Holiday Gift Guide for The Bride-To-Be

What do you get the gal who notably has everything, especially after an extensive bridal shower registry? Here are some of my favorites.  Get your shop on!  Above:  For cold feet – Madewell

Hostess dreams:  Lost in Linen | Words to live by:  Pinegate Road

Scented perfection: Riles and Co. | Hand dyed goodness:  Natalie As Is

Lightweight tunic:  UziNYC | Monthly stress reliever:  Glassful

Say it with jewelry:  Confetti By Annette | Fine art wedding mag:  Geraldine

Still not sure what to buy?  Then RENT some fabulous table top decor with us for the wedding or bridal shower!  Happy Holidays!

Botanical Bridal + Boudoir Session on Style Me Pretty

Sometimes things are worth a long wait.  With the first signs of spring + peonies, I styled this photo shoot and many months later, I am thrilled to see it on Style Me Pretty.  Photos are by the ever talented, Kate Ignatowski + the full team is listed below the post.  Enjoy!

Photography: Kate Ignatowski | Styling + Floral Design: Mandy Forlenza Sticos | Wedding Dress: Tatyana Merenyuk | Cake: Sugar Flower Cake Shop | Invitations: Bella Figura | Make Up: Anny Chow | Hair: Andy Tseng | Flowers Provided By: Blooms By The Box | Garter: Florrie Mitton | Lingerie + Robe: Zinke | Model: Alexis Katsafanas | Ribbon: Midori Ribbon Veils: Jaclyn Jordan | Vintage Props: Little Vintage Rentals

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello friends!  Wishing you + yours a wonderful Thanksgiving!

At Little Vintage Rentals, we are thankful for all of our wonderful clients + friends who found us in under 2 years making this little company grow faster than we could have imagined.  Who knew so many New Yorkers needed vintage table top goods + decor!

Photography:  Jen Trahan / Styling + Floral Design by Mandy Forlenza Sticos / Vintage Table Top Items:  Little Vintage Rentals  / Calligraphy:  Fleur de Letters / Flowers Supplied by Blooms By The Box

Esther Jean Hair Accessories

A while back we got to do a mini photo shoot with Fiona Melder and the vintage inspired hair accessories by Esther Jean.  The are all so soft + delicate; which one is your favorite?

Photography: Fiona Melder / Hair Accessories: Esther Jean / Styling: Mandy Forlenza Sticos / Hair & Makeup: Rosemarie Bernardo / Model: Sietzka For Fenton Moon / Dress: Ruche / Assistant Stylist: Angela Kostaras

Madame Grès

Madame Grès was a French haute couture designer known for her cut out designs showcasing skin as part of the design.  She dressed some of the most fashionable women from the 1930s until the 1980s when she sold the brand.  Madame Grès herself was a trained sculptress which many compared her fine draping skills to.  This neutral + grey color story is divine!

Image:  Photographer unknown; Dress Madame Grès 1952

Life’s Little Mistakes

Oops!  If you subscribe to our blog, our last post was published in error via email.  Life is filled with little mistakes but they are a great opportunity to learn and perhaps share something.  In this case, we’re sharing something pretty coming to the blog soon!

Photography: Fiona Melder Photography, Hair: Sabrina Gilbert, Makeup: Jha Villanueva, Dress: Ruche, Hair Accessories: Esther Jean. Concept & Styling: Mandy Forlenza Sticos, Assistant Stylist: Elle Bass, Model: Ashley V. of Fenton Moon

Bordeaux Bride on Style Me Pretty

Hands down one of my favorite photo shoots ever with Kate Ignatowski was on Style Me Pretty.  It was such a simple theme and of course, amazing film photography by Kate made it perfect!

Photography: Kate Ignatowski | Styling + Floral Design: Mandy Forlenza Sticos | Flowers Provided by: Blooms By The Box | Wedding Dress: Jenny Yoo | Makeup Artist: Anny Chow | Calligraphy: Fleur De Letters | Hair Styling: Andy Tseng | Veil: Sara Gabriel

 

 

5 Ways To Perfectly Style Your Next Party on Best Friends for Frosting

I am so happy to share my latest post on Best Friends for Frosting with amazing photography from Fallon Chan.  This was such a cheerful post to create + style. Enjoy!

1.  Larger Than Life Balloons – Whether you display one monster balloon or many, these whimsical party accessories bring an instant smile. Don’t forget to add a fresh flower collar or yards of your favorite lace and ribbon as a tassel!   Stress-free planning tip: Get these beauties delivered to your doorstep by Balloon Planet; nationwide.

2.  Nearly Naked Cake – A nearly naked cake offers just enough frosting for those with a sweet tooth while providing a sneak peak at the cake’s flavor. Stress-free planning tip: Hide the knife if you want to keep the cake on display for a bit!

3.  Unexpected Centerpieces – Search your cabinets for old tins, glassware, trophies and teapots for an unexpected place to display flowers!  You’ll be the talk of the party and perhaps instagram as all of your friends document your creativity. #partysuccess Stress-free planning tip: Order your flowers online and fresh blooms arrive ready to be cut + styled! Blooms by The Box is one of my favorite resources.

4.  Old School Desserts – For the smaller grab-and-go sweets, go retro! These rice + marshmallow treats hold a nostalgic place in everyone’s heart and the white chocolate topping offers a new take on a classic. Stress-free planning tip: These treats are a great gluten free option for guests; skip the toppings to be safe.

5.  Specialty Cocktails – Every good party needs its own specialty cocktail! Whether it’s a personal favorite or a pretty mixology experiment, display the ingredients to encourage guests to mix it up. Stress-free planning tip: If space is limited at your soiree, pre-mix ingredients in large pitchers and don’t forget the ice and a variety of garnish.

Credits:  Photography: Fallon Chan, Concept, Styling + Floral Design: Mandy Forlenza Sticos, Balloons: Balloon Planet, Flowers Provided By: Blooms by the Box, Cake + Dessert: There Should Always be Cake

Fall Stripes

This image is my kind of fall inspiration.  Gone are the bold colors of summer and in march the muted and dreamy versions for Fall.   This color story just breathes pumpkins, apples, leaves, scarves, boots and all that makes Fall so wonderful.

Image Credit:  Lidewiij Edelkoort

Preview: September Engagement Shoot with Fiona Melder

It’s almost time for the leaves to fall in New York City.  In preparation, I styled a fun engagement photo shoot with Fiona Melder and the so-very-much-in-love Tiffany + Justin.

It was a beautiful day in Central Park and I can’t wait to share more of the photos from this session soon!

DIY Flower Centerpiece on Best Friends for Frosting

I was so excited to see my DIY centerpiece + flower recipe captured beautifully by Fallon Chan on Best Friends for Frosting!  If you missed it, here is an easy way to brighten up your next party or home with a bright + cheerful arrangement!  Don’t forget, there is no wrong way to create your own masterpiece, have fun!

1 – Think outside the box when gathering potential vessels + vases. Everyday objects like glassware, tins and teacups transform into wonderful centerpieces and conversation starters!

2 – Use this cheerful flower recipe below and if you’re not sure where to purchase your blooms check out online resources like Blooms by The Box that deliver to your doorstep.

• Pink Peonies        • Pink Scabiosa
• Pink Lisanthus        • White Lisanthus
• White Sweetheart Roses        • Pink Stock
• Silver Dollar Eucalyptus        • Ming Ferns

3- Sort through the flowers and pick the most lively and sturdy. Stay away from any blooms that are losing their petals.

4 – Cut flower stems to desired length at a 45 degree angle under water or under running water. Pick up a pair of clippers or shears for best results.

5 – Remove any leaves that will sit below the water line in your vase to prevent excessive bacteria growth.

6 – Last but not least, have fun and get creative.  Still need some inspiration on composition, take a look below or head to Pinterest for some of my favorite inspiration here!

 Styling + Design:  Mandy Forlenza Sticos, Photography:  Fallon Chan, Flowers provided by:  Blooms by the Box

Preview: Wood Nymph with Fiona Melder

Sometimes last minute projects turn out to be spectacular!  Fiona Melder and I gathered a small team for a sunny afternoon in Central Park for a ‘wood nymph’ inspired shoot.  Here are a few quick preview photos – more coming soon!

Photography: Fiona Melder, Concept + Styling: Mandy Forlenza Sticos, Hair + Make Up: Rosemarie Bernardo, Model: Sietzka For Fenton Moon, Dress: Ruche, Headpiece:  Esther Jean,  Bracelet: Confetti By Annette, Assistant Stylist: Angela Kostaras