It’s hot.   Really really hot.  So hot that no one can speak an intelligible sentence about anything that doesn’t include the words “heat, oppressive, humidity or TURN UP THE DAMN A/C!!”

Aside from the beach (or the “shore,” depending on where you reside), there really are some wonderful things that only happen when the temperature rises above the tolerable. So, rather than dwell on the heat, let’s focus on the great things about summer and how to translate them into a wonderful summer party with friends. The key to a great summer fiesta:  SIMPLICITY.  I’m from the south (kinda), and there we learned at an early age that slow and easy is the path to great hospitality in the summer sun.

What to serve

WATERMELON!   I literally crave it — virtually without calories and certainly without fat, it is nature’s reward for not succumbing to road rage when you’re stuck in traffic on the way to the beach (a/k/a the “shore”).

There simply is no such thing as a great summer party without watermelon — in any form at all.   But here’s a great way to enjoy watermelon after hours (or, as my father used to say — “it’s noon somewhere!”)

Navan Watermelon Daquiri

Ingredients per serving

(make ahead of time in a pitcher and let it get really cold before serving)

• 1/2 oz  Navan (in case Navan is new to you, it’s a fabulous vanilla liqueur — better than any other — trust me on this)
• 1 oz 10Cane Rum
• 3 nice big chunks of fresh watermelon
• 1/2 oz Part simple syrup
• 1/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

Muddle the watermelon.  Add Navan, 10Cane Rum, simple syrup and lemon juice.  Shake over ice and strain into a chilled martini glass (from pitcher).

What to place

Then, to continue to keep things as simple as possible, Mother Nature gives us the most charming flowers for the table that require no effort at all to be perfect!  When I see daisies in mason jars on a simply set table, it conjours up my favorite summer memories on picnic benches with the fam.   I have to admit, as simple as they are, there is just nothing as sweet and pretty as the white daisies that grow abundantly all summer long.   I just love them.

What to wear

And finally, while we’re spending a hot summer day, we must know that there’s just nothing more comfortable than a simple cotton sundress (this one is by Betsey Johnson) adorned with nothing but this wonderful straw hat we found at J.Crew.

Of course, I can’t help but add some flair to the ensemble by placing one of our great Emersonmade flowers (from the Eclatante Boutique) on the sun hat.   But that’s just me.

I’ve made you all wait FAR too long (sorry about that — it’s been a truly hectic couple of weeks!!) to enjoy Part 2 of the fabulous Red Dress Fashion Show that the American Heart Association put on on Eclatante’s and Beautiful Blooms’ our little piece of the planet as part of AHA’s 2010 Go Red for Women Campaign.

In Part 1, we introduced you to the event and the cast of amazing characters we had milling around here that day. Along with the gorgeous weather, more than 200 people were treated to a fantastic array of absolutely beautiful dresses designed and created by the extraordinarily talented women of the Philadelphia University’s fashion design program.   We were really blown away by their designs and their stories.

Thanks again to Heather Fowler for taking these great photos!

When we left off in Part 1, you saw the beautiful models lining up for the Fashion Show.   Bill Henley (of NBC10’s “the 10! Show”) was a great Master of Ceremonies.

From the very first dress, we were in love!

After the final walk, the judges deliberated on their choice for the runner up and the winner.

Heather took a great photo of all the models and the designers in the green room (a/k/a Heather's Studio) waiting for the judges' decisions

It was great anticipation, that the winners were announced

Third place went to this gorgeous dress:

Second place was awarded to this incredibly fun dress that I fell totally in love with:

And the winner is (drumroll, please)….

We had an absolutely wonderful time that night.   From the looks of it, so did everyone else.   I hope you enjoyed our first fashion show on our Walk (the first of many, I hope).

The Ladies of Eclatante and the Beautiful Blooms’ girls had WAY too much fun on this one.   I’m not sure we could really call it work!!!

L to R: Jeannie, Maggie, Sara, Kendall, Claire and Chrissy

L to R: Donna, Alicia, Lisa and Maggie

And be sure to check out The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Campaign.  NOTHING is more important than a woman’s heart.

Eclatante and Beautiful Blooms were honored and excited to be asked by the American Heart Association to host their annual Go Red for Women Preview Party.

Heather Fowler agreed, not only to let her studio be turned into a dressing room, but to shoot this wonderful event.

The event showcased some of the most talented young women I have ever met.   Young fashion designers from Philadelphia University’s fashion design program competing at a drop-dead amazing fashion show on our Walk.   All the dresses were, of course, red.   But even more incredible, each designer was inspired by the story of a person close to them who had experienced heart disease in a very real way.   The stories were beautiful — just like the dresses that were exhibited that evening.

In attendance were about 200 women (well, mostly women) who have a heart for this incredible campaign.    As they arrived, they were treated to delicious treats from Max & Me Catering and served wonderful beverages.  And All Around Entertainment created the perfect musical atmosphere for the evening.

Of course, we added our own special touches everywhere!

Donna and I were thriled to introduce the participants

The emcees were Biil Henley and Lori Wilson, hosts of the daily NBC10 10! show.  The judges were Jenice Armstrong of the Philadelphia Daily News, Kristin Munro of Philadelphia Style Magazine and Tiffany Hill, B101 Radio.

While all that was going on, the models were getting ready on the next block in Heather Fowler’s studio.  Their hair and makeup was expertly accomplished by Phoenix Salon & Spa and Salon 201.

until it was time to line up for the fashion show

In Part 2, you’ll see the parade of these beautiful dresses and the winners of the 2010 Go Red For Women Red Dress Fashion Show.

We’re very happy to share this post on the ultimate wedding blog –  Style Me Pretty – of one of our very favorite weddings in 2009.   We invite you to explore this very very pretty wedding (Part 1 and Part 2) and our favorite Maid of Honor toasts of all time,  Beautiful Blooms did an outrageous job with the florals. Gorgeous.   Marie Labbancz was thir photographer.

Men don’t really get to play too much when it comes to wedding fashion, although there is some changes on the horizon out there (more on that later, I promise!).   Meanwhile, there is some fun to be had when choosing a great tie.    Don’t just settle for quick black or silver tie that works with the tux — have some fun with it!

www.etsy.com/shop/toybreaker

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MeandMatilda

Personally (shhhh! Don’t tell my florist friends) I REALLY love pocket squares.   Take a walk into a great fabric shop on Fabric Row in Old City and find a fabulous silk the works beautifully with the ties you’ve chosen.   If you’re anything like me, you’ll need to get your favorite seamstress to create the very easy pocket squares; or, maybe, you make them yourself.   I LOVE a great combination between a phenomenal tie and a perfectly coordinated pocket square. A note on form:  It is not cool to have your guys wear both a boutonniere and a pocket square.

(I’m really trying hard not to say the words “hip to be square.”)

When folding a pocket square, don’t let it get to complicated.  You’ll want to be able to replicate the fold easily.

Then again, wouldn’t it be cool to combine both?

from junebugweddings.com/blog

And don’t forget about how much fun you can have with cufflinks.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/cufflinks

***

And we love these great cufflinks Zack wore at his wedding last June.  PERFECT for him:

Photo by Laura Eaton

Have a great time putting your guys’ attire together!

With a name like “Eclatante,” its no wonder we love Italian designers.  

Our dear comrade, Claudia Seyler (of Claudia Seyler Hair and Makeup) shared an amazing little book of incredible photographs of the designs of Atelier Aimee (over a couple glasses of wine).   I really just love the color and texture play that goes on with truly innovative designers.   We often get asked about colors in wedding gowns and interesting flourishes that separate one gown from all the others.   While white, ivory, champagne and cream dominate the world of wedding gowns, an increasing number of brides are taking a look at some very interesting options and creative touches as way to express their own unique personalities and style.

You don’t need to book a flight to Rome to find these couture wedding fashions. These gorgeous creations can be found in the Philadelphia area and New York. Here are some brick & mortar locations you can get to this weekend.

Don’t get me started on Italian shoe designers.