West Elm is having a super sale right now. They call it the end of season sale…but I’m not exactly sure what season they’re referring to as I feel summer hasn’t even started!
I spotted a cute owl mug for today’s 20 Below from West Elm’s porcelain collection.
owl mug, $11.05, West Elm
The owl espresso mugs are pretty cute too.
Planning a wedding? Wondering where to start? If so, you’ll definitely want to read today’s post. I’m very pleased to introduce you to Rebecca Leary from Wedding Paper Divas who is here to share her expertise about the importance of save the date cards and how to design the one that is right for you.
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What is a save the date card?
A first glance, a first impression, save the date cards are generally the first printed notice guests receive announcing the date for an upcoming wedding. While an engagement party may have been thrown, and planning preparations are well underway, save the date cards – as the name implies – make note of the actual date the wedding is scheduled to take place.
Why send save the date cards?
Not long ago most couples simply sent out wedding invitations six to eight weeks in advance of their wedding, and the celebration went on without a hitch. However, with the popularity of destination weddings and multi-day events, and as families move further apart and across the country, many couples want to get on their guests’ calendars as far in advance as possible. Although there are no set rules as to when they are sent out, most couples opt to send them anywhere from four months to a whole year in advance.  This gives guests the opportunity to make travel and other necessary arrangements well in advance.
What goes on a save the date card?
Save the date cards are simple by nature. Without giving too many of the celebration details away, the save the date card should include the names of the bride- and groom-to-be, the date of the wedding and the general location of the wedding, and the city and state where the celebration will take place. For destination or whole weekend events, couples often list a wedding website, so guests can refer to it as they like for updates surrounding the big day. A save the date card may read like this:
Please save the date of
November 10, 2013
for the wedding of
Catherine Jones and Thomas Kilburn
New York, New York
Formal wedding invitation to follow
While the wedding invitation sets the tone and provides all of the details, including the time, address, attire, etc. for the celebration to come, save the date cards serve as the initial notice and a first impression of what to expect. To this end, many couples select a card that complements their wedding invitation ensemble. Additionally, many couples use the save the date card as an opportunity to send a photo or two, often incorporating it into the design. With so many creative elements and opportunities for personalization available, couples will have no trouble finding something to suit their wedding style.
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Thanks so much Rebecca for sharing your wedding planning wisdom and shedding some light on the importance of and value that should be placed on the save the date card.Â
Wishing all of our Canadian readers a Happy Canada Day! How lucky are we to live in this great country of ours? I hope you all enjoy an extra day of relaxation and fun with family and friends.
I have many little boxes around my place that hold everything from jewelry to safety pins to coins. I find they are quite useful as well as decorative. But I’m curious, do you have a collection of treasure boxes? What do you use them for?
opaline box, $495;Â modern lacquer box, $29.50;Â studded charade box, $175;Â monogram jewelry box, $78;Â lacquer stash box, $78
Happy Friday! Have a wonderful treasure-filled weekend!
You know that good things come in threes, right? Well, I was lucky enough to be on the receiving end of three great tops from new-to-me designer Elizabeth & Clarke based out of NYC.
I love the simple logo.
Elizabeth & Clarke is a clothing company that specializes in neutral-coloured shirts for women. (Right up my alley, I know!) Elizabeth & Clarke works by subscription meaning that if you’re a subscriber, you will receive a new box of shirts delivered right to your door every three months…as each new season begins. There are three subscription options. The “serious clotheshorse” receives 3 shirts per season at $20 each. The “busy modern lady” receives 2 shirts per season at $25 each. And the “woman who hates to shop” receives 1 shirt per season for $30.
In the summer box, I received The Arden (white), The Liz Lemon (white) and The Hurley (black) (all named after famous Elizabeths in case you didn’t realize). I’m usually a bit hesitant to buy clothes online because I can be quite particular about fabric but these shirts did not let me down.
Elizabeth & Clarke’s The Liz Lemon t-shirt, Joe Fresh shorts, brand unknown shoes, Fossil watch, collection of silver bracelets, iPhone 4S
Elizabeth & Clarke’s The Arden shirt, Versace Jeans pants, brand unknown shoes, Fossil watch, collection of silver bracelets, iPhone 4S
 Elizabeth & Clarke’s The Arden shirt, Fossil watch, collection of silver bracelets, Longchamp purse, iPhone4S
Elizabeth & Clarke’s The Hurley shirt, H&M pants, Via Spiga shoes (I know my mom is rolling her eyes at this photo because I opted not to brush my hair first…oops.)
Elizabeth & Clarke’s The Liz Lemon t-shirt, Levi jeans, Nine West shoes, Fossil watch, vintage necklace
So, what’s my verdict? Well, here is what I am impressed with:
– The Liz Lemon t-shirt and the The Hurley are made of such soft cotton that I didn’t want to take either of them off! They hang nicely and are both really easy to wear.
– The size chart works very well. I like the sizes I got because they leave room for a bit of shrinking (which I always end up doing even when I try not to) but I could have gone down a size and they would have been just fine.
– The service I received from the Elizabeth & Clarke staff was perfect. Friendly, respectful and efficient. The box of shirts was wrapped really nicely too!
– The shirt styles are classic and modern (that combo exists, right?). I can easily pair each shirt with existing pieces in my wardrobe and – I know I’m biased – but nothing really beats a cool white shirt!
– I love the subtle back pleating detail of The Arden and I wish I had captured it in a photo. It’s the little touches that count, right?
– All three shirts have washed well. Washer + dryer. Easy.
Here is something that could be potentially annoying:
–Â The Arden suffered from static cling unfortunately. You can’t tell in the photos above but it basically stuck to my jeans. Maybe after another wash or two the static cling will disappear. It also needs ironing so if you hate ironing, this isn’t the shirt for you. (I like ironing so this doesn’t bother me.)
Overall – like I said at the beginning of this post – I’m very pleased with the three shirts and I’m already looking forward to the fall collection – hello elbow patches!
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Many thanks to Melanie Moore, co-founder of Elizabeth & Clarke, for sending these shirts my way. Photos by Jordana.
