Christina Clark - Inspired Event Planning and Design

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Welcome to my blog! Here I talk about all things that inspire me and my events. So glad you stopped by!

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Category: Gala

Great Gatsby Gala

“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”.

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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! 

 

gatsby

 

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. 

 

cocktail 1 cocktail 2 cocktail 3

 

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!

 

gatsby party

 

gatsby party table

 

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!  

 

 

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! 

 

flapper dress 1

flapper dress 2

gatsby outfitgatsby outfit 2

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

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Crazy for coral!

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! 

 

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

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

 

The perfect collection of colors for a spring bouquet.

The perfect collection of colors for a spring bouquet.

 

These coral bridesmaids dresses are a classy must!

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

 

I adore this Essie classic!

I adore this Essie classic.

 

I love the coral neckwear on the groomsmen; the light suit-combo is perfect for spring.

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

 

Almost too pretty to eat!

Almost too pretty to eat!

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

These coral MAC lips are totally kissable, mwah!

These MAC lips are totally kissable….. mwah!

 

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

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

 

Pretty coral invitations will tickle your guests pink.

Pretty coral invitations will have your guests tickled pink.

 

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

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

 

Beautifully crafted Cartier earrings.

Beautifully crafted Cartier earrings.

 

Delicious springtime drinks, perfect for any event!

Delicious springtime drinks, perfect for any event!

 

Photo credit: Pintrest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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‘Tis the season….for Tulle!

If you’ve been paying attention to any televised bridal or event show, you know that tulle is hot, hot, hot for the spring season. Martha Stewart recently released a whole line of bridal and party dresses for 2013 and the material has absolutely exploded on this season’s runway. Whether you go short and flirty or long and luxurious, tulle can turn any drab dress totally fab….as long as moderation is considered to avoid looking like a ballerina gone wrong! Here are some of my favorite looks fresh from the spring runway that will inspire you to incorporate this foxy trend into your next party outfit!

 

Tulle. Bustier. Color-blocking. Zac Posen. Need I say more!?!

 

Badgley Mischka takes tulle to new heights with these unique sleeves in the 2013 spring showcase.

 

This adorable Dior dress adds the perfect amount of tulle to give it a flirty, spring feel.

 

This classic tulle-drapped Marchesa also seen on Hayden Panettiere at the Emmy’s.

 

Huge props to Jason Wu on his daring black swan-esque tulle gown for the 2013 season!

 

Sherri Hill is perfection with this gold and tulle combination party dress!

 

These Christian Siriano ethereal dresses are sweet, flattering and fairy-like.

 

Lazaro incorporates tulle to add length to this wedding-inspired gown.

 

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Mellow Yellow

With spring fast approaching, bright colors are all the rage right now! It’s almost the sunniest time of year and there’s no better color than bright, sunshine-inspired yellow to beat the lingering winter blues. 

 

Here are some great and innovative ways to include this vibrant color into your wedding or next gala!

 

A gorgeous yellow table decoration, perfect for all spring events.

 

Slip these on to feel “footloose and fancy-free”!

 

An adorable party invitation idea.

 

A darling wedding cake with yellow accents.

 

Unique wedding bouquet arrangement.

 

Delicate flower earrings.

 

A neat idea for party seating! LOVE!

 

Yellow-accented wedding gown.

 

Chanel wedding nails…the best!

 

Creative boutonnière options…only for the studliest of men.

 

Gorgeous yellow wedding ring…I DEFINITELY do!

 

A delectably sweet cake, perfect for any shower, christening, party or wedding.

 

Sunny spring bridesmaids!

 

Photo credits: Pinterest 

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The Oscars Go Bridal

The audience, the media and even the First Lady love her…and, at 22 she’s among the youngest stars to ever win an Oscar. Clearly, Jennifer Lawrence is doing something right. Including her recent fashionista bridal look. 

 

Okay, don’t go getting too excited thinking that J. Law and hunky “Silver Linings Playbook” costar Bradley Cooper are making their on-screen romance reality; but, the actress did sport a lovely, bridal-inspired gown at Sunday night’s event. 

 

The endearing and sweet young star was dressed for the Oscars head to toe in sparkle. From her dazzling diamond earrings and stunning backwards Chopard necklace to her gorgeous pale pink Christian Dior Haute Couture gown, I loved everything about her classic look. And, while wedding-style dresses aren’t common at awards shows, J. Law couldn’t have pulled off the look more flawlessly. 

 

 

 

 

 

So, whether you’re looking for a dress with a train, stunning pieces of jewelry or a color that is tickled pink, pull your style inspiration from a true Hollywood class act. Jennifer Lawrence not only has a promising acting career, but also a bright future as a fashion icon. So much Lawrence love! 

 

 

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Events: Gluten-Free Guidance

Serving food at a gala, party or wedding can be tricky. The options are endless and whether you serve pasta or meat, you’re bound to run into some complications. Aside from the traditional “picky eater”, a whole new sector of guests with meal issues has emerged. Gluten intolerance has skyrocketed to existence and popularity in recent years and, whether your guest is avoiding it for diet or medical reasons, men and women alike are looking for gluten-free options to eat and enjoy. 

 

Obviously, this makes creating a menu a bit difficult. However, with a few slight meal tweaks, even you can put together a savory plate that everyone can delight in. Check out these delicious four-course, gluten-free meal option recipes! 

 

Appetizer option #1: Gluten Free Fruit Appetizer

 

Appetizer option #2: Gluten Free Dip Appetizer

 

 

Main course option #1: Gluten Free Pasta Dish

 

Main course option #2: Gluten Free Meat and Potatoes

 

Dessert option #1: Gluten Free Cakeball Recipe

 

 

Have a fantastic event and enjoy these delicious gluten-free eats! 

 

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{Inspiration} Party Dresses

The Holiday season is in full swing. And, one of my favorite things about the holiday season are all the fun sparkly clothes and beauty trends. After your nails are all sparkly, be sure to find the perfect sparkly dress. Here are few dresses that are sure to stop traffic, in a good way. 

I’m loving this Juicy Couture Python print dress from Nordstrom. Although it isn’t as glittery as most holiday dresses, the color and pattern is amazing and you can always add big, sparkly accessories.

You can never wear enough sequins and this Color Block sequin dress from Nordstrom is just what the doctor ordered. 

 

Silver is always a good choice. And this Free People frock is fun and flirty. 

Peplums are having quite the moment. This metallic one from Nasty Gal is great for the holiday season.

 

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Tips for looking like a hot babe before your wedding day!

Hi dolls,
 

 

Today I have Lauryn from The Skinny Confidential on the blog!! Lauryn is always full amazing tips on looking and feeling fabulous. I totally adore her and enjoy reading her fabulous blog.  
Without further ado, here she is….

 

 
 
 
 
 
Hi! I’m Lauryn from The Skinny Confidential. I’m sharing tips + tricks for looking super hot before you big day ; ). For any further questions e-mail me at Lauryn@TheSkinnyConfidential.com. Enjoy babes!

 

Tips for looking like a hot babe before your big day:
 

{Drink up} Guzzle this natural hot lemon diuretic before your big day. If I bare my legs/belly/etc., I’ll drink this in the AM & PM. This lemon diuretic flushes out the system, which takes away bloat. Think of it as a ‘mini cleanse.’ Also, try this juice cleanse four days before the wedding; it will leave you feeling energized & slim!
 

{Tan} Spray tanning makes everything look better. If you do it right. Stay away from anything with red undertones. Think bronzed  & sun-kissed, not Oompa-Loompa, Snooki orange. Find more tanning tips here.
 

{Eat} Before you walk the aisle, eat a piece of low-carb toast with soy butter or avocado, cottage cheese & fruit, or scrambled eggs. If you’re drinking, these types of foods will help absorb the alcohol.
 

{Light on the carbs & sugar} For the day [& maybe the day before ] cut your carb intake in half. Also get rid of any processed sugars & ditch the salt. Too much salt can make people appear ten pounds heavier. Two weeks before the wedding cut carbs after 5 pm.
 

{Vodka/water} If you’re wearing a tight dress, the best alcoholic beverage on the planet is vodka/water + three lemons. It’s light & has no bloating soda water in it.
 

{Lotion} Wear firming lotion. It tightens everything up & make your limbs look smooth and sleek. My favorite: Olay’s Quench Plus Firming Body Lotion.
 

{Shimmer} Adding a bit of bronzed shimmer to your chest & arms [ be careful of your white dress though! ]. I die over this bronzer/shimmer.
 

{Workout} Yeup, yeup, yeup. Make time for fitness. People look way more toned after a workout. Try to squeeze in an AM workout before your big day. Kick it up a notch & workout at least six days a week, two months before your nuptials.
 

{Posture} throw your shoulders back & stand tall. Evoke your inner sex kitten {!!!}.
 

CONGRATS to brides everywhere ; ). XO. Lauryn
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Say Cheese: Photo booths are here to stay

The popular trend of having a photo booth at your wedding isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Photo booths are a fun and memorable way for the bride, groom and attendees to document the big day. A lot of people include fun props in their photo booths like glasses, mustaches and hats to liven up the photos and make them more unique. Depending on your decor and theme of your wedding, you could include matching decor.

Photo booths are above all else, way too fun to pass up! Consider adding one to your reception, you won’t be sorry you did.

Photos courtesy of Pinterest.

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Now That’s An Invitation!

 Today invitations have gone beyond the basic card.  Sending out extravagant invitations is a great way to give your guests a preview of what kind of event you are throwing. Also, taking the time to make unique invitations makes your guests feel special right from the start.

I’ve seen beautiful origami shaped invitations, musical invitations and pop-up cards that are fun and interactive. Some other unique invitation ideas that I love are ticket stubs for “save the date” invitations, plane tickets for destination weddings, foam flip flops for pool parties, giant quarters for charity events, and personal cupcakes for birthday parties.  You can even get creative and design your own candy wrapper with the party information.  How sweet!

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