11.04.13

hello november.

I don’t know about you but for me, it’s hard to believe it’s already November. It seems like just yesterday we were in the midst of summer cookouts and beach days. Not to mention, sunkissed skin. Nonetheless, ready or not, November has arrived and that also means Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I am happy to be staying put this month and hosting my family in DC for the holiday (more on that later).

{Image via Nordstrom}

However, it’s easy to get caught up at the start of the holiday season and before we know it, Christmas parties and 2014 will be here. I’ll admit it, I’m already “saving the date” for numerous parties and planning a few of my own. But, I’m also making a promise to myself to enjoy this next month and embrace it before the season of cocktail dresses and holiday hearts begin.

What else am I looking forward to in November? Hosting & Toasting is #hosting two events in the DC area so check back here soon for more details and announcements. I am excited to partner up with some great brands and bloggers!

Oh yes and in case you missed it – J.CREW is having another SALE! Fall Sale Items are an additional 30%-50% OFF. While J.CREW Factory is having 30% OFF all NEW Arrivals. Best of both worlds.  Below are a few of my faves.

Make it a great Monday!

11.01.13

Wedding Gifts: for the home & for the bride

In true fashion, it’s that time of year where fall weddings and corresponding activities are upon us. In fact, this weekend I am headed home to sunny Florida for one of my good friend’s weddings. I cannot wait to be reunited with all my high school friends and celebrate!

With that being said, I’ve gathered a few gift suggestions for bridal showers & the big day. Especially if you’re late to the game and all that’s left on the registry is silverware and drying racks.

Monograms are strongly encouraged. 

For the home:

For the bride:

I also recommend the Pottery Barn’s wedding & monogram shop, any piece on Design Darling, Kate Spade’s bridal collection  or a wine club membership for the happy couple.

Are you in the midst of wedding season too?

10.31.13

happy halloween: boo-nilla shakes

Happy Halloween!

Whether you’re dressing up yourself or waiting by the door this evening with an oversized bowl of candy for the little ones, I hope you have a wonderful day! Truthfully, I have never been a huge enthusiast when it comes to Halloween costumes but I love celebrating the holiday with decor and treats.

One of the easiest “treats” I’ve made are “boo-nilla” shakes by none other than Martha Stewart. I first tried these last year for my book club’s October meeting at the suggestion of my friend Elizabeth. They are easy, delicious and the ideal dessert for All Hallows’ Eve.

Not only is today Halloween, but for me, it’s also the day I celebrate the life of my aunt. If you’ve read the about H&T section, you also know that this blog is dedicated to my aunt who passed away last year. She was so much more than just an aunt to me; a mother, Godmother, best friend and role model too. We spoke every day and she inspired my entire life; my love of entertaining and fashion while raising me to be the person I am today.

This is the second birthday we’ve celebrated without her and a few days ago, I came across this song, “Go On Without Me” by Brett Eldredge. I can’t help but think of her and my uncle every time I listen to it.

Enjoy!

10.29.13

sweet & spark: east meets west

A few months ago, I was out in San Francisco for my #eastmeetswest trip and not only did I fall in love with the city, but also I fell in love with Sweet & Spark. My friend Nichole introduced me to its founder, Jillian, and the three of us enjoyed major girl time over cocktails and appetizers.

Sweet & Spark is a curated vintage jewelry line run by Jillian and her head buyer, her dad! He scopes out estate sales, flea markets and antique shops along the East coast while Jillian finds high quality and affordable vintage costume jewelry out West.  If you love great one-of-a-kind finds like these but don’t have the time to spend your weekends at flea markets and the like, then you’ve met your match!

Most of the pieces are from the 1940s-1990s and I learned that in order for a piece to technically be considered “vintage”, it must be at least twenty years old and not have been mass produced. So, in true vintage fashion, there is only one piece of each item available making it that much more special. What’s also amazing about Jillian’s line is that it’s affordable. Each piece is carefully researched and its decade era is also denoted in the description online.

Some of my favorites are found in the gold classics and pretty pearls collections. When I told Jillian this, she was not slightly surprised! There is literally something for everyone, no matter what your style and you can spend hours pouring through the pages of vintage items from earrings to bracelets to broaches and necklaces. The pieces make great gifts too — “something old” for a bride-to-be? or a one-of-a-kind birthday or Christmas gift?

Hosting & Toasting readers also receive $10 OFF orders with promo code: HOASTINGTOASTING10.

(Photography by Dustin Soriano for Sweet & Spark)

So what are you waiting for?

#sharethespark and remember, when someone asks you where you bought those fabulous earrings, you can truly reply, “it’s vintage.”

10.22.13

best of: leather looks

I am the first to admit that a year or two ago, leather wasn’t really “my thing”. These days? I can’t get enough of it (faux or real) so don’t be surprised if this is the first of many posts that include this fall staple.

Below are what I call the “best of”;  from skirts to peplum tops to dresses (day to night) and of course, leggings. The only two items I have not found yet? The perfect new leather jacket and perhaps I’ll even give shorts a try if I find the right ones.

Which ones are your faves? Have a great jacket you adore? Send me it!