“She refused to be bored chiefly because she was not boring.” — Zelda Fitzgerald, wife of The Great Gatsby author, F. Scott Fitzgerald and the “first American flapper”.

With a much anticipated theater release of May 10th, Hollywood’s modern adaption of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic tale is sure to excite all audiences. So, in preparation for the release of what is sure to be one of the year’s hottest and best movies, why not have a “Great Gatsby” themed viewing party! 

The theme of any “Great Gatsby” party is sure to reflect the period of time in which the novel took place; the Roaring Twenties and the Prohibition Era. In a time where gangs and the mafia reigned supreme and speakeasies were a mecca for lawless behavior, the best word to describe this crazy time period is: EXCESS. And, whoever has taken a peek through history by means of Fitzgerald’s book knows that Jay Gatsby and his famous parties were known to encourage and foster excess in all manners. 

So, where do you start in planning a “Great Gatsby” themed affair? Well, first and foremost, prepare a to-die-for cocktail list! And, because of Prohibition, add an element of fun with a secret password each guest needs to score a delicious beverage. 

Once you’ve nailed down the beverages and food (because the drinks were the main event at any of Gatsby’s soirees, tea sandwiches and other finger foods are perfect for this occasion), the decorations come next. When designing your centerpieces, remember to keep it FLASHY. Diamonds, lace, pearls, furs, big feathers, sparkle and other extravagant objects were totally characteristic of the time. Check out these AMAZING spreads!

Almost as important as the cocktail list and decorations, the music should be as “Great Gatsby” as the rest! The Grey Orchestra recently released a Roaring Twenties inspired album sure to get the flapper inside you twitching to boogie and move. Click the link to hear sample songs and put together your Gatsby party playlist; my favorites are Rumor Has It, Paparazzi and Let’s Misbehave! So fun!  

Click here for more song titles!

Now that the party is ready to hop, donning the perfect “Daisy Buchanan” outfit is an absolute must. The clear object of millionaire Jay Gatsby’s affection, Daisy is known as a fashion icon and, arguably, was the first “American flapper”. Whether you wear a short or long dress, make sure that the fabric will shimmy and shake along with you! Just want the dress? Need inspiration for a whole outfit? Check it out here! 

After the cocktails have been consumed, the music danced to, and the flapper dress retired for the evening, I am confident that yours will be an absolutely memorable gala to rival even the great Jay Gatsby’s parties!! Roar on!   

Photo credit: Pintrest

The more I watch the responses to the Sunday night’s MTV Movie Awards on the E! Network and other entertainment sites, the more I fall in LOVE with Kerry Washington and her amazing wardrobe for the event. Washington was absolutely stunning in a black and yellow color-blocked mullet dress (also known as a “high-low” dress). I have to admit, I’ve had my reservations about this trendy item but, after seeing the “Scandal” star looking absolutely amazing….my mind may be made up! 

Kerry Washington on the Red Carpet at the 2013 MTV Movie Awards.

Kerry’s dress is straight from the 2013 Fall Fashion Week runway as she struts in this Micheal Kors stunner. But, how can you make this fancy formal more wearable for those of us NOT invited to endless award shows but still wanting to look red-carpet worthy? I’ve compiled a list of my favorite options below! 

I love how perfect this outfit is for gorgeous spring weather!

The adorbs jean jacket gives this look a grunge-chic feel.

I love this long, floor-length style! And how hot is the coral?!

The cheetah print is fierce and the waterfall style is an unexpected touch!

This glam look is sure to turn heads!

Army green and leather…. a sassy combination!

A look to satisfy the rocker within.

Definitely not for the feint of heart. This drastic style was made to turn a few heads!

Photo credits: Pintrest

As an event planner, I am obviously a huge fan of big, flashy events televised for the entire world to see and admire. This past weekend’s MTV Movie Awards were absolutely no exception. While some are watching for the music performances and others tune in to see who will snag “Best On-Screen Kiss”, I love to see how the evening flows and goes off, seemingly, without a hitch. Oh, and the fashion isn’t too bad, either!

While I always admire the classic stylings Hollywood’s royalty — Reese Witherspoon, Brad Pitt, Victoria Beckham, etc. — I was pleasantly surprised by the younger members of Hollywood’s elite. To name a few, MTV Movie Award winner Emma Watson and performer Selena Gomez wowed the audiences with their demure yet sassy duds. Emma rocked a lovely black and white cut-out frock, while Selena was a sass machine in sequins. Let’s focus on Selena, blazing the way as a young fashion icon.

Selena Gomez on the Red Carpet at the 2013 MTV Movie Awards.

Sequins and sparkle are components of any awesome party outfit. However, the key is to downplay shoes and accessories as to avoid seeming too busy. You want your extras to add to your outfit, not distract or confuse the viewer. That’s what I love about Selena’s look; she went all out with her flashy minidress but downplayed her jewelry and wore some adorable nude peep toe pumps. And, by keeping her hair swept away from her face, she ensured that all eyes would be on her sequins number by Julien Maconald. Check out my favorite ways to wear party sequins below!

This multi-colored sequins t-shirt dress is surprisingly wearable and the perfect day-to-night dress!

This classic party dress adds a little subtle yet eye-catching sequins in the perfect place.

Warehouse Brand sequins leggings….definitely not for the feint of heart!

The neutral color makes these flats perfect for Sunday brunch!

This Missguided strapless peplum is a must have for any sassy gal!

If you’re not feeling sequins clothing, try a sassy accessory like this DKNY watch (found at Macy’s).

The use of bigger, mirror ball sequins on the bottom and make this party dress larger than life!

These sequins shorts are high waisted, the perfect color and can even be found at Express!

Gorgeous, multi-colored, body-con skirt….oh my!

Splurge alert! This Dolce and Gabbana peep toe pumps are the epitome of class meets sass.

This Ralph Lauren gown is a steal at under $300….LOVE!

Spring is in the air and, evident with the duds at the recent ACM (American Country Music for you pop/hip hop lovers!) Awards, all over the airwaves, too! The show was filled with celebrities donning bright colors, floral patterns and fresh styles. There were so many dresses I loved but one definitely stood out above the rest. Jewel was absolutely stunning and stole the show in a gorgeous, form-fitting light coral dress. The delicately sequined gown, designed by Georges Chakra Couture, was a perfect mixture of class and sass and definitely left me breathless! 

How can you incorporate one of spring’s hottest colors into your upcoming event? Check out these amazing ways below! 

INSPIRATION ALERT: Jewel at the 48th Annual ACM Awards in Las Vegas.

The perfect collection of colors for a spring bouquet.

I can’t get enough of the traditional style of these amazing bridesmaids gowns.

I adore this Essie classic.

I love the coral neckwear on the groomsmen; a combo perfect for spring.

Almost too pretty to eat!

Add a touch of coral beneath your dress for a subtle pop of color.

Gorgeous table setting in shades of peach, pink and coral!

These MAC lips are totally kissable….. mwah!

This 50′s style coral party dress is ideal for any spring or summer event!

Pretty coral invitations will have your guests tickled pink.

Adorable basket for the flower girl and pillow for the ring bearer… Aw!

Beautifully crafted Cartier earrings.

Delicious springtime drinks, perfect for any event!

Photo credit: Pintrest

I was recently chatting with a friend (over a delicious mimosa brunch, might I add!) who is preparing for her wedding this coming summer. As we came across the topic of her biggest frustration with planning the wedding, she couldn’t stop stressing out over compiling her guest list, sending the invitations and especially the whole RSVP process. Now, RSVP’s can sometimes be a necessary evil when it comes to wedding or event planning. One the planning side, the bride and groom or host not only have to send the invitation and keep track of who’s bringing who and what they want to eat and hear, but they also have to deal with those pesky guests who forget, accidentally or on purpose, respond with their attendance in an RSVP. And, when many guests casually ignore this crucial step (tisk tisk!) and don’t respond one way or the other, it can be difficult to efficiently plan a wedding, gala or event.

So, for the sanity and sake of all brides and hosts trying to coordinate number management, seating charts and food, I’ve come up with a fool-proof way to make sure your guests pay enough attention to your invitation so that they can’t resist but to RSVP. How possibly can one ensure this, you ask? Well, the answer is simple! Get those creative juices flowing and make your RSVP’s too cute and unique to ignore!

A sweet twist of wording on a traditional RSVP.

What a fun couple, I love this adorable photo booth idea!

Mad gab anyone? Try this out to make the story of your wedding fill-in-the-blank fun!

The gorgeous mint makes this classic RSVP perfect for spring with the cutest little details.

This RSVP style won’t leave your friends ‘puzzled’….just cracking up at your genius creativity!

The dry humor used makes this RSVP perfect for the comical couple. I just can’t get enough of this!!

Photo credit: Pintrest

They’ve been all over the Red Carpet and E! can’t seem to get enough of them on their gossip shows. No…I’m not talking about the ever-present baby bump all of Hollywood seems to be sporting. I’ve got a trend much less life-changing, but just as dramatic on my mind. They’re plump, they’re luscious and they are turning heads. You guessed it, ladies….it’s your lips and putting on a gorgeous, bold pout right now is hot, hot, hot! 

My favorite way to wear a bright, bold lip color without looking like a scary Halloween mistake is to simplify the rest of your ensemble. Try to wear solid colors; you’ll notice most of the celebs below kept it to an either black or white wardrobe. Also, keep your hair natural and, whether swept off your face or not, try to avoid hair bling or over-the-top teasing. The rest of your make up should also reflect a more neutral palette; if you add dark, dramatic eyes to your look, you’ll appear overdone. The goal when rocking bold lips is to draw attention to your pretty pout, not distract with other eye-catching details! 

Some of my favorite stores to get these crazy cool colors from are Bare Escentuals, Sephora, Ulta and Clinique. 

Miranda Kerr is gorgeous donning a rust lip color. Stunning!

Jessica Alba shows us that lavender CAN be worn without looking tacky.

Rachel McAdams looks ‘berry, berry’ lovely in her pinky hue.

The contrast of the blonde and deep ruby is very flattering on classic beauty, Clare Danes.

Rihanna pulls off bright pink like the sassy goddess she is!

Emma Stone’s fiery personality makes her orange-toned lipstick the perfect choice!

No one rocks a classic red lip better than the “Red” singer herself. We love how fabulous and confident Taylor Swift is!

I recently spent time in baby heaven, planning a sweet party for the coming of a beautiful bundle of joy; my thematic inspiration….hues upon hues of bright, gorgeous color! 

Now Easter is over, spring is finally here to stay and bright colors are readily in bloom. And, as my inspiration for the darling baby shower, I’ve decided that I can’t get enough of bold colors! It adds so much warmth to a room and entices feelings of happiness…I can’t help but smile when I see a bouquet of multi-colored, fresh flowers or a table decorated with a colorful and savory dessert selection. And, though color is frequently used in baby showers and other social events, it is much less often incorporated into wedding schemes. The use of many colors can sometimes be overwhelming, so I’ve compiled my inspirations on how to take a colorful wedding from over-the-top to the perfect proportions! 

A multi-colored wedding bouquet is always a welcomed use of color.

This individually portioned cake is a unique way to use many different bright colors. YUM!!

The contrast of the white table cloth with the colorful topper is absolutely striking.

The cool tones of the bridesmaids dresses complements the use of bright bouquets.

Try this color-crazed MAC palette for the perfect wedding makeup.

Different colored boutonnières and matching socks for the groomsmen….I love how clever this is!

A different shade Manolo Blahnik for each of your bridesmaids…your ladies will definitely want to re-wear these beauties!

This colorful hair pin will be the perfect addition to any bride’s up-do.

Don’t forget color for the little future brides-to-be!

Photo credits: Pintrest 

The more brides I’m around, the more I hear it; the age-old question about the wedding veil and who should wear it. Well, in my opinion, a wedding veil – while emitting grace and a unique aura of sensuality – should be worn for the sole purpose that the bride actually WANTS to…nothing more! The traditional societal view of the wedding veil has drastically changed in modern times and has gone from being a wedding wardrobe staple to a sexy accessory option.

Some things to consider when deciding for or against a wedding veil:

-What is your location? Would wind potentially ruin the veil mid-ceremony?

-Does the design and cut of your dress support a wedding veil?

-Do you prefer a long or short veil?

-Would you wear a full veil, a blusher veil or a combination of the two?

-Is there a different headpiece you’d like to adorn instead?

-What hairstyle are you planning to have? Does it complement a veil?

-Are you Kate Middleton? (Just kidding, but she does look absolutely fabulous as a princess in her wedding veil! See image below.)

Basically, the choice is completely up to you and your fashion tastes. If you love the traditional significance and the look of the veil…go for it! But also know that many brides decide against it and opt for decorative headpieces instead, and that’s awesome too! Remember, it’s YOUR big day and it should be perfect the way YOU want it be! 

Blusher veil; perfect for short hair and up-do styles!

This full veil works well with long, flowing gowns and most hairstyles.

Kate Middleton is classic in this full veil with blusher. So royal!

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The background of the bride donning a veil on her wedding day is typically a religious tradition and dates back centuries. Much like wearing white, the wedding veil originated as a sign of the purity of the bride. And, as the father lifted the veil from his daughter’s face, it held the significance of her new life with the man to whom her father was releasing her to. Though it sounds a bit dated for current times, any hopeless romantic like myself sees the beauty and charm in the tradition! 

One of my more recent obsessions, the mermaid dress, has been seen in bridal magazines across the country this spring. And I love it! This style of wedding gown is sublime for most shapes because of the slimming silhouette. The style closely follows the natural contours of the woman form and flares out (which can be either dramatic or subtle) at the knee. It cinches and loosens in all the right places, making the bride look flawless, sophisticated and confident. And what bride doesn’t want that on her big day!?

There are many styles in which a mermaid dress can be designed. The dress allows virtually all necklines, sleeve options and material choices; designers have been very innovative with the details of their gown creations! Many mermaids are sleeveless, backless, made of satin, silk or lace, and some even boast creative sashes and delicate overlays.

Below, I have compiled fifteen of my all-time favorite mermaid dresses. Gorgeous for any gal looking to turn heads on her wedding day, and I’m sure you’ll agree that the mermaid dress is a style that is here to stay.  Comment below and share why you love your favorite featured mermaid gown!

1. The heart-shaped neckline and delicate silver detailing are an amazing combination!

2. Mermaid-style, layered gown with a unique feather-esque bottom.

3. I can’t get enough of the tiny, intricate stitched flowers! Love!

4. The gold satin bow give this lacy wedding dress a regal feel.

5. Love the addition of the tulle one-sleeve to the design. A brilliant cut-out!

6. A mermaid dress in an “Old Hollywood” style. The epitome of style.

7. A classic satin mermaid, cinched in all the right places!

8. The tightly netted and lace overlay give this mermaid a unique and unexpected twist!

9. The volume of this dress will automatically make you feel like a pretty, pretty princess!!

10. Love, love, love wearability of this dress; it exudes simplicity and grace.

11. The cap sleeves on this mermaid make this gown instantly classy. So Kate Middleton!

12. An adorable satin halter that perfectly complements the mermaid shape.

13. This wedding-cake inspired dress is smashing in cream satin.

14. The carefully crafted black detailing perfectly cinches the waist to give this gown a beautiful color pop.

15. A breathtaking backless, lace mermaid gown. Perfection.

Photo credits: Pintrest

As spring quickly approaches, I can’t help but notice all of the colors that have emerged from the dark depths of winter closets to freshen up the streets, offices and shops. From neons to brights to pastels, color splashes are everywhere! And, it seems, a recent trend has re-emerged along with these brights and pastels. Whether in a boutique or the airport, this newly introduced fashion is a cute and creative MUST for every doll, diva and darling. 

You guessed it, ladies….monograms are back! 

This trend that captured high popularity in the late 80′s and early 90′s is back and more desirable than ever before. And, with online boutiques and more affordable options, there’s no need to covet this trend from afar. Whether you’re buying as a gift for a wedding, bridal or baby shower, or birthday party, your friends are sure to adore personalization. And, if it’s a treat for yourself, well lady, more power to you! Check out some of my favorite items from my current monogram obsession, Marley Lilly! 

I ordered this clutch and love everything about it from the perfect date-night size to the affordable price!

An ideal beach or derby hat to protect you from the sun’s hot rays.

Gorgeous color, shape and detail. Love, love, love!

A great carry-all tote in the popular Longchamp style.

Never misplace or lose your yoga mat again with these bright options!

Love this for the breezy upcoming spring and summer nights.

Personalize your home with different scented monogrammed soaps.

STAND OUT from the crowd this swimsuit season with this monogrammed bandeau suit!

The chevron-monogram combination put this purse on the TOP of the trendy list!

All products featured by Marley Lilly