Southern Protocol

I fell in love with a dress this weekend. Yes, this happens often – but I don’t remember the last time I kept thinking about one long after I saw other pretty garments.

There truly is no other reason for this post other than I wanted to share the tailored beauty of this French Connection “Wendy” dress… there’s one left at Copper Penny downtown, but I also found it online at Dillard’s!

One of the reasons I love it most, aside from its color pallet being so perfect, is because of its back. I am all about a cool back – because remember! People see you from all sides when you’re out and about, and exclaim with much more enthusiasm for an unexpected detailed back than an interesting front.

Wedding magazines can get a bit tired after awhile, don’t you think? The ideas get a bit stale, the featured photo spreads a bit blah… but leave it to Martha Stewart’s take on the bridal magazine to leave Lizz and me swooning! The Martha Stewart Weddings Spring 2010 issue is, in a word, flawless.

Our personal favorite few pages are filled with a photo spread entitled “Center Stage”; a shoot that instructs the ultra delicate feminine reader to “draw inspiration from the quiet graceful beauty of the ballet.” Pale, pale pinks, lots of tulle and ruffles, and muted gold accents dominate the first shoot – we especially loved the innovative idea of using longer tutus as decor hanging from the ceiling! What a precious idea for a bridal shower.

The issue is pretty hefty, and page after page is filled with clever ideas only Martha could brew up, gorgeous colors, and even a few tips on food and wine pairings. The true beauty of the issue though, is that while it is a wedding publication, almost every single tip and tablescape can be used in general entertaining. Whether you’re in the planning process or far from it, mix up your magazine buying habits a bit this week and place Martha Stewart Weddings in your cart at the grocery store…it’s such a treat!

If there’s one fashion-related business that Charleston is missing out on (generally speaking), it’s thrift and vintage stores. Before you go into fits of protests about the select places on King and in West Ashley, let me explain! Yes, those stores are there. And yes, sometimes they have squeal-worthy finds. But not all the time! They are so hit and miss…but I guess such is fate at a thrift store.

That was, until that huge pink ice cream truck started making its rounds around the Charleston area. Love Me Again, the vintage boutique on wheels started by a hipster known only as “Jenny,” prides itself on fab finds of vintage and gently used clothing for women, men and children.

She has a new cute shop on Coming, but if you want “more lovin’”, then you can call her up to host a Cocktails and Clothes party! Invite all your friends and loved ones, and receive an additional FIFTY PERCENT off all your purchases!

Love Me Again Clothing is a genuine vintage heaven on wheels; the clothes are trendy and on point, having a cool history without looking ratty. Visit her store on Coming or keep your eye peeled for the best car ever: the pink ice cream truck. Check her website for upcoming events.

The Alice in Wonderland tea party madness is upon us! I love that this simple and sweet type of party is resurfacing along with treasured story; tea parties are perfect for little girls birthdays, book clubs, bridal showers…the list goes on and on! And we don’t need to limit ourselves to grandma’s tea set – play with bright, fun colors and shabby chic centerpieces to create a modern, whimsical atmosphere.

Covering your table in a sky blue will make all the difference in the world; pair that with raspberry rose napkins and you already have a playful, bright feel.

Obviously, cute and vintage-inspired teapots are a must for any tea party. You can have them filled with tea for actual use, empty with their lids closed, or lids open with flowers spilling out. Target has some precious teapots through Liberty of London right now that fit in flawlessly with our color scheme.

Birdcages in pastel and neutral colors are a great, easy little something to throw onto tables for numerous occasions. To give a grownup feel to your tea party, fill them with corks and a fat ivory candle. HomeGoods (surprising?) has loads of cute and shabby chic bird cages in all sizes and washed out colors.

Finally, take any clear vases or hurricanes you have and fill them with colorful tea bags and bits of antique hydrangea for some visual interest. Randomly place all the pieces in the center of your round table, or down the length of a long, rectangular table.

Now, whatever will you serve?