Rocks and Wrecks at the 2011 Grammys

Best Performance of the evening. Cee Lo Green and Gwyneth Paltrow

The Grammys are all about Rock 'N Roll Style...the time for celebrities to pump up their red carpet style with some edge! We saw some ROCK it out, while others were just a total WRECK! The overall show was a little drab, but for the most part I enjoyed the performances!

Cee Lo Green and Gwyneth Paltrow blew it out of the park with their collaboration on F$@* You - otherwise known as the song Forget You. Cee Lo, dressed like a cross between Elton John and the NBC Peacock, made the performance. He was backed by some Muppets - a memorable throw back to Elton John on The Muppet Show. Ms. Paltrow, in a plunging neckline cat suite, showcased her voice and made the song truly a Grammy favorite - I HATE YOU TOO!

Lady Gaga's performance was also memorable, though not the best that I have seen from her. The latex outfits a little odd, but what do you expect from Gaga. The number by Bruno Mars, B.O. B, and Jenelle Monae was also memorable and great to see these relatively new artists showcase their talents! Eminem was also wonderful...that's one angry white boy...but the emotions and performance electrifying!

Worst moments included Christina Aguilera doing her over the top vocal mishmash. Thank goodness Jennifer Hudson, Yolanda Adams, Martina McBride and Florence Welch were there to save the tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. RiRi had a bad night vocally but her second performance with Drake was far better than her collaboration with Eminem. Bieber, Usher, Jaden Smith...odd performance, but I guess I just may be too old to get Bieber (even though he is talented, Smith not so, and Usher - stick to dancing though I live the song OMG).

Here's my picks for best and worst dress for the evening!

Rockin' it out!

Nicole Kidman in Jean Paul Gautier, Miley Cyrus in Roberto Cavalli, Lea Michele in Pucci, and Julianne Hough in Catherine Malandrino.

Jennifer Lopez in Pucci, Jada Pinkett-Smith in Amanda Wakeley, Keri Hilson in Basil Soda, and Eva Longoria in Ashi.

 

Jennifer Hudson in Versace, Heidi Klum in Julien Macdonald, Florence Welch in Givenchy Couture, and Janelle Monae in Ralph Lauren.

Now for the Wrecks - these outfits totally crashed and should be burnt!

Willow Smith in a custom outfit including Louis Vuitton shoes...looks like Scary Spice incarnate, Toni Braxton in unknown looked way too matronly and the dress looks too big, Leanne Rimes in Reem Acra, not so bad but the dress looks a little too big, Ciara in Pucci, - less is more Ciara - way too much going on.

Nicki Minaj in Givenchy - BAPs revisited WTF?, Rhianna in Jean Paul Gaultier - looks like you took the fur trim off Mrs. Claus' dress and sewed them together - not flattering, Haley Williams in Jeremy Scott - so wrong in so many ways - looks like you took it out of a dress up box of a 6 year old, Katy Perry in Armani - the disco ball bra is so 1990 and the skirt looks like curtains from a funeral home.

Ultimate Wreck Lady Gaga. I get it you are an original, but can you do something normal for once. I realize that you were born this way, but we didn't need to see you in your egg.

Now for the men...just a mashup of what they were wearing.

Rockin' It

Ricky Martin - love the silver jeans and combat boots - now that's coming out, Lenny Kravitz - rocker chic and he can pull it off, Adam Lambert - safe and hip with a little bit of glam, Justin Bieber - age appropriate and stylish.

Wreckin' It

Usher - homeless chic never chic unless your homeless, DJ David Guetta - did you and Usher shop at the same thrift store?, Sean "Diddy" Combs - is 90s revival in style? Lose the outfit, the grills, and the sunglasses!, John Mayer or is it Johnny Depp - John or Johnny? Mayer you don't look cool.

Well there you have it, my rock and wrecks for the 2011 Grammy Award Red Carpet.  Enjoy!

The Knot Best of Weddings 2011 and Cake Balls...Makes for a Good Day!

Well it's been a pretty exciting day at Percy Sales Events and it's not even noon yet! We got an email a few weeks ago that stated that we were voted as one of the Best Wedding Planners by The Knot for their 2011 Best of Weddings - a yearly thing they do that identifies the best of the best in every region! Today it was official as The Knot revealed publicly their 2011 The Knot Best of Weddings on their website and we were definitely on the list! Next up is the publication which should come out in the next month or so!

I am so honored and happy to have been selected amongst my peers and recognized as one of the best by such an influential publication! I am more than ecstatic! 2011 is going to be a great year for Percy Sales Events and we can't wait to assist our current and future couples in creating their dream weddings!

If you need assistance on any level with your weddings, birthday, or any other type of celebration, Percy Sales Events will be more than happy to work with you! If you mention The Knot upon contracting our services we will give you an additional 10% off our services! Percy Sales Events is available to produce, design, and coordinate weddings worldwide. Ask us about our destination wedding services making it easy and simple to have your wedding abroad or let us design and plan the wedding of your dreams locally! Either way, Percy Sales Events, will make sure that your wedding or other celebration will be one you remember with joy forever!

Look out for our new website soon! We are revamping and updating the look of the Percy Sales Events website.

After we received the news about The Knot, I had a little tasting session in the office to try these new cake balls from a company out of Dallas called Zen Baking Company. The little balls of heaven were pretty amazing but not at all what I was expecting. From the get go, I had in my mind that these little sweet balls were going to be mini circular, ball like, cakes that were iced and decorated...a cake ball. What we got was something more surprising and something that I love! You know you all love to lick the left over batter off the bowls when you are baking right? Well, these "cake" balls are more of the like the uncooked batter, just a little more dense (truffle like consistency)...not sure how they do it actually...but I think they should be renamed as Cake Batter Balls. But at any rate, these cake balls by Zen Baking Company would make nice favors or an addition to your dessert table at your event.

Our favorite cake ball flavors that we tried today were:
Ode to NOLA a pecan praline concoction
Mocha Toffee Crunch
Pastilla de Yummy (a sugar candy sorta bite - for Filipinos it tastes like the pastilla sugar candies)
Choco-choco-choco-late a chocoholics best friend!
Purplelicious is a made from purple yams or Ube and is a throwback to a traditional Filipino dessert, really delicious

The other item we tried and absolutely loved from Zen Baking Company was their Cookie Dough Whoa balls! I absolutely enjoyed these...the grainy raw cookie dough presented in an upscale way and covered in either white chocolate or dark chocolate...what else can you ask for! The Snickerdoodle was pretty awesome and was a hit amongst those tasting them. All in all these were probably our most favorite and people were fighting for the leftovers.

In addition to their core flavors, they also offer seasonal and specialty flavors! I am sure if there is something you are wanting they can probably come up with a cake ball to match it. A bit of warning - these cake balls are not for the faint of heart. These are pretty intense in taste and it definitely gives you a sugar rush. Think truffles only cakier.

They have many options for presentation packaging and they ship their products pretty meticulously. So ordering them for shipping is no problem at all. The samples arrived at my house as beautiful as they packaged them up. These will definitely be a hit and a conversation piece at your next event. For more information please contact Zen Baking Company if you are in the Dallas area you can find cake balls at your local Central Market.

Thank you to Zen Baking Company for sending us samples! We are fans!

Wacky Wednesday: My New TV Guilty Pleasure

I realize that this has absolutely nothing to do with weddings or events, but I have to say that since it's Wacky Wednesdays, I have to give props to a pilot TV show I watched last night, Glee on Fox. I have to say that I think this is going to be my new favorite show...my new guilty pleasure.

Glee is a mix between the original Fame TV show meets High School Musical. The characters all seem really interesting and I think it's going to make for good TV. I hope they don't cheese it up too much. The storyline was really interesting, the musical numbers were wonderful, and the characters are great. For me it was the triple crown of TV viewing last night. As another friend put it, "It's shear genius!" and I have to agree.

The premise is a high school music teacher torn between doing what he loves and making more money to support his wife and the lifestyle she thinks they should have. Than there's the other teacher who is secretly in love with the music teacher. The football stud turned Glee Club geek, after the music teacher basically fabricated a story to get him to sing in the group after he heard him singing in the shower of the boys locker room. Finally, you have your Glee Club geeks who are just a great group of of folks with awesome voices. I can't wait for the season to start.

If you missed the pilot, you can watch it in full here. Favorite line from the show last night, "I'm Beyonce, I ain't no Kelly Rowlands standing in the background."

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

-Percy

Photo from Fox

Trend Thursday: My Favorite Dresses for Spring 2010

What wedding planner does not love wedding gowns? With a slew of designers showing off their Spring 2010 collection recently, I was salivating at the gorgeous creations that hit the runways. Sure there were some of the same ole same ole Princess gowns, Grecian gowns, empire, mermaid and a-lines, but folks those are the standards that people want and are staples to any bridal collection.

I was in bridal gown overload looking at all these gowns but than there were some that just stood out to me. Here are my top four picks for Spring 2010.

(left to right)

1. Carolina Herrera - This gown was just embellished enough and gave the whole look that extra "Ola senorita" feel about it. It was young, vibrant and the fabric looks incredible. The neckline is not too revealing and the ruching is just perfect. I particularly love the boating hat also. Work of art considering she based her inspiration on works of art this season.
   
2. Monique Lhuillier - I am a fan of Monique! This dress is so beautiful. The bodice is perfectly ruched and the ball skirt just reminds me of a bed of flowers. Perfect for a spring wedding. What I love about this dress is that it looks like its structured or has to many fabrics but it actually moves nicely, an almost ethereal feel to the whole dress.
3. Oscar de la Renta - Oscar is the master of classic silhouettes that still is modern. What I love about this dress is that it is such a throw back to Jackie O, but I could see a modern day first bride wearing it too. I love the ribbon belt, the embellished fabric, the 3/4 sleeves and the whole look of this piece. Perfect for a wedding at the courthouse or even in a lovely meadow somewhere. Pure bridal without being over the top.
4. Priscilla of Boston - This dress is perfect, from the silver-ish undertone to to the belted empire waist, to the detachable train. Elegant, regal and outstanding. It's so Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly meets Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. I love it.
   

I hope these dresses have inspired you in your quest for the perfect gown.

-Percy

Photos from Brides.com

Wacky Wednesdays: Stinkerpants Invitations and Save the Date Cards

I came across Stinkerpants invitations by fluke...actually by blog surfing and automatically fell in love with Sara's designs. These unique invitations, save the date cards, what ever you want them to be cards are all hand drawn by this incredible artists and style-maker. I have not seen anything this unique in a long time and can't wait to use her talents for a bride and groom! I am even thinking I might have her do my family holiday cards this year!

Stinkerpants Designs does everything from scratch. There's no "templates" used and it's truly a custom piece. If you are looking for a quirky and unique way to announce your wedding, invite people to your nuptials, or even tell them to save the date, than look no further...Stinkerpants Designs will definitely deliver that and more.

I love the colorfulness and the sheer joy that these invitations convey. Say goodbye to stuffy boxed invitations and say hello to modern cool! For more information and a gallery of her other designs, please visit Stinkerpants Designs.

-Percy

Photo from Stinkerpants Designs

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

Favorite Things from The Shop @ PSE: The Wedding Bag ™

As promised, I am doing a weekly review of my favorite things found at The Shop @ Percy Sales Events. Since my shop just opened this week, I thought it was totally appropriate to find an item that will get me organized and in the mood for shopping and planning. I came across this wonderful bag, The Wedding Bag ™ by Shelley George.

This bag is perfect to have while planning the most spectacular party of your life. And after the grand soiree you can use it to tote around town (but only after Memorial Day and before Labor Day). However, if you are a bride to be, it's perfect to carry anytime of the year! It will indicate to everyone that YOU ARE THE BRIDE!

Shelley George has designed this bag so it works for toting around all your wedding or event essentials. It's a practical piece that will keep you organized. For more information on this essential item, please visit The Shop @ Percy Sales Events.

Additionally, visit The Shop @ Percy Sales Events for all your wedding and event needs!

-Percy









Photo from The Shop @ Percy Sales Events

Wacky Wednesdays: Big in Japan

They say it's easy when you are big in Japan and I guess that's why the Japanese does it big. Talk about the new spa trend. Ladies and Gents, here's an idea for your "spa day" with the gals or guys, maybe a co-ed spa day.

Apparently in Japan, the latest trend in spa treatments are drinks...I read this is a UPI.Com article. Last year it was all about the doctor fish treatment, you know where you stick your feet in spa water that has thousands of fresh water Garra Rufa and they eat the dead skin off your feet, leaving them smooth and luscious. Since the trend is now passe, they have done the other extreme and have introduced shared spa baths filled with Green Tea, Sake, Red Wine and yes Strawberry's and Cream.

The Green Tea Spa with it's oversized tea kettle, boasts about health benefits such as preventing rough dry skin, whitening (I take it as skin whitening), or effects for cold constitution. The Red Wine Spa, under which water flows from a big red wine bottle, claims to relieve fatique, moisturizing benefits, and anti-aging. The Sake Spa, characterized by a large Sake (Rice Wine) Barrel, claims to help with skin care, relieving back pain, and cold constitution. Finally the most luxurious of the hip new spa treatments...the Strawberry Spa, where you sit in an oversized Strawberry Shortcake and bath in water mixed with strawberry juice and skim milk...touting benefits of skin care and moisturizing.

At any rate, spas should be fun and relaxing and these spas, found in Hakone Japan, Hanagawa Prefecture, is just that. Plus it's family friendly. I wonder if these spa joints will ever make it to the US? If you can't make it in Japan, maybe you can concoct your own drink treatment and try it in your bathtub. A Diet Pepsi bath...hmmm wonder what that would benefit?

-Percy

Photos from UPI/Kezo Mori

Guest Blogger Fridays: Elizabeth Anne Designs and The EAD Library

I am a fan of Elizabeth Anne Designs. Ami and Rebekah have great ideas on their website/blog. Their site is so fun to explore...both vendors and clients alike will get inspired in creating some lovely events. One of their best features on their site is The EAD Library, a comprehensive one stop shop of vendors nationwide. Check it Out! I hope you enjoy their guest blog. - Percy

Hi, this is Ami Elizabeth and Rebekah Anne from Elizabeth Anne Designs. We are so excited to have been asked to guest blog today about one of our babies, The EAD Library.

The EAD Library is filled with thousands of useful links, from photographers to shops to stationers and our goal is to help every bride and groom, no matter their location, find the vendors and inspiration they need for a beautiful event. The Library is organized into several categories: Photography, Stationery, Planning & Design, Venues, Floral Design, Shops, Beauty, Edibles, Videography, and Miscellaneous. Where applicable, these links are organized by state to help everyone find links quickly and easily!

Links you will find in the Library are not paid listings. Having a link in the Library is completely free - this allows us to present the most comprehensive wedding vendor resource guide possible. We offer vendors the opportunity to expand their listing, giving our readers full contact information as well as images of their work.

Another great feature of the Library is the ability for clients to write reviews of their vendors. It’s a great way for brides and grooms to read real opinions about the vendors they are considering and really helps to build a sense of community on the Library.

We have recently done a full redesign of the Elizabeth Anne Designs website and we are so excited to have a more fully integrated site. It’s easier than ever for brides and grooms to find vendors in the Library!

A big blog hug goes to Laura Hooper for providing all of the illustrations used throughout the EAD site. And another big blog hug goes to Percy for letting us blog here today! We are huge fans of Percy’s work, and of course he is a Library Member!

E. & A.

Photos from Elizabeth Anne Designs

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

Location Location Location - Casa Barranca in Ojai, CA

I'm giving props to a local estate and vacation rental in my hometown of Ojai, California. This 54 acre craftsman home nestled in the hills of the Ojai Valley is probably one of my favorite rental homes ever! It's called Casa Barranca.

Casa Barranca is surrounded with lush landscaping, incredible views and is the perfect backdrop for a wedding or event. It offers so many options for your event and guests. Additionally, the jaw dropping architecture and furnishings are sure to amaze. If you are staying in the home, you will be pampered not only by the staff but by the location. Talk about a time to relax!

The main house is called the Pratt House and "Architectural Digest notes that in the grace of the Pratt House "...the sun translates the Greenes' structural poetry into ever-shifting patterns of light against polished wood. At night... the silhouette of live oaks is framed against the Milky Way. A closer approximation to Shangri-La is hard to imagine."

Additionally, Casa Barranca also has their own organic vineyard and their wines are fabulous! Accoridng to the Casa Barranca Organic Wine Website, "Our boutique wines are handcrafted in our century old underground stone winery where we use gravity to rack our wines. We are committed to employing winemaking practices without the use of toxic solvents and cleaners. Our winery is powered by solar electricity and we grow and purchase grapes that are farmed without the use of any pesticides or herbicides. This is in keeping with the most time honored traditions of old world winemaking."

Visit the Casa Barranca Website for a virtual tour of the house. If you are interested in checking out this home and other retreat homes in the Ojai Valley, contact Judy Gabriel with Retreats of Ojai and she will be happy to show you what great estates and retreats Ojai has to offer.

-Percy

Photo from Casa Barranca

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

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.

http://www.bonitaj.com/
info@BonitaJ.com
888-430-2623

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!

Photos from BonitaJ.com

For You Honeymooners

For you newlyweds and honeymooners, Condé Nest Traveler has released its 14th Annual Gold List of "The Best Places to Stay in the World."

You will find everything from hotels in the United States to Beijing, China and everywhere, and I mean it literally, in the world. Therefore, if you are looking for a getaway or you're planning your memorable honeymoon, consider looking at the recommendations of the readers of Condé Nest Traveler.

Each hotel on the 14th Annual Gold List will have an overall score from 0-100. Additionally, the listing will give you price points from $ to $$$$, location, photos, and will offer an overview of the property. Also, when you click on a property, it will give you the number of rooms on the property as well as ratings on the rooms, service, food, location, design, and activities at the hotel. It's a pretty overwhelming list, but thoroughly helpful.

Here's to hoping you find a fabulous place to stay. Happy resort hunting!

-Percy

Photo from Condé Nest Traveler

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

Starlight, Starbright...

First Starfish I see tonight. DeAnna Cochran Jewelry is making a big impact this summer with these great starfish accessories, titled Anthony's Wish™. She styles these pieces from a real starfish and they are absolutely gorgeous. Both the Anthony's Wish™ Cufflinks and Bracelet are hand carved of pure silver (.999 silver) and measures 1" in diameter. The bracelet is 7 inches in length.

For you brides and grooms out there, if you are looking for attendant gifts and you are getting married near the shore or having a beach themed wedding, these are exactly what you need! They are a perfect reminder of your summer or beachside wedding and a gift your groomsmen and bridesmaids will cherish a lifetime.

Additionally, what I love about these pieces is that by purchasing a DeAnna Cochran Jewelry Anthony's Wish™ Starfish Cufflinks or Bracelet you are also benefiting an organization called, Koinonia Foster Homes in Oxnard, California. Portions of the sale of these items are donated back to organization that first introduced Anthony to his adoptive parents. So not only are you giving a great gift to your attendants, but you are also giving to a much-needed organization. You are fulfilling many wishes with the purchase of these items. The starfish symbolizes rebirth and regeneration. It is also known as the symbol of hope, optimism, and determination.

The Anthony's Wish™ Collection by DeAnna Cochran Jewelry can be purchased through Skimbaco an online retailer located in Colorado. Check out the DeAnna Cochran Jewelry collection at Skimbaco today and discover the other charity pieces that this up and coming jewelry designer is known. Such celebrities as as Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes have worn DeAnna Cochran Jewelry. Suri Cruise is a big fan of DeAnna Cochran Jewelry's Jackson Leaf™ Necklace according to OK! Magazine Australia (Issue 108, A-List Kids! Inside Their Secret Lives) .

So make a wish and fulfill the wishes of others with the Anthony's Wish™ Collection by DeAnna Cochran Jewelry.

-Percy

Photos from DeAnna Cochran Jewelry

My Top Five Best Wedding Movies Ever

As a wedding planner, movies offer inspiration and a dose of comic relief for my much beloved career. It also offers an opportunity to cry...yeah okay so I am a guy who cries at chick flicks...call me a sap, but I just do. I just love wedding themed movies and now I am going to name off my Top Five Best Wedding Themed Movies ever...here they are:

1) Muriel's Wedding (1994): Set in Porpoise Spit and Sydney, Australia, this movie starring Toni Collette and Rachel Griffiths was an indie sleeper. It gives a look to the trial and tribulations of Muriel Heslop who is looking for love and the ultimate wedding day. She is obsessed with ABBA so the movie has a lot of ABBA music...sounds like Mama Mia, but trust me it's much better. Such a fun movie. I can watch it over and over again.

Favorite Quote from the movie: "My life is as good as an ABBA song. It's as good as Dancing Queen. "

2) My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002): Who doesn't love watching the love affair between Toula and Ian. This is a great movie to relate to if you have a huge family. Nia Vardalos gives a wonderful performance and so does her dad Gus, played by Michael Constantine. Additionally, John Corbett is perfect in the role of the "gringo love interest." Plus it gives you insight on the type of dresses not to buy!

Favorite Quote from the movie: "There's a hole in this cake!"

3) Father of the Bride (1950) & (1991): I love both versions of the movie. The original starring Elizabeth Taylor and Spencer Tracy and the more recent version with Steve Martin and Diane Keaton. Gives an insight to the father's perspective of the wedding day. Great wedding and planning scenes and both Spencer and Steve give off great comic relief to the movie.

Favorite Quote from the movie: "Armani don't make polyester."

4) Sex and The City (2008): I love this movie because I have become attached to the characters in the TV Show. I love them girls. Additionally, this movie has some great gown inspiration and other fashions. It also shows that true love can conquer all.

Favorite Quote from the movie: "Charlotte has pudding in her Prada."

5) The Wedding Banquet aka Xi Yan (1993): Ang Lee's story of a gay Taiwanese-American who has a marriage of convenience to a woman who needs a green card. He has been getting pressure from his parents to marry...so this marriage is a good cover-up to his true life as a gay man living with his true love, Simon. Well everything gets really complicated when the parents decide they are coming to witness the wedding and throw a lavish reception. A wonderful cross-cultural story of love, convenience, and family.

Favorite Quote from the movie: "Better and richer, no poorer."

Let me know what your favorite wedding movies are and if you have not seen the ones on my list...I highly recommend that you run out and go to your local video store and rent them today.

-Percy

Photo from IMDb