are FABULOUS.

Who would have thought to design jeweled stackable rings for me the guys? Sure Tiffany's has been doing it for the ladies, but now multi-colored gem bling for guys...OUTSTANDING! Not only does he use diamonds, but he also uses such gems as linen quartz, lemon or green citrine, blue topaz, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires...OH MY. The big plus is all of his pieces are handmade and handcrafted the day they are ordered! In addition to his rings, David has made some outstanding necklaces that would be great gifts for your groomsmen, best woman, or anyone special in your lives.

These rings are not only perfect as wedding rings, but they make great engagement rings too. Additionally, if you don't plan to marry, they are just a perfect accessory to have. I'm personally eyeing the Tribeca Band Ring as a replacement to my own nonchalant wedding band.

So, in celebration of diversity and equality, show your pride and your support by supporting those who give back towards the fight for equal rights, such as David Jason Taylor. Additionally, when you place your order on the David Jason Taylor Website and use the following code: percysales, you will receive free shipping and 10% of your purchase will be donated to organizations that support marriage equality.

Visit the world of David Jason Taylor today, you will love his pieces.

-Percy

Photos from David Jason Taylor

Favorite Things From The Shop @ PSE: Something Blue

I've been feeling a little blue lately with the fires that seem to be growing out of control in Santa Barbara. But nevertheless, it seems that everything is getting better. So I thought today I would try to find items in the "something blue" category at The Shop @ Percy Sales Events. I used the convenient search feature found on the shop and a myriad of things came up...some expected and some not so expected. Here's a sampling of what I found.

Top Row (l to r): Something Blue Baby Doll Bridal Lingerie, $35; Hope Rhinestone Necklace and Earring Set, $52; Handkerchief and Sachet Set, $20.

Bottom Row (l to r): "Something Blue" Candle Wedding Favor, $1.60/each; Mira Bridal Garter, $34; Rose Blue Bridal Shoes in Pale Blue, $135.99.

The Shop @ Percy Sales Events will definitely not give you the blues. Explore it and find out what's new or what's perfect for you!

-Percy









Photos from The Shop @ Percy Sales Events

TIPsy Tuesday - Chocolate for Cinco De Mayo

In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, I thought I would blog about one of my favorite places in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Todos Santos Chocolates and Confections. Owner and self taught chocolatier, Hayward Simoneaux has a quaint little shop in the heart of Santa Fe and offers these extraordinary and delectable chocolate Milagros. Talk about chocolate as a religion!

Hayward uses Milagros not only to convey the culture that he lives in but to give chocoholics and others little miracles in every bite of his creations. His chocolates are masterfully and delicately covered with a thin veneer of 23-carat edible gold or silver leaf and infused with such flavors as chili and peppercorn. These chocolate Milagros are his signature pieces and it looks more like artwork than something edible. Once you take a bite...you'll know you have gone to heaven.

He packages his creations in great "Mexican" themed papers tying all of his products to a very fun and distinctive look. These chocolates would make great party favors for a Day of the Dead or Cinco de Mayo Party or just for the heck of it. Additionally brides and party throwers can use these chocolates to wish happiness and miracles in the lives of their guests.

Todos Santos Chocolates and Confections can be reached at (505) 982-3855 or by visiting their showroom in Santa Fe's Sena Plaza at 125 East Palace Avenue #31, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501. They do not have a Website so make a pilgrimage to this holiest of holy chocolate places or call and have them mail you their mouth watering wonders.

-Percy

Photos by Madelyn Miller

Wacky Wednesdays: The Man Registry

I came across this website just recently and I am totally diggin' it. It's a website that is just for the groom and is dedicated to everything groom. There's information on finding the right vendors for such things as the Bachelor Party, Rehearsal Dinner, DJ's, Groom's Cake, Groom Etiquette, and everything else that deals with the male perspective of the wedding. It's a perfect accompaniment to the bridal help sites. The best part of this is that it also has a wedding registry that caters just to the groom...non of the fancy shmancy china stuff.

I think it's wonderful and I am kinda sad I did not come up with the idea first! Go check it out or better yet tell your groom to check out, The Man Registry.



-Percy

Photo and video from The Man Registry

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

Fantastic Fridays: Gown Sketches

If you were wondering, Friday's are generally for guest bloggers, but I haven't been able to secure any guest bloggers lately, so I am going to flip flop between Guest Blogger Fridays and Fantastic Fridays. Fantastic Fridays will showcase something truly fantastic. It can be celebrity wedding news, political items I feel passionate about, or something I came across that I think is truly FANTASTIC!

Today happens to be a Fantastic Friday and I am featuring something really cool I came across reading one of my magazines this month...Bridal Gown Sketches. Sure Princess Diana and other celebrity brides have had their gowns sketched by the designer or artist as a keepsake piece, but now you can too. So what that you bought your gown at David's Bridal or on the Internet at some online wedding gown store. Now you can get the same couture treatment that celebrity brides get when designing their gowns.

One fantastic sketch artist that I discovered through the magazine is Jennifer Angilello who owns All About the Dress. Her stylized rendition of the bride and gown are fantastic. Jennifer's portraits run about $425, according to InStyle Weddings Magazine, and from the looks of her portfolio it's well worth it. If you are looking for a less pricey version you may want to visit Dreamlines where sketches run at the $100 rate and is shipped from France.

Another option is to get the artist in the family to do a rendition of your gown, maybe as their wedding gift to you. This option will definitely have more meaning...as it is someone you know. But what ever route you get, I definitely think getting an artist rendering of your gown, with you in it or not, is definitely a FANTASTIC thing to do as a memento to your wedding day.

Here's sketching you...kid!

-Percy

Sketches from All About the Dress

Favorite Things from The Shop @ PSE: Bridal Jewelry

The Shop @ Percy Sales Events has so many great things for brides, grooms and the entire wedding party. While shopping for some wedding jewelry for a bride, I found these two great items, at great prices!

First is the Felina Cubic Zirconia Earrings that are absolutely stunning. "At just about an inch long these cubic zirconia and pearl earrings are an elegantly understated way to accessorize. Each pierced earring has a silver setting and measures 7/8" long." These beautiful earrings are available at The Shop @ Percy Sales Events for $38/pair.

The other must have is the blinged out Juliana Pearl and Crystal Bracelet. This bracelet is "dramatic enough to be your only accessory, this bracelet also pairs beautifully with a simple pair of pearl and crystal earrings. The inside is set with an invisible, no-pinch elastic band so it's easy to slip on and comfortable to wear all night. Made with faux pearls and crystals in a silver setting." The wrist bling is available at The Shop @ Percy Sales Events for $58.

Both would be great gifts for the bridesmaid or for your own bridal jewelry on your special day. Make sure to see what else The Shop @ Percy Sales Events has for you!

Happy Shopping.

-Percy









Photos from The Shop @ Percy Sales Events

Favorite Things from The Shop @ PSE: Bridesmaid's Shawls

As I was looking at The Shop @ Percy Sales Events for bridesmaid's gifts for a client, I came across these wonderful shawls that has the look and feel of real pashmina, without the price. These Bridesmaid's Shawl at The Shop @ Percy Sales Events come in array of luscious colors and are priced to move at $18.00 each. It's the perfect gift to your maids and they will be able to use it again and again!

Find these and other great bridesmaid's gifts at The Shop @ Percy Sales Events.

Have fun shopping!

-Percy








Photo from The Shop @ Percy Sales Events

Guest Blogger Fridays: DeAnna Cochran Jewelry and The Thoughtful Gallery

DeAnna is one of my greatest friends and confidants. I asked her to do a blog regarding jewelry that gives back and I think it's appropriate for the thoughtful bride and groom. Here's her guest blog...I hope you enjoy it.

- Percy

When it comes to a wedding, there are so many things for the bride and groom to consider. They put their best creative foot forward to create the wedding experience of a lifetime. They consider the perfect venue, colors, flowers, invitations, and food. But sometimes those creative juices run dry when it comes to wedding party gifts.

Over the years, we have experienced our fill of engraved flasks, frames, photo albums, and key chains. While these gifts have the best of intentions...all too often they end up collecting dust on a shelf, tucked away in a drawer, or forever destined to stay in the box...much like the bridesmaid dress we vow we will wear again.

I personally remember the daunting task of choosing wedding party gifts for my own wedding. Shortly before my wedding my (then) fiancé and I took a pre-wedding trip to Como, Italy. As part of that trip we bought very individualized gifts for our wedding party. If a trip to an exotic location is not in your near future there are still great choices for the discerning bride and groom.

The newly launched DeAnna Cochran “boutique” collection is one of those perfect choices. Charitable? Yes. Green? Yes. Thoughtful and personalized? Absolutely. The new “boutique collection gives back to MEND.org (a worthy organization helping parents heal after the loss of a child) and better yet this collection is a way to further limit your footprint on the environment. Designs are hand formed and hand carved one at a time from a “green” high carat metal called metal clay. It is made of reclaimed from x-rays, film negatives, cell phones, computer components, and other recycled metal. The result is fine silver (.999 silver and the purest of silver) with options in 24k gold plate.

From cuff links, to necklaces and bracelets the I can work with the bride and groom personally to put together a special and personalized package perfect for the wedding party. Each piece comes in custom eco-friendly packaging made from natural and recycled materials. Included with each piece is an card regarding the charitable focus of the collection. This is “Jewelry for a Cause”. It is the gift that gives back in more ways that one.

DeAnna Cochran’s “gallery” collection has been recognized by fashion, television, & news publications including NBC, ABC, Lucky Magazine, OK! Magazine Australia , and ON Magazine as well as numerous online publications. Most recently it was awarded “Best in Show” at the Buyers Market of American Craft by Inspired Retailer Magazine (a trade magazine connecting gallery owners and artists focused on social and environmental causes). Her original “gallery” collection is found in prestigious galleries such as the Dallas Museum of Art Museum Store. The new “boutique” collection was launched in October 2008.

Check Out All The Fabulousness at:

DeAnna Cochran Jewelry Boutique Collection
or

DeAnna Cochran Jewelry Website

Photos from DeAnna Cochran Jewelry

1. Initial Necklace in Silver with Gem Stone

2. Initial Bracelet in Gold with Gem Stone

3. Initial Cuff Links in Silver

Trend Thursdays: Heirloom Boutonnieres

Why should the bride be the only one to pass on an heirloom? Now grooms have that opportunity, thanks to these gorgeous boutonnieres by Philadelphia based Amanda Elizabeth Jewelry. I love these flower masterpieces and can't wait to suggest them to my grooms and brides.

Amanda Elizabeth Jewelry has created seven sterling silver creations just for the men in your life or women. It's a perfect reminder of your wedding and can be displayed in a shadow box as a piece of art after the event. These creations run about $475. These are also perfect gifts for the groomsmen or the parents of the couple.

Currently they have the following boutonnieres available on their Website: Lilly, Thistle, Eucalyptus, Sunflower, Carnation, Oak Leaf, and Ripple. All are stunning! The artist can also create these flowers in copper and gold.

Other artists who are doing pieces like this include DeAnna Cochran Jewelry.

A perfect sentiment for the perfect day.

-Percy

Photo from Amanda Elizabeth Jewelry

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

TIPsy Tuesday: Groom's Survival Guide

Michael Arnot who owns GroomGroove.com and a fellow blogger has released a survival guide for grooms, titled Don't Screw Up Your Bride's Wedding. The book was released in December 2008 and perfect timing for the "2009 Wedding Season," but after reading through his website and blogs, I am sure it is full of great tips for the groom.

If it's anything like his blog or Website, I am sure it will make a great read. It will be packed with all original work from Mike, which will include musings from his blog, and will cover everything from popping the question to honeymoon planning. This book will surely become the wedding bible for any groom or soon-to-be groom.

Check it out this coming December or reserve your copy on Amazon now.

-Percy

Book cover photo from Amazon

TIPsy Tuesday: Knowing your Diamonds

Since Valentine's Day is one of the biggest days for proposals, I thought I would write a blog for the proposer, so they understand what to look for in a diamond. Sure the proposal is more than just the diamond, but we all know that once the question is asked and the answer is given, the first thing the proposed one does is show off the bling.

So here's your tip in understanding what to look for when buying a diamond.

Diamond 101: The Four C's from Buying Diamonds

The 4Cs about buying diamonds are used throughout the world to classify the rarity of diamonds. Diamonds with the combination of the highest 4C ratings are more rare and, consequently, more expensive. The four c's of diamond covers numerous aspects of each individual diamond's qualities, but there are four grades which are critical to understand i.e cut, clarity, color, and carat weight.

The four c's about buying diamonds are:

Diamond Cut

The cut of a diamond has a tremendous affect on its brilliance. Even if the diamond has perfect color and clarity, a poor cut can make a diamond look dull. Cut is probably the most important quality factor, and most challenging, of the four Cs to understand. The brilliance of a diamond depends heavily on its cut. More info on diamond cut.

Diamond Clarity

Most diamonds have inclusions (minute traces of non-crystallized carbon). Usually, the inclusions are not visible to the naked eye (excluding Imperfects). I think that the minute inclusions that there may be, make every diamond unique like a finger print.

Most diamonds contain some inner flaws, or inclusions, that occur during the formation process. The visibility, number and size of these inclusions determine what is called the clarity of a diamond. Diamonds that are clear create more brilliance, and thus are more highly prized, and priced. More info on diamond clarity.

Diamond Color

Most diamonds have a slightly yellow or brown color. With the exception of some natural fancy colors (blue, pink, violet, green, or red (expensive one), the colorless grade is the most valuable.

GIA developed color scale for colorless diamond. Diamond color is graded on the scale from D (colorless) to Z+ (fancy yellow). Your price range will determine what color, cut and shape that your diamond will have which color range.

Colorless diamonds are the most desirable since they allow the most refraction of light (sparkle). Off white diamonds absorb light, inhibiting brilliance. More info on diamond color.

Carat Weight

Carat weight is the obvious factor in determining the price of a diamond. However, bigger is not always better in the diamond business. If there are two diamonds of equal weight can have very unequal value, depending on their cut, color and clarity.

The weight of the diamond is measured in carats. The metric carat equals 0.200 gram. A carat is the unit of weight by which a diamond is measured. Because large diamonds are found less commonly than small diamonds, the price of a diamond rises exponentially to its size. Read this guide to get a better understanding of what a carat is and how it affects the appearance of a diamond. More info on diamond carat weight.

Hope this helps is picking the right ring for your loved one. Good Luck and Congratulations!

-Percy

Photo from Buying Diamonds

Trend Thursdays: Custom Made Gifts

In the world of custom weddings...there are brides and grooms that want everything to reflect them, and why shouldn't it? It is your wedding day right! I realize that your day is something that should focus on you, but when giving gifts to your attendants, maybe the focus should be placed on them. This is where Freddy & Ma can come in.

Freddy & Ma offers the perfect gifts for your attendants. They offer customized handbags, pillows, and melamine plates. You can gift your bridesmaid's purses that either reflects their personality or one that matches their gowns. The possibilities are endless because you can choose from 250 cotton twill purses or several colors of patent-leather all with sateen lining.

The plus is that if you order more than 5 custom pieces, you will receive a 20% discount off the $165 price tag. Check it out...maybe you might even consider doing custom melamine plates for your dinner service or pillows for you lounge. Their interactive site is very user friendly!

-Percy

Photos from Freddy & Ma

Wacky Wednesdays: I ♥ Hot Cakes Design

I first discovered Hot Cakes Design when a friend of mine wore one of Caramia Coppola's carved resin design necklaces with the image of Frida Kahlo on it. Caramia was commissioned to do a piece of her splendid jewelry for the SFMoMA's (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art) Kahlo exhibit last summer. I am really upset I missed the exhibit and even more upset that I was not able to buy one of those "Frida" necklaces for my sister-in-law for Christmas, she {hearts} Frida.

I called Caramia to see if I could order it directly from her and she said no, it was an exclusive piece for SFMoMA. Oh well. But she did have other designs in carved resin that was just as beautiful. Caramia's designs are definite statement piece of jewelry. They are bold. Though she does have more daintier designs for those looking to make a not so strong statement. Either way you go, your recipient will not be disappointed.

After looking into her art jewelry more, it was mentioned that she can customize her jewelry to fit a certain theme, wedding, event. I thought, wait a minute, did she just say "customize?" You mean I can choose anything to go into that clear acrylic center of your jewelry? SCORE!

Caramia's Hot Cakes Design make the perfect gifts for your bridesmaids, groomsmen, or any other special person in your life. You can customize the pics to suit the person you are gifting or choose from one of the stock images. How cool would it be to give cuff links to your best man with pics of his kids or even his beloved car? How about a ring or necklace with your maid-of-honors favorite pet? Talk about custom gifts. It is suggested for customized pieces to order 6-8 weeks ahead.

If you can't wait...check out her stock graphics at Hot Cakes Design. I am sure you will think they are spectacular too. Her stock carved resin necklaces retail for a mere $98 with $5 shipping or you can pick up a few of her pieces at her store Favor, located at 2420 Polk Street (at Union Street) in San Francisco. Trust me a close up look of these pieces will get you gals drooling. They are absolutely out of this world.

-Percy

Photos from Hot Cakes Design

Destination Couture

I heard about this fabulous mapmaker from another blog, Wedding Wire, who learned about it from the {ritzy bee} blog, and I am absolutely in love with her work and can't wait to suggest it to my future couples and party throwers! It's Couture Maps by Stephanie Barba.

Couture Maps by Stephanie Barba will customize a map specifically for your event in a whimsical style. It's perfect for any event and it's just cool to look at. A custom map by Couture Maps by Stephanie Barba take about 6 weeks to produce, from design concept to print, but it will definitely be worth the wait.

Check out her portfolio at Couture Maps by Stephanie Barba, she has some awesome examples of past maps that she is artistically made. She can make a map to fit an invitation you may have already purchased, or have her design an invitation with the map you want! Additionally, to match your couture map, their calligrapher can hand write the directions, step by step, in the same fashion of your one-of-a-kind road art.

Hope this guides you to the right location for providing directions to your event.

-Percy

Photo from Couture Maps by Stephanie Barba

Bridal Show of All Bridal Shows this Monday 9/22 in Los Angeles

If there is one bridal show you must attend this year, it's The Wedding Salon Wedding Showcase. It's being held this Monday, September 22, 2008 from 4pm - 9pm at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA.

The cost of the is $50/for two people, a drop in the bucket for everything you get and the people you will meet. I'm sure that their goody bags alone will be worth the price! For a list of vendors for the LA show, please visit The Wedding Salon site.

Hope to see you Southern California Brides there!

-Percy

GUEST BLOGGER: Bonnie from BonitaJ (Bridal & Bridesmaid Jewelry)

Bonnie from BonitaJ, has some great bridal and bridesmaid jewelry on her site and I am so happy that she wanted to guest blog on my site. Thank you Bonnie for sharing the latest trends in bridal accessories!

- Percy

Different Styles for Different Bridesmaids

All bridesmaids were not created alike, and their accessories can reflect their own personalities in a variety of ways. Although it is now more common for brides to select a color scheme and have their bridesmaids select a different dress within that same exact color scheme, the trend of a variety of jewelry in the same color palette is becoming more popular.

We all have the loud and out going friend and we all have that shy and timid friend. We love them for who they are and how their uniqueness makes them special in our lives. Give your bridesmaids their own unique styles of jewelry to match those personalities.

Why not select big, bold earrings for that outgoing bride and choose a drop or linear style earring for the shy bridesmaid that doesn’t wear huge colorful jewelry. You can do this, coordinate their looks, and have it all look great together. A couple of tips to use when selecting your maids accessories is to keep the color combinations similar. If your color palette is a fall mix of copper, burgundy, and gold, then keep that color scheme throughout your entire jewelry selection.

There is an easy way to accomplish this task, find a jewelry designer that offers Swarovski crystals and pearls in their jewelry line. Swarovski creates a multitude of pearl and crystal color options so that matching your gowns and color palettes with your jewelry is easy. When you wear jewelry made with Swarovski crystals and pearls you are wearing a quality product that doesn’t scratch, has the truest colors and sparkles magnificently.

Whatever jewelry you decide to coordinate for your bridesmaids finished look, find pieces that they will love and cherish. The plus side is that every girl loves to receive jewelry and why not...it's the a gift she can wear repeatedly. Choose jewelry that reflects your most special friend’s personalities and they will love you for it.

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Percy Sales Events Readers:

Bonnie has graciously offered a one time use coupon with a 15% discount off your entire order to all Percy Sales Event readers on her jewelry. Use coupon code: PERCY. This is a one time use - no minimum order coupon. Take advantage of it folks, her jewelry is spectacular.

Visit the BonitaJ Website today!

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