Shopbop Goes Bridal

Another bridal boutique has just launched. The fabulous online retailer, Shopbop, is introducing their official Wedding Boutique which includes bridal gowns, accessories, lingerie and bridal party dresses. The best feature? Shopbop offers three-day shipping and free returns, so you can order several options to try on without any long-term obligation.

Here are just a few great pieces they are offering. Check it:



Thakoon Addition, Strapless Draped Gown ($990)



Halston Heritage, Ruffle Strapless Long Dress ($995)

BCBGMAXAZARIA, Marisa Layered Bridal Gown ($1048)

Leila Hafzi Bridal, Mariam Gown and Vanda Gown



Catherine Deane, Justine Long Dress ($1,310)




Lela Rose, Strapless Gown



Thread, Clara Strapless Dress with Removable Skirt



Chicago Venues Galore!

When hosting an event, the space itself can be the most important factor in successfully executing your vision. Chicago is definitely not lacking in some amazing spaces. There are always the tried and true/iconic venues like The Ritz Carlton, Harold Washington Library, Cafe Brauer at the Lincoln Park Zoo and A New Leaf. But some new, unique and chic spaces seem to be popping up everywhere. Here are just a few to consider if you are hosting an event in the near future.

Opening in November: Greenhouse Loft...For the Eco-Friendly Folks
The 3,500-square-foot raw space is located in Logan Square and features a sun-filled space called the Glass House as well as an 8,000-square-foot organic garden.

Dinner Party Time: Chicago Q and Sepia
Dying to host a dinner party but your place is just too dang small? How about a BBQ themed soiree at recently opened Chicago Q in the Gold Coast? Choose from the private octagon room that seats 12 or the wine room that seats 30. Best part? You don't have to cook for this dinner party...choose from items like kobe brisket prepared in wood-burning smokers, buttermilk mashed potatoes and bacon-cheddar hush puppies. Nothing says loving like comfort food. Mmmmm.

Le chic Sepia is opening an expanded private dining space that can host seated dinners for 80 or a cocktail reception for 180.

Get Lofty: Room 1520

This is a pretty amazing West Loop space. The Aérée Loft is open, modern, and clean. The Sky Loft upstairs is warmer-toned with a fireplace and views of downtown. Cozy home inspired event decor - overstuffed armchairs, area rugs, and other homey touches - is all the rage and the Sky Loft gives just that vibe. Perfect for a wedding or just about any occasion!

Aérée Loft

Sky Loft



A Hautelook Wedding Party

I'm back from vacation and already thinking about my next. How can you not when you go from sunny, mid-80 degree temps back to the fridged 20s. Back to reality, I guess.

If you haven't seen this already, I wanted to share that Hautelook, similar to Gilt Group for those of you not familar, is hosting a wedding party party sale that began this weekend! Find everything from gowns, shoes, handbags, jewelery, party dresses and more. Sale ends Tuesday(3/29) at 10AM CST. If you're on a budget, these discounts are redic.Check it:

Adios

In a little over 24 hours I will basking in the sun...sipping a cocktail...and making many of my friends here in Chicago jealous. In honor of both my trip and St. Patrick's Day today, here is a little green with envy fun. I'll be back in a week! xxs




Tory Burch Flip Flops; Antropologie Bracelet; Tom Ford Sunglasses; Kate Spade Beach Tote; Michele Jelly Watch; Canon Rebel T2i



Feeling a Little Green?

The CHI-RISH were in full swing this past weekend here in the windy city. A sea of green (tees, hats, socks, shamrock headbands, beer and cocktails) flooded the streets in honor of a Saint named Patrick. If you missed the festivities there's still time before the real St. Patty's Day to throw a lucky little shin-dig of your own. Here is a little green inspiration courtesy of Nellie Designs and TSJ Photography.

And the Winner Is...

Anita Richter!* Congrats and thanks to everyone who participated. Keep following for periodic product giveaways and great tips (of course). Anita, please contact me at jen@jborderseventdesign.com to claim your fabulous candles.

Happy Monday!

*selected via www.random.org

Product Spotlight and GIVEAWAY: Enjoy Flameless Candles

I’m obsessed with candles. When in doubt, light a candle and alter the mood of any space in a good way. It’s one of the things I recommend to clients when they are working with a strict budget but still want their space to look glamorous. The downfall? They are not self sufficient and can sometimes be a mess. After a few hours dripping wax and a blown out wick resulting in a deformed or contorted candle isn’t always so chic. I’m a girl big on authenticity so the thought of "fake" candles didn’t sit well at first…until I tried them out. Enjoy Lighting was ever so gracious to send me a sampling from their collection and I’m thrilled that they did. Not only do these candles look like the real deal (made with real wax) they have a multi hour timer so that you don’t have to worry about your space staying luxuriously lit! If you’re thinking of using them in your home, they are perfect and scented (they smell amazing). To top it off…these LED lovelies are sustainable and can be reused again and again! The flameless candle trend is taking home décor by storm…Nate Berkus even has his own line available on HSN.

The good news is that today may be your lucky day! I’m giving away 2 sets of sample candles to ONE lucky reader*. Simply do all 3 of the following and someone will be selected by random:

1) Post a comment on this blog
2) Like/become a fan of my Facebook page, J. Borders Event Design
3) Like/become a fan of Enjoy Lighting’s Facebook page OR follow Enjoy on Twitter
*Only one entry per person

GOOD LUCK!!!

Check out some pics I snapped below (a realization I need to sign up for a photography class ASAP since I quickly learned I have not a clue how to properly use my fabulous Cannon Rebel camera):

Other product images:

Up, Up and Away!

So this post is a little random but I had to share. Have you seen Disney’s Pixar movie, Up? If you haven’t, you are lame and need to rent it ASAP. It is by far one of my favorite Pixar movies to date…totally precious, touching and funny. In any case, National Geographic has recreated the Up house in real life and it can actually fly! Using 300 helium filled balloons! How cool, no? Maybe I should contact the folks at NG and see if they need a stylist for the interior? The challenge? Lightweight yet chic. Check it below…and Happy Wednesday!

Hello Hanna: Sustainable Party Decor

Perusing the web to find new ways to display sweets for an upcoming project (organic and green inspired) I stumbled upon Hello Hanna via the ever most creative entertaining website, Hostess with the Mostess. Their "Sweet Stands" are sweet indeed. Made of embossed recycled paper and easy to assemble, these affordable mini displays are perfect for cupcakes and other small treats. You can even dress them up with ribbons or other embellishments. Check it out. Darling, no?

They even have these great "Wishing Trees" perfect for welcome tables or centerpieces:



Tiny Prints

Many of you have probably heard of Wedding Paper Divas for all your papers needs for everything wedding. Super cute, easy and chic, they have everything from the save the dates to the shower/wedding invitations to the thank yous. But what about all the celebrations that come after that? Well say hello to Tiny Prints, the parent company of Wedding Paper Divas. Tiny Prints has everything else! Chic photo cards, personalized stationary, announcements, photo books, birthday and shower invites, greeting cards and more! Check out a sampling from their great and affordable collection. Remember, your invitation sets the tone for your celebration, so get it started with style:

Designer Spotlight: David Stark

Clever, innovative and fresh is the perfect way to describe David Stark's events and design. David and his team have produced some pretty creative and amazing events for some high profile clients. The cool part is, one my besties works for David and I hear first hand some of the fabulous things they work on. A recent project of David's that blew me away was the creation of a 26 foot tall call to action, on the steps of the New York Public Library with a single word: R E A D.

A project for Target to support the National Education Association's Read Across America Program, the structure was put together with over 25,000 Dr. Seuss books (all of which were donated to New York City public schools and libraries, post event!!!!! How fab is that?!). The temporary fixture met it's goal: eye-catching and traffic stopping. The star-studded Dr. Seuss themed event was just as fabulous inside. Check it out below.

ps - Happy Belated Birthday, Dr. Seuss. A distinct bedtime story memory for me, I think I owned every book. Thanks for your years of imagination and quirky creativity.