Coretta's Elegant Events

First Fall Wedding Photos from Naomi + Thomas 11.05.11

2011-11-15T07:03:00.000-05:00

After an amazingly busy last 10 days, with multiple events for Stella & Dot and Coretta's Elegant Events plus a trip out of town, I have been rewarded with the first sneak peek photos from last Saturday's Coretta's Elegant Events wedding of Naomi and Thomas.

Naomi is a fellow Air Force JAG Corps officer. We've done a litigated trial together (she's one of our best Air Force defense counsel). We've been appellate government counsel together. I've been a babysitter for her niece and nephew. I've previously worked with her for the Pink Parties for her breast cancer awareness foundation, Pink Isn't Always Pretty, Inc., as well as coordinating her promotion ceremony to Major. All that to say, it was an honor to coordinate her wedding to her wonderful photographer husband, Thomas. They are a great couple and really compliment one another.

This was a bride who has been through so much personally, she's been deployed to Iraq, she lost her older sister to Triple Negative Breast Cancer, she adopted her niece and nephew, she's started and run a foundation and been named the ABA Air Force Young Attorney of the Year. She's just an extremely special person who deserved to have her vision of a gorgeous fall wedding come to fruition (she's always loved fall leaves, even had them on her screen saver at work). Her family continues to battle cancer so this wedding was an opportunity for true celebration.

There were so many personal touches, from the location at the bride's alma mater with personalized signs leading guests through campus, to the invitations and paper products created by her talented younger sister, to the menu cards with a crossword puzzle and word search on the back plus monogrammed pencils, to the song her sister performed as she walked down the aisle, to her father both escorting her and serving as officiant, to the moment of silence for her sister, to the entrance dance to "the Dougie," to the Jamaican food honoring their first date, to the grand sparkler send off! Both families worked hard to make it special and add their contributions. Plus, I received lots of kudos for the organization and day of coordination (thanks to Nicole my fab day of assistant) and our fantastic vendors.

I loved the lighting by Superlative's and so did the bride (I felt like David Tutera when I brought the couple in for their first look of the reception space). And, I can't WAIT for you to see the cupcake table.
Plus, check out the simple florals I created that morning.

Let me know what you think, I think photographer Eunique Jones did an amazing job. There will be a full recap when the remaining photos roll in next month. And more recaps to come from my highest grossing Stella & Dot jewelry trunk show in Baton Rouge (!), my meet up with our company Vice President plus the Behind the Beauty LLC fashion show I co-sponsored last week!

Wow.

A couple of my cell photos of the invites.

We wrestled with that aisle runner (the wind was whipping) but Nicole finally got it down with an entire roll of double stick tape, lol!

The maids are wearing the Gold Leaf Earrings from my Stella & Dot eboutique and the bride is wearing the Stella & Dot Ivory Pearl Soiree bracelet.

The trees! We got her trees from the inspiration photo.

These candids are by guest and Air Force paralegal Peggy Milashouskas.

LOVE these.

Congratulations Naomi and Thomas!

It was a pleasure for Coretta's Elegant Events to be a part of your special day!

Post-Wedding Recovery

2011-11-06T07:49:00.001-05:00

Saturday's sunset wedding for Naomi & Thomas was officially AMAZING!
Amazing I tell ya!
Breathtakingly gorgeous, sophisticated bride,
the MOST beautiful sunset by the good Lord,
the handsome groom grinned from ear to ear,
the bride's sister sung her down the aisle (tears),
the pre-ceremony reception with hot apple cider & hot chocolate was a hit,
the LIGHTING by Superlative's lighting company transformed the Blackburn Center,
the guests were fun (gotta love that Air Force family),
Howard University's staff came through big time (I take back everything I've said, lol),
I loved all the personal touches (like the themed crossword puzzles on the back of the menu),
and these families worked so hard to make the wedding an amazing event for this couple.
Thank you for letting Coretta's Elegant Events play my part!
Now, we just need Eunique Jones' wedding photos since I managed to take exactly 0, argh!
And, I'm catching a plane in a few hours for a huge Stella & Dot Trunk Show in Baton Rouge.

Happy Birthday to you Cynthia!!

2011-11-01T08:40:00.000-04:00

"Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday dear Cynthia!!

Happy Birthday to you!"

Today is a great day! It's my eldest sister Cynthia's birthday.

Cynthia is an amazing, phenomenal woman.

She's super smart (she's a math girl working as a systems engineer).

She's gorgeous (as you can see).

She is one of my biggest cheerleaders (she's been my "West Coast" brand ambassador for my Stella & Dot eboutique and has been a regular go-to assistant for Coretta's Elegant Events).

She is super skilled at crafts and creativity (she's a whiz at a photo album and personalized gifts).

She's extremely thoughtful (she's always the one looking out or finding something that would be helpful for you).

She's a dedicated friend (she recently celebrated the advanced degree graduation of a friend that she supported at an amazing level)

She's a fabulous sister and daughter (she's the best!)

Cynthia will be celebrating her birthday with family during our alma mater Tuskegee University's Homecoming this Saturday. I approve of week long birthday celebrations! :-)

Cynthia, I love you. Have an amazing birthday and Homecoming.

Cynthia & Daddy at a past Tuskegee University Homecoming!

Cynthia recently bejeweled in Stella & Dot!

It's Fall Wedding Time

2011-11-01T07:33:00.000-04:00

My Fall bride has arrived in town and we are getting all of our final details together. This bride has some really fun personal details that I am totally excited about! She and her sister are crafty out the wazoo and I'm so excited to see the final results after all of the inspiration and planning!

I'm doing the day-of coordination with Nicole, my fantastic helper from the birthday party. It's a busy time around here (compounded by the fact that I promoted to Star Stylist in my Stella & Dot jewelry business yesterday, double YAY!!) and I appreciate all of the support from you all!

Wish us many blessings for a fabulous Saturday night wedding! It appears that the weather is going to cooperate as well!

Photos from Preston Bailey, The Knot, Ross Oscar Knight.

I love my makeup!

2011-10-29T12:41:00.000-04:00

Thursday night I attended the WEAVE (Washington Empowered Against Violence) beauty for empowerment night in Georgetown. It was a great cause raising money for support services for domestic violence survivors by pampering guests and making us feel beautiful (and empowered).

I took advantage of a free facial by LUSH cosmetics, followed by makeup by Keisha Willis and then we had our photographs taken by celebrity photographer Walter Grio. It was so much fun! And since I was wearing my "Coco Chanel" outfit with my Stella & Dot pearls that day at work, I asked for a dramatic red lip and winged eye liner. I don't know what I was expecting, but Keisha exceeded my expectations. She "painted" my face, perfected my brows, gave me a bronzy shadow and used liquid liner and lots of mascara. I'm a "blinker" so I may have messed up some of her handiwork, but how have I been missing out on the ruby red lips?? I could have used this look for my party!

These were just a few of my pics, I can't wait to see what Walter captured on his camera. I might have a new profile shot! The Stella & Dot jewels are the Sofia Pearl Bib necklace, Graceful Pearl earrings and Vintage Cluster ring. Love 'em!

Next Saturday's Fall bride arrives back into town today. Wish me blessings for a good last 7 days and a great wedding on Saturday (40% chance of rain, ugh!). I also take off next Sunday morning for a couple of fabulous Trunk Shows in Baton Rouge. Whew! Should be a full weekend.

It's My Birthday!!!

2011-10-18T10:52:00.002-04:00

I'm a blessed by the Lord woman!

First recap is over at www.dconheels.com

Full recap to follow...

It's a GREAT month!

2011-10-05T07:37:00.000-04:00

What can I say? Your girl has been running so please forgive me for you neglecting you fam!

Lots going on and you should definitely keep up with me at:
www.facebook.com/corettaselegantevents
www.facebook.com/corettaselegantjewels
www.twitter/elegantcoretta

I've finally joined Twitter, I'm multi-media!

SO, coming soon on the blog:

The recap post of the "Who's Wedding Is it Anyway" wedding in Los Angeles with a celebrity planner! Gorgeous! (but a few logistical issues with the celebrity planner, hmm...)

A recap of my birthday celebration coming up this Saturday. The modern 1960's style tribute to my namesake, Coretta Scott King (think Jackie O, Red Carpet, Photobooth, Classic Coke, pulled pork sliders, dessert bar, Sam Cooke, a stepper/hand-dancing instructor and lots of black, white and canary yellow in the historic venue). My inspiration board is here: http://pinterest.com/elegantjewel/birthday-event/.

Also, an update on the planning for my November 5th couple's Fall themed wedding at Howard University! The planning is fully in the works and it's starting to feel and look like fall around here, yay!

And, I'll be updating the latest with my Stella & Dot trunk shows! I had my best Stella weekend yet last weekend in Baton Rouge and Maryland! $3K in retail!!!

The new Stella & Dot Holiday Collection with lots of pearls and rose gold is here as well - I can't wait for my order to arrive Friday! Check it out at www.stelladot.com/elegantcoretta.

AND, I'm doing a 100 Tribute bracelet challenge for this month's Breast Cancer Awareness bracelet. If I sell 100 of these gorgeous $36 bracelets, I'm donating ALL of my commission to Pink Isn't Always Pretty Inc. 3 down already, 97 more to go! So order yours today and support a great cause! www.stelladot.com/elegantcoretta

Stay tuned!

NEW DC Style Watch Post: We're in Vogue Magazine!

2011-09-17T06:51:00.001-04:00

Fabulous news family - Stella & Dot is featured in the October 2011 Vogue Magazine! Yay!! The fashion press loves us, as does Kelly Ripa and Good Morning America!

See all of the details of our recent fashion press sweep and find out how YOU can win the featured Panther Pendant Necklace by checking out my NEW DC Style Watch post over at www.dconheels.com!

Here is a hint, "like" my facebook fanpage and state in the www.dconheels.com blog comments how you would wear the Panther Pendant this fall!

Someone has to win! Why not you??

Behind the Beauty LLC & I cover Fashion's Night Out!

2011-09-16T11:43:00.001-04:00

Last Thursday it was raining here in DC. Like cats & dogs, torrential downpour, raining like crazy! It was also Fashion's Night Out (the movement begun by Anna Wintour of Vogue magazine to stimulate the economy after 9/11) and I was expected at 2 events, The Fashionable Life and at Citronelle's at the Lantham Hotel. The show had to go on despite the rain and it did. 11 potential hostess, 2 potential stylists, 1.5 Real Housewives of DC (do male best friend's count?), 1 spontaneous catwalk, 4 Stella & Dot giveaways, and a snap from a Washington Post Style column reporter later, it was well worth it. :-)

Tanyeka and I met up at the Fashionable Life in Dupont Circle both "frosted" in my Stella & Dot jewels before moving on to Georgetown's Fashion's Night Out at Citronelle's in the Latham Hotel. I carried my new Lafayette Cross Body bag (it's a GREAT traveling bag for me).

I set up my jewels at my vendor table and the ladies went wild!

I've got lots following up to do, but suffice it to say, they loved the jewelry!

Below the Camilla Ring gets a cameo.

Photo by: Marie Christine Photography

The guest below on the right, was even already wearing our Marrakesh Bib Necklace!

Photo by: Marie Christine Photography

Next up, Citronelle's in Georgetown with the socialites...

Tanyeka was rockin' the Sofia Pearl Bib Necklace, Grace Pearl Earrings and Vintage Pearl Cluster cocktail ring all from my Stella & Dot eboutique. She's a new stylist in the area with Behind the Beauty LLC and the compliments were pouring on her ensemble. I was glad she styled the jewelry so well!

I layered on the gold accessories including the Bardot Hoop Earrings! I gave away 4 Stella & Dot gift prizes, including the Chantilly Lace Chandelier Earrings and Cuff and these Georgtown ladies were in love! I actually ended up walking the runway (with lots of audience encouragement) to model the earrings up for grabs. Took me back to my Maison Blanche Teen Board days in Baton Rouge, lol! Or Rave Revue at Tuskegee. Oh, if only I was 5 inches taller, my Naomi Campbell fantasies might have been fulfilled (absent the criminal battery drama of course).

DC Real Housewife, Mary Ammons (above), walked the catwalk for a charity, The Pink Line.

And beauty professional Paul Wharton, also seen on DC Housewives, was in attendance during the Banana Republic sponsored fashion show with a camera crew.

We met a fabulous new contact (with equally fabulous tights) Cindy Ann, who is with an image consulting professional organization.

We also caught up with lifestyle blogger Ayesha and joined her for dinner in Chinatown afterwards.

All in all it was a successful night and I enjoyed myself in spite of the rain.

Now, to follow up on these new contacts and book some trunk shows!

What did you do for Fashion's Night Out?

Whose Wedding Is it Anyway?

2011-09-12T06:23:00.002-04:00

I've returned from L.A. and a gorgeous wedding with a celebrity planner! Details to follow!

Fashion's Night Out today! Join us!

2011-09-08T07:35:00.001-04:00

Join in Fashion's Night Out and support fashion and the economy by shopping my Stella & Dot "Mystery Hostess" Online Trunk Show 7:00am - midnight EST!

1. Shop online at the eboutique www.stelladot.com/elegantcoretta

2. Enter "Mystery" "Hostess" as name of the Trunk Show Hostess when the pop up appears on screen

3. Make a purchase and be entered to win the $45-$250 in FREE jewelry and 50% off coupons that the Mystery Hostess will win in a qualified show based on everyone shopping!!!

It COULD BE YOU winning FREE Stella & Dot jewelry!

You shop, encourage your friends to shop and the winning Mystery Hostess will win the maximum hostessing rewards!! Drawing after midnight and the winning mystery hostess will be notified via the email included in the purchasing information!

Join in the fun of Fashion's Night Out!!

Although it's wet and soggy here, I know the DC On Heels girls (above "frosted" in Stella & Dot jewelry) are going to be working Fashion's Night Out at the Pentagon City Mall with Accesorize USA.

I'm going to be hitting two events that I committed to a couple of weeks ago, one downtown and one in Georgetown.

The Fashionable Life put on by Kat over at Lily Pad LLC (she's also being frosted in my Stella & Dot Jewelry) and this one sounds so FUN...

And, the Vintage En Vogue Fashion Show and Event by Citronelle over at the Latham Hotel where Stella & Dot jewelry (Chantilly Lace earrings anyone? :) will be up for grabs in the prize giveaways! There are two fashion shows being sponsored by Banana Republic at the event, along with food and fashion fellowship. It's 6-10pm at the Latham Hotel lobby at 3000 M St NW. There is an early fashion show and a later one.

Now the BIG question . . . what to wear to be all "fashionable"???

Looks by Stella & Dot.

I'll get it figured out and there will be pics!

So, start shopping the online show right now, share this post with your friends, and you might be the winner!! www.stelladot.com/elegantcoretta Hostess: "Mystery" "Hostess"

These doggies at my Trunk Show...

2011-09-07T07:21:00.000-04:00

Lord have mercy, the begging faces at my Stella & Dot trunk show in Texas at Clarissa's house...

I mean c'mon, Max brought them their own doggie cupcakes from Sprinkles, what more did they want?

Thankfully there were other cute faces there as well...

And of course, fabulous jewels, like Max was rocking on her finger above or her wrists below!

I had a customer looking for green for his anniversary. A few options...

One customer purchased the Infinity Charm necklace and gorgeous Amelia earrings below...

My Aunt Lucille looking fabulous "frosted" in Stella & Dot! Lovely! She was a great living model and even sold a pair of earrings for me based on her modeling. Thanks Aunt 'Cille!

I had a great Labor Day weekend in Texas, how about you? A $997 Trunk Show with nearly $200 in FREE jewels for the hostess and 4 half off coupons! I'm available for in person or online trunk shows this month and next and we're going into the holiday season. Let me know at elegantcoretta@gmail.com.

So much awesomeness going on!

2011-09-01T08:18:00.001-04:00

Family, there is so much amazing stuff going on and happening to me that I'm having trouble keeping up and keeping you updated!! That's a great problem to have though.

From fabulous, surprise items in the mail, to awaiting calls from the White House, you need to "like" my Facebook fanpages so you can keep up.

The Coretta's Elegant Events one is www.facebook.com/corettaselegantevents.

The Stella & Dot Fanpage is www.facebook.com/corettaselegantjewels.

In the meantime, expect great things to be reported in the next day or two right here on the blog!

Don't I LOOK like great things are happening to me?? Well, they are! God is GOOD!

You know what I'm wearing, that's Stella & Dot baby!

Did you see my company prominently featured in a piece on Good Morning America?

Check my fanpage!

Fashion Day!

2011-08-29T08:06:00.000-04:00

Join me! I've teamed up with The Fashionable Life! See post below for details!

Then I'm hitting DC's Fashion's Night Out after and headed to Dallas/Fort Worth for the long weekend. Thursday should be a goood day! :)

Remember Dr. King

2011-08-28T16:12:00.000-04:00

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

The Fashionable Life on Sep 8!

2011-08-28T16:06:00.002-04:00

I know where I'm going to be on September 8!

What: The Fashionable Life by The Lilypad DC LLC

The Fashionable Life is an event designed by young, professional DC women for young, professional DC women.

It's the intimate, luxurious, and innovative beauty and fashion happy hour that we deserve . . . The Fashionable Life aims to bring a great group of women together to laugh, talk, and network while indulging in delightful dishes prepared by a personal chef, cocktails crafted just for us, and manicures, massages, makeovers and one-on-one time with some of DC's hottest stylists.

When: Thursday, September 8th, 2011 at 6 pm–9 pm

Where: Hillyer Art Space

9 Hillyer Ct NW
Washington, DC 20008

This sounds like a genius idea doesn't it?! I need to be pampered, I need to network with other event planners and fashion and beauty people, I need to show off more of my gorgeous Stella & Dot jewelry. It's a win-win-win! Join me! Get your tickets at www.lilypaddc.com and follow Kat and her team on facebook and twitter! If you like their fanpage you get $5 off of your ticket!

Also, THIS Tuesday I'm participating in the Capital Cause CashflowWorkshop event on increasing wealth and giving back through philanthropy! I'm part of the planning team so you know it's going to be a good time. Not dry financial talk, real talk, real results. Join me!

DC Style Watch Post is Up: Retro Glamour

2011-08-27T10:50:00.001-04:00

Hey family! Go check out my DC Style Watch post on www.dconheels.com and leave me a message there. I'm really loving my new post and it's perfect for this weekend's delayed celebration of the unveiling of the national mall memorial for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I'm celebrating retro glamour and a tribute to my namesake, the spectacular trailblazing activist Coretta Scott King, at my 33rd Birthday Party this year.

Think pearls, fit and flared dresses, sheaths, heels, gloves. It's classic. It's timeless. I love it all and my Stella & Dot jewelry compliments this look perfectly!

Isn't she flawless? Just flawless. And this woman was supporting the dream, raising a family and trying to keep it together at the center of one of the most turbulent times in American history.

In keeping with this classic look, I'm considering some of these jewelry options from my Stella & Dot eboutique below:

The Charlotte Statement necklace above is one of my favorites. But I also love the Soiree Pave Pearl Bracelets below, the Pearl Bouquet bracelet and it's matching earrings. Then there is my absolute favorite stunner, the Vintage Cluster ring. I have a bride wearing that one on her wedding day.

Unfortunately, you're missing the serious sparkle that these pave pieces have. Go to my fanpage if you want to see some "in person" shots. Serious sparkle people. It makes a difference.

I don't know if you've seen this, but I love the new "Mad Men" inspired Collection from Banana Republic below. It's in stores now! This is their second year teaming up with the AMC show for inspiration.

Sharp baby!

The new movie "The Help" has some great retro inspiration for me to give my party guests as well. Classic pieces never really go out of style.

If you'd like, take a peek at my growing inspiration board on pinterest.

I'm loving this service, it let's you really see where my vision is going. The location of the party is the Josephine Butler Center overlooking Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park in DC. It's a historic mansion with shiny wood, chandeliers and great garden views. It's going to be a good time ya'll. I'm adding a stepper/hand-dancing instructor too!

While I love the simple gloves and sheaths, I'm thinking about amping up the glamour factor a little as the birthday girl. Perhaps a wardrobe change even?

I've got a dress already but I'm seeing too many new possibilities in stores now, lol. This retro look is very accessible. However, I may just work my Stella & Dot accessories as a way to change up the whole look, that's what I've been preaching on DC Style Watch after all. What do you think?

p.s. The post about my fabulous White House visit yesterday is upcoming. . . stay tuned! But here's a sneak peek of us decked out in Stella & Dot jewelry trying to get the attention of Mrs. Obama's staff. :)

Guess who's coming to dinner?

2011-08-25T09:11:00.001-04:00

I'm going to the White House on Friday!!!

Not for dinner though, it's a program in conjunction with the MLK Memorial unveiling! Thanks Dondra!!

It's okay that the First Family won't be there, I'm going to work some other contacts and will be decked out in Stella & Dot! And there is always the Congressional Black Caucus Convention coming up in September.

I would LOVE to dress Mrs. Obama in Stella & Dot!

Now, I'm trying to figure out what to wear. The Pegasus is featured in the September Real Simple Magazine looking smokin'! On page 198.

I'm thinking the Jacqueline, Sofia Pearl Bib or Bamboleo though. I'll try on some outfits tonight.

EARTHQUAKE!!

2011-08-24T08:56:00.001-04:00

I was calm.

Then, I was frightened and scared.

Very strong shaking of windows, floor, walls, everything.

But we're fine, thank the Lord.

Diving under a desk is no fun.

At least I thought "Oh Lord, this is an earthquake!" and got under the desk. My suitemate thought we'd been attacked. She was . . . not that calm, shall we say.

UPDATE: At the beginning of the week was an earthquake and last night (8/27) Hurricane Irene came through. *sigh* At least I know something about hurricanes. Shazaam and I rode it out with our electricity. We're blessed. Today it's a gorgeous day and I'm going to see the new Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.

ME & Stella & Dot on the Red Carpet at INK Cosmetics Launch

2011-08-23T05:06:00.000-04:00

Wow. It was a very good weekend for the business.

Make up by Anna Castillo of ink . . . Cosmetics, LLC

What can I say? Light, camera, fashion baby! I'll just show you a portion of the pics, check out many more of the entire event on the fanpage while I get my full post together. www.facebook.com/corettaselegantjewels.

Rest assured, all of my ladies, including the Mistress of Ceremony, Red Carpet Interviewer (both from www.dconheels.com) and my "living models" were decked out splendidly in my Stella & Dot jewels from the eboutique.

It was quite a weekend. And this was just the first event.

NEW!! DC Style Watch post on DC on Heels.com (Winner's Edition!)

2011-08-20T06:17:00.001-04:00

Greetings family!! Check out my new DC Style Watch post up now over at www.dconheels.com! First we announced the winners of the Stella & Dot Vintage Twist Bracelet in gold or silver that was up for grabs in the giveaway.

Guess who won??

TIFFANY!! One of the members of the tribe here already!! And the Vintage Twist was on her wish list! And DONDRA, one of my looong time supporters. She's always reading and commenting to me about what she read. I'm so glad you ladies won!! I'm going to want pictures of you wearing your swag. So have your lip gloss at the ready. No excuses.

So after that excitement I went on to give some advice on how to wear the Vintage Twist in my post. The theme this week: layering bracelets.

I think of this Stella & Dot combo of the gold Bardot Spiral Bangle, Green Pyramid Leather Wrap, and Renegade Cluster Bracelet (the spikes) as a trendy, young Hollywood look. Same with how the Renegade Collection (the spikes) are styled below using the Devi Bangles, Vintage Twist and Revival Bracelet.

You can also go really pretty and elegant with the layering look. Like here with the Vintage Twist, Studded Trifecta, Hematite Cupchain Bracelet, and Revival Bracelet.

Or the Vintage Twists and Hematite Cupchain Bracelet below.

And the look below is definitely bringing the drama with the Bardot Spiral Bangle, After the Rain Bracelet and Serpent Bangle (one of the ones Kelly Ripa loves so much in the video on the top right side of the page).

I obviously have been embracing the trend if you check out my arm in the last few posts, lol! I love it! While I was styling Vanessa from DC on Heels in jewelry for a fashion event she is MCing tonight, she indicated that she was not really feeling the leather double wrap bracelets. Then I paired it with three other sparkly ones including the Vintage Twist and Revival Bracelet and she loved the look! So keep expanding your horizons ladies. The possibilities are endless. And you can even post what kind of arm candy you've come up with over at my fanpage at www.facebook.com/corettaselegantjewels or the corporate fanpage. We'd love to see!

My Mail Carrier loves me

2011-08-19T04:14:00.001-04:00

Actually, I think she does because one time when I was at home sick and working hard on a brief for work, she started to open the front door and walk in. Turns out, I had left my keys in the door for the last two days and she was checking just to make sure something heinous hadn't happened to me. Don't worry fam, that hasn't happened since. #gotstabemorecareful

But today she loves me because she brought me beautiful things! What, oh what, did I find in my mail slot? An amazingly, super sweet, absolutely thoughtful and totally encouraging thank you card from bride, Tori over at The Ramblings and The Very Bloggy Wedding.

My thank you card in front of the winning piece for the maids, the Metropolitan Mixed Chain Necklace from my Stella & Dot Eboutique.

Tori's card got me misty, I'll admit. It read in part, ". . . it is really rare to come across such generosity and I am so grateful for it . . . your help has been a giant, refreshing lesson in how good people can be!"

I will not cry.

I will not cry.

I'm just going to report to my mama and daddy that I was well-raised and someone knows it. :-)

In addition to that gem, I received the invitation for my November bride's autumn themed wedding. It was handmade by her sister Laura and oh my goodness it is wonderful and so professional!!

I had already ripped it open by the time I remembered to snap some photographs.

Gold raised glitter adorning the inner envelope? Yes please!

*gasp* The foil paisley liner just might be my favorite!!

Laura printed the info on her computer. Shut. The. Door! Crazy good!

Speaking of more crazy good stuff for weddings, look at what one Canadian Stella & Dot Stylist did for her recent nuptials. It's a bouquet made out of Stella & Dot brooches & jewelry (I first saw the concept on Wedding Bee, I believe). Really nice right? Although, not necessarily budget friendly. I wish I had a front view. I'm going to see if she will post more.

In other Stella & Dot news, our new fine leather handbags have launched and their luscious! They're made on the same factory lines as Prada and are meant to compete with Tory Burch, Coach & Michael Kors and they do!

Check out the full collection here! We're already in the September Instyle Magazine on newstands!!!!

Finally, my new DC Style Watch post is coming up today over at www.dconheels.com. Today is the jewelry giveaway (there are winners!!!) plus a post on how to wear the new layering trend in bracelets. As you can see, I have embraced the trend wholeheartedly, lol!

Let me know what you think and have a great Friday!

Lights! Camera! Action!

2011-08-18T06:34:00.001-04:00

Take a look at the top video on the right side of the page. That's me getting featured in a video within the Stella & Dot Stylist lounge.

My "feature" ensemble from my Stella & Dot Eboutique: The Graceful Nomad necklace (already featured in Lucky magazine) layered with the Starry Nights delicate necklace, Renegade Cluster Bracelet (love those spikes!), Pyramid Double Wrap in Green, gold La Coco Bracelet, Renegade Mini Drop Earrings.

The Vice President of Training at Stella & Dot contacted me and asked me do a video on my recent sponsoring success story with Stella & Dot. *pause* Wow. Nothing like getting calls from the top executives of your company. She remembered me from our Hoopla Conference in San Francisco and some follow-up after.

Thank goodness for my friend Carl (the shopping husband this past weekend) and his equally talented brother Stephen Miller, who is a Howard University educated photo journalist/graphic designer at his company District Photo in Washington DC. Stephen took the video with his fancy HD camera and helped me get my lighting right. We did it twice and the video went up yesterday. I didn't even know until I saw messages from other stylists! How encouraging!

The busy retail/holiday season is coming up and I have a feeling it's going to be a good one. Make your wish lists now!

Great Expectations

2011-08-17T08:09:00.001-04:00

Last week was a good week.

Just in case you missed it, there was the awesomeness of the Very Bloggy Wedding post were you all and the readers were voting on whether Tori's bridesmaids should wear the Metropolitan Mixed Chain Necklace or the Sofia Pearl Bib Necklace sponsored by my eboutique. Well, the readers have spoken and the winner is . . . drumroll please . . . the Metropolitan Mixed Chain Necklace!!!

The piece worn beautifully by the super stylish Markette of www.dconheels.com!

It's a gorgeous necklace (clearly, since it was my very first piece and is what captured me into the business) and will go perfectly with the theme and styling of Tori's wedding. The wonderful thing is that the readers also gushed about how gorgeous the other pieces were too, and several have pledged to purchase a little somethin' somethin.' YAY!

In addition, my DC Style Watch Post on www.dconheels.com continues to get great feedback. I took a quote from the new Instyle Magazine Makeover edition which basically said that when you're on a budget, buy accessories. The giveway I'm doing in conjunction with www.dconheels.com is ongoing until Thursday at midnight, so go on over to the DC Style Watch post there, leave a comment & "like" my facebook page in order to be entered to win! Take a moment and do it right now! The winner of the Vintage Twist Bracelet up for grabs will be announced on Friday.

Finally, my other three Stella & Dot events went fabulously.

I assisted a new stylist with her launch party and found out that she and the hostess were also from Louisiana! She had great, stylish friends who came ready to support and she had a very successful launch with new parties and new customers booked. [Speaking of which, if you'd like me to do an in person Trunk Show or online show for you, I have several available dates in August and September. Let's get YOU up to $250 in FREE jewelry simply for hosting at 2 hour Trunk Show with simple snacks, jewelry and friends.]

Then I attended the Glamswagger Natural Hair Meetup in Chinatown. Let me tell you, these women are stylish!! I did two giveaways, got lots of contacts, and some new potential hostesses and customers. I'm in follow-up mode now. Here are a few pics:

An excited winner with her new Vintage Twist Bracelet from my Stella & Dot eboutique!

The grand prize giveaway winner with her Stella & Dot gold Bardot Hoops from the eboutique (only $39)

Glamswagger and her team above! These ladies were not playing with their individual style. Next time I will make sure that I am extra divalicious. I was running from one event to another and it was hot and humid and it showed. Oh well, I guess I was just extra "natural."

Also, please excuse my crazy hair, it began as a flat twist out earlier in the week. . .

Rockin' the Marchesa Necklace above with an armful of layered Stella & Dot goodness!

Took the twists out and voila!

I'll try it again. I like the look.

Finally, my weekend ended with me getting a surprise message from a friend on Facebook who was in town and wanted to purchase some jewelry for his wife. I contacted him and acted as his personal shopper in the "boutique."

He chose 6 incredible pieces which I wrapped in our signature gift boxes, gifts bags and tissue paper. Turns out the wife loved the jewelry so much, she wants me to do a Stella & Dot Trunk Show for her and her friends in Boston. Now that's what I'm talking about!

And my friend left with me the idea of doing an informational workshop for men who are clueless about jewelry shopping for their significant others. He surmises that most of them would go ahead and buy the pieces directly from me following such a session. Well, I plan to do just that in time for the holidays. I may even add a series of posts here on the blog. So stay tuned! Thanks C!

Hope you all are had a great week too! I've got a new fashion event for the launch of INK cosmetics (the founder is active duty Air Force too!) on the agenda this weekend. I'm styling two of the mistresses of ceremony (Markette & Vanessa from www.dconheels.com) and hopefully will become a sponsor so I can show off the jewels and our new fine leather handbags that launched this week (my sample order is in)!

Our Stella & Dot fine leather handbags are here! Order yours now with a special shipping discount for August. Browse at www.stelladot.com/elegantcoretta. To place your order & get your discount contact me at elegantcoretta@gmail.com.

At the INK Launch event I plan to network with the local stylists & makeup artists, models, fashion photographers and general fashion community for a bit more exposure. I'll let you know how it goes. I have something magnificent to wear but this time I think I'll go get my make up done so I'm not looking crazy in the pictures, lol!

Well, what did you think of the winning choice in the Very Bloggy Wedding vote? The new handbags? What about the idea my friend gave me for a men's jewelry workshop, genius right? Leave me a note by clicking the word "comment" below.

NEW!! My DC Style Watch Post on dconheels.com (Giveaway edition!)

2011-08-13T09:12:00.002-04:00

Family, the thrill is definitely not gone!

I'm still flush with excitement after the love shown by the Very Bloggy Wedding voters yesterday to the Stella & Dot statement necklaces in competition to be THE bridesmaid jewels for the wedding. Comments and compliments abounded! If you still haven't voted go and add your two cents. I can't wait to hear the final result. Thank you again for the opportunity Tori!

THIS morning (and for the next week), my new Stella & Dot jewelry giveaway is happening in conjunction with my DC Style Watch post on the fabulous site DC on Heels! Up for grabs is a versatile bracelet that's perfect for the layering trend that has continued the last couple of seasons.

The giveaway prize, the Vintage Twist Bracelet in gold.

Actress Gabrielle Union and Musician Alicia Keys showing off the bracelet layering trend.

The Stella & Dot Gold Vintage Twist Bracelet that I'm giving away was also featured in the April 2011 Instyle Magazine along with the Revival & Wishing Nugget Bracelets.

In order to win the bracelet, you've got to go and "Like" my Stella & Dot fanpage by clicking here AND leave a comment on the DC on Heels post saying which metal color of the bracelet you prefer. The winner will be announced Friday!

Fashionable Florida Stella & Dot Stylist Heather W. shows off part of the Fall collection, the Femme Fatale necklace, Soiree Trio cocktail ring and Garbo Link bracelet layered with the Silver Vintage Twist Bracelet option below! She's "frosted" as my stylist Patrice would say!

My post was actually inspired by an article in the current Instyle Magazine Makeover Edition called "The 50 Best Fashion Tips of All Time!" Tip no. 39 is, "if you have a limited budget, spend it on accessories." Now, THAT'S speaking my language, lol! And there was a lot more good stuff in there. Enough that I was inspired to create a post about it, so go check it out and win yourself a fantastic bracelet!

Fam, this continues to be a fantastic week! I'm working on ideas and phone calls for my November and May weddings, I've got an awesome new anniversary edition Real Wedding Recap, I'm doing a recruiting call for the JAG Corps, I'm mailing out Look Books plus hitting a Trunk Show with a new stylist, then tonight I'm off to a Natural Hair Meetup in DC (featuring the Stella & Dot Bardot Hoop earrings ;-) . I'm having fun ya'll!

However, tomorrow I'm taking it easy.

I'm THRILLED I tell ya!

2011-08-12T04:14:00.002-04:00

It's 0231 hours and it's already a good day!

The hilarious Tori Nelson of The Very Bloggy Wedding on The Ramblings Blog has done an outstanding feature on my Stella & Dot eboutique (and shouted out Coretta's Elegant Events) as we join her in voting for an amazing statement piece necklace for her bridesmaids. She's quite the generous bride isn't she? And she's having a Nashville, Tennessee wedding so that makes her even more special, given my prime time spent in "Nashvegas" at Vanderbilt.

If you recall, the Very Bloggy Wedding is kind of like Today Show Throws a Wedding. Tori posts the options (colors, food, invites, fabulous Stella & Dot bridesmaids jewels, etc) and the blog readers vote and decide! They've been doing a pretty good job too! This event is described as a reflection of the couple's personality, celebrating all things odd and unique (i.e. letting readers plan the wedding) and their true love of creativity.

Right now there is a venue:

Color scheme:

Centerpieces:

Banner:

Save the Dates:

Invitations:

Invitation Backdrop Pattern:

And now we come to wedding jewelry/bling to match the maids super cute little white dresses w/pockets (reminiscent of my recent LBD, LRD, LWD post at DC on Heels) from one of my fave stores, New York & Company. (I can always find something in there).

Matron of Honor & sister Abby showing off the dress & Stella & Dot Charlotte Statement Necklace

And above is a scene that warms my heart! The fabulous bride, Tori, after opening her boxes from my Stella & Dot eboutique with jewels draped around her neck, wrists and a fabulous pearl cluster cocktail ring on her hand. So fun! I tell you, opening the stylish boxes is half of the excitement.

Okay, so down to business.

Tori and her sister narrowed down the choices to the Metropolitan Mixed Chain Necklace (the necklace that got me into this jewelry business)...

And the FAB-U-LOUS Sofia Pearl Bib Necklace. I wore this one to my Zambian Royal Bride's wedding with a little black dress and it was recently featured in a wedding on Style Me Pretty.

So now here comes your part. Which is your favorite? They were both popular at my Fall Launch Trunk Show (they are on the neck forms on the back right).

I have a favorite but I'm not going to say yet. The Very Bloggy Wedding Readers are on it (or insomniacs), because they have already started voting, so you go vote now!

I'm so thrilled about this feature by Tori! I'm glad we could team up. Listen to what she said about me:

One part blogger, two parts Wedding Planner, a splash of Stella & Dot saleswoman with a hint of Air Force attorney ( I know. JAG never looked so good!), and – although she might deny this- eighteen parts angel. As THE Coretta of Coretta’s Elegant Events, this queen of all trades creates gorgeous parties, weddings, and jewelry trunk shows all over the place. From my little nook in Tennessee, I read Coretta’s blog posts and wedding recaps while wearing a bib (so as to not flood my keyboard with drool). All the glitz! All the glamour! Imagine my surprise, then, when she offered to style my bridesmaids in swanky Stella & Dot jewelry. That’s right, the holy Coretta bestowed upon my lucky, lucky girls the gift of bling.

*blushing* Yes indeed, I'm loving this woman!

OH! And before I forget to tell you, in honor of the Very Bloggy Wedding, I'm offering all Very Bloggy Wedding Readers FREE Shipping on their own Stella & Dot purchase. You just need to shop the eboutique or request one of my 100-page glossy Look Books for more leisurely shopping and then email me your purchasing information at elegantcoretta@gmail.com so I can manually enter your discount on the eboutique! Just let me know that you checked out the Stella & Dot bridesmaids jewelry vote on the Very Bloggy Wedding.

The fun doesn't even stop here (as magnificent as this feature is), there will be a Stella & Dot multiple layered bracelet giveaway (yes, I said giveaway) beginning with my regular DC Style Watch post later this morning on DC on Heels and there is the Glamswagger gold Bardot earrings giveaway for the Natural Hair Meetup Saturday in DC. Anyone can enter these giveaways to win so check them out. That's a chance to win FREE Stella & Dot Jewelry folks! Someone has to win, why not you?

Last week I explored Baltimore's Inner Harbor, entertained and ate to my heart's content with my sister, made progress on the November wedding and in my day job met some of the original heroic Tuskegee Airmen (post about that to follow) at the Tuskegee Airmen Convention in Washington's National Harbor. That was all capped by Kelly Ripa of Regis & Kelly wigging out over her Stella & Dot Jewelry on the Wednesday, August 3 Fashion Finder portion of her show.

Here is Kelly Ripa wearing the Serpent Bangle with our designer Blythe (in the Pegasus Statement Necklace).

And one of my favorite wedding bloggers and florist, Janie Medley of The Bride's Cafe, did a "What's Your Statement Style" featuring two Stella & Dot pieces!

She showcased the amazing Marrakesh Bib Necklace (on right) and the new golden Pegasus Statement Necklace!

I did my part to showcase the Pegasus too, lol. It's so light!

I thought last week was a good week, but this week is closing out quite nicely!

Please Pardon the Interruption

2011-08-08T20:44:00.001-04:00

So the bad news is that my Macbook is sick. :-( The good news is that due to the protection plan I purchased the Mac Genius' are repairing it for free (something about replacing the logic board). :-)

This could not be worse timing. Last week and weekend were full of events, restaurant visits, shopping, networking, I've got an article to write for the DC Style Watch on DC on Heels (the jewelry giveaway begins THIS friday), I received some major love from Glamswagger who is hosting a natural hair meet up this weekend featuring an earring giveaway from my Stella & Dot eboutique, AND I'm getting even more major love this Friday from the Very Bloggy Wedding on The Ramblings blog. *sigh* Hopefully we will be back to our regularly scheduled program in 1-3 days. In the meantime it's the work computer and the public library for me. #nomoreworkingatmidnight

But stay tuned and come back and see me!

At the National Bar Association Convention

2011-08-03T12:42:00.000-04:00

The NBA Convention has been going really well, as has my recruiting efforts while teamed up with the General I'm escorting. I've also been seeing some old friends & other blasts from the past including two judges from my home town.

Me with one of our senior Air Force recruiters above and some friends and fellow JAGs from the Army.

Baltimore's downtown inner harbor is great! There are some awesome backgrounds for a photo shoot, tons of restaurants and the Baltimore Hilton where the Convention is taking place is pretty impressive. Large, modern with great service. And guess what I ran into while walking through the exhibit hall . . .

. . . an exhibit by a Stella & Dot Stylist, fellow attorney and conventioneer Danielle (& her husband) from Atlanta. Her husband was helping her so much. He'd even set up her jewelry display for her so she could sleep in that morning! Excellent right? It takes team work to make the dream work and they were on it! While she was processing an order and working on evites for her mother's upcoming Trunk Show, he was taking info for a giveaway and discussing the Stylist's Opportunity with some other potential customers. I was excited to see that I manage to run into even more confirmation that this is good business even when I'm not trying to. lol!

Danielle's husband really did a great job with the set up. Good man.

At least I was able to get cute in my jewels later on. My favorite new set is this FABULOUS Chantilly Lace Cuff and matching earrings from the Fall Collection. They are so light and look great with the sleeveless tops and dresses I've tried them with so far. I'm trying to get you all hip out there, Stella & Dot is what's up! lol!

Off to Baltimore City

2011-08-02T03:47:00.000-04:00

This morning I'm off to the National Bar Association Annual Convention in my Air Force capacity to do some recruiting and serve as the executive officer for one of our Generals. Yay! I always enjoy recruiting activities. If there is anything I know that I can do well, it's talk. lol! And I've had a personally satisfying experience in the Air Force JAG Corps in many ways, so I can speak honestly about the positives and negatives, and I'm cute ;-) so that makes me perfect the job.

Since I really haven't explored Baltimore much since arriving in the DC area (and watching The Wire didn't really enamor me with the city), I'll try to take a peek around and see what kind of event planning venues and activities it has to offer. I know the downtown Harbor is pretty fancy. I'm looking forward to it!

Real Wedding Recap: Matthew & Melissa

2011-07-30T06:57:00.001-04:00

Welcome to today's Real Wedding Recap of my Air Force family friends Matthew & Melissa. Matt & I met when he arrived at the legal office at Sheppard AFB in "scenic" Wichita Falls, Texas. Then we found out that he had this brilliant engineer girlfriend named Melissa who was absolutely his better half. ;-) Now here they are six years and two kids later putting in the work and experiencing the joy of having found "The One."

From the bride: Matt & I met while playing ultimate frisbee in Pittsburgh PA. We began dating and three years later Matt took me to his brother’s house for Thanksgiving. He proposed the day after Thanksgiving at the Atlanta Zoo in front of his entire family and the tiger display. (Why the tiger display Matt? Symbolic? The ring burning a hole in your pocket? Inquiring minds...)

The design inspiration for our Ponte Vedra, Florida wedding was a garden party. We had a morning ceremony followed by an early afternoon tent reception at the Sawgrass Marriott right off of the Players Championship golf course.

My bridal bouquet consisted of pink calla lilies and draped small pink roses. My bridesmaids carried stems of pink calla lilies tied with satin that was beaded to match my wedding gown.

A wedding coordinator at the venue organized the reception. My mother organized the ceremony itself, and the day-after barbeque at my parent's house for all of the guests. I love that she used my bridal bouquet, bridesmaids flowers & floral pew markers to decorate the house for the day after event. It was a really wonderful extension of the wedding day.

My mother is a porcelain artist, and with the theme as a garden party, all of the flowers on each table were potted plants (like hydrangea) in a porcelain pot that she painted in pink and green. She also painted small porcelain umbrellas in pink and green as mementos for each of the guests with our names and wedding date painted on the inside.

My favorite detail about the day was the cake. It was gorgeous! I clipped a picture from a magazine and gave it to the cake decorator and never imagined it could end up even more beautiful than the picture, but it did. The flowers cascading down the sides were sugar flowers, but they looked so real. The cake was a hot topic for everyone at the reception and I was extremely happy with it.

My mother also hand painted the porcelain bride and groom for the top of my cake, which I still have on display in my china cabinet.

Thinking back, my favorite moment of the day was walking into the reception tent with Matt holding my hand. It was so surreal being introduced as "Mr. and Mrs."

What’s next? Rolling with the moves and life changes as they come, and deciding how many King babies the world can handle!

Well, now wasn't that a beautiful wedding? It definitely felt like a lush garden party to me. The cake was indeed amazing, and everyone needs a talented mom who can organize a ceremony, have everyone over her house the next day AND contribute gorgeous personal decor and favors. Good job Mom!

Congratulations again Matt & Melissa. Thanks for allowing us to go down memory lane with you and we hope you have an amazing anniversary!

Do you have a real wedding you'd love to share? We'd love to see it. Just respond to the Real Wedding questionnaire on the right side of the page and email your answers and 15-20 detail photos to elegantcoretta@gmail.com.

NEW! My DC Style Watch Post on DC on Heels.com

2011-07-29T09:26:00.001-04:00

I have new post over on the DC on Heels site, this time discussing that whole "Black-tie optional" dress code confusion with some real world accessories options from my Stella & Dot Eboutique.

We tackled this issue about 2 months ago here, but I it's a universal fashionista issue :) and I spiced it up for a new audience. Please check out the post and leave a comment! Let me know what you think. I'm so excited about doing this feature every Friday and giveaways begin soon! I think we're going to start with the layering bracelets.

Also, stay tuned to this blog today for the upcoming Real Wedding Recap of Matthew & Melissa.

These two crazy kids are celebrating 6 years of marriage tomorrow! Matt is one of my long-time Air Force buddies. Their family of four (there are now two little cutie patooties) got a gorgeous start one summer day many moons ago (well, not THAT many, lol)! So stay tuned...

Stella & Dot Fall 2011 line Launch Party

2011-07-26T11:20:00.001-04:00

On Sunday, I hosted a Stella & Dot Trunk Show for the fabulous Fall 2011 line themed "Being Bold!" It turned out wonderfully! Various friends stopped in during the evening, chatted, snacked and played in the jewelry and we had a blast. There were several purchases and 4 interested in becoming new stylists!! I'm following up with everyone this week. I'm thrilled that other women want to join me in this grand venture.

More pics are on the fanpage http://www.facebook.com/corettaselegantjewels.

Georgetown Cupcakes (the other 2 dozen were in the kitchen), sparkling drinks and the SALE tray with items 40%-60% off! Message me if you see something you like in the Sample Sale tray. You can pay with a cc via paypal and I'll ship priority mail!

Some of my favorite pieces, including the Marrakesh Bib Necklace inspired by our designer, Blythe's, middle east travels.

My favorite summer pieces, The Birds of Paradise Necklace, Owl Pendant and Sloane, Paige & Sunset Enamel bracelets. Perfect for vacationing at the resort in the winter too!

I had to place half of my loot in the kitchen. I'm such a Stella & Dot jewel junkie - but knowing is half the battle. lol!

See anything you like? Like everything you see? This is a perfect time to let me bring my boutique to you and your friends! Hostesses earn up to $250 in FREE jewelry just for gathering your girls for two hours to chat, snack and play in the jewelry. On the go? Let me do a 1 hour office party during lunch. Not a night owl? Let's try muffins & mimosas at brunch. You provide the guest list, I can do everything else with that Coretta's Elegant Events touch. And I do travel so Atlanta, Nashville, Dallas, & Louisiana girls - holla at your jewelry girl! The $250 in FREE hostess jewelry is perfect for getting that pricey statement piece or several wardrobe staples.

Interested in supplementing your income every month while having a great time or know someone else who would be? I'm hiring! Contact me at elegantcoretta@gmail.com & check out our opportunity at http://www.stelladot.com/elegantcoretta/our-opportunity.

I arranged the flowers simply in some crystal drinking glasses and added my favorite go to votives from Michael's.

The Charlotte Pearl statement necklace is a favorite and on SALE now until they are gone!

Hollywood loves the Petra Bracelet on the right above. I love our cocktail rings and studs on the left. :)

The Astor necklace with the plume brooch option above is a winner!

And for you girls who like a little bling, there is plenty!

I'm in love with the gold options for fall. The Contessa Jade necklace reminds me of some gorgeous Indian jewelry I've seen.

Love the Femme Fatale above on the left!

The Renegade Collection is both spicy and sweet.

Oh. My. Our statement pieces for Fall are amazing. Look at the Pegasus (noted by the editors of Vogue Magazine) and the Jacqueline above. Amazing (and so light around your neck)!

I'm in love with the Chantilly lace cuff and earrings. And the touch of the bohemian is a winner with the editors. We've already been in Ladies Home Journal, Lucky Magazine, Essence Magazine, People Style Watch & Seventeen. Glamour, Instyle & Vogue profiles coming this Fall.

The ladies playing in the jewelry and voguing, just a little. Beautiful jewelry, great ladies & cupcakes will make anyone happy. This could be you and your girls - just let me know! elegantcoretta@gmail.com

Some people just look fabulous in everything!

And Shameka is one of those people.

Reshawna won the giveaway!

Well, what did you think? See anything you like? You can still shop the Trunk Show through the weekend, just go to http://www.stelladot.com/elegantcoretta and put in hostess "Coretta Gray" at the prompt. I do FREE shipping for orders over $50. Just message me with your purchasing info at elegantcoretta@gmail.com.

This Trunk Show I tried to work with the "Being BOLD" theme and used a turquoise satin pintuck linen from DC Rentals for the main table and loved it! I think I'm going to purchase one or have a seamstress make one for future use. The flowers were from Costco and the cupcakes from my favorite, Georgetown Cupcakes.

DC Style Watch is Published!!

2011-07-22T03:01:00.002-04:00

I'm so excited!! Today is my inaugural DC Style Watch post over at the stylish DC on Heels! Remember, a couple of months ago we did an awesome giveaway with them here. The site is like E! News for DC and the ladies behind it, Markette & Vanessa, are super fabulous!

Show them (and me) some love by checking it out my inaugural post here! I'll be posting on DC on Heels every Friday and doing some big Stella & Dot giveaways you'll want to look out for! My first post is on the concept of "Wingwomen" or basically, "Friends don't let friends dress badly." :) Let me know what you think as I slowly start my process of taking over the world!! (Where are my Animaniacs "Pinky & the Brain" fans?)

In "Celebrity" News, I'm Suitably Impressed

2011-07-21T02:51:00.001-04:00

Have you seen the video of Rupert Murdock's wife defending him from the idiot who tried to smash him with a foam pie?

Check it out here . I won't comment on her background and the obvious vast 38-year age difference, but I can say, I'm impressed with her reflexes and quick defense of her 80-year-old husband.

In another sidenote, Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillio were married in the Caribbean over the weekend. I always liked Lachey. He seemed grounded and reasonable. The wedding photos are being published in People Magazine on Friday and they did a reality show for TLC that airs on the 30th. Given Lachey's track record with reality shows, we'll see how that works out. I'll have to check it out after watching reruns of the seriously incredible "Gypsy Weddings" show.

In a further sidenote, is this really singer Monica below?? She looks so glamorous, almost like a Barbie Doll or a pageant queen, and like a completely different person. There are outrageous reports about the cost of the gown. Who knows, but I love the purple flowers behind her.

That is all. :-)

Taking time to rest

2011-07-16T11:10:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I did a retirement reception for a wonderful JAG officer with over 26 years of combined enlisted, officer, Guard and Active duty service. The celebration ended up going on into the evening and I just arrived home this morning. After starting this week on quite a high from my Stella & Dot conference, I find myself today hoarse, coughing, tired and with swollen feet. I've been running the last few weeks. So today, I'm taking it easy. I'm going back to bed, Shazaam and I will later sit in the sun on our back deck, and much later I'll have a casual dinner with a friend, then I'm going back to bed. :) I'll recap the reception and Stella & Dot conference next week. Take care all!

I'm Back and I'm Pumped!!

2011-07-14T08:27:00.000-04:00

So I've returned from San Francisco (with no voice) and I'm motivated, pumped and ready to go!! Connecting with these beautiful, smart, sassy entrepreneurs was absolutely fabulous! And I LOVE the new Fall 2011 line that was revealed at the fashion show. I'm not the only one, the magazine editors have been eating it up and you can see Stella & Dot featured on newsstands this fall in WWD, Instyle Magazine, Ladies Home Journal, People Style Watch, Lucky, Glamour, Redbook on Gossip Girls and -- wait for it -- in VOGUE magazine!!

Full recap of the conference to follow and there are more pics on my fanpage http://www.facebook.com/corettaselegantjewels. In the meantime, check out these snapshots and shop the entire fall line at my eboutique http://www.stelladot.com/elegantcoretta. Let me know what you think. The theme for fall is BOLD women. Love it!

Looking to earn some spending money or completely fire your boss? I'm HIRING! Message me for more information and check out http://www.stelladot.com/elegantcoretta/our-opportunity.

The juices are flowing and I'm brainstorming baby! Putting my money where my mouth is. Every "no" gets me that much closer to a "yes."

We've launched handbags - coming in August and featured in a spread in an upcoming Instyle Magazine. We've also launched Stella & Dot UK, and are expanding to Germany and Australia next! Let me know if you know any stylistas there who would like to earn extra income.

Follow me in San Francisco!

2011-07-08T13:06:00.000-04:00

Hey Fam! I'm currently at the Stella & Dot Hoopla Conference in gorgeous San Francisco, California! It's been amazing so far, including the launch of the amazing BOLD new Fall 2011 line, and a photo of me and my girls (and fellow stylist Patrice) from the Jamaican Vacation being featured in the opening video montage for the fashion show (our airport shot)! Wowzers!!

Follow what's going on through my posts over on my Stella & Dot Fanpage http://www.facebook.com/corettaselegantjewels and you can see the video montage there too! Check out the new Fall 2011 line on my eboutique http://www.stelladot.com/elegantcoretta - you can begin ordering right now! And message me your address and email here or at elegantcoretta@gmail.com so I can put your new 100 page Fall 2011 Look Book in the mail next week!

Toodles!

p.s. I'm linking up with some fabulous women, including new stylist Ivori Lipscomb-Warren of Simple Yet Elegant Events in Maryland. We are so on the same page. She found me through my S&D Fanpage, turns out a number of sisters are reading it and came up to tell me so, and I think we're going to partner up in the future on some events (she's renewing her vows, I've got the big birthday party coming up - I've been fleshing out the theme, a tribute to my namesake Coretta Scott King on the CEE fanpage http://www.facebook.com/corettaselegantevents - plus the November wedding) so stay tuned!

The Grand Finale: Jamaican Vacation Part III

2011-07-06T09:00:00.002-04:00

Ah Jamaica! "Yeah Mon!"

After Part I and Part II of these lengthy photo-heavy recaps, we've come to the end. Your downloader will thank me. If you haven't read the first two recaps posted at the end of June, make sure you check them out.

So, near the end of the week, we had a glorious day of sunshine that we decided to take full advantage of. That meant relaxing by the ocean, reading books and magazines, studying (that's Chanelle), sleeping and exploring the grounds and downtown. We all had different definitions of "taking full advantage of." :)

Being the wedding planner that I am, I decided to go check out some of the resort's wedding venues.

I came to the Gazebo armed with my camera and national and local magazines for inspiration. I met with the staff wedding planner, a young sista, later that afternoon. I saw great reviews about her online. She said they typically do about 8 weddings a week(!). The pricing for 50-75 guests was very competitive too. It had me thinking... Also, it turns out that Patrice knew the planner through a mutual friend and the planner's mother was the owner of the shuttle company we were using to get downtown. That was a win on many levels!

I liked the Gazebo. It had a great winding path full of flowers and palms leading up to it, manicured lawns, and great views. Perfect for a small wedding and/or photos.

Inside was a gorgeous ballroom with chandeliers and intricate sconces. Perfect for a large formal affair. (my pics of the ballroom were too dark, so just take my word for it).

I learned a little island lore and checked out the resort's art gallery. There was some great local stuff in there. I bought a print for me and a gorgeous painting that I'm going to frame for my mom. I wish I could afford the one below that hung along one of the hallways. Gorgeous!

Patrice and I headed to downtown to Doctor's Cove. It cost $5 and had the most beautiful turquoise water and soft white sand. We were just going to relax but the lifeguard offered us a deal on snorkeling that Patrice couldn't refuse. He wanted to make sure we had a good time no matter how much he needed to lower the price to entice us. She highly recommended the experience! Especially if you have an underwater camera.

This statue above was called "Balance." Cool right? Looked like some Cirque de Soleil skills.

Seriously? Really? Yes, the water was this blue, the sand was that soft, the place was this gorgeous. Only the rain managed to run us out of there for a little souvenir shopping.

I waited on the dock (and received a marriage offer, lol!) while Patrice snorkeled near an old submerged platform. I thought the sand must have been good for exfoliating because my feet felt so smooth. A mom and her kids behind me were going out in the boats. It was idyllic.

While washing the sand from our feet, we met this oh so fine, Terrell Owens esque look alike (in body - whoa! Patrice was able to at least touch his biceps - coloring, he was a smooth mahogany - and charm - he had a blindingly white smile to go with that cute accent). Turns out, he was taking his own personal tour of his home country and going to all the places that the tourists said were so beautiful. Let me tell you, HE was beautiful. Apparently he thought we were too because he kept remarking on how remarkable it was that we were so beautiful and Christians (we mentioned that we were attending the gospel concert). Apparently, Christians are known for being very conservative, old and not that attractive. Who knew? I was at least pleased that we could shake up that image a bit. My good deed for the day. It wasn't a hardship at all to witness to that one. And that's all I'm going to say on that. Lol!

Don't talk about me ya'll, I didn't go to the beach to swim. Lol!

I spotted my second hummingbird of the trip, above. The first, at the resort, was tiny and darting between the flowers.

We came back and I wanted to show Patrice the wedding venues I looked at earlier. Lucky for us, they were setting up for a party on the outdoor pavilion. There were orchids everywhere!

Patrice thought the Gazebo was a winner too.

After taking a little time to relax, it was time for our own little all-white party that night.

So after looking at a friend's destination wedding photos right before the trip, I texted the girls and asked them to bring all white to wear on one of our evenings. I told them I would style them in some Stella & Dot jewels as well. Turns out, everyone doesn't just have all-white sitting in their closet, so I brought a few extra pieces from mine. That evening I laid all the jewels on the bed and we settled on some options for everyone's outfits. We might be a tad over accessorized but we look pretty fabulous if I do say so myself.

Here are the details from the photo above (l-r):

On me: Carnival Necklace, Azure Couture Earrings, Clover Double Wrap Bracelet in Black, Pink Foundation Bracelet, Layla Stretch Bracelet, Soiree Pearl Pave Bracelet in Black, Jolie Cocktail Ring;

On Patrice: CZ Glint Flower Stud Earrings, Casablanca Bib Necklace;

On Cynthia: CZ Glint Flower Necklace;

On Chanelle: Birds of Paradise Necklace, Jasmine Filligree Earrings, Devi & Mira Bangles;

On Clarissa: Turquoise Sea Necklace, Charlize Turquoise Earrings, Sunset, Paige & Sloane Enamel Bangles.

You can get your own jewels from my Stella & Dot eboutique. Shop here. Follow the trends, promotions and giveaways(!) at my fanpage. And thank you for your support. Just FYI, you also support Coretta's Elegant Events when you click on the Wedding Paper Divas and Tiny Prints ads on the top right hand side of the page. Page views equal revenue so hook a sista up! Besides I use those products regularly for invites (as you've seen here) and business cards and definitely endorse them. Now, back to the informal photoshoot (next time I'll get one of the staff photographers - we only managed a group shot because a security guard happened to walk by).

It was humid out there ya'll, but we were having fun.

We captured Clarissa with all her girls, since she was the common denominator for this vacation.

These feet were made for walking so a few of us headed out for a last night on the town.

We ended up at Fishbones, one of Chanelle's earlier suggestions. It was wonderful. It was basically a bar and tables set up under a pavilion, with a kitchen in a separate structure (the patio of someone's house?) up the hill, staffed by amazing cooks. The fish was so good! There were a handful of people eating, watching soccer and listening to the DJ who was pumping the jams left and right. They looked at us like we were celebrities when we descended upon them one by one out of the van in our all white and jewels. I think we must have looked like celebrities so I understood. :) The music was infectious so we had to shake our groove thing a bit. The young looking DJ was working it, although almost all the songs were from the American charts. But he was mixing hit after hit both old and new. We finally sat still enough to order based on the recommendations of our waitress, who was also super cool and did the Cupid Shuffle with us!

Oh, sorry. Did I forget to mention there was a swing? Lol. And lots and lots of dancing.

Patrice was making that Casablanca Bib necklace look good! You can see how she ended up joining my team as a Stella & Dot Stylist after this trip. Busy doctors need jewelry and tax breaks too!

Finally, our food arrived. And it.was.so.good!

We all tasted each other's food and they liked my fried fish (in the middle) the best. I liked Chanelle's stewed fish the best. But, they were all winners!

I might have played with my food a little bit, but I ate it all! We made sure to give compliments to the chef (below in yellow) and our cool waitress who got on the dance floor with us.

Then we headed down the street to the official Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. Let me tell you, it was a let down after Fishbones. The DJ was doing absolutely nothing and tourists were mostly standing around looking. Apparently, things weren't going to get popping until after 11pm, but we had to head back to get prepared for our morning flight. So we chatted up some locals, snapped a few pics and headed back to the resort. This turned out to be one of my favorite photos from the trip so it was worth the detour.

Family - Montego Bay and the Ritz Carlton Resort were wonderful. I mean truly my best vacation in memory. I will definitely be going back and the other girls said they would as well. My cousins are primed to do a trip there too, so Jamaica has not seen the last of me. I felt exactly how I wanted to feel coming back, relaxed and refreshed. That is until the gate agent at US Airways yelled at me like a crazy person in Charlotte about my carry on (it just needed the thrown in contents adjusted to fit more easily). He totally killed my buzz in an over the top way (as in standing over with his crotch in my face yelling) so you know I had "handle" it right there and report his foolishness. The other agent even came onto the plane to give me the customer service address so you know it was foolishness. Oh well. Welcome back to America!

Well, what do you think?? Are you going to call our travel agent Shelley (her info is in Part I of the recaps)? Have we convinced you to take your own Jamaican vacation? Leave me a note by clicking the word "comment" below.

All-American Romantic Proposal

2011-07-04T06:31:00.001-04:00

In honor of the patriotic displays customary on this, our nation's birthday, I wanted to share one of my favorite patriotic wedding-related posts ever. Please go to photographer Michelle Cross' blog and read all about this epic proposal which included trivia, other Marines in dress blues along the way, and quite the audience at the final leg of the journey. It's wonderful! I first spotted a post about this over at Southern Wedding Magazine and it has stuck with me ever since, much like the epic Atlanta Ritz-Carlton proposal of Robert Gray and Keisha Williams shot by Ross Oscar Knight, that went viral a couple of years back. It will be worth your while to go to Michelle's blog and read the full story and while you're at it, view that "Remember the Ritz" proposal as well. Happy Birthday America! God Bless America! And God bless all military members, including me (Air Force!), wherever we may be stationed.

A Coretta's Elegant Event - 2 Receptions, 1 Location + Big SALE!

2011-06-30T10:25:00.000-04:00

Last week I received a phone call from the Chief Judge of the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals (I argued in front of them for 3 years as government counsel) asking if I could participate in my personal and professional capacity at a morning dedication/open house for their new courthouse and an afternoon Investiture ceremony for 3 new judges. I said, "yes, of course!" The new courthouse is gorgeous and I respect and admire our Air Force judges. Everything turned out great although we were operating on short notice for the two receptions. I was so busy setting up, taking in the ceremonies and then mingling, that unfortunately I didn't get photos of the new courtroom, but, trust me, it's modern and quite beautiful.

We worked decor from the inventory in my basement and food from that old standby, Costco. The morning ceremony had a brunch theme, while the afternoon had more sandwiches and snacks. I think the whole affair came together beautifully, definitely a step up from many military receptions that you see - even in the Air Force. The feedback I received and heard from the client and their guests was great!

I decided to use plastic plates and forks that looked like china and silverware. People kept saying that they hated to throw them away.

The cream cheese and raspberry pastries were a hit. One Colonel just stood waiting for me to refill the platter. I never got a chance to taste them, but I'll note that they were popular for future events.

I placed the drinks on another table in the foyer to help the crowd flow since our buffet table had to be set along a narrow corridor leading to the trial courtroom.

I don't make coffee, but one of the judges got it hooked up so there wouldn't be a bad or burnt coffee catastrophe and I provided some elegant plastic coffee cups plus the foam to-go cups with lids. This guest list full of lawyers appreciated the smell of coffee in the morning.

A little celebratory cider for a toast.

I was excited to use my glass beverage dispensers. Unfortunately, I later regretted that decision.

Two of the men managed to inexplicably break the plastic spigot on two of the three dispensers (see above), despite turning directions - and arrows - printed clearly on the knobs. I was just a bit peeved. I mean seriously? You try to take people up a notch and they just can't handle it. SMH. I couldn't do anything about it then so I switched to a standard punch bowl for the afternoon. Hopefully, I can purchase new spigots separately, I'm going to have to do some research.

For the afternoon, I added a cookie jar and cookie platter (the guests loved them; one senior wanted to know if I had more hidden in the back - I didn't so I directed her to the nice healthy apples that were both decor and food, lol!), plus more sparkling cider, mixed fruit, turkey and swiss rolled sandwiches, a meat and cheese tray and the remaining brunch items.

The imported white chocolate Capital Building model was a last minute purchase. I think they were available in honor of the 4th of July. The sparkling cider and white chocolate model were my "little something extras" for these clients.

The sandwiches were great. People kept asking me if I made them as the caterer. I couldn't take credit since I didn't make them and I'm not a caterer. I don't make the food, I make the food look good. :)

I left to rave revues! Unfortunately, I had to return shortly because apparently I accidentally left my hazard lights on for several hours when I was unloading and my battery was drained. Aargh! After the Colonel set up his Jaguar (quite nice - turns out that the battery is in the trunk) to give me a jump, I was finally on my way after a long day. I didn't end up unpacking the car that evening (typical) but thankfully my colleague Allison stopped by to do a little jewelry exchange and she helped me unpack. Thanks Allison!

Speaking of jewelry - I just received notice that we at Stella & Dot are having a fabulous 5-day SALE ($15 - $110) on top of the end-of-the season Sale we are already having (the new Fall line debuts at our Hoopla conference next week and I'll be there)! This additional 20% off sale runs June 30 - July 4 at 11:59 CDT. There are some amazing deals on some of our bestsellers including some of the ones pictured below at my Trunk Show. Most items under $50.

Click on any of my Stella & Dot links on the sidebar of this page or check out my eboutique at http://www.stelladot.com/elegantcoretta and click "SALE" on the top righthand side of the page.

Ya'll know that I'm a statement piece girl, but I've been rocking three of my favorite delicate pieces lately (below), the Glint Flower CZ earrings and matching Glint Flower CZ necklace layered with the Eternity Necklace. Check me out recently at The Kennedy Center!

Take care and have an awesome day (it's gorgeous weather here although I appear to have a sinus attack or a cold that developed the day before yesterday). I'll be posting Part III of the awesome Jamaican Vacation and stay tuned for a new Real Wedding Recap for Melissa and Matthew coming up! Leave me a comment by clicking the word "comments" below and let me know what you think!

Vacation to Montego Bay, Jamaica Part II

2011-06-29T07:02:00.001-04:00

Ahhhhh. *exhaling*

Now THIS is what I'm talking about. This is why you go on vacation.

These little cabanas by the ocean were perfectly situated and always available at 6am (yikes! It was east coast time and I kept waking up) for some morning prayer, devotion and worship music via Patrice's smart phone. She and I even got Cynthia down there one morning. Clarissa and Chanelle never made it; Clarissa was serious about her sleep. She gave us quite the "look" when we knocked on the door to invite them to go with us. LOL! Chanelle, Cynthia and donna did make it to some morning yoga and pilates classes though.

By the way, pardon the good looking, subtle eye makeup above. I didn't "dress" for devotion, lol, that was left over from the night before. But I think it looks good. Thank goodness Bare Minerals products shouldn't break you out, because although I brought a whole slew of makeup to play with during the trip, I wasn't good about removal. Rookie.

I enjoyed all the flowers and vegetation around the immaculately manicured grounds. When we told one of the staff members Markland about how beautiful it was, he and his buddy Isaacar volunteered to give us a tour.

Breakfast was also an experience. It was the meal we consistently ate at the resort and it was wonderful. Not only was the setting overlooking the grounds, pool and ocean fabulous, but that's where we interacted with other guests (we almost kidnapped someone's cute kid), saw actor/comedian Mike Epps and Family (the family was cool, him - not so much), and were serenaded by the charismatic and talented "Spense" (stage name "Suspense" I purchased his cd, y'know, to help a brother out and all) on his acoustic guitar. Mmm-hmm.

What? *chuckling*

I was told on facebook that I look "kind of movie starrish" in that one (thanks Caddy). Look man, I came for vay-cay-tion. I brought a huge suitcase full of books, magazines, makeup, clothes for day, clothes for night, shoes for day, shoes for night, jewelry. I wanted to relish in this vacation and I did. :) BTW, the jewelry above is Stella & Dot, of course.

I loved that room service included a tiny bottle of Tobasco (top left), straight from Avery Island, Louisiana baby! I have to tell these people around here, please get that Texas Pete and other assorted nonesense out of the way. It better be some Louisiana hot sauce made in New Iberia, Louisiana or Tobasco. :) We Louisianians are picky like that about our food. Don't even get me started about my search for "decent" Louisiana style food around this DC area. It's ri-dogone-diculous what they are passing off around these parts. We need a stamp or seal and approving committee from Louisiana before you can sell these dishes under the guise of them being "Cajun" or "Creole." (Clarissa and I have discussed this, lol). They are confusing people with some bad food, but that's a whole other tangent.

Back to Jamaica...

I enjoyed wearing my Stella & Dot Owl Charm Pendant (Markette from DConHeels turned me on to it after she showed up at my Trunk Show wearing it.) Not only did I get lots of compliments on it in Jamaica, but it matched well with my vacation scarf. It's actually on the Stella & Dot discontinued list and on SALE now for $35, originally $44.

My roomie and I left the girls and headed downtown to try dinner at The Native. The atmosphere was amazing (open air seating, warm lights everywhere, delicious food, a fun waiter, and interesting guests - a couple next to us had just eloped and were calling their family.)

Like I said before, there were lots of fruity drinks. See exhibit A above.

My jerk fish was delicious, as was Patrice's oxtails. Yummy. Then we had sweet potato pudding and a light, whipped cheesecake for dessert.

After dinner, we walked a bit on the "Hip Strip." I promise we received at least 3 proposals, for marriage or otherwise. These Jamaican men were definitely lovers. Compliments abounded. I don't know if it was just how they normally behave, or if a few good-looking American women were too much to let pass without a comment, but there were lots of comments, horns being honked, one dude even stopped his car on the street. SMH (that's "shaking my head" for the uninitiated). Surprisingly, I don't recall feeling anxious about it, it was generally done with a lot of fun-loving and a smile, but they were pretty forward.

On the way to the beach the next morning, my roomie and I found a group of plants that had apparently officially become the "I wuz here" spot.

Patrice and I lightly scored our piece of history onto the plant as well.

We also saw the Cruise Ship arriving for the Cruise with a Cause (full newspaper article about it here http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110606/ent/ent4.html) Concert and ministry.

Check out the Stella & Dot Starfish Necklace (very popular among the college set and also on the current discontinued list so get yours now). It was perfect for this Caribbean vacation. As was my introduction to the wide variety of fresh mangos available. Folks, the mangos you get in the store are nothing like the varieties we tasted in terms of vibrant taste and texture. It was mango season and the Queen of Mangos or the Mango Monster (that's Patrice), had a special delivery of mangos arrive from a friend who lived locally plus the hotel staff kept her supplied. She really introduced us to what we've been missing.

I can't remember the name of this variety, just that it was juicy and delicious and you needed to floss afterwards from all the strings of mango caught in your teeth.

It didn't stop there though. We met Markland as we walked to the beach when he offered to take our photo for us (that staff would do that at the drop of the hat). The next thing you know, his friend Isaacar rolls up and is fulfilling Patrice's request for a specific kind of fresh coconut. "No problem, mon."

Isaacar above, was the cool one. Markland, below, was the nice one. :) They were a part of the grounds staff and they really knew how to work those machetes.

Before you knew it, fresh coconut. Straws even materialized from out of nowhere so we could drink the coconut water. Ya'll thought I was kidding about the service at the Ritz, but I wasn't. It was incredible. The funny thing is, later the concierge told us when she saw us walking through the lobby to our rooms with the fresh coconuts, she figured we'd gotten them from Isaacar. Lol!

Later we went sailing. That became my favorite experience at the resort. I went a couple of times and wished that I had discovered how enjoyable it was earlier so that I could have gone every day.

First of all, our sailing instructor, Bryan, had a "special liking for me" which the girls teased me about. He totally hooked us up with some cheaper transportation downtown, that he stuck around to arrange, even though he was off the clock. Then he was going to spend his day off taking us on a tour of his hometown of Negril if we had let him.

The sailing felt like you were gliding on air. You basically set on the ledge of the vessel with your feet in the middle and held on to a rope of sorts, while you zoomed across the tops of the water with small fish jumping in front of you and the warmth of the sun and spray of the sea water on your skin. Bryan even took us over to a private soft white sandy beach where he said hi to a friend working there and we played in the water and sand and collected shells. It. was. wonderful.

After Patrice and I went, we recruited Chanelle and she really enjoyed it too. Bryan had a line of women waiting just for him to take us out and he took all kinds of ribbing from the other guys for that. We drew quite the little crowd of staff standing nearby. When Bryan saw us, he broke into a run to get changed and get us into the water. :)

While we were out getting tanned, Rapunzel up there was reading on her Kindle and getting ready to go shopping with Cynthia.

That night, we decided to head out for a group dinner on the "Hip Strip" before attending the "Cruise with a Cause" concert. I liked how my TJ Maxx wedges looked with my manicure.

It was raining, but it was a soft warm rain so it wasn't too bad. We checked out some of the interesting vegetation along the way.

Patrice and I suggested that we all try dinner at the The Native since we enjoyed it the night before. They enjoyed it, but I think our meal was better the first time, for whatever reason.

At least we looked good. Chanelle made the Birds of Paradise and Signature Dot Necklaces look great! Below, I'm wearing the Signature Drop earrings which seemed made just for my dress.

We even had a group photo taken by a reality television star (and former child star) sitting with his wife behind us.

That would be Danny Bonaduce of The Partridge Family (I think) and Breaking Bonaduce. He's sitting over my shoulder in the photo below and he was extremely nice. He and his wife enjoyed the oxtails and sweet potato pudding.

I had the "Boonoonoonoos." It was a little bit of this and that and arrived on a brilliantly painted wooden plate. There were plenty more fruity drinks too.

As we were finishing dinner, we heard the strains of music in the distance so we put a move on it and headed to the concert which was a short walk down the street, at the unfortunately named "Dump Up Beach." Apparently, it was named thus because the locals built up the beach. That was not the connotation I drew from the name, but we were basically on a huge soccer field and it was fine, even in the rain.

The lineup at the concert was amazing. Byron Cage, Donnie McClurkin, Martha Munizzi, Papa San (who is Jamaican and tore the house down), Lecrae and the list goes on. The only problem was that they only let each artist do one song, and it kept the concert very choppy and with lots of pauses. Oh well. By the time we left, the place was packed and I know many people answered the altar call so that was awesome. We took a brief bathroom break to the two-story, spacious KFC located across the street which was teaming with people. They were serious about the Colonel's secret recipe.

We ended the night with some fresh sugarcane (like in Louisiana) and jerk chicken from street vendors, as well as more molten chocolate cake in the resort's lounge. We were able to pass along tracks from the concert since people kept giving them to us - I don't know if it's because we looked approachable or like heathens. And another night in "Mobay" was complete.

Enjoying the recaps so far? Stay tuned for the grande finale, Part III, next.

Working, working, working...

2011-06-28T04:51:00.000-04:00

Hey fam! I'm up early getting packed up for two receptions today. One in the morning, one in the afternoon. Part II of the vacation recap will appear shortly. In the meantime, enjoy some of my postings over at the Coretta's Elegant Events Facebook Fanpage. And "like" us if you haven't already!

(our facebook profile photo)

Vacation to Montego Bay, Jamaica Part I

2011-06-27T07:10:00.002-04:00

First of all, let me say that I've now determined that I have never been on a "real" vacation until this 5-day, 4-night trip that Dr. Clarissa organized to the Ritz Carleton Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Like, for me, it will no longer be considered "vacation" unless someone is greeting me with a champagne/sparkling cider toast, leaving invitations to fancy parties on my nightstand, and hailing me by name while bringing juicy mangoes.

If I can't get a fabric-draped structure next to the ocean within which to meditate, and there aren't staff members running to dust sand off my back before I trek inside, or a charismatic 6-foot chocolate man serenading me at breakfast - then I don't want it. *sigh*

Shelly Friend, the travel agent that Clarissa found, got us the hook up because of her preferred status. Shelly, is truly, your friend. :) You too can have a spectacular Jamaican vacation, just call Shelly and tell her Coretta sent you.

Shelly Friend

Travel Experts of Cary

(919) 380-1555x204

Shelly@travelexpertscary.com

Shelly got the five of us (who live in the east coast, mid-atlantic, deep south, and out west) coordinated so that we met and sat together on the last leg of our flight.

When we arrived in Jamaica (with all of the honeymooners, couples and families), there was a little band playing and the Ritz Carleton had a fabulously appointed check-in room with fresh flowers, cold beverages and warm cherry furniture.

It was a nice welcome.

We took the van to the resort and were greeted with champagne, warm breezes, white sand, crashing waves and the Jerk Chicken Shack - which we immediately took advantage of fresh off of the plane.

While on the beach we met "donna" who was one of the coolest world travelers I've met. She's a speech pathologist/therapist, she's married, she travels A LOT, she's a member of AKA sorority (which is how we met because Chanelle saw her bag), she's a new Stella & Dot customer (yay!) and she was super friendly, knowledgeable and the kind of person you want to meet on vacation. We decided to get together that night, but before we met, Cynthia decided to get her natural hair blown out at the salon. That salon/spa was awesome. They got her in and out by dinnertime and it looked great. They made our spa day the next morning fabulous as well.

(Cynthia's wearing her Stella & Dot charm necklace!)

That night we discovered the resort's molten chocolate cake - yum.

The next morning, our self-designated spa day, we were greeted by this view. Yay! And then it was on to the relaxing. I upgraded my massage and manicure and pedicure. After recently completing the Fort Worth wedding, Stella & Dot Jewelry launch and shenanigans at the day job, I came to get relaxed!

I was so relaxed that when the masseuse, Sophia, told me to rinse and get dressed while she waited outside, I put on the sarong and flower I saw in front of me on the sink counter and opened the door -- to her utter astonishment. Turns out, the sarong and flower were for the bed, not me. LOL! Oh well! But she let me keep the flower and told me where I could get my own sarong - since apparently I did look cute. Man, I had hooked it up with the criss-cross around my neck and everything. Sophia and I chuckled about that for a minute too.

Dr. Patrice, my roommate, above. Patrice is Jamerican and the Queen of the Mangoes. She was getting mango offerings every time I looked around. And porridge, ackee and saltfish and all kinds of things that she introduced us to.

One of the vendors at work by the water.

I mean, this is what we came for right? 3 doctors, 1 engineer and 1 lawyer - we needed a vacation! We relaxed, we soaked up the sun, we ate delicious fish wraps and fresh fruit with the best tasting bananas I've ever had.

Don't I look relaxed?? And I'm wearing my new favorite Stella & Dot Necklace, the pave ellipse necklace matched with the gold filigree earrings.

Dr. Chanelle says that she's coming back to the resort with her husband.

So this is how we got around downtown. We would get a driver from the hotel or from a contact of Patrice's and split the $65-$70 cost for our trip into town. We pretty much ate dinner downtown every night. And it was delicious! Red snapper everywhere. We went to one of the homes of the original jerk chicken - Scotchie's - and it was spectacular as was their vegetable soup. We tried another restaurant, The Pelican, on the "Hip Strip" below, and their vegetable soup, fish and curry goat were yummy!

Lots of fruity drinks and shakes were consumed this trip.

Lots of rice and peas consumed on this trip too.

This is what happened to my curry goat (above). Delicious!

We finished it off with more molten cake from the resort.

The little guy below was "almost" dinner! lol!

We're women, so eventually we ended up playing in my Stella & Dot Jewelry. Patrice looks fabulous in the Garden Party Chandelier Earrings above and the Rio Triple Strand Necklace below. She looked great in everything and loved everything, which is why she ended up signing up to be a Stylist, lol! We're going to do a Trunk Show soon in New York with her family.

donna got in on the action with the Casablanca Bib Necklace above and the popular Birds of Paradise Necklace below. Chanelle decided to get the Birds of Paradise and donna ended up with the gold sun disc hoop earrings. I sent her the Signature Clover Drop earrings too because she has too many hoops already and she really liked them. She sent me the best thank you card. So stylish and really sweet.

Everything looked great on donna with her deep tan and blue top. Unfortunately, she ended up with a sunburn after 8 more hours on the beach. Black people can get sunburned too. Sunscreen and cover ups folks! Although, I did love my caramel tan.

The Marrakesh Bib Necklace (below) always invites compliments due to the extraordinary detailing, plus the Sunset and Sloane Enamel bracelets.

We had a great welcome to Jamaica and it only got better from there. You know I had to check out the wedding gazebo and meet with the on site coordinator (destination weddings!)

Stay tuned for Part II...

It's a Family Reunion!

2011-06-18T10:04:00.001-04:00

Hi friends! I'm currently in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where my mother's Huffman Family Reunion is taking place over this weekend. A mardi gras themed Get Acquainted Night was yesterday (including an overabundance of food, a Second Line Parade competition, Family/Louisiana/Father's Day Trivia, some professional family photos and Family Interviews). Today it's on to the Family Planning Meeting, Picnic, and Louisiana activities like visiting New Orleans, the Mississippi River levees, scenic downtown Baton Rouge, shopping, tours, etc (there is no banquet this year for a change). Then there is church as a family tomorrow at my mom's church, Resurrection Life Family Ministries, and after eating, everyone departs for their various homes in Alabama, Georgia, Texas, DC, Maryland, Arizona, etc. Whew! I'm exhausted just talking about it. But it's all for a great cause, to get to know and appreciate the legacy of our family. My dad's reunion is in July in Rochester, NY (although their originally from Camden, Alabama).

These strong and capable looking Alabamians below are my maternal great-grandparents. It's their extended families and 14 children (my grandmother Ellen was the eldest) that made this thing all possible.

They're something else, huh? :) Look at that look my grandfather Dave is giving? And my great-grandmother Mary looks like she knows how to cook up the food, plow the field, deliver a baby or two and patch up some tin on the roof, all before 2pm. I'm just making that up, but she looks like a force to be reckoned with. I think of what a legacy they've left and try to imagine what life was like for them during their era. It's amazing.

Anway, the summer time is Family Reunion season, and although everybody won't pay their registration fee on time, there are sometimes garish Family Reunion T-Shirts, and people have run out of food (!) for the late comers (never again - we have TOO much food lately), it's F-A-M-I-L-Y! You didn't choose 'em, but they are yours nontheless and some of them are pretty cool. LOL!

Stay hydrated guys, it's HOT in Louisiana. I really will be posting the full Jamaica recap next...unless something else comes up. :) It's a full and thorough report so it's taking me a minute.

What about you, do you attend your family reunion every year? At all? Any amazingly proud stories? Any messes pop off? Leave me a note in the comments section below by clicking the word "comments." And you know I had to bring a little Coretta's Elegant Events flair to Get Acquainted Night (these are some of the people I get this from), wait until you see the pics of all the mardi gras beads, masks and fun! I even ordered some Louisiana pecan candy (from my high school classmate Melanie's "GrammyCakes Pralines" - she's on Etsy and has a Facebook Fanpage, I'll get you her full vendor info in my full recap post) that were delicious! It's cool supporting other people with "side hustles" y'know, and we took a great photo together. Now, I don't know what the pics will look like today - we'll be outside in the park, in the heat, trying to eat, with some of us doing egg tosses, and capturing the flag. We'll see...

Gala vs Black Tie Optional? - Inquiring Minds Want to Know

2011-06-10T10:13:00.000-04:00

So, I got this good question over on my personal Facebook page and thought I should do a quick post about it considering my lengthy response and the good advice from some other stylish ladies that I asked to chime in.

Query: "Hi Coretta! Girl I need some Gala vs. Black Tie Optional Advice"

Ah, yes. Don't we all fondly recall the sometimes ambiguous invitation attire description for a wedding, social or corporate event - especially considering the sometimes confusing context clues from the invitation itself or the hostess. So what do you do when you arrive at the event and wearing "church clothes" and you're greeted with this:

Here was my advice on Facebook:

"For both of those descriptors, you should be able to wear either a cocktail dress (typically at or above the knee and including sparkle or shine in the dress or accessories) or a floor length gown. If you have a Nordstroms Rack or Off 5th type store near you, you can sometimes find designer fabulousness at a discount that won't be just like what everyone else all got from the Macy's special occasions dresses department - not that there is anything wrong with the Macy's dresses section - just was shopping there yesterday for a Gala in July. But, for my B'Day "Gala" a couple of years ago, I got a fabulous Carolina Herrera gown for a much reduced cost. Also, try upscale consignments shops and online shopping if you don't mind making the returns if it doesn't fit. And, you may have seen, I've been asking people if anyone has tried Rent the Runway.com, which even Hollywood use to get their special gown for the night without killing the budget.

One wrinkle - you definitely want to take into consideration who is producing the event. Let's just be real, sometimes your home church has a "Christmas Gala" in the fellowship hall and nobody expects that they are going to be there in a floor length gown. Heck, people may be wearing the skirt and blouse combo they wore Sunday morning with some dressier accessories. But you should end up appropriately attired at most corporate events, weddings, social club activities, etc that say Gala or Black Tie Optional wearing either a cocktail dress or floor length gown. That's my 2 cents. Anyone else wanna chime in?"

I then invited some other fabulous women (like my "go-to stylist" Max) to give their advice and suggested that I needed to blog about it considering that long response.

Markette from the fabulous http://www.dconheels.com (and a recent red carpet) responded with this:

"LOL! You are absolutely right! I've been to many a "Church Gala" and it's not the same thing as a major company or organization hosting a gala. What I like to do is search for pictures from the previous Year's event to get an idea of what people wore. If it's the first year, then call up the hostess and ask. I've done that, too. Hope this helps! I need to blog about this, too!"

And uber stylish DC Attorney Christine chimed in with this gem:

"This is when having a classic black sheath dress comes in handy. You just can't go wrong! You will never be overdressed or underdressed. Just add fabulous accessories, a simple black clutch purse and black high (and I do mean HIGH) heel shoes (maybe peep toe in the summer months - pedi please! lol) If hair is long - pull it into a bun. If hair is short, just make sure it's off the face. You'll look classy, elegant, and dressed to impress for sure! :-)"

The super stylish actress Kerry Washington, above, working the little white dress for a change as opposed to the classic LBD (little black dress).

And some "Gala" photos from my 30th Birthday below. The invite described it as a "Birthday Gala" that was "Black Tie Optional" LOL! So I guess that covered all the bases. "Wear a gown!" is what I told guests.

Anyone else have some thoughts, advice for my friend on this? Chime in with a comment below by clicking the word "comment" and I'll update you on any more good advice I get from my Facebook page.

Do yourself a favor - get these

2011-06-09T08:47:00.001-04:00

Just a quick post while I'm getting the "How 'Stella & Dot' Got Her Groove Back" full Jamaica vacation recap together.

Get some of these flats for your purse.

I got a pair at a boutique in Alexandria over the weekend for $20 and slipped them into my purse (since they fold and have a helpful carrying case). They completely saved my feet yesterday! I've been carrying a pair of flats in my car or attache/briefcase for events and just DC living, but this is even better because they can fit directly in my purse and be my "Johnny on the spot."

Here I am out and about wearing "Lisa" and "Chanelle's" Birds of Paradise Necklace (better get it while it's hot ladies! http://www.stelladot.com/elegantcoretta). See that serene look on my face? It's because my feet feel a lot better after slipping on these bad boys after a day of heels. (okay, or it could be because I'm squinting into my camera phone but you get the gist, lol).

The funny thing was that I just saw a similar pair of sequined folding shoes & carrying bag in the old holiday O Magazine from December. They were $80 from Hsn.com. No ma'am. These "Sidekicks" were $20 and perfect!

Zambian Royal Wedding Pro Pics - Sneak Peek!

2011-06-05T16:54:00.001-04:00

My May bride is probably going to get on my case for me repeatedly mentioning that she is now technically a Zambian Princess, but I can't help it! I just think it is so cool especially with the recent British Royal Wedding. I live chatted with her during that early morning ceremony and said we needed some of those royal trumpeteers. :) We didn't manage that but we did use the Trumpet Voluntary for her march down the aisle.

The professional photos by friend and church mate of the bride, Abner Rivera, are ready and they are promising to be beyond gorgeous. Here is a sneak peek before I get the full album for a detailed recap.

Oh my word the photo above is ready for the mantle and the bridal bouquet of tulips, roses and calla lilies turned out magnificently! Thank you Angela at Inspiration Blooms in Fort Worth! I literally gasped when she presented it to me and the final bouquet choice was actually a surprise for Katrina. The Mother-of-the-Bride's suggestion of the couture Melissa Sweet veil was an inspired choice for this spring wedding. Absolutely gorgeous bride.

The other wedding party flowers are from Fifty Flowers and they turned out beautifully! This is one great looking wedding party. Katrina's mom used a personal shopper to find her gown and it's one of the best looking MOB ensembles I've seen. Check out the smokey makeup and sharp hair too! The makeup artists were from MAC and they made the bride and wedding party look fabulous. They were extremely personable as well. One is in the midst of wedding planning herself and said that watching me work convinced her to get a planner. :)

The David's Bridal bridesmaids gowns look rich in that shade of marine blue and note the Zambia/America flag pins on the guys. The Father of the Bride and I had the same idea and brought them out at the rehearsal! His pins were a bit larger so we used them for the wedding party and gave the rest to family and friends. Great minds think alike. He is a retired Air Force Senior Master Sergeant after all.

Aubrey's Dad is so distinguished and extremely nice. I think he was really pleased with the subtle nods to the joining of two cultures with the country flag pins, flags on the altar and mini-flags in the aisle seats for the recessional. The pins and min-flags were a surprise for the couple.

Katrina looks so excited. Not nervous at all. I'm chuckling at the flower girl though. Kids!

I'm hoping Abner got a good shot of the custom monogram on the aisle runner in yellow and lined in blue. It looked great in person but isn't showing up in this photo. Next time I'll put it in the center or at the beginning of the runner. The satin chair ties were a last minute addition by the Mother-of-the-bride. She liked the way we draped them. I'm generally opposed to tying chair sashes into bows - the simple knot is more sophisticated looking.

You gotta love the lighting at the church. This is the setup that the pastor uses for his sermons.

Aubrey's getting some elevation with the Jumping of the Broom, an old African-American slave tradition from the past when slaves could not legally marry. Jumping the broom was the symbol for sweeping away the old single life and jumping into married life.

The photo above speaks for itself. LOL! I just reminded them to please make it to the reception.

And they did! Just in time for the surprise performance I arranged by an African Dance Troup. It went over magnificently. They did 3 uptempo numbers and the guests crowded around to enjoy. Fantastic! I felt like David Tutera with all the surprises.

Note the giraffe's on the sweetheart table. Giraffe's are a favorite animal of the bride.

One of my jobs that afternoon was to ensure the couple got a moment to eat all the delicious food the chef prepared. Despite nearly 300 guests, we made that happen. Afterwards, the couple greeted guests table to table. With 28 tables, they needed all of the fortification they could get, however, it was important to invite all of the friends and family in their life. They had to adjust the venue and budget to do so, but they were ultimately successful and had the elegant, fun, guest oriented event they wanted. Guests especially loved the African dance troop. I think some form of entertainment will always be a winner.

The bride is a pediatrician and she made room for a special dance with the kiddos. We had a good DJ in Greg too. I pretty much handled all of the MC duties at the initial request of the Mother-of-the-bride and then because I could control the flow we planned for the reception. Greg told me he would love to work with me again because we were so organized. Made me wonder what other people are - or better yet, aren't - doing. We gave him a playlist, itinerary, song selection for special dances and updated him on changes. Doesn't everyone do that. :) Well, the answer is no. That's why you hire an event planner like me.

I love my lemons. They turned out so great and smelled heavenly! Cynthia and Clarissa really helped me get those set up and all the water poured into the vases. Lots of trips with the watering cans. Thanks ladies!

One of my favorite photos above, and below is a great shot of the delicious and beautiful multi-flavored cake and the Tiffany & Co. hand blown toasting glasses that the bride had monogrammed.

The getaway car had been decorated by friends and a whole mass of balloons were released when they opened the doors. So cute! All the kids wanted to ride with the couple.

*sigh* I'm going to enjoy reliving this wedding. I'm really hoping I can get it picked up for national publication on one of my favorite sites. They need more diverse weddings. Black people do get married but you'd barely know it from what's featured in the industry. That's part of the reason why I'm here. Anyway, stay tuned for an upcoming Real Wedding Recap with new photos.

What do you think of the Coretta's Elegant Events May wedding? Leave me a comment below by clicking the word "comments."

Awesomest Vacation!!

2011-06-05T14:02:00.000-04:00

I have just returned from the best vacation I can recall and I think it agreed with me. What say you? :)

Whatever you do, do not pass go, do not collect $200 but get thee to the Ritz Carleton Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

It.was.AMAZING!

The service, the food, the people, the weather. I felt like a celebrity (and we actually saw a couple of those). Plan your trip now. I think I have some girlfriends seriously planning a trip for Labor Day. I recommend going in the off season like we did though (the season begins in September), the personalized attention was intoxicating and something you'll want to experience.

While there, I met with the wedding coordinator, Marsha, and even coordinated the girls for an all-White party on our last night sponsored by my Stella & Dot Jewelry Eboutique! Everyone was "frosted" (thanks Patrice!) in jewels I selected. I ended up with 1 potential stylist and 3 customers from this trip (thanks roomie, Chanelle & Donna!).

Full recap to follow - we were extra fabulous - this was just a taste!