Say hello to Kate Spade's bridal collection! Kate's fashion collection has been one of my favorite lines to follow, only since its so clean, bright and classic - a true American collection. The cute whimsy to her collection also makes it so fun to wear.
If you're looking for a party dress for a wedding, a refreshing new look for your bridal party or a great dress for your childs' first birthday party, take a look at her collection online here.
Featured is a gorgeous “Gossip Girl Inspired” Bridal Shower created by event planner Carolyn Chen of The Special Day. The details of this party are absolutely fabulous… from the fluffy pink peony arrangements and aubergine ruffle placemats (swoon!) to the lovely guests who were all decked out in black & white “Upper East Side Chic” to match the party’s color palette & style!
This look would also translate beautifully for a wedding or other extra-special occasion or dinner party! Read on for tons of gorgeous eye candy and more party details, as told by Carolyn…
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“Inspired by the Gossip Girl show (since this is one of the bride’s ultimate favorite TV shows), and also because the bride is originally from New York, we created her bridal shower with an Upper East Side flair, fit for a shower that Blaire Waldorf would host.
The invitations were simple & elegant – and we asked all the ladies to dress in black or whites, Upper East Side Chic, and accessorize.
For those that were not as familiar with the Gossip Girl show or “Upper East Side Chic” we showed fashion inspiration boards of what Blaire Waldorf would wear including accessories – especially head bands, handbags, shoes. When the ladies arrived, they were asked to pick a head band, which also doubled as their party favor. The head bands were of various styles with gems, feathers, embroidery, etc.
The color palette was very Chanel – black & white, with accents of aubergine & pink.
We were deciding between using Casablanca Lilies for the main florals since the Bride’s name is Lily, and also in the show “Lily Bass” loves Casablanca Lillies, or to have Blaire Waldorf’s favorite flowers – peonies.
We ended up going with fluffy pink peonies with containers dressed in a velvety purple wrap & ribbon made to look like a flower.
The tablescape was accessorized with various heights of pillar candles & glass holders, votives adorned with ribbon, and crystal like standing chandeliers.
Long tables were draped in a ivory white and set with with aubergine ruffle placemats & rhinestone-bedecked charger base plates.
For the bride’s chair, we chose a bustled ivory chair cover resembling a wedding dress.”
Scroll down for details on the yummy food & drinks that the ladies were treated to, as well as the (non-cheesy!) bridal shower activities they participated in, as told by event designer Carolyn Chen…
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ON THE MENU
• Caprese Skewers with Marinated Mozzarella, Basil and Tomatoes
• Traditional Waldorf Salad (a la Blaire Waldorf)
• Turkey Salad on Baby Brioche with Bacon and Roasted Roma Tomatoes
• Mini Crabcake Sliders
• Roast Beef, Blue Cheese and Pear Tea Sandwiches
• Egg Salad with Dill and Cucumber
• Blueberry and Cheddar-Chive Scones
• Preserves, Butter, Lemon Curd & Honey
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DESSERTS:
• Coconut Cream Pies
• Espresso Macarons with Chocolate Ganache
• Petit Fours with Preserves and Swiss Buttercream
• Individual Strawberry Cheesecakes
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DRINKS:
• Melon-Mint Water, Cucumber Water and Raspberry Lemonade served in glass apothecary beverage jar dispensers
• Hot Tea & Coffee
• Mix-ins: Cream, Sugar, Honey, & Lemon Wedges
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Activities:
“Fun activities for the shower included “Spice of Life”
game in which the ladies were put into teams and had to determine the
names of all of the spices – sort of a spin to “smell the baby food”
like you would play at baby showers.
For individual games, we played “Famous TV Couples” which of course included Chuck & Blaire from Gossip Girl, as well as “How Well Do You Know the Bride” questionnaire.”
:: Credits & Resources ::
Event Design & Planning: The Special Day, Carolyn Chen
Photography: Jan Garcia Photography | Linens: Wildflower Linen
Catering & Desserts: The Dotted Apron | Florals: Mille Fiori
