Garden Party Glam

Get garden glamorous, darlings! Plan a tempting tea party for your gal pals and be sure you have all the essentials!
First photo courtesy Fellow Fashionista Fashion Moment.
Vogue, September 2003 by Mario Testino.
Italian Vogue, August 2005 by Steven Meisel.
Set the scene with this inviting Chesapeake sectional from potterybarn.com.
Select your attire. Think flirty florals, full skirts, and awesome aprons!
Runway inspiration: Betsey Johnson, via nymag.com.

CC adores this Wink Stella print dress. Available at winkNYC.com.
Erin Wasson for RVCA silk floral dress, at ronherman.com.
Betsey Johnson gingham sundress, at revolveclothing.com.
Nanette Lepore painted rose dress; this and next at shopbop.com.
Caroline Hedaya strapless polka dot party dress.
Catherine Malandrino embroidered cotton dress, at net-a-porter.com.
Purlieu neon dress, at 80spurple.com.
Elizabeth & James Boudier dress, at ronherman.com.
Little Miss Sew frill-back bodice dress, at asos.com.
Rory Beca silk floral trapeze dress, at intermixonline.com.
Lauren by Ralph Lauren Patsy dress, at Bloomingdales.com.
Mink Pink bow-back floral dress, at pixiemarket.com.
For fab and practical footwear, opt for a wedge or a flat.
Stella McCartney hemp espadrille wedge, at intermixonline.com.
Deal of the Day: Rhine wedge $49.99 at wantedshoes.com.
Marc by Marc Jacobs pink flat sandals, at couturezappos.com.
Stow your handkerchief and lip gloss in a chic clutch:
Karen Millen clutch at asos.com.
Fendi floral box clutch, at net-a-porter.com.
CC also loves this Cacharel cotton handbag, at aloharag.com.
Bring out the fine china for your guests. Chelsea Flowers dishes at rosannainc.com.
Jason Miller bone china teacup and saucer. Visit thefutureperfect.com.
Miller Harris teas at millerharris.com.
Elenis daisy and ladybug cookies, to order at elenis.com.
The hostess should always wear a fabulous apron!
Miu Miu apron featured in Vogue, March 2009.
Go to anthropologie.com for these three.
Haute Hostess apron by Elizabeth Scokin, at hautehostessaprons.com.
Last look: Bazaar, 1995.
One lump or two, darlings?
xoxox,
CC

POSH PICNIC

In the manner of Déjeuner sur l'Herbe (Claude Monet, 1865), dine al fresco in style! Gather your friends, some oozy brie, a baguette or two, and a bottle of slightly chilled Pinot Noir . . .

The proper attire is essential to the enjoyment of a lovely picnic. I would opt for a comfortable, breathable sundress, preferably knee-length, with a full skirt. Be sure to wear boyshorts underneath so you can toss a Frisbee with your pals without fear of Britney exposure! Of course, you should tuck a cashmere throw into your tote bag, along with a lightweight cardigan. The Pashmina, while no longer an appropriate fashion statement, does provide elegant warmth, either as a shoulder wrap or chic blanket.

To guide you on your quest for the perfect picnic attire, I have provided a sample outfit from Cynthia Steffe's Spring 2008 show (at right, courtesy nymag.com). I love how this sundress has pockets! See below in this CoutureCarrie post for an extensive list of the best sundress purveyors!

While Manolos would look adorable with your Milly frock, they simply aren’t practical for grass and sand. So go with a chic gold flat sandal. I just saw the most fabulous pair in the Alloy catalog for less than twenty dollars! Or try this inexpensive Urban Outifitters option, the Helena Gladiator sandal, pictured at left. If you must wear heels, a platform huarache is acceptable, but only if it’s Louboutin.

Keep your accessories low-key and practical. No one wants to go hunting for your dangly earrings in the damp grass after dark! Opt for chunky bangles (like these "exotic" bracelets at right, just $14 for a set of 6 at spiegel.com!), a simple gold chain, hoop or stud earrings . . . you get the idea.

You and your crew will also need a beach blanket. I personally LOVE a double towel, or a couple of these chic Missoni printed terry throws (photo courtesy instyle.com/shopping).


SUNDRESS GO-TO:

Calypso

Forever 21
Lauren Moffat

Lotta Stensson (yellow strapless jersey dress picured at right, available at bluefly.com)
M Missoni
Mara Hoffman
Milly

Nicole Miller (tunic at lower right, also at bluefly)

Old Navy
Rachel Pally
Rory Beca
See by Chloé
Shoshanna
Splendid
T-Bags
Tibi
Tocca

Tory Burch
Trina Turk
Vince
What Comes Around Goes Around

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Now it’s off to the park! Bon appetit, and happy shopping!