One Table: Four Ways

One clean lined table four ways: Clockwise from top left, Lacquer and Chrome cocktail table available at Modern Furniture , Distressed wood with hammered Iron Base at Worlds Away, Distressed white wood top with black iron base at Westelm, and a lacquered top with Gold Gilded base at Wisteria.

Organizing a Wedding Myths

Since last September my extra time has been spent planning a wedding for 200 of our closest friends and family.  Unlike other brides I wanted to be honest about what I've discovered about this planning process. Keep in mind these are my personal findings, and you might have a totally different experience

WEDDING MYTH:

I heard Bridal showers tend to be awkward and usually turn into a sober afternoon of playing weird shower games with your Great Aunt.

FALSE:  My bridal shower was absolutely lovely! 

The decor was sweet, the food was delightful, the wine flowed, and the gifts were great. 

I spent my afternoon really enjoying hanging with my best girlfriends and family.

WEDDING MYTH:
I heard Wedding dress was a magical time to be a princess and find your princess dress.

FALSE! I personally hated every minute of 'finding the dress'.  A few things:  One, what they don't tell you is these muffin tank dresses are so large one cannot put the dress on themselves. I wish I knew a sales person was going to be in the room with me before I showed up in barely-there thong and band-aid size nipple covers I happened to wear on the 100 degree day I went. Two, Sample sizes are not petite friendly and are all size 8-10. You will be clamped into a dirty make-up ridden 'sample dress'.  Three, Finding a white dress that you would want to wear under $1000.00 is nearly impossible.  It's best to sack up and start at Ultimate Bride on Oak street.  If you cut corners here you will fail.

WEDDING MYTH:

I heard a bride should have her makeup done professionally to get the best results. 

FALSE: I went to Benefit on Armitage st. in Chicago full of hope and cheer, but walked out a drag queen.  I know I am not a model and would never expect to have miracles, but the false lashes and shadow totally did not match my 'Jenny Woo' Ethereal, dewy- fresh face theme I was going for.  I could barely keep my eyes open because the lashes were so heavy.  Sorry Benefit. I think I will be doing my own makeup.

Next week is the big day will finally arrive! I will keep you posted on the final decisions and outcome.

Get the Look: Parisian Modern

I just adore this this photo of  a Parisian Chic Interior.  Check out some of these local pieces you can find in Chicago to get the look. Clockwise from the top left, Table: West Elm, Chair: Jayson Home and Garden, Pillow: WestElm, Faux Horns: Jayson Home and Garden, Lighting: Jayson Home and Garden, and Farm PIllow: One Kings Lane.

July 4th:Part 3 ALL HANDS ON DECK Weekend

So here is the boat we actually got... NOT TOO SHABBY!

 

 

It came with a really cute captain named Conway. Thank you to captain Conway for putting up with us. 

As the night progressed and our wine turned into vodka night caps I can imagine we were a lot to deal with!

 

 

Apparently sparklers are off limits on wood boats.  Ooops!

But hey,It was our Nation's Birthday.

 

 

 

 

 

Oh and I forgot to mention these fun bracelets we found on Etsy....

They came in the cutest package!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/partyarmor

She makes all kinds of (cheap) party favors

Here are a few more things we had :)

https://www.etsy.com/transaction/136842059?ref=fb2_tnx_title

Also found on Etsy!

 

Chicago always looks so great from the Lake!!

 

Then night should have ended there, but instead we hit the town until 5 am. OOPPS!

It ended more like this at the Hang Uppe

YIKES

 

 

THEN THE SECOND NIGHT....

We had a lovely dinner a Red Door cafe in Bucktown.

 

If you haven't been I would go and sit under the stars on their awesome patio!!

 

 

 

 

BRAVO TO LYDIA WORKMAN who brought all the fancy flowers and table clothes :)

I LOVE YOU

THEN WE HEADED TO LYDIA'S FOR EVEN MORE FUN SURPRISES :)

 

Sticking with our anchor theme... my new monogram :)

Treats fit for a queen.

 

Thanks so much to all my girlfriends for making this such a wonderful time. xoxox kiki kane

 

 

 

 



July 4th: Part 2 Winding up for South West Winds

Day one of fun with the fun girls and the bachelorette party!!

 

Getting outfits together..

 

Thinking these guys might appear...

 

An  I am hoping the boat looks like tomorrow...

 

 

 

 

July 4th: Part 1 I'm On a Boat.....

I am getting married this August and my besties and I have been planning a girls night out in the city filled with sailing, wine, and fireworks!!

 

I can't help, but over do it on the 'boat themed' party favors and accessories. :)

 

http://pinkpineappleshop.com/

 

Although I don't live any where near the east coast I do enjoy pretending I will be boating in rhode Island! Maybe I will just online shop there instead (check out Pink Pineapple Shop)

 

Can't wait to see the girls on the boat :)





I love Golllllllllllllllllllllld!!

Everyone knows Glitter and Leopard are my favorite colors, but I also love goooooooooooold!!

I found this really great shaped mirror at a garage sale for $20.00!  

I was going for one of those gilt gold looking mirrors like this one from Jayson:

http://www.jaysonhome.com/flea/mirrors-and-wall-decor/antique-gilt-mirror-1.html

What I wound up with is pretty great!!

If you ever do a gold leaf project I would recommend painting the frame first with a craft gold then adding the gold leaf sheets so there is min. contrast incase it flakes off.  (the leafing can be messy)

Moral of the story: I <3 GooooooooooLLLD!