Style by Susie

As the owner of Mosaic, Susie Perelman attends a wide variety of events throughout the year. Here are some stylish tips that you can apply to any special occasion.  

What would Susie wear to….

A Black Tie Gala

To me, a black tie affair is all about romance.  I love light weightless chiffony fabrics. Being smaller framed, when I wear heavy sculpted fabrics, sometimes I cannot pull it off. I prefer pastels, metallic and soft toned hues. Oscar De La Renta is one of my favorite designers. Delicate accessories and high graceful heels complete the look for me. Choos, Manolos and Louboutins are my go-to shoes because they are comfy and classic. While I may pull a piece of hair back, I most likely wear it down and at times even have extensions in my hair, creating a long flowing look for my black tie affair.

Susie (in Oscar de la Renta) and her husband Gregg at Forces of Nature benefiting EPTA’s

Susie’s tips…

1) Pay attention to the type of event it is—Going to a wedding? Don’t wear a white or ivory gown. Going to a Gala in the Arts- funk it up and make your outfit more playful with color or accessories and select a gown from a cutting edge designer.

2) Select something appropriate for the time of year – wearing a nigh necked or long sleeve gown in summer can be hot and comfortable. Wearing a strapless chiffon in winter and having to keep a shrug or wrap on all night never allows guests to see how gorgeous your outfit is!

3) Take the time to do it right—going to a black tie affair requires some prep. Plan your outfit, make an appointment for hair and nails, and do a dry run to make sure it is all coming together (and that you don’t require new undergarments) will make the big night more fun. Last minute scrambling for an undergarment or to paint your toes will just cause stress.

An Art Opening

Selecting just one outfit to wear? Impossible— there are always so many great options out there to mix and match. For a casual opening in an artsy neighborhood, I would opt for skinny jeans, some super high chunked out or platform heels and an artsy top.  For footwear, I would definitely opt for Charlotte Olympia, I just love their eclectic designs and they are super comfy (as far as 4”-6” heels go!)

Charlotte Olympia Shoes

Yigal Azrouel is one of my favorite designers who draws inspiration from a melting pot of global culture. His pieces tend to be on trend and fun, especially since you don’t have to dress in his collection head to toe.  

Yigal Azrouel Fall 2013

Jewelry and accessories can be funky and artsy if the outfit is more simple and tailored. A chunky necklace with raw cut stones, a big wrap bracelet or dangling oversized earrings would be my choice of an “anchor” accessory for a simpler outfit. I became obsessed with Fendi years ago, and most seasons  they incorporate an incredibly funky fun bag onto their runway collection. I love to give a little creative punch to my ensembles with a special Fendi bag when attending art related events. As a boheme at heart, you may find me incorporate a few small braids into my hair when going out.  And with naturally curly hair, an art opening would be the perfect place to go as a curly girly!

Susie’s tips…

1) Don’t overdo it. You cannot wear an artsy top, some funky earrings and a “to-die-for” bag all together.  Select one punch of color or piece of jewelry and it will carry your look for the night. 
2) Go a little wild with the makeup. While I traditionally stay natural or go with a smoky look, incorporating a new of-the-moment lip color or eye shadow adds flair and fun to any outfit.
3) Carry yourself with confidence. Sometimes the art world can seem esoteric and intimidating. The good news is that most artsy souls welcome different perspectives and opinions. So grab a glass of wine, and jump right into the conversation. You will come home with new insights and perhaps a new friend or two!

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Let there be light!

Great lighting can be positively transformative to any event. It can make a raw space glow and pulse like a chic European lounge, turn an outdoor patio party into a glittering escape or transform a large cold space, like a hotel ballroom, into a warm, inviting and sophisticated setting for any sized soiree.

Thanks to DIY websites and bloggers, many party planners (whether pros or not), are taking matters into their own hands with creative lighting options. Professional event rental and décor companies, like yours truly, are amping up their selections to include amazing decorative lighting for events of all sizes and helping their clients shine!

DIY at Home

The Jones’s will never be able to keep up with your creativity with DIY lighting projects like pendant lighting made from recycled cheese graters or spray painted “lace” light bulbs.

Uplighting is Important

Ever wonder how a ballroom could glow purple, or how a raw construction site ended up looking like an ultra lounge for a special event? The answer is great uplighting! Uplighting is an important element- especially if you are planning for an event that requires “atmosphere” or events in large spaces.  Uplighting can also set fabrics and linens aglow – ask us which linens work best with your color uplights and Mosaic can help you customize materials that will make the most dramatic impact.

Credits:

Planner: Soirée by Souleret  

Lighting: Luxe Lighting 

Photography: Abbie Livesay

Tableware: All Occasions
Florist: Hens and Chicks

Loving the Lantern

From cheerful Chinese lanterns strung across a ceiling to sophisticated shades in bold modern patterns, lanterns are quickly becoming a staple for savvy planners. Bring a bold and mod touch to your affair with our Rose Sundaze or add a touch of luxury and romance with the Apple Green Helix.

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Exceptional Summer BBQs

It’s the perfect season for family and friends to get together for outdoor summer gatherings, but you can transform your typical BBQ into a unique and memorable summer event!

Turn your next Summer BBQ into a Clambake

The origin of clambakes began along the coast of New England as a way to prepare the plentiful seafood that fishermen caught from the Atlantic Ocean. Although now you don’t have to be on a beach to host a clambake, so why not do it in your own backyard? The preparation of the seafood can last an entire day, so make it be a part of the fun! Serve appetizers and summer drinks while guests wait and enjoy being a part of this culinary affair. Visit this New York Times article for recipes and ideas to turn your next party into this unique gathering.  

Throw a Country-Style Hoedown

  

An All-American hoedown can turn any BBQ into a fun party for all ages. Do Si Do with your partner to a live band or make a country playlist! Have some down home fun with square dancing and Southern dishes served cold at a help-yourself station overflowing with buttermilk fried chicken, herbed biscuits, cabbage slaw, and heirloom tomato salad. Get more ideas by visiting Country Living.  

Host a Summer Movie and Dessert Night 

Instead of hosting a dinner party, invite guests to an evening event serving sweets. Create a spread of desserts and champagne cocktails for friends, and show an outdoor screening of your favorite summer movie. Martha Stewart lists this event idea on her 2013 Best Summer Ever BucketList.

Take Your Party on the Water

Whether you own a boat or prefer to charter one, take your summer BBQ party on the water! Enjoy an afternoon cruise or evening sail and entertain your guests with music, cocktails, finger foods, Hors d'oeuvres and premade treats. Remember to send invites with details including the dock location, departure and return time. When guests commit to a boat party, they will want to know exactly when they will be returning. Keep consistent with the agenda, adhere to the maximum number of people allowed on the boat, and ensure that the proper safety gear are on-board and your summer BBQ on the water will become the party of the summer.

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Event Planners Assist New Orleans Katrina Victims

We are so happy to be featured in today's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Read more about Event Pros Take Action, or EPTA, and the work that we are doing after hurricane Katrina HERE.

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Wedding Trend to Watch: Cacti & Succulents

Many brides are starting to mix up their classic bouquets and centerpieces with non-traditional floral elements. We recently attended a wedding in San Francisco where the bride added some surprising elements that made the table settings unique. Modern and cost-effective, cacti were used as centerpieces and created a cool, unexpected vibe.

Succulents were also added at tables throughout the venue for a California twist, giving the setting a desert feel.

The bride even waited until the morning of the wedding to pick out her bouquets! Checking out a local farmer’s market, she picked out fresh flowers with her bridesmaids that included some unbloomed bulbs for a dramatic effect.

You don’t have to be in California though to add these elements to your own wedding. Many Pinterest boards are online for inspiration (http://pinterest.com/trueme/simply-succulents/), and both cacti and succulents can be ordered online through Etsy for brides (http://www.etsy.com/search?q=cacti+and+succulents).

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Style by Susie: The Great Gatsby

1. Who is your favorite character in the Great Gatsby and why? Ok so this is a tough one. Contenders are  Nick, Daisy and of course, Gatsby.  The problem is that they are all flawed. In my heart, I wanted Daisy to win, but knowing how she was caught in an era when it was hard to put passion before societal norms, it was still painful to watch her as she wimped out. While Nick was a great observer and recorder of everything that he witnessed and ultimately was drawn into, he failed to intervene and stand up for what he knew was right. He was caught up in the moment and enamored with everything he experienced but became an enabler. Gatsby was undoubtedly flawed. While he lived a grand life and put on a grand show, one could easily argue he was an imposter with absurdly unrealistic dreams. However, despite the slow unraveling of his lofty dreams through the course of the story, he remained true to his vision and was unwavering in his optimism. So, in the end, for me Gatsby wins because he stayed true to his vision and character despite the fact that his persona was flawed! Tough Decision!

2. What would you personally wear to a Great Gatsby themed party? Where to begin? Well the dress would be drop waisted, adorned with beads and fringe and fabulousness. The palette of my ensemble would be champagne or blush and the fabric would be encrusted with gems. Now, for the hair....  I guess I would have to add an accessory - something deco and diamond and dripping, and suppose I would have to borrow it from Harry Winston, of course. And the shoes? Sadly I just cannot embrace a low hour-glass shaped heel T Strap so my shoe choice would be a metallic Mary Jane.

3. What is the best accessory someone can wear to a Great Gatsby inspired party? Hands down it would be a great hairpiece. It could have a feather, it could drip with pearls, or it could be a headband anchored with sequins, but no question a fabulous hairpiece would be mandatory!

4. For the host, what party decorations are essential? Whether you are planning a casual cocktail party or sit down dinner, think deco flapper and decadent.  To start, I imagine a great invitation to set with stage with a geometric fonts, heavy cardstock and graphics in black and gold. Embossed metallic. At the party, certainly one would want to deck the tables with fringed cloths like Mosaic's Eyelash as well as other flowey fabrics encrusted with detail. From Mosaic's collection, Leaf Jungle and Rajistan come to mind. For florals, certainly orchids and roses would be me choice - arranged in deco vases and mint julip cups. Crystals and pearls could be dripping off the arrangements, accenting the tables and create a chic backdrop for celebration.  As for food... thinking of waldorf salad and oysters rockfellers.  No Gatsby party would be complete without champagne, which would have to be flowing all night long.

Leaf Jungle

Rajistan

5. Mint Julip, Brandy Sour or Champagne?  Duh, Champagne please. And preferably Dom.

6. White flowers are a popular theme in the film… what type of bouquet would you recommend for a classic look? While flowers were everywhere and the concept of more-is-more certainly applied to the decadent scene, other signature styles of the era were tight, sculpted and geometric. Thinking of the slick hair-dos and tight curls and geometric motif prevalent in design, I can imagine a sculpted romantic decadent bouquet filled with orchids, fragrant blooms and blush colored roses exploding with romance. Ok, in the end I  may loosen the bouquet by adding a few strands of gems and pearls.

7. Which of Party Mosaic's linens would you say are 'Vintage Glam?' Sparked by this movie and the fact that vintage has been en-vogue in recent years, I can think of lots of linens which could go vintage glam! As mentioned above, Rajistan, leaf jungle and eyelash are great examples of cloths that fit the era.  We have a great cutwork lace cloth that would be perfect juxtaposed with a metallic cloth peaking through in an unexpected way.  Funzi and rosebud would also be well suited for a Roaring 20's party. Dressing up the chairs with paillette chair treatments and/or rosettes on bikini chairbacks would enhance the drama.

Funzi

8. Jay Gatsby wears an iconic pink linen suit in the film. Which of your linens best reminds you of it? Not to digress, but since we are talking about Gatsby's clothes, can we talk a minute about that incredible scene in the movie when Gatsby is seducing Daisy in his bedroom, throwing dozens of his crisp folded cotton shorts over the balcony onto Daisy reclining on his bed. How fabulous was that scene? OK back to the question. A new favorite linen of mine is Mosaic's blush pink satin bold stripe. While it is not deco, the color and bold linear design remind me of Gatsby. Had he been courting a woman in a slightly different era, I can see her wearing a fantastic bustled ball gown in this fabric.

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