Summer Dreamin'

There may still be snow on the ground but we can't wait for all things swimming! Today our dear friend Kelly Anderson gave us a taste of summer during her feature on the TODAY Show. So why not make the most of this slushy weather and get inspired with her ideas for throwing a retro pool party! STEP 1: Start with classic summer favorites. Fun swim caps, colorful flip-flops, goofy sunglasses and vintage-inspired invitations add a touch of childhood innocence that’s sure to impress guests of all ages.

STEP 2: Think simple, and improvise. We talk a lot about repurposing, and this is another opportunity to use what you have around the house. Mason jars are an interesting alternative to party cups that create a distinctive summer flare. A tablecloth from Target makes the perfect photo booth backdrop, and a pair of flip-flops can become an inspired design detail.

STEP 3: Make use of bold summer patterns.  Repeat graphic details. Striped straws and towels, and polka dots on swimming suits reflected in the décor and food, like the sprinkles on minibanana splits!

STEP 4: Have color play a big role. Vibrant red strawberries, assorted water balloons, bright drinks and snacks all give off a fantastic summer vibe.

STEP 5: Put together some fun party favors, try to give your guests something that will awaken thoughts of summer year-round. Pictures taken in the photo booth can later be pinned to bulletin boards and beach towels can be used to dry off any time of the year.

STEP 6: Make a mix CD to set the tone at the party and give away a copy to your guests.“I'm Walking on Sunshine,” “Crocodile Rock,”  “Summer Nights” and “Hot Fun in the Summer” are all songs that will conjure up summer memories in the months to come.

Photography: Kelly Anderson Photography

A Cozy Baby Shower

When you think of a baby shower, you immediately picture a brunch complete with mimosas, quiche, cliché baby games, and guests forced to wear baby bottles around their necks, right? What about a cocktail-hour with mulled wine, mad libs, and a s’mores bar? Recently, the Style-Architects events team threw a not-so-traditional baby shower for Minnesota Monthly’s fashion editor, Katie Dohman. The cozy, cabin-chic shower happily fell on a perfect snowy December night. It was an evening full of hors d’oeuvres (with witty baby-related names, of course), a hot cocoa station, homemade desserts, a s’mores bar, inspired by our friends at Gateaux, Inc., and mulled wine (after all, twas the season)! We added personalized touches to the shower by filling in a wall of frames with traditional nursery rhyme quotes and baby photos of Katie and her husband, William. Guests shared with the expectant mommy their best parenting advice by filling out a mad lib designed by the SA creative team. It was the perfect cozy ambiance to celebrate the soon-to-be-Mama. Katie has since given birth to an adorable little baby girl, Ruby. We can't wait to meet her!

Dear friends in attendance: Elizabeth Dehn of Beauty Bets, Laura Nelli of Nelle Handbags, Wing Ta of Canary Grey Photography, Thao Nguyen of Parc Boutique (and her adorable little Josephine), Bridget Ulrich with Mall of America, Fatima Olive of Fatima Olive Beauty, Meghan McAndrew of Mighty Swell , Sally McGraw of Already Pretty and the Style-Architects ladies (Ranosha Coffelt, Rachelle Mazumdar and Madeline Johnson).

Photography by the lovely Melissa Oholendt Photography and florals by Flora Bella.