Chloe's Winter Wonderland In The City Wedding!

Today, I had the awesome opportunity of meeting with stylëvënts' December 2011 bride, Chloe. She and I became acquainted with one another through a mutual friend, and instantly bonded during our frequent fb chats & emails just talking "wedding stuff". Like me, Chloe is an event designer here in the Houston area and she is clueless as to what elements she wants to go with (as a final choice) for her "Winter Wonderland In The City" themed wedding! Yes, I know you may be thinking... "why is an event coordinator clueless about her own wedding".. Well, let me tell you that I can definitely understand where Chloe is coming from because there is a certain challenging of creativity that comes with designing an event for a regular client versus designing an event for another designer.

 As an event designer you spend so much time cultivating radical & fashionable ideas that will blow your clients away, sometimes you just lose it when it's time to go to the drawing board for yourself because there is so much in your head and you want to be sure that your concept ROCKS OUT anything you've ever done! When creating an event for yourself, you want to be sure you stay away from utilizing trends & venues that you've used with past clients (even though they were your idea), and that's exactly what I could see Chloe having the most trouble with. Overall, it's just so wierd sometimes how we can "BE" something to someone and will not allow ourselves to "BE" that exact same thing to ourselves... I wonder what thats about.. 

Anyway, Chloe and I finally had a sit down sat to overview the inspiration lookbook that I compiled for her. I wanted her to be able to overview a  few different concepts that we could possibly incorporate into her day and give her the opportunity to tweak from there instead of becoming overwhelmed looking at and thinking about 100 different concepts that she could possibly utilize for THE BIG DAY, looking through magazines! Here are a few of the ideas that were used in the lookbook. I will keep you guys posted on how think go! Stay Tuned!

I submitted this concept in Chloe's Ceremony Decor section of her lookbook!
I believe this look is as "winter wonderlandish" as we can get!  

This look was submitted to Chloe for Pre-Reception Decor Inspiration 

This look is actually one of my favorites, was submitted to Chloe,
should she decide to go with the church wedding versus Hotel Zaza

Stylistic Spotlight On "A Taste Of Terri's"

So, my little guy & I were invited to a "Costume Playdate Party", the day before Halloween at Terri Moore's, owner of "A Taste Of Terri's", which is a full service catering & decor firm here in Houston!  Upon arrival, we were led onto the back patio where the festivities were being held, where we were met with a nice beautiful breeze & a "Halloween Decor Clad Haven" . The kids (as well as the adults.. I won't lie!) were in awe at how she pulled this off!

  

                                 

The table settings for the 10 kiddos that were invited were to die for.

If you look closely, each goodie bag is personalized , & her centerpiece

 is made of hand-painted tree branches clad in candy corn and spiders! How creative is that?

Their afternoon activities of pumpkin painting, haunted house decoration and typical child's play helped them to build up the hearty appetites that they would need to be prepared to satisfy! Then, the announcement came.... "LUNCH IS SERVED", and each little kiddo quickly stopped, dropped, and scurried over to their "personalized"table setting! They were on the edge of their seats (which I believe was part hunger & part anticipation of what Ms. Terri had whipped up) as the pretzel-styled hot dogs, mini- pizzas topped w/ pepperoni smiley faces & olive eyes, and nachos were served ! It was a sight to see, believe me! 

From the moment we arrived, my little guy was amazed with this 
handmade spider (made by Terri) and wasn't the least bit concerned about 
the scrumptious goodies she had prepared in their goodie bags! 

The exterior of Terri's home was creatively permeated
with handmade spiders & their spiderwebs!  

We really enjoyed ourselves, and are always amped to see what Terri has up her sleeve  at the next events she hosts! I have provided you with a few pix from the party, but you will be able to see more at her upcoming blog, A Taste Of Terri's. In the meantime, if you are interested in having an event catered or need special decor, you can reach Terri at atasteofterriscatering@yahoo.com! 

stylishly yours,

madamestyle

My Oh So Stylish Wedding 2011 Edition

Calling all 2011 Brides & Grooms to be ..... listen up. stylëvënts is hosting it's 1st Annual "My Oh So Stylish Wedding 2011 Edition" Contest just for you! Enter TODAY!  

To enter you must submit a picture of the newlyweds to be & the following questionnaire to madamestyle@gmail.com! 

Bride's Name:

Groom's Name:

Wedding Rehearsal Date & Time:

Wedding Date & Time:

Wedding Venue:

Why do you believe your wedding will be "THE MOST STYLISH" of 2011's Finest Ceremonies? (Please be sure to thoroughly explain your vision and feel free to include pictures as well)

  

Winners will be chosen on Tuesday, November 9th and announced on the morning of November 10th. They will receive the following:

• stylëvënts Wedding Rehearsal Coordination
• stylëvënts Day of Wedding Ceremony Coordination 
• stylëvënts Bride & Groom Honeymoon "mm mm goodie bag"

Special Notes: All eligible weddings must be held in or around the Houston area.     

Stylistic Spotlight On Kirby Mack Photography & Design

A few months ago, I had the awesome opportunity of being introduced to the work of Ms. Kirby Mack of Kirby Mack Photography & Design! I LOVE LOVE LOVE her work and you guys all know that if I find something that I believe is just SUPER, I want to share it with the world, so I hope you enjoy... 

Last week, I had the chance to chat with Kirby and pick her brain for a sec, and during our interview, she shared the following:

Q: So Kirby, tell me a bit about how you got started....

A: I got started when I wanted to create a Houston event blog. I knew that If I was gonna blog about things going on in Houston, I had to have great photos to go along with it. I purchased my first DSLR with no experience in using it, grabbed some of my friends and had a shoot. The feedback I got after posting the photos on Facebook was so huge that I decided go in the direction of Photography.

                                                                                             

Q: What would you recall as being some of the most memorable oppurtunities that you've been afforded because of your hard work and product?

A: In the short time I have been shooting, I have had opportunities to shoot the Audi Fashion show, Artists like Marvin Sapp, Kathy Taylor, James Fortune, Brian Courtney Wilson, Myron Williams and Marcus D. Wiley from the Yolanda Adams Morning Show to name a few. It's been a wonderful blessed experience!

photo courtesy of Kirby Mack for Jones Magazine

Q: What would you consider to be your absolute FAV part of what you do?

A: My favorite part of what I do is to show through my photos how blessed the client is. When I shoot my client's, most of them are at a period in they're life where they have transitioned or about to transition into an awesome season. It could be a new business, marriage, new child, a new book; I feel that my job is to show the 'blessing'. It can be a smile, glow, or laughter; When you see the photo, you can't deny that its there.

Q: Last but not least, what's your life motto?

A:"Think Outside the Frame!"

For booking information, or to view more of her photography & design work, visit Kirby at http://www.facebook.com/KirbyMackPhotos ! 

Stylishly Yours, 

                          madamëstylë

Does Your Flawless Flower Girl Have stylë?

So, most of you that I have the extreme tendency to NOT be a traditional girl! Ha... that being said, I knew that I did not want my flower girls looking like all the other little ones floating down the aisle... NO wagons, NO bubble skirts with rose petals, or DB dresses (no offense to anyone meant- just my personal choice)  involved. Thus, I did some research on current flowergirl trends and attire & my oh my, did I find a few treasures!!!! 

I love the umbrella usage here!
Aren't their little silver ballet flats just super stylë-ish ?  

Color, Color, & More Color..... use it!  ( puddlescollection.com) 

This tutu is just too cute! 

stylë trend findings: 

• Color, Color, Color is what's hotter than NOT for the little girls now. However, be very careful with the usage as you could easily go overboard! Compliment their attire with subtle jewelry and hairstyles as you don't want to have them looking too "mature". 
• Tutu dresses are really HOTT !!! (shown on image 2). Many boutiques are carrying them these days, but I would recommend that you shop your options as many vendors have been found guilty of up-charging for them. 
• Ballet flats (in ivory, silver, gold, various colors & glitter, etc) are super stylish for the little princesses! 

I won't share with you what I picked just yet, but I definitely wanted to share just a few  my findings for those that are looking to showcase their stylë on their BIG day.....  

Stylishly Yours, 

madamëstylë

Officially stylëd !

I will tell you more about these a bit later, but I just had to share!!!
If you have an event coming up and just HAVE to have these,
then email me and I will make it happen!!!
Until then, you have been officially stylëd!

♥ madamestylë

02.06 Sac Anyone?

Are you tired of using the same old animated characters for your child's birthday parties year after year? Well, look no further...02.06 & Co is now creating 02.06 Sac's, which are personalized party favor bags for your child's next birthday bash! Whether you're  looking to feature your child's favorite animation in a different aspect or a customized theme just for that special day, 02.06 & Co. can accommodate! Contact us today at madamestyle@gmail.com for a quote!  

P.I.F.F. Campaign Completed!

I am pleased to announce that the "Pay It Fashion Forward" Campaign has ended on a beautiful note! I would like to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to the individuals that contributed to campaign, assisting stylë in donating 350 lbs of clothing and $25 on behalf of the P.I.F.F. Campaign! Again, many thanks and may GOD bless you beyond your wildest dreams!

stylëvënts presents..

Greetings Ladies! For the past few months, during my prayer time, I have asked GOD to reveal what's next for me, and over the course of time, I've just been getting the words, "pour out" in return. Not really having a connector to fully understand what that meant, I just sat back, journaled, and waited for further clarity. A few days ago, I was awakened in the middle of the night and prompted to get up and write. Not really understanding what was going on, I just began to write what was in my brain at the time, and when I was done, the skeleton format for the "Pay It Fashion Forward Campaign" (P.I.F.F.) was laid out before me.

In partnership with the Star of Hope Mission Women's Shelter, the P.I.F.F. Campaign's sole function is to "pour out", give back and help GOD's daughters. During my initial meetings with the mission, one of the coordinators expressed, "The women we serve most times only have 1 or 2 items of clothing to their names, which makes it difficult for them to even try to piece items together for them to wear to interviews or church, that would make them feel confident enough to even want to be seen in public." This statement definitely affected me in a mighty way. Thus, I am fueled with passion to sow into the lives of HIS daughter's and "Pay It Fashion Forward "!

So, to make this a reality, I need you! I'm calling for donations of fashionable, lightly used, church and/or interview  women's attire (sizes 0-30). Also, the #1 need at the facility is for "NEW undergarments" (girdles, slips, bras and panties) as well. Please partner with me and "Pay It Fashion Forward"! The campaign close-out date is Friday July 16th, so let's make a HUGE impact in someone's life. Donate TODAY! If you are interested, please feel free to message me on FB or contact me at madamestyle@gmail.com to discuss drop-off locations and/or meeting times to collect your donations. Thanks and be blessed!

 

Coming Soon.............

I am SUPER-HONORED to be onboard to coordinate a housewarming for a client/long-time friend of mine, Ms. Alida Green! This is a true blessing!  I am soooo proud of her!

Stay tuned for pics of stylë's 1st housewarming!

Yours Truly,

Oneika J

Oh So Fashion Forward For 3.19.2011 !!!!

Just wanted to share a piece of my mind with you guys!

I won't spill the whole bag of beans before the BIG Day, but I thought I should at least give you a taste!

Sound Off !!!!

Nowadays, everyone is hiring event planners to produce their events, be they large or small. Social media has deemed hiring a coordinator as "the thing to do" as well! So, silently, folks have been coaxed into it , but not everyone knows the proper etiquette of working with a coordinator! THUS, I have shared a few groundrules with you below that you should keep in mind when looking to hire a coordinator! I believe that these tips will assist you in receiving maximal utilization from them! Enjoy!

Let Your Coordinator COORDINATE !
Allow who you've hired to do the job that they've been hired to do! Be open & upfront with them about your likes and dislikes and let them lead the way. TRUST ME ! It will pay off in the end!


There's Only 1 Chief, But There Are Many Indians!
You are the boss, so your coordinator will be looking to capture YOUR wishes & get the job done. Do not overwhelm your coordinator with involving too many decision makers in the process! Of course it's cool to get the opinions of close friends, a fiance', relative and so on, but you may want to pre-screen them for ideas, choose which of those you like, and have their ideas present when you meet with your coordinator next. This can really confuse a coordinator, if others are too heavily involved in the coordination process as their ideas could water down a client's initial vision.

Stay On Track!
It's always important to stay on track with your time and to-do lists, so be sure you OBEY! If you choose not to follow your coordinator's advice on the logistics of your event ( ex: ignoring deadlines, timelines, remixing the plan), just know that you are solely responsible for the outcome of the event as you have now taken matters into your own hands. This could realy derail your event so, be sure to cooperate !

That's all for now folks !Be sure to stay tuned for the next "Sound Off"!


Stylishly Yours!
madamëstylë

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler...

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler... A French phrase meaning "Let The Good Times Roll' that strongly conveys the "joie de vivre" (joy of living) that pervades Southern Louisiana is only one of the many items I found in researching commonly observed traditions in New Orleans (as my fiancé was born and raised there)! As an event planner/designer, I've done many weddings where the cultural tradition of either the bride or groom were overlooked and I definitely did not want that to be the case with my fiancé and I so, I quickly got to work!

My 1st experience with "New Orleanian" tradition was with the "Second Line". We attended a family reunion in the summer on 09 and towards the end of the 70’s party on the 1st night, a brass band walked in, instruments cocked and ready to go, and I'm thinking... "what's about to happen?", but as soon as they began to play, everyone in the room - young, old, and everything in between, went wild, quickly forming a line, parading around the room, handkerchiefs in hand, getting their boogie ON! It was a sight to see!!! I loved it!!! Even though I have not built up the courage to join in yet, I'm determined to culminate this into our 3.19.2011 plans! For your viewing pleasure, I've attached some footage of a wedding second line and few second line parades, so you can see how they get down, N.O. style!

1st footage piece: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQOEjVnM8Nw

2nd footage piece: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwWTrOfek3s

3rd footage piece: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-5-phm22HI

Stylishly Yours,



Oneika J.

Hello!

Hello World! So it's been a while since my last post. I must say that ALOT has occured... At the top of that occurrence list is definitely a marriage proposal that I received just a few weeks after my last post!

(I was quite shocked !!!!! )

(It took me a while to get it together !!!)

 Thus since then, I have been overwhelmingly immersed in all things "wedding" amongst my normal everyday life and business endeavors. I must say, that as an event planner/designer, we've seen it all, and we want it ALL , amidst having 1,000 ideas of what you would like to incorporate into it as well. But, at the end of the day I  am determined to keep all "bridezillaness" to a minimum. I will keep you guys posted on my progress as the days go by!

Stylishly Yours,

Oneika J

Party Like A Rockstar

On 02.06.09, stylëvënts & 02.06 & Co.helped us to celebrate our 1st born's 1st birthday! 75 guests, some of who drove from Beaumont, Port Arthur, New Orleans, Dallas and even Tennessee attended the celebration and chowed down on hotdogs & nachos catered by A Taste Of Terri's & Anointed Hands, while the kiddos made themselves at home in the "hummer inspired" jumping house. The DJ kept the tunes rolling as guests enjoyed the tattoo, face painting and rockstar sunglass table as well! Indeed, we spared no expense when it came to our little guy's BIG DAY!!! You only turn "1" once huh? His party truly rocked!!!! We love you baby!!!!

the lounge effect

Fellas & Fashionistas all over the globe are increasingly moving away from the common “tables & chairs” feel for guest seating at their events to the oh so “mod & stylish” lounge feel! In my opinion, I believe it’s simply “oh so stylish”! I have included a few samples for you to view! Enjoy! Stay tuned for my upcoming post on how to pull off the lounge effect on a budget!

drum roll please.......................

It is with much honor, I present to you the new face of stylëvënts.  When I went in to brainstorm on it's design, I asked GOD to give me something that would be relevant, fresh, chic, modern, and of course, stylish and I truly believe that's what I got! She' Hall, CEO of Sushe Design was able to listen to my rambling & sort through my random miscellaneous thoughts, pictures, and emails to come up with a  design that would rep the brand well! I am extremely excited about whats to come for stylëvents!!!!! Stay Tuned 

stylëvënts Brand Unveiling!

 It is with MUCH excitement that I am pleased to announce that the NEWstylëvënts brand unveiling will occur on 03.01.2010! I am super grateful for the GOD given talent that's been entrusted to my designer, She' Hall with Sushe Design for doing such a wonderful job with bringing my vision to life!  Stay Tuned for the unveiling and a Stylistic Spotlight article on Sushe Design as well!

oh so stylish!!!!

Brides and Brides To Be all over the world are really getting into "themed wedding & engagement photos"! I truly think that the concept is "Oh So Stylish" !!!!! These are great to feature at engagement parties and/or wedding ceremony venues in the lobby....

tick tock 02.21

I met soo many great people last week that I am extremely excited about featuring on the blog for your innermost stylistic needs to be met ! STAY TUNED... I have some great stuff coming your way this week!

****COMING SOON****
This label will highlight all stylish fashion trends that you will want to know about for your next event

oh so stylish!!!!

So, I came across these flower carpets by Events by Showstoppers! Are'nt they nice?

oh so stylish!

I thought this was one of the cutest ideas... This couple.. Melanie and Mike's colors were grey and yellow (which came together quite nicely), and I wanted to show you guys one of the most fun elements of their reception... It came courtesy of a photo booth (complete with a chalkboard for messages). Guests loved it!

02.06 & Co

As many of you know, I now have a 1year old on my hands!!!! So, of course I've been planning his 1st birthday practically since the day he was born on 02.06.09.  However, when the time came around for me to get busy on the actual event... I was somewhat stumped!!! ( yes, this is a horrible admission for an event planner... BUT, the truth shall set you free).  I  wanted to produce a unique event that would highlight Jamar's personality.  I didnt want to go the easy way and hide behind elmo, spiderman, and/or any other animated character that he hasnt become acquainted with yet. So, I decided on the theme... "Party Like A Rockstar" (professional event pics coming soon), and the party ROCKED!!!!  As a result, I have received so many calls and emails about assistance with kid's parties!!!! Thus, 02.06 and Co. (a stylëvënts subsidiary) was birthed !  So stay tuned for much more on 02.06 & Co!!!!!

candy craze

Folks EVERYWHERE are going crazy and catching the candy buffet bug! If I must say so, they are the cutest thing on earth to do at any event.. But I will warn you that things can get really expensive if you don't watch yourself! Please review the samples below! To pull this off, you will definitely needs lots of candy and many cool containers ( you can get them at target, ikea, crate and barrel and/or pier1).  Last but not least, be sure that you add different levels of height to the table as well... It will give your table quite a dramatic look!  

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