Cocktails and such...

Image by Dyna Moe

Ok..I confess...I am obsessed with Mad Men. But it's not what you might think. Yes, the stories are compelling but for me it's about everything else...the set design, the costume design and the amazing cinematography. The lighting actually makes me weep. The costumes..let's not get me started...they are to die for and those sets and styling...blows me out of the water every time. Anyone who has been to my house or knows me, knows that I am obsessed with glassware and plates. I love having multiple sets of each and mixing them together. I also use them every day. I refuse for them to be locked away and only brought out on special occasions.

Now anyone who lives in Connecticut knows this name...Ann Nyberg. She is probably the hardest working News Anchor and Reporter EVER!!! In a world where people often get lazy and find themselves behind the computer rather than out and about in their communities(That's me), Ann Nyberg is out there researching, meeting and supporting the State, the Towns and businesses large and small. I also share her obsession for all things vintage. So when I saw this amazing post on her Facebook page..I wanted to jump for joy!!

She had a link to this fabulous shop in Alexandria, Virginia called the Hour Shop. Filled to the brim with all things Vintage I couldn't resist to post. They specialize in all things Cocktail from the 40's, 50's and 60's. Ironically they are located just blocks away from my old apartment above Delaney Realty on 131 N. Washington Street (Just as fate would have it, I later learned that my husband lived blocks away from me at the same time...paths just missing each other by a second).

So I listed a few of my favorites from the shop...Hands off the Pilsners..and for you brides and grooms..they have a great wedding wish list just for you..If only they were around when I got married!

So thank you Ann Nyberg for all your hard work, I raise my Blue Pilsner to you!!

Set of six Teal Polka Dot Old Fashions

This Teal Ice Bucket is amazing!!!

My Favorite!! This set of 6 Blue Pilsners!

Bird Lacquered Tray

Even Miss True couldn't resist this George Briard yellow tray!

LSW

Tuesdays are for Mood Boards... Romantic Garden Wedding with Vintage Lace

This board was created for one of my September couples, getting married at the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club in Branford, CT. A gorgeous venue on the CT shoreline with spectacular water views. Kate described her vision for the wedding as garden romantic, elegant, vintage with layers of texture and lace, and unique to the two of them. Working with Miss Wesson (Chocolate Creative Design) to tie together the elements of the design and personalization of the details through the paper this is truly going to be a special event!

Connecticut Mansion Wedding... Congratulations Adam and Lauren

Floral Design by Hana Floral Design

Lighting and Music by the fabulous Doug of Power Posse

Denise Cregier did such an amazing job at capturing the day from behind the lens.
You rock Denise!

This past weekend Adam and Lauren got married on what turned out to be a truly gorgeous day. Despite hurricane forecasts in the days leading up to the wedding, tents were able to go up Saturday morning in the rain and the day cleared up just in time for guest arrival. On the back patio of the Branford House Mansion, overlooking the water, guests gathered around as Adam and Lauren were married in an intimate ceremony, led by JP Chaz Zezulka. Director of Catering, Eric Perrin, and his staff were a pleasure to work with and helped to create a truly incredible affair! Congratulations Adam and Lauren!

Color Story:
Vintage Modern-Turquoise, Coral and White

Collaboration:
Photography: Denise Cregier (Photokinetic)
Venue: Branford House Mansion
Flowers: Hana Floral Design
Music: Power Posse
Rentals: Rentals Unlimited and Arrow Party Rental (Tent)

The Girls of Summer....

I am a t-shirt and jeans girl at heart, but for me, there is nothing like the fashions from the 40's, 50's and 60's.  I have always been drawn to them since playing in my mother's closet as a young girl.  The women from those eras are the epitome of being feminine and womanly.  Maybe it is the dream of having a 26 inch waist that intrigues me, or is it because the clothes actually fit a woman's body?  It was the fashion photographers of those eras (Penn and Horst) that influenced me and found their way into my work as a Photography Major.  It is an extremely hard task to look back to the past, be influenced and then make it your own and modern.  For me, Anthropologie is one that can successfully integrate the two.  Even though I am not a huge fan of being in a bathing suit, I can still appreciate and dream of being one of the Girls of Summer.

Top images found on Flickr-images by Tom Palumbo, Bottom right found on Flickr and Bottom left found on myvintagevogue.

Images by Lucinda Smith Wesson, Florence, Italy 1996.   Mark Saldana Designs

Anthropologie Taffy Stripe Maillot. Vintage Images found on Flickr and myvintagevogue.

Anthropologie Majesty Palm Maillot. Irving Penn image found on Flickr, Palm image found on Flickr.

Anthropologie Peaks and Valleys Halter and Boyshorts. Vintage image found on Flickr.

Anthropologie Vargas Halter & Bottom, Fleet Week Halter and Boyshorts. Vintage image found on Flickr.

Anthropologie Buri Checkered Bikini Top and Bottom. Vintage image found on Flickr.

Anthropologie Water Ballet Halter.  Vintage image found on Flickr.

Anthropologie Fisherman's Knot Halter and Hipsters. Ursula Andress image found on The Sun.

Anthropologie Rock Garden Tote, Botany Sketch Halter and Bottom. Jean Patchett image found on myvintagevogue.

Anthropologie Marimba Wedges.  Vintage image found on Etsy.

Anthropologie Anacapri Hat, Swirling Winds Hat and Farm Bounty Hat.  Vintage images: Jean Patchett image found on myvintagevogue. Red Hats image found on Flickr. Red Straw Hat image found on Flickr. Trio of ladies image found on myvintagevogue. Floral Hat image by  John Rawlings.