Jessica's Grandparents: "Our Secret to a Happy Marriage"

According to my grandmother: "Have your own life. Pursue your dreams and let your husband do the same. Being content with yourself makes you a better wife."

According to my grandfather: "Any disagreement can be settled with two words: 'Yes, dear.' "

-- Jessica, Heartthrobs and Villains. (Her grandparents recently celebrated their 60th anniversary.)

Grace Bonney: "Our Secrets to a Happy Marriage"

Grace + AC's secrets to a happy marriage:

1. Talk it out: No matter how angry you are, talking always helps. I wasn't a big talker before meeting Aaron (I was a big "slam the door"-er) and he taught me the value of talking through any and all difficult situations.

2. Support each other's dreams: AC loves to play poker and guitar, and he also likes mixed martial arts. If he wanted to leave his job to pursue any of those, I would support him 100%. And I know he'd do the same for me. I realized a few years back that no matter how good the salary or benefits, if your partner isn't happy, even the best job is the wrong job. If you're both truly happy, then material things really do become less important.

3. Go on adventures: Whether it's a scooter ride to Coney Island or a backpacking trip out west, remember to experience new things together. AC and I are complete opposites, but we both love to try new things, which keeps us growing together.

And above is a sneak peek from our wedding :)

-- Grace Bonney, Design*Sponge

Honeymoon

Alex and I will be on our honeymoon for two weeks, so I've invited some of my favorite bloggers, designers and writers to share their secrets to happy marriages. Each day, these lovely people will be sharing their tips on Cup of Jo. I hope you enjoy them, and see you on September 14th!

xoxo Joanna

P.S. This series was inspired by this adorable couple.

Ladies Knitwear Autumn/ Winter 09/10

Summer is almost over - not that we had much of a summer anyway - and autumn is fast approaching. Fashionista or not we are going to need knitwear for layering up. But who am I kidding, I am layering up as we speak as today has been pretty cold and rainy.

Although you are not going to be bearing as much skin as on the good summer days, you can still layer up and look trendy and sexy. Stylish basic knitwear is a must if you don't want to look like you have simply thrown on clothes to keep warm. So the look we are going for is stylishly warm.

It is hard not to look stylish in this pure linen kimono jacket. Layer up with this AMERICAN VINTAGE Roll-Neck Sweater made from cotton and cashmere for extra warmth.

Other stylish knitwear looks for you autumn/winter wardrobe.

Alpaca wool wrap handcrafted in Peru from a luxurious alpaca wool blend, unparalleled in softness and warmth.

Long, loose-fit Cowl Neck Sweater with short square sleeves.

Soft and Silky Cardigan with matching lace at the V-neckline and pretty faceted buttons.


Long cape-style cardigan with high collar in ribbed knit. Worn over a sweater, a T-shirt, or denim jacket, the cape is making its big comeback.


This cowl neck tunic sweater is made from organic cotton cultivated in total harmony with nature, without pesticides or chemical products, to protect the environment. Good for you and for the planet...


Soft and warm bouclé Knit Cardigan fastened with a chunky button and set off by a large shawl collar.


Tie Front Pointelle Shrug in a Nectarine colour by East. Perfect to throw over sleeveless dresses.

Ladies Workwear for back to work mums

September starts this week Tuesday and many mums like me are anxiously awaiting the re-opening of schools. It is not so much that I am looking forward to the traffic jams, hectic mornings and mad rush that comes with the new school term, but I have had enough of hearing "what are we doing today?" - which is a question I have woken up to every morning for the last 7-8 weeks.

While its back to school for the kids it is back to work for many mums as well. No doubt lots of mums, myself included, will be busy this week outfitting the kids for back to school. But while you are outfitting the kids for back to school don’t forget to treat yourself to some back to work suits and jackets. You deserve a treat after all those weeks of penance.

This ANNE WEYBURN tweed and velvet jacket is the perfect post summer vacation treat. This taylored ladies work suit is certainly a smart investment outfit that will last you a lifetime and just the style for power dressing at the office. Here are some other workwear outfits to choose from.

Very feminine fitted style Short-sleeved Jacket from Redoute Creation made from 25% wool.


Beautiful, soft Crinkle Twill Weave Jacket with slight crinkle effect from ANNE WEYBURN. The pretty contrasting bourdon trim adds extra style and is very appealing. I know that I'll be treating myself to this suit.

Layer up with muted colours this Autumn

When it comes to Autumn colours I tend to go for the muted tones which are absolute essential wardrobe basics that can mix and match with most other colours. If you already have several knitwear, sweater, jumpers, tights etc in these tones then add some rust, warm olive green, deep reds, purples and burnt sienna to your mix of autumn colors. Marjolica blue, honey yellow and rapture rose are also key Autumn colors. If you are after the luxury bohemian look this autumn then go for rich dark base colours highlighted with reds, purples, yellows and pinks.

This layered look in muted colours with Kimono-style Cardigan by SOMEWHERE is easy to reproduce.


This Long Scarf with plain fringed edging will keep your neck warm. Scarf is made from 68% baby alpaca, 22% polyamide and 10% Merino wool.


This dropped waist cropped trousers worn like harem trousers are great with boots. Go for fringed boots if you want the luxury bohemian trend. Dropped waist. This deep, round neckline sweater from SOMEWHERE is great for layering.

Finish off with this Double Belt and wooden bangles to complete the look.

For that extra layer of warmth go for this exquisite handcratfed alpaca wool wrap. This soft and luxurious cloak will certainly provide that extra warmth when needed in the winter months. This elegant and versatile wrap is available in black and tan is a must-have for your winter wardrobe.

It's that time again...

I'm going to college in 12 days. Even though I'm staying at home, I'm still excited because of I get to go "back to school shopping". I'm sure you heard of an amazing store called Charlotte Russe. I'm going there next week to get a couple of things I still have on my list.

My back to school list:

.New handbag,preferably a satchel bag
.hoodies
.button down shirts
.Artsy/Trendy tops
.graphic tees
.black and white converses
.navy blazer
.black button down cardigan
.black belt,brown woven belt
.flared jeans
.colored skinny jeans
.light sweater
.leggings
.headbands
.wallet
It's pretty short but it's a recession and my parents and I aren't made of money.
**UPDATED**
I got a bag from Style&Co a hoodie from Born Famous Coutureflared jeans from AEa button down shirt from MagazineI love this shirt...
An extremely cute shirt from Poof a cardigan from between me and you

**Sorry for the not so great picture quality. I have no idea what's up with my digital cam. Ugh!**
Follow&Comment:)

Have a blissfully happy weekend!

My dear readers, I'm pinching myself as I write this: Alex and I are finally getting married tomorrow! My relatives arrived from England last night (with hats in their suitcases!) and we had a giggly pizza party. Tonight is the rehearsal and tomorrow is The Big Day itself. I can't wait to kiss Alex for the first time as my husband. My arms feel buzzy with excitement, and as Stephanie said, I just want to hug the world.

Thank you again for making our wedding planning so much fun. It has been exciting to share each funny and exciting step with you and hear your thoughts and stories. I can't wait to show you the photos. Have a wonderful weekend, and here are a few great posts around the web this week....

Peanut butter and jelly truffles.

A groom gave his bride this funny card on their wedding day. She must have laughed out loud.

Pretty things from Provence.

Dreamy constellation globe.

Objects in My House is like a slot machine for design bloggers. (Via Swiss-miss)

A fabulous proposal -- with Polaroids!

Wine with embroidered labels.

What a welcoming foyer.

Shoe flowers and tree art.

This 28-year-old guy lives with his 73-year-old dad. He writes down stuff his dad says. GENIUS.

A wedding invitation that tells a love story.

Rainboots for muddy walks in the woods.

Tattoos that look like paint.

Pretty heart tights.

I heart these necklaces. Also, these.

Anna Wintour on David Letterman. She jokes, but she's still scary.

An incredible installation. (Via Morale Agency)

Have a fabulous weekend!!! Go kiss someone you love!!! xoxo

(Photo of Alex and me at Sunday Suppers, by Karen Mordechai)

Bensimon shoes

Bensimon shoes are the French girl's Converse. Aren't they cute? I packed a pair for my honeymoon, and I'm excited to wear them (they're also really comfy).

(They're sold at Shopbop, Jumelle and Habitat.)

Honeymoon + registry

Many of you have been asking about our honeymoon, and I realized that we never shared our final plan! After our wedding this weekend, we'll be flying to Italy and Greece for two weeks. We can't wait. We're flying into Naples, then going to Positano for four nights, then Rome for three nights, then Santorini for four. It will be such an exciting, romantic, over-the-top trip! (Any last-minute recommendations? I would LOVE to hear. xo)

To help afford our splurgy honeymoon, we skipped the regular household registry and created a honeymoon registry. We signed up with buy-our-honeymoon (don't worry, guests never see the tacky name!). Alex and I spent a fun evening listing our trip activities, restaurants, hotels, even sun hats, and, happily, our guests seem to be into it. The honeymoon registry has worked out really well and made our honeymoon possible; I'd highly recommend it to anyone. xo

Top 5 Crystal Bags at Judith Leiber

5. Spring Breeze Bag
Price: $3,495
This is a big rectangular minadiere, which has a gentle angled surface. It is hand beaded in wonderful spring flowers motif. It comes with a nineteen inch chain and a push down closure.

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4. Imperial Delight Bag
Price: $4,495
This has hand beaded crystals that create a vine and floral pattern that is multicolor. The top handle has inset crystal accents. It has a tuck away chain, which is nineteen inches.

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3. Satin and Crystal Bag
Price: $1,495
When I first used this bag, I was amazed at the soft satin sides, which it has. This is perfect to keep small change in and I know you girls will adore it. It has Austrian crystal trim, which is a big plus to the style.

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2. Prince Charming Bag
Price: $3,995
For all of you who wish you could kiss Prince Charming, this is your chance. Sure, it may be a handbag, but when you see it, you will definitely want to give it a kiss. It is absolutely as cute as a button..or shall we say crystals? It has hand beaded multicolor crystals on it, which is stunning. It also has a nineteen inch chain. Girls, I would not pass this one up, especially if you adore frogs like me.

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1. Love Sonnets Bag
Price: $3,995
This is a book shapes minaudiere, which I know you are going to enjoy and best for your own fashion and style. It is a multicolor hand-beaded inscription. It includes a push down closure with a nineteen inch chain. I like this, because it's cute. When you see a picture or see it in real life, you will see just what I am talking about.

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Pictures and Sources from All Women Stalks
You could visit the site at JudithLeiber.Com

Sartorial bike

Pretty.

Sixty years of roses

This schmoopy news story made me smile: Tom Shovelton has put a fresh rose at his wife's bedside every single day for the 60 years they've been married. Every morning, he kisses her when she wakes up, and every night he kisses her goodnight. "I love her to bits," he says. "I have done since the day we met." How sweet is that?

Headbands

Oooh, there's a new headband shop in town! Shea and her mom just launched Old Soul, New Heart, a gorgeous handcrafted collection of vintage and feminine finds. "My mother always told me that the best thing a woman can do for herself is put on sparkles, ruffles or bows because they’ll put you on the fast track to feeling pretty," says Shea. "Thankfully, I listened."

Aren't these beautiful? My two favorites are below. And on a sidenote: How perfect is her red lipstick?! (She told me that it's NARS Jungle Red.)
P.S. The first headband shop we loved, Bando.

Can't sleep.

I couldn't sleep last night. I'm just too excited.

(Photo by Monika Elena)

Wednesday Giveaway!

Today's giveaway is from Stephanie Tran, the designer behind Duskin. She's offering a gorgeous silk charmeuse wrap dress with a sexy unfinished hem. (The winner will be able to choose her size, of course.) Wouldn't this be perfect for a dinner party?

For a chance to win, please visit the Duskin website and leave a comment below. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow. Good luck!

Update: Chelsea is our lucky winner. Thanks for playing. xo

Starry night

What a magical wedding photo by Max Wanger. Look those stars!

Max is shooting our New York wedding this weekend (he did our engagement photos, too), and I can't wait to see him!

(Via Unruly Things, via 100 Layer Cake)

Organic sunscreen

The other day, I was hanging out with my friend Jessa Blades, a natural beauty consultant and make-up artist. She always uses natural, organic products, and she explained that regular products often contain dangerous chemicals and harmful toxins. I was shocked. You can even check out your own makeup on Skin Deep. (Scary!)

So, for our honeymoon, Alex and I have decided to take natural sunscreen. I'm excited about it, especially since you slather sunscreen all over your body every day, and I want to stay safe and healthy (and incredibly pale).

Thank you so much, Jessa!