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A Moroccan Themed Valentine’s Day


A Moroccan Themed Valentine’s Day

This Valentine’s Day throw out those terrible chalk hearts (no one eats them anyway) and put away the tacky red, white, and red cupid cut outs.  We’re heading to Morocco!  Today’s styled shoot comes from Ilene Squires Photography and Lovely Notes and is a beautiful ode to bold love.  Check out their Moroccan themed brunch decor and get ready for next week…it’ll be here quicker than you can open a box of Russell Stover chocolates.

A Moroccan Themed Valentine’s Day

Michele Westrick of Lovely Notes and Ilene Squires drew inspiration for this shoot from their collection of vintage fancies and their love for Morocco.  ”Personally I have traveled North Africa a few times and my home showcases many accents from this part of the world,” said Ilene.  ”Ethnic textiles are really popular in fashion this right now, so Michele and I decided to incorporate many of our own treasures from Morocco into our shoot.”

A Moroccan Themed Valentine’s Day

We love this decor for a romantic brunch with your significant other or a girls’ brunch to celebrate your favorite ladies!  The metallics mixed with light florals give it a feminine touch and the prominent fuscia and magentas pop to give it a bold edge against the dark wood features. A Moroccan Themed Valentine’s Day

“Morocco has a reputation for being sultry with bold, romantic colors and that became a huge inspiration for this project,” said Ilene.  We think it’s the perfect amount of girlie chic without going over board, as some decors can this time of year.  With bits of sparkle and small touches of hearts and flowers its a beautiful layout, perfect for a day spent with those you care most about!

A Moroccan Themed Valentine’s Day

We love the Modern Crush glitter heart sticks tucked into the napkins and are thrilled to see flowers other than roses, which should be saved for a more dramatic evening meal.  The chalkboard, burlap heart banner and vintage trays give it a more personal and relaxed element, all while keeping in the spirit of the day.

A Moroccan Themed Valentine’s Day

So start planning your brunch of love and enjoy Valentine’s Day!  Remember, chocolates are a girl’s best friend.

A Moroccan Themed Valentine’s Day

Vendors:

Styling and Florals: Lovely Notes

Photography: Ilene Squires Photography

Heart Banner: Isaboo Designs

Glitter Heart Sticks: Modern Crush

Runner, pink glasses, vintage trays: Poppies and Posies

All photos courtesy of Ilene Squires Photography .

Shop Your Closet: 5 Looks for Any Party

Still celebrating the season?  Not sure what to wear for New Year’s Eve?  Looking for a way to “oomph” up your wardrobe tonight?  Lucky, lucky girl – we have just the post for you!

This holiday season, I was asked to be a guest on CBS’s awesome morning show “Live From the Couch.”  As a fashion stylist, I know the holidays can be a stressful time of year for my clients, so in my segment {check it out above!} I walked everyone though five very easy and versatile looks that work for nearly every party on your social calendar.

The best part yet?  Most of these items can already be found in your closet {or on the sale rack}!  Take a peek at the clip above , get inspired, then scroll below… I’ve broken down each of the looks for easy-peasy purchasing!

Shop Your Closet: 5 Looks for Any Party

1. Tibi Dress {or a light-colored dress from your summer wardrobe}; 2. Elizabeth Cole cuff ; 3. Velvet faux-leather jacket for “going out”; 4. Club Monaco jacket for the office; 5. Earrings from Thomas Laine ; 6. ubiquitous black booties {which you probably own}, similar here .

Shop Your Closet: 5 Looks for Any Party

1. Donna Morgan dress ; 2. Merci New York for Madame Mathilde clutch ; 3. tote from Zara; 4. rentable necklace from RTR ; 5. strappy heels .

Shop Your Closet: 5 Looks for Any Party

1. Ali Ro drop waist dress ; 2. deco-inspired, fan earrings ; 3. gold-piped heels ; 4. CC Skye cocktail ring ; 5. Merci New York for Madame Mathilde clutch ; 6. 20s-inspired bracelet {found in UWS location}.

Shop Your Closet: 5 Looks for Any Party

1. Jumpsuit from Zara; 2. faux fur vest; 3. CC Skye for Club Monaco ring {sold out, see similar }; 4. a coral lip; 5. Merci New York for Madame Mathilde clutch ; 6. studded heels; 7. Dannijo necklace .

Shop Your Closet: 5 Looks for Any Party 1. Donna Morgan sequined racer back dress ; 2/4/6. pyramid bangles from Forever 21; 3. Mohawk earrings from Elizabeth Cole; 5. metallic box clutch ; grey booties.

Shop Your Closet: 5 Looks for Any Party

Want to snag the look from the segment?  We paired many of the party-perfect styles with our new Merci New York for Madame Mathilde clutches, which just hit stores this part month.  As my little holiday gift to you, we’re offering our lovely readers a special 20 percent discount on any clutch of their choice, so they can ring in 2013 with style.  Feel free to preview all the colors and brooch options in our online store and enter “mercinye” at checkout for the sale!

Shop Your Closet: 5 Looks for Any Party

Wishing you a very happy, healthy and stylish new year!

xx,

Last Minute Gift Ideas: Beyond the Monogram

While the clock is ticking on Christmas shopping, there are still ways to get uber-cute, personalized gifts for everyone on your list {and no, we’re not talking bath towels}.  Below, our editors share seven monogrammed gifts that – if you act fast – can still make their way under your tree…

Last Minute Gift Ideas: Beyond the Monogram

1. Ginette Medium Lace Monogram Necklace , $950. Max and Chloe Three Monogram Bracelet Set , $74.  Can you go wrong with jewelry?   We don’t think so!  This beautiful and classic looking necklace is great for a new bride, with new initials…{wink, wink!}  And let’s be honest, we never turn down jewelry, so why not pair the necklace with this fab bracelet set from Max and Chloe?

2. Thirstystone Monogram Coaster Set , $30. Everyone has that one friend who loves to throw a great dinner, party or get together!  For that event planner in your life, monogrammed coasters are beautiful and will definitely get used over and over again – because no one likes a ring on their new table!  This is a great gift for any guy too – they can add it to their bar and enjoy a guys night in sipping whiskey and smoking cigars!

3. Grey Monogram Chevron iPhone Case , $46. Gray Monogram Chevron iPad Case $45. Seriously, we can’t live without our iPhone or iPad – they go everywhere with us, so we need to make sure they are just as stylish as us!

4. Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Agenda MM , $570. Well, we didn’t say it had to have our initials, right?  We’ll take it!

5. The Monogram Studio Monogrammed Yoga Mat , $45. Every busy New Yorker needs some down time, and when we’re not jet setting to the Carribean, we’re hitting the gym for a great yoga class to relieve some stress.  And with “New Year’s Resolutions” just around the corner, why not use this {oh-so-cute} yoga mat to motivate you to get up and out!

6. Jonathan Adler Pillow , $165.  Pillows are great for everyone with a new house, apartment, {or dorm room!} and can be great for decor or for comfort!  Who doesn’t love a personalized pillow to cozy up with on movie night?

7. Dabney Lee Personalized Square Lucite Tray , $120.  We can’t let the boys have all the fun with their coasters, right?  This tray is adorable and great for all year round – eggnog anyone?

Featured image: Linen Satin Stitch Cocktail Napkins from Mark and Graham , $32. These colorful napkins add a pop of cheer to your cocktail {or pig in a blanket}.  Cheers!

Happy Holidays from Merci New York

Happy Holidays from Merci New York Happy holidays everyone! Just a sweet little note to share that our Merci New York office and blog will be closed from December 26th through January 2nd as we celebrate the season with friends and family.
During the break, don’t forget that you can always browse our favorite real wedding , engagement session and styled shoot posts of 2011 by clicking on the “features” drop down menu. And of course you will find a slew of stylist curated gown, shoe , lingerie and straight from the runway wedding style goodness from the “fashion” tab of our navigation bar.
We hope you have a restful holiday break – and we look forward to sharing more chic wedding inspiration in 2012.
xx,

Style File: Bergorf Goodman’s Holiday Gifts for Your Groom

One for you…. okay, one for me too. Two for you, oh well, hey, why not… two for me. And this for me. And this for you, no me.
And so the holiday shopping season begins.

Style File: Bergorf Goodman’s Holiday Gifts for Your Groom With amazing holiday catalogs squeezing their way into the city-dweller’s mailbox so early in the season, it’s hard not to be just a {teeny} bit selfish. Case in point? The oh-my-god-its-absolutely-amazing Bergdorf Goodman holiday catalog. I received a press copy a few weeks ago and couldn’t edit all the goodness down to one streamlined {or bridal-specific} story, so I opted for a big “oh, the hell with it,” and decided to do a little mini-series of Merci’s favorite items. Just to show that we’re not too selfish, we’ll start with the guys….
From killer cuff links to sultry scents, bold bathing suits to barware worthy of a Mad Men mixer, the buyers at The Men’s Store at Bergdorf Goodman have got your man covered this holiday season.
Our stylists’ tip? Don’t just think about X-Mas. The holidays are a great time to knock out your groom’s gift, too. Chances are the pickings won’t be so fruitful {or creative} come June, so the holidays are the best time to buy and stash for your hubby-to-be!

1. Black woven silk ties with silver thread by Charvet ; 2. Sterling silver and hand painted enamel “Winking Owl” cuff links by Jan Leslie ; 3. Colonia Essenza for men Eau de Cologne spray by Aqua di Parma ; 4. {our favorite} 18-karat gold cuff links with ruby eyes by Deakin and Francis ; 5. Multicolor nylon “VIP” swimsuit with embroidery by Vilebrequin ; 6. Crystal decanters and silverplated funnel by William Yeoward ; 7. Automatic watch with black dial on black crocodile strap by Nixon ; 8. Crocodile grooming case in gray or black by Santiago Gonzalez ; 9. Limited Edition Tuscan Leather Collection by Tom Ford .
All items available for the Holiday 2010 season by contacting Bergdorf Goodman at 212 339 3311.