A peek into Summer

Bright bougainvillaea blooming over the front door 

After an exciting (yet busy) week putting together the posts for Wedding Week, it was nice to take a little trip with Paul to Los Angeles to unwind. The weekends spent at home always fly by too quickly, but I was able to soak up the sun and enjoy a few special moments, all while celebrating our one year anniversary. This trip, in particular, gave me the perfect opportunity to enjoy the signs of Summer, whether it was the the vibrant flowers growing in the garden, an outdoor party with family and friends, or fresh fruit served during a warm afternoon, everything inspired me to create a Summer that is full of entertaining, friends, and color. The trip was the perfect rest I needed to recharge those creative ambitions and get back to a productive week.

Fresh and colorful fruit accented with antique silverware makes an everyday platter feel more special

Small accents on the patio add to a rustic and inviting setting 

A tile table and selection of drinks invite guests to pour their own drink while mingling outside 

Enjoying a sweet treat (it's the cake from our wedding...and it was still good once defrosted!)

It's also time to announce the winner of the Stella & Dot necklace giveaway! Congratulations to Naomi for winning! (chosen from the random number generator after adding up the entries per person)

I'll have more giveaways coming up, so make sure to check back for another chance to win. Thanks to everyone who entered and followed along during Wedding Week!

Wedding Week - DIY hanging letters

Nothing beats a sparkling accent in a wedding reception. Something to glitter under the glow of the candles, catch the photographer's flash, or accent the chair you'll be sitting in. Rather than opt for a simple hanging sign, I'll show you how to easily make block letters that are perfect in a number of party settings. Whether it's stringing chairs together, draped over the bar, propped up next to the cake, or welcoming guests in the doorway, these personalized signs help give any event a little personality and shine.

Tools: Large Xacto knife, small blade for details,cutting mat, spray adhesive, sanding block (or sand paper), fine crushed glitter, single hole punch (knife works too), ribbon, pencil, poster board (or cardboard)

1. Choose glitter and ribbon that match your theme. I opted for silver and a coral colored ribbon, but a bright glitter paired with a subtle cream ribbon is a fun option too. This time I used white foam core, but cardboard works well too. Just choose something that is thin, but sturdy.

2. Outline your letters with pencil (block letters work best), then cut carefully along the line until both side are cut through. A cutting mat makes this a lot easier and saves the table you're working on.

3. Use the sanding block to remove any rough edges and create smooth lines and crisp angles for the letters. Lay letters on a flat surface and spray a light, even coat of adhesive.

4. Sprinkle glitter over the entire surface, flip gently to other side and repeat with adhesive and glitter. Brush off excess and continue to spray adhesive and sprinkle with glitter a few more times until the entire surface is covered. Make sure to brush the glitter gently since the glue is still wet at this point. The glitter might clump a bit, but wait until everything has dried, then use the sanding block to clean up the edges once again.

5. Using a hole punch or knife, poke a small hole at the top of each letter. String ribbon through, knotting at each end, so you have a long strand with each letter at opposite ends.

6. Let set overnight, then use your glittery accent as decoration for a number of different places. I love them draped over chairs, but hanging against a window creates a great sparkling design as well.

Thank you so much to Heather from HMN Photography for shooting these great photos of the finished product. Don't they look so good against the red chairs?

I hope you all have enjoyed Wedding Week as much as I have! These tips are perfect for brides to be but can also be used by anyone looking to throw a memorable bash. I can't thank my contributors enough for making Wedding Week so much fun. Make sure to check out all of the posts, including accessory trends from The Gown Shop, essential planning tips from PS & Associates, and photographer musts from Jess + Nate Studios. Also, don't miss the great memories and tips from other bloggers from earlier this week.

The Stella and Dot necklace giveaway ends on Monday so make sure to enter and keep tweeting for extra entries!

Wedding Week - Jess + Nate Studios

Eventually the cake is cut, champagne is topped off, plates are cleared, and the limo pulls away from the party. The big day is over, but the photos live on. It's one of the few things that have remained a norm in weddings, the fact that the photographer and the resulting album is your key to remembering that special day. I absolutely loved my photographer, Sara from One-Love Photo, so I was incredibly excited when I discover another amazing studio out in Ann Arbor. I was introduced to Jess and Nate Studios earlier this year and fell in love with their saturated colors, gorgeous settings, and theatrical staging. Since choosing someone to capture the day is a big decision, Jess was sweet enough to answer a few questions that I know many people are faced with in the last phases of planning.

Jaclyn: A little introduction to begin. Were weddings what drew you to your craft, or do you feature other styles?

Jess: "We have always loved photography independently of each other and both Nate and I took photography courses in college. We're truly influenced by film and cinema and have always approached our photography with a cinematic eye. In 2003 we photographed a friends wedding and that got us started. We love the ability to capture real moments in an artistic way and give our clients the best experience we can."

Jaclyn: Describe an ideal wedding to shoot.

Jess: Really, as cliche as it sounds, I swear it's how we feel: Any wedding where the bride and groom are in the moment and truly enjoying their wedding. Photographing someone's joy is a high words can't describe, but hopefully our photos later reflect how that couple truly felt on their day.
 

Jaclyn: Should a couple follow a shot list or do the more organic and natural photos work the best?

Jess: A shot list in our opinion is always a bad idea. All weddings are different and when you give your photographer a pinterest link of hundreds of photos or a list of "must have photos" then you are asking them to no longer document your day as it unfolds (and for why you hired them to begin with), but to follow your list of ideas or shots you think need to be taken. Collaborating with your photographer and showing them one or two images you like is never a problem, but these giant lists and idea boards can lead to hindering your photographer rather than assisting them...maybe even insulting them. If you have hired a great photographer, trust is really important to the photographer/client relationship. The one exceptions to this is a family formal list. We don't know the bride's family and who is important to her so we will ask for a detailed list of people/groupings for family images.

*Tip: This is a great piece of advice that was discussed yesterday too. Assign someone to gather the family and use colored corsages to make it easier to find them in a crowd.

Jaclyn: What trends are you seeing for wedding photos this year?

Jess: We actually noticed some great trends with brides wanting more relaxed looking family portraits (we love this trend since we love family formals that are a bit more true to how your family really is. We try to make these as natural and fun as possible. Another trend we like is the move away from really themed styled weddings, and more natural affairs, which I think is a welcomed trend.

Jaclyn: If your couple is a little uncomfortable in front of the camera, how do you get them to relax?

Jess: We will always ask them to do something that feels natural to them but in a directive way-like "let's start here and just snuggle with each other and walk over towards us and talk to each other!" It's great at getting them loosened up and realizing that not every photo we need to take of them needs to be super posey-so they can relax and be more natural. We also really love doing an e-session with all our wedding clients because this gives us and our clients a trial run on the poses we might ask them to do or try on the wedding day and also just helps us build a natural rapport with them. They in turn can trust us that we will always make them look their best.

*The things to remember as the big day gets closer:

• Request an e-session with your photographer to calm any nerves
• If you aren't doing a first look, be prepared to miss cocktail hour
• Allowing your photographer to work with their style, rather than follow a shot list will result in better photos. Remember, you hired them for their style
• If the big day has less than spectacular weather, remember to relax and be a little brave. An umbrella and your new wife or husband by your side can result in some amazing photos
• Be in the moment and enjoy yourself, it will show in the photos

Thank you so much to Jess and Nate for sharing your advice with everyone. They are amazing tips that can help everyone connect with their photographer, while reducing any unwanted stress.

Tomorrow is the last day of Wedding Week, so I'll be sharing a sparkling DIY that can add some character to your reception and future parties for that fact. The classically chic Stella & Dot necklace giveaway is also up until Monday! make sure to enter here and retweet anything from Wedding Week for an extra entry.

Wedding Week - Your personal planner

When it came to planning our wedding, I definitely hit a point where I just couldn't decide anything anymore. This probably happened the night I was hunched over the typewriter spelling out our guest's names onto little labels, affixing them to planter sticks, then grouping each bundle by table number. Luckily, I had amazing friends and family, along with the wonderful Stephanie Grace Designs team to help keep everything on track. The busy last weeks were nerve-racking, but also an incredible time for reflection, celebration, and excitement. Because the eve of a big day can bring many emotions and unwanted stress, I sat down with Chabeli, one half of the duo behind the talented Los Angeles event planning studio PS & Associates, to go over their coordinating secrets, stress-free tips, and what should be in your Maid of Honor's purse. Plus she let me in on the wedding trends that we'll be seeing more of this year.

Clockwise from top left: Kate Spade Maid of Honor Gia, Dr. Bronners organic lavender hand spray, bobby pins, kleenex pack, Fekkai sheer hold hairspray, Chanel Inimitable mascara,  Cover Girl lipstick, Benefit Get Even cover up, safety pins

1. What are the essential items on the big day?

The essentials kit is a go-to pack that is best held by the Maid of Honor. Think of it as a perfectly packed daytime bag with the items you would use every day, such as concealer, tissues, and lipstick. Chabeli pointed out that the makeup inside should be the cosmetics you are used to wearing since the key is to feel comfortable as well as look and feel like yourself. Throw in hand sanitizer spray and advil to stay healthy and calm any headaches quickly. PS & Associates always keeps a planner kit handy too, but if you're organizing the wedding yourself, have a go-to person hold onto some scissors, floral tape, and a copy of the timeline. Chabeli's key advice is to remember that your family is there for you so don't stress if you can't find the perfect lipstick or forget to pack tissue, someone will have them on hand.

DIY placecards, moss box by Lauryl Lane, photo by One Love Photo

2. If you're planning a DIY occasion, how do you stay organized in the final days?

A personal touch always gives guests a fun peak into the couple's personality, but it also requires more work. If a DIY affair is the plan, Chabeli offered a few key things to remember:

• Write a day of timeline that includes everything from the moment you wake up to the time you'll leave the reception. Plan it out!
• Don't stress if something isn't coming out right. Chances are only you can see it and won't remember after the night is over.
• Your venue should let you drop things off or set up well before the event. Assign someone to drop off these items and make sure they know where it needs to go.
• Write out instructions for your "team" to follow.
• Pack your suitcase for the wedding night and the honeymoon beforehand.
• Remember to delegate tasks to others because the wedding day is your day to enjoy.

Corsages by Lauryl Lane, photo by One Love Photo

3. Getting everyone together for photos can be hard, here's how to handle it.

The main thing Chabeli pointed out to me was that relaxing is the key to everything. Leading up to the wedding, consult with your photographer so they know what family members to look for, assign someone to seek out the distant cousins who should be in the photos, and lastly, have your florist create different colored corsages for family members so they are easy to spot in a crowd. If you're not doing flowers, a different colored ribbon works just as well.

photo by One Love Photo

4. It's the week before the wedding, everything is booked and ready to go. What are a few things that get overlooked?

• Confirm your honeymoon flights and hotel.
• Confirm transportation to and from the wedding...you need to get back to the hotel somehow.
• Get your dress drycleaned and have all accessories ready to go. 
• If you are doing a garter or bouquet toss make sure you actually have a garter. Talk to your florist about making a separate toss arrangement.

I loved hearing all of the practical and often forgotten wedding tips from Chabeli, they're the perfect things to help anyone who is in planning mode, even some advice that could come in handy for a non wedding gathering. Thank you so much to PS & Associates for letting everyone here in on your planning expertise. To wrap things up, we went over the latest in wedding styling which seems to be transitioning nicely into a more modern era, according to Chabeli. Acrylic chairs, bright bold colors, alternative centerpieces such as lamps, along with an abundance of patterns like chevron and damask are on the horizon for receptions. It might finally be time to say goodbye to the Chiavari chairs and welcome a new form (like these white plastic variety) to the dinner table.

Tomorrow I'll be interviewing the Detroit and Chicago photographers behind of Jess + Nate Studios. You'll love their amazing portfolio and advice. Also, don't forget to enter the Stella & Dot giveaway for a chance to win a beautiful necklace.

Wedding Week - The finishing touches

The big things are normally wrapped up well before the final countdown begins, but things like veils, jewelry, and even shoes can be chosen a little closer to the big day. Stacy, owner of the adorable boutique The Gown Shop, in Ann Arbor, sat down with me to pick out this year's trends, her favorite pieces, and some items that could work just as well for the guests as they do for the bride. Heather from HMN Photography was there to capture an evening full of sparkle, tulle, and a few pairs of shoes that are now on our shopping lists.

Beautiful lace trim and horsehair trimmed veils from Sara Gabriel

Stacy pulled out a number of chic and classic pieces, pointing out that waiting to pick your veil is a good way to make sure it doesn't compete with the dress and that it falls at the correct length (which I learned is either 6" above or below the stopping point of a dress). Keep in mind, most designers have a 6-8 week lead time for their veils, so plan a little in advance. Lace embellishment has become a popular go to, thanks to last year's royal wedding, while another veil favorite is horsehair, a structural material pulled right from the couture closets. The stiff material gives shape and form to accessories, which also helps achieve dramatic bends while giving weight to the airy fabric. Stacy mentioned that she's seeing subtle embellishment with veils this year, rather than ornate jeweled pieces, although small scattering of crystals is a popular touch.

A rack of sashes from Modern Trousseau

Sashes are a versatile piece that changes the look of an outfit, adds a bit of interest, and helps keep your budget down. Instead of switching in to a reception dress, try a jeweled sash for the ceremony and a bright color for the party. Just make sure to tone down the accessories slightly if you're going for a heavily jeweled belt. Also, try pairing it with a necklace or earrings instead of a competing bracelet.

Stacy holding a pair of blue and champagne hued shoes from Hey Lady

Her welcoming counter of shoes was an instant attention grabber and also introduced me to two new designers, Hey Lady and Benjamin Adams. The duo behind Hey Lady offer fun names and comfortable insoles on their heels. Stacy's favorite pair are "Champagne Goggles" which come in the familiar blue hue and this year's popular champagne shade. She points out that it's important to pay attention to the hem of a dress if you're switching shoes. Both designers offer beautiful pairs for not only the bride, but the wedding party and guests as well.
 

Stacy's boutique has a great selection of jewelry and hair pieces as well. She told me that she's noticing more dramatic earrings this year, paired with simple and understated necklaces (like the gorgeous ones above from Haute Bride). The key is to pick something you're used to wearing, but in a slightly fancier version.

Thank you so much to Stacy of The Gown Shop for letting us in on this year's bridal style and to Heather from HMN Photography for the wonderful photos. Tomorrow is all about the last week before the wedding, as told by talented wedding planners of PS & Associates. Also, make sure to enter the Stella & Dot giveaway! The winner will be picked next Monday.

Wedding Week - Giveaway and memories

Next weekend Paul and I will celebrate our one year anniversary. It's been a year full of growth, learning, and adjustments, but a time that has also been filled with incredible moments. We still reminisce about last year and the days that lead up to our wedding, so I felt the best way to celebrate such a big moment would be to dedicate a week to all things wedding related. Whether you are the bride, groom, parents, bridal party, or an excited guest watching their friends say "I do", Wedding Week will offer everything you need to get ready for a wedding this year. Those final weeks can fly by and the list of things to do can grow rapidly, but I've teamed up with a group of amazing creative minds who will be sharing their knowledge to help you prepare, tie up loose ends, and enjoy an event that is memorable in many ways.

To kick everything off I've asked a group of bloggers to share their favorite memories and tips with everyone as well as ask a talented Stella & Dot stylist to pick out the perfect piece of jewelry for one lucky reader. What's a wedding without gifts and advice anyway?

• Jeanne from Shop Sweet Things said "After you said your vows, all your guests will want to congratulate and take pictures with you. So before you get into the craziness, take 10 - 15 minutes alone with your partner after the ceremony and enjoy the moment. The day is about the two of you, so make sure you carve out some time to enjoy it!" 

• Lena from A Crimson Kiss gave a piece of advice that was recently given to her by a close friend. She explained that "a wedding is just the first dinner party (or whatever you decide) that you throw as a married couple, and not all that different in many ways from the housewarming party you might have thrown when you moved in together. If your wedding feels like an event you'd throw in your own home, you've truly infused this rite of passage with yourselves, and that is beautiful." 

• Suze from Suze Geeks Out has a touching memory of sharing her wedding day with her father who passed away a few years after the wedding. She pointed out that having something go wrong on your big day is not big deal, it's sharing the day with loved ones that counts and after three years of marriage the mistakes don't matter at all. Her big tip is to take a moment for the two of you to savor the experience... and to eat! Your want to have energy for the reception. 

• Katie from Twin Stripe Magazine advises to pick what is most important to you at the reception (her's was flowers) and budget for it by cutting back in other areas. Also, check the referrals of the person who is doing your alterations to avoid any unnecessary headaches or mistakes. 

• AV from Long Distance Loving will always remember the sweet moment she shared with her husband right after the ceremony before they headed to the reception. It was 15 minutes of laughter, excitement, and a little bit of first dance practice. The brief moment for the two of them is something that still stands out in her memory. 

• Kelly, creator of the adorable shop r-ki-tekt advises "Remember that there is a day, a week, and a month aka LIFE after the Big Day. Stick to your budget so you and your new hub can still afford the date nights that are recommended to keep the marriage fresh (after he loads the dishwasher incorrectly). None of your guests will know that you didn't get the fanciest table numbers stands, or photo booth prop, or large bow napkin rings. Only you will and once you are in the mix of the celebration you won't care either because the DJ is now playing Nina Simone's Sinnerman. Live in the moment, give tons of kisses, and soak in the sparkler trail waving you goodbye." 

To celebrate the week, the talented Kari from Stella & Dot is graciously giving away one of these chic "Together Forever" necklaces to one lucky reader. It's the perfect item for a guest, as a gift, or for a honeymoon outfit.

To enter:

• Follow Stay in the Lines on Facebook or through my site 
• Leave a comment below telling Kari and me how you would style this great piece
• For an extra entry, re-tweet the giveaway or something from Wedding Week

I'll pick a winner on Monday April 30th! (We can only ship to U.S. readers for this one, but look for another international giveaway soon!)

Stop by tomorrow for some great accessory and finishing touches tips from Stacy at The Gown Shop.

Wedding Week - What's to come

It's finally here! Wedding Week on Stay in the Lines. I have an amazing list of tips, people, and stories lined up to share with everyone. Tomorrow morning I'll be kicking off the week with the first of the series, but for now, look over the itinerary, pass it on to your friends, and check back every day for something new. P.S, this isn't just for the brides to be out there too!

Make sure to follow along on Twitter, Pinterest, and Currently Obesessed where I'll be updating everything with my Wedding Week finds.

Sneak Peek - Wedding Week

Photo by: One Love Photography

I've been mentioning on twitter and on my blog that Monday is the start of Wedding Week here on Stay in the Lines. It's an exciting week dedicated to all things wedding related, the perfect guide for brides to-be, grooms to-be, parents, bridesmaids, even if you're just a guest enjoying the lovely event. I've been working non stop on a series of fun posts about fashion, tips, nostalgic memories, do's and dont's, photography hints, and more. There's a great lineup of talented people and creative minds and I can't wait to share everything with you. This weekend I'll be wrapping up some photos, DIY's and layouts for Wedding Week. I hope everyone has a lovely weekend and make sure to come by on Monday to catch the lineup for the week...and see the great giveaway I have set up for the event!

The 1 minute dessert

I am always open to anything sweet and sugary, but since I don't buy many sugared treats at the grocery store I have to scrounge together odd items when I need a little dessert. Ricotta cheese has always been a favorite item of mine and after using it in many sweet and savory applications, I found that it provides a great dessert substitution when I'm in need of a sweet fix. A dollop of part skim ricotta, a handful of blueberries that have been warmed slightly in the microwave, sliced almonds, a little lemon zest, and a dash of sugar combined in a bowl make the perfect 1 minute dessert. Tart, slightly sugared, and much healthier than a frosted piece of cake, this quick fix is definitely my go-to after dinner treat in times of need.

The blues

Clockwise from top left: Blumarine silk tunic, Alexander McQueen skull print scarf, Callula Lillibellepolka dot chiffon dress, Reiss Melia printed panel dress, Miss Selfridge skirt, Charlie by Mathew Zink Charlie silk-chiffon maxi dress

I've shared my tangerine, moss, and garden colored Spring picks already, but for as much as I love most vibrant hues, I also appreciate the delicate and watery shades found in the blue color family. As we get closer to Summer, I can feel myself longing for sandy beaches and warm strolls through quaint oceanside towns (probably because this time last year I was getting ready for a trip to mexico!). Since blue is such a rich color on its own, I love how it looks paired with a delicate fabric like chiffon. The combination creates a perfectly airy look that travels well and offers a subtle touch of color that is just as alluring as a pop of orange or coral.Pair it with sleek t-strap sandals, a worn in leather tote, and a post-ocean dip ponytail...or just a post-shower dip.

Seasonal mini

J.Crew dress, Zara coat, Report Signature shoes, Marc Jacobs Stam bag, Wet n' Wild Mega Last Lipcolor 905D

I tried on this dress while shopping a few months ago, but couldn't quite commit to paying full price for a seasonal look jut then. Luckily, the same outfit popped up online for sale and gave me the perfect excuse to pick up that patterned shift. The 3/4 sleeves balance out the short hem and in an outfit made of a structured coat, statement bag, pink lips, and simple heels, the dress transitioned perfectly from a brisk morning breakfast to a sunny and mild afternoon.




...and one more reminder that the end of this month will be Wedding Week on the blog! Make sure to email or tweet me your favorite wedding tips or memories so I can feature them to kick start the series. Hope everyone has a lovely weekend.

Secret weapon

I love coming across items that become staples in my home, kitchen, makeup bag, or closet. Little things that often get overlooked, but have a huge impact on my everyday routine. I thought I would share these unsung heroes in a new feature I'm calling "secret weapons". To start, I'm sharing a product that was first introduced to me by the wonderful Fiore Beauty team during my wedding. This MAC Fix + spray was such a lifesaver that day and was the key to keeping my makeup in place and face hydrated. I now keep my own bottle in my purse or within arms reach at home for little pick-me-ups during the day, a refresher after work, or as a way to hydrate and brighten before re-applying makeup. Now that it's getting a little warmer, try stashing it in the fridge for a cold spritz during the Summer.

Hope everyone enjoys this secret weapon and more to come! Also, make sure to send me your wedding tips and memories for Wedding Week happening in a few weeks on the blog.

Life lately

A serene spot inside the Art Institute

This weekend was an incredible three days of good food, sightseeing, and leisurely mornings in a fluffy hotel bed. Chicago was sunny and in full bloom, making for crisp and enjoyable walks that led to underground bars (favorite finds to come), an abundance of art, and late night sweet treats. A trip to the colorful and incredibly entertaining Jonathan Adler store was my shopping highlight, while an early morning peek at the Museum of Contemporary Art's Minimalism collection and Art in the 80's exhibit was the perfect way to get the day going. Getting out of the usual routine was the perfect way to invite long conversations and a welcome sense of discovery, which made me appreciate that sometimes it takes a quick vacation to recharge everything and focus on time with loved ones instead.

A sweet bite from Grahamwhich

Blooming trees near Lake Shore Drive

A rich leather and green interior at lunch at The Gage

The Museum of Contemporary Art's exhibition This Will Have Been: Art, Love & Politics in the 1980's

Fresh churros from Xoco

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend as well! In other blog news, this month's week-long feature (coming April 23rd) will be Wedding Week, which is in honor of Paul and my one year anniversary (ah!). There will be lots of amazing treats, including interviews with talented people, DIY's, and last minute style tips, but to get ready, I'd love all of you married folk out there to email me your memories and/or essential advice from your own weddings. I'll be featuring the tips to kick off the week. For a sneak peak at the look and feel of what I'll be discussing, make sure to follow along on Pinterest and Currently Obsessed.

Road trip

One of the hardest parts about living far from home (Los Angeles) is missing quality moments with family and friends. Easter has always been a family gathering time that I look forward to every year; lots of tasty food, leisurely brunch, and quality time with cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Unfortunately, this year Paul and I didn't make the trip home so instead of sitting around we're packing up our weekend bags and heading to Chicago! The city is one of my favorite places to visit and we've planned a weekend full of new discoveries, restaurants, and shopping. To make Easter feel special we'll be finishing off the weekend (and enjoying a few mimosas) with brunch at Sepia, a place I've been dying to try. For any Chicago dwellers (or visitors) out there, I would love to hear your tips on places to go in the city.

...and even though I won't be cooking this holiday, for those of you who need a little inspiration for Easter food, make sure to check out my recipe section for a few ideas. I Love the meyer lemon crepe cake, blueberry ricotta pastries, and honey brie puffs for some easy brunch bites and a memorable dessert.

I'll be tweeting on the ride there, so make sure to send me your favorite Chicago locales. Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

Tough work

vintage blazer (with added pyramid studs from here), J.Crew blouse, Forever 21 jeans, Zara heels, vintage bracelet, Cartier watch

I'm sure it's pretty apparent that I'm a fan of color and feminine touches, but I have always loved a slightly disheveled or tough look too. Whether it's slept in hair, a leather jacket, or in this case over-sized studs on a blazer. I picked out these pyramid studs a few years ago after falling in love with a 2007 Givenchy coat. I knew that purchase would never happen, so I did the next best thing and DIY'd my own version inspired by the collection. Five years later and the creation is still in my wardrobe, adding a little toughness to my polished blouses and jeans. After a long day at work, a quick change into the blazer and ankle strap heels made a perfect happy hour look that was a nice change from my office wear.