Such Pretty Things

Pretty Resources: Paperless Post

You may already be familiar with Paperless Post, a very cool e-vite type company that allows you to send free virtual invitations. But did you know that they also sell beautiful "real" paper invitations and stationary with a colorful, modern vibe? And they have really fun options like the ability to choose your own custom envelope liners in a zillion patterns! We're gearing up for a bunch of parties around here and found the cutest invitations!  We had to get the sprinkles (of course!), but here are some of our other favorites...

You really have to check out Paperless Post PAPER!

:-)

Jessica

Pretty Chanukah: Prettiest Gelt (Chocolate Coins)

If you are celebrating Chanukah this week, then you may be in need of some "gelt" (chocolate coins).  You can usually find it in the traditional gold or silver foil wrappers, but I found the prettiest, most beautifully colored gelt at World Market! Pink, aqua, purple, red, blue, mint green, etc...

LOVE it!  And it makes a gorgeous (and yummy) centerpiece when paired with this chic gold tray from West Elm!

Just fill with the coins and you have a pretty and delicious centerpiece for your Chaunukah table!

OK, now I am off to get started on Thanksgiving!  Back soon...

:-)

Jessica

Pretty Resources: Tutu du Monde

Mini-mini-me and I were desperately searching for pretty ballet costumes for Halloween, when I came across some of the most beautiful tutus and dance costumes I had ever seen... 

Tutu du Monde is the brainchild of Andrea Rembeck, a designer mom who couldn't find beautifully made tutus for her young daughter. Designed in Australia and handmade in India, Tutu du Monde's tutus and costumes are any little (or big) girl's fantasy...

Imagine silks, tulle, sequins, and dusty pastels...

This is the stuff that dreams are truly made of...

Fortunately for us, they ship to the U.S.!

And, while the prices reflect the incredible craftsmanship, luxe materials, and attention to detail, these are true heirlooms that could be passed down to generation upon generation.

I just wish they made them in my size...

:-)

Jessica

* first photo by Moi, the rest from the Tutu du Monde website.

Dahlia Dedication

I had been desperately wanting to get my hands on some Dahlias all summer long. I just adore them and their beautiful, intricate petals and gorgeous colors.

But somehow the summer just flew by and now Autumn is about to arrive. Soooooo, I decided to wake up early this morning and head out to Leesburg, VA.  It's about a 45 minute drive, but totally worth it. You see, on Saturday mornings from May to October, you can find Don's Dahlias at the Leesburg Farmer's Market! Don Dramstad and his lovely wife are the largest growers of Dahlias on the East Coast and their flowers are absolutely stunning! Here are some photos of my bounty from this morning...

Aren't they incredible! I can't stop staring at them.

You can follow Don's Dahlias on Facebook and Twitter, too!

Happy Saturday!

XOXO

Jessica

Pretty Parties: "Martha Celebrations"

Have you all heard about Martha Stewart's newest line of party supplies for J.C. Penny???  When I found out about it, I was so excited that I immediately made a bee-line to the nearest store.  So glad I did! The pretty and colorful new collection is called "Martha Celebrations"...

And it's really much more than just a collection - it's actually an entire mini-shop within the department store!

The items are all thoughtfully organized by party type - weddings, birthdays, 4th of July, etc... There is everything one might need to put on a truly fabulous fete - and every current party trend is represented - from fringe-y streamers to striped paper straws and giant balloons!

There is also an extensive line of gift wrapping and greeting cards. And the candy!  Did I mention the candy?

Pretty, pretty candy in an array of beautiful colors!

Now, if you don't have a J.C. Penny near you, fear not - you can buy everything on-line right here!

Happy Shopping!

:-)

Jessica

Pretty Supplies: Washi Tape

Like many of you out there, I just love my Washi Tape!

I really can't get enough of the stuff.

You can easily find Washi Tape online - Cute Tape has a wonderful selection, as does Downtown Tape. Etsy is also a wonderful source. I am also seeing it turn up more and more at stationary shops like Paper Source and crafts stores like Michael's.

Happy taping!

:-)

Jessica

Pretty Shopping: Le Grande Epicerie, Paris

It is rainy with dark gray skies here today, so not ideal for photo-taking. So, I thought I would share one of my all-time favorite Parisian shops, La Grande Epicerie at Bon Marche.

Le Bon Marche ("the good market") is one of the best known department stores in Paris. And, while I love to look at all the latest designer fashions and accessories, my favorite department in Bon Marche is this massive gourmet food emporium. If you love cooking or baking (or just eating!), you need to put this place on your bucket list.

This is where I purchased those incredible French sprinkles that I wrote about the other day.

They have an extensive and incredible selection of beautiful candy, unusual baking supplies, and the prettiest sugars you will ever see.

They also carry lots of items I have never seen here in the States. Like this fabulous Violette beverage...

Yes, you know I brought one of those back! And these pretty syrups...

And colorful cookies!

I found so many pretty things at La Grande Epicerie (as is evidenced by that first shot of my quickly filling shopping basket). It is definitely a shop worth visiting!

XOXO

Jessica

 

Why I Love HomeGoods

Last Spring, I took a truly wonderful vacation to London and Paris. As you may remember, I visited a great many patisseries, cupcake shops and candy stores. But I also made sure to go to as many local gourmet food shops as possible - as I am always on the lookout for pretty sprinkles and baking supplies to add to my collection.  So, while I was in Paris, I was over-joyed to discover this incredible line of French sprinkles!

Yes, they were a "bit" pricey, were a major pain to schlep back to the U.S. in my carry-on luggage and caused a hold up at Customs - but they were definitely worth it. And then, just last week, I was shopping at my local HomeGoods when I spied these...

Hmmm...the bottle on the left is one that I brought back from Paris and the one on the right is from Homegoods.  They look exactly the same, don't they?  And do you know why?

Because they are!!!!

And that, my friends, is why I LOVE Homegoods.

:-)

Jessica

Pretty Resources: California Millinery Supply

If you live in the Los Angeles area or find yourself there for a visit, you must make the time to explore California Millinery Supply.

Located in downtown L.A., California Millinery is a jewel of a shop. It is one of those rare places that seems to be fixed in another time - a time when millinery flowers were hand-made petal by petal, where hats were decorated with exotic, colorful plumes of feathers, and vintage silk ribbons from France were a must for any garment.

This past visit, I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to meet with the owner, Irene Arroyo. Irene is such a lovely, lovely person and she's an expert when it comes to her stock. Whether you are in need of some delicate veiling, a very specific color of vintage grosgrain ribbon, or a buckram hat frame, Irene is there with friendly help and advice.

The shop itself is incredible.  Just the sheer amount of inventory (much of it vintage) is not to be believed...

Digging through the treasure trove of boxes and bins will be rewarded with a bounty of beautiful velvet bows, tiny millinery fruits, and silk flowers.

There are fabrics and feathers and trims everywhere you look.

And you don't need to be a professional milliner to appreciate this shop. Anyone who loves vintage trims, fashion, costume design, or crafts will find something wonderful here. If you do get a chance to stop by California Millinery Supply, give yourself plenty of time to explore...after all, that's the best part. :-)

XO

Jessica

Pretty Resources: Pearl River Mart

Hello All! Sorry for the little hiatus - between the girls finishing up school for the year and me getting us all ready to head out for vacation, there wasn't much opportunity to blog. But, I'm back and I have lots to share. To kick off the summer, we decided to head to the Hamptons for a little beach vacation, but we also stopped in NYC on the way up. I only had time to hit a few of my beloved shops, but I wanted to share one of my favorite resources with you: Pearl River Mart.

This huge, Chinese department store is a feast for the eyes!

While they carry everything from home furnishings, fabric and dishware to exotic candy, beauty products and colorful stationary, I am particularly enamoured with their party section...

Pretty paper garlands and tissue decorations line the wall.

The prices are very reasonable and the selection is vast!

I find so many items for my parties here - including pretty chopsticks, gorgeous oragami papers, and paper lanterns in every color and size imaginable. Pearl River Mart is located at 477 Broadway, SOHO (between Grand St. and Broom St.) Tel: 212-431-4770. And if you don't live in NYC, you can order online!

:-)

Jessica